GB2524109A

GB2524109A - Mixer tap

Info

Publication number: GB2524109A
Application number: GB1404674.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Robert Lloyd
Original assignee: Bristan Group Ltd
Current assignee: Bristan Group Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-15
Publication date: 2015-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-15
Also published as: GB2524109B; GB201404674D0

Abstract

A single lever mixer tap 10 having a lever 16, a base 12 with a recess defining a mixing chamber (26, fig 3) for receiving a cartridge 14 having a stem 40 and barrel 36, a strike member 18 to limit downward movement, and an alignment mechanism to maintain alignment of the strike member and the lever. The strike member may have a rectangular or quadrilateral hole 56 for engaging a neck portion 38 of the cartridge so that the strike member may rotate with the stem. The tap may also have a bearing member made up of a nut (170, fig 4) and washer portion (164, fig 4). The lever may also have a collar portion (150, fig 5) made from an extended portion (151, fig 5) with a recess to receive the stem.

Description

MIXER TAP

The present invention relates to mixer taps and more specifically to single lever mixer taps.

S

Single lever mixer laps include a base having a mixing chamber having a mixer cartridge received therein. Typical mixer cartridges have a body and a stem. The tap also includes a single lever cantilevered from the stem. The stem is moveable by the lever with respect to the body by rotating the lever relative to the base or pivoting the lever towards or away from the base. Taps can he mounted in various orientations for example on a horizontal surface or even a vertical surface. In this apphcation reference to movement of the lever towards the base is referred to as "downwards" and movement of the lever away from the base is referred to as "upwards" regardless of the orientation of the tap. Rotation of the stem contro's the water temperature passing through the cartridge and pivoting it upwards and downwards controls the flow rate of the water.

Single lever mixer taps include a rubber stop at the suspended end of the lever. The rubber stop is arranged to engage a spout of the tap when they are aligned so as to limit downward travel of the lever and minimise the risk of overstretching the stem, damaging the cartridge. Such an arrangement does not prevent, excessive downward travel of the lever when the lever is rotated away from the spout, i.e. for low or high temperature settings.

It is an object of the present. invention to provide an improved single lever mixer tap.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a single-lever mixer tap comprising a lever having an abutment surface, a base defining a mixing chamber, and a cartridge having a stem and a barreL the angle of rotation and angle of pivot of the stem relative to the barrel being changeable to control temperature and flow rate through the cartridge respectively, the lever being cantilevered to the stem and the cartridge being received in the mixing chamber, the tap further comprising a strike member arranged to contact the abutment surface of the lever to prevent excessive downward travel of the lever when aligned with the strike member, and wherein the tap further comprises an alignment mechanism arranged to maintain alignment of (lie strike member and the abutment surface in response to rotation of the lever.

S

The strike member limits downward movement of the lever to prevent overstretching of the stern of the cartridge which could darnage the cartridge. The alignment mechanism rotating the strike member in response to rotation of the lever ensures that the strike member limits downwards iravel of the lever regardless of the rotational position of the lever. The operational life of the cartridge is therefore extended.

The alignment mechanism may include an engagement surface being provided on the strike member. The engagement surface may be dimensioned so as to rotate the strike member with the neck.

IS

Providing the engagement surface on the strike member itself as opposed to, for example, a separate component provides for a simple solution and minimises the number of parts required for (lie provision of the alignment mechanism.

The engagement surface may include a substantially flat face and the neck is substantially quadrilateral. This arrangement easy to manufacture.

In a preferred embodiment, the strike member is substantially disc shaped and the alignment mechanism includes a bearing in sliding contact with the periphery of the strike member. The bearing ensures that the strike member is held against the neck so as to rotate therewith.

The bearing may be formed by the interior wall defining the mixing chamber. This arrangement means that no separate parts are required for the bearing.

The strike member may include a step arranged to engage the abutment surface of the lever, the abutment surface being provided on the underside of the lever. The step is a raised part of the strike member and means that the stnkc member itself can be lower resulting in material savings.

S The lever may include a collar to couple the lever to the stem, the collar acting as the abutment surface.

The collar may include an extended portion arranged to act as the abutment surface.

The extended portion means that the height of the strike member can be reduced in comparison to where the collar is shorter. The extended portion as opposed to extending the whok of the coflar all around the stem optimises material usage.

The tap may further comprise a stop arranged at the suspended end of the lever to abut a spout to prevent downwards travel of the lever at a mid temperature shut-off If the flow rate is shut off when the lever is aligned with the spout, the stop acts to remlorce the strike member as a mechanism for preventing downwards travel of the lever at a mid temperature shut-olT.

The present invention is best described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a single lever mixer tap according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lever of figure 1 looking from beneath the lever; Figure 3 is a side section view of the single lever mixer tap of figure 1; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a single lever mixer tap according to a second embodiment of the present invention: Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lever of figure 4 looking from beneath the lever; and Figure 6 is a side section view of the single lever mixer tap from figure 4.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a single lever tap 10 includes a base 12, a cartridge 14, a lever 16, and a strike member 18.

With specific reference to figure 3. the base 12 includes an inlet port 20 for receiving respective hot and cold inlet pipes 22a, 22h. The hase 12 a'so includes an interior wall 24 defining a mixing chamber 26. The base 12 also includes a spout 28 having a mixed water outlet path 30 extending between the interior wall 24 and an outlet nozzle 32. An outlet port 34 is defined on the interior wall 24 to allow water to pass between the mixing chamber 26 and the mixed water outlet path 30.

With speeile reference to figure 1. the mixing cartridge 14 is received in the mixing chamber 26. The mixing cartridge 14 is a ceramic disc type cartridge of known type.

The cartridge 14 includes a barrel 36 housing a ceramic disc for mixing the hot and cold water. The cartridge 14 also includes a neck 38 and a stem 40. The neck 38 and the stem 40 are both quadrilateral in section. A cylindrical protrusion 42 is provided between the barrel 36 and the neck 38. The stem 40 includes a grub hole 44 for receiving a grub screw 46. The stem 40 is rotatable in the circular sectional plane of the barrel 36. Rotating the stem 40 and neck 38 configures the internal ceramic discs to control the temperature of the water exiting the cartridge 14. The neck 38 also rotates with the stem 40 so that both rotate relative to the barrel 36. The stem 40 is also pivotablc forwards and backwards relative to the barrel 36. The neck 38 pivots together with the stem 40. Pivoting the stem 40 and neck 38 controls the water flow rate exiting the cartridge 14. Zero flow rate corresponds to the stem 40 being in line with a body axis of the barrel 36. The flow rate increases with backwards pivoting of the stem 40.

With specific reference again to figure 3, the lever 16 includes an elongate arm 48 having a collar 50 arranged on the posterior end of the underside thereof. The underside of the arm 48 defines an abutment surface in the vicinity of the collar 50.

The collar 50 has a complimentary shape to the stein 40. The collar includes a grub S hole 52 for receiving the grub screw 46.

With specific reference to figures 1 and 3. the strike member 18 has a generally disc shaped body 54 with a rectangular cut-out which defines three substantially flat faces forming the engagement surface 56. Specifically, the anterior and side faces form the engagement. surface 56. The side faces, defining a width of the engagement surface 56. are arranged for sliding fit with the neck 38. The anterior face of the engagement surface 56 is alTanged to abut the anterior face of the neck 38. In this way, the engagement. surface 56 is dimensioned for rotation with the neck 38. The strike member 18 includes a step 62, on the anterior part. thereof, extending generally upwards. The strike member 18 is sufficiently rigid so as not to compress when impacted by the abutment surface of the lever.

The tap 10 further includes a nut 64. The nut 64 has an exterior diameter substantially the same as the barrel 36. The nut 64 is externally threaded so as to threadingly engage the barrel 36. The nut 64 has an interior diameter alTanged for sliding fit with the cylindrical protrusion 42 of the barrel 36.

With specific reference to figure 3. the tap 10 further includes a nut 66. The nut 66 is externally threaded so as to threadingly engage a threaded portion of the base 12.

With reference again to figures 1 to 3. the tap 10 is assembled by first inserting the cartridge 14 into the mixing chamber 26. The nut 64 is placed atop the barrel 36 of the cartridge 14. The strike member 54 is placed atop the nut 64 in sliding contact therewith. The nut 64 thus supports the strike member 54. The peripheral edge of the disc shaped body 54 engages the interior wall 24 defining the mixing chamber 26 so that the strike member 18 is in sliding contact therewith. The interior surface 24 therefore forms a bearing arranged for sliding contact with the strike member 18. The strike member 18 is aligned with the lever 16 so that the step 62 is aligned with the abutment surface of the arm 48. The length of the cut-out from anterior and poster or faces, is larger than the colTesponding dimension of the neck 38 such that the posterior lace is separated from the neck 38 so as to provide a clearance allowing the neck to pivot rearwardly. The nut 66 is then threaded to the base 12 to secure the cartridge 14 in the mixing chamber 26. The collar 50 is attached to the steni 40 by first aligning respective grub holes 44. 52 and securing the collar 50 and stem 40 together by means of a fastener, specifically the grub screw 46. The lever 16 is thus cantilevered to the stem 40.

During operation, the arm 48 is initially in a downwards position at zero flow rate.

The arm 48 is raised so as to pivot the lever 16 upwards. The neck 38 and stem 40 pivot upwards increasing the flow i-ate exiting the cartridge 14. The arm 48 is rotated left or right depending on the temperature of the water desired at exit from the nozzle 32. Turning the aim 48 left or right respectively decreases or increases the water temperature at the nozzle 32. The temperature range is between It) and 60°C.

However, the achievable temperature range is dependent on the temperature of hot and cold water from the supply pipes 26.

As described above, the engagement surface 56 is dimensioned so as to rotate the strike member 18 with the neck 38. Since the neck 38 and stem 40 rotate with the arm 48. the strike member 18 rotates with the lever 16 so as to maintain alignment with the abutment surface thereof. In this way the tap 10 comprises an alignment mechanism arranged to maintain a'ignment of the strike member 18 and the abutment surface in response to rotation of the lever 16. The alignment mechanism also includes the engagement. surface 56 and the bearing.

For a hot desired water temperature the arm 48 is turned to the right. The strike member 18 rotates together with the lever 16 so as to maintain alignment therewith.

The step 62 remains aligned with the abutment surface regardless of the rotational setting of the arm 48. Once sulTicient water has been drawn through the nozzle 32, the arm 48 is pivoted downwards. The step 62 is arranged to engage the abutment surface of the lever 16. In this way, the strike member 18 is arranged to contact the abutment surface of the lever 16 to prevent excessive downward travel of the lever 16.

The strike member 18 acts to prevent over stretching of the stern 40 across a full temperature range of the tap 10 since the step 62 maintains alignment with the abutment surface of the ever 16 regardless of angular position of the lever 16.

S

A second embodiment of the tap 110 will now be described. The features in common with the first embodiment are either not described in detail or are described and numbered 100 greater.

With reference to figures 4 to 6 there is provided a tap 110 including a strike member 118 arranged to contact an abutment surface of the lever 116 to prevent downward travel of the lever 116 when aligned with the strike member 118. The lever 116 includes a collar 150 to couple the lever 116 to the stem 140. The collar 150 acts as the abutment surface. Specifically, the collar 150 includes an extended portion 151 arranged to act as the abutment surface. The extended portion 151 is arranged on (he anterior side of the collar 150.

The tap 110 a'so includes an alignment mechanism arranged to maintain alignment of the strike member 118 and the abutment snrface in response to rotation of the lever 116. The strike member 118 is shaped to form a segment of a disc. The flat face of the disc defines an engagement surface 156. The engagement surface 156 thus includes a single face. The engagement surface 156 forms part of the alignment mechanism. The engagement surface 156 is dimensioned to engage the anterior face of the neck 138 so as to rotate therewith.

The alignment mechanism also includes a nut 170. The nut 170 includes an exterior bearing surface 172 arranged for sliding contact with the interior wall 124 of the base 112. The bearing has as a washer portion 164 at the foot of the nut 170. The washer portion 164 is arranged to sit atop (lie cartridge barrel 136 and in sliding contact therewith. The nut 170 a'so inc'udes an upstanding wall 173 defining an interior bearing surface 174. The upstanding wall 173 is distant from the interior wall 124 such that the outer surface of the nut 170 is recessed away from the washer portion 164. This reduces friction and thus wear. The interior bearing surface 174 is arranged for sliding contact with the periphery of the strike member 118. As such, the nut 170 acts as a bearing for the strike member. In this way, the engagement surface 156 and the nut 170 ensures that the strike member 118 rotates with the ever 116 thus maintaining alignment therewith.

S

For a hot desired water temperature the arm 148 is turned to the right. The strike member 116 rotates together with the lever 118 so as to maintain alignment therewith.

Once sufficient water has been drawn through the nozzle 32, the arm 48 is pivoted downwards. The strike member 118 is arranged to engage the abutment surface of the lever 116, defined by the extended portion 151 of the collar 150. lii this way. the strike member 118 is arranged to contact the abutment surface of the lever 116 to prevent excessive downward travel of the lever 116. The strike member 116 acts to prevent, over stretching of the stem 140 across a full temperature range of the tap 110 since the strike member 118 maintains alignment with the abutment surface of the lever 116 regardless of angular position of the ever 116.

Claims

Claims 1. A single lever mixer tap comprising a lever having an abutment surface, a base having an interior wall defining a mixing chamber, a cartridge having a stern and a barrel, the angle of rotation and angle of pivot of the stem relative to the barrel being changeable to control temperature and flow rate through the cartridge respectively, (he lever being cantflevered to the stem and (he cartridge being received in the mixing chamber, the tap further comprising a strike member arranged to contact the abutment surface of the lever to prevent excessive downward travel of the lever when aligned with the strike member wherein the tap further comprises an alignment mechanism arranged to maintain alignment of the strike member and the abutment surface in response to rotation of the lever.
2. The tap of claim 1 wherein alignment mechanism includes an engagement surface being provided on the strike member.
3. The tap of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the engagement surface is dimensioned so as to rotate the strike member with the neck.
4. The tap of claim 3 wherein the engagement surface includes a substantially flat face and the neck is substantially quadrilateral.
5. The tap of any preceding claim wherein the strike member is substantially disc shaped and the alignment mechanism includes a bearing in shding contact with the penphery of the strike member.
6. The tap of claim 5 wherein the bearing is formed by the interior wall defining the mixing chamber.
7. The tap of any preceding claim wherein the strike member includes a step arranged to engage the abutment surface of the lever, the abutment surface being provided on the underside of the lever.
8. The tap of any ol daims I to 5 wherein the lever includes a collar to couple the lever to the stem, the collar acting as the abutment surface.S
9. The tap of claim 8 wherein the collar includes an extended portion alTanged to act as the abutment surface.
10. The tap of any preceding claim further comprising a stop arranged at the suspended end of the lever to abut a spout. to prevent downwards travel of the lever at a mid temperature shut-off.
11. A single lever mixer tap as described substantially herein with reference to the accompanying figures.