GB2512353A

GB2512353A - A device for the passage of a volume of fluid

Info

Publication number: GB2512353A
Application number: GB1305613.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shuli Liu; Mohamed Sakr Fadl; Robin Edward Brash; Hezar Qasim
Original assignee: Norcros Group Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Norcros Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-27
Filing date: 2013-03-27
Publication date: 2014-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-27
Also published as: IE20140084A1; IE86770B1; GB201305613D0; GB2512353B

Abstract

A chamber 14 for receiving fluid such as in an instantaneous water heater for an electric shower has flow directing members 30 positioned on or adjacent to an intermediate wall 26 between end walls 16,18 of the chamber and configured to direct fluid flow to swirl helically or spirally substantially tangentially to a side wall 20 of the chamber to minimise areas of stagnant flow and promote uniform heating of the fluid by electrically operated heating elements 50,60 positioned in the chamber. Each flow directing member 30 has an inlet 38 and outlet 40 defining an S-shaped flow path in cross-section via an aperture 36 through the intermediate wall 26, to guide fluid flow in a direction tangential to the chamber side wall interior surface 21.

Description

Title: A Device for the passage of a volume of fluid Descrintion of Invention The invention relates to a device for the passage of a volume of fluid. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a device for the passage of water for use as a component part of an instantaneous water heater.

An electric shower is an example of an instantaneous water heater and typically includes a housing having a chamber in which the water is heated by an electrically operated element. Typically such an electrically operated heating element is in the form of a coil which has a generally helical or spiral form to optimise the surface area of the heating elements available for contact with the water. Often two or more of said heating elements are provided within the chamber in order to provide the user with a selectable level of heating.

It is desirable for the water flowing within the chamber to be uniformly heated, as much as is possible, by the heating element(s). Areas of stagnant flow within the chamber restrict heat from the nearby part of the heating element being dissipated evenly / efficiently through to the water. These parts of the heating element become localised hot spots and can precipitate premature failure of the heating element. It is thus desirable to minimise any areas of low water flow rate to avoid such hot spots being formed on the heating element.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a device for the passage of a volume of fluid including: a housing having a chamber for receiving fluid, said chamber defined by first and second generally opposing end walls and a peripheral side wall extending therebetween, said side wall having an interior surface; an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber; an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber; an intermediate wall positioned in between the first and second walls; and a flow directing member positioned on or adjacent the intermediate wall for directing the flow of fluid through the chamber, wherein the flow directing member is configured for directing fluid to flow tangential, or substantially tangential, to the interior surface of the side wall.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an instantaneous water heater including a device according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide an electric shower including an instantaneous water heater according to the second aspect of the invention.

Further features of the first, second and third aspects of the invention are set out in claims 2 to 37 appended hereto.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective, part cut-away, view of a device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the device of figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a component part of the device of figure 1; and Figure 4 is a side view of the component part of figure 3.

Referring to the figures, these show a device 10 for the passage of a volume of fluid. The device 10 is for use in an instantaneous water heater, such as a shower. The other component parts of the water heater/shower are not shown herein, but it will be obvious to one skilled in the art how the device 10 can be incorporated into such a water heater/shower.

The device 10 includes a housing 12 which in the present example is injection moulded from a suitable plastics material. The housing 12 defines a chamber 14 for receiving fluid, for example water. The chamber 14 is defined by first 16 and second 18 generally opposed end walls and a peripheral side wall 20 extending therebetween. In the present example the side wall 20 and end wall 16 are formed as a single component, with the second end wall 18 being removably connectable to the peripheral side wall 20. This is so that access can be gained to an interior of the chamber 14 for installing the internal components.

The device 10 includes an inlet 22, which in this example, as can be seen in figure 2, provides for an inlet flow of fluid to the chamber 14 substantially tangential to the interior surface 21 of the peripheral wall 20. The device 10 includes an outlet 24 which is connected to an outlet fluid flow path member 70, which is generally tube like, and which extends into the chamber 14 through the wall 16 and towards the wall 18 where it terminates a short distance therefrom.

The device 10 includes an intermediate wall 26 positioned substantially midway in between the first 16 and second 18 walls. The intermediate wall 26 could be positioned at any location in between the walls 16, 18 and thus it is not essential for it to be positioned midway therebetween. The wall 26 is made from a plastics material, although it could be metallic. It is a single component, although it could be two or more components parts connected to each other.

The intermediate wall 26 divides the chamber 14 into first 14a and second 14b sub-chambers, with the first sub-chamber 14a being positioned close to the end wall 16 and the second sub-chamber 14b being positioned close to the second end wall 18.

The device 10 advantageously includes two flow directing members 30 (see figure 2 and figure 3) which are provided as integral formations on the intermediate wall 26. The flow directing members 30 direct the flow of fluid through the chamber 14. The purpose of the flow directing members is for directing fluid to flow tangential or substantially tangential to the interior surface 21 of the side wall 20. This has the significant benefit of preventing or at least minimising areas of stagnant flow within the chamber 14. Essentially the provision of the intermediate wall 26 and the flow directing members 30 re- energises the flow of water through the chamber 14 as it passes from the sub-chamber 1 4a to the sub-chamber 1 4b.

The flow directing members 30 therefore cause the fluid to flow generally helically or spirally as the fluid travels through the remainder of the second sub-chamber 14b. The fluid therefore flows substantially circumferentially around the interior surface of the chamber. Once it reaches the end wall 18 the water flows downwardly through the outlet fluid flow path member 70 to the outlet 24 where it exits to a tap or shower head, for example.

Whilst in the present embodiment the cross-section of the chamber 14 is substantially circular, it should be appreciated that the cross-section could take many other forms. For example, the cross-section could be oval or substantially oval or it could be formed as a rectangle with substantially part circular ends.

Referring to figures 3 and 4, these show the intermediate wall 26 in more detail and the configuration of the flow directing members 30. It can be seen that each flow directing member 30 includes an inlet 32, and outlet 34 and a fluid flow path therebetween which fluidly connects the first 14a and second 14b sub-chambers to each other. Each flow directing member 30 includes an inlet member 38 positioned in the first sub-chamber 14a and an outlet member 40 which is positioned in the second sub-chamber 14b. The inlet member 38 and outlet member 40 connect to each other via an aperture 36 provided in the intermediate wall 26.

In the present example the inlet member 38 is substantially C-shaped in cross section (when viewed in the direction in which fluid flows thereinto) and has a radially outwardly facing open side (i.e. a missing wall) of its profile. This open side abuts or lies very close to the interior surface 21 of the side wall 20 when the intermediate wall 26 is positioned within a chamber 14. Thus the combination of the inlet member 38 and the adjacent portion of the interior surface 21 of the side wall 20 provide a passage for fluid. The outlet member is constructed in similar fashion.

Although a particular profile of the inlet and outlet members is shown, it will be appreciated that many alternative profiles and configurations of the inlet and outlet members could be provided. All that is required is that the inlet and/or outlet members of each flow directing member are constructed so as to direct the fluid around the interior surface of the chamber as previously described.

For example, the inlet member may be omitted altogether and the fluid flows through the aperture 36 into the outlet member 40. Similarly the outlet member may be omitted, and the inlet member directs the fluid as it passes through the aperture 36.

As can be seen from the figures, the inlet member 38 extends away from the aperture 36 generally in a first rotational direction about an elongate axis of the chamber 14. When viewed axially from the end wall 16 the inlet member 38 extends anti-clockwise about the axis of the chamber 14. Thus, the inlet member 38 extends tangential or substantially tangential to the interior surface 21 of the side wall 20. The outlet member 40 extends away from the aperture 36 in a rotationally opposite direction. In other words, when viewed from the end wall 18 the outlet member 40 extends anti-clockwise. This results in the inlet member 38, aperture 36 and outlet member 40 forming in side view (see figure 4) a substantially S-shaped profile. It can also be seen that the inlet and outlet members 38, 40 extend over respective axially facing surfaces of the intermediate wall 26. Part of the fluid flow path provided by each flow directing member 30 is thus formed by the axially facing surface of the intermediate wall.

As can be seen from figures 1 and 2, the device includes first 50 and second heating elements, with the first heating element 50 being positioned in the first sub-chamber 14a and the second heating element 60 being positioned in the second sub-chamber 14b. Each of the first 50 and second 60 heating elements includes a generally helical or spiral portion 51, 61, a first generally linear extension portion 52, 62 leading to the generally helical or spiral portion 51, 61, and a second generally linear extension portion 53, 63 leading away from the generally helical or spiral portion 51, 61. The first and second extension portions of each heating element are connectable, by appropriate means, to a power supply.

In this application the terms "leading to" and "leading away from" are interchangeable in the sense that they are used to designate the portions of each heating element which are connected to the generally helical or spiral portions 51, 61 in order to complete the circuit such that the heating element(s) can operate. In the present description "leading to" has been used to refer to the extension portions which are connected to their respective helical or spiral portion at a position closest the end wall 18. The term "leading away from" has been used in the present description to refer to the extension portions which connect to their respective helical or spiral portion at a position closest the end wall 16.

In the present example it can be seen that the intermediate wall 26 is positioned in between the first 50 and second 60 heating elements. Thus, the generally helical or spiral portion 51 of the first heating element 50 heats fluid within the first sub-chamber 14a and the generally helical or spiral portion 61 of the second heating element 60 heats fluid in the second sub-chamber 14b.

In the present embodiment all of the first 52, 62 and second 53, 63 extension portions extend towards and through the end wall 18. This ensures that the device can more easily/efficiently be constructed. In order to achieve this configuration the first 52 and second 53 extension portions of the first heating element 50 also extend through apertures provided in the intermediate wall 26.

Whilst in the above embodiment the device includes a pair of flow directing members 30, it should be appreciated that a single fluid flow directing member could be utilised. Preferably, where two or more flow directing members are utilised, they should be equally spaced from each other around an axis of the chamber 14. Whilst in the present embodiment the flow directing members are formed as a single component part with the intermediate wall 26, they could be formed as a separate component part which is connected to the intermediate wall 26. Alternatively still, the flow directing member(s) could be connected to or formed as a part of the side wall 20. Similarly, whilst the outlet fluid flow path member 70 is a separate component from the intermediate wall 26, the outlet fluid flow path member 70 could be formed as part of a single component that includes the intermediate wall 26.

Whilst in the above described embodiment the device includes first and second heating elements, it should be appreciated that a single heating element could be utilised with a first portion thereof positioned in the first sub-chamber 14a and a second portion thereof positioned in the second sub-chamber 14b. In such an embodiment the first portion of the heating element may include a respective generally helical or spiral portion with respective first and second generally linear extension portions for connection to a power supply. In addition, the second portion of the heating element positioned in the second sub-chamber may include a respective generally helical or spiral portion with its own first and second generally linear extension portions being connectable to a power supply. The first and second portions may be connected by a connecting portion which extends through an aperture in the intermediate wall 26. Any, a combination, or all of the first and second linear extension portions of the first and second portions of the heating element may extend through one or more apertures in an intermediate wall 26, depending on the desired location of those portions for connection to the power supply.

It should also be appreciated that three or more heating elements could be utilized. In such an embodiment, two or more intermediate walls, with a respective flow directing member(s) could be provided between adjacent heating elements. In the case of three heating elements, two intermediate walls could be utilised.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for the passage of a volume of fluid including: a housing having a chamber for receiving fluid, said chamber defined by first and second generally opposing end walls and a peripheral side wall extending therebetween, said side wall having an interior surface; an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber; an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber; an intermediate wall positioned in between the first and second walls; and a flow directing member positioned on or adjacent the intermediate wall for directing the flow of fluid through the chamber, wherein the flow directing member is configured for directing fluid to flow tangential, or substantially tangential, to the interior surface of the side wall.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the flow directing member is configured for directing fluid such that it is caused to flow in a generally helical or spiral path as it travels through the remainder of the chamber.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the flow directing member is configured for directing fluid such that it is caused to flow circumferentially around the interior surface of the chamber as it travels through the remainder of the chamber.
4. A device according to claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein the flow directing member abuts or is positioned close to the interior surface of the side wall.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the flow directing member is connected to or formed as part of the intermediate wall.
6. A device according to any preceeding claim wherein the flow directing member is connected to or formed as part of the side wall.
7. A device according to any preceding claim including two or more of said flow directing members.
8. A device according to claim 7 the flow directing members are generally equally spaced from each other around an axis of the chamber.
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the intermediate wall divides the chamber into first and second sub-chambers and wherein the flow directing member is configured for directing fluid tangential, or substantially tangential, to an interior surface of the side wall as the fluid enters the second sub-chamber.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow directing member includes an inlet, an outlet and a fluid flow path therebetween.
11. A device according to claim 10, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the inlet of the flow directing member is an aperture in the intermediate wall which permits fluid to flow therethrough from the first sub-chamber to the second sub-chamber.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the inlet of the flow directing member includes an inlet member positioned in the first sub-chamber in fluid communication with the aperture.
13. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the outlet of the flow directing includes an outlet member which is positioned in the second sub-chamber.
14. A device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the inlet member extends generally in a first rotational direction about an axis of the chamber, tangential or substantially tangential to the interior surface of the side wall.
15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the outlet member of the flow directing member extends generally in a second rotational direction about an axis of the chamber, tangential or substantially tangential to the interior surface of the side wall.
16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the first and second rotational directions are rotationally opposite to each other.
17. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 16 wherein at least a part of the fluid flow path is formed by a part of the interior surface of the side wall.
18. A device according to claim 17 wherein at least a part of the fluid flow path is formed by an axially facing surface of the intermediate wall.
19. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the chamber is substantially circular in cross-section.
20. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the chamber is substantially oval in cross-section.
21. A device according to any preceding claim including an electrically operated heating element positioned within the chamber to heat water flowing therethrough.
22. A device according to claim 21, wherein the device includes first and heating elements.
23. A device according to claim 22 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 9, wherein the first heating element is positioned in the first sub-chamber and wherein the second heating element is positioned in the second sub-chamber.
24. A device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the intermediate wall is positioned in between the first and second heating elements.
25. A device according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein each of the first and second heating elements includes a generally helical or spiral portion, a first generally linear extension portion leading to the generally helical or spiral portion and a second generally linear extension portion leading away from the generally helical or spiral portion, with the first and second extension portions being connectable to a power supply.
26. A device according to claim 35, wherein the first and second extension portions of the first and second heating elements extend towards and through one of the end walls of the housing.
27. A device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein one or both of the first and/or second extension portions of the first and/or second heating elements extend through an aperture(s) in the intermediate wall.
28. A device according to claim 21 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 9, wherein the heating element has first and second portions, and wherein the first portion of the heating element is positioned in the first sub-chamber and the second portion of the heating element is positioned in the second sub-chamber.
29. A device according to claim 28, wherein the intermediate wall is positioned in between the first and second portions of the heating element.
30. A device according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the first and second portions of the heating element include respective first and second generally helical or spiral portions.
31. A device according to claim 30 wherein the first portion of the heating elements includes a first generally linear extension portion leading to the first generally helical or spiral portion and the second portion of the heating element includes a second generally linear extension portion leading away from the second generally helical or spiral portion, with the first and second extension portions being connectable to a power supply.
32. A device according to claim 31 wherein the first and second generally helical or spiral portions are connected by a connecting portion extending therebetween.
33. A device according to claim 32 wherein the connecting portion extends through an aperture in the intermediate wall.
34. A device according to claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein one or both of the first and/or second linear extension portions extends through an aperture(s) in the intermediate wall.
35. A device according to any preceding claim including an outlet fluid flow path member which extends into the chamber from an end thereof and through the intermediate wall.
36. A device according to claim 35 wherein the outlet fluid flow path member extends through an aperture in the intermediate wall.
37. A device according to claim 35 wherein the outlet fluid flow path member and the intermediate wall are formed as part of a single component.
38. An instantaneous waler healer including a device according Ia any one of the preceding claims.
39. An electric shower including an instantaneous waler heater of claim 38.
40. A device substantially as hereinbefore described wilh reference 10 and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
41. Any novel fealure or novel combination of features described herein and/or in Ihe accompanying drawings.