WO2010038036A1

WO2010038036A1 - Improvements in or relating to ablutionary installations

Info

Publication number: WO2010038036A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/002359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Lea; Simon Hann; Paul Andrew Gostling; James Alexander Scott; Karl Antony Fearnley
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
Priority date: 2008-10-02
Filing date: 2009-10-02
Publication date: 2010-04-08
Also published as: GB201107067D0; GB0818002D0; GB2476444B; GB2476444A

Abstract

A mixing valve (101) has a pair of inlet connector assemblies (103), (105) that are operable to connect the mixing valve to supply pipes for hot and cold water. The connector assemblies (103, 105) are adjustable to enable the mixing valve (101) to be connected to the supply pipes to compensate for variations in one or more of the spacing, depth and angular position of the supply pipes.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ABLUTIONARY INSTALLATIONS

This invention concerns improvements in or relating to ablutionary installations. More especially, the invention is concerned with the fluid connections to ablutionary appliances. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to mixing valves for the delivery of water at a controlled temperature for ablutionary and other purposes.

Valves that mix hot and cold water (and have a separate pipe inlet for each) to deliver water at an appropriate temperature for showering (commonly known as mixer valves) fall into one of the two categories - built in or exposed. Exposed valves are attached to the surface of the wall with the water supply pipe invisible behind the wall and the valve body and controls exposed. Built in shower valves are, as the name suggests, built into the wall with only the controls exposed to allow the user to operate the valve.

The connections to the shower valve typically use a standard compression joint in which a compression nut on the end of the supply pipe is screwed to a threaded inlet on the valve body to compress an olive against the supply pipe creating a water tight seal. With this type of joint, the olive and nut usually remain permanently attached to the supply pipe after the nut is undone to release the shower valve. As a result, the nut and olive, and any pipe concealing plate, can only be removed by cutting the supply pipe which then makes it difficult to connect the pipe to a new shower valve.

Thus, although most manufacturers use compression joints, they typically use different pipe concealing plates which might not necessarily work with a different valve. Also, they can use different spacings between the inlets. This usually means it is also almost impossible to retro-fit between manufacturers without replacing the pipe work to match the new valve. This is time consuming and expensive and not usually desirable if an update of the shower valve is all that is wanted. As a result, when replacing an existing shower valve with a new shower valve the choice is often limited to the same manufacturer to obtain a replacement shower valve that fits onto the existing pipe work and re-uses the compression nut and olive together with any concealing plate.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the foregoing and seeks to provide a valve that can adapt to accommodate different installation requirements allowing more choice and potentially making it easier to change a shower valve without extensive building and plumbing works.

The invention preferably provides connector means for connecting a mixing valve to existing pipe work. The mixing valve preferably has a pair of inlets for connection to separate supply pipes. The connecting means preferably adapts the mixing valve to the position of the supply pipes. The connecting means preferably allows the mounted position of the mixing valve to be adapted to correct or compensate for misalignment due to the position of the supply pipes . One or both inlets may be provided with connecting means.

According to one preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided in or for a mixing valve having a pair of inlets for connection to a pair inlet supply pipes, at least one adjustable inlet connector assembly capable of accommodating one or more of distance, depth and angular variation between the supply pipes. Preferably, an adjustable inlet connector assembly is provided for each inlet. In a preferred embodiment, the or each inlet connector assembly is capable of accommodating, distance, depth and angular variation between the supply pipes.

Preferably, the or each inlet connector assembly includes a first coupling for distance adjustment, a second coupling for depth adjustment, and a third coupling for angular adjustment. Distance adjustment preferably allows the inlets to be adapted to the spacing between the supply pipes so that the inlets align with the supply pipes when presenting the mixing valve to the supply pipes. Depth adjustment preferably allows the inlets to be adapted to the position of the supply pipes relative to a surface on which the valve is to be mounted when presenting the mixing valve to the supply pipes. Angular adjustment preferably allows the inlets to be adapted to correct misalignment of the supply pipes when presenting the mixing valve to the supply pipes.

Preferably, the or each inlet connector assembly includes an inlet end and an outlet end.

Preferably, the first coupling is provided between the inlet end and the outlet end. The first coupling is preferably provided by telescopically engaged parts. The first coupling preferably matches the spacing between the inlets of the mixer valve to the spacing between the supply pipes.

Preferably, the second coupling is provided at the inlet end. The second coupling is preferably provided by threadably or slidably engaged parts. The second coupling preferably matches the relative axial positions of the inlet and supply pipe to the mounted position of the mixer valve. Preferably, the third coupling is provided at the outlet end. The third coupling is preferably provided by rotatably engaged parts. The third coupling preferably compensates for angular misalignment between the supply pipes in the mounted position of the mixing valves.

Preferably, the first and second couplings provide distance and depth adjustment in directions substantially perpendicular to one another. Preferably, the third coupling provides angular adjustment about an axis parallel to one of the directions. Preferably, the angular adjustment is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the directions for distance and depth adjustment.

According to a further preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided in or for a mixing valve having a pair of inlets for connection to a pair inlet supply pipes, at least one adjustable inlet connector assembly capable of accommodating variations in the horizontal and vertical spacing of the supply pipes and the depth of the supply pipes .

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided an inlet connector assembly having an inlet and an outlet and a telescopic fluid coupling between the inlet and the outlet for adjusting the spacing between the inlet and the outlet.

Preferably, the inlet connector assembly has a swivel coupling at the inlet and/or outlet or adjusting the angular position of the inlet relative to the outlet.

Preferably, the inlet connector assembly is configured for adjustable connection to a supply pipe. According to yet another preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided an inlet connector assembly having an inlet and an outlet and a swivel coupling for adjusting the relative angular position of the inlet and outlet.

Preferably, the inlet connector assembly has a telescopic fluid coupling for adjusting the spacing between the inlet and outlet.

Preferably, the inlet connector assembly is configured for adjustable connection to a supply pipe.

According to a still further preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptor for connecting a supply pipe to an ablutionary fitting, the adaptor being adapted for attachment to the supply pipe so as to project from a surface for connection to the fitting by means that is adjustable to accommodate variations in the projecting length of the adaptor.

The adjustable means may be a screw thread connection. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustable means may be a sliding connection. The sliding connection may provide a fluid-tight seal.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention there is provided an inlet connector assembly for connecting a supply pipe to an inlet of an ablutionary appliance, the assembly including a first part connectable to the supply pipe and a second part connectable to the inlet, the first and second parts being co-operable to connect the supply pipe to the inlet to accommodate variations in the position of the supply pipe relative to the inlet. The first part may comprise an adaptor attached to the supply pipe to project from a surface on which the appliance is to be mounted and the second part may comprise a sleeve connectable to the adaptor wherein the sleeve is adjustable lengthwise of the adaptor.

According to a still further preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector assembly capable of adjustment in two or more directions.

According to a further preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a mixing valve connectable to a pair of inlet pipes by means capable of adjustment to accommodate one or more potential variations in the distance between inlet pipe centres, the angle between the pipe centres and the distance between the inlet pipes and the mixing valve in the mounted position of the mixing valve.

Preferably, the mixing valve has at least one and preferably a pair of inlet connector assemblies. The or each inlet connector assembly may be capable of movement on 3-axis for connection to the inlet supply pipes.

According to yet another preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of retrofitting a mixing valve to existing pipe work by providing the retrofit valve with at least one adjustable inlet connector assembly capable of adapting the retrofit valve to the existing pipe work.

Preferably, the retrofit valve has a pair of inlets and the adjustable inlet connector assembly is associated with at least one inlet and is adjustable to accommodate one or more of distance, depth and angular variation between supply pipes connected to the inlets . Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :-

Fig. 1 shows a typical exposed mixing valve installed;

Fig. 2 shows pipe work left in the wall when the mixing valve of Fig. 1 has been removed.

Fig. 3 shows a part-section through one of the inlet connections of the mixing valve of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 shows the inlet connection of Fig. 3 disconnected;

Fig. 5 shows the spacing between the pipe centres;

Fig. 6 shows the angular offset between the pipe centres;

Fig. 7 shows a mixing valve according to the invention with the cover removed;

Figs. 8 and 9 show the connection of a retrofit adaptor to the existing pipe work;

Figs. 10 to 13 show the connection of the retrofit adaptor to the inlet connector of the mixing valve shown in Fig. 7;

Figs. 14 and 15 show telescopic adjustment of the inlet connector shown in Fig.7 to accommodate differences in pipe centres; Fig. 16 show telescopic adjustment of the inlet connectors to adjust the position of the valve;

Figs. 17 and 18 show angular adjustment of the inlet connectors to accommodate vertical misalignment of the existing pipe work;

Fig. 19 shows an adaptor for connecting pipe work to a mixing valve;

Fig. 20 shows the adaptor of Fig. 19 connected to pipe work;

Figs. 21 and 22 show an inlet of a mixing valve connected to pipe work using the adaptor of Figs. 19 and 20 to accommodate variations in the position of the pipe work;

Fig. 23 shows an alternative adaptor for connecting pipe work to a mixing valve;

Fig. 24 shows two of the adaptors of Fig. 23 connected to pipe work;

Figs. 25 and 26 show inlets of a mixing valve connected to pipe work using the adaptor of Figs. 23 and 24 to accommodate variations in the position of the pipe work; and

Figs. 27 and 28 show inlets of another mixing valve connected to pipe work using the adaptor of Figs. 23 and 24 to accommodate variations in the position of the pipe work.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, a conventional mixing valve 1 of the "exposed" type is shown in Figure 1 having a valve body 3 housing a valve cartridge (not shown) , opposed inlet elbow connectors 5, 7 connected to incoming supplies of hot and cold water by respective compression joints 9, 11 , and rotatable controls 13, 15 for user selection of water flow rate and temperature.

Each compression joint is similar and, as shown in Figure 3, includes a compression nut 17 that fits over the end of the supply pipe 19 and screws onto a^' threaded inlet 21 of the elbow connector to compress an olive 23 onto the pipe to form a water-tight seal. As shown the supply pipe 19 is routed through a hole 25 in the wall 27 on which the mixing valve 1 is mounted and a pipe concealing plate 29 fitted on the pipe 19 behind the compression nut 17 covers the hole 25.

The mixing valve i can be removed by releasing each compression joint as shown in Figure 4 leaving behind the pipe concealing plate 29 and compression nut 17 retained by the olive 23 on each of the supply pipes as shown in Figure 2. The main issues with retro-fit of a new valve to the existing pipe work of Figure 2 are the horizontal spacing "HS" between the inlet pipe centres (Fig.5) , the vertical spacing "VS" between the inlet pipe centres (Fig.6) and the distance the pipes protrude from the wall.

Referring now to Figs. 7 to 18 of the drawings, a mixing valve 101 according to the invention is shown that can accommodate the potential variations between inlet pipe centres, the angle between the pipe centres and the distance the pipes project from the wall. More specifically, the mixing valve 101 has a pair of inlet connector assemblies 103,105 capable of movement on 3-axis for connection to the inlet supply pipes as will now be explained in detail. Parts corresponding to the parts shown in Figs. 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals.

Firstly a retro-fit adaptor 107 is screwed onto the compression nut 17 which is left from the previous installation to create a water tight seal with the olive 23 (Figs. 8 and 9) . This is done with both the hot and the cold inlet supply pipes 19 of the previous installation (Fig. 2) .

Next, the valve 101 is offered up to adaptors 107 and the inlet connector assemblies 103,105 (one only shown in Fig.10) placed over the adaptors 107. Each inlet connector assembly 103, 105 is similar and includes a sleeve 108 that fits over an O-ring 111 on the retro-fit adaptor 107 to provide a fluid-tight seal and is screwed onto the retro-fit adaptor 107 by rotating a star nut 109 until a back plate 113 comes in contact with the wall 27 or the star nut 109 bottoms out (Fig. 11) . This provides a fluid tight connection between the pipe work left behind from the previous installation and the valve 101.

The act of screwing the sleeves 108 onto the adaptors 107 also allows a degree of variability in the direction indicated by the arrow "X" (Fig.10) such that the valve 101 can accommodate different pipe lengths and olive positions emerging from the wall 27 by varying how much the sleeves 108 are screwed onto the adaptors 107 with the O-rings 111 sliding up and down the inside of the sleeves 108 to provide a water tight seal in any position (Figs. 12 and 13) . In this way, the sleeve is adjustable lengthwise of the adaptor and the amount of adjustment accommodated can be varied in the design depending on the space envelope desired, i.e. more variation, more space needed.

Each inlet connector assembly 103,105 is connected to a respective inlet 115 of a mixing valve cartridge 117 (Fig.7) mounted on the back plate 113. A removable cover (not shown) is releasably connected to the back plate 113 to conceal the connector assemblies 103, 105 and cartridge 117. The cartridge 117 is provided with suitable controls (not shown) for user selection of water temperature and flow rate. Each inlet connector assembly 103,105 is similar and includes a telescopic coupling 119 that allows a degree of variability in the direction indicated by the arrow "Y" (Fig.14) such that the valve 101 can accommodate different horizontal spacings between the pipe centers (Fig. 5) when the valve 101 is initially offered up to the adaptors 107 (Figs.14 and 15) . The telescopic couplings 119 can also provide a level of adjustability of the position of the valve 101 on the wall if the original position is undesirable (Fig.16) .

A pair of O-rings 121a, b (Fig.15) between telescopically engaged parts of each coupling 119 provides a water-tight seal in any adjusted position whilst allowing a smooth sliding movement between the parts . The star nut 109 is rotatably mounted at the inlet end of the coupling 109. The sleeve 108 is retained and rotated by the star nut 109 to engage the retrofit adaptor 107 as described previously. An O-ring 122 (Fig.15) provides a fluid-tight seal between the sleeve 108 and the inlet end of the coupling 119 for rotation of the sleeve 108 by the star nut 109. In a modification (not shown) the star nut and sleeve may be a single component.

Each inlet connector assembly 103,105 is connected to the inlet 115 by a swivel coupling 123 (Figs.14, 15) that allows a degree of angular adjustment in the direction indicated by the arrow "Z" (Fig.17) such that the valve 101 can accommodate different vertical spacings between the pipe centers (Fig. 5) when the valve 101 is connected to the adaptors 107 (Fig.17) . An O-ring 125 (Figs.14, 15) between rotatably engaged parts of each coupling 123 provides a water tight seal in any adjusted position while allowing smooth rotational movement between the parts.

The swivel couplings 123 also allow the valve 101 to be attached onto the wall so that it is level even if the inlet pipe centres are not aligned horizontally (Fig.18) . This is useful when the inlet pipe centres are not level due to a poor previous installation. A small spirit level vial (not shown) may be attached to the back plate 113 in order to quickly and easily adjust the mixing valve 101 to the desired angle.

As will be appreciated, the adjustable inlet connector assemblies 103, 105 are capable of accommodating distance, depth and angular variation between the supply pipes. These are variations which occur due to different products having different dimensions and from the installation of the valve. The extent of the adjustment that can be accommodated by the adjusting features of the inlet adapter assemblies is only limited by the space envelope that the designer has been constrained with. This would usually be due to aesthetic limitations which are self imposed and do not affect the basic functionality of the invention. The "X" , "Y" and "Z" directions preferably provide adjustment on 3-axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

In the above-described embodiment, the adaptor engages a compression nut attached to the end of the supply pipe. In a modification (not shown) , the compression nut may be omitted and the supply pipe may have an integral screw thread by means of which the adaptor is connected directly to the end of the supply pipe.

Referring now to Figs. 19 to 22, there is shown an adaptor 231 for connecting a mixing valve 233 to pipe work to accommodate variations in the position of the pipe work. The mixing valve 233 is connectable to separate supplies of hot and cold water and the following description applies to the connection to one of the supplies, it being understood that the connection to the other supply is made in a similar manner. The adaptor 231 has an external screw thread 235 at one end for engagement with an internal screw thread 237 at the end of a water supply pipe 239. The other end of the adaptor 231 has a cylindrical head 241 provided with an annular groove in which an O-ring 243 is located. Between the screw thread 237 and the head 241, the adaptor 231 is of reduced cross-section and has a series of annular serrations 245.

In use, the adaptor 231 is screwed into the end of the water supply pipe 239 (Fig.20), assisted if necessary by inserting a key (not shown) in a non-circular, for example hexagonal, bore of the head 241. Sealing tape may be applied to the thread 235 to ensure a fluid tight seal with the supply pipe. The adaptor 231 projects from a surface 247 on which the mixing valve 233 is to be mounted and a circular pipe concealing trim plate 249 is pushed over the adaptor 231 to conceal the opening around the adaptor 231. An elbow connector 251 attached to an inlet 253 of the mixing valve 233 is a sliding push fit on the head 241 of the adaptor 231 • to locate against the trim plate 249. The O-ring 243 provides a fluid tight seal in an internal bore 255 of the connector 251.

The projecting length of the adaptor 231 varies according to the position of the supply pipe 239 relative to the surface 247 and variations in the projecting length are accommodated by the sliding push-fit of the head 241 within the bore 255. Fig. 21 shows the arrangement where the end of the supply pipe 239 is substantially flush with the surface 247 and Fig. 22 shows the arrangement where the end of the supply pipe 239 is set back from the surface 247. The connector 251 is releasably secured to the adaptor 231 by engagement of a grub screw 257 with the serrations 245.

The mixing valve 233 has a second inlet 259 that is connected to a further supply pipe (not shown) in similar manner. The supply pipes deliver hot and cold water to inlets 253, 259 of the mixing valve. The adaptors 231 allow differences in the position of the supply pipes relative to each other and/or to the surface 247 to be accommodated when connecting the valve 233. Differences in the position of the supply pipes may occur during installation or during re-decoration. For example if the surface 247 is tiled after the pipe work is installed or when re-decorating by tiling over existing tiles, the position of the supply pipes will change. The adaptors allow such changes to be accommodated when fitting the mixing valve or when replacing the mixing valve.

Referring now to Figs. 23 to 26, there is shown an alternative adaptor 261 for connecting a mixing valve 263 (Fig.25) to pipe work to accommodate variations in the position of the pipe work. Two adaptors 261 are provided for connecting the mixing valve 263 to separate supplies of hot and cold water.

The adaptors are similar and for convenience the arrangement of one adaptor is now described, it being understood that the arrangement of the other adaptor is similar. The adaptor 261 has an external screw thread 265 at one end for engagement with an internal screw thread 267 at the end of a water supply pipe 269. The screw thread 265 leads to a portion 271 of non-circular, for example hexagonal, cross-section that leads to another external screw thread 273 that leads to a cylindrical portion 275.

In use, the adaptors 261 are screwed into the ends of the water supply pipes 269, assisted if necessary by gripping the non-circular portion 271 with a tool such as a spanner. Sealing tape may be applied to the thread 265 to ensure a fluid tight seal with the supply pipe 269. The adaptors 261 project from a surface 277 on which the mixing valve 263 is to be mounted. Similar, inlet connectors 279 attached to the inlets 281 on the mixing valve 263 are presented to the adaptors 261. The inlet connectors 279 are rotatable relative to the inlets 281 and have an internal screw thread 283 at the outer end for engagement with the screw thread 273 on the aligned adaptor 261. The connectors 279 can be rotated manually, assisted if necessary by gripping flats 284 (Fig.24) with a tool such as a spanner, until a concealing flange 285 at the outer end of the connector 279 locates against the surface 277 to cover the opening in the surface 277 around the adaptor 261. The connectors 279 are preferably rotated at the same time and are sealed relative to the inlets 281 by O-rings 286.

The cylindrical portion 275 of each adaptor 261 is engageable with an O- ring 287 mounted inboard of the screw thread 283 of the aligned inlet connector 279 to provide a fluid tight seal between the adaptor 261 and the connector 279. The projecting length of the adaptors 261 varies according to the position of the supply pipes 269 relative to the surface 277 and variations in the projecting length are accommodated by the engagement of the screw threads 273, 283 on the adaptors 261 and aligned connectors 279. Fig. 25 shows the arrangement where the end of the supply pipes 269 is substantially flush with the surface 277 and Fig. 26 shows the arrangement where the end of the supply pipes 269 is set back from the surface 277.

The supply pipes deliver hot and cold water to the mixing valve. The adaptors 261 allow differences in the position of the supply pipes relative to each other and/or to the surface 277 to be accommodated when connecting the valve 263. Differences in the position of the supply pipes may occur during installation or during re-decoration. For example if the surface 277 is tiled after the pipe work is installed or when re-decorating by tiling over existing tiles, the position of the supply pipes will change. The adaptor allows such change to be accommodated when fitting the mixing valve or when replacing the mixing valve.

In this embodiment, a filter 287 is mounted within each adaptor. The cylindrical portion 275 of the adaptor has an internal screw thread for engagement with an external screw thread at one end of the filter 289 to secure releasably the filter 287.

Figures 27 and 28 show a modification to the arrangement shown in Figures 23 to 26 in which like reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts. In this modification, the flange 285 at the end of the inlet connector is omitted and a separate concealing ring 291 is provided that fits over the projecting end of the adaptor 261 and is held in place by the inlet connector 279. In other respects, the operation of the adaptor 261 and inlet connector 279 to accommodate variations in the projecting length of the adaptor 261 is the same with Fig. 27 showing the arrangement where the end of the supply pipes 269 is substantially flush with the surface 277 and Fig. 26 showing the arrangement where the end of the supply pipes 269 is set back from the surface 277.

The above-described embodiments describe arrangements for connecting a supply pipe to an ablutionary fitting in which an adaptor is preferably attached to the supply pipe to project from a surface on which the fitting is to be mounted arid is preferably configured to co-operates with an inlet connector on the fitting so that variations in the position of the supply pipe relative to the surface to be accommodated. Where the fitting is connected to a pair of supply pipes, for example a mixing valve connected to hot and cold water supply pipes, the inlet connector may also accommodate variations in the spacing and/or angular position of the supply pipes, for example as described with reference to Figures 7 to 18. Any method of connecting the adaptor to the supply pipe may be employed. For example, the adaptor may engage the supply pipe directly as shown in Figures 19 to 28 or the supply pipe may be provided with a compression nut and olive by means of which the adaptor is connected to the supply pipe as described previously in connection with Figures 7 to 18.

The embodiments above-described are particularly useful for retro-fitting a new valve to existing pipe work or when re-fitting a valve to existing pipework decorating, for example when tiling over an existing surface finish so the position of the pipe work relative to the finished surface has changed. It will be understood however that the invention is not limited to such application and that any of the embodiments could be applied to valves installed as original equipment.

The invention includes any of the features described herein for distance, depth and angular adjustment used separately or in combination. The invention is not limited to mixing valves and can be used for connecting one or more inlets of an ablutionary fitting to a supply pipe. Other modifications and applications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A mixing valve having a pair of inlets for connection to a pair inlet supply pipes, and at least one adjustable inlet connector assembly capable of accommodating one or more of distance, depth and angular variation between the supply pipes.

2. A mixing valve according to claim 1 wherein an adjustable inlet connector assembly is provided for each inlet.

3. A mixing valve according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the or each inlet connector assembly is capable of accommodating distance, depth and angular variation between the supply pipes.

4. A mixing valve according to claim 3 wherein, the or each inlet connector assembly includes a first coupling for distance adjustment, a second coupling for depth adjustment, and a third coupling for angular adjustment.

5. A mixing valve according to claim 4 wherein the or each inlet connector assembly includes an inlet end and an outlet end.

6. A mixing valve according to claim 5 wherein the first coupling is provided between the inlet end and the outlet end.

7. A mixing valve according to claim 6 wherein the first coupling is provided by telescopically engaged parts.

8. A mixing valve according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the first coupling matches the spacing between the inlets of the mixer valve to the spacing between the supply pipes.

9. A mixing valve according to any of claims 4 to 8 wherein the second coupling is provided at the inlet end.

10. A mixing valve according to claim 9 wherein the second coupling is provided by threadably or slidably engaged parts.

11. A mixing valve according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the second coupling matches the relative axial positions of the inlet and supply pipe to the mounted position of the mixer valve.

12. A mixing valve according to any of claims 4 to 11 wherein the third coupling is provided at the outlet end.

13. A mixing valve according to claim 12 wherein the third coupling is provided by rotatably engaged parts.

14. A mixing valve according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the third coupling compensates for angular misalignment between the supply pipes in the mounted position of the mixing valves .

15. A mixing valve according to any of claims 4 to 14 wherein the first and second couplings provide distance and depth adjustment in mutually perpendicular directions .

16. A mixing valve according to claim 15 wherein the third coupling provides angular adjustment about an axis parallel to one of the directions.

17. A mixing valve according to any preceding claim wherein, the or each inlet connector assembly is capable of movement on 3-axis for connection to the inlet supply pipes .

18. A mixing valve according to claim 17 wherein a first axis provides adjustment in a first direction, a second axis provides adjustment in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a third axis provides adjustment in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

19. A mixing valve according to claim 18 wherein adjustment in the first direction accommodates the horizontal spacing between the inlet supply pipes, adjustment in the second direction accommodates the depth of the supply pipes, and adjustment in the third direction accommodates the vertical spacing between the inlet supply pipes.

20. A method of connecting separate inlets of a mixing valve to a pair of inlet supply pipes comprising the steps of providing at least one inlet of the mixing valve with an inlet connector assembly and adjusting the connector assembly to connect the inlets to the supply pipes, wherein the connector assembly is configured to be selectively adjustable in at least two directions for accommodating variations in the position of the supply pipes relative to the inlets of the mixing valve.