A valve device

Abstract

Valve for use in an ablutionary or plumbing apparatus or shower spray head, comprising an inlet 2 for receiving fluid having an inlet pressure, a valve member 4 having open and closed positions for allowing or disallowing fluid flow between the inlet and an outlet 3 and having an actuator 6, the valve comprising a first threshold inlet pressure and a second threshold inlet pressure, and a first operating mode where over a whole of the range of inlet pressures, the actuator and valve members are open, and a second operating mode where when the inlet pressure exceeds the second threshold the actuator switches from closed top open thus switching the valve member from closed to open. The first threshold may be less than the second. In the second operating mode the actuator switches from closed to partially open when the inlet pressure exceeds the first threshold, causing a partial fluidic connection between the inlet and outlet. The valve member may comprise a translatable plate 40 supported by a flexible sheet 41. The actuator may comprise a solenoid 68 operable to move an armature 60 against a spring 64 when energised.

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