Fluid delivery device

Abstract

A fluid delivery device includes an inlet, a fluid delivery outlet, and a switching device between the inlet and the fluid delivery outlet. The switching device circulates between a first mode of operation in which fluid flows from the inlet to the first chamber leading to the fluid delivery outlet and a second mode of operation in which fluid flows from the inlet to the second chamber leading to the fluid delivery outlet. In a first mode of operation, a first fluid flow enters the fluid delivery outlet from the first chamber in a first direction and / or at a first location. In a second mode of operation, a second fluid flow enters the fluid delivery outlet from the second chamber in a second direction and / or at a second location. The second direction is different from the first direction and / or the second position is different from the first position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2311088.5 filed on July 19, 2023 and United States Patent Application No. 18 / 758,840 filed on June 28, 2024, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fluid delivery device, such as a shower head for a shower or a faucet, and also to a plumbing system or a bathing system including the fluid delivery device. Background Art

[0004] As is well known, fluid delivery devices are configured to provide a variety of different operating modes (spray modes). Typically, a user can actuate a switching device associated with a fluid delivery device (e.g., a spray head) to switch between spray modes and change one or more characteristics of the resulting stream. Introducing multiple spray mode capabilities into a spray head may greatly increase the size, complexity, and manufacturing cost of the spray head. The present disclosure is intended to provide a compact fluid delivery device that can operate in a variety of different spray modes. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention discloses a fluid conveying device, comprising:

[0006] Entrance;

[0007] one or more fluid delivery outlets in fluid communication with the inlet; and

[0008] a switching device disposed between the inlet and the one or more fluid delivery outlets, the switching device controlling fluid flow to the fluid delivery outlets;

[0009] wherein the switching device has a first operating mode in which there is a first fluid flow from the inlet to a first chamber leading to one or more of the fluid delivery outlets and a second operating mode in which there is a second fluid flow from the inlet to a second chamber leading to one or more of the fluid delivery outlets;

[0010] Wherein, for a given fluid delivery outlet: when the switching device is in the first operating mode, the first fluid flow enters the given fluid delivery outlet from the first chamber in a first direction and / or a first position; when the switching device is in the second operating mode, the second fluid flow enters the given fluid delivery outlet from the second chamber in a second direction and / or a second position;

[0011] wherein the second direction is different from the first direction and / or the second position is different from the first position; and wherein the switching device cycles between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.

[0012] The present application also discloses a catheter assembly, comprising:

[0013] catheter;

[0014] a flow restrictor which restricts the flow of a fluid stream along the conduit so as to produce, in use, a pressure drop in the fluid stream downstream of the flow restrictor;

[0015] one or more air intake passages that convey a flow of air from an exterior of the conduit into the conduit at one or more locations downstream of the flow restrictor; and

[0016] an air intake passage closing device, the air intake passage closing device having a first state and a second state, in which one or more of the air intake passages are open, and in which one or more of the air intake passages are closed;

[0017] in:

[0018] When the air intake passage closing device is in the first state, a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the restrictor causes one or more streams of air to be drawn along the open one or more air intake passages, wherein the one or more streams of air mix with the fluid flow in the conduit to form an aerated fluid flow; and

[0019] When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, no flow of air is transported into the duct from outside the duct along the closed one or more air intake passages.

[0020] The present application also discloses a fluid conveying device or a pipeline system, comprising the catheter assembly described above.

[0021] The present application also discloses a pipeline system, comprising:

[0022] The fluid delivery device as described above; and

[0023] A fluid supply conduit fluidly connects the fluid delivery device to a fluid source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 An exploded view of an exemplary fluid delivery device is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 2 A rear view of an exemplary fluid delivery device is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid delivery device along line AA is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 4 An enlarged view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter assembly is illustrated.

[0030] Fig. 6A An enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter assembly in a first operational state is illustrated.

[0031] Figure 6B An enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter assembly in a second operational state is illustrated.

[0032] Fig. 7A An exemplary fluid delivery device is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid delivery device is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device is illustrated.

[0035] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device is illustrated.

[0036] Fig.10 An exemplary bathing system is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 An exploded view of the fluid delivery device 1 is shown. Figure 2 A rear view of the fluid delivery device 1 is shown with the cover removed. Figure 3 The fluid delivery device 1 is shown along line AA ( Figure 2 ) is an enlarged cross-sectional view. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of .

[0038] In this example, the fluid delivery device 1 is a shower head for a shower. The fluid delivery device 1 includes an inlet 2 for receiving fluid from a fluid supply (not shown) and a spray face 3 including a plurality of fluid delivery outlets 4. The fluid delivery outlets 4 are preferably in fluid communication with the inlet 2, and a switching device 50 is disposed between the inlet 2 and the fluid delivery outlets 4. The switching device 50 is operable to control the fluid flow to the fluid delivery outlets 4, and is configured to operate in at least two different operating modes.

[0039] In this example, the inlet 2 and the switching device 50 each form part of a single-piece body 5. The body 5 forms a layer of the fluid delivery device 1 located behind the spray face 3. The inlet 2 can be coupled to a fluid supply pipe (not shown) or an adapter (not shown) thereon by threading.

[0040] The fluid delivery device 1 includes a first plate 7 and a second plate 8. The front surface of the second plate 8 forms a spray face 3. The first plate 7 is disposed between the main body 5 and the second plate 8. The first plate 7 has a circumferential flange 75 that protrudes from the first plate 7 in a direction away from the spray face 3. Similarly, the main body 5 has a circumferential flange 57 that protrudes from the main body 5 toward the spray face 3. The flange 75 of the first plate 7 fits within the flange 57 of the main body 5 (e.g., to form a press-fit connection). The second plate 8 is also configured to be selectively coupled to the main body 5 and the first plate 7 by a press-fit connection. In this example, the rear surface of the second plate 8 has a stepped edge 85 configured to receive the end of the flange 57 of the main body 5.

[0041] The first chamber 70 may be formed between the body 5 and the first plate 7 (see Figure 3 ). The first plate 7 includes a first plurality of through holes 78, each of which supplies a corresponding one of the fluid delivery outlets 4 of the spray face 3. A second chamber 80 is formed between the first plate 7 and the second plate 8. The second plate 8 includes a second plurality of through holes 82 (not shown), each of which fluidically connects the chamber 80 to a corresponding one of the fluid delivery outlets 4. The second plate 8 further includes a third plurality of through holes 81 (not shown), each of which fluidically connects a corresponding one of the first plurality of through holes 78 to a corresponding one of the fluid delivery outlets 4. The second set of through holes 82 and the third set of through holes 81 may be formed at Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen in the accompanying description, their role in the operation of the fluid delivery device 1 is detailed.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the fluid delivery device 1 further includes a cover 6, which forms a rear outer surface of the fluid delivery device 1 opposite to the spray face 3. In this example, the cover 6 serves to seal the rear of the switching device 50. The cover 6 can be selectively coupled to the rear of the body 5 via a press-fit connection.

[0043] Figure 2 FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the fluid delivery device 1 with the cover 6 removed. Figure 2 As shown, the switching device 50 includes a switching device inlet 21, a switching mechanism 53 and at least two switching device outlets. In this example, the switching device 50 includes a first switching device outlet 51 and a second switching device outlet 52, each of which supplies to a corresponding one of the first chamber 70 and the second chamber 80. The body 5 includes a first cavity 61, which fluidly connects the first switching device outlet 51 to a first channel 71 in the body 5. The first channel 71 includes a hole, which fluidly connects the first cavity 61 of the body 5 to the first chamber 70.

[0044] The body 5 includes a second cavity 62 that fluidly connects the second switching device outlet 52 to two second passages 72 in the body 5. Each of the two second passages 72 protrudes through the entire thickness of the first chamber 70 and fluidly connects the second cavity 62 of the body 5 to the second chamber 80. The passages 72 may be tubular, but other shapes are contemplated.

[0045] The switching device 50 is configured to operate in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the fluid is supplied from the first switching device outlet 51 through the first cavity 61 to the first passage 71 and continues to the first chamber 70. In the second operating mode, the fluid is supplied from the second switching device outlet 52 through the second cavity 62 to the second passage 72 and continues to the second chamber 80.

[0046] The switching device is configured to continuously (or substantially continuously) cycle between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the switching mechanism 53 includes a front chamber 55 having a generally triangular shape. The switching device inlet 21 connects the inlet 2 fluid to the front chamber 55 at or around the vertex of the front chamber 55. The first switching device outlet 51 and the second switching device outlet 52 are connected to the bottom edge of the front chamber 55 (located on opposite sides of the front chamber 55). In this example, the first switching device outlet 51 and the second switching device outlet 52 are connected to the front chamber 55 at opposite ends of the bottom edge.

[0048] The switching mechanism 53 may further include a first feedback loop 56a providing a path for fluid flow from the first switching device outlet 51 to the front chamber 55. The switching mechanism 53 also includes a second feedback loop 56b providing a path for fluid flow from the second switching device outlet 52 to the front chamber 55.

[0049] The first feedback loop 56a and the second feedback loop 56b may be connected to opposite sides of the front chamber 55, respectively (referred to as the first side 55a and the second side 55b, respectively). The first side 55a and the second side 55b of the front chamber 55 may be separated by a normal to the bottom plane (which protrudes from the vertex of the front chamber 55) along the dotted line AA. The first feedback loop 56a is connected to a non-bottom edge of the front chamber 55, so that the first feedback loop 56a and the first switching device outlet 51 are both connected to the first side 55a of the front chamber 55. Similarly, the second feedback loop 55b is connected to the other non-bottom edge of the front chamber 55, so that the second feedback loop 56b and the second switching device outlet 52 are both connected to the second side 55b of the front chamber 55. In this example, the first feedback loop 56a and the second feedback loop 56b are both connected to the front chamber 55 near the vertex of the front chamber 55.

[0050] In this example, the first feedback loop 56a and the second feedback loop 56b follow an angled path defined by straight edges. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, their paths may be of any suitable configuration, such as a meandering curved path. Figure 2 As shown, the first feedback loop 56a can be a mirror image of the second feedback loop 56b relative to the dashed line AA. In other implementations, the first feedback loop 56a and the second feedback loop 56b may not be mirror images of each other. The first feedback loop 56a and the second feedback loop 56b may be substantially the same as each other, or may be different from each other.

[0051] The first feedback loop 56a is preferably configured such that the fluid flow from the first feedback loop 56a enters the front chamber 55 in a direction substantially pointing to the second side 55b of the front chamber 55. The second feedback loop 56b is preferably configured such that the fluid flow from the second feedback loop 56b enters the front chamber 55 in a direction substantially pointing to the first side 55a of the front chamber 55. This configuration may allow the fluid from the first feedback loop 56a to interfere with the flow to the first switching device outlet 51. Similarly, the fluid from the second feedback loop 56b may interfere with the flow from the front chamber 55 to the second switching device outlet 52. In this way, the switching device 50 is configured to function as described below.

[0052] The switching device 50 has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the fluid enters the front chamber 55 through the switching device inlet 21, and is guided to the first switching device outlet 51 through the front chamber 55 to form a first fluid flow. The fluid flow through the first switching device outlet 51 drives a portion of the flow through the first feedback loop 56a and returns to the front chamber 55. This interferes with the flow from the port 21 to the first switching device outlet 51, thereby switching the switching device 50 to its second operating mode. The fluid flow through the second switching device outlet 52 drives a portion of the flow through the second feedback loop 56b and returns to the front chamber 55.

[0053] In the second operating mode, the fluid enters the front chamber 55 through the switching device inlet 21 and is directed to the second switching device outlet 52 through the front chamber 55 to form a second fluid flow. This disrupts the flow from the switching device inlet 21 to the second switching device outlet 52, thereby switching the switching device 50 back to its first operating mode. In this way, during the use of the fluid delivery device 1, the switching device 50 is continuously (or substantially continuously) cycled between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0054] In this way, the fluid delivery device 10 does not rely on any moving parts to cycle between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. Alternative switching mechanisms for cycling between the first operating mode and the second operating mode are also considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a rotating turbine element can be used in place of the switching mechanism 53 to alternately fluidly couple the first switching device outlet 51 and the second switching device outlet 52 to the switching device inlet 21.

[0055] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fluid conveying equipment in the AA line ( Figure 2 ) is an enlarged view of a cross section taken from the first chamber and the second chamber. The paths of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow from the first chamber and the second chamber to the fluid delivery outlet 4 are respectively as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 Best shown.

[0056] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of Figure 3 Indicated by a dotted box 'B' in the figure). Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, when measured from the center of the volume of the first chamber 70 and the center of the volume of the second chamber 80, respectively, the first chamber 70 is farther from the injection face 3 than the second chamber 80. Advantageously, vertically offsetting the first chamber 70 and the second chamber 80 from each other can enable the fluid to be distributed laterally on the showerhead without mixing the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow. This can be more advantageous than conventional fluid distribution arrays, in which complex paths are used to isolate different fluids within a single layer.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fluid delivery outlet 4 may be supplied by a corresponding pair of through holes (one of the second plurality of through holes 82 and one of the third plurality of through holes 81).

[0058] The first plurality of through-holes 78 (in the first plate 7) can each feed a corresponding one of the third plurality of through-holes (in the second plate 8). This prevents the first fluid flow from the first chamber 70 from mixing with the second fluid flow from the second chamber 80, thereby effectively allowing the first fluid flow to reach the fluid delivery outlet 4 while bypassing the second chamber 80. When the switching device 50 is in the first operating mode, the fluid travels from the first chamber 70 to the fluid delivery outlet 4 via the first plurality of through-holes 71 and the third plurality of through-holes 82. Figure 4 The black block arrow 811 in represents the first fluid flow.

[0059] The second fluid flow (i.e., the flow from the second chamber 80 to one of the fluid delivery outlets 4) is provided by Figure 4 In the second operating mode, the fluid travels from the second chamber 80 to the fluid delivery outlet 4 via the second plurality of through holes 82 of the second plate 8. The cycle between the operating modes of the switching device 50 switches the first and second fluid flows and supplies the fluid delivery outlet 4.

[0060] For each given fluid delivery outlet 4: when the switching device is in the first operating mode, the first fluid flow enters the fluid delivery outlet 4 at the first position; when the switching device is in the second operating mode, the second fluid flow enters the given fluid delivery outlet 4 at the second position. Further, each of the second plurality of through holes 82 can be inclined at an angle α relative to the third plurality of through holes 81, so that for each given fluid delivery outlet 4, the direction in which the first fluid flow enters the fluid delivery outlet 4 is different from the direction in which the second fluid flow enters the fluid delivery outlet 4. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 2°, greater than or equal to 5°, greater than or equal to 10°, greater than or equal to 15°, greater than or equal to 20°, or greater than or equal to 30°, and / or less than or equal to 10°, less than or equal to 15°, less than or equal to 20°, less than or equal to 30°, or less than or equal to 40°.

[0061] In this example, the third plurality of through holes 81 is generally cylindrical, with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the injection face 3. The second plurality of through holes 82 may widen toward the injection face 3 to form an inclined truncated cone. The axis of the inclined truncated cone may not be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third plurality of through holes 81. For each pair of through holes, the angle between one of the third plurality of through holes 81 and one of the second plurality of through holes 82 may be greater than or equal to 2°, greater than or equal to 5°, greater than or equal to 10°, greater than or equal to 15°, greater than or equal to 20°, or greater than or equal to 30°, and / or less than or equal to 10°, less than or equal to 15°, less than or equal to 20°, less than or equal to 30°, or less than or equal to 40°. In this example, the angle between one of the third plurality of through holes 81 and one of the second plurality of through holes 82 is approximately 23°.

[0062] Configuring the fluid delivery device 1 in this manner can advantageously allow for the generation of unconventional output flow characteristics. Such switching of flows from different positions and / or different directions can result in the output flow from the spray face 3 mimicking rainfall at least to some extent. In short, the user can obtain an unconventional and / or novel shower experience.

[0063] refer to Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , an enlarged cross-sectional view of a catheter assembly 100 for a fluid delivery device is shown. The catheter assembly 100 includes a catheter 101 configured to transport a fluid flow.

[0064] The catheter assembly 100 further comprises a flow restrictor 102 configured to restrict the flow of a fluid stream along the catheter 101 , thereby creating a pressure drop in the fluid stream downstream of the flow restrictor 102 in use.

[0065] A flow restrictor 102 is arranged within the conduit 101. The flow restrictor 102 comprises a disk, perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis 1001 of the conduit 101, and perforated by a plurality of holes 103. In this example, the plurality of holes 103 comprises 32 holes in two rings arranged near the periphery of the disk.

[0066] Since the total flow area through the plurality of holes 103 is substantially smaller than the flow area of ​​the conduit 101, in use, the flow restrictor 102 generates a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor 102. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other flow restrictor configurations may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The flow restrictor may have any suitable configuration to generate a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream thereof.

[0067] The conduit 101 may be composed of two generally tubular parts: a first part 101a and a second part 101b, which are configured to be selectively coupled to each other. In this example, the first part 101a is located upstream of the second part 101b. One end of the first part 101a near the second part 101b may have a reduced radius portion 105a having an outer radius smaller than the rest of the first part 101a. A threaded portion may be provided on the outer surface of the reduced radius portion 105a. One end of the second part 101b near the first part 101a may have an increased radius portion 105b having an inner radius greater than the rest of the second part 101b. The threaded portion may be provided on the inner surface of the increased radius portion 105b. The reduced radius portion 105a of the first part 101a is preferably configured to fit at least partially within and threadably engage with the increased radius portion 105b to selectively couple the first part 101a and the second part 101b of the conduit 101. The sealing member 163 in the form of an O-ring is configured to provide a fluid-tight (or nearly fluid-tight) seal between the first part 101a and the second part 101b of the conduit 101.

[0068] The flow restrictor 102 may form one end of a hollow insert 106 that is located within the reduced radius portion 105a of the first part 101a. The hollow insert 106 may include a radially protruding rim 107 away from the flow restrictor 102. The rim 107 may be positioned between the reduced radius portion 105a of the first part 101a and the second part 101b. This configuration helps prevent the hollow insert 106 from translating along the catheter 101.

[0069] The first duct assembly 100 further includes eight air introduction channels 130 for conveying a flow of air from the outside of the duct 101 into the duct 101, but it is contemplated that more or fewer channels 130 are included. The eight air introduction channels 130 are substantially evenly distributed on the circumference of the duct 101. In this example, each of the eight air introduction channels 130 includes one of a first group of air introduction passages 131 that perforate the first part 101a of the duct 101 and one of a second group of air introduction passages 132 that perforate the hollow insert 106.

[0070] The first group of air introduction passages 131 includes eight air introduction passages that are regularly spaced around the circumference of the reduced radius portion 105a. The second group of air introduction passages 132 includes eight air introduction passages that are regularly spaced around the circumference of the hollow insert 106 near the restrictor 102. The second group of air introduction passages 132 can be arranged to receive air from a corresponding one of the first group of air introduction passages 131 and provide air to the interior of the hollow insert 106.

[0071] Sealing member 160 can be disposed on the outer surface of hollow insert 106 on either side of second group of air introduction passage 132. In the example shown in the figure, each of sealing member (for example sealing member 160 of duct assembly 100) is O-ring, but other sealing members can be expected. Sealing member 160 helps to reduce or prevent fluid from leaking from inside duct assembly 100 along first group of air introduction passage 131 to the outside of duct assembly 100. Likewise, sealing member 160 also serves as the role of duct assembly 100 upstream of flow restrictor 102 to help reduce or prevent air from entering.

[0072] The duct assembly 100 is configured so that air can enter the hollow insert 106 immediately downstream of the flow restrictor 102. At this point, there may be a pressure drop in the duct 101 and the fluid flow is at a high velocity. This can assist in drawing air along the air intake passage 130 and achieve effective mixing of the air with the fluid flow, thereby forming an aerated fluid flow.

[0073] Applicants have recognized that it may be beneficial to allow selection between different flow characteristics of a fluid delivery device in which a catheter assembly is integrated. To this end, the catheter assembly 100 includes an air intake passage closing device that is operable to actuate the transport of air along the air intake passage 130. In the illustrated example, the air intake passage closing device includes a sleeve 120 that is operable to translate relative to the catheter 101 parallel to the longitudinal axis 1001 of the catheter 101. The sleeve 120 is substantially tubular and surrounds the outer circumference of the reduced radius portion 105a. The inner radius of the sleeve 120 is just greater than the outer radius of the reduced radius portion 105a to produce a tight fit between the two parts. The outer radius of the sleeve 120 is substantially equal to: the outer radius of the rest of the first part 101a; and the increased radius portion 105b. In this way, the sleeve 120 is flush (or nearly flush) with the first part 101a and the second part 101b of the catheter 101.

[0074] A step is formed at the junction of the reduced radius portion 105a and the remaining portion of the first part 101a. The step forms a first contact surface 140a for interacting with the sleeve 120 and serves as an end stop for the translation of the sleeve 120 in a first direction 151. An end surface of the increased radius portion 105b adjacent to the first part 101a forms a second contact surface 140b for interacting with the sleeve 120 and serves as an end stop for the translation of the sleeve 120 in a second direction 152 substantially opposite to the first direction 151. The sleeve 120 is operable to translate between two end points respectively determined by the first end stop and the second end stop, which respectively define a first state and a second state of the air intake passage closing device.

[0075] Sleeve 120 may further include ridge 170 that enables a user to actuate sleeve 120 between states of sleeve 120. Ridge 170 protrudes away from catheter 101. Ridge 170 may be substantially arcuate, for example, providing a crescent shape (or similar shape) configured to fit a user's thumb.

[0076] Fig. 6A The catheter assembly 100 is shown, wherein the sleeve 120 is in a first state. In this state, the rear end of the sleeve 120 contacts the first contact surface 140a of the first part 101a. The front end of the sleeve 120 does not contact the second contact surface 140b of the second part 101b. Therefore, there is a gap between the front end of the sleeve 120 and the second part 101b, opening the air introduction channel 130. Two sealing members 161 and 162 are preferably provided on the outer surface of the reduced radius portion 106 on either side of the first set of air introduction passages 131. The first of the two sealing members 161 (the one away from the second part 101b) serves to help prevent air from entering the catheter 101 via the gap between the rear end of the sleeve 120 and the first contact surface 140a. The inner radius of the sleeve 120 increases toward the front end of the sleeve 120. In this configuration in the first state, preferably there is a gap between the second of the two sealing members 162 and the sleeve 120. In this state, the pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor 102 may cause air to be drawn in through the open air intake passage 130 to mix with the fluid flow in the hollow insert 106 to form an aerated fluid flow. Fig. 6A The dotted arrows in illustrative figures show the flow of air through the air introduction passage 130 .

[0077] Figure 6BThe catheter assembly 100 is shown, wherein the sleeve 120 is in a second state. In this state, the front end of the sleeve 120 contacts the second contact surface 140b of the second part 101b, sealing the front end of the sleeve 120 on the second part 101b. Therefore, the air introduction channel 130 is closed, and no (or substantially no) flow of air can enter the catheter 101 from the outside of the catheter 101 along the closed air introduction channel 130. In this state, the fluid flow downstream of the restrictor 102 is not an aerated fluid flow. There is a gap between the rear end of the sleeve 120 and the first contact surface 140a of the first part 101a. In this configuration, the two sealing members 161, 162 can inhibit the fluid (such as air or water) from passing between the reduced radius portion 105a and the sleeve 120. The second sealing member 162 near the second part 101b serves to help prevent air from entering the catheter 101 located between the front end of the sleeve 120 and the second contact surface 140a.

[0078] In an alternative configuration (not shown), the sealing member 162 may be alternatively disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve 120, and the groove may be disposed in the reduced radius portion 105a of the first part 101a. In this alternative configuration, the groove may be configured to: align with the sealing member 162 when the sleeve is in its first state to provide a gap between the sealing member 162 and the reduced radius portion 105a; and to be misaligned with the sealing member 162 when the sleeve is in its second state so that there is no gap between the sealing member 162 and the reduced radius portion 105a.

[0079] The sleeve 120 may have one or more intermediate states between the first state and the second state. In this intermediate state, a small gap may exist between the inner surface of the sleeve 120 and the sealing member 162. When the sleeve 120 is so positioned, the air introduction channel 130 may be considered as partially open, and the synthetic fluid stream may be inflated to a smaller degree than when the sleeve is in the first state. Providing this intermediate state may allow the user to more finely control the degree of inflation of the fluid stream.

[0080] Fig. 7A A fluid delivery device 200 including the catheter assembly 100 is shown. Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of fluid delivery device 200 is shown.

[0081] The fluid delivery device 200 may include a handle for a shower, the handle including a grip portion 110 and a head portion 10 ′.

[0082] The first end of the handle portion 110 may include a threaded portion for connecting the handle portion 110 to a fluid supply conduit (not shown) in use. The handle portion 110 may include a catheter assembly 100 that enables selection between different flow characteristics of the fluid delivery device 200 .

[0083] In this example, the catheter 101 is configured to transport a fluid flow to the head portion 10' through the handle portion 110. The inlet 20' of the catheter assembly 100 is located at a first end of the handle portion 110.

[0084] The head portion 10' may include one or more internal chambers (not shown) in fluid communication with the conduit 101 and a spray face with a plurality of outlets for delivering fluid to a user in use. The head portion 10' may include any suitable head portion for a handle for a shower.

[0085] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the fluid delivery device 200 is shown when the sleeve 120 is in a first state. In this state, the rear end of the sleeve 120 preferably contacts the first contact surface 140a of the first part 101a. The front end of the sleeve 120 preferably does not contact the second contact surface 140b of the second part 101b. Therefore, there may be a gap between the front end of the sleeve 120 and the second part 101b, opening the air introduction channel 130. In this state, the flow to the head 10' is inflated by the catheter assembly 100.

[0086] Conventional actuation devices (e.g., brake devices that rely on relative rotation of two parts) may cause difficulties for users whose hands may be wet. Typically, such rotational actuation requires two hands, one for each part. In contrast, in this example, actuation is achieved by translation of the sleeve 120 relative to the catheter 101, which can be controlled by the user (with the aid of the ridge 170 to assist gripping). Due to the positioning of the sleeve 120 on the handle portion 110 of the fluid delivery device 10', and the provision of the ridge 170 to assist gripping, the user can actuate the catheter assembly 100 with only one hand, grasping the handle portion 110 with their palm and fingers, and sliding the sleeve 120 with their thumb. In this way, the catheter 101 can provide an inflation device that can be actuated by the user without causing excessive complexity (which may result in high manufacturing costs).

[0087] Figure 8 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid delivery device 300. The fluid delivery device 300 includes a shower head 350 for showering and is provided with a shower head 350 having a plurality of shower heads 350 and a plurality of shower heads 350. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The fluid delivery device 200 operates in a similar manner. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BSimilar to the fluid delivery device 200 in FIG. 1 , the fluid delivery device 300 includes a catheter assembly 400 .

[0088] The conduit assembly 400 is preferably configured to be coupled to a fluid supply conduit (not shown) and a showerhead 350. The showerhead 350 may include one or more internal chambers 351 in fluid communication with the conduit assembly 400 and a shower face with a plurality of outlets 352 for delivering fluid to a user when in use.

[0089] The main difference between these devices is that fluid delivery device 300 is a fixed overhead showerhead, while fluid delivery device 200 is a handheld showerhead. Figure 8 As shown, the conduit assembly 400 can be integrated into a support conduit 410 that secures the fluid delivery device 300 relative to the shower enclosure in which the fluid delivery device 300 is installed. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In contrast to the fluid delivery device 300 shown, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the illustrated fluid delivery device 300 , the catheter assembly 100 forms part of the handle 110 .

[0090] The conduit assembly 400 may include a conduit 401 configured to transport a fluid flow from a fluid supply pipe to a showerhead 350. The conduit 401 is preferably composed of two generally tubular parts: a first part 401a and a second part 401b, which are configured to selectively couple to each other. In this example, the first part 401a is located upstream of the second part 401b and is configured to couple to the fluid supply pipe. One end of the first part 401a near the second part 401b has a reduced radius portion 405a, which may have an outer radius smaller than the rest of the first part 401a. A threaded portion may be provided on the outer surface of the reduced radius portion 405a. The threaded portion 405b may be provided on the inner surface of the second part 401b. The reduced radius portion 405a of the first part 401a is configured to at least partially fit within and threadedly engage with the threaded portion 405b of the second part 401b to selectively couple the first and second parts 401a, 401b of the catheter 401.

[0091] The first part 401a may comprise a flow restrictor 402 configured to restrict the flow of a fluid stream along the conduit 401, thereby generating, in use, a pressure drop in the fluid stream downstream of the flow restrictor 102. The flow restrictor 402 comprises a disk perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1002 of the conduit 401 and perforated by a plurality of holes 403. In this example, the plurality of holes 403 comprises 32 holes arranged in two rings near the periphery of the disk.

[0092] Since the total flow area through the plurality of holes 403 is less than the flow area of ​​the conduit 401, in use, the restrictor 402 generates a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the restrictor 402. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other restrictor configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The restrictor may have any suitable configuration to generate a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream thereof.

[0093] The first part 401a may further include a plurality of air introduction channels 430 for conveying a flow of air outside the duct 401 into the duct 401. The air introduction channels 430 may be substantially evenly distributed on the circumference of the duct 401.

[0094] The conduit assembly 400 is preferably configured so that air can enter the conduit 401 downstream of the flow restrictor 402. At this point, a pressure drop occurs in the conduit 401 and the fluid flow is at a high velocity. This can be beneficial in helping air to be drawn in along the air intake channel 430 and achieve effective mixing of the air with the fluid flow, thereby forming an aerated fluid flow.

[0095] The duct assembly 400 includes an air intake passage closing device that is operable to actuate the transport of air along the air intake passage 430. In the illustrated example, the air intake passage closing device includes a sleeve 420 that is operable to translate relative to the duct 401 parallel to the longitudinal axis 1002 of the duct 401. The sleeve 420 is substantially tubular and surrounds the outer circumference of the first part 401a. The inner radius of the sleeve 420 is just larger than the outer radius of the first part 401a to create a tight fit between the two parts.

[0096] A step may be formed on the outer surface of the first part 401a, which forms a first contact surface 440a for interacting with the sleeve 420 and serves as an end stop for the sleeve 420 to translate in the first direction. Another step may be formed at the junction between the first part 401a and the second part 401b, which forms a second contact surface 440b for interacting with the sleeve 420. The second contact surface 440b serves as an end stop for the sleeve 420 to translate in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. The sleeve 420 may be operable to translate between two end points respectively determined by the first end stop and the second end stop, which respectively define a first state and a second state of the air introduction passage closing device.

[0097] The sleeve 420 further includes a ridge 470 that enables a user to actuate the sleeve 420 between states of the sleeve 420. The ridge 470 preferably protrudes around the circumference of the sleeve 420 away from the catheter 401.

[0098] Figure 8 The duct assembly 300 is shown, wherein the sleeve 420 is in a first state. In this state, the rear end of the sleeve 420 may contact the first contact surface 440a of the first part 401a. The front end of the sleeve 420 does not contact the second contact surface 440b of the second part 401b. Therefore, there may be a gap between the front end of the sleeve 420 and the second part 401b, opening the air introduction channel 430.

[0099] When the sleeve 420 is in the second state, the front end of the sleeve 420 may contact the second contact surface 440b of the second part 401b, sealing (or substantially sealing) the front end of the sleeve 420 on the second part 401b. Therefore, in this state, the air introduction channel 430 may be closed, and no (or very little) air flow may be transported from the outside of the conduit 401 to the conduit 401 along the closed air introduction channel 430. The fluid flow downstream of the restrictor 402 is not an aerated fluid flow. There may be a gap between the rear end of the sleeve 420 and the first contact surface 440a of the first part 401a.

[0100] Sealing members (not shown) such as O-rings may be provided on the outer surface of the first piece 401a on either side of the air introduction passage 430. The sealing members may help prevent air from entering the catheter assembly 300 when the sleeve 420 is in the second state.

[0101] Conventional actuation devices (e.g., those that rely on relative rotation of two parts) may cause difficulty for users whose hands may be wet. Typically, such rotational actuation requires two hands, one for holding each part. In contrast, in this example, actuation is achieved by user-controlled translation of sleeve 420 relative to catheter 401 (with the aid of a grip assisted by ridge 470). In this way, catheter assembly 400 can provide an inflation device that can be actuated by a user without incurring excessive complexity (which may result in high manufacturing costs).

[0102] Fig. 9 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid delivery device 500. The fluid delivery device 500 may include a shower head 550 for showering and may be configured to be connected to a shower head 550. Figure 8 The fluid delivery device 500 operates in a similar manner to the fluid delivery device 300. The fluid delivery device 500 includes a catheter assembly 600 configured to be coupled to a fluid supply conduit (not shown).

[0103] In this example, the showerhead 550 may include Figures 1 to 3 The showerhead 550 may further include: one or more internal chambers 551 in fluid communication with the switching device 553; and a spray face 554 with a plurality of outlets 552 for transmitting fluid from the one or more internal chambers 551 to a user. The conduit assembly 600 may be integrated into the showerhead 550 and completely disposed within the showerhead 550. As with the previous embodiments, the conduit assembly 600 is operable to selectively aerate the flow traveling therethrough.

[0104] As described below, the catheter assembly 600 is configured to Figure 8 For example, the air introduction passage closing device of the duct assembly 400 includes a sleeve 420, while the air introduction passage closing device of the duct assembly 600 does not include a sleeve, but actuates the inflation of the flow via the rotation of the movable plate 620.

[0105] The conduit assembly 600 includes a conduit 601. The conduit 601 is configured to transport a fluid flow from a fluid supply pipeline to the switching device 553.

[0106] The conduit assembly 600 includes a restrictor 602 configured to restrict the flow of a fluid stream along the conduit 401, thereby generating a pressure drop in the fluid stream downstream of the restrictor 102 in use. The restrictor 602 includes a section of the conduit 601, wherein the cross-sectional area gradually narrows in the direction 1003 of the fluid stream. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other restrictor configurations may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The restrictor may have any suitable configuration to generate a pressure drop in the fluid stream downstream thereof.

[0107] Downstream of the restrictor 602, the conduit 601 is perforated by one or more air intake channels 630 for conveying a flow of air from outside the conduit 601 into the conduit 601. At this point, a pressure drop occurs in the conduit 601 and the fluid flow is at a high velocity. This will help ensure that air is drawn in along the one or more air intake channels 630 and that effective mixing of air with the fluid flow is achieved, thereby forming an aerated fluid flow.

[0108] As previously mentioned, the duct assembly 600 includes an air intake passage closing device that is operable to actuate the transport of air along the air intake passage 630. In the illustrated example, the air intake passage closing device includes a movable plate 620 that forms a rear exterior surface of the showerhead 550. The movable plate 620 is operable to move relative to one or more air intake passages 630. In this example, the movable plate 620 is operable to rotate relative to the rest of the fluid delivery device 500 about an axis 1004 of the fluid delivery device 500 upon user actuation. The axis 1004 passes through the center of the spray face 554 and is substantially vertically aligned therewith.

[0109] The movable plate 620 may be perforated with one or more through-thickness holes 640 arranged to selectively align with one or more air intake passages 630 .

[0110] The movable plate 620 may be operable to actuate between a first state and a second state. Fig. 9 The duct assembly 600 is shown with the movable plate 620 in a first state. In this state, the movable plate 620 is arranged so that one or more through-thickness holes 640 are at least partially aligned with one or more air intake channels 630, thereby allowing airflow into the one or more air intake channels 630. Thus, in this state, the air intake channels 630 are open and air can be transported from the outside of the duct 601 to the duct 601 along the one or more air intake channels 630. In this state, the fluid flow downstream of the restrictor 602 is referred to as an aerated fluid flow.

[0111] When the movable plate 620 is arranged in the second state, the one or more through-thickness holes 640 are misaligned with the one or more air intake passages 630, thereby preventing or reducing airflow from entering the one or more air intake passages 630. Therefore, in this state, the one or more air intake passages 630 are closed (or substantially closed) so that air cannot be transported (or restricted) from the outside of the conduit 601 into the conduit 601 along the one or more air intake passages 630. Therefore, in this state, the fluid flow downstream of the restrictor 602 is not an aerated fluid flow.

[0112] The movable plate 620 may include a handle (not shown) to enable a user to actuate the movable plate 620 between the first state and the second state. This configuration may allow the movable plate to be set to either the first state or the second state during assembly, thereby limiting the number of different parts required to produce showerheads with different resultant flow characteristics.

[0113] Fig.10 Shown is a bathing system 700 including a fluid delivery device 701. The fluid delivery device 701 can be any suitable fluid delivery device within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., fluid delivery device 1, fluid delivery device 200). The bathing system 700 further includes a fluid supply conduit 702 that is fluidically connected to the fluid delivery device 701. The fluid supply conduit 702 can be releasably connected to the fluid delivery device 701 by any suitable means (e.g., cooperating threads or snap-on connectors). The fluid supply conduit 702 is configured to supply fluid from a fluid source (e.g., a mixing valve 4703) to the fluid delivery device 701.

[0114] One or more panels 704 may partially or completely define the bathing system 700. In this example, the fluid delivery device 701 is a shower head and the bathing system 700 is a shower system. The panels 704 at least partially define a shower enclosure. One or more panels 704 may comprise a wall of a bathing environment.

[0115] Bathing system 700 may be any suitable bathing system, and it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to other plumbing systems (eg, fire sprinkler systems).

[0116] The present disclosure should be understood that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be considered to be intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Figures 1 to 4 Any or all of the features of the described fluid delivery device 1 may be present in Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Head 10' and / or Figure 8 Sprinkler heads 350 and / or Fig. 9 In the sprinkler head 550.

[0117] A first aspect provides a fluid delivery device for use in a bathing system, comprising: an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid supply; one or more fluid delivery outlets, the one or more fluid delivery outlets being fluidly connected to the inlet; and a switching device, the switching device being arranged between the inlet and the fluid delivery outlet, the switching device being operable to control a fluid flow to the fluid delivery outlet; wherein the switching device is configured so that the switching device has a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in which, in the first operating mode, there is a first fluid flow from the inlet to a first chamber leading to the one or more fluid delivery outlets, and in the second operating mode, there is A second fluid flow from an inlet to a second chamber leading to one or more fluid delivery outlets; wherein, for a given fluid delivery outlet: when the switching device is in a first operating mode, the first fluid flow enters the given fluid delivery outlet from the first chamber in a first direction and / or a first position; when the switching device is in a second operating mode, the second fluid flow enters the given fluid delivery outlet from the second chamber in a second direction and / or a second position; wherein the second direction is different from the first direction and / or the second position is different from the first position; and wherein, during use of the fluid delivery device, the switching device is caused to cycle between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0118] During use of the fluid delivery device, the switching device is caused to continuously cycle between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.

[0119] The second direction may differ from the first direction by an angle greater than or equal to 2°, greater than or equal to 5°, greater than or equal to 10°, greater than or equal to 15°, greater than or equal to 20°, or greater than or equal to 30°, and / or less than or equal to 10°, less than or equal to 15°, less than or equal to 20°, less than or equal to 30°, less than or equal to 40°, less than or equal to 60°, or less than or equal to 75°.

[0120] The second position may differ from the first position by a distance of 2 cm or less, 1 cm or less or 0.5 cm or less. The second position may differ from the first position by a distance of at least 0.05 cm, at least 0.1 cm or at least 0.4 cm.

[0121] The first chamber may be open to two or more fluid delivery outlets. The second chamber may be open to two or more fluid delivery outlets.

[0122] The inlet and the switching device may both form part of a body of the fluid delivery device. The body may be a single piece. Alternatively, the inlet and / or the switching device may be selectively coupled to the remainder of the body.

[0123] The fluid delivery apparatus may include a first plate comprising a first plurality of through holes, each of the first plurality of through holes feeding into a respective one of the fluid delivery outlets.

[0124] The fluid delivery device may include a second plate comprising: a second plurality of through holes, each of the second plurality of through holes feeding into a corresponding one of the fluid delivery outlets; and a third plurality of through holes, each of the third plurality of through holes fluidically connecting a corresponding one of the first plurality of through holes to a corresponding one of the fluid delivery outlets.

[0125] The first plate and / or the second plate may be disc-shaped, or may take any other flat, regular or irregular geometric shape.

[0126] At least one of the fluid delivery outlets may selectively receive flow from one of the second plurality of through-holes at an angle different from the angle at which they receive flow from one of the third plurality of through-holes.

[0127] Each fluid delivery outlet may receive flow from one of the second plurality of through-holes at an angle different from the angle at which it receives flow from one of the third plurality of through-holes.

[0128] The fluid delivery device may further include a spray face including a fluid delivery outlet.

[0129] The fluid delivery device may further include a cover forming a rear outer surface of the fluid delivery device opposite the spray face. The cover may be configured to be coupled to the body.

[0130] The spray face may constitute the outer surface of the second plate.

[0131] Alternatively, the fluid delivery device may further include a shower plate configured to be coupled to the rest of the fluid delivery device. For example, the shower plate is configured to be selectively coupled to the body, the first plate, the second plate and / or the cover. The shower face may constitute an outer surface of the shower plate.

[0132] The items in the fluid delivery device that are configured to be coupled to each other may be configured to selectively couple to each other using any one or a combination of: a press-fit connector; a screw or other fastening device. Alternatively, the items in the fluid delivery device that are configured to be coupled to each other may be configured to be permanently coupled to each other, such as by welding, adhesives, glue, or alternative fixing devices.

[0133] The first chamber may be further from the spray face than the second chamber. This may be measured by comparing distances (eg, the shortest distance from the center of the respective volumes of the first and second chambers to the spray face).

[0134] The fluid delivery device can be configured so that the first chamber is farther from the spray surface than the second chamber, that is, the distance is measured, such as the shortest distance between each point of the first chamber / second chamber and the spray surface. For example, the first layer is farther from the spray surface than the second layer, which means that when measured from each point of the first layer and the second layer, the distance from the first layer to the spray surface (e.g., the shortest distance) is greater than the distance from the second layer to the spray surface (e.g., the shortest distance). The fluid delivery device can be configured so that the entire distance of the first chamber is farther from the spray surface than the entire distance of the second chamber, that is, the shortest distance between each point of the first chamber / second chamber and the spray surface is measured. For example, the entire first layer is farther from the spray surface than the entire second layer, which means that when measured from each point of the first layer and the second layer, the shortest distance from the first layer to the spray surface is greater than the shortest distance from the second layer to the spray surface.

[0135] The first shower plate may be parallel to the second shower plate.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first shower plate may not be parallel to the second shower plate.

[0137] The spray face may be substantially planar.One or both of the first spray plate and the second spray plate may be parallel to the spray face, or may not be parallel to the spray face.

[0138] In one embodiment, the fluid delivery device may be configured such that when the switching device is in the first operating mode, there is no second fluid flow from the inlet to the second chamber, and when the switching device is in the second operating mode, there is no first fluid flow from the inlet to the second chamber.

[0139] The fluid delivery device may be configured such that when the switching device is in the first operating mode, fluid flows from the inlet to the first chamber at a different flow rate than when the switching device is in the second operating mode.

[0140] The fluid delivery device may be configured such that when the switching device is in the first operating mode, fluid flow from the inlet to the second chamber has a different flow rate than when the switching device is in the second operating mode.

[0141] The fluid delivery device may be configured such that there is no fluid flow from the inlet to the second chamber when the switching device is in the first operating mode and / or there is no fluid flow from the inlet to the second chamber when the switching device is in the second operating mode.

[0142] The switching device may include: a switching device inlet; at least two switching device outlets, each of the at least two switching device outlets supplying a corresponding one of the first chamber and the second chamber; and a switching mechanism, which is configured to cycle (for example, continuously cycle) between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein, in the first operating mode, a flow is directed from the switching device inlet through the switching mechanism to a first switching device outlet among the at least two switching device outlets to form the first fluid flow, and in the second operating mode, a flow is directed from the switching device inlet through the switching mechanism to a second switching device outlet among the at least two switching device outlets to form the second fluid flow.

[0143] The switching device inlet, the switching mechanism and the at least two switching device outlets can be arranged in a common plane, which can be substantially (or completely) perpendicular to the direction of the fluid output from the one or more fluid delivery outlets. The direction of the fluid output from the one or more fluid delivery outlets can be an average of the volume output speed from the fluid delivery outlet.

[0144] The common plane may be substantially (or completely) parallel to one or more of the shower face, the shower plate, the first plate, the second plate, or the cover.

[0145] The switching device may be configured such that it is stationary relative to the remainder of the fluid delivery device during cycling between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.

[0146] The switching device may be configured such that each portion of the switching device is stationary relative to the remainder of the fluid delivery device during cycling between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.

[0147] One or more of the second plurality of through-holes may be inclined at an angle α relative to the third plurality of through-holes such that for a given fluid delivery outlet, a first fluid flow enters the fluid delivery outlet in a different direction than a second fluid flow enters the fluid delivery outlet.

[0148] The angle α may be greater than or equal to 2°, greater than or equal to 5°, greater than or equal to 10°, greater than or equal to 15°, greater than or equal to 20° or greater than or equal to 30°, and / or less than or equal to 10°, less than or equal to 15°, less than or equal to 20°, less than or equal to 30°, less than or equal to 40°, less than or equal to 60°, or less than or equal to 75°.

[0149] The switching device may include a front chamber that is fluidly connected to the first chamber by a first channel and fluidly connected to the second chamber by a second channel.

[0150] The switching device may include a first feedback loop providing a path for fluid flow from the first channel to the front chamber.

[0151] The switching device may include a second feedback loop providing a path for fluid flow from the second passage to the front chamber.

[0152] The switching device can be configured such that: fluid flow from the first feedback loop interferes with fluid flow to the first channel, thereby switching the switching device from its first operating mode to its second operating mode; and fluid flow from the second feedback loop interferes with fluid flow to the second channel, thereby switching the switching device from its second operating mode to its first operating mode.

[0153] The switching device may include a movable element configured to at least partially block and at least partially clear fluid flow from the inlet to the first chamber and fluid flow from the inlet to the second chamber in a continuous cycle, so that in use, the switching device can cycle (e.g., continuously) between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0154] The movable element may be rotatable and may be a turbine.

[0155] The movable element may be driven entirely or predominantly by the fluid flow from the inlet.

[0156] Alternatively, the movable element may be motorized and / or electrically powered.

[0157] The fluid delivery device may be configured such that when the switching device is in the first operating mode or the second operating mode, there is a third fluid flow from the inlet to the one or more other fluid delivery outlets.

[0158] The fluid delivery device may include or consist essentially of a spray head, such as those commonly found on showerheads or faucets.

[0159] The fluid may include water.

[0160] A fluid delivery device may include a conduit assembly, the conduit assembly including: a conduit configured to transport a fluid flow; a flow restrictor configured to restrict the flow of the fluid flow along the conduit, thereby generating a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor during use; one or more air inlet channels, the one or more air inlet channels being used to transport a flow of air from outside the conduit into the conduit at one or more locations downstream of the flow restrictor; and an air inlet channel closing device, the air inlet channel closing device being operable between a first state in which one or more of the air inlet channels are open and a second state in which one or more of the air inlet channels are closed; wherein: when the air inlet channel closing device is in the first state, the pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor causes one or more air flows to be drawn in along the open air inlet channels, wherein the one or more air flows mix with the fluid flow in the conduit to form an aerated fluid flow; and when the air inlet channel closing device is in the second state, no air flow is transported from outside the conduit into the conduit along the closed air inlet channels.

[0161] The air intake passage closing device may be operable to translate relative to the conduit. For example, the air intake passage closing device may be operable to translate relative to the conduit in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

[0162] In one implementation, the air intake passage closing device may include a sleeve.

[0163] The air inlet passage closing device may include a handle device to facilitate manual actuation between the first state and the second state.

[0164] The gripping means may include a ridge. The ridge may at least partially have a crescent or arc shape, although other shapes are contemplated.

[0165] The catheter assembly may be comprised of two parts, such as a first part and a second part, configured to be selectively coupled to each other.

[0166] Either or both of the first part and the second part may be substantially tubular.

[0167] An end of the first part proximate the second part may form a reduced radius portion having a smaller outer radius than the remainder of the first part.

[0168] An end of the second part proximate to the first part may form an increased radius portion having an inner radius greater than a remaining portion of the second part.

[0169] In alternative embodiments, the catheter assembly may be made from more or fewer parts.

[0170] One or more threaded portions may be provided on the outer surface of the reduced radius portion and / or the inner surface of the increased radius portion.

[0171] The first part may be configured to fit at least partially within and engage with the second part to selectively couple the first and second parts of the catheter.

[0172] The flow restrictor may form one end of the hollow insert.

[0173] The catheter assembly may be configured such that the hollow insert is located within the first part. For example, the hollow insert may be located within the reduced radius portion.

[0174] The hollow insert may include a rim projecting radially away from the flow restrictor.

[0175] The hollow insert may be configured such that the edge is sandwiched between the first part and the second part.

[0176] The one or more air introduction passages may include a first set of air introduction passages perforating the first section of the conduit.

[0177] The one or more air introduction passages may include a second set of air introduction passages perforating the hollow insert.

[0178] One or more of the second set of air intake passages may be arranged to receive air from a corresponding one of the first set of air intake passages and provide air to the interior of the hollow insert.

[0179] The first group of air introduction passages and / or the second group of air introduction passages may include one or more air introduction passages. For example, the first group of air introduction passages may include greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 8, greater than or equal to 10, or greater than or equal to 16 air introduction passages and / or less than or equal to 32, less than or equal to 18, less than or equal to 16, less than or equal to 10, or less than or equal to 8 air introduction passages. The second group of air introduction passages may include greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 8, greater than or equal to 10, or greater than or equal to 16 air introduction passages and / or less than or equal to 32, less than or equal to 18, less than or equal to 16, less than or equal to 10, or less than or equal to 8 air introduction passages.

[0180] The first set of air intake passages may be regularly distributed around the circumference of the first part (optionally, the reduced radius portion). The second set of air intake passages may be regularly distributed around the circumference of the second part (optionally, the increased radius portion). In alternative embodiments, the air intake passages may be irregularly arranged.

[0181] The conduit assembly may be configured so that air may enter the hollow insert downstream of the flow restrictor.For example, the conduit assembly may be configured so that air may enter the hollow insert immediately downstream of the flow restrictor.

[0182] The duct assembly may be configured such that when the air introduction passage closing device is in the first state, a gap exists between a front end of the air introduction passage closing device near the second part and the second part, thereby opening the air introduction passage.

[0183] The duct assembly may be configured such that when the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, the front end of the air intake passage closing device contacts the second part, thereby sealing the front end of the air intake passage closing device to the second part.

[0184] Two sealing members may be provided on the outer surface of the reduced radius portion on either side of the first set of air intake passages. The first of the two sealing members (the one distal to the second part) may act to help limit or prevent air from entering the conduit through the gap between the rear end of the air intake passage closing device and the first part.

[0185] The inner radius of the air introduction passage closing device may increase toward the front end of the air introduction passage closing device. When the air introduction passage closing device is in the first state, a gap may exist between the second of the two sealing members and the air introduction passage closing device.

[0186] When the air introduction passage closing device is in the second state, each of the two sealing members may inhibit or prevent a fluid (eg, air or water) from flowing between the reduced radius portion and the air introduction passage closing device.

[0187] When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, the second sealing member may function as a secondary seal to limit or prevent air from entering the conduit between the front end of the air intake passage closing device and the second part.

[0188] The fluid delivery device may include or consist essentially of a handheld showerhead or a fixed overhead showerhead.

[0189] The fluid delivery device may include a shower head for showering.

[0190] The conduit assembly may be integrated into a support conduit that may secure the fluid delivery device relative to a shower enclosure in which the fluid delivery device is mounted.

[0191] The flow restrictor may comprise a section of conduit wherein the cross-sectional area gradually narrows in the direction of fluid flow.

[0192] The conduit may be perforated by one or more air introduction channels for conveying a flow of air from outside the conduit into the conduit.

[0193] The air intake passage closing device may include a movable plate. The movable plate may be operable to actuate the transport of air along one or more air intake passages.

[0194] The movable plate may form a rear exterior surface of the showerhead.

[0195] The movable plate can be operated to move relative to one or more air introduction channels. For example, the movable plate can be operated to rotate around the axis of the fluid delivery device. The axis can pass through the center of the spray face of the shower head and be substantially vertically aligned therewith.

[0196] When the air intake channel closing device is in the first state, the movable plate may be arranged so that one or more through-thickness holes are at least partially aligned with one or more air intake channels, thereby enabling airflow to enter the one or more air intake channels. Thus, in this state, the air intake channels may be open.

[0197] When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, the one or more through-thickness holes may be misaligned with the one or more air intake passages, thereby preventing or substantially reducing airflow into the one or more air intake passages. Thus, in this state, the one or more air intake passages may be substantially or completely closed.

[0198] The movable plate may include a handle to enable a user to actuate the movable plate between the first state and the second state.

[0199] A second aspect provides a conduit assembly, comprising: a conduit configured to transport a fluid flow; a flow restrictor configured to restrict the flow of the fluid flow along the conduit, thereby generating a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor during use; one or more air inlet channels, the one or more air inlet channels being used to transport a flow of air from outside the conduit to the conduit at one or more positions downstream of the flow restrictor; and an air inlet channel closing device, the air inlet channel closing device being operable between a first state and a second state, in the first state, one or more of the air inlet channels are open, and in the second state, one or more of the air inlet channels are closed; wherein: when the air inlet channel closing device is in the first state, the pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor causes one or more air flows to be sucked in along the open air inlet channel, wherein the one or more air flows are mixed with the fluid flow in the conduit to form an aerated fluid flow; and when the air inlet channel closing device is in the second state, no air flow is transported from outside the conduit to the conduit along the closed air inlet channel.

[0200] The conduit may be configured to transport the fluid flow to the fluid delivery device or through a portion of the fluid delivery device. The conduit may be located upstream of the fluid delivery device. The conduit may be at least partially disposed within the fluid delivery device.

[0201] The air intake passage closing device may be operable to translate relative to the conduit. For example, the air intake passage closing device may be operable to translate relative to the conduit in a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

[0202] In one implementation, the air intake passage closing device may include a sleeve.

[0203] The air inlet passage closing device may include a handle device to facilitate manual actuation between the first state and the second state.

[0204] The gripping means may include a ridge. The ridge may at least partially have a crescent or arc shape. In alternative embodiments, other shapes of the ridge are contemplated.

[0205] The catheter assembly may be comprised of two parts, such as a first part and a second part, configured to be selectively coupled to one another (although alternative embodiments may include more or fewer parts).

[0206] Either or both of the first part and the second part may be substantially tubular.

[0207] An end of the first part proximate the second part may form a reduced radius portion having a smaller outer radius than the remainder of the first part.

[0208] An end of the second part proximate to the first part may form an increased radius portion having an inner radius greater than a remaining portion of the second part.

[0209] One or more threaded portions may be provided on the outer surface of the reduced radius portion and / or the inner surface of the increased radius portion.

[0210] The first part may be configured to fit at least partially within and engage with the second part to selectively couple the first and second parts of the catheter.

[0211] The flow restrictor may form one end of the hollow insert.

[0212] The catheter assembly may be configured such that the hollow insert is located within the first part. For example, the hollow insert may be located within the reduced radius portion.

[0213] The hollow insert may include a rim projecting radially away from the flow restrictor.

[0214] The catheter assembly may be configured such that the edge is clamped between the first part and the second part.

[0215] The one or more air introduction passages may include a first set of air introduction passages at least partially perforating the first piece of the conduit.

[0216] The one or more air introduction channels may include a second set of air introduction passages at least partially perforating the hollow insert.

[0217] One or more of the second set of air intake passages may be arranged to receive air from a corresponding one of the first set of air intake passages and provide air to the interior of the hollow insert.

[0218] The first group of air introduction passages and / or the second group of air introduction passages may include one or more air introduction passages. For example, the first group of air introduction passages may include greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 8, greater than or equal to 10, or greater than or equal to 16 air introduction passages and / or less than or equal to 32, less than or equal to 18, less than or equal to 16, less than or equal to 10, or less than or equal to 8 air introduction passages. The second group of air introduction passages may include greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 8, greater than or equal to 10, or greater than or equal to 16 air introduction passages and / or less than or equal to 32, less than or equal to 18, less than or equal to 16, less than or equal to 10, or less than or equal to 8 air introduction passages.

[0219] The first set of air intake passages may be regularly distributed around the circumference of the first part (optionally, the reduced radius portion). The second set of air intake passages may be regularly distributed around the circumference of the second part (optionally, the increased radius portion). In an alternative embodiment, the air intake passages may be irregularly distributed.

[0220] The conduit assembly may be configured so that air may enter the hollow insert downstream of the flow restrictor.For example, the conduit assembly may be configured so that air may enter the hollow insert immediately downstream of the flow restrictor.

[0221] The duct assembly may be configured such that when the air introduction passage closing device is in the first state, a gap exists between a front end of the air introduction passage closing device near the second part and the second part, thereby opening the air introduction passage.

[0222] The duct assembly may be configured such that when the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, the front end of the air intake passage closing device contacts the second part, thereby sealing the front end of the air intake passage closing device to the second part.

[0223] Two sealing members may be provided on the outer surface of the reduced radius portion on either side of the first set of air intake passages. The first of the two sealing members (the one away from the second part) may be used to limit or prevent air from entering the duct via the gap between the rear end of the air intake passage closing device and the first part.

[0224] The inner radius of the air introduction passage closing device may increase toward the front end of the air introduction passage closing device. When the air introduction passage closing device is in the first state, a gap may exist between the second of the two sealing members and the air introduction passage closing device.

[0225] When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, either or both of the two sealing members may inhibit or prevent a fluid (eg, air or water) from flowing between the reduced radius portion and the air intake passage closing device.

[0226] When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, the second sealing member may function as a secondary seal to limit or prevent air from entering the conduit between the front end of the air intake passage closing device and the second part.

[0227] The conduit assembly may be integrated into a support conduit configured to secure the fluid delivery device relative to a shower enclosure in which the fluid delivery device is mounted.

[0228] The conduit assembly may be configured to be integrated into a showerhead of a fluid delivery device.

[0229] The flow restrictor may comprise a section of conduit wherein the cross-sectional area gradually narrows in the direction of fluid flow.

[0230] The conduit may be perforated by one or more air introduction channels for conveying a flow of air from outside the conduit into the conduit.

[0231] The air intake passage closing device may include a movable plate. The movable plate may be operable to actuate the transport of air along one or more air intake passages.

[0232] The movable plate may form a rear exterior surface of the showerhead.

[0233] The movable plate can be operated to move relative to one or more air introduction channels. For example, the movable plate can be operated to rotate around the axis of the fluid delivery device. The axis can pass through the center of the spray face of the shower head and be substantially vertically aligned therewith.

[0234] When the air intake channel closing device is in the first state, the movable plate may be arranged so that one or more through-thickness holes are at least partially aligned with one or more air intake channels, thereby enabling airflow to enter the one or more air intake channels. Thus, in this state, the air intake channels may be open.

[0235] When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, one or more through-thickness holes may be misaligned with one or more air intake passages, thereby preventing or reducing airflow into the one or more air intake passages. Thus, in this state, one or more air intake passages may be closed or substantially closed.

[0236] The movable plate may include a handle to enable a user to actuate the movable plate between the first state and the second state.

[0237] A third aspect provides a fluid delivery device or a piping system comprising a catheter assembly according to the second aspect.

[0238] A fourth aspect provides a piping system comprising: the fluid delivery device according to the first aspect or the fluid delivery device according to the second aspect; and a fluid supply pipe configured to fluidically connect the fluid delivery device to a fluid source.

[0239] The fluid source may include a mixing valve or a tankless water heater.

[0240] The plumbing system may be a bathing system, such as a shower system.

[0241] The bathing system may be at least partially disposed within a shower and / or bathtub cubicle.

[0242] The skilled person will appreciate that, except where mutually exclusive, the features or parameters described in any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. In addition, except where mutually exclusive, any features or parameters described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other features or parameters described herein.

[0243] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any feature may be used alone or in combination with any other feature, and the disclosure of the present invention extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

1. A fluid delivery device, comprising: Entrance; one or more fluid delivery outlets in fluid communication with the inlet; as well as a switching device disposed between the inlet and the one or more fluid delivery outlets, the switching device controlling fluid flow to the fluid delivery outlets; wherein the switching device has a first operating mode in which there is a first fluid flow from the inlet to a first chamber leading to one or more of the fluid delivery outlets and a second operating mode in which there is a second fluid flow from the inlet to a second chamber leading to one or more of the fluid delivery outlets; Wherein, for a given fluid delivery outlet: when the switching device is in the first operating mode, the first fluid flow enters the given fluid delivery outlet from the first chamber in a first direction and / or a first position; when the switching device is in the second operating mode, the second fluid flow enters the given fluid delivery outlet from the second chamber in a second direction and / or a second position; wherein the second direction is different from the first direction and / or the second position is different from the first position; and wherein the switching device cycles between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation. 2 . The fluid delivery device according to claim 1 , wherein an angular difference between the second direction and the first direction is greater than or equal to 2° and / or less than or equal to 75°.

3. The fluid delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the distance difference between the second position and the first position is 2 cm or less and / or the distance difference between the second position and the first position is at least 0.05 cm.

4. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the first chamber opens to two or more of the fluid delivery outlets and / or the second chamber opens to two or more of the fluid delivery outlets. 5 . The fluid delivery device according to claim 1 , further comprising a spray face, wherein the spray face comprises the fluid delivery outlet.

6. The fluid delivery device of claim 5, wherein the first chamber is farther from the spray face than the second chamber.

7. The fluid delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the switching device comprises: Switch device entry; at least two switching device outlets, each of the at least two switching device outlets supplying a respective one of the first chamber and the second chamber; as well as a switching mechanism that cycles between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, Wherein, in the first operating mode, the flow is guided from the switching device inlet through the switching mechanism to the first switching device outlet among the at least two switching device outlets to form the first fluid flow, and in the second operating mode, the flow is guided from the switching device inlet through the switching mechanism to the second switching device outlet among the at least two switching device outlets to form the second fluid flow.

8. The fluid delivery device of claim 7, wherein the switching device comprises a front chamber that is fluidically connected to the first chamber through a first channel and fluidically connected to the second chamber through a second channel.

9. A fluid delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the switching device includes a first feedback loop and a second feedback loop, wherein the first feedback loop provides a path for fluid flow from the first channel to the front chamber, and the second feedback loop provides a path for fluid flow from the second channel to the front chamber.

10. A fluid delivery device according to claim 9, wherein the fluid flow from the first feedback loop interferes with the fluid flow to the first channel, thereby switching the switching device from its first operating mode to its second operating mode; and the fluid flow from the second feedback loop interferes with the fluid flow to the second channel, thereby switching the switching device from its second operating mode to its first operating mode.

11. The fluid delivery device of claim 1 , further comprising a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly comprising: catheter; a flow restrictor which restricts the flow of a fluid stream along the conduit so as to produce, in use, a pressure drop in the fluid stream downstream of the flow restrictor; one or more air intake passages that convey a flow of air from an exterior of the conduit into the conduit at one or more locations downstream of the flow restrictor; as well as an air intake passage closing device, the air intake passage closing device having a first state and a second state, in which one or more of the air intake passages are open, and in which one or more of the air intake passages are closed; in: When the air intake passage closing device is in the first state, a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor causes one or more streams of air to be drawn along the opened one or more air intake passages, wherein the one or more streams of air mix with the fluid flow in the conduit to form an aerated fluid flow; and When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, no flow of air is transported into the duct from outside the duct along the closed one or more air intake passages.

12. The fluid delivery device of claim 11, wherein the air introduction passage closing device translates relative to the conduit.

13. A catheter assembly comprising: catheter; a flow restrictor which restricts the flow of a fluid stream along the conduit so as to produce, in use, a pressure drop in the fluid stream downstream of the flow restrictor; one or more air intake passages that convey a flow of air from an exterior of the conduit into the conduit at one or more locations downstream of the flow restrictor; as well as an air intake passage closing device, the air intake passage closing device having a first state and a second state, in which one or more of the air intake passages are open, and in which one or more of the air intake passages are closed; in: When the air intake passage closing device is in the first state, a pressure drop in the fluid flow downstream of the flow restrictor causes one or more streams of air to be drawn along the opened one or more air intake passages, wherein the one or more streams of air mix with the fluid flow in the conduit to form an aerated fluid flow; and When the air intake passage closing device is in the second state, no flow of air is transported into the duct from outside the duct along the closed one or more air intake passages.

14. The catheter assembly of claim 13, wherein the air inlet passage closing device translates relative to the catheter.

15. A fluid delivery device or piping system comprising the catheter assembly according to claim 13.

16. A piping system comprising: The fluid delivery device according to claim 1; as well as A fluid supply conduit fluidly connects the fluid delivery device to a fluid source.

17. The plumbing system of claim 16, wherein the fluid source comprises a mixing valve or a tankless water heater.

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