WO2016042446A1

WO2016042446A1 - Water dispenser group

Info

Publication number: WO2016042446A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/056974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aldo CIVELLI
Original assignee: Almar S.R.L.
Priority date: 2014-09-19
Filing date: 2015-09-11
Publication date: 2016-03-24
Also published as: DE202015009447U1

Abstract

Water dispenser group (1) for' the distribution of water, for example in sanitary installations, like a shower, having a main extension axis (X-X). The dispenser device (1) comprises a dispenser device (10) that extends along the main axis (X-X) and 'that comprises a dispenser body (100) comprising a number of nozzles (101, 102), wherein each nozzle (101, 102) extends along a nozzle axis (101', 102'); each nozzle axis (101', 102') is inclined in relation to the main axis (X-X), and wherein at least two nozzle axes (101', 102' ) are mutually skewed.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Water dispenser group"

[0001] This invention relates to a water dispenser group, in particular of a distribution system that, for example, includes a sanitary installation. This invention also relates to a shower, a shower head and a hand shower comprising such a dispensing group.

[0002] In particular, the dispenser group is part of the water distribution system, allowing a predefined amount of water circulating in it to be dispensed. In this discussion, references to the water distribution system refer to a domestic type plumbing system. Note that the domestic context, for example with its flow rates limited by legal standards, is of fundamental importance in the light of the water dispenser group covered by this invention .

[0003] In this discussion, in addition to sanitary installations, we are also referring, in their entirety, to any type of bathroom furnishing element such as, for example, shows, bathtubs, sinks, toilets and bidets; the dispenser group comprised in said sanitary installations is thus suitable to allow the dispensing of a predefined amount of water in them.

[0004] Recently, there has been a considerable development and diffusion of several types of dispenser groups characterised by particular dispensing methods, having jets that are more or less particular, such as intermittent or that mix air with water. These types of dispenser groups provide users particular visual or sensory experiences, for example at the moment when the jet of water reaches them.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dispenser group capable of giving the user a new sensory experience and, in particular, a massaging effect on the skin of the user.

[0006] This purpose is achieved by a dispenser group realised according to claim 1, by a shower according to claim 11, a shower head according to claim 13 and a hand shower according to claim 14. The dependent claims describe further variants of preferred embodiments.

[0007] The characteristics and advantages of the dispenser group, shower head and hand shower according to this invention will be apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0008] - Figures la and lb are two exploded perspective views, respectively from the front and from the bottom, of the dispenser group according to a preferred embodiment ;

[0009] - Figures 2a and 2b are two exploded perspective views, respectively from the front and from the bottom, of a detail of the dispenser shown in Figures la and lb;

[0010] - Figures 3a and 3b are two exploded perspective views, respectively from the front and from the bottom, of the dispenser device comprised in the dispenser group shown in the preceding figures;

[0011] - Figures 4 and 4' are a front view of the dispenser group and a sectional view along the plane V-V of Figure 4;

[0012] - Figure 5a shows a perspective view of the detail of the dispenser group of Figures 2a and 2b assembled;

[0013] - Figures 5b and 5b' are a view from the bottom of the detail of the dispenser group shown in Figure 5a and a sectional view along the plane V-V of Figure 5b;

[0014] - Figures 5c, 5c' and 5c" are a side view of the detail of the dispenser group shown in Figure 5a and two sectional views respectively along the plane VII-VII and the plane VIII-VIII of Figure 5c;

[0015] - Figures 6b and 6b' are respectively two exploded perspective views from below and above of a hand shower covered by this invention;

[0016] - Figures 7 and 7' are two sectional views of the hand shower respectively in a rest position and in a switching position.

[0017] In accordance with the accompanying figures, reference number 1 indicates a water dispenser group in its entirety. Preferably, said dispenser group 1 is suitable to form part of a fluid distribution system, for example of a sanitary installation, such as an element of bathroom furnishings, for example a shower. In fact, this invention also relates to a shower comprising at least one dispenser group 1 according to the following description, a shower head, preferably, but not limitingly built-in, and a hand shower in turn comprising at least one dispenser group 1 according to the description provided below.

[0018] Preferably, inside the dispenser group 1 is formed a plurality of ducts and chambers, in fluid communication so as to allow the dispensing of water inside the system.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser group 1 has a main axis of extension X-X.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser group 1 comprises a dispenser device 10 that extends along the main axis X-X comprising a number of nozzles 101, 102 suitable to allow this dispensing.

[0021] In other words, the dispenser device 10 comprises at least two nozzles 101, 102. Preferably, the dispenser device 10 comprises two nozzles 101, 102.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, each nozzle 101, 102 has a dispenser mouth 111, 112, from which the water is dispensed to the user. Preferably, said dispenser mouths 111, 112 are positioned angularly equidistant with respect to the main axis X-X. Preferably, said dispenser mouths 111, 112 are also positioned radially equidistant from the main axis X-X.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, each nozzle 101, 102 identifies a nozzle axis 101', 102'.

[0024] Preferably, one nozzle axis 101' , 102' is inclined with respect to the main axis- X-X.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably in the dispenser device 1, at least two nozzle axes 101', 102' are mutually skewed.

[0026] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the dispenser device 10 comprises a dispenser body 100, which preferably extends in height along the main axis X-X and which comprises the above-described plurality of nozzles 101, 102. According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser body 100 is a single piece inside of which are formed the nozzles 101, 102.

[0027] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the dispenser group 1 comprises a support device 20 suitable to house and support the dispenser device 10. Preferably, the support device 20 has a water inlet 21 and is in fluid communication with the dispenser device 10, so as to allow the water in motion, entering from the inlet 21, to reach the dispenser device 10 and to be dispensed by said nozzles 101, 102. Preferably, the support device 20, as shown in a non-limiting way in the accompanying drawings, is an integral part of the hand shower 900 of this invention. Similarly, the support device 20 is an integral part of the shower head of this invention.

[0028] So, according to a preferred embodiment, the support device 20 has a housing cavity 20' , specially shaped to hold the dispenser device 10. Preferably, the dispenser device 10 is, in fact, housed in said housing cavity 20' and is fixable in it, for example by means of a flange 190 and appropriate screws.

[0029] Preferably, the mutual engagement between the dispenser device 10 and the support device 20 is leaktight .

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser group 1 also comprises a bearing structure 200 suitable to be embedded in a support element, for example the walls of a shower.

[0031] In other words, as a function of its embodiment and, in particular, in the embodiment in which the dispensing unit 1 is connected to the system by means of masonry work, this comprises the aforesaid bearing structure 200 connectable to a plumbing system, preferably by providing for a manifold to which to connect the pipes.

[0032] Preferably, the bearing structure 200 includes a housing 200' into which the support device 20 is insertable in the direction of the main axis X-X. Said housing seat 200' is specifically shaped to securely hold the support device 20. Inside said housing seat 200', between the support device 20 and the bearing structure 200 is thus created a water receiving chamber that is filled with water before passing through the water inlet 21. According to a preferred embodiment, the support device 20 is insertable into the bearing structure 200 as a function of the thickness of the support element, for example as a function of the fact that it is a masonry wall, or plasterboard, or a part, for example of a shower cabin .

[0033] Preferably, the bearing structure 200 also comprises suitable flanged elements 290 for its correct fastening of the support element.

[0034] In other words, the coupling between the support device 20 and the bearing structure 200 is telescopically adjustable, depending on the installer's needs. For example, the dispenser group 1 is suitable to a size between 6 cm and 9 cm.

[0035] Preferably, the support device 20, prior to the water inlet 21, and thus positioned between the support device 20 itself and the bearing structure 200, comprises a flow limiter 25, suitable to limit the flow of water entering the water inlet 21. Preferably, the flow limiter 25 is suitable to limit the water flow to a maximum limit not greater than 4 dm³ per min. Preferably, the flow limiter 25 also comprises a water filter 251.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser group 1 also comprises rotation means 30 suitable to move in rotation the dispenser portion 10, in particular the dispenser body 100, around the main axis X-X, exploiting the action the motion of the water.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotation means 30 are housed inside the support device 20 preferably in a motion cavity 20". In an embodiment, the rotation means 30 are, for example, on the bottom of the housing cavity 20', and the ^"motion cavity 20" is a sub- cavity of the support cavity 20' . In a further embodiment, the support means 30 are instead placed in the motion cavity 20" that is located on the opposite side, along the main axis with respect to the housing cavity. 20' . In a still further embodiment, the support means 30 are instead placed in the motion cavity 20" that is located alongside the housing cavity 20' .

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the water inlet 21 allows the entry of a predefined amount of water 21 into the motion cavity 20".

[0039] Preferably, in fact, the rotation means 30 have at least a part wetted by the water, for example housed in the motion cavity 20"; this part is thus suitable to undergo the action due to the motion of the water and to transmit this action so as to cause the rotation of the dispenser device 10 and, in particular, the dispenser body 100.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotation means 30 comprise a propeller 300 moved in rotation by the motion of the water and transmission means 310 suitable to transfer the rotary movement of the propeller 300 to the dispenser device 10. Preferably, the propeller 300 is housed in the motion cavity 20", while the transmission means 310 extend in a special opening for engaging the dispenser device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the motion cavity 20" has shape and dimensions such as to rotationally house the propeller 300 maintaining it in axis; in other words, maintaining it centred on its axis of rotation, i.e., the propeller axis E-E.

[0041] Preferably, the transmission means 310 comprise one or more helical gears, integrally connected to the propeller 300, suitable to mesh with the dispenser device 10. Preferably, in fact^' the dispenser element 100, at its end opposite to the nozzles 101, 102, comprises a main gear 110 suitable to mesh with the propeller gear. Preferably, the main gear 110 has its radial teeth facing the centre, i.e., towards the main axis X-X; in other embodiments, the main gear 110 has its radial teeth facing outwards.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the helical gear is placed centrally to the propeller 300, i.e., extends along the propeller axis E-E. In further preferred embodiments, the propeller gear or gears are suitable to compose a kinematic mechanism suitable to transmit the motion of the propeller 300 to the main gear 110.

[0043] Preferably, the water in motion inside the support device 20, in particular inside the motion cavity 20", entering in them through the water inlet 21 engages the propeller 300 radially, so as to set it rotating around the propeller axis E-E.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the propeller axis E-E is parallel to the main axis X-X; in some embodiments, the propeller axis E-E and main axis X-X are also suitable to coincide.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotation element 100 comprises a cavity 110' inside the main gear 110, in which the nozzles 101, 102 are fluidically connected with such cavity 110' . Preferably, the main gear 110 has its teeth facing radially to the cavity 110' .

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission ratio between the propeller gear 310 and main gear 110 is 3 to 1.

[0047] Preferably, the dispenser device 10, and in particular the dispenser body 100, is placed in rotation at a speed not exceeding 400 rpm, preferably between 250 rpm.

[0048] According to the drawings relating to a preferred embodiment of a hand shower 900, the rotation means 30 are accommodated in the hand shower 900 and have · the above-described components and the above-described fluidically connected chambers, arranged with a different layout than that described.

[0049] In particular, the hand shower 900 comprises a graspable handle 980 and a dispenser disc 990.

[0050] Preferably, the hand shower 900 of this invention, in a preferred embodiment, has the possibility of dispensing water through the dispenser group 10, but also through a further group of nozzles 950, preferably through the dispenser disc 990.

[0051] Preferably, the hand shower 900 includes appropriate channels 901, 902 suitable to place the plumbing system in fluidic communication with the dispenser group 10 and the further group of nozzles 95.0; preferably, said channels 901, 902 extend through the handle 980 and through the dispenser disc 990 to fluidically interlock the dispenser group 10 or group of nozzles 950.

[0052] Preferably, the hand shower 900 comprises a switching group 910 suitable to be actuated by the user to control the access of the water to the preferred channel 901, 902.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the switching group 910 comprises a switching device 915 suitable to be arranged in such a way as to allow the passage of coolant liquid to the preferred channel 901, 902. Preferably, the switching device 915 is suitable to be commanded in a perpendicular position with respect to the flow of water in this way occluding one or more channels 901, 902. In fact, in a preferred embodiment, the hand shower 900 comprises more than two channels and the switching group 910 is suitable to allow the dispensing of the water by commanding the passage of water through a preferred channel.

[0054] Preferably, the switching device 915 is located near the entrance of the water in the hand shower 900, i.e., at the beginning of the handle 980.

[0055] Preferably, the switching group 910 comprises an actuating button 919 suitable to be pressed by the user to command the movement of the switching device 915. In a preferred embodiment, the button 919 is actuated in rotation with respect to a pivoting axis R-R, preferably the button 919 is suitable to pivot around said pivoting axis R-R.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating button 919 is placed in near the nozzle disc 990, preferably end of the handle 980. The actuating group 910 comprises an actuating lever 916 suitable to extend inside the handle 980 to operatively connect the button 919 and the actuating device 915.

[0057] Preferably, the actuating device 915 comprises an elastic element and a cam element suitable to allow the change and maintenance of a position of the actuating device 915 with respect to the channel 901, 902 following the user's pressing of the button 919 transmitted to the device 915 by means of the actuating lever 916. Preferably, by means of the elastic element and the cam element, the actuation of the button 919 around the pivoting axis 919 is always the same; the button 919 is in fact maintained in the rest position shown in Figure 7 and, when pressed, is brought into switching position shown in Figure 7' to then,, due to the action of the elastic element, return into said rest position.

[0058] Moreover, in some preferred embodiments, there is a flow limiter in the hand shower 900 having functioning and purposes according to those described above.

[0059] Innovatively, the dispenser group according to this invention allows achieving the stated purpose of the invention, i.e., of giving the user a new sensory experience with respect to the currently known dispenser groups .

[0060] Advantageously, the dispenser group is suitable to dispense, under pressure, a plurality of water jets as a function of the number of nozzles comprised in it.

[0061] Moreover, advantageously the water reaches the user with a helical motion; in other words, the jets dispensed by the nozzles of the dispenser group reach the user in a phase-shifted manner, thus creating an effective, as well as pleasant, massaging action. Advantageously, said massaging action is obtained from small jets obtained from the nozzles.

[0062] A further advantage resides also in the fact that the dispenser group is suitable to operate, achieving the stated purpose, even with low pressures. So, advantageously, the dispenser group is extremely suitable to be comprised in sanitary installations of every type, for example directly connected to the domestic plumbing system. Advantageously, the dispenser group is suitable to work perfectly with the flow rates typical of domestic plumbing systems. [0063] A still further advantage is linked to the fact that the dispenser group covered by this invention has a rotation of the nozzles commanded by suitable rotation means, which are suitable .to maintain a constant rotation. In particular, in fact, the dispenser group covered by this invention achieves the stated purpose of setting the nozzles in rotation in a rotational manner, dispensing water in a helical manner, without the need for components specifically designed to increase the dispensing pressure, but the delegating everything to the rotation means included in it.

[0064] Advantageously, the dispenser group covered by this invention is particularly suited to be used in a shower, although it has particular possible applications in further sanitary installations.

[0065] Moreover, advantageously, the dispenser group is suitable to find application both individually, for example on the walls of a shower so as to act as a massaging jet element, and in combination with other types of nozzles; for example, it is insertable in a shower head, which in addition to classic dispensing nozzles is suitable to dispense water through the dispenser group covered by the invention.

[0066] Advantageously, the dispenser group covered by this invention achieves a helical optical effect in dispensing water .

[0067] Moreover, advantageously, the dispenser group is suitable also find application in a hand shower. In other words, advantageously, the dispenser group is suitable to find application, continuing to fulfil the purpose of this invention, even in situations where there are narrow spaces. In fact, advantageously, studying the correct layout of the various kinematic mechanisms comprised in the dispenser group and studying the arrangement of the various chambers and various channels in which the water flows, the dispenser group is integratable in a plurality of bathroom elements.

[0068] Innovatively, this invention also cover a shower head, built-in or cantilevered, and a hand shower, comprising the dispenser group having the above-listed advantages .

[0069] Advantageously, the hand shower is suitable to deliver water through both the dispenser group and through a plurality of other nozzles. Advantageously, by means of a switching group comprised in the hand shower, the user chooses the type of jet desired. Preferably, said switching group is housed in the handle of the hand shower. Advantageously, the switching group is actuatable by the user pressing the button comprised in it, for example with his thumb. [0070] Moreover, advantageously, the dispenser group unit is extremely suitable to be used in practices such as chromotherapy, for example when provided in the shower in which it is comprised.

[0071] It is clear that one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, may make changes to the dispenser group, the shower or shower head described above, all contained within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Water dispenser group (1) of a fluid distribution system which, for example, includes a sanitary installation (500) , having a main extension axis (X-X) , comprising:

- a dispenser device (10) which extends along the main axis (X-X) and which comprises a dispenser body (100) comprising a number of nozzles (101, 102), wherein each nozzle (101, 102) extends along a nozzle axis (101', 102');

- a support device (20) suitable to house and support the dispenser device (10) having a water inlet '(21) and being in fluidic communication with the dispenser device (10); wherein each nozzle axis (101', 102') is inclined in relation to the main axis (X-X) , and wherein at least two nozzle axes (101', 102') are mutually skewed.

2. Dispenser group (1) according to claim 1, wherein each nozzle (101, 102) has a dispenser mouth (111, 112), wherein in relation to the main axis (X-X) said dispenser mouths (111, 112) are positioned angularly equidistant.

3. Dispenser group (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the dispenser device (10) comprises two nozzles (101, 102) .

4. Dispenser group (1) according to any of the previous claims, further comprising, rotation means (30) housed in the support portion (20) and suitable for moving the dispenser portion (10) in rotation around the main axis (X-X) , using the motion action of the water.

5. Dispenser group (1) according to claim 4, wherein the rotation means (30) comprise a propeller (300) moved in rotation by the motion of the water and transmission means (310) suitable to transfer the rotary movement of the propeller (300) to the dispenser device (10) .

6. Dispenser group (1) according to claim 5, wherein the transmission means (310) comprise at least a helical gear

(310) integrally connected to the propeller (300), and the dispenser element (100), at the. end opposite the nozzles, comprises a main gear (110) suitable to mesh the propeller gear.

7. Dispenser group (1) according to claim 6, wherein the transmission ratio between the propeller gear (310) and main gear (110) is a reduction ratio, preferably 3 to 1.

8. Dispenser group (1) according to claim 7, wherein the rotation element (100) comprises a cavity (110') inside the main gear (110), in which the nozzles (101, 102) are fluidically connected with such cavity (110').

9. Dispenser group (1) according to any of the claims from. 4 to 8, wherein the water in motion inside the support device (20) crosses the water inlet (21) engages the propeller (300) radially, in such a way as to place it in rotation around a propeller axis (E-E) parallel or coincident with the main axis (X-X) .

10. Dispenser group (1) according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a bearing structure (200) suitable to be embedded in a support element, for example the walls of a shower, connectable to a plumbing system, in which the bearing structure (200) comprises a housing seat (200') in which the support device (20) is insertable in the direction of the main axis (X-X) .

11. Shower (501) comprising at least one dispenser group (1) according to any of the previous claims.

12. Shower (501) according to claim 11, comprising at least one dispenser group (1) positioned on at least one support element, for example the delimiting walls or cabin of a shower.

13. Shower head comprising at least one dispenser group (1) according to any of claims from 1 to 9.

14. Hand shower (900) comprising at least one dispenser group (1) according to any of claims from 1 to 9.

15. Hand shower (900) according to claim 14, comprising a nozzle disc (990) suitable to allow dispensing the water through the dispenser group (1) or through a further nozzle group (950), wherein the hand shower (900) comprises a switching group (910) actuatable by the user to control the preferred dispensing mode of the hand shower (900) .

16. Hand shower (900) according to claim 15, comprising a graspable handle (980) that extends in length from the nozzle disc (990), and the switching group (910) comprises a button (919) actuatable by the user to control the dispensing mode, wherein said button (919) is placed on the handle (980), preferably in the area near the nozzle disc (990) .