MULTIFUNCTION TAP

Abstract

A multifunction tap assembly (18) for dispensing water, includes a tap body with a spout (2) for dispensing water. A valve body (6) has a mixer valve (8) including an inlet for water (20) from a hot water supply (H), an inlet for water (22) from a cold water supply (C), and an outlet. A selector control (14) on the valve body (6) can selectively direct cold water (30, 32) from the cold water supply to one or more water processing stations (34, 38). Each water processing station (34, 38) has an inlet for receiving cold water from the cold water supply as directed by the selector control (14) and processes the cold water to provide a processed water (36, 40) for dispensing from an outlet. A manifold connection (26) provides fluid communication between the outlet of the mixer valve (14) and each processing station outlet and has a manifold outlet in fluid communication with the spout (2).

Claims

1. A multifunction tap assembly for dispensing water, the tap assembly comprising: a) a tap body including a spout for dispensing water; b) a valve body; c) a mixer valve on the valve body including an inlet for water from a hot water supply, an inlet for water from a cold water supply, and an outlet; d) a selector control for selectively directing cold water from a cold water supply to one or more water processing stations; e) one or more water processing stations, each having an inlet for receiving cold water from the cold water supply as directed by the selector control; and each formed and arranged to process the cold water received to provide a processed water for dispensing from a respective processing station outlet; and f) a manifold connection, the manifold connection in fluid communication with the mixer valve outlet and each processing station outlet; and having a manifold outlet in fluid communication with the spout.

2. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein the selector control is an electronic control activated by a user of the tap to send a signal by wire or wirelessly, to command operation of a valve or valves.

3. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein the selector control is a selector valve on the valve body for selectively dispensing cold water from a cold water inlet to one or more water processing stations via a respective selector valve outlet.

4. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve body is mounted transverse to the spout and the mixer valve and the selector control are mounted one at either end of the valve body.

5. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the water processing stations provides extra hot water.

6. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the water processing stations provides ozonised water.

7. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 6 wherein ozonised water from the ozoniser is directed via the manifold to a fluid pathway that allows the water flow dispensed from the tap to be used as a spray.

8. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the water processing stations provides extra hot water and another provides ozonized water; and wherein tan ozoniser, providing ozone for the ozonized water, makes use of the same electrical supply as that used to heat the extra hot water.

9. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 8 wherein the ozoniser is supplied as an optional accessory that is electrically connectable to the extra hot water processing station.

10. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one route for water dispensing is without substantial obstruction to forwards flow from the spout, after water leaves the mixer valve or a water processing station.

11. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 10 wherein each route for water dispensing is without substantial obstruction to forwards flow from the spout, after water leaves the mixer valve or a water processing station.

12. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein the spout comprises a pull out hose.

13. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 12 wherein the pull out hose is self-retracting into a tube of the tap body.

14. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 12 wherein the pull out hose connects directly to the manifold outlet.

15. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein water flow from the mixer valve is directed along a separate fluid pathway to the spout from that of water from at least one water processing station.

16. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein the outlet end of the spout is provided with a nozzle for adjusting a water flow into a spray.

17. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 15 wherein the outlet end of the spout is provided with a nozzle for adjusting a water flow into a spray and; wherein the nozzle acts to provide a spray only from the water flow from the mixer valve.

18. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 2 wherein the electronic control comprises at least one of a push button, a lever, a rotating dial, or a touch pad type of activation interface with a user.

19. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 2 wherein the electronic control comprises one or more proximity switches.

20. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 2 wherein one of the water processing stations provides extra hot water; and wherein the dispensing of extra hot water continues only whilst contact is maintained between the user and a button lever or dial.

21. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 2 wherein one of the water processing stations provides extra hot water; and wherein the electronic control is conformed to require two conscious actions by a user to activate and/or control dispensing of extra hot water.

22. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 3 wherein the cold water inlet for the mixer valve on the valve body provides the cold water supply to the selector valve.

23. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 22 wherein the cold water inlet divides in two at the valve body, with cold water supplied to the mixer valve and the selector valve.

24. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 23 wherein the cold water inlet connects to a chamber of the valve body that receives the cold water, the chamber connecting to the selector valve and to the mixer valve, for supply to both.

25. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 comprising at least one water processing station selected from the group consisting of: a water filter, an extra hot water dispenser, an ozonised water dispenser, a water softener, a water chiller, a chemical treatment water purifier, a UV light water purifier and a carbonated water dispenser.

26. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 25 comprising two or more water processing stations.

27. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one water processing station is provided with a venturi and bladder arrangement to provide a pipework clearing action at the tap, after use.

28. The multifunction tap assembly of claim 5 wherein the extra hot water processing station is provided with a timer control to turn off the heating during periods when extra hot water is not required

29. A multifunction tap, the multifunction tap comprising: a) a tap body including a spout for dispensing water; b) a valve body including a cold water inlet; c) a mixer valve on the valve body including an inlet for water from a hot water supply, an inlet for water from a cold water supply, and an outlet; and d) a selector control on the tap body or the valve body for selectively directing cold water from a cold water supply to one or more water processing stations.

30. A multifunction tap assembly for dispensing water; the tap assembly comprising: a) a tap body including a spout for dispensing water; b) a valve body; c) a mixer valve on the valve body including an inlet for water from a hot water supply, an inlet for water from a cold water supply, and an outlet; d) a selector control for selectively directing cold water from a cold water supply to one or more water processing stations; e) at least an extra hot water processing station and an ozonised water producing station, each having an inlet for receiving cold water from the cold water supply as directed by the selector control; and each formed and arranged to process the cold water received to provide processed water for dispensing from a respective processing station outlet; and f) a manifold connection, the manifold connection in fluid communication with the mixer valve outlet and each processing station outlet; and having a manifold outlet in fluid communication with the spout.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] FIG. 1 shows a multifunction tap in a perspective view;

[0091] FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a tap assembly;

[0092] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the tap assembly of FIG. 2;

[0093] FIGS. 4A to 4D 4 show a valve body in schematic views;

[0094] FIG. 5 shows an alternative tap assembly in schematic perspective view;

[0095] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a manifold connection;

[0096] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross section of a pull out hose end fitting;

[0097] FIG. 8 shows a manifold connection;

[0098] FIG. 9 shows an arrangement including an ozoniser water processing station; and

[0099] FIGS. 10A and 10B show operation of a bladder and venturi arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

[0100] FIG. 1 shows in perspective view a multifunction tap 1 including a spout 2 for dispensing water. The end 4 of spout 2 has a pull out section which is the end of a pull out hose in this example. A valve body 6 is mounted to the spout 2 and extends transversely to either side. The valve body 6 has at one end a mixer valve 8 operated, in this example by a single lever 10. At the other end of the valve body 6 is a selector control 12, in this example a selector valve 14, including a safety button 16. Fixings 17 for fitting the tap 1 to a sink or countertop are also shown in this view.

[0101] The tap operates generally conventionally. Operating the lever 10 and rotating the external part of mixer valve 8 allows dispensing of hot, cold, or mixed hot and cold water from spout 2. Alternatively, operating safety button 16 allows rotation of the external part of selector valve 14 in one direction (suggested by arrow R) to dispense extra hot (‘boiling’) water from spout 2. The rotation R is resisted by resilient biasing so when an operator releases the valve 14 it returns to the off position shown in FIG. 1.

[0102] Rotation in the opposite direction (arrow R1) allows dispensing of another processed water (e.g. filtered water) from spout 2. Further rotation R1 can allow dispensing of an alternative processed water, if the tap is equipped to supply more than two types.

[0103] FIG. 2 shows in a flow diagram schematic, a tap assembly 18 that can make use of a tap 1, such as that shown in FIG. 1. Flows of water are shown as lines with arrows indicating direction. Valve body 6 is supplied with hot 20 and cold 22 water flows from suitable supplies (indicated by H for hot and C for cold). Hot water 20 is supplied to mixer valve 8 and cold water 22 to both mixer valve 8 and selector valve 14.

[0104] Operation of mixer valve 8 allows hot, cold, or mixed hot and cold water to be output (as flow 24) and directed to manifold connection 26. The output flow 28 from manifold connection 26 passes into spout 2, through the valve body 6 and out of the spout end 4.

[0105] Alternatively, selector valve 14 may be operated to direct cold water flow 22 as one of two output flows 30, 32.

[0106] When produced by operation of the selector valve 14 output flow 30 enters water processing station 34, in this example an extra hot water tank and heater arrangement. Cold water flow 30 displaces a supply of extra hot water (prepared and stored in station 34) as a flow 36 to the manifold connection 26, from where it passes into spout 2, passes through the valve body 6 and then out of the spout end 4 as output flow 28. Water processing station 34 may provide extra hot water by other means, for example it might be an ‘instant’ hot water system where flow 30 is heated as is passes a heating element to provide hot flow 36.

[0107] Output flow 32 enters water processing station 38, in this example a chiller unit. Chilled water exits station 38 as flow 40 and is directed to manifold connection 26 from where it passes into spout 2, passes through the valve body 6, and then out of the spout end 4 as output flow 28.

[0108] Manifold connection 26 may include one way valves to avoid undesired flow against the desired direction. Otherwise the control of the output flow is by operation of either mixer valve 8 or selector valve 14, without requiring additional closable valves.

[0109] Additional flows from selector valve 14 may be provided, each directed to a further water processing station and thence to the manifold connection for dispensing from the spout as output flow 28.

[0110] FIG. 3 shows in schematic perspective, a view the tap assembly 18 of FIG. 2, with like parts generally numbered the same as in FIGS. 1 and 2. The hoses shown in FIG. 3 are given the same number as the corresponding flow lines shown in FIG. 2. Water processing stations 34 and 38 will also be supplied with electrical power (not shown in this figure).

[0111] The layout of the tap assembly shown in FIG. 3 is as may be used in a typical under a sink or under a work top arrangement. The worktop level is suggested by dashed line 42. Hoses providing flows (20, 22, 24, 30, 32, 36 and 40) pass into the valve body 6 close to and around the hose carrying output flow 28 that dispenses out of the end 4 of the spout 2. This compact arrangement requires only a single hole in a worktop or sink for fitting the tap 1.

[0112] Manifold connection 26 is a pipe crosspiece that can be clipped to a wall at a selected position, to aid in ensuring that the hose for output flow 28 can hang down unobstructed, to allow functioning as a pull out hose. Weight 44 is attached to an upwards directed part of the hose so that after spout end 4 (which is at the end of the hose carrying flow 28) is pulled out in the direction of arrow 46, it will self-retract in the direction of arrow 48 when let go. Weight 44 is provided in two halves that fit about a hose and so can be adjusted in position to give smooth pull out and retraction of a hose.

[0113] FIG. 4A shows valve body 6 in cross section plan view along line X-X and FIG. 4B shows valve body 6 in cross section from beneath along line Y-Y (FIG. 1). The valve body 6 includes an aperture 50 for the passage of a pull out hose carrying the water of output flow 28 (FIG. 3). A generally circular chamber 52 in the upper part of the valve body 6 receives water from a cold supply via aperture 54. Chamber 52 is in fluid communication with both the mixer valve 8 and the selector valve 14 (not shown in these views) via apertures 56 and 58 (as can be seen in perspective views FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D.

[0114] At the base of chamber 52 bulges 60 and 62 can be seen. These are the outside surfaces of fluid passageways directing flow to and from the mixer and selector valves. As can be seen from the bottom view FIG. 4B a disc 64 has apertures for connection to the hoses required (FIG. 3). Inlets are for the cold water supply 54 and the hot water supply 66. Outlets are for mixed water 68 (hot, cold, or a mixture from the mixer valve; and for cold water to processing stations 70, 72 (from the selector valve).

[0115] FIG. 5 shows schematically a tap 1 and tap assembly 18 arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 3 with like parts numbered the same. The tap 1 in this example is not shown as a pull out hose type. However, the output flow 28 may advantageously be a flexible pull out hose, provided with a weight, as shown in the example of FIG. 3.

[0116] In the example of FIG. 5 the selector control 12 is an electronic control having a touch sensitive button 74 at its end. Circumferential LED lighting 76 responds to the touch of a user on button 74. Selector control 12 sends signals by wiring (not shown) passing through tap 1 and valve body 6 to command operation of solenoid valves within the extra hot water processing station 34 (container box for station 34 only shown in part).

[0117] The input water flow arrangements in the tap assembly of FIG. 5 are as follows. Hot water supply H is fed as flow 20 to the mixer valve 8. Cold water supply C provides flow 22 that is divided into two flows at T piece 78. Cold water flow 22a is fed to mixer valve 8; and cold water flow 22b to filter water processing station 80. Cold filtered water from station 80 proceeds as flow 22c into the box of extra hot water processing station 34, where it divides in two branches at a T piece (not visible). Each pipework branch is fitted with a respective solenoid valve.

[0118] Optionally one of or both of the pipework branches may be fitted with a bladder and venturi arrangement as discussed further below with respect to FIG. 10.

[0119] The output water flow arrangements in the tap assembly of FIG. 5 are as follows.

[0120] Operation of mixer valve 8 causes hot, cold or mixed water to proceed as flow 24 to manifold connection 26.

[0121] When selector control button 74 is pressed briefly once, a solenoid valve in one branch of flow 22c within the box of extra hot water processing station 34 opens—to allow filtered cold water from flow 22c to proceed to the manifold connection 26 as flow 82. LED light 76 glows green. Pressing the button 74 briefly again closes the solenoid valve, stopping flow 82 and turning off light 76.

[0122] When selector control button 74 is pressed continuously, the solenoid valve in the other branch of flow 22c within the box of station 34 opens allowing cold filtered water into the base of the hot water tank in station 34. Displaced extra hot water flows out of station 34 as flow 36 to manifold connection 26. LED light 76 glows red. Releasing the continuously pressed button 74 causes the solenoid valve to close, stopping extra hot water flow 36 and turning off light 76.

[0123] From manifold connection 26 a water flow input (24, 36 or 82) proceeds as output flow 28 through valve body 6 and out of spout end 4.

[0124] Optionally in the arrangement of FIG. 5 the container box for extra hot water processing station 34 may optionally also contain a chiller unit that is fed with cold filtered water from the flow 22c, so that the output flow 82 to manifold connection 26 is chilled filtered water.

[0125] In the example of FIG. 5 the output flow 28 runs through a hose or pipe that has one hose or pipe inside another. The internal structure of a manifold connection 26 of FIG. 5 is shown in schematic cross section FIG. 6 and illustrates the use of this ‘two hose’ or pipe arrangement. An alternative manifold connection is shown in schematic cross section FIG. 8 as discussed below.

[0126] In FIG. 6 manifold connection 26 is a “cross piece” into which hoses carrying the water flows are fitted in a generally conventional way. Not shown in this schematic are optional non-return valves that can be fitted at or near the manifold connection 26 to prevent flow back, against the desired directions of flow as shown by arrows 24, 36, 82 and 28a/28b. In manifold connection 26, the hose carrying flow 24 connects to an extension 83 of inner hose 84 to allow water from mixer valve 8 (FIG. 5) to continue as flow 28a towards the tap. The hoses carrying filtered water flow 82 and extra hot water flow 36 connect into the manifold connection to allow their outputs to continue as flow 28b in the annulus between inner hose 84 and outer hose 86. Thus, the processed water flows 36, 82 are kept separate from the conventional hot/cold/mixed water flow 24. In alternative manifold connection arrangements, the processed water flows 36, 82 can be directed to the central hose 84 and the conventional flow 24 into the annulus between inner and outer hoses 84, 86.

[0127] FIG. 7 shows the end of a pull put hose tap arrangement that makes use of the water supplied from the manifold connection 26 of FIG. 6.

[0128] In cross section FIG. 7 the pull out hose end 88 includes a connection end 90 for fitting to a two hose arrangement such as that shown in FIG. 6. The flow 28a from inner hose 84 (FIG. 6) is directed into chamber 92 and thence to valve 94 controlled by lever 96. From valve 94 the flow 28a can be directed to emanate from either normal outlet 98 or spray outlets 100 depending on the position of valve 94. The flow 28b from the annulus between hose 84 and outer hose 86 (FIG. 6) is always directed into outlet 102, positioned in the centre of outlet 98. Thus, the filtered water or extra hot water supply of flow 28b crosses over at the hose end 88 and becomes the central flow out of the tap.

[0129] FIG. 8 shows a manifold connection 26 in schematic cross section. This arrangement is an alternative to that shown in FIG. 6. In the manifold connection 26 of this figure each connection to input water flows 24, 36 and 82 is provided with a non-return valve 104. A T piece connector 106 provides a fluid communication from flows 36 and 82 (extra hot water and filtered water) to the extension 83 of inner hose 84 that is provided on screw connection 108. Thus, flow 28b (extra hot water or filtered water) is within the inner hose 84 in this example. (Screw connection 108 accepts a hose including inner 84 and outer 86 hoses as indicated by the numbered arrows.)

[0130] A fluid pathway past the T piece 106 and extension 83 is provided in the body of the manifold connection 26. This pathway (arrows P) allows flow 24 (from the mixer valve 8—FIG. 5) to pass into the annulus between outer hose 86 and inner hose 84 as flow 28a. Thus, flow 28a (water from the mixer valve) is within the outer hose 86 in this example. With this arrangement the processed water arrives at the outlet end of the tap already in the centre, with the water from the mixer valve in the annulus outside. Thus, a simpler tap end than that depicted in FIG. 7 can be employed. A valve converting flow 28a to a spray may still be fitted.

[0131] FIG. 9 shows schematically part of a tap assembly arrangement similar to that of FIG. 5 but including an ozoniser 110. In this partial view the tank of extra hot water processing station 34 and the manifold 26 are shown, together with their hose or pipe connections for the various water flows. Ozoniser 110 is mounted to the extra hot water processing station 34 including by a plug and socket electrical connection 112. In this example the input water flow 114 to ozoniser 110 is taken from flow 82 (filtered water proceeding to the manifold 26) via T piece 116. Flow 114 will commence when commanded by a flow control at or near the tap (not shown in this figure), which directs opening of a solenoid or electrically powered valve inside the body of ozoniser 110. The output ozonised water flow 118 connects into the mixer valve flow 24 and proceeds to manifold 26 and hence to output flow 28.

[0132] The ozoniser 110 in this example is provided with electrical power via the extra hot water processing station 34. Alternatively, other connection to power may be made.

[0133] One or more one way (non-return) valves may be fitted near T piece 120 to prevent flow, except in the desired direction.

[0134] FIG. 10A shows an optional venturi and bladder arrangement in elevation view. This arrangement may be fitted after one of or both of the solenoid valves provided in box of hot water station 34 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5. The arrangement is generally that described in international patent application WO2016/110721 (Aqualogic NT Limited), the whole contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. When used with a hot water system the bladder provides capacity for the increased volume when heated water expands.

[0135] As can be seen in FIG. 10A a pipe section in the form of a venturi 122 has an inlet 124 (fed from a flow e.g. flow 22c of FIG. 5) and an outlet 126 to e.g. a tank for preparing extra hot water. A ramification (branch) 128 from the venturi, at or near its narrowest point connects to a bladder 130. The bladder 130 comprises two opposed sheets 132 (only one visible). The sheets 132 are of a resiliently deformable sheet material such as a steel or a rubber sheet for example. The sheets 132 are convex shaped so as to be spaced apart and enclose a volume, except where they held together in sealing engagement around their edges by frame 134.

[0136] FIG. 10B shows venturi 122 in more detail with a cross section view along line A-A shown in FIG. 10C. When water flows through the venturi as indicated by arrows 136, the venturi will draw water from the bladder via branch 128 (arrow 138). Thus the convex shaped sheets of bladder 130 will tend to collapse towards each other as the bladder volume reduces. When the water flow stops (by closure of a solenoid valve above inlet 124), the resilience of the sheet material will tend to restore the bladder 130 towards its unstressed volume. Where the venturi connects via a water processing station (such as a hot water tank) or even directly by supply pipework to a tap outlet, then the restoration of the bladder volume will tend to suck water back from the tap, in the direction suggested by arrows 140.

[0137] Thus a venturi and bladder arrangement may be employed to empty or substantially empty pipework between a water processing station (or other water supply) and the end of a tap. This can be achieved where non-return valves are not fitted. This arrangement can be advantageous. For example in removing a quantity of extra hot water left in the pipework after using the tap. Otherwise the extra hot water may dribble out unexpectedly.

[0138] Similarly a venturi and bladder arrangement fitted to the cold filtered water supply (FIG. 5 discussed above) can clear water from the pipework by the same mechanism. This removal of residual cold water from the pipework to the tap can also avoid dripping when the extra hot water tank is heating water up to the required temperature. The cleared pipework from the extra hot water tank to the tap provides a further space for expansion of the heated water, in addition to that provided by the venturi arrangement on the extra hot water arrangement.