IE930693A1

IE930693A1 - Adjustable spray fitting

Info

Publication number: IE930693A1
Application number: IE930693A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Bruce Hayward
Original assignee: Caradon Mira Ltd
Priority date: 1992-09-26
Filing date: 1993-09-17
Publication date: 1994-04-06
Also published as: GB2270859A; GB9220380D0; GB2270859B

Abstract

An adjustable spray fitting for a shower handset comprises a mounting member 10 having a water inlet opening 11 and a rotatable control member 12 having three water inlet ports 13, (14, 15). Each port 13 (14, 15) communicates with a respective inlet chamber 16, (17, 18) having an associated annular array of outlet holes 7, 8, 9 providing different types and/or patterns of spray. The control member 12 is rotatable to align selectively the ports 13, 14, 15 with the inlet opening 11 for directing water flow to one or more arrays of outlet holes 7, 8, 9 to obtain the desired spray. Outer array 7 may provide an aerated spray and inner array 9 a pulsating array.

Description

APPLICATION No........................... ates to adjustable spray fittings for ablutionary appliances, and in particular, though not exclusively, for showers.

Adjustable spray fittings are known providing user selection of different spray types. For example, the adjustable spray fitting disclosed in our UK Patent No. 2192564 has a valve member that is axially movable on rotation of a control member to direct water flow to one and/or the other of two different arrays of outlet holes.

The construction of the spray fitting with such axially movable valve member is complex and limits the options available for the number and type of different sprays that can be provided.

It is an object of this invention to provide an adjustable spray fitting of simple construction for application to a wide range of ablutionary appliances and installations.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an adjustable spray fitting that is easy to fit and remove for.servicing, repair or replacement.

It is a further preferred object of this invention to provide an adjustable spray fitting providing at least three different spray types.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description later herein.

According to the present invention there is provided an adjustable spray fitting for an ablutionary appliance comprising a mounting member for connection to a water supply, and a control member having a plurality of inlet ports for selective communication with the water supply by rotation of the control member relative to the mounting member, each inlet port communicating with a respective array of outlet holes in a spray plate carried by the control member, and each inlet port being arranged to control the water flow path on rotation of the control member whereby water discharged through the fitting may have a spray directed through one or more arrays of outlet holes by selective rotation of the control member.

The invented spray fitting is adjustable to change the spray on rotation of the control member to connect selectively the inlet ports to the water supply for directing the water flow to different arrays of outlet holes.

By such provision of multiple inlet ports in the control member, simple rotation of the control member is sufficient to change the water flow path without requiring an internal, axially movable valve member,.

MT fit » \ —---- —.. r . -.. I _ > -----1 OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION UNDER SECTION 28 AND RULE 23 JNL No...........OF *930693 As a result, the invented spray fitting is of simple, compact construction capable of fitment and removal as a complete unit facilitating servicing, repair or replacement.

Preferably, each array of outlet holes is adapted to form a different type and/or pattern of spray. For example, the number and/or size of the outlet holes in each array may be different to the other arrays. In a preferred arrangement, three concentric arrays of outlet holes are provided.

Advantageously, a first array of outlet holes is adapted to provide an aerated spray by entrainment of air in the water flow.

Conveniently, the air is entrained by a plurality of water jets formed upstream of the outlet holes.

Advantageously, a second array of outlet holes is adapted to provide a pulsating spray by interrupting the water flow.

Preferably, the water flow is interrupted by a turbine that is rotated by 4« the water flow to successively open and close the outlet holes.

Advantageously, a third array of outlet holes is adapted to provide a spray forming a solid cone.

Conveniently, the solid spray cone is formed by a plurality of small tapered holes angled relative to the main axis of the fitting.

The arrays of outlet holes may be formed in a single common spray plate but more preferably, an assembly of spray plates is provided with each spray plate having at least one array formed therein. In this way, the spray plate assembly can be adapted to provide any desired combination of spray types by selection of spray plates having an appropriate array of outlet holes.

In one preferred arrangement, the spray plate assembly comprises an outer spray plate having a centre opening in which a concentric inner spray plate is received for securing to the control member to retain the outer spray plate. In such preferred arrangement, the outer spray plate may have formations extending along the opening to provide air inlet passages for air entrainment in the spray discharged through the associated array of outlet holes.

The inlet ports are preferably arranged so that, on rotation of the control member, each inlet port can be connected to the water supply independently of the other inlet ports for different angular positions of the «306 control member. In this way, the user may select sprays discharged through any one of the arrays of outlet holes.

Conveniently, the inlet ports are also arranged so that on rotation of the control member to changeover from one array of outlet holes to another array of outlet holes, water is discharged continuously from the spray fitting. For example, by arranging for both inlet ports to be connected to the water supply.

Advantageously, means is provided for locating the control member in a selected angular position for directing the water flow to one or more arrays of outlet holes. The locating means may comprise a resilient detent for releasably securing the control member. For example, a spring loaded plunger on the mounting member selectively engageable with a series of angularly spaced recesses in the control member or vice versa.

Conveniently, the mounting member and control member have cooperating formations defining stops to limit rotation of the control member in opposed senses. In this way, the mounting member can be rotated through the control member for fitment and removal of the spray fitting. For example, to screw and unscrew the fitting to and from an appliance such as a shower head.

Preferably, the force required to rotate the control member between selected angular positions for controlling the water flow path is less than the force required to screw and unscrew the fitting. In this way, overtightening or loosening of the fitting by rotation of the control member to adjust the spray type is avoided.

Advantageously, the mounting member is of annular form having a centre boss on which the control member is rotatably mounted and retained against axial movement, and an outer peripheral flange for mounting the spray fitting in an ablutionary appliance. Typically, the outer flange has an external screw thread for engagement with a complementary internal screw thread on the appliance.

Preferably, the control member is of annular form received within the outer flange of the mounting member and having an outer peripheral flange for manual rotation of the control member. Typically, the outer flange has circumferentially spaced finger grips for the user. ’ 930693 Conveniently, the control member is rotatable to align selectively the inlet ports with an inlet opening in the mounting member for directing the water flow to one or more arrays of outlet holes.

The mounting member may have one common inlet opening for successive alignment with the inlet ports on rotation of the control member. Alternatively, the mounting member may have more than one inlet opening for connecting the inlet ports separately or in combination to the water supply.

Preferably, the or each inlet opening in the mounting member is provided with a sealing member engageable with the control member for preventing leakage when the inlet opening is aligned with each inlet port on rotation of the control member.

Advantageously, the sealing member comprises a flexible or resilient bush biased axially to engage the control member whilst permitting rotation of the control member relative to the mounting member. Conveniently, the bush is biased by an internal spring.

Preferably, inner and outer annular seals are provided between the mounting member and the control member for preventing leakage as the control member is rotated. The inner seal is conveniently located on the centre boss of the mounting member to engage the inner marginal edge of the control member, and the outer seal is located on a ledge of the control member to engage the outer peripheral flange of the mounting member.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:FIGURE 1 is side elevation of a shower handset incorporating an adjustable spray fitting according to the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the spray fitting shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a side elevation, similar to Figure 1, partly sectioned to show the mounting of the spray fitting in the handset head; FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 are transverse sections through the handset head and spray fitting with the control member shown in three adjusted positions; FIGURES 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of the control member corresponding to the positions of Figures 4, 5 and 6 with the waterways shown by shading; and FIGURE 10 is a plan view of the baffle plate shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6.

The shower handset 1 shown in the drawings has a handle 2 for holding or supporting the handset 1 with a threaded boss 3 at one end for connection to a water source (not shown) by a flexible hose (not shown).

The water source forms no part of this invention but may be a mixing 5 valve or instantaneous water heater with suitable user operable controls for selecting the temperature of the water delivered to the handset 1.

The handle 2 has an internal passageway 4 connecting the boss 3 to an angled head 5 of annular form at the other end. The head 5 mounts an adjustable spray fitting 6 having three annular arrays 7,8.9 of outlet holes for user selection of three types of spray as described later herein.

The spray fitting 6 is of annular form comprising a mounting member 10 having a water inlet opening 11, and a rotatable control member 12 having three inlet ports 13,14,15 opening to respective inlet chambers 16,17,18 for ea The mounting member 10 has an externally threaded outer peripheral flange 20 engageable with a complementary internally threaded wall 21 of the head 5 to secure releasably the spray fitting 6 to the handset 1 with an O-ring 22 providing a watertight seat between the head 5 and mounting member 10.

The control member 12 is rotatably mounted on a centre boss 23 of the mounting member 10 and is retained by a bush 24 secured to the boss 23 by a set screw 25 engaging a tapered blind bore 26 in the boss 23. The bush 24 is held against rotation by serrations, splines or the like to prevent release of the screw 25 by rotation of the control member 12.

The control member 12 has an outer peripheral flange 27 formed with finger grips 28 for manual rotation of the control member 12 by the user to align selectively the inlet opening 11 with one of the inlet ports 13,14,15 to .. obtain a desired type of spray formed by the associated array 7,8,9 of outlet holes.

The mounting member 10 has a plunger 29 biased by a spring 30 housed in a blind bore 31 to engage a respective one of three circumferentially spaced recesses 32,33,34 in the control member 12 to hold β ' $39693 the control member 12 in each adjusted position corresponding to alignment of the inlet opening 11 with the inlet ports 13,14,15.

The plunger 29 snaps or clicks into the recesses 32,33,34 to provide a positive tactile and/or audible indication of each adjusted position to the user. The plunger 29 and recesses 32,33,34 have smoothly curved surfaces such that the plunger 29 is automatically withdrawn permitting rotation of the control member 12 on application of a force sufficient to overcome the biasing of the spring 30.

The mounting member 10 and control member 12 have respective cooperating formations 35,36 providing stop faces 38 on the control member 12 that are engageable with stop faces (not shown) on the mounting member 10 to limit rotation of the control member 12 relative to the mounting plate 10 in opposed senses. The formations 35,36 enable the spray fitting 6 to be screwed into and out of the head 5 and the force required for this is chosen to be considerably greater than that to rotate the control member 12 between the adjusted spray positions so that the spray fitting 6 is not unscrewed on rotation of the control member 12 to select a different type of spray.

A rubber bush 39 is mounted in the inlet opening 11 and has an internal shoulder 40 providing a seating for one end of a frusto-conical spring 41 arranged to bias the bush 39 axially to seal against the control member 12. The end of the bush 39 remote from the control member 12 is tapered and is energised by the water pressure to seal against the marginal edge of the opening 11.

The outer flange 27 of the control member 12 is connected by a radial ledge 42 to an inner flange 43 received within the outer flange 20 of the mounting member 10. The control member 12 is sealed relative to the mounting member 10 at the outer periphery by a lip seal 44 located on the ledge 42 and at inner periphery by an O-ring 45 located on the boss 23. The seals 44,45 prevent water leakage on rotation of the control member 12 relative to the mounting member 10 to select a different type of spray.

The arrays 7,8,9 of outlet holes are arranged concentrically and in this embodiment the outer array 7 is comprised of 64 holes, the intermediate array 8 is comprised of 16 holes and the inner array 9 is comprised of 8 holes. The holes in each array 7,8,9 are uniformly spaced and of equal size different to that of the other arrays with the outer array 7 having the υ & 5 smallest holes and the intermediate array 8 having the largest holes. It will be understood, however, that the arrangement, size and number of holes in each array may be varied to suit the type of spray to be produced.

The outer and intermediate arrays 7,8 of outlet holes are formed in a common outer or first spray plate 46 and the inner array 9 of outlet holes is formed in a concentric inner or second spray plate 47 received in a centre opening 48 in the outer spray plate 46.

The inner spray plate 46 is supported on the outer spray plate 47 and the assembly of the outer and inner spray plates 46,47 is carried by the control member 12 through engagement of complementary threaded portions 49,50 of the inner spray plate 47 and partition member 19 with O-rings 51 sealing the assembly 46,47 relative to the control member 12 and partition member 19 to separate the arrays 7,8,9 of outlet holes.

The assembly 46,47 is releasable by a coin or tool inserted in a slot 52 in the inner spray plate 47 for cleaning or replacement of one or both spray plates 46,47.

A turbine 53 is rotatably mounted on a rearwardly extending centre post 54 of the inner spray plate 47 and is rotated by the water flow to successively open and close the outlet holes of the inner array 9 generating a pulsating spray for the adjusted position of the control member corresponding to alignment of the inlet opening 11 with the inlet port 15 (Figures 4 and 7).

The water flow is directed in an evenly distributed stream around the turbine 53 by a series of circumferentially spaced holes 55 in a flange 56 of the retainer bush 24 ensuring smooth rotation of the turbine 53 so that the spray is well defined.

The outlet holes of the outer array 7 are tapered and set at different angles to the main axis of the spray fitting 6 generating a spray forming a solid cone with an included angle of about 20 degrees for the adjusted position of the control member 12 corresponding to alignment of the inlet opening 11 with the inlet port 13 (Figures 5 and 8).

The outer spray plate 46 has a rearwardly extending flange 57 with axial ribs 58 that co-operate with the partition member 19 to define air inlet passages 59 extending from an annular gap 60 between the spray plates 46,47 and opening upstream of the intermediate array of outlet holes between a baffle plate 61 and an internal spray plate 62. *-93 06 9 3 The baffle plate 61 has a plurality of holes 63 aligned with the outlet holes of the intermediate array 8 and each hole 63 has a chamfer face 64 on the side remote from the spray plate 46. Adjacent chamfer faces 64 intersect to define a surface 65 having a sharp edge.

The water flow is divided into a plurality of jets by a series of circumferentially spaced holes 66 in the internal spray plate 62 that are aligned with the sharp edged surfaces 65 of the baffle plate 61. The jets form high velocity fan shaped streams on both sides of the holes 63 on striking the sharp edged surfaces 65 which entrain air drawn in through the inlet passages 59 generating an aerated spray for the adjusted position of the control member 12 corresponding to alignment of the inlet opening 11 with the inlet port 14 (Figures 6 and 9). A woven wire gauze 67 fixed between the spray plate 46 and the baffle plate 61 helps reduce the water velocity and evenly distribute the aerated spray from the intermediate array 8 of outlet holes.

The inlet ports 13,14,15 are arranged so that selection of the pulsating and aerated sprays corresponds to end adjusted positions of the control member 12 and the solid cone spray corresponds to the centre adjusted position. In this way a smooth transition from the 'soft' aerated spray through to the 'hard' pulsating spray is obtained. It will be understood, however, the changeover from one spray type to another can be varied as desired by altering the position of the inlet ports.

The inlet ports 13 and 15 associated with the inner and outer arrays are of rectangular shape having a smaller cross-sectional area than the circular inlet port 14 associated with the intermediate array 8 so that water flow is restricted to make the spray force relatively consistent for each type of spray.

The inlet ports 13,14,15 are also arranged so that, on rotation of the control member 12 to change from one spray type to another, the inlet opening 11 overlaps two adjacent ports so that water is discharged through both arrays during the changeover. In this way, continuous discharge of water is ensured and it is not possible to rotate the control member to an intermediate position in which water flow is stopped completely which could affect adversely the water source.

In a modification (not shown), such overlap of the inlet opening and inlet ports may correspond to an intermediate adjusted position of the * 9 3 fl1 6 fi 3 control member allowing the user to select a spray discharged through two or more arrays of outlet holes. The control member may be located in such intermediate adjusted position by engagement of the plunger with a recess in the control member as above-described.

In another modification (not shown), the mounting member may have two or more inlet openings arranged so that the inlet ports can communicate with the water supply separately or in combination allowing the user to select a spray discharged through one or more arrays of outlet holes as desired.

As will be appreciated, the invented spray fitting is of simple, compact construction that is easy to fit and remove without requiring specialist tools and, if any malfunction arises, the defective fitting can be replaced by a new fitting in a very simple manner, for example by an unskilled person such as a DIY enthusiast.

In the embodiment described, the spray fitting is mounted in a shower 15 handset but it will be understood that the fitting has application to fixed shower heads as well as to other ablutionary appliances and installations where selection of different sprays is desirable.

It will be appreciated that any combination of spray types may be employed in the spray fitting and that alternatives and variations to those described are deemed within the scope of this invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. An adjustable spray fitting for an ablutionary appliance comprising a mounting member for connection to a water supply, and a control member having a plurality of inlet ports for selective communication with the water supply by rotation of the control member relative to the mounting member, each inlet port communicating with a respective array of outlet holes in a spray plate carried by the control member, and each inlet port being arranged to control the water flow path on rotation of the control member whereby water discharged through the fitting may have a spray directed through one or more arrays of outlet holes by selective rotation of the control member.

2. A spray fitting according to Claim 1 wherein each array of outlet holes is adapted to form a different type and/or pattern of spray.

3. A spray fitting according to Claim 2 wherein the number and/o/ size of ( the outlet holes in each array is different to the other arrays.

4. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein three concentric arrays of outlet holes are provided.

5. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein an array of outlet holes is adapted to provide an aerated spray by entrainment of air in the water flow.

6. A spray fitting according to Claim 5 wherein the air is entrained by a plurality of water jets formed upstream of the outlet holes.

7. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein an array of outlet holes is adapted to provide a pulsating spray by interrupting the water flow.

8. A spray fitting according to Claim 7 wherein the water flow is interrupted by a turbine that is rotated by the water flow to successively open and close the outlet holes.

9. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein an array of outlet holes is adapted to provide a spray forming a solid cone.

10. A spray fitting according to Claim 9 wherein the solid spray cone is formed by a plurality of small tapered holes angled relative to the main axis of the fitting.

11. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the arrays of outlet holes are formed in a single common spray plate. 1 1 assembly of spray plates is provided with each spray plate having at least one array formed therein.

12. 13. A spray fitting according to Claim 12 wherein the spray plate , 5 assembly comprises an outer spray plate having a centre opening in which a concentric inner spray plate is received for securing to the control member to retain the outer spray plate.

13. 14. A spray fitting according to Claim 13 wherein the outer spray plate has formations extending along the opening to provide air inlet passages for 10 air entrainment in the spray discharged through the associated array of outlet holes.

14. 15. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the inlet ports are arranged so that, on rotation of the control member, each inlet port is connected to the water supply independently of the other inlet 15 ports for different angular positions of the control member.

15. 16. A spray fitting according to any one of Claims 1 to 14 wherein the inlet ports are arranged so that, on rotation of the control member to changeover from one array of outlet holes to another array of outlet holes, water is discharged continuously from the spray fitting. 20

16. 17. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein means is provided for locating the control member in a selected angular position for directing the water flow to one or more arrays of outlet holes.

17. 18. A spray fitting according to Claim 17 wherein the locating means comprises a resilient detent for releasably securing the control member. 25

18. 19. A spray fitting according to Claim 18 wherein the detent comprises a spring loaded plunger on the mounting member selectively engageable with a series of angularly spaced recesses in the control member or vice versa.

19. 20. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the mounting member and control member have co-operating formations 30 defining stops to limit rotation of the control member in opposed senses.

20. 21. A spray fitting according to Claim 20 wherein the force required to rotate the control member between selected angular positions for controlling the water flow path is less than the force required to screw and unscrew the fitting. 35

21. 22. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the mounting member is of annular form having a centre boss on which the control member is rotatably mounted and retained against axial movement, and an outer peripheral flange for mounting the spray fitting in an ablutionary appliance.

22. 23. A spray fitting according to Claim 22 wherein the outer flange has an external screw thread for engagement with a complementary internal screw thread on the appliance.

23. 24. A spray fitting according to Claim 22 or Claim 23 wherein the control member is of annular form received within the outer flange of the mounting member and having an outer peripheral flange for manual rotation of the control member.

24. 25. A spray fitting according to Claim 24 wherein the outer flange of the control member has circumferentially spaced finger grips for the user.

25. 26. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the control member is rotatably to align selectively the inlet ports with an inlet opening in the mounting member for directing the water flow to one or more arrays of outlet holes.

26. 27. A spray fitting according to Claim 26 wherein the mounting member has one common inlet opening for successive alignment with the inlet ports on rotation of the control member.

27. 28. A spray fitting according to Claim 26 wherein the mounting member has more than one inlet opening for connecting the inlet ports separately or in combination to the water supply.

28. 29. A spray fitting according to any one of Claims 26 to 28 wherein the or each inlet opening in the mounting member is provided with a sealing member engageable with the control member for preventing leakage when the inlet opening is aligned with each inlet port on rotation of the control member.

29. 30. A spray fitting according to Claim 29 wherein the sealing member comprises a flexible or resilient bush biased axially to engage the control member whilst permitting rotation of the control member relative to the mounting member.

30. 31. A spray fitting according to Claim 30 wherein the bush is biased by an internal spring.

31. 32. A spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein inner and outer annular seals are provided between the mounting member and the control member for preventing leakage as the control member is rotated.

32. 33. A spray fitting according to Claim 32 wherein the inner seal is conveniently located on the centre boss of the mounting member to engage the inner marginal edge of the control member, and the outer seal is located on a ledge of the control member to engage the outer peripheral flange of the mounting member.

33. 34. An adjustable spray fitting for an ablutionary appliance substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. 35. An ablutionary appliance incorporating an adjustable spray fitting according to any one of the preceding Claims.

35. 36. An ablutionary appliance according to Claim 35 comprising a shower handset.

36. 37. An ablutionary appliance according to Claim 35 comprising a fixed ‘f shower head.

37. 38. An ablutionary appliance according to any one of Claims 35 to 37 adapted for connection to a water source.

38. 39. An ablutionary appliance according to Claim 38 wherein the water source is a mixing valve.

39. 40. An ablutionary appliance according to Claim 38 wherein the water source is an instantaneous water heater.

40. 41. An ablutionary appliance according to any one of Claims 38 to 40 wherein the water source includes user operable controls for selecting the water temperature.

41.

42. An ablutionary appliance according to Claim 35 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.