NZ761080B2 - Electronically controllable valves and mixing valves - Google Patents

Abstract

Two problems with existing electronically controlled mixing valves for domestic use is their size and difficulty accessing and repairing them. Their size means that they often become hidden behind wall linings, and because of the way in which they are plumbed into the pipework of a house, they are difficult to access and remove for repair or replacement. The solution proposed in the present invention is a compact and replaceable mixing valve cartridge that can be mated to a fixed fitting that is permanently plumbed into the pipework of a house. The compact size allows the cartridge to be positioned behind the type of removable face plates that are often installed over existing manually operated mixing valves. Simplified valve actuators and a compact mixing and temperature sensing configuration have facilitated the compact size. The valve cartridge can simply be accessed, unbolted and removed, without the need for extensive plumbing re-work.

Description

W0 2019;031971 Electronically Controllable Valves and Mixing Valves FIELD OF THE INVENTION T his invention relates to electronically controllable mixing valves, and in particular, but not exclusively to an electronically controllable mixing valve suitable for sanitation purposes.

BA C K G R O U N D For a number of years now the s valve manufacturers and other innovators have been developing electronically controllable valves of one type or r for use as sanitation mixing . These valves are used to supply heated water at an even temperature to a shower head or wash tap for example.

The valves are typically contained within a housing that contains the electronic control system, the actuators and the temperature sensing element, etc. The housings also have separate hot and cold water inlets and a mixed water outlet.

The mixing valve package is often controlled from a remote control panel and supplies statically controlled water to a shower head or tap.

These s can sometimes be quite large, and for this reason are often fitted within a wall cavity, cupboard, loft or ceiling space of a dwelling. A typical size for currently available devics is in the region of 250 x 200 x 70 mm. The devices are typically quite expensive, and some of them have icant reliability issues. T he devices are ted directly to the ng of the dwelling, the connections typically ing the assembly of water tight ed connections.

T he confined location of the devices, along with the need to break a number of water tight plumbing connections, for example threaded and sealed joints, to facilitate removal, often results in the devices being difficult and expensive to replace. Or alternatively, if they are placed in an area that is easily accessible, for example in a cupboard or loft, they may be some distance from the shower resulting in greater lag between setting a desired temperature and receiving water at that temperature at the shower head.

W0 31971 The reliability issues, the replacement cost, the difficulties gaining access to the devices, along with the difficulty in removing and replacing the devica, have resulted in a slow rate of consumer acceptance or purchases of these products.

What is needed is an electronically controllable mixing valve configuration that is smaller and which can be more easily led, and simpler to repair or replace if problems occur.

A smaller size would allow the mixing valve to be placed in a more desirable location, closer to a shower head for example, or under the cover plate of an interface unit. It would be helpful too, if the electronically llable mixing valve was simpler, and more reliable and had a lower manufacturing cost.

In this specification unless the contrary is exprasly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the ty date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be nt to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

OBJECT It is therefore an object of the t invention to provide an electronically controllable valve or valve cartridge, or parts thereof, which will at least go some way s overcoming one or more of the above mentioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION A ccordingly, in a first aspect, the ion may broadly be said to consist in a fl uid control valve assembly having, a a e valve member, a at least one fixed valve member, and g a valve actuation device; W0 2019;031971 and the fl uid control valve assembly is configured such that when in use the e valve member is moved by the valve actuation device in a linear motion relative to the or each fixed valve member to control the fl ow of a fluid through the fluid control valve assembly.

Preferably the e valve member and the at least one fixed valve member are valve members made of a c based material.

Preferably the fluid control valve assembly includes two fixed valve members and the movable valve member is ched between the two fixed valve members.

Preferably the movable valve member and the at least one fixed valve member each include a passage through whi ch the fl ow of a fluid is control led by the fl ui d control valve assembly.

Preferably the movable valve member is elongate in shape, and the linear movement of the movable valve member is aligned with the length of the elongate shape.

While the valve actuation device can include a manually operated lever or a rotatable knob or handle, or a powered actuator, preferably the valve actuation device is a powered actuator that includes an electric motor.

Preferably the valve actuation device includes the electric motor and a linear or, the linear actuator being d to the movable valve member.

Preferably the linear actuator includes a lead screw assembly and the movable valve member is coupled to the lead screw assembly.

Preferably the electric motor turns a threaded spindle of the lead screw ly.

Preferably the threaded spindle is an integral part of a main shaft of the electric motor.

Preferably the lead screw assembly includes a driven nut or sleeve, the nut or sleeve having a thread that is complimentary to a thread on the threaded e.

Preferably the driven nut or sleeve is linked or coupled to the movable valve .

Preferably the movable valve member includes a slot or a protrusion configured to receive a mentary joint feature of the linear actuator, the slot or protrusion being configured to allow the compl i mentary j oi nt feature of the linear actuator to slide into engagement with W0 2019;031971 the slot or protrusion and to prevent rotation of the complimentary feature of the linear actuator relative to the movable valve member and to prevent linear movement of the mentary feature of the linear actuator relative to the movable valve member in the intended direction of movement of the movable valve member when the fluid control valve assembly is in use.

Preferably the slot or protrusion is a slot or protrusion having a ‘T _ shaped e.

Preferably the fluid control valve assembly includes a valve member housing that is configured to hold the e valve member in sealing contact with the or each fixed valve member.

Preferably the valve member g includes guides configured to guide the linear movement of the movable valve member.

Preferably the valve member g comprises a box member and a lid member, the two g members both being made of a plastics material and being welded together about the movabl evalve member and the or each fixed valve member. Optionally the two housing members can be held together with mechanical fasteners, and they can be made of metal, for example from brass.

Preferably the electric motor is held fixed relative to the valve member g.

Optionally the at least one fixed valve member is in the form of a valve seat formed in the valve member housing.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a mixing and sensing module for an electronically controllable fluid mixing valve, the module having a body and a temperature sensing means, the body having two or more inlet s, a mixing chamber and an outlet region, with each inlet region being connected by an associated transfer passage to the mixing chamber, the mixing chamber being in communication with the inlet regions and in communication with the outlet region, and each transfer passage is configured to induce a swirling motion in a fluid when the fluid enters the mixing r, and a temperature sensing element of the ature sensing means is situated such that the sensing element is able to sense the temperature of the fluid as the fluid passes toward or through the outlet region.

W0 2019;031971 Preferably the mixing chamber is a cylindrical mixing chamber and the transfer passages each direct the fluid in a direction that is substantially tial to a circle defining a perimeter of the cylindrical mixing chamber.

Preferably the transfer passages have a larger cross sectional area adjacent to the inlet s than adjacent to the mixing chamber.

Preferably the mixing and sensing module also es a flow sensing means.

Preferably the flow sensing means includes a rotatable element that is rotated by swirling fluid within the mixing chamber.

Preferably the rotatable element is in the form of a paddle wheel.

Preferably the temperature sensing element is supported on a probe or shaft, and the rotatable element rotates about an axis that is l with the shaft or probe.

Preferably the flow sensing means includes a proximity sensing transducer.

Preferably the rotatable element of the fl ow sensing means includes one or more magnetic sensing objects configured to be sensed by the proximity sensing transducer.

Preferably the flow of fluid into the inlet s and the flow of fluid out of the outlet region are all flows that pass through a single plane.

Preferably the mixing and sensing module has two inlet regions. ably the body has two substantially parallel faces, a first face containing the inlet s and the outlet region, and a second face through which the temperature sensing element is installed, the mixing chamber being situated between the fi rst face and the second face.

Preferably the body is ured to receive fluid from two or more fluid inlet supplies and to direct mixed fluid to a mixed fluid conduit.

In a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a mixing valve assembly, the mixing valve assembly having two or more fluid l valve lies substantially as specified herein.

W0 31971 Preferably the mixing valve assembly also includes at least one mixing and sensing module substantially as specified herein.

Preferably the mixing valve assembly is an electronically controllable mixing valve assembly having a control system configured to receive inputs from the or each mixing and sensing module and to control the operation of a powered actuator of the or each fluid control valve assembly.

Preferably the mixing valve assembly is in the form of a replaceable valve cartridge.

Preferably the mixing valve ly has two inlet ports and one outlet port, with all of the ports being situated on a single substantially flat face.

Preferably the replaceable valve cartridge is configured to allow a mechanical fastening system to hold the replaceable valve cartridge securely to a fixable valve fitting.

In a fourth aspect the ion may broadly be said to consist in a valve assembly, the valve assembly having; a a movable valve member, a a valve seat, a an ic motor, a a lead screw assembly, and g a valve member g; and the valve member housing is configured to hold the movable valve member against the valve seat and to allow linear movement of the movable valve member only in relation to the valve seat, and the valve ly is configured such that the lead screw assembly is driven by the electric motor and the lead screw assembly is configured to move the movable valve member to produce the linear movement of the movable valve member to control flow of a fluid through the valve assembly. ably the movable valve member and the valve seat are made of a ceramic material.

W0 2019;031971 Preferably the valve member housing comprises a top member and a bottom member, the two members both being made of a plastics material and being welded together about the e valve member and valve seat. Optionally the two g members can be held together with mechanical fasteners, and they can be made of metal, for example from brass.

Preferably the valve assembly further es a top plate made of a ceramics material and the movable valve member is sandwiched between the top plate and the valve seat.

Preferably a screw shaft or lead screw of the lead screw assembly is driven by the electric motor.

Preferably a driven nut of the lead screw assembly is connected to the movable valve member.

Preferably the driven nut is in the form of a driven sleeve having an internal thread along at least a part of the length of the driven sleeve.

Preferably the driven sleeve is connected to the movable valve member in such a manner that the driven sleeve cannot rotate in relation to the movable valve member.

Preferably the movable valve member includes a ‘C _ shaped passageway and a first open end of the ‘C communicates with a first passageway in the valve seat _ shaped passageway member and a second open end of the ‘C communicates with a second _ shaped passageway passageway in the valve seat member when the valve assembly is in an open configuration.

Optionally the movable valve member includes a through passage which passes from one side of the movable valve member to the other, and the h passage communicates with a passage way in the valve seat and a passageway in the top member when the valve assembly is in an open configuration.

Preferably the valve member housing has a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port.

In a fifth aspect, the invention may y be said to consist in a valve module assembly sing two or more valve assemblies substantially as ied herein.

In a sixth aspect, the invention may y be said to consist in an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, the valve cartridge having; W0 2019;031971 g at least two fluid inlets and at least one fluid outlet, (1 at least one temperature sensor, a at least one movable valve member and at least one actuator configured to move the or each e valve member, and a an electronic l system adapted to receive inputs from an input device and from the or each temperature sensor, and to control the operation of the or each actuator; n the valve cartridge is configured to engage with a complimentary fixable valve fitting, the fixable valve fitti ng being fixable to a supporting member or members and being connectable to the pi pework of a plumbing installation and having complimentary fluid outlets and fluid inlets, the engagement between the cartridge and the fixable valve fitting being capable of establishing a sealed connection between each fluid inlet and each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge and the complimentary fluid outlets and fluid inlets of the fixable valve fitting.

Preferably a direction of flow of a fluid through the fluid inlets and through the or each fluid outlet is a direction of flow that is ntially aligned with a direction of nt of the or each movable valve member.

Preferably the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge includes at least one valve module assembly substantially as specified herein.

Preferably the or each actuator is an electrically powered actuator. ably the sealed connection between each fluid inlet and each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge and the mentary fluid outlets and fluid inlets of the fixable valve fitting includes an elastomeri c seal which provides a fluid tight seal between a surface on the valve cartridge and a surface on the fixable valve fitting.

Preferably the valve cartridge is in the form of a replaceable valve cartridge.

Preferably the valve cartridge is configured to allow a mechanical fastening system to hold the valve dge securely to the e valve fitting.

W0 2019;031971 Preferably the mechanical fastening system includes a bayonet style fastening system or one or more mechanical fasteners, for example, machine screws.

Preferably the or each movable valve member is a ceramic valve member.

Preferably the valve cartridge includes ceramic valve seats ured to mate with the ceramic movable valve members.

Preferably the or each electrically powered actuator includes an electric motor. ably the or each ically powered actuator includes a linear or.

Preferably the or each linear actuator includes a lead screw assembly.

Preferably a direction of flow of a fluid through the fluid inlets and through the or each fluid outlet is a ion of flow that is ntially aligned with a direction of operation of the or each linear actuator.

Preferably the electronic control system is adapted to receive inputs from a local or remote input device or user interface via electromagnetic signals, for example via Wifi, Bluetooth or ive data transfer.

Optionally the electronic control system is adapted to receive mechanical inputs from a local input device or user interface having a manually operated knob, lever or similarly manually controlled device.

Optionally the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge includes a user interface.

Preferably the electronic control system is a closed loop control .

Preferably the or each temperature sensor is ed within the or each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge.

Preferably the conduit or conduits leading to the or each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge are configured to induce ng into fluid flowing through the or each fluid outlet.

Preferably the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge includes a fluid mixing chamber.

W0 2019;031971 Preferably the fluid mixing chamber is situated within a fluid mixing module adapted to; a receive a flow of fluid from two or more separate sources, a to combine the fluid fl ows, and g to actively mix the fluid fl ows as they meet.

Preferably the fluid mixing module actively mixes the fluid flows by swirling the fluid flows in the region in which the fluid flows meet. ably the fluid mixing module includes a mixing chamber in which the fluid flows meet, the mixing chamber having a first diameter in a region where the incomi ng fluid fl ows enter the mixing r, and the mixing chamber having a second and smaller diameter where the mixed fluids exit the mixing chamber.

Preferably the mixing chamber includes a radi used funnelling section at the transition from the first diameter to the second diameter. ably the fluid mixing module is configured to mix two fluid flows and the two fluid flows each enter the mixing chamber at opposite sides of the mixing chamber.

Preferably the fluid mixing module is ured such that the fluid fl ows each enter the mixing chamber substantially in a direction that is tangential to the ter of the part of the mixing chamber defined by the first diameter.

Preferably the flow paths in the fluid mixing module for the fluids entering the mixing chamber narrow as the flow paths approach the mixing chamber.

Preferably the fluid mixing module is configured to accommodate at least one temperature sensor.

Preferably the fluid mixing module accommodates the at least one temperature sensor within an exit section of the module where the mixed fluid fl ows exit.

Preferably the at least one temperature sensor accommodated by the fluid mixing module is ed to sense fluid temperature as the fluid exits the mixing module.

W0 2019;031971 Optionally the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge includes one or more flow sensors.

Preferably the onically controllable mixing valve cartridge es means to hold stored electrical energy, for example capacitors or provisions for one or more batteries.

Optionally the electronically controllable mixing valve dge includes a turbine generator configured to generate electrical energy when fluid is flowing through the valve cartri dge.

Optionally the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge includes an emergency shut-off valve, for e a wax tube operated shut off or diverter valve configured to prevent fluid above a ed temperature from exiting the valve dge.

Preferably the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge is configured such that each fluid inlet and each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge is situated on a single mating face and is configured to engage with fluid outlets and fluid inlets on a single mating face of a fixable valve fitting.

Optionally the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge is configured such that the fluid inlets of the valve dge are situated on a first mating face of the valve cartridge and the or each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge is situated on a second mating face of the valve dge, and the valve cartridge is configured to engage with fluid outlets and fluid inlets situated on two te faces of a socket or cavity of a fixable valve fitting.

Optionally the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge is configured such that a first fluid inlet of the valve cartridge is situated on a first side of the valve cartridge and a second fluid inlet is situated on a second and opposite side of the valve cartridge and the or each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge is situated at a location between the first side and the second side of the valve cartridge, and the valve cartridge is configured to sit within a fixable valve g housing having a first fluid outlet at a first end of the housing and a second fluid outlet at a second and opposite end of the housing and a fluid inlet situated at a location between the first end and the second end of the fixable valve fitting housing.

W0 2019;031971 Preferably the fixable valve fitting is ently connectable to the pipework of a plumbing installation, for example using threaded pipe connections or glued pipe connections.

Optionally the fixable valve fitting comprises a g configured to house the onically controllable mixing valve cartridge.

In a seventh aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a mixing valve assembly incorporating at least one electronically controllable mixing valve dge substantially as specified herein and at least one complimentary fixable valve fitting.

Preferably the fixable valve fitting is configured to mate with, and form fluid tight seals with just one surface of the or each electronically llable mixing valve cartridge.

Optionally the fixable valve fitting includes a socket having fluid outlets and fluid inlets situated on different faces of the socket and is configured to mate with a complimentary tongue section of the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge.

Optionally the fixable valve fitting es a housing ured to completely house the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge.

In an eighth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in an electronically controllable mixing valve dge, the valve cartridge having; a at least two fluid inlets and at least one fluid outlet, g at least one temperature sensor, a at least one movable valve member and at least one actuator configured to move the or each movable valve member, and a an electronic control system configured for receiving inputs from an input device and adapted to receive inputs from the or each temperature sensor and to l the operation of the or each actuator.

Preferably the or each actuator includes an electric motor.

W0 2019;031971 Preferably a direction of flow of a fluid through the fluid inlets and through the or each fluid outlet is a direction of flow that is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of the or each ic motor.

Preferably the or each actuator includes a linear or.

Preferably a direction of flow of a fluid through the fluid inlets and through the or each fluid outlet is a direction of flow that is ntially d with a direction of operation of the or each linear actuator.

Preferably a direction of flow of a fluid through the fluid inlets and through the or each fluid outlet is a direction of flow that is ntially aligned with a ion of movement of the or each movable valve member.

Preferably the valve cartridge is ured for engagement with a complimentary fixable valve fitting that is connectable to the pipework of a plumbing installation and has complimentary fluid outlets and a fluid inlet or fluid inlets.

Preferably the valve cartridge includes one or more mating features configured for establishing a sealed connection between each fluid inlet and the or each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge and the fixable valve g.

Preferably the valve cartridge includes a mixing chamber that is configured to mix two or more fluid flows and which is situated downstream of the or each movable valve member and upstream of the at least one temperature sensor.

Preferably the valve dge includes transfer passages through which fluid fl ows as the fluid approaches the mixing chamber, and the transfer passages are ured to create a swirling motion within the mixing chamber.

Preferably the mixing chamber is substantially cylindrical in shape and the transfer passages are each configured to direct the fl uid in a direction that is substantially tangential to a circle defining a perimeter of the cylindrical mixing chamber.

Preferably the cross sectional area of the transfer passages reduces in a direction of fl ow towards the mixing chamber.

W0 2019;031971 Preferably the valve cartridge also includes a flow sensing means.

Preferably the flow g means includes a rotatable t that is rotated by swirling fluid within the mixing chamber. ably the rotatable element is in the form of a paddle wheel.

Preferably a temperature sensing element of the temperature sensor is supported on a probe or shaft, and the rotatable element rotates about an axis that is coaxial with the shaft or probe.

Preferably the flow g means includes a magnetic or proximity sensing ucer.

Preferably the rotatable element of the fl ow sensing means includes one or more magnetic sensing objects configured to be sensed by a hall effect sensing transducer.

Preferably the or each linear actuator includes a lead screw assembly.

Preferably the or each movable valve member is a ceramic valve member.

Preferably the or each movable valve member is te in shape, and a linear movement of the e valve member is aligned with a length of the elongate shape. ably the valve cartridge includes two fixed valve members associated with the or each e valve member, and the or each movable valve member is sandwiched between its associated two fixed valve members.

Preferably the at least two fluid inlets and the at least one fluid outlet are all situated on a single substantially flat face.

Preferably the or each mating feature of the valve cartridge includes a formation or formations configured to retain one or more elastomeric seals.

Preferably the valve cartridge is configured to enable a mechanical fastening system to hold the valve dge securely to the fixable valve fitting.

In a ninth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in an electronically controllable mixing valve assembly including an electronically controllable mixing valve W0 2019;031971 dge substantially as specified herein and a fixable valve fitting, the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge being connectable to the fixable valve fitting using a mechanical fastening system, and the fixable valve fitting being connectabl e to a plumbing system of a building and configured to di rect fl uid to the at least two fl uid inlets of the valve dge and to receive fluid from the at least one fluid outlet of the valve cartridge, and being configured to allow leak resistant seals to be established between the or each mating e of the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge and complimentary mating features of the fixabl e valve fitting.

In a tenth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of repairing an ’IO electronically controllable valve, the method including the steps of; g removing a mal-functioning electronically llable mixing valve cartridge substantially as specified herein from a fixable valve fitting, and a fitting a ement electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge into the fixable valve fitting.

T he invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or ted in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or featurs, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such lents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.

D E SC R I PT IO N Further aspects of the present invention will become nt from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG U R E 1 is a ctive view of a first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge according to the present invention, FIG U R E 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, W0 2019;031971 FIG U R E 3 is a perspective view of a valve module assembly of the first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIG U R E 4 is an exploded perspective view of the valve module assembly, FIG U R E 5 is a cross sectional view of the valve module assembly, FIG U R E 6 is a perspective View of a first mixing valve assembly incorporating the first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIG URE 7 is a perspective view showing a second example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIGURE 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second example of an 1O electronically controllable mixing valve dge, FIG U R E 9 is a perspective view of a second mixing valve assembly incorporating the second example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIG U R E 10 is a perspective view of a fluid mixing module of the second e of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIG UR E 11 is a plan view of the fluid mixing module, FIGURE 12 is a perspective view showing a third example of an onically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIGURE 13 is an exploded perspective view of the third example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIG U R E 14 is a perspective view of a third mixing valve ly orating the third example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, FIG U R E 15 is an exploded perspective view of the third mixing valve ly, FIG U R E 16 is a perspective view of a fourth mixing valve assembly, W0 2019;031971 FIG U R E 17 is an exploded ctive view of the fourth mixing valve ly, FIG U R E 18 is a perspective view of a fifth example of a mixing valve assembly, FIG U R E 19 is an exploded perspective view of the fifth example of a mixing valve assembly, FIG U R E 20 is a rear elevation View of the fifth example of a mixing valve assembly in which cross sectional views AA and BB are defined, FIG URE 21 is a cross sectional view AA of the fifth example of a mixing valve assembly, FIGURE 22 is a cross sectional view BB of the fifth example of a mixing valve 1 O assembly, FIG U R E 23 is a front perspective view of a mixing and sensing module of the fifth example of a mixing valve assembly, FIG U R E 24 is a rear ctive view of the mixing and sensing module of the fifth example of a mixing valve assembly, FIG U R E 25 is an exploded perspective view of the mixing and sensing module of the fifth e of a mixing valve assembly, FIG U R E 26 is a perspective view of an alternative box member for a valve g of the fifth example of a mixing valve assembly FIGURE 27is an exploded perspective view of an alternative valve member configuration, and FIG U R E 28 is a front view of the alternative valve member configuration.

With nce to Figures 1 to 15 and 18 to 26, four examples of a removable electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge according to the praent invention will be described below. Figures 16 and 17 relate to a mixing valve assembly having features similar to the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges but without the feature of a removable W0 2019;031971 cartridge. Figures 27 and 28 show an alternative valve member configuration for a mixing valve that is more t and uses only actuator.

In each of the first three examples, and in the fifth example, the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges have been designed as replaceable or removable units configured for engagement with, or for use in, mixing valve lies, for example in mixing valve assemblies for use in supplying fluids, for example water, at a desired and safe temperature to a shower head, a hand basin, an industrial process, etc.

The mixing valve assemblies will typically include one replaceable electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge that is configured to mate with a complimentary fixable valve fitting. The fixable valve fitting will typically be a fitting or housing that is permanently, or semi permanently fitted to the plumbing installation of a ntial, commercial or industrial property or building.

Both the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge and the fixable valve fitting are configured to mate with each other and to form fluid tight seals at the interface n the electronically controllable mixing valve dge and the fixable valve fitting. Mating features of the valve cartridges are configured to mate with complimentary mating featura of the fixable valve fittings. While the operational features of the three examples of cartridges described herein are largely the same, it is the way in which the cartridges mate with their respective fixable valve fittings that is the main difference in each case.

For example, some of the cartridges are configured to mate or form a fluid tight seal with just one surface of a e valve fitting. Another dge has a tongue n that is configured to mate with a mentary socket of a fixable valve fitting and the tongue forms a fluid tight seal with two internal surfaces of the socket of the fixable valve fitting.

In yet another e, the fixable valve fitting includes a housing configured to completely house the onically controllable mixing valve cartridge, and the fluid tight seals are formed on three faces of the cartridge.

The electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges have been designed to provide a simplified method of repairing a mal-functioning electronically llable valve. Instead of having to replace an entire onically controllable valve assembly, which will typically require a qualified pl umber, the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges W0 2019;031971 have been designed to enable a mal-functioning electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge to be simply removed or withdrawn from a fixable valve fitting, and then a replacement electronically llable mixing valve cartridge can be fitted into the now empty fixable valve fitting. T he aim is to provide a cartridge that can be replaced simply and quickly, and ideally without requiring a qualified plumber to carry out the repair.

First E xanple With nce to Figures 1 to 6, a first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve dge (11) will now be described. The first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (11) has two fluid inlets (13) and one fluid outlet (15) and a temperature sensor (17). The cartridge (11) also has two e valve members (19) and an actuator (21) configured to move each movable valve member (19). In this example, the actuators (21) are electrically powered actuators.

T he cartridge (11) also includes an integral electronic l system (23) in the form of a printed circuit board. The electronic control system (23) is adapted to e inputs or feedback from the temperature sensor (17) and inputs from an input device (not shown), to l the operation of the actuators (21). T he input device can be a remote control panel, for example a panel with one or more push buttons, a touch screen or a control knob (24) style of input panel, ideally ed at eye level in a shower module.

As noted above, a feature of the cartridge (1 1) is that it has been configured to engage with a complimentary fixable valve fitting (25) to form a first mixing valve assembly (26). T he valve cartridge (1 1) is in the form of a replaceable valve cartridge.

The fixable valve fitting (25) is fixable to a supporting member, for example it can be fastened to the framing timbers of a building. T he fixabl e valve fitting (25) is permanently, or at least semi-permanently, table to the pi pework of a plumbing installation of the building. T he fixable valve fitting (25) can be connected using threaded pipe connections or glued pipe connections for example.

T he fixabl e valve fitting (25) has two complimentary fluid outlets (27) and a fl uid inlet (29).

The engagement between the cartridge (11) and the fixable valve fitting (25) is capable of ishing a fluid tight sealed connection between the fluid inlets (13) and the fluid outlet W0 2019;031971 (15) of the dge (11) and the complimentary fluid outlets (27) and the fluid inlet (29) of the fixable valve fitting (25).

The sealed connection between each fluid inlet (13) and the fluid outlet (15) of the valve cartridge (11) and the complimentary fluid outlets (27) and fluid inlet (29) of the fixable valve fitting (25) includes an elastomeric seal (31), for example an EPDM (ethylene propylene di ene r) rubber O-ring (not shown). E ach elastomeric seal (31) provides a fluid tight seal at the interface between a cartridge mating surface (33) on the valve dge (11) and a fixed mating surface (35) on the fixable valve fitting (25). The fluid inlets (13) and the fluid outlet (15) of the valve cartridge (11) are each situated on the cartridge mating surface (33) of the cartridge and these engage with the fluid outlets (27) and the fluid inlet (29) that are each situated on the fixed mating surface (35) of the fixable valve fitting (25).

T he movable valve members (19) are ceramic valve s and they each mate with fixed ceramic valve seats (37). E ach of the movable valve members (19) has a ‘C _ shaped bridging passage (36) that spans across and ts two ports in the mating valve seat (37) when the movable valve members (19) is in a fully open position. T he ‘C _ shaped bridging passage (36) does not connect the two ports in the mating valve seat (37) when the movable valve s (19) is in a fully closed position. T he evalve members (19) provide control over flow rate when in intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed.

It can be seen in s 4 and 5 that each movable valve member (19) is sandwiched n its associated fixed valve seat (37) and a fixed ceramic top plate (38). E ach valve :sandwich' comprises one top plate (38), one movable valve member (1 9) in the middle and one valve seat (37), and this valve sandwich is held firmly together between a valve housing body (39) and a valve housing base (40). D uri ng manufacture, the valve housing body (39) and the valve housing base (40) are cl amped together to form a desired compressive loading on the valve sandwich and then the valve housing base (40) is permanently fixed to the valve housing body (39) using a suitable fastening method for example g or bondi ng.

T he electrically powered actuators (21) each include an electric motor (42) and a lead screw or screwjack (44). E ach lead screw (44) comprises a threaded drive shaft (46) that is driven by its associated electric motor (42) and a complimentary threaded driven nut or sleeve W0 2019;031971 (47). Each lead screw (44) is ideally a part of the electric motor (42), the lead screws (44) being a part of, or an extension of, the main shaft of the electric motors (42).

E ach driven sleeve (47) is connected to one of the movable valve members (19) and is able to move in a linear direction to move its associated movable valve member (19), but is prevented from ng by its connection to its associated movable valve member (19).

T he connection between each driven sleeve (47) and its associated movable valve member (19) having a square or rectangular key (58) on the end of each driven sleeve (47) that is sized to fit within a complimentary square or rectangular socket (59) in each e valve member (1 9).

The components shown in Figure 4 including the top plates (38), the movable valve s (19), the valve seats (37), the electrically powered actuators (21), the valve housing body (39) and the valve g bases (40), when assembled together form a valve module assembly (49) as shown in Figure 3. The valve module assembly (49) is secured to a cartridge body (41) of the cartridge (11) using six machine screws (50) as shown in Figure 2. A fluid tight connection is made between the dge body (41) and the valve module assembly (49) is ed using four sealing rings (51) that are configured to span between a top surface on the cartridge body (41) and an underside of the valve seats (37).

As noted above, the electronic control system (23) is adapted to receive inputs from a local or remote input device or user interface. T he electronic control system (23) can receive the inputs via electromagnetic signals, for example via Wifi, Bluetooth or inductive data transfer.

The temperature sensor (17) is situated within the fluid outlet (15) of the valve cartridge (1 1) and provides temperature data which facilitates a closed loop electronic control system and allows the cartridge to control the temperature of a fluid leaving the cartridge within a desired temperature range.

Two intermediate conduits (61) that lead to the fluid outlet (15) are ured to induce swirling into the fluid that is flowing through the fluid outlet (15). This swirling action is considered important as it accelerates the mixing of the fluids, for example the mixing of hot and cold water flows, and this allows a sufficiently accurate mixed fluid temperature measurement to be obtained before the fluid leaves the cartridge (1 1).

W0 2019;031971 To facilitate this mixing action, the cartridge (11) includes a fluid mixing chamber (63), and the fluid mixing chamber (63) is situated within a fluid mixing module (65) of the dge (1 1). The principles of the fluid mixing module (65) will be explained in greater detail in the description of the second example below.

The valve cartridge (11) is configured to allow a mechanical fastening system to hold the valve cartridge (11) securely to the fixable valve fitting (25). In this example, an outer housing (53) is used to clamp the valve cartridge (1 1) to the fixable valve fitting (25). A n internal thread on the outer housing (53) engages with an external thread (54) on the fixed valve member (25), and as the outer housing (53) is wound on to the external thread (54), an internal shoulder (not shown) in the outer g (53) bears against an al shoulder (55) on the cartridge (11). In this way, the outer housing (53) is used to push the cartridge mating surface (33) toward the fixed mating surface (35) of the fixed valve member (25) compressing the O-ri ngs that prevent leakage from the fluid connections.

In this first example the input device is a rotary control knob (24) fitted to a free end of the outer housing (53). Manual inputs from the rotary control knob (24) translated into electronic signals that are communicated to the printed circuit board (23) of the integral electronic control system of the dge (1 1), for example via electrical contacts, inductive data er, WiFi, etc.

The printed circuit board (23) is located within a slot (67) in a main body (69) and a cap (71) encloses the printed circuit board (23) and the electric motors (42) to protect these items.

The electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (11) is ideally d from a connection to an electrical mains system. T he tion can be a wired connection via a connecting plug, or the electrical connection can be achieved via inductive power transfer or alternative contactless means. T he dge (1 1) can also e means to hold stored electrical energy, for e capacitors or provisions for one or more batteries. T he ability to hold stored electrical energy is advantageous in that the cartridge (11) can be configured to shut off the flow of water to a shower for example in the case of a mains power failure.

T his safety feature can minimise the chance of a person being scolded due to loss of l of the cartridge (1 1).

W0 2019;031971 2018/050108 _ 23 _ T he same style of power supply and electrical storage or back up can be used in each one of the valve cartridges or valve assemblies described herein.

T he example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (1 1) is configured to have a relatively small profile when viewed in the direction in which it is mated up to the fixed plumbing fitting, or fixable valve member (25). One of the features that allows this relatively small profile to be achieved is the feature in which a direction of flow of a fluid through the fluid inlets (13) and through the fluid outlet (15) is a direction of fl ow that is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of the electric motors (42). The direction of fl ow through the inlet ports (13) and through the outlet port (1 5) is also aligned with the direction of ion of the linear actuators or lead screws (44) and with a ion of movement of the movable valve members (19).

The vely small profile allows the electronically llable mixing valve cartridge (11) to be fitted through a vely small opening in a wall. Ideally the valve cartridge (11) is able to fit through an opening of less than one hundred and sixty etres in diameter, and some of the valve cartridges that have been trial led and tested to date are able to fit through an opening of less than one hundred and twenty millimetres in diameter. Such a small size makes it possible to cover the valve cartridge (11) easily with a face plate or using the manual control knob (24), or with an onic control panel or other user interface.

Second Exarrple With reference to Figures 7 to 11, a second example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (81 ) will now be described. T he second example of an onically controllable mixing valve cartridge (81) is similar to the first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (1 1) except as will be outlined below.

A significant difference between the first example and this second example is that this second e mates with fluid connections on two faces of a second fixable valve fitting (83). Fluid inlets (85) of the valve cartridge are situated on a first mating face (87) of the valve cartridge (81 ), and a fl ui d outlet (89) of the valve cartridge (81) is situated on a second mating face (91). The valve cartridge (81) is configured to engage with fluid outlets (93) and fluid inlets (95) situated on two separate or different faces of a socket or cavity (97) of W0 2019;031971 the fixable valve fitting (83). The first and second mating faces (87) and (91) are situated on a tongue section (99) of the cartridge (81 ), and the tongue section (99) is configured to fit within, and is complimentary to, the socket (97).

In this example, the tongue section (99) of the valve cartridge (81) is held securely within the socket (97) of the fixable valve fitting (83) by a single machine screw (101). The machine screw (101) s with a threaded boss (103) on the fixable valve fitting (83).

A valve module ly (105) of this second example of a valve dge (81) has the same basic components as the valve module assembly (49) used in the first example, but there are small differences in the components. T hse differences primarily relate to the fact 1O that in this example fluid passes from one side of the valve module assembly (105) and out an opposite side.

T he valve module (105) includes two top plates (107), two movable valve members (109), two valve seats (1 1 1), two electrically powered actuators (1 13), a valve g body (1 15) and a valve g base (117). Both the valve housing body (115) and the valve housing base (1 17) have two fluid ports. T he valve housing body (115) contains the two fluid inlet ports (85) and the valve housing base (1 17) has two outlet ports (1 19). T he two outlet ports (119) communicate with passages of a fluid mixing module (121) which will be explained bel ow.

The top plates (107), the movable valve members (109) and the valve seats (111) each include a h passage. W hen the h passage of one of the movable valve members (109) aligns partially or ful ly with the through passages of its associated top plate (107) and the valve seat (111), fluid will flow through that movable valve member (109). Each movablevalve (109) is moved in a linear direction by its actuator (1 13) relative to its associated valve seat (1 1 1), and can be moved to a location where fluid flow is stopped, or to a range of locations to achieve a desired fluid flow rate.

T his second example of a dge (81) includes a fluid mixing module (121) that operates in a similar manner to the fluid mixing module (65) of the first example above. The fluid mixing module (121) has two intermediate conduits (123) that each conduit leads fluid to an integral fluid mixing chamber (125). The mixing chamber (125) is situated in a region in which the fluid fl ows from each intermediate conduit (123) meet.

W0 2019;031971 The fluid mixing module (121) is adapted to receive a flow of fluid from two separate sourca and to combine the fluid flows, and to actively mix the fluid flows as they meet. In this case, fluid is received into each of the intermediate conduits (123) from the two outlet ports (1 19) respectively of the valve module (1 05). T he fluid mixing module (121) ly mixes the two fluid flows by swirling each of the fluids together within the fluid mixing chamber (125).

T he mixing chamber (125) has a first diameter (126) in a region where the incoming fluid flows enter the mixing chamber (125), and the mixing chamber (125) has a second and smaller diameter (127) where the mixed fluids exit the mixing chamber (125). T he mixing 1O chamber (1 25) includes a radi used funnel| i ng section at the transiti on from the fi rst diameter (126) to the second diameter (127).

The two fluid flows each enter the mixing chamber (125) at opposite sides of the mixing chamber (125). The fluid mixing module (121), or more specifically the intermediate conduits (123) are configured such that the fluid flows each enter the mixing r substantially in a direction that is tangential to the perimeter of the part of the mixing chamber (125) defined by the first diameter.

It can be seen in Figures 10 and 11 that the flow paths or the ediate conduits (123) narrow as the flow paths approach the mixing chamber (125). This accelerates the fluids as they enter the mixing chamber (125) which helps to intensify the mixing action.

T he fluid mixing module (121) includes a socket (128) which is configured to hold a temperature sensor (129) within the fluid outlet (89) of the valve cartridge (81). The fluid outlet (28) is essentially an exit section of the fluid mixing module (125). T he temperature sensor (129) is situated to sense fluid ature as the fluid exits the fluid mixing module (121).

The fluid mixing module (121) is an important part of the valve cartridge (81) as it allows te temperature measurements of the mixed water ed by the mixing valve module (105) and thereby allows closed loop control within the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (81 ).

W0 2019;031971 The electrical components of the electronically controllable mixing valve dge (81) including the electrically powered actuators (113) and a printed t board (131) are housed within a cylindrical cap (133). The cylindrical cap (133) is fitted onto a main body (135) of the valve cartridge (81) and is held in place by the machine screw (101). While a cylindrical cap is used in this example, it is envisaged that the cap can (133) be of any shape.

This second example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (81) does not include an integral input device. A remote input , for example a remote device with a touch screen or ly operated knobs can be used to provide the desired water temperature and this input will be relayed to the valve cartridge (81) via hard wiring or a ’IO contactless method such as WiFi, Bluetooth or inductive data er. Or alternatively a touch screen or a manually operated knob can be built into the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (81 ).

Third Exarrple With reference to Figures 12 to 15, a third example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (161) will now be described. T he third example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (161) is similar to the first and second examples of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (11) and (81) except as will be outlined bel ow.

A significant difference with this third example (161) is that this third example is designed to fit within a cylindrical housing and mates with fluid connections on three faces of a third fixable valve fitting (163). One fluid inlet (165) of the valve cartridge (161) is situated on a first mating face (1 67) on one side or end of the valve cartridge (161 ), a second fluid inlet (165) is situated on a second and te mating face (169) on an opposite side or end of the valve cartridge (161). And a fluid outlet (171) of the valve cartridge (161) is situated on a third mating face (173) which is situated between the first and second mating faces (167) and (169) and which faces a direction that is at right angles to these faces.

T he valve cartridge (161) is configured to engage with fluid outlets (175) and a fluid inlet (177) situated on three separate or different faces of a cavity (179) within a central g (181) of the e valve fitting (163). T he first and second mating faces (167) and (169) are situated on opposite ends of a substantially cylindrical body (1 83) of the cartridge (161).

W0 2019;031971 And the third mating face (173) is situated on a flat base portion (185) on a side of the cylindrical body (183). The cylindrical body (183) is configured to fit within, and is mentary to, the cavity (179).

T he valve cartridge (161) has a display screen (187) situated on a second flat portion (189) of the cylindrical body (183). The second flat portion (189) is situated on an opposite side of the substantially cylindrical body (183) when compared to the situation of the flat base n (185). A printed circuit board (191) of the control system of the valve cartridge (161) is ed under the display screen (187).

T he valve cartridge (161) is configured to sit within the central housing (181) of the fixable 1O valve fitting (1 63). T he fixablevalve fitting (163) in this example is configured to connect up to a hot water pipe connection and a cold water pipe connection on a wall, the connections lly being spaced about 150 to 250 millimetres apart. In this way, the fixable valve fitting (1 63) is fixable to the plumbing system of a ng.

With reference to Figures 14 and 15 it can be seen that the fixable valve fitting (163) comprises three main parts, a first end fitting (193) and a second end fitting (195), which are each fitted to opposite ends of the central housing (181). The first end fitting (193) includes a pipe fitting configured to connect to one of a pair of water pipe connections of a building, and the second end fitting (195) also includes a pipe g configured to connect to the other of the pair of water pipe connections.

The first end g (193) also includes one of the fluid s (175) of the fixable valve fitting (163) that are configured to mate with and form a fluid tight seal with a fluid inlet (165) of the cartridge (161). T he second end fitting (195) is similarly configured to form a fluid tight seal with the other fluid inlet (165) of the dge (161). The central housing (181) includes the fluid inlet(177) of the fixablevalve fitting (163) and this fluid inlet (177) is configured to mate with and form a fluid tight seal with the fluid outlet (171) of the dge (161). In this way, the fluid inlet (177) is situated in a central location between the two ends of the fixable valve fitting housing. T he fluid inlet (177) of the fixable valve fitting (163) received temperature controlled water from the cartridge (177) and is typically connected to a shower head.

W0 2019;031971 T his third example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (1 61) has a fluid mixing module (not shown) that works in the same manner as the fluid mixing module (125) described with reference to the second e of a cartridge valve (81). The fluid mixing module of the third example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (161) is formed integrally within the cylindrical body (183) and sits directly below the valve ents.

T he valve module (197) of the third example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (161) is r in most respects to the valve module of the first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (11) described herein. T he most notable difference being that the two electrically powered actuators (199) are each situated at opposite ends of the rical body (183). In this way the two valve sandwich assemblies of the valve module (197) are a mirror image of the other, as compared to two identical valve assemblies in the valve module (49).

Also it should be noted that the cylindrical body (183) also forms the valve housing body and valve housing base of the valve module (197). A valve module top plate (201) is ed to the cylindrical body (183) using four machine screws (203) to keep the fixed and movable parts of the valve sandwich clamped together.

A temperature sensor (205) fits through a hole in the centre of the valve module top plate (201) and extends between the valve components and down to the fluid outlet (1 71) located in the flat base portion (185) of the rical body (183).

In an alternative construction, the third fixable valve fitting (163) could be made as a single part that is connected to the hot water and cold water pipe connections on a wall. A nd the third fixable valve fitting (163) could include a mating surface that a modified version of the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (161) can be fitted to. The dge could include its own chromed cover and user interface. In this way, the cartridge could be ed without having to disassemble the fixable valve fitting in any way.

F ourth Exarrpl e With reference to s 16 and 17, a mixing valve assembly (241) according to another aspect of the present invention will be described below. In this example, the mixing valve W0 2019;031971 assembly (241) does not include the feature of a removable cartridge, r the mixing valve assembly does include a valve module assembly (243) that is similar to that used in the removable cartridge examples described herein.

The mixing valve assembly (241) essentially comprises a valve body (245) to which the valve module assembly (243) is fitted. T he valve body (245) includes two fluid inlet ports and one mixed fluid outlet port. None of the fluid inlet or outlet ports communicate with the other except via the valve module assembly (243).

A first fluid inlet port (247) communicates with a first valve inlet port (249), and similarly, a second fluid inlet port (251) communicates with a second valve inlet port (253). A nd two valve outlet ports (255) communicate with a fluid outlet port (257) of the valve body (245).

T he valve module assembly (243) has a flat base which mates with a machined face (261) on the valve body (245). T he first and the second valve inlet ports (249) and (253) and the two valve outlet ports (255) are situated on the machined face (261). When the valve module assembly (243) is attached to the valve body (245) using six machine screws (263) a fluid tight seal is made between each of the ports (249), 253) and (255), and the corresponding ports on the bottom of the valve module assembly (243), using four elastomeric seals (265).

The construction and function of the valve module assembly (243) is similar to the valve module assembly (49) described with reference to the first e herein. The valve module assembly (243) has e valve members (267), valve seats (269), valve top plates (271), electric motors (273) and lead screw assemblies having threaded drive shafts (275) and threaded driven sleeves (277).

The valve module assembly (243) is attached to a semi gular g member (279) and the electric motors (273) and a d circuit board (281) are housed within a cap (283) which snaps onto the rectangular housing member (279).

A temperature sensor (285) is fitted to the valve body (245) and is exposed to fluids passing out the fluid outlet port (257). T he temperature sensor (285) allows closed loop temperature control to be achieved by the mixing valve assembly. Fluids flowing into the two valve outlet ports (255) are ed to enter a circular passage that leads to the fluid outlet port W0 2019;031971 (257) at an angle that is tangential to a circle defining the circular passage. In this way, the fluids ng the circular e are caused to swirl and this helps to ensure rapid mixing of the two streams of fluid or water. T his mixing occurs immediately upstream of the temperature sensor (285).

As an alternative, the temperature sensor (285) could be included within the valve module assembly (243), being fitted within a fluid mixing chamber as with the first, second and third examples described herein.

Temperature inputs are ed from a remote input device and can be relayed to the control system of the mixing valve assembly (241) using wires or wireless methods as with 1O the cartridges described herein.

The mixing valve ly (241) is a compact arrangement e of closed loop temperature control and is easily installed into the plumbing pipework of a building, requiring just three pipe connections and an electrical power and data connection. Its size allows it to be installed easily within wall cavities and in locations that are convenient to suit the plumbing installation.

Fifth E xarrple With reference to Figures 18 to 26, a fifth example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (311) will now be bed. The fifth example of an electronically controllable mixing valve dge (31 1) is in many ways similar to the second example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (81) described herein. A principal difference between the fifth example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (311) and the second example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (81) is the route of the mixed fluid as it exits the valve cartridge (311). With the valve cartridge (31 1), the mixed fluid exits through a mixed fluid outlet conduit (313) that is situated n a first fluid control valve assembly (315) and a second fluid l valve assembly (317).

The new direction of flow of the mixed fluid provides a configuration in which two inlet ports (319) and an outlet port (321) are all located on a single side of the valve cartridge (311), and are in fact all located on a single flat mating face (323). The single mating face W0 2019;031971 (323) allows the valve cartridge (311) to be mated with, and ed to, a single mating face of a fixed valve member (325). In this e the valve cartridge (311) is bolted to the fixed valve member (325) using two machine screws (not shown) that pass through machine screw holes (327) situated near an outer edge of a valve member housing (329).

The valve member housing (329) is shared by both the first fluid l valve assembly (315) and the second fluid control valve assembly (317).

Another notable difference between the fifth example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (311) and the second example of an electronically llable mixing valve cartridge (81) is the position of a temperature sensing means (331) and the addition of a flow sensing means (333). T he temperature sensing means (331) and the flow sensing means (333) are each fitted through an aft face of a mixing and g module (337).

Each fluid control valve assembly (315 and 317) has a movable valve member (339) and two fixed valve members (341), and a valve actuation device (343). Each fluid control valve assembly (315 and 317) is configured such that when in use its associated movable valve member (339) is moved by the valve actuation device (343) in a linear motion relative to the two fixed valve s (341) to control the flow of a fluid through each fluid control valve ly.

The movable valve member (339) is sandwiched between the two fixed valve members (341), and all of the valve members (339 and 341) are made of a ceramic based material.

All of the valve members (339 and 341) are elongate in shape, having straight sides and rounded ends, and having a length that is approximately twice as long as their width. The linear movement of the movable valve member (339) is d with the length of the elongate shape.

T he movable valve member (339) and the two fixed valve members (341) each include a passage (345) through which the flow of a fluid is controlled by the position of the movable valve member (339) relative to the two fixed valve members (341 ). When the e (345) in the movable valve member (339) is completely aligned with the passages (345) in the two fixed valve members (341) maximum fluid flow will occur. A nd zero flow will occur when the passages (345) do not overlap at all, and a range of flows will occur at point in between, with increased flow as the passages (345) move toward complete alignment.

W0 2019;031971 T he valve actuation device (343) can include a manually operated lever or a rotatable knob or handle, or a powered actuator, etc.; and in this example, the valve actuation device (343) is a powered actuator that es an electric motor (347) and a linear actuator (349). T he linear actuator (349) is coupled to the movable valve member (339). In this example, the linear actuator (349) is in the form of a simple lead screw assembly.

A threaded spindle (351) of the lead screw assembly is an integral part of a main shaft of the electric motor (347), and in this way the threaded spindle (351) is driven directly by the electric motor. T he lead screw assembly also includes a driven nut or sleeve (353), the nut or sleeve (353) having a thread that is complimentary to a thread on the threaded spindle (351 ).

The sleeve (353) is linked or coupled ly to the movable valve member (339). In this example the ng is achieved by mating a ‘T _ shaped protrusion (355) on a free end of the sleeve (353) with a complimentary ‘T slot (357) in one end of the movable _ shaped valve member (339). The ‘T slot (357) is configured to allow the complimentary _ shaped protrusion (355) to slide into engagement with the slot (357) while at the same time preventing rotation of the protrusion (355) relative to the movable valve member (339).

Linear nt of the sleeve (353) relative to the movable valve member (339) in the intended direction of movement of the movable valve member (339) when in use, is also prevented by the ‘T _ shaped joint between the protrusion (355) and the slot (357).

Each fluid control valve ly (315 and 317) includes a valve member g (329) that is configured to hold its e valve member (339) in sealing contact with the fixed valve members (341 ). In this example a single valve member housing (329) houses both fluid control valve assemblies (315 and 317) and the valve member housing (329) includes guides (361) configured to guide the linear nt of the movable valve member (339) and to hold the fixed valve members (341) in place.

In this example, the valve member housing (329) comprises a box member (363) and a lid member (364), the two housing members (363) and (364) both being made of a relatively rigid plastics material and being welded together to hold and enclose the movable valve member (339) and the two fixed valve members (341). The valve member housing (329) also includes the fluid inlet ports (319) and the mixed fluid outlet t (313) which terminates at the fluid outlet port (321 ).

W0 2019;031971 T he electric motor (347) is attached to the outside of the valve member housing (329) and is held fixed relative to the valve member housing (329). The two electric motors (347) that are used in the electronically controllable mixing valve dge (311) are housed within a motor housing that comprises a motor basepl ate housing member (365) and a motor cover g member (366).

The fifth example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (311) also includes a mixing and sensing module (337). The mixing and sensing module (337) has a body (371 ), a temperature sensing means (331) and a flow sensing means (333). T he body (371) has two inlet regions (377), a mixing chamber (379) and an outlet region (381). The mixing chamber (379) is situated downstream of the movable valve members (339) and upstream of the temperature sensing means (331 ).

In this example, the two inlet regions (377) and the outlet region (381) are all d on the same side of the body (371 ). In this way, the mixing and sensing module (337) is able to receive two separate fluid flows from the valve member housing (329) and to e or mix the two fluid flows, and to then direct the mixed fluid back through the mixed fluid outlet t (313) in the valve member g (329).

The mixing chamber (379) is in communication with the two inlet regions (377) and is in communication with the outlet region (381 ). T he two inlet regions (377) are each connected by an associated transfer passage (383) to the mixing chamber (379). E ach transfer passage (383) is tapered and narrows in the direction of fl ow and is ured to induce a swirling motion in a fluid when the fluid enters the mixing chamber (379).

T he mixing chamber (379) is a cylindrical mixing chamber and the transfer passages (383) each direct the fluid in a direction that is ntially tangential to a circle defining a perimeter of the cylindrical mixing chamber (379). T he cross sectional area of the transfer passages (383) reduces in a direction of flow towards the mixing chamber (379). T he transfer passages (383) have a larger cross sectional area adjacent to the inlet regions (377) than adjacent to the mixing r (379), and because the fluid is forced to move through a narrowing gap the fluid is accelerated as it moves toward the mixing r (379).

T he temperature sensing means (331) includes a temperature sensing element (385) that is situated such that the sensing means (331) is able to sense the temperature of the fluid as W0 2019;031971 the fluid passes toward or through the outlet region (381) or within the mixed fluid outlet conduit (313).

T he flow sensing means (333) includes a rotatable element (387) that is rotated by swirling fluid within the mixing chamber (379). The rotatable t (387) is in the form of a paddle wheel. The temperature sensing element (385) is supported on a probe or shaft (389), and the rotatable element (387) is supported by the shaft (389) and rotates about an axis that is coaxial with the shaft (389). T he rotatable element (387) is held securely on the shaft (389) by a locking collar (390). The rotatable element (387) includes one or more magnetic sensing objects that are configured to be sensed by a magnetic or proximity sensing transducer (391), for example a hall effect transducer, of the flow g means (333).

The module body (371) has two substantially flat and parallel faces, a first face (393) ning the inlet regions (377) and the outlet region (381), and a second face (395) through which the temperature sensing element (385) is installed. The mixing chamber (379) is situated between the first face (393) and the second face (395). T he flow of fluid into the inlet regions (377) and the flow of fluid out of the outlet region (381) are all flows that pass through a single plane of the first face (393).

In this example, two fluid control valve assemblies (315 and 317) and a mixing and sensing module (337) are combined to form an electronically controllable mixing valve assembly The mixing valve assembly is a key part of the eable valve cartridge (311). The replaceable valve cartridge (311) further includes a control system which includes an integrated circuit (397) that is ured to receive inputs from the mixing and sensing module (337) and to control the ion of the electric motors (347) of each fluid control valve assembly (315 and 317). The integrated circuit (397) is housed within a control box housing (399) and a l box lid (401) that are secured to the module body (371). As with the other examples described herein, the control system is configured to receive command inputs from a range of means, for example manually turned knobs, Wifi, B | uetooth or other data issions, etc.

As noted above, the replaceable valve cartridge (31 1) has two inlet ports and one outlet port that are all situated on a single mating feature in the form of a ntially flat mating face (323). The substantially flat mating face (323) includes formations in the form of O-ring W0 2019;031971 grooves configured to retain elastomeric O-ring seals. The elastomeric seals are ed about the connection of each inlet and outlet port (319 and 321) to the fixable valve fitting (325) and are used to produce leak resistant seals. T he leak resistant seals are established between the mating face (323) of the valve dge (311) and a complimentary mating feature of the fixable valve fitting (325), the complimentary mating feature of the fixable valve fitting (325) being a substantially flat face that contacts and compresses the meric seals.

The replaceable valve cartridge (311) is configured to enable, or to allow, a mechanical fastening system to hold the replaceable valve cartridge ly to a fixable valve fitting 1O (325). In this example, just two machine screws (not shown) are passed h the two machine screw holes (327) and are screwed into two internally threaded bores in the fixabl e valve fitting (325) and are tightened to clamp the valve cartridge (31 1) to the fixable valve fitting (325) in a manner that sses the elastomeric O-ring seals to form the leak ant seals. This attachment and sealing method allows simple and quick replacement of the replaceable valve cartridge (311) as required, and this replacement could be carried out without any specialised plumbing traini ng.

The fixable valve fitting (325) is an item of plumbing hardware that can be permanently installed in a ng system and fixed to the structure of a building. T he fixable valve fitting (325) is permanently connected to two fluid supplies, for example to a hot and a cold water supply, and is permanently connected to an outlet pipe, for example a pipe that supplies ature control led water to a shower rose. T his arrangement allows the valve cartridge (311) to be replaced or repaired without having to break any of the permanent plumbing tions.

T he valve cartridge (311) or the fixable valve fitting (325) could be fitted with a filter and a non-return check valve if desired.

While the valve cartridge (31 1) could be powered by a wired connection to a power supply, it is envisaged that the valve cartridge (311) could alternatively be d by inductive power transfer. For example an inductive power transfer module could be provided in the fixable valve fitting (325) and a corresponding inductive power transfer module could be provided in the valve cartridge (31 1), with the two inductive power transfer modules being W0 2019;031971 nt one another when the valve cartridge (31 1) is ted to the fixabl e valve fitting (325).

A working model of the valve cartridge (311) has been constructed and tested by the inventors. The constructed valve cartridge (311) has a size of 90 x 80 x 64 mm and can handle flow rates in the region of fourteen litres per minute, which is more than enough for most domestic showers. This cartridge size compares to ing electronically controllable mixing valve modules presently on the market that have a size of 240 x 180 x 68 mm. T his dramatic reduction in overall size allows the valve cartridge (31 1) to be fitted in much more convenient and accessible locations, for example the valve cartridge (311) 1O can be fitted into the shower control modules, fittings or housings that are presently designed to house manually operated shower mixing valves.

In Figure 26 an alternative box member (363A) for the valve member housing (329) is shown. In this alternative box member (363A) the passages leading to the alternatively placed inlet ports (31 9A) and the alternatively placed outlet 21A) are passages having a right-angled bend so that the inlet ports (319A) and the outlet port (321A) are situated on a face that is at right angles to the direction of operation of the linear actuators (349).

In this alternative configuration, a direction of flow of afluid through thefluid inlets (319A) and through the fluid outlet (321A) is a direction of flow that is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of the ic motors (347). The direction of flow through the inlet ports (319A) and through the outlet port (321A) is also aligned with the ion of operation of the linear actuators (349) and with a direction of nt of the e valve members (339).

T his alternative configuration allows the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (311) to be constructed in a manner that has a r profile when viewed in the direction in which the valve cartridge (31 1) mates to the fixable valve fitting (325). T hat is, with this alternative configuration, the valve cartridge (31 1) is able to fit through a smaller g in a wall or shower lining, as a result of the smaller profile, when being fitted to the fixable valve fitting (325). In this way, the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (31 1) can be used in a similar manner to the first example of an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge (1 1) as shown in Figure 6.

W0 31971 Sixth Exarrple With reference to Figures 26 and 27 an alternative valve member configuration (411) will now be described. The alternative valve member configuration (411) can be used in electronically controlled mixing valve dges of the type described herein, with appropriate modifications to the valve member housings to provide two inlet supplies to a single set valve members that can be used to control mixing using only a single actuator.

The single actuator comprises an electric motor (413) and a lead screw assembly (415) similar to the actuators shown in the other examples herein. A significant difference with the alternative valve member configuration (411) is that a single movable valve member 1O (417) is used to control two inlet ports provided in a first fixed member (41 9). A first inlet port (421) of the inlet fixed member (419) can be connected to a cold water supply for example, and a second inlet port (423) of the inlet fixed member (41 9) can be connected to a hot water supply.

As with the other examples described herein the movable valve member (417) is sandwiched between two fixed valve members, all of the valve s being made of a ceramic al. In this case, the movable valve member (41 7) is sandwiched between the first fixed member (419) and a second fixed member (425). The second fixed member (425) has an outlet port (427). The outlet port (427) has a similar overall size to the ter of the first and second inlet ports (421 and 423) combined. T he movable valve member (417) has a control port (429) which is approximately half the size of the outlet port (427).

It can be said that the movable valve member (41 7) is moved by the actuator to and through four s; a a first region where the control port (429) is completely covered by a solid region of the first fixed member and in which no fluid will pass through the valve member assembly, a a second region where the control port (429) overlies the first inlet port (421) of the first fixed member and in which only fluid from the first inlet port (421) is able to pass h the valve member assembly, W0 2019;031971 g a third region where the control port (429) overlies both the first inlet port (421) and the second inlet port (423) of the first fixed member and in which fluid from both the first inlet port (421) and the second inlet port (423) is able to pass through the valve member assembly, and g a fourth region where the control port (429) overlies the second inlet port (423) of the first fixed member and in which only fluid from the second inlet port (423) is able to pass through the valve member assembly.

In this way the alternative valve member uration (411) is able to control mixing of two fluid fl ows using only a single actuator. The alternative valve member configuration (41 1) can be used in ction with a temperature sensor and an electronic control system to produce an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge of the type described herein.

VARIATIONS s of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

A number of the mixing valve assemblies described herein include just one electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, however it is envisaged that more than one cartridge could be used, for example an assembly that is supplying multiple showerheads from separate input panels.

The valve module assemblies described herein include movable valve members that are moved in a linear manner. It is ged that in an alternative embodiment the valve module assemblies could include rotatable e valve members, for example the quarter turn ceramic valve discs that are commonly used in hand operated mixing valves.

Similarly, the examples described herein all include two electrically d actuators and two mating pairs of valve members, but it is envisaged that the valves could include only a single pair of mating valve members and be operated by a single actuator.

W0 2019;031971 The valves described herein include two fluid inlets and one fluid outlet, however it is envisaged that the same operating principles and entry could be used to manage more than two fluid inlets and any number of fluid outlets. rly, more than one ature sensor could be used to suit an alternative embodiment.

The movable valve members and the fixed valve members are made of ceramic material and can each be made of a different ceramic material to reduce friction, for example a pair of mating valve members can include one made of a, and the other could be made of zirconia, silicon carbide or silicon nitride.

In the examples described herein the two g members are made of a plastics material and are welded together. However, it is envisaged that the two housing members can be held together with mechanical fasteners, and they can be made of metal, for example from brass.

T he examples bed herein all have electrically powered actuators. It is envisaged that other means of powering the actuators could be used, for example hydraulically powered actuators (for example using water re), or pneumatic powered actuators.

The electronic control systems of any of the valve cartridges or mixing valve assemblies can be adapted to receive mechanical inputs from a local input device or user interface having a manually operated knob, lever or similarly manually controlled device.

T he electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge can include one or more fl ow sensors if desired, for example for use in managing water usage or as an alternative method of control ling temperature.

Optionally the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges can e a e generator configured to generate electrical energy when fluid is flowing h the valve cartri dge.

T he electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges can also include an emergency shut- off valve, for e a wax tube operated shut off or diverter valve configured to prevent fluid above a selected temperature from exiting the valve cartridge, for improved safety especially in the event of a power failure.

W0 2019;031971 T he electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges can also include a manually operated flow control and shut-off valve for improved safety and to reduce the work done by the actuators. With this option the actuators only control flow rates and do not control the shut-off role, and in this way the power used by the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridges can be reduced.

It is envisaged that the coupling between the electric motors and the movable valve members could take a variety of forms. For example, in an alternative embodiment the e valve members could be coupled directly to their respective electric drive motors via a threaded joint. A threaded shaft that is a part of, or is connected to the movable valve ’IO members, could engage with an internal thread formed in a main shaft of the electric motor as one option.

The mechanical connection between the linear actuators and the movable valve members that includes engaging ‘T_ shaped slots and protrusions could alternatively have the protrusion on the movable valve s and the slot on the linear actuator.

It is considered viable that one or more of the fixed valve s can be in the form of a valve seat formed in the valve member housing. It is envisaged that the valve logy described herein could also be used to e a flow control valve, for example a fl ow l valve having one inlet and one outlet and a flow sensor.

D E F I NIT IO N S Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, rs or steps.

A DV A NT A G E S T hus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention es an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge which can be installed and replaced with greater simplicity and ease, and therefor at a reduced labour cost. T he relatively small size of the valve cartridges mean that they can be installed in the same place, and be coupled to the same style of fittings, as the manually operated mixing valves in use today.

W0 2019;031971 The design of the cartridges is also intended to reduce the valve size and the valve cost without impairing the expected ility of the electronically controllable valves that it forms a part of.

The mixing valve assemblies are similarly simple and small allowing lower cost manufacture and greater flexibility with installation.

T he use of two valve assemblies in the mixing valves allows both total fl ow rate and mixing to be adjusted or controlled separately.

T he use of ceramic valve members provides reliable sealing and long life.

T he linear motion of the movable valve members al lows the use of a relatively small electric motor in combination with a lead screw to provide actuation, the ion means being low cost and powerful enough to move the movable valve members reliably, even if they become partly stuck, for example stuck due to the valve drying out.

The mixing and sensing module described herein allows useful feedback concerning temperature and fl ow to be obtained within a very compact valve cartridge. T he ng action in the mixing chamber mixes the two fluid flows y and the mixing chamber provides a suitable location for a fl ow sensing paddle wheel.

The combination of reliable valve operation and accurate ck provides a very convenient electronically controlled mixing valve cartridge that can be easily ured for simple installation and removal.

Claims (18)

1. An electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge, the valve dge having; ? at least two fluid inlets and at least one fluid outlet, ? at least one temperature sensor, ? at least one movable valve member and at least one actuator configured to move the or each movable valve member, and ? an onic control system configured for receiving inputs from an input device and adapted to receive inputs from the or each temperature sensor and to control the operation of the or each actuator, the valve cartridge is characterised in that the valve cartridge has a single substantially flat mating face that includes the at least two fluid inlets and the at least one fluid outlet, and the valve cartridge is configured such that a mechanical fastening system is used to hold the mating face of the valve cartridge securely to a complimentary fixable valve fitting to form a leak resistant seal between the mating face and the fixable valve fitting.

2. A valve cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each actuator includes an electric motor.

3. A valve cartridge as claimed in claim 2, wherein a direction of flow of a fluid h the fluid inlets and through the or each fluid outlet is a direction of flow that is substantially aligned with a onal axis of the or each electric motor.

4. A valve cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each actuator includes a linear or.

5. A valve cartridge as d in claim 4, wherein a direction of flow of a fluid through the fluid inlets and through the or each fluid outlet is a direction of flow that is ntially aligned with a direction of movement of the or each movable valve member.

6. A valve cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the complimentary fixable valve fitting is a fitting that is connectable to the pipework of a plumbing installation and has complimentary fluid outlets and a fluid inlet or fluid inlets.

7. A valve dge as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mating face of the valve cartridge is configured for establishing a sealed connection between each fluid inlet and the or each fluid outlet of the valve cartridge and the fixable valve fitting.

8. A valve cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve cartridge includes a mixing chamber that is configured to mix two or more fluid flows and which is ed downstream of the or each movable valve member and upstream of the at least one temperature sensor.

9. A valve cartridge as d in claim 8, wherein the valve cartridge includes transfer passages through which fluid flows as the fluid approaches the mixing chamber, and the transfer passages are configured to create a swirling motion within the mixing chamber.

10. A valve cartridge as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mixing chamber is substantially rical in shape and the er passages are each configured to direct the fluid in a direction that is substantially tangential to a circle defining a perimeter of the cylindrical mixing chamber.

11. A valve cartridge as d in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the cross sectional area of the transfer passages reduces in a direction of flow s the mixing r.

12. A valve cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the valve cartridge also includes a flow sensing means.

13. A valve cartridge as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flow sensing means es a rotatable element that is rotated by swirling fluid within the mixing chamber.

14. A valve cartridge as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein a temperature sensing element of the temperature sensor is ted on a probe or shaft, and a rotatable element of the flow sensing means rotates about an axis that is coaxial with the shaft or probe.

15. A valve dge as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the or each linear actuator includes a lead screw assembly.

16. A valve cartridge as d in any one of claims 1 to 15, n the or each movable valve member is a ceramic valve member.

17. A valve cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the or each movable valve member is elongate in shape, and a linear movement of the movable valve member is aligned with a length of the elongate shape.

18. An electronically controllable mixing valve assembly including an electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 and a fixable valve fitting, the electronically controllable mixing valve dge being connectable to the fixable valve g using a mechanical fastening system, and the fixable valve fitting being table to a plumbing system of a building and configured to direct fluid to the at least two fluid inlets of the valve cartridge and to receive fluid from the at least one fluid outlet of the valve cartridge, and being configured to allow leak resistant seals to be established between the or each mating feature of the electronically controllable mixing valve cartridge and complimentary mating face of the fixable valve fitting. mmDUE HGURE7 HGURES HGUREQ