WO2020234574A1 - Ensemble modulaire de distribution de fluide destiné aux installations sanitaires - Google Patents

Ensemble modulaire de distribution de fluide destiné aux installations sanitaires Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020234574A1
WO2020234574A1 PCT/GB2020/051205 GB2020051205W WO2020234574A1 WO 2020234574 A1 WO2020234574 A1 WO 2020234574A1 GB 2020051205 W GB2020051205 W GB 2020051205W WO 2020234574 A1 WO2020234574 A1 WO 2020234574A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
mount
outlet
modular assembly
inlet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2020/051205
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Oliver Jones
Original Assignee
Kohler Mira Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kohler Mira Limited filed Critical Kohler Mira Limited
Publication of WO2020234574A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020234574A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
    • E03C1/0408—Water installations especially for showers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/021—Devices for positioning or connecting of water supply lines
    • E03C1/023—Devices for positioning or connecting of water supply lines with flow distribution, e.g. diverters
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
    • E03C1/042—Arrangements on taps for wash-basins or baths for connecting to the wall
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
    • F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
    • F16K11/04—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only lift valves
    • F16K11/044—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only lift valves with movable valve members positioned between valve seats
    • F16K11/0445—Bath/shower selectors

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to a modular assembly, particularly although not exclusively to a modular valve assembly.
  • the disclosure also relates to systems or installations, e.g. fluid delivery systems or installations, comprising one or more of the modular assemblies.
  • a modular assembly e.g. a modular valve assembly
  • a fluid delivery system such as a plumbing system or an ablutionary system
  • a fluid delivery system such as a plumbing system or an ablutionary system
  • DE10343249A discloses a modular, thermostatic mixer valve comprising a plurality of separate inlet/outlet modules that are fluidly connected to a supply line and which can be switched between to provide different functions and/or layouts.
  • the modules may have a rectangular profile that allows for stacked connection between two rails.
  • a first aspect provides a modular assembly for use in a fluid delivery system comprising: a mount having at least one waterway providing fluid communication between a mount inlet and a mount outlet; and a first module comprising an inlet and at least one outlet, the inlet being in fluid communication with the mount outlet.
  • the first module may be integrally formed with the mount or a part thereof.
  • the first module may be adapted to be mountable on the mount and configured such that, when mounted on the mount, the inlet is in fluid communication with the mount outlet.
  • the mount may be adapted to be attached to a surface such as a wall.
  • the mount may comprise a plurality of discrete waterways, each waterway providing fluid communication between a mount inlet and a mount outlet.
  • the mount may comprise two discrete waterways, i.e. a first waterway and a second waterway.
  • the or each mount inlet may be configured or configurable for connection to a fluid supply pipe.
  • the mount inlet of the first waterway may be connectable, in use, to a hot water supply pipe and the mount inlet of the second waterway may be connectable, in use, to a cold water supply pipe or vice versa.
  • the mount may comprise a back plate.
  • the back plate may be adapted to be attached to a surface such as a wall.
  • the mount may comprise a receiving part adapted to have the first module mounted thereon.
  • the first module and the receiving part may be adapted to interengage with one another.
  • the first module and/or the receiving part may be adapted in any suitable manner, in order to facilitate the mounting and retention, in use, of the first module on the receiving part.
  • the receiving part may comprise a mounting track or a mounting rail.
  • the first module may slidably engage with the mounting track or rail.
  • the first module may be slidably mounted or mountable on the mounting track or rail.
  • the first module and the receiving part may be configured to interengage magnetically with one another.
  • the first module may comprise one or more magnets arranged to interengage with one or more magnets on the mount, e.g. on the receiving part, when, in use, the first module is mounted on the mount.
  • the first module may be adapted to be clipped into or plugged into the receiving part.
  • the first module may comprise a valve module.
  • the valve module may comprise a thermostatic valve.
  • the valve module may comprise a mixer valve module.
  • the modular assembly may comprise one or more further modules, e.g. a second module, a third module, a fourth module and so on.
  • the or each further module may comprise an inlet and be adapted to be mountable on the mount and configured such that, when mounted on the mount, the inlet is in fluid communication with an outlet of another module.
  • the or each further module and the receiving part may be adapted to interengage with one another.
  • the or each further module and/or the receiving part may be adapted in any suitable manner, in order to facilitate the mounting and retention, in use, of the or each further module on the receiving part.
  • the or each further module may comprise an outlet module.
  • the or each outlet module may comprise an inlet and at least two outlets.
  • the outlet module may comprise a valve disposed between the inlet and the at least two outlets.
  • the valve may be operable to control flow rate and/or divert flow (or a portion thereof) to one or other or some or all of the at least two outlets.
  • the or each valve may be operable via a suitable actuator, e.g. a rotary actuator or a push button actuator.
  • a suitable actuator e.g. a rotary actuator or a push button actuator.
  • the modular assembly may comprise a control module.
  • the control module may be operable to control at least one function of the modular assembly such as flow rate and/or flow temperature, a warm-up operation, a timer function, a cleaning cycle or an automatic on/off function, for example.
  • the control module may be operable to control at least one function of an output module.
  • the control module may be adapted to be mountable on the mount.
  • the modular assembly may be housed at least partially in a casing.
  • the casing may protect the modular assembly, e.g. by being hard wearing and/or substantially waterproof.
  • the casing may make it harder to access the modular assembly, thereby reducing the chance of the modular assembly being tampered with by a user.
  • the casing may serve an aesthetic function.
  • a second aspect provides a fluid delivery system comprising a modular assembly according to the first aspect and one or more fluid delivery devices in fluid communication with and downstream of the modular assembly.
  • the fluid delivery system may comprise a plumbing system.
  • the fluid delivery system may comprise an ablutionary system such as a bath and/or shower system.
  • the one or more fluid delivery devices may include one or more of any of a tap, a faucet, a sprayer, a spray head for a shower, a handset for a shower and combinations thereof.
  • a third aspect provides a method of installing a modular assembly comprising:
  • a mount having at least one waterway providing fluid communication between a mount inlet and a mount outlet;
  • first module mounting a first module on the mount, wherein the first module comprises an inlet and at least one outlet, the first module is configured such that, when mounted on the mount, the inlet is in fluid communication with the mount outlet.
  • the first module may be slidably mounted on the mount,
  • the first module may comprise a mixer valve module.
  • One or more further modules may be mounted on the mount.
  • the one or more further modules may be slidably mounted on the mount.
  • a second module may be mounted on the mount adjacent the first module. When the second module is located adjacent the first module, there may be fluid communication, in use, from the first module to the second module.
  • the second module may be an outlet module.
  • the second module may be slidably mounted on the mount.
  • a third module may be mounted on the mount adjacent the second module. When the third module is located adjacent the second module, there may be fluid communication, in use, from the second module to the third module.
  • the third module may be an outlet module.
  • the third module may be slidably mounted on the mount.
  • the modular assembly may be a modular assembly of the first aspect.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a modular assembly according to the disclosure
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of another example of a modular assembly according to the disclosure.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of another example of a modular assembly according to the disclosure.
  • Figure 4 illustrates some example configurations of a modular assembly according to the disclosure
  • Figure 5 illustrates an example of a shower and bath system
  • Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example method of installing a modular assembly according to the disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of a modular valve assembly 1.
  • the modular valve assembly 1 comprises a mount 2.
  • the mount 2 comprises a back plate 12 and a mounting rail 14.
  • thermostatic mixer valve module 4 is slidably mounted on the mounting rail 14.
  • the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 may be formed integrally with the mount 2, e.g. the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 may be formed integrally with the mounting rail 14.
  • a first outlet module 6 is provided, which is adapted to be slidably mounted on the mounting rail 14.
  • the first outlet module 6 may be slid along the mounting rail 14 until it is adjacent to the thermostatic mixer valve module 4.
  • the first outlet module 6 When the first outlet module 6 is located adjacent the thermostatic mixer valve module 4, there will be fluid communication from the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 to the first outlet module 6.
  • the first outlet module 6 will thus be located immediately downstream of the thermostatic mixer valve module 4.
  • the back plate 12 is adapted for attachment to a surface such as a wall.
  • the back plate 12 and, hence, the mount 2 may be attached to the surface by any suitable means.
  • the mount 2 comprises a first waterway 15.
  • the first waterway 15 extends from a first mount inlet 5 to a first mount outlet (not shown).
  • the first waterway 15 provides fluid communication from the first mount inlet 5 to the first mount outlet.
  • the mount 2 comprises a second waterway 17.
  • the second waterway 17 extends from a second mount inlet 7 to a second mount outlet (not shown).
  • the second waterway 17 provides fluid communication from the first mount inlet 7 to the second mount outlet.
  • the first mount inlet 5 and the second mount inlet 7 may each be configured or configurable for connection to a fluid supply pipe. For instance, when installed as part of an ablutionary system, the first mount inlet 5 may be connected to a hot water supply pipe and the second mount inlet 7 may be connected to a cold water supply pipe or vice versa.
  • the first mount outlet and the second mount outlet are provided in or on the mounting rail 14.
  • the first waterway 15 and the second waterway 17 may be configured to take any route from the first mount inlet 5 to the first mount outlet and from the second mount inlet 7 to the second mount outlet respectively. At least a portion of the first waterway 15 and/or the second waterway 17 may extend through the mount 2 or a part thereof. As illustrated in Figure 1, the first waterway 15 and the second waterway 17 may pass through the back plate 12.
  • the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 comprises a first valve inlet (not shown), a second valve inlet (not shown) and a valve outlet 20, the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 being operable to regulate water flow therethrough to provide water to the valve outlet 20 with a desired temperature and/or flow rate.
  • the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 includes a mixing chamber (not shown) and a thermostatic cartridge (not shown).
  • An actuator 30 is arranged to enable user operation of the thermostatic mixer valve module 4.
  • the first mount outlet communicates with the first valve inlet and the second mount outlet communicates with the second valve inlet.
  • the first outlet module 6 comprises an inlet, a first outlet 24 and a second outlet (not shown) located on a lower face of the first outlet module 6.
  • the first outlet 24 is located on an opposite face of the first outlet module 6 from the inlet.
  • a valve (not shown) is located between the inlet and the first and second outlets. The valve is operable to control flow rate through the first outlet module 6 and/or divert flow (or a proportion thereof) to one or other or both of the first outlet 24 and the second outlet.
  • a rotary actuator 28 is arranged to enable user operation of the valve in the first outlet module 6.
  • the outlet 20 of the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 communicates with the inlet of the first outlet module 6.
  • the modular assembly 1 may be configured for use in a single outlet ablutionary fitting.
  • An example of such a configuration is shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 2 the outlet 24 of the first outlet module 6 is blocked with a blanking cap 26.
  • the modular assembly 1 may be configured for use in or with an ablutionary system or fitting having any number of outlets, e.g. for different water delivery modes, patterns or locations.
  • FIG. 3 Further modules, e.g. outlet modules, that are adapted to be slidably mounted on the mounting rail 14 may be provided and may be slidably mounted on the mounting rail 14.
  • a second outlet module 32 may be slid along the mounting rail 14 until it is adjacent to the first outlet module 6.
  • the second outlet module 32 comprises an inlet (not shown), a first outlet 36, a second outlet 38 located on a lower face of the second outlet module 32 and a third outlet 34 located on an upper face of the second outlet module 32.
  • the first outlet 36 is located on an opposite face of the second outlet module 6 from the inlet.
  • a valve (not shown) is located between the inlet and the first, second and third outlets. The valve is operable to control flow rate through the second outlet module 32 and/or divert flow (or a proportion thereof) to one or more of the first outlet 36, the second outlet 38 and the third outlet 34.
  • a rotary actuator may be arranged to enable user operation of the valve in the second outlet module 32.
  • the outlet of the second outlet module 32 can be blocked with a blanking cap 33.
  • one or more further modules may be slidably mounted on the mounting rail 14, such that the further module(s) are disposed downstream of, and in fluid communication with, the second outlet module 32 (and the first outlet module 6, the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 and the mount 2).
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a number of possible configurations for the modular assembly 1.
  • each configuration of the modular assembly 1 comprises the mount 2 with the thermostatic mixer valve module 4 coupled thereto, as described above.
  • Varying numbers of outlet modules e.g. similar outlet modules to those described previously, can then be slidably mounted on the rail 14 to provide a variety of configurations of modular assembly.
  • the modular assembly may be housed at least partially in a casing.
  • a first example configuration further comprises one outlet module 46 with a rotary actuator 428 arranged to enable user operation of a valve 422 in the outlet module.
  • the first example configuration may be generally as described in relation to Figures 1 and 2.
  • a casing 426 houses the modular assembly.
  • a second example configuration further comprises one outlet module 46' with a push button actuator 428' arranged to enable user operation of a valve 422' in the outlet module.
  • a casing houses 426' the modular assembly.
  • a third example configuration further comprises two outlet modules 46', each outlet module 46' having a push button actuator 428' arranged to enable user operation of a valve 422' therein.
  • a casing 426" houses the modular assembly.
  • a fourth example configuration further comprises three outlet modules 46', each outlet module 46' having a push button actuator 428' arranged to enable user operation of a valve 422' therein.
  • a casing 426"' houses the modular assembly.
  • the modular assembly 1 may be employed within an ablutionary system such as a bath and/or shower system.
  • An example of a bath and shower system is illustrated in Figure 5.
  • the bath and shower system comprises a bath tub 40.
  • a modular mixer valve assembly 52 according to the disclosure, e.g. the modular assembly 1, configured to provide water to two fluid delivery devices is attached to a wall 51 adjacent the bath tub 40.
  • the modular mixer valve assembly 52 can be operated by a user to provide water at a desired temperature selectively to a tap 53 and an overhead shower 54, the tap 53 and the overhead shower 54 both being arranged to deliver water into the bath tub 40.
  • FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the method of installing a modular assembly in accordance with the disclosure.
  • a mount having at least one waterway providing fluid communication between a mount inlet and a mount outlet is affixed to a wall or other surface.
  • a first module typically a mixer valve module (e.g. a thermostatic mixer valve module) is mounted on the mount.
  • the first module comprises an inlet and at least one outlet, the first module is configured such that, when mounted on the mount, the inlet is in fluid communication with the mount outlet.
  • the first module may be slidably mounted on the mount,
  • a second module is mounted on the mount adjacent the first module.
  • the second module may be an outlet module.
  • the second module may be slidably mounted on the mount.
  • a third module is mounted on the mount adjacent the second module.
  • the third module may be an outlet module.
  • the third module may be slidably mounted on the mount.
  • module(s) may be mounted and retained on the mount, in use, by any suitable methods, means or mechanism.
  • Slidable mounting of the module(s) on the mount merely represents an example of a suitable method of mounting and retaining the module(s) on the mount.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)

Abstract

Ensemble modulaire (1) destiné à être utilisé dans un système de distribution de fluide sanitaire, comprenant : un support (2) ayant au moins une voie d'eau (15, 17) assurant une communication fluidique entre une entrée de montage (5, 7) et une sortie de montage ; et un premier module (4, 6, 46, 46') comprenant une entrée et au moins une sortie (20) ; le premier module (4, 6, 46, 46') étant conçu pour être monté sur le support (2) et étant configuré de telle sorte que, lorsqu'il est monté sur celui-ci (2), l'entrée soit en communication fluidique avec la sortie de montage.
PCT/GB2020/051205 2019-05-22 2020-05-18 Ensemble modulaire de distribution de fluide destiné aux installations sanitaires WO2020234574A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1907191.9 2019-05-22
GB1907191.9A GB2584116B (en) 2019-05-22 2019-05-22 A modular valve assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020234574A1 true WO2020234574A1 (fr) 2020-11-26

Family

ID=67385145

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2020/051205 WO2020234574A1 (fr) 2019-05-22 2020-05-18 Ensemble modulaire de distribution de fluide destiné aux installations sanitaires

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2584116B (fr)
WO (1) WO2020234574A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022112426A1 (de) 2022-05-18 2023-11-23 Grohe Ag Vorrichtung für eine Sanitäreinrichtung

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005022021A1 (fr) 2003-08-22 2005-03-10 Grohe Water Technology Ag & Co. Kg Systeme a soupapes de distribution modulaire
DE10343249A1 (de) 2003-09-17 2005-04-21 Grohe Water Tech Ag & Co Kg Ventil- und Verteilersystem
DE102004005161A1 (de) * 2004-02-02 2005-08-18 Grohe Water Technology Ag & Co. Kg Einbaukasten für Sanitärarmaturen
WO2012160367A1 (fr) 2011-05-20 2012-11-29 Kohler Mira Limited Système pour appareil sanitaire
GB2567247A (en) * 2017-10-09 2019-04-10 Bristan Group Ltd An improved shut-off valve for a sanitary fitting

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3838992A1 (de) * 1988-11-18 1990-05-23 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Wassermischventil
DE102006033352B4 (de) * 2006-07-19 2011-06-22 Hansa Metallwerke AG, 70567 Sanitäre Unterputzarmatur mit einem Basiskörper

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005022021A1 (fr) 2003-08-22 2005-03-10 Grohe Water Technology Ag & Co. Kg Systeme a soupapes de distribution modulaire
DE10343249A1 (de) 2003-09-17 2005-04-21 Grohe Water Tech Ag & Co Kg Ventil- und Verteilersystem
DE102004005161A1 (de) * 2004-02-02 2005-08-18 Grohe Water Technology Ag & Co. Kg Einbaukasten für Sanitärarmaturen
WO2012160367A1 (fr) 2011-05-20 2012-11-29 Kohler Mira Limited Système pour appareil sanitaire
GB2567247A (en) * 2017-10-09 2019-04-10 Bristan Group Ltd An improved shut-off valve for a sanitary fitting

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022112426A1 (de) 2022-05-18 2023-11-23 Grohe Ag Vorrichtung für eine Sanitäreinrichtung

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2584116A (en) 2020-11-25
GB2584116B (en) 2022-10-12
GB201907191D0 (en) 2019-07-03

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