WO2017098527A1

WO2017098527A1 - A liquid jet mixer for water closet

Info

Publication number: WO2017098527A1
Application number: PCT/IN2016/000288
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kumar Gupta SWADESH
Original assignee: Swadesh Kumar Gupta
Priority date: 2015-12-10
Filing date: 2016-12-08
Publication date: 2017-06-15

Abstract

Disclosed is a liquid jet mixer for water closet. The liquid jet mixer includes an inlet module that has a first inlet and a second inlet to receive jets of water therefrom. The jet mixer also includes a fluid mixing chamber fluidically coupled to the inlet module. The fluid mixing chamber includes a hollow receiving portion and a hollow cover received thereon. A mixing cartridge is configured on the face of the hollow receiving portion and to be positioned within the hollow cover. The jet mixer also includes an outlet module fluidically coupled to the outlet opening for directing the outflow of water from the portion of the hollow housing to a jet spray of the water closet. The first inlet opening is fluidically coupled to the first inlet and the second inlet opening is fluidically coupled to the second inlet for selective inflow of water in the mixing cartridge.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:- A LIQUID JET MIXER FOR WATER CLOSET

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE:-

This invention relates to sanitary fittings, and more particularly, to an improvised liquid jet mixer for supplying water to a water closet

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Water mixers are widely used in bathrooms for mixing hot and cold water for providing to a user. There has been a long felt need for similar mixers for water closets, especially in cold countries as well as other parts of the world where temperatures are very low in winters. Various electrically operated jet mixers for supplying warm water to water closets (WC) are known. Such jet mixers are electrically operable and are adapted to mix hot and cold jets of water as per the requirement of the user. Some advanced electrically operable jet mixers also have the capability of providing warm water as per the desired temperature set by a user. However, such jet mixers involve complex circuitry and being electrically operable; they consume electrical power and are thus not economical.

Mechanically operable jet mixers are also know. One such mixer is taught in US patent no. 5,494,077 which relates to a hot and cold mixing discharge device that operates so that a hot water supplied from a hot water source and a cold water supplied from a cold water source are mixed together to make a warm water of desired temperature, which is then discharged. The device includes a cold water inflow passage connected to a cold water source; a hot water inflow passage connected to a hot water source; and a mixing chamber for mixing the cold and hot waters to make warm water. The device also includes an automatic temperature control means that modulates the ratio of the flow rates of the cold and the hot waters depending on a preset temperature. A flow rate control means is also provided for regulating the flow rate of the cold or hot water flowing to the warm water passage. The invention of the said document envisages that the flow rate control means may l include a fixed valve member; a movable valve member water-tightly and slidably thereon; and a handle coupled to the movable valve member to regulate the flow rate of the warm water about to be discharged from the discharge port and to regulate the temperature of the warm water about to be discharged from the port.

However, the afore-said mechanically operated jet mixers also have various inherent drawbacks. For instance, the said mixers have complex machined parts and hence the jet mixers are difficult to assemble.

Accordingly, there exists a need for jet mixers which is simple in construction, cost-effective, easy to assemble and is capable of keeping flow rate to the minimum so as to avoid wastage of water.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a liquid jet mixer for supplying water to a water closet.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid jet mixer for water closet that has simple construction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid jet mixer for water closet that is easy to assemble, easy to operate and easy to service/clean in case of any blockages.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid jet mixer for water closet that is economical to manufacture.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be clear from the ensuing description SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In light of the above objects, disclosed is a liquid jet mixer for water closet. The liquid jet mixer includes an inlet module that has a first inlet and a second inlet coupled to a first pipe connection and a second pipe connection respectively to receive jets of water therefrom. The jet mixer also includes a fluid mixing chamber fluidically coupled to the inlet module. The fluid mixing chamber includes a hollow receiving portion and a hollow cover received on the hollow receiving portion by means of thread arrangement. The hollow receiving portion is configured as a hollow cylinder having an end face and threads configured on periphery of the hollow cylinder, and the hollow cover is configured to have a cylindrical body with tapered end. Further, a mixing cartridge is adapted to be configured on the face of the hollow receiving portion and to be positioned within the hollow cover when the hollow cover is received on the hollow receiving portion. The mixing cartridge includes a hollow body, a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, a control stick for selectively opening or closing one or both of the first inlet openings and the second inlet opening for inflow of water in the hollow body and an outlet opening adapted for outflow of water from the hollow body. The jet mixer also includes an outlet module fluidically coupled to the outlet opening for directing the outflow of water from the portion of the hollow housing to a jet spray of the water closet. The present invention envisages that the first inlet opening is fluidically coupled to the first inlet of the inlet module and the second inlet opening is fluidically coupled to the second inlet for selective inflow of water in the hollow body of the mixing cartridge.

In another aspect of the present invention, the first pipe connection and the second pipe connection receive hot and cold water respectively.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the inlet module, the fluid mixing chamber and the outlet module are made of brass. In still another aspect of the present invention, the fluid mixing chamber is fluidically coupled to the inlet module by means of a conduit configured between the fluid mixing chamber and the inlet module.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the hollow cover is removably coupled to the hollow receiving portion by means of thread arrangement.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the thread arrangement has an O- ring configured thereon so as to enable a leak-proof connection between the hollow cover and the hollow receiving portion.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the hollow cover includes a shoulder portion configured therewithin such that the shoulder portion is adapted to abut the mixing cartridge once the cartridge is positioned within the hollow cover, thereby tightening the mixing cartridge at its position within the hollow cover.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the outlet module is fluidically coupled to the outlet opening by means of a conduit.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the the outlet module has a cylindrical portion configured on another axially positioned cylindrical portion of relatively lesser diameter, thereby configuring a shoulder portion.

In still another aspect of the present invention, each of the first and second inlets are configured are configured to have a threaded cylindrical portion and another axially positioned cylindrical portion separated by a shoulder portion.

For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated an exemplary aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a jet mixer for use in a water closet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the jet mixer of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top view of a jet mixer of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a view of a mixing cartridge used in the jet mixer of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is an assembled view of the jet mixer when in use with a water closer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a front view of a hollow cover used for enclosing the mixing cartridge of Fig. 4 in the jet mixer;

Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of assembled jet mixer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular liquid jet mixer as described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

In addition, the terms "having", "comprising", "including", and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.

The present invention envisages a liquid jet mixer, preferably for water closet, that enables hot and cold jets of water to be mixed before supplying to a jet spray connected to the water closet. Particularly, the jet mixer provides an economical solution to provide warm water through a jet spray unit of a water closet. The jet mixer, as envisaged by the present invention, will now be explained, in conjunction with the figures, as below.

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a jet mixer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The jet mixer 100 includes an inlet module 102 adapted to receive one or more jets of water. In an embodiment, the inlet module 102 incudes a first inlet 104 and a second inlet 106 that are adapted to be coupled to a first pipe connection (not shown) and a second pipe connection (not shown) respectively to receive jets of water therefrom. The jet mixer 100 could be Cylindrical,cubical of any other shape Fig. 1 shows one of the inlets, i.e. the second inlet 106 and the first inlet is directly oppositely positioned to the second inlet. Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the jet mixer 100 and depicts the first and the second inlets. As shown in the figures, each of the first and second inlets 104 and 106 are hollow bodied and cylindrically shaped, as a conduit, and are adapted to mate with a pipe connection by means of conventional mating techniques, such as thread connection. As shown in Fig. 1, each of the first and second inlets 104 and 106 are configured to have a threaded cylindrical portion, 104a and 106a respectively, and another axially positioned cylindrical portion, 104b and 106b, of lesser diameter, consequently forming a shoulder portion 104c and 106c in each of the first and second inlets 104 and 106. To couple a pipe connection to the first and second inlets, threaded portion on pipe connection mates with the threaded cylindrical portion 104a and 106a. While coupling the pipe connections to the threaded cylindrical portions 104a and 106a by means of rotation, the shoulder portion 104c and 106c acts as a stopper and prevents movement of the pipe connection beyond the shoulder portion 104c and 106c. This prevents unnecessary rotation of the pipe connection beyond the prescribed limit, which if not prevented may damage threads, thereby causing leakage. In addition, the externally, the fust and second inlets 104 and 106 have a tapered configuration. This helps to provide extra strength to the threaded cylindrical portion 104a and 106a so as to enable the same to sustain high fluid pressures. In addition to this, these shoulder portions 104c and 106c would not block the water inlet and therefore the water flow/pressure is not reduced.

Further, the first and the second inlet 104 and 106 are fluidically coupled to a conduit 108 for carrying the received jet of water further ahead for mixing purposes. Particularly, the conduit 108 includes two separated channels 108a and 108b in fluidic communication with the first inlet and the second inlet 104, 106, as shown in Fig. 2. Thus, the hot and cold water received from the pipe connections travels in channels 108a and 108b separated from each other until it reaches a fluid mixing chamber 110. The fluid mixing chamber 110 includes a hollow receiving portion 112 and a hollow cover 113 received on the hollow receiving portion 112 by means of threads 112a (shown in Fig. 1 and 2). The hollow receiving portion 112 is configured as a hollow cylinder having an end face 112b and threads 112a configured externally on the hollow cylinder. An annular groove 112c is configured on the hollow receiving portion 112, as shown in Fig. 2, and is adapted to receive an O-ring '0' thereon (shown in Fig 1).

Further, Fig. 6 illustrates a front view of the hollow cover 113. The hollow cover 113, as shown, has a cylindrical body 113a with tapered top 113b. The cylindrical body 113a has an annular groove 113c to receive the O-ring Ό' therein, when the hollow cover 113 is received on the hollow receiving portion 112. The O-ring 'Ό' is adapted to prevent any leakage of water from the fluid mixing chamber 110, when the jet mixer 100 in use. The cylindrical body 113a also has a threaded end 113d adapted to mate with threads 112a for enabling the hollow cover 113 to be received on the hollow receiving portion 1 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, the O-ring Ό' may be received on the (in 112c)face 112b instead of the annular groove 112c so as to ensure a leak-proof connecting between the hollow cover 113 and hollow receiving portion 112.

Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of the jet mixer 100, in which two openings 114 and 116 are provided on a face 112b of the hollow receiving portion 112. Particularly, the channels 108a and 108b extend up tc the face 112b so as to open into the hollow receiving portion 112. Thus, the opening 114 corresponds to channel 108a and opening 116 corresponds to channel 108b. In this way the inlet module 102 is fluidically coupled to the fluid mixing chamber 110 such that the jets of water received in the inlet module 102 are directed towards the hollow receiving portion 112 for enabling mixing thereof, as will be explained in the ensuing description.

The jet mixer 100 also includes a mixing cartridge 118 adapted to be received on the face 112b of the hollow receiving housing 112. Once the mixer cartridge 118 is received on the face 112b, the hollow cover 113 is affixed onto the hollow receiving housing 112, thereby securely holding the mixing cartridge 118 therewithin. To aid this purpose, the hollow cover 113 has a shoulder portion 113e (shown in Fig. 6) that abuts the mixing cartridge, as shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, once the shoulder portion 113e abuts the mixing cartridge, it helps to tighten the mixing cartridge 118 by pressing it against the face 112b, thereby ensuring a leak- proof connection therebetween. It also securely holds the mixing cartridge 118 at its position such that the cartridge 118 does not get displaced owing to high fluid pressure.

The construction of the mixer cartridge would be explained with reference to Fig. 4. As shown, the mixing cartridge 118( prefably 25mm for saving the water wastage or it could be any other size or any other design) includes a hollow body 120, first inlet opening 122 and a second inlet opening 124. The first inlet opening 122 and the second inlet opening 124 are selectively openable by means of a valve arrangement (comprising a plurality of parallel plates) configured within the body 120 of the mixing cartridge 118. The mixing cartridge 118 is a conventional mixing cartridge, such as one taught by US 5329958, and description thereof is incorporated herein by way of reference. Once placed in the hollow receiving portion 112, the first inlet opening 122 is positioned on the opening 116 and the second inlet opening 124 is positioned on the opening 114. Consequently, water received in channels 108a and 108b is directed out of opening 114 and 116, respectively, into the second inlet opening 124 and the first inlet opening 122, thereby entering the hollow body 120 where mixing of fluids occurs. A control stick 126 is provided in the mixing cartridge 118 for selectively opening or closing one or both of the first inlet opening 122 and the second inlet opening 124 for inflow of water. Thus, by controlling the extent of opening of the first inlet opening 122 and the second inlet opening 124, a user can mix hot and cold jets of water as per his requirement. The mixing cartridge also includes an outlet opening 128 fluidically coupled to the hollow body 120 and adapted for outflow of hot/cold water (as desired) that accumulates or that is mixed (as per the temperature desired) in the hollow body 120 of the mixing cartridge 118.

The outlet opening 128 is positioned over on opening 117 (also shown in Fig. 3) configured on face of the hollow housing 112. The opening 117 leads into an outlet channel 130 (shown in Fig. 1) that fluidically couples the outlet opening 128 to an outlet module 132. The outlet module 132 has a hollow cylindrical body (Fig. 1) that receives the mixed water from the hollow body 120 via outlet opening 128 and opening 117. The outlet module 132 is connected to a conduit or pipe 'Ρ', as shown in Fig. 5, for directing the mixed water to a jet spray outlet 'J' of a water closet 'WC. Particularly, the outlet module 132 has a cylindrical portion 132a configured on another axially positioned cylindrical portion 132b of relatively lesser diameter, as shown in Fig. 1, thereby configuring a shoulder portion 132c. The cylindrical portion 132a has threads 132d adapted to be coupled to threaded portion of the conduit or pipe 'P'. The shoulder portion 132c acts as a stopper that prevents the movement of the conduit or pipe 'P' beyond the shoulder 132c. This prevents unnecessary rotation of the conduit or pipe 'P' beyond the prescribed limit, which if not prevented may damage threads, thereby causing leakage. Also, the shoulder portion 132d/132c would prevent blockage of water inlet, thereby avoiding any drop in fluid flow/pressure. Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an assembled jet mixer 100. As shown the mixing cartridge 118 is received in the hollow receiving portion 112 of the inlet module 102 and the hollow cover 113 is used to cover the same after positioning the O-ring "0" on the threads of the hollow receiving portion 113. Thereafter, to affix the jet mixer 100 on a wall, a wall flange O-ring "WF" placed on a wall flange "WP" is positioned on the hollow cover 113. A handle 'H' may be positioned on the control stick 126 of the mixing cartridge. The hollow cover 113 has several other benefits apart from covering the mixing cartridge 118. Most importantly, the hollow cover 113 tightens the cartridge 118 at its position one placed on the hollow receiving portion, thereby preventing any displacement thereof due to fluid pressure. Also, the hollow cover 113 covers the O-ring "O" and prevents leakage, if any, therethrough. Moreover, the hollow cover 113 is easily removable by way of the thread arrangement and thus it is easy to assemble/disassemble the entire jet mixer or even change the mixing cartridge (if required) without requiring any professional help. Additionally, the hollow cover 113 works as a sleeve for the wall flange "WP" while fixing the entire assembly to the wall. Further, the tapered end of the hollow cover 113 is adapted to act as a shield for the control stick of the mixing cartridge 118 and cover any positional gaps between the control stick 126 and the handle "H".

Thus, by controlling the control stick 126, the user can mix jets of water as per the required temperature of his choice, which can then be provided to the jet spray 'J'. In this way, the jet mixer as envisaged by the present invention, provides an economical, simple and effective solution to mix jets of water for supplying to a water closet. Thus, the present invention envisages an economical yet effective method of temperature control of water being supplied to a water closet. The jet mixer as taught is easy to assemble and easy to disassemble for cleaning in case of any blockages. The body of the jet mixer is rendered leak proof by means of the O- ring Ό' configured between the threads 112a and the hollow body 113. Further, by means of the envisaged jet mixer one can control the flow of water into the water closet. In an embodiment of the present invention, the jet mixer 100 and/or the hollow cover 113 may be made of brass,steel or any other suitable metal.

Further, the jet mixer 100 may be used, apart from a water closet, on a wash basin as a water mixer, as a diverter for overhead shower and a two-connection outlet as well.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A liquid jet mixer for supply of water to a water closet, the liquid jet mixer comprising:

an inlet module having a first inlet and a second inlet coupled to a first pipe connection and a second pipe connection respectively to receive jets of water therefrom; a fluid mixing chamber fluidically coupled to the inlet module, the fluid mixing chamber comprising a hollow receiving portion and a hollow cover received on the hollow receiving portion by means of thread arrangement, the hollow receiving portion configured as a hollow cylinder having an end face and threads configured on periphery of the hollow cylinder, and the hollow cover configured to have a cylindrical body with tapered end; a mixing cartridge configured on the face of the hollow receiving portion and adapted to be positioned within the hollow cover when the hollow cover is received on the hollow receiving portion, the mixing cartridge comprising a hollow body, a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, a control stick for selectively opening or closing one or both of the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening for inflow of water in the hollow body and an outlet opening adapted for outflow of water from the hollow body; and an outlet module fluidically coupled to the outlet opening for directing the outflow of water from the portion of the hollow housing to a jet spray of the water closet, wherein the first inlet opening is fluidically coupled to the first inlet of the inlet module and the second inlet opening is fluidically coupled to the second inlet for selective inflow of water in the hollow body of the mixing cartridge.

2. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pipe connection and the second pipe connection receive hot and cold water respectively.

3. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet module, the fluid mixing chamber and the outlet module are made of brass.

4. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid mixing chamber is fluidically coupled to the inlet module by means of a conduit configured between the fluid mixing chamber and the inlet module.

5. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow cover is removably coupled to the hollow receiving portion by means of thread arrangement.

6. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 5, wherein the thread arrangement has an O-ring configured thereon so as to enable a leak-proof connection between the hollow cover and the hollow receiving portion.

7. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow cover comprises a shoulder portion configured therewithin, the shoulder portion adapted to abut the mixing cartridge once the cartridge is positioned within the hollow cover, thereby tightening the mixing cartridge at its position within the hollow cover.

8. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet module is fluidically coupled to the outlet opening by means of a conduit.

9. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet module has a cylindrical portion configured on another axially positioned cylindrical portion of relatively lesser diameter, thereby configuring a shoulder portion.

10. The liquid jet mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second inlets are configured are configured to have a threaded cylindrical portion and another axially positioned cylindrical portion separated by a shoulder portion.

Dated this day of December, 2015