Water dispensing device and housing for a flow regulating device

Abstract

A water distribution device and a housing for a flow conditioning device. The water distribution device includes a delivery spout including a passageway extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, a housing supported by the outlet end of the delivery spout, the housing including a body having an inlet opening defining a longitudinal axis, a flow conditioning device supported within the housing and in fluid communication with the inlet opening, a polymer tube fluidly coupled to the housing and extending within the passageway of the delivery spout, the housing including a first baffle supported by the body and positioned downstream of the inlet opening to redirect water flow from the inlet opening in a lateral direction. The housing is fluidly coupled to an inlet tube received within a faucet delivery spout. The housing receives a flow conditioning device (e.g., an aerator or flow straightener) and includes first and second baffles to provide a desired water flow to the flow conditioning device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 877,134, filed July 29, 2022, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a housing for a flow control device, and more particularly to such a housing supported within a faucet delivery nozzle and fluidly connected to a water supply pipe. Background Technology

[0004] This disclosure relates to a housing that facilitates the use of conventional flow regulators (such as aerators or flow straighteners) with a polymer supply line, thereby reducing water contact across the entire width of the metal passageway of a conventional faucet delivery nozzle. More specifically, the assembled supply line, housing, and flow regulator reduce water-metal interaction and potential water leakage. The illustrative housing uses a polymer body with spaced-apart baffles to redistribute water flow to the flow regulator in a desired manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As water enters the illustrative housing at the inlet opening, it contacts a first baffle downstream of the inlet opening to prevent direct impact on flow modulators (e.g., aerators or flow straighteners). After contacting the first baffle of the illustrative housing, the water then contacts a second baffle to further distribute the flow to the flow modulators. The housing's structure allows for a transition from the supply pipe to a designated flow cross-section. In the illustrative embodiment, the designated flow cross-section is, for example, successfully matched to the inlet geometry of the flow modulator to produce the same outlet flow pattern as the rectangular full flow cross-section originally designed for the flow modulator. The housing facilitates the use of conventional flow modulators (e.g., aerators or flow straighteners) with polymer supply pipes (as opposed to water flowing through the entire width of a metal channel in a conventional delivery nozzle). This reduces water-metal interaction and minimizes leakage through the use of existing polymer tubing.

[0006] According to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a water distribution device includes a delivery nozzle and a housing. The delivery nozzle has a passage extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, and the housing is supported by the outlet end of the delivery nozzle. The housing includes a body having an inlet opening defining a longitudinal axis. A flow regulating device is supported within the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet opening. A polymer tube is fluidly coupled to the housing and extends within the passage of the delivery nozzle. The housing includes a first baffle supported by the body and positioned downstream of the inlet opening to redirect water flow from the polymer tube in a lateral direction.

[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, the water distribution device includes a housing having a body having an inlet opening defining a longitudinal axis. A flow regulating device is supported within the housing and in fluid communication with the inlet opening. A polymer tube is fluidly coupled to the inlet opening of the housing. The housing includes a first baffle and a second baffle downstream of the first baffle, the first baffle extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and configured to redirect water from the inlet opening, and the second baffle extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and configured to redirect water from the first baffle.

[0008] According to a further illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, the housing includes a body having an inlet opening defining a longitudinal axis. A first baffle extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is configured to redirect water flow from the inlet opening (e.g., from an axial direction to a lateral direction). The first baffle includes a partition supported by an arm coupled to the body. A second baffle is positioned downstream of the first baffle and includes a first fin and a second fin positioned opposite to the first baffle. Each of the first and second fins extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and is configured to redirect water flow from the first baffle.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that are currently considered the best mode for carrying out the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings refers specifically to the drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a faucet supported by a sink countertop and including the illustrative housing described herein.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D diagram of a water tap;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of a faucet, with the delivery nozzle, sleeve, and valve handle shown in dashed lines;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A rear-view perspective view of the water tap's delivery nozzle;

[0015] Figure 5 It is a flow regulating device, housing, and Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the water supply pipe of a faucet;

[0016] Figure 6This is a partially exploded perspective view showing the housing and flow regulating device, which is fluidly connected to the supply pipe and from... Figure 4 Remove the outlet end of the water tap's delivery nozzle;

[0017] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7-7;

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 An illustrative end view of the housing;

[0019] Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken from line 9-9;

[0020] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken from line 10-10; and

[0021] Figure 11 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken from line 11-11. Detailed Implementation

[0022] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which will be described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described so that their teachings can be used by others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention includes any changes and further modifications to the illustrated apparatus and described methods that would normally occur to those skilled in the art, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention.

[0023] Initial reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 An illustrative faucet assembly 10 is shown mounted to a sink countertop 14 supporting a sink basin 16. This illustrative faucet assembly includes the water dispensing device or flow regulating assembly 12 as described herein. The faucet assembly 10 illustratively includes a delivery nozzle 18 supported by a sleeve 20 positioned above a base plate 21. Reference Figure 3 The illustrative delivery nozzle 18 includes a sidewall 22 defining a passage 24, and the illustrative sleeve 20 includes a sidewall 26 defining a passage 28 communicating with the passage 24. Both the delivery nozzle 18 and the sleeve 20 may be formed of metal (such as electroplated brass).

[0024] refer to Figure 3Valve assembly 30 is illustratively received within sleeve 20. Valve assembly 30 illustratively includes a handle 32 configured to be rotatably coupled to a valve stem 34, which is not shown, to change the flow rate and temperature of water delivered to water distribution device 12. Valve assembly 30 may be a conventional design, such as that detailed in U.S. Patent No. 7,753,074 to Rosko et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the faucet assembly 10 illustratively includes a water circuit assembly 40 having a hot water supply line or pipe 42 and a cold water supply line or pipe 44, the hot water supply line or pipe and the cold water supply line or pipe being configured to supply hot and cold water respectively to a valve assembly 30 via an interface member 46. More specifically, the hot water supply pipe 42 is fluidly connected to a hot water supply element 48 (e.g., a hot water supply valve or stop), while the cold water supply pipe 44 is fluidly connected to a cold water supply element 50 (e.g., a cold water supply valve or stop) (see...). Figure 1 As described above, the operation of valve assembly 30 regulates the water flow from hot water supply pipe 42 and cold water supply pipe 44 to mixed water or outlet pipe 52.

[0026] Illustratively, hot water supply pipe 42 is fluidly connected to the hot water inlet 54 of valve assembly 30, and cold water supply pipe 44 is fluidly connected to the cold water inlet 56 of valve assembly 30. Outlet pipe 52 includes a first end 58 fluidly connected to an outlet (not shown) of valve assembly 30, and a second end 62 fluidly connected to a nozzle supply pipe 64 extending through a passage 24 of delivery nozzle 18. Connector 66 fluidly connects outlet pipe 52 to nozzle supply pipe 64, and illustratively includes a male connector 68 of outlet pipe 52 received within a female connector 70 of nozzle supply pipe 64. Illustratively, a flow regulator 71 is received within female connector 70. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector 66 illustratively includes a locking clip 72 for securing the male connector 68 and the female connector 70 together. Tubes 42, 44, 52, and 64 may all be formed of a flexible polymer, illustratively of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

[0027] Further reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The delivery nozzle 18 includes an inlet end 74 operatively connected to the sleeve 20 and an outlet end 76 supporting the water distribution device 12. A supply pipe 64 extends from the inlet end 74 through a passage 24 of the delivery nozzle 18 to the outlet end 76. As further detailed herein, the outlet end 78 of the supply pipe 64 is fluidly connected to the water distribution device 12.

[0028] refer to Figures 5 to 7 The water distribution device 12 illustratively includes a flow regulating device housing 80 and a flow regulating device 82. The flow regulating device housing is supported by the outlet end 76 of the delivery nozzle 18. The flow regulating device is supported within the housing 80 and is in fluid communication with the supply pipe 64. The illustrative housing 80 includes a body 84 formed of a polymer (such as nylon). Illustratively, the flow regulating device 82 can be an aerator or a flow straightener. It is well known that aerators regulate water flow by mixing air and water, while flow straighteners regulate water flow by removing turbulence and providing essentially laminar water.

[0029] The housing 80 illustratively includes an inlet opening 86 defined by a nozzle 88. The nozzle 88 is illustratively received in a sealing engagement within the supply pipe 64. A longitudinal axis 90 is defined by the inlet opening 86. Figures 8 to 10 The connector 88 is illustratively received within an enlarged portion 92 at the outlet end 78 of the supply tube 64, wherein the inlet opening 86 is in fluid communication with the supply tube 64. More specifically, the truncated conical member 94 of the connector 88 is received within the enlarged portion 92 of the supply tube 64 to secure the housing 80 to the supply tube 64.

[0030] The opposing protrusion 96 is illustratively supported by the body 84 of the housing 80. More specifically, the opposing protrusion 96 extends laterally outward from the body 84 and engages the inner surface 98 of the delivery nozzle 18. The connector 100 illustratively secures the housing 80 within the outlet end 76 of the delivery nozzle 18. The connector 100 may include a resilient tab 102 received within a recess (illustratively, opening 104) formed in the sidewall 22 of the delivery nozzle 18.

[0031] The body 84 of the housing 80 illustratively includes a chamber 106 extending from the inlet end 108 to the outlet end 110. As described above, the supply tube 64 is coupled to the housing 80 at the inlet end 108, and the flow regulating device 82 is received within the chamber 106 from the outlet end 110. The flow regulating device 82 can be secured within the chamber 106 of the housing 80 using conventional means such as friction fit, adhesives, fasteners, etc. In one illustrative embodiment, a resilient tab 112 can engage with the body 84 of the housing 80 to secure the flow regulating device 82 therein.

[0032] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 11The illustrative flow regulator 82 includes a body 112 formed of a polymer (such as thermoplastic). Illustratively, the body 112 includes a mesh structure 114 extending from an inlet 116 to an outlet 118. The mesh structure 114 includes a plurality of axially extending openings or channels 120. The flow regulator 82 can be a conventional design, and illustratively, it can be a flow regulator similar to that detailed in U.S. Patent No. 8,561,922 of Staedtler, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In an illustrative embodiment, the flow regulator 82 can be a rectangular aerator or flow straightener (e.g., Neoperl part number FS-RC-24X6) available from Neoperl AG, Mülheim, Germany.

[0033] refer to Figures 7 to 10 The housing 80 includes a first baffle 122 supported by the body 84 and positioned downstream of the inlet opening 86 to redirect water flow from the inlet opening 86 in a lateral direction. Additionally, the housing 80 includes a second baffle 124 supported by the body 84 and positioned downstream of the first baffle 122.

[0034] The first baffle 122 illustratively includes a lateral baffle 126 supported by a plurality of circumferentially spaced arms 128 connected to the body 84 in a relationship spaced apart from the inlet opening 86. The second baffle 124 illustratively includes a first fin 132 and a second fin 134 positioned opposite to the first baffle 122. Illustratively, both the first fin 132 and the second fin 134 extend in an axial direction (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis 90), and each of the first and second fins includes a defining peak 140 (see...). Figure 8 The opposite curved surfaces 136 and 138.

[0035] During operation, when the user moves the valve handle 32, water flows through the corresponding hot water pipe 42 and cold water pipe 44, through the valve assembly 30, and reaches the supply pipe 64. Water flows from the supply pipe 64 to the inlet opening 86 of the housing 80. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As indicated by arrow 142, the water flows axially and then contacts the baffle 126 of the first baffle 122. This prevents water from the inlet opening 86 from directly contacting the inlet 116 of the flow regulating device 82. Figure 9 and Figure 11 As indicated by arrow 144, the water then flows laterally in the vertical direction away from the longitudinal axis 90 until it contacts the fins 132 and 134 of the second baffle 124. Upon contact with the fins 132 and 134 of the second baffle 124, the water again flows in a specified manner (e.g.) Figure 10 and Figure 11(As indicated by arrow 146 in the diagram) the water flow is redistributed so that the desired water flow contacts the inlet end 116 of the flow regulating device 82. As can be understood, the first baffle 122 and the second baffle 124 facilitate the transition of the water flow from the inlet opening to the fully open section.

[0036] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications as described and defined in the appended claims exist within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A water distribution device, the water distribution device comprising: A delivery nozzle, the delivery nozzle including a passage extending between an inlet end and an outlet end; A housing supported by the outlet end of the delivery nozzle, the housing including a body defining a chamber and having an inlet opening defining a longitudinal axis; A flow control device, which is supported within the chamber and is in fluid communication with the inlet opening; A polymer tube, which is fluidly connected to the housing and extends within the passage of the delivery nozzle; and The housing includes a first baffle disposed within the cavity and supported by the body, the first baffle being positioned downstream of the inlet opening on the longitudinal axis to redirect water flow from the inlet opening in the lateral direction, wherein the first baffle includes a partition supported by a pair of spaced-apart arms connected to the body in a spaced-apart relationship with the inlet opening, and wherein the housing includes a second baffle disposed within the cavity and supported by the body, the second baffle being configured to redirect lateral fluid flow from the first baffle in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second baffle includes a first fin and a second fin positioned on opposite sides of the first baffle.

2. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, wherein, The flow regulating device is fixed in the cavity by friction fit, adhesive, fastener or elastic tab and is positioned downstream of the second baffle.

3. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, wherein, The first fin includes opposing curved surfaces defining peaks, and the second fin includes opposing curved surfaces defining peaks, wherein the peaks of both the first and second fins extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

4. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a nozzle received within the tube.

5. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, wherein, The delivery nozzle includes a sidewall defining the passage and a recess formed within the sidewall; and The housing includes a connector that is received within a recess of the delivery nozzle.

6. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flow control device includes multiple axially extending passages that define a mesh structure.

7. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The housing is formed of polymer, and the nozzle is formed of metal.

8. A water distribution device, the water distribution device comprising: A housing, the housing including a body defining a chamber and having an inlet opening defining a longitudinal axis; A flow control device, which is supported within the chamber and is in fluid communication with the inlet opening; A polymer tube, the polymer tube being fluidly connected to the inlet opening of the housing; and The housing includes a first baffle disposed within the cavity and supported by the body, and a second baffle disposed within the cavity and downstream of the first baffle. The first baffle includes a partition supported by a pair of spaced-apart arms connected to the body in a relationship spaced apart from the inlet opening. The partition is positioned on and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is configured to redirect water flow from the inlet opening in a lateral direction. The second baffle extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and is configured to redirect lateral water flow from the first baffle in a longitudinal direction. The second baffle includes a first fin and a second fin supported by the body, the first fin and the second fin being positioned on opposite sides of the first baffle.

9. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The first fin includes opposing curved surfaces defining peaks, and the second fin includes opposing curved surfaces defining peaks, wherein the peaks of both the first and second fins extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

10. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The housing includes a nozzle received within the tube.

11. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The housing includes a connector configured to be received within a recess in the nozzle.

12. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The connector includes a resilient tab supported by the body.

13. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The flow control device includes multiple axially extending passages that define a mesh structure.

14. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The shell is formed of polymer.

15. The water distribution device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The flow regulating device is fixed in the cavity by friction fit, adhesive, fastener or elastic tab and is positioned downstream of the second baffle.

16. A housing for a flow regulating device, the housing comprising: A body that defines a chamber and includes an inlet opening defining a longitudinal axis; A first baffle disposed within the chamber, the first baffle being positioned on and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and configured to redirect water flow from the inlet opening in a lateral direction, the first baffle including a partition extending between and supported therebetween a pair of arms connected to and supported by the body; A second baffle, disposed within the chamber and downstream of the first baffle, includes a first fin and a second fin positioned opposite to the first baffle. Each of the first and second fins extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and is configured to redirect lateral water flow from the first baffle in the longitudinal direction. The first fin includes opposite curved surfaces defining a peak, and the second fin includes opposite curved surfaces defining a peak, wherein the peaks of both the first and second fins extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

17. The housing as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The housing includes a nozzle that is received within the tube.

18. The housing as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The housing includes a connector that is received within a recess in the nozzle.

19. The housing as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The connector includes a resilient tab supported by the body.

20. The housing as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The body is formed of polymer.

21. The housing of claim 16, further comprising a flow regulating device fixed within the chamber, the flow regulating device being in fluid communication with the inlet opening and positioned downstream of the second baffle.

Images