WO2020201678A1

WO2020201678A1 - Spray head

Info

Publication number: WO2020201678A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/050261
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nigel SANSUM; Richard DAUNCEY
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
Priority date: 2019-04-03
Filing date: 2020-02-05
Publication date: 2020-10-08
Also published as: GB2582801B; GB2582801A; GB201904705D0

Abstract

A spray head (100) comprises a face plate (102) including at least one aperture (118); and a blocking plate (124) positioned above each aperture (118). The blocking plate (124) is configured to be in a first position when a pressure of a fluid is at or below a threshold fluid pressure, whereby in the first position the blocking plate (124) prevents the flow of the fluid through the at least one aperture (118). The blocking plate (124) is configured to slide over the face plate (102) to a second position when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold fluid pressure. In the second position, the blocking plate (124) allows flow of water through the at least one aperture (118).

Description

SPRAY HEAD

The present disclosure relates to a spray head, in particular for an ablutionary appliance or fitting. More particularly, it relates to a spray head having a non-drip mechanism and to a shower system employing the spray head. Whilst the disclosure is particularly suited to use in a shower head, it need not be limited to such use.

Known shower spray heads are prone to dripping after the shower system has been turned off, due to residual water within the shower spray head and/or in the connecting hose and/or pipes. In addition to any irritation caused by the sight and sound of dripping water, this can lead to bathroom surfaces remaining wet and slippery for longer, so increasing the chance of accidents. Slowly dripping water may also lead to damp problems within the bathroom or shower room.

Some or all of the residual water within the shower spray head and/or in the connecting hose and/or pipes may drip from the shower spray head some time, e.g. several minutes or even hours, after the shower system has been turned off. This may be unexpected and/or disturbing. Further, it may lead to user complaints concerning the components, e.g. valves, within the shower system, which may in fact be perfectly fine. In attending to such user complaints, potentially unnecessary inspection, maintenance and/or replacement of valves and other components within the shower system may be carried out. Various factors may cause the delayed dripping of the residual water within the shower spray head and/or in the connecting hose and/or pipes, including for example changes in temperature, air pressure or air flow in the room.

A first aspect provides a spray head comprising: a face plate including at least one aperture; and a blocking plate positioned above each aperture, the blocking plate being configured to be in a first position when a pressure of a fluid is at or below a threshold fluid pressure, whereby in the first position the blocking plate prevents the flow of the fluid through the at least one aperture; wherein the blocking plate is configured to slide over the face plate to a second position when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold fluid pressure, whereby in the second position the blocking plate allows the flow of fluid through the at least one aperture. The blocking plate may be configured to slide laterally relative to the face plate, when moving between the first position and the second position. The sliding of the blocking plate relative to the face plate may unblock or derestrict the apertures, allowing the flow of fluid. The blocking plate may be configured to slide in a direction substantially parallel to one of more contours of the face plate.

The blocking plate may include at least one protrusion that, in the first position, physically prevents the flow of water through the at least one aperture.

The at least one protrusion may be cylindrical and/or may correspond to the shape of the at least one aperture.

The at least one protrusion may form a seal with the face plate when the blocking plate is in the first position, the seal not being formed when the blocking plate is in the second position.

The face plate may include at least one insert that forms a nozzle within the at least one aperture. The or each insert may be formed of a different material from that forming the face plate. The material of the insert may enhance the sealing with the blocking plate. The material of the insert may be a resilient material.

The spray head may further comprise a guide plate configured to guide a movement of the blocking plate between the first position and the second position in response to a change in the pressure of the fluid.

The spray head may further comprise a cam mechanism configured to cause the movement of the blocking plate.

The cam mechanism may comprise a first cam surface and a second cam surface, the guide plate including the first cam surface and the blocking plate including the second cam surface.

The guide plate may be configured to move in response to a change in fluid pressure, the movement of the guide plate causing a corresponding movement of the first cam surface, causing the movement of the second cam surface and thus the movement, e.g. sliding, of the blocking plate from the first position to the second position.

The guide plate may be fixed positionally at a fixed edge and may be configured to pivot or flex from the fixed edge in response to increased fluid pressure, causing movement of the blocking plate.

The spray head may further comprise at least one seal element for limiting or preventing fluid flow to a volume between the guide plate and the blocking plate within which may be located the cam mechanism.

The spray head may further comprise a biasing element configured to bias the blocking plate towards the first position.

For example, the biasing element may comprise a plurality of spring fingers.

The biasing element may be formed on one of the guide plate and the blocking plate.

The guide plate may be configured to prevent the flow of fluid to a chamber formed between the guide plate and the face plate, when the fluid pressure is at or below the threshold fluid pressure.

The guide plate may include a sealing mechanism that acts to prevent fluid flow into the chamber when the fluid pressure is at or below the threshold fluid pressure.

The sealing mechanism may seal against a fixed part of a housing of the spray head. A gap may be formed between a sealing element and the fixed part when the fluid pressure is at or above the threshold fluid pressure.

The threshold fluid pressure may be equal to or substantially equal to ambient air pressure.

The fluid may be water. The fluid may have a temperature of at least 0°C, up to or at least 5°C, up to or at least 15°C, up to or at least 45°C and/or up to or at least 65°C.

The face plate may include any number of apertures. For example, the face plate may include up to or at least 10 apertures, up to or at least 50 apertures, up to or at least 100 apertures and/or up to or at least 200 apertures, or may include any other number of apertures.

The spray head may be provided in the form of a fixed shower head or may be provided in the form of a handheld shower head. The spray head may alternatively comprise a part of a sprayer, a sprinkler, a tap, a faucet or other fluid, e.g. water, delivery fitting, for use either indoors or outdoors in a domestic, industrial or commercial setting.

A second aspect provides a fluid delivery fitting comprising a spray head according to the first aspect.

The fluid delivery fitting may comprise a shower head, a sprayer, a sprinkler, a tap or a faucet. The fluid delivery fitting may be suitable for use either indoors or outdoors in a domestic, industrial or commercial setting.

A third aspect provides a fluid delivery system comprising a spray head according to the first aspect or a fluid delivery fitting according to the second aspect, the spray head being in fluid communication with a water supply.

The fluid delivery system may comprise a shower system. The spray head may be provided in the form of a fixed shower head or may be provided in the form of a handheld shower head.

A fourth aspect provides a kit of parts arranged to form a spray head according to the first aspect or a fluid delivery fitting according to the second aspect.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

Non-limiting examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first example embodiment of a spray head;

Figures 2 and 3 are enlarged views of the cam mechanism and blocking plate of the spray head of Figure 1 with the blocking plate in the first position;

Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged views of the cam mechanism and blocking plate of the spray head of Figure 1 with the blocking plate in the second position;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the sealing element and biasing element of the spray head of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the sealing element and biasing element of the spray head of Figure 1 , including an optional mounting element;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the sealing element and biasing element of the spray head of Figure 1 , showing the biasing elements from a different angle;

Figure 9 shows a second example embodiment of a spray head;

Figures 10 to 12 are enlarged views of the central sealing element of the spray head of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the biasing elements of the spray head of Figure 9;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative cam mechanism;

Figure 15 is an ablutionary system including the spray head of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a spray head 100 comprising a face plate 102 and a back plate 104 that are engaged together to form a chamber 106. A housing 109 surrounds the face plate 102 and back plate 104, and includes a rear cover 108 and a front cover 1 10 that extends across the bottom of the face plate 102. The face plate 102, back plate 104, and housing 109 may each be formed of plastics, but other materials may also be suitable, these being known to the skilled person. The spray head 100 of this embodiment is configured for use as a shower head, but other uses may also be known to the skilled person and this is not intended to be limiting to the scope of the disclosure . An opening 1 12 is formed in the back plate 104 for the receipt of fluid, for example water, from a fluid source 1 14. In the present embodiment, the opening 1 12 is attached to a joint - in this case a ball j oint 1 16 - which allows the back plate 104 to pivot relative to the ball j oint 1 16 and connected inlet. This pivoting allows for directing of the spray from the face plate 102. For ease, the term“water” will be used from hereon in, but this is not intended to be limiting and other fluids may be used.

The face plate 102 includes a plurality of apertures 1 18 through which water may pass, under pressure. The face plate 102 also includes inserts 120 that are positioned within each aperture 1 18 to form nozzles 122. The inserts 120 pass through both the apertures 1 18 and the front cover 1 10, in use, forming water jets that exit the spray head 100.

Within the chamber 106, a blocking plate 124 is positioned that, when water pressure within the chamber 106 is below a threshold water pressure, restricts the passage of water through the apertures 1 18 and nozzles 122. The blocking plate 124 is movable between a first position, in which the blocking plate 124 blocks the apertures 1 18 and prevents or limits water flow through the apertures 1 18, and a second position, in which the blocking plate 124 does not block the apertures 1 18 and therefore water is permitted to flow through the apertures 1 18. The movement of the blocking plate 124 occurs in response to a change in water pressure within the chamber 106.

The blocking plate 124 includes a plurality of protrusions 126, each protrusion 126 lining up with an aperture 1 18, when in the first position. The protrusions 126 are substantially cylindrical, matching the shape of the apertures 1 18, which are circular. In the first position, the protrusions 126 are in contact with the inserts 120 of the face plate 102, creating a seal through which water cannot pass. In the second position, the apertures 118 are uncovered, allowing water flow, and water is able to flow around the protrusions 126 in order to travel to the apertures 118. Figures 3 and 5 illustrate this in more detail. In Figure 3, the blocking plate 124 is shown in the first position. In Figure 5, the blocking plate 124 is shown in the second position.

A guide plate 128 is also positioned within the chamber 106, the guide plate 128 being configured to move the blocking plate 124 in response to a change in water pressure within the chamber 106. The guide plate 128 is fixed to the back plate 104 towards its outer edge by a strut 130, and can flex away from this point, thereby allowing movement of the guide plate 128 in response to an increase in water pressure above the guide plate 128.

A cam mechanism 132 is positioned between the guide plate 128 and blocking plate 124 and is shown in detail in Figures 2 and 4. The cam mechanism 132 comprises a first cam surface 134, formed on the guide plate 128, and a second cam surface 136, formed on the blocking plate 124. The cam surfaces 134, 136 are angled relative to each other so that the movement of the first cam surface 134 causes a movement of the second cam surface 136. More specifically, the substantially vertical motion of the first cam surface 134 caused by the flexing of the guide plate 128 acts upon the second cam surface 136. As the blocking plate 124 is prevented from being moved downwards, by the face plate 102, the slope of the second cam surface 136 causes lateral motion of the blocking plate 124, i.e. the blocking plate 124 moves in an arc parallel to the contours of the face plate 102. The blocking plate 124 is therefore caused to move from the first position, shown in Figures 2 and 3, to the second position, shown in Figures 4 and 5.

It is therefore apparent that the threshold fluid pressure is determined by the force required to move the guide plate 128 and blocking plate 124 using the cam mechanism 132. By altering the angle of the cam surfaces 134, 136, the materials used to create each component, and the connections between the components, this threshold fluid pressure can be altered. This will be apparent to the skilled person in the context of the present disclosure. After the water pressure decreases to a level below the threshold water pressure, the guide plate 128 recoils, moving the first cam surface 134 away from the second cam surface 136. This allows the blocking plate 124 to slide back to the first position, biased by a biasing member 138 in for the form of spring fingers 140 that are disposed around the circumference of the guide plate 128 and act upon the blocking plate 124.

The cam mechanism 132 is separated from the rest of the chamber 106, and in particular the water within the chamber 106, by two sealing elements 142 that pass around the inner and outer perimeters of the blocking plate 124. The sealing elements 142 prevent the passage of water into a volume 144 around the cam mechanism 132, preventing water disrupting the operation of the cam mechanism 132 and ensuring that the guide plate 128 is free to move relative to the blocking plate 124 and vice versa.

Both the spring fingers 140 and the sealing elements 142 are shown in detail in Figures 6 to 8.

Figure 7 shows a minor optional modification to the guide plate 128. Specifically, the guide plate 128 extends further outwards such that it is in contact with a side wall 146 of the chamber 106. This added extent of the guide plate 128 allows the guide plate 128 to be welded or otherwise attached to the side wall 146 of the chamber 106, helping to secure it in position.

The above-described embodiment therefore acts to block the apertures 118 when the water pressure is below a threshold water pressure, so as to prevent dripping of the spray head 100 when the water pressure is lowered, for example when the water supply is turned off. However, the spray head 100 automatically reacts to an increase in water pressure, e.g. when the water supply is turned on, by unblocking the apertures 118 to allow water flow.

A second embodiment of a spray head 200 is shown in Figures 9 to 13. Many of the features of the second embodiment of the spray head 200 are similar or identical to those of the first embodiment of the spray head 100 and therefore repeated description is omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the construction of the guide plate 228 and blocking plate 224. The blocking plate 224 moves in a similar way to the blocking plate 124 of the first embodiment. However, the biasing members 238, rather than being provided between the guide plate 228 and the blocking plate 224, act directly between the side wall 246 of the chamber 206 and the blocking plate 224. This is shown in detail in Figure 13. Therefore, once the guide plate 228 has recoiled as water pressure is removed, the blocking plate 224 is biased back to the first position. The movement of the blocking plate 224 from the first position to the second position, under the influence of the cam mechanism 232, causes energy to be stored in the biasing members 238, this energy being used to move the blocking plate 224 back to the first position.

In the second embodiment, as well as the blocking plate 224 acting to prevent water flow through the apertures 218, the guide plate 228 is configured to prevent water flow into a chamber 248 between the guide plate 228 and face plate 202, when the water pressure is below the threshold. This is achieved by a sealing mechanism 250 at an inner perimeter of the guide plate 228 and a sealing element 252 at an outer perimeter of the guide plate 228. The sealing element 252 prevents any water flow around the outside of the guide plate 228, ensuring that all water flow must be through the sealing mechanism 250.

The sealing mechanism 250 further comprises a sealing element 254 formed by the end of the guide plate 228, the sealing element 254 engaging with a fixed part of the housing of the spray head 200 - in this embodiment a central column 256 that rises from the face plate 202. The sealing element 254 and central column 256 have corresponding chamfered surfaces 258, shown in Figures 10 and 12, that enhance the sealing between them. With water pressure below the threshold, the sealing mechanism 250 prevents water from passing into the chamber 248 between the guide plate 228 and the face plate 202.

When water pressure is above the threshold, the water pressure forces the sealing element 254 to separate from the central column 256 and allow water flow into the chamber 248. As the water flow may otherwise remain restricted due to the close proximity of the guide plate 228 and the central column 256, the inside surface of the guide plate 228 includes a serrated face 260 that helps to allow water flow past the central column 256 into the chamber 248 when the sealing mechanism 250 is not providing a seal. This can be seen clearly in Figure 1 1. In both of the described embodiments, the cam mechanism 132, 232 comprises two angled surfaces that act upon one another to produce movement of the blocking plate 124, 224. An alternative to this cam mechanism is shown in Figure 14. In this example, the guide plate 328 has a protuberance 362 that extends through an aperture 364 in the blocking plate 324 and into the face plate 302. The protuberance 362 includes an angled first cam surface 334 that acts on the walls of the aperture 364 - acting as a second cam surface 336. Vertical movement of the guide plate 328 and protuberance 362 therefore causes lateral movement of the blocking plate 324. In such a mechanism, biasing means for the blocking plate 324 may be omitted, as the movement of the guide plate 328 can cause movement of the blocking plate 324 in both directions.

For convenience, the preceding example has been discussed primarily in relation to spray heads for showers. The skilled person will appreciate that other applications of the anti-drip mechanism are possible, such as in spray heads for use in the kitchen or on hosepipes, faucets, taps or pressurised drink dispensers. Similarly, the example embodiments are primarily discussed in terms of using water, but the skilled person will understand that the disclosure would equally apply to other fluids.

Figure 15 shows the spray head 100 of Figure 1 as part of an ablutionary system. In this example, the ablutionary system comprises a shower system 1000. The spray head 100 is attached to a valve 1002 and a water source, which in this case is a water tank 1004. The water tank feeds a water pump 1006 which pressurises water to pass it through the valve 1002 to the spray head 100. The valve 1002 can be rotated to selectively allow or disallow flow to the spray head 100.

It will be appreciated that any spray head disclosed herein may be employed as part of any ablutionary system, e.g. shower system.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above- described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

1. A spray head comprising:

a face plate including at least one aperture; and

a blocking plate positioned above each aperture, the blocking plate being configured to be in a first position when a pressure of a fluid is at or below a threshold fluid pressure, whereby in the first position the blocking plate prevents the flow of the fluid through the at least one aperture;

wherein the blocking plate is configured to slide over the face plate to a second position when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold fluid pressure, whereby in the second position the blocking plate allows flow of fluid through the at least one aperture.

2. A spray head according to claim 1, wherein the blocking plate is configured to slide laterally relative to the face plate, when moving between the first position and the second position.

3. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the blocking plate includes at least one protrusion that, in the first position, physically prevents the flow of fluid through the at least one aperture.

4. A spray head according to claim 3, wherein the at least one protrusion is cylindrical and/or corresponds to the shape of the at least one aperture.

5. A spray head according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the at least one protrusion forms a seal with the face plate when the blocking plate is in the first position, the seal not being formed when the blocking plate is in the second position.

6. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the face plate includes at least one insert that forms a nozzle within the at least one aperture.

7. A spray head according to any preceding claim, further comprising a guide plate configured to guide a movement of the blocking plate between the first position and the second position in response to a change in the pressure of the fluid.

8. A spray head according to claim 7, further comprising a cam mechanism configured to cause the movement of the blocking plate .

9. A spray head according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the cam mechanism comprises a first cam surface and a second cam surface, the guide plate including the first cam surface and the blocking plate including the second cam surface .

10. A spray head according to claim 9, wherein the guide plate is configured to move in response to a change in fluid pressure, the movement of the guide plate causing a corresponding movement of the first cam surface, causing the sliding of the second cam surface and thus the movement of the blocking plate from the first position to the second position.

1 1. A spray head according to claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising at least one seal element for limiting or preventing fluid flow to a volume between the guide plate and the blocking plate within which is located the cam mechanism.

12. A spray head according to any of claim 7 to 1 1 , wherein the guide plate is fixed positionally at a fixed edge and is configured to pivot or flex from the fixed edge in response to increased fluid pressure, causing movement of the blocking plate .

13. A spray head according to any of claims 7 to 12, further comprising a biasing element configured to bias the blocking plate towards the first position.

14. A spray head according to claim 13, wherein the biasing element comprises a plurality of spring fingers.

15. A spray head according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the biasing element is formed on one of the guide plate and the blocking plate .

16. A spray head according to any of claims 7 to 15, wherein the guide plate is configured to prevent the flow of fluid to a chamber formed between the guide plate and the face plate, when the fluid pressure is at or below the threshold fluid pressure .

17. A spray head according to claim 16, wherein the guide plate includes a sealing mechanism that acts to prevent fluid flow into the chamber when the fluid pressure is at or below the threshold fluid pressure.

18. A spray head according to claim 17, wherein the sealing mechanism seals against a fixed part of a housing of the spray head, a gap being formed between a sealing element and the fixed part when the fluid pressure is at or above the threshold fluid pressure .

19. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the threshold fluid pressure is equal to or substantially equal to ambient air pressure .

20. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the face plate includes up to or at least 10 apertures, up to or at least 50 apertures, up to or at least 100 apertures and/or up to or at least 200 apertures.

21. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the spray head is provided in the form of a fixed shower head, in the form of a handheld shower head or as part of a sprayer, a sprinkler, a tap, a faucet or other fluid delivery fitting..

22. A fluid delivery fitting comprising a spray head according to any of claims 1 to 21 , optionally comprising a shower head, a sprayer, a sprinkler, a tap, or a faucet.

23. A fluid delivery system comprising a spray head according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or a fluid delivery fitting according to claim 22, the spray head being in fluid communication with a water supply.

24. A fluid delivery system according to claim 23, wherein the fluid delivery system comprises a shower system.

25. A kit of parts arranged to form a spray head according to any of claims 1 to 21 or a fluid delivery fitting according to claim 22.