Mode selector

Abstract

A mode selector 1 for an ablutionary fitting 119 comprising first and second outlet conduits 7, 11 for dispensing fluid and a valve arrangement 43 configured to: shut off supply of fluid to the first

Description

The present invention relates to a mode selector for an ablutionary fitting, and to an ablutionary fitting including the mode selector. Ablutionary fittings, such as shower heads, may have a number of different modes of operation, each providing different feel and experience for a user. For example, in a first mode, water may be provided from a first set of openings, and in a second mode, water may be provided from a second set of openings. In further modes, water might be provided from both sets of openings at once, or operation may be oscillated between the first mode and second mode. Devices for selecting between different modes are typically provided at the exit point of the water, for example in the shower head or other outlet device. This is often inconvenient to use and makes the shower head or outlet device bulky. Mode oscillators generally use turbines or complex mechanical assemblies which wear and require replacement and can also be costly. Furthermore, these devices are impacted by both the flow rate of inlet water and back pressure from the outlet device. It is also very difficult to control the frequency of the oscillation between modes using such a device. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mode selector for an ablutionary fitting, the mode selector having: a first outlet conduit for dispensing fluid; a second outlet conduit for dispensing fluid; and a valve arrangement configured to: shut off supply of fluid to the first outlet conduit and open supply of fluid to the second outlet conduit in response to fluid pressure received from the first outlet conduit; and open supply of fluid to the first outlet conduit and shut off supply of fluid to the second outlet conduit in response to fluid pressure received from the second outlet conduit, wherein the mode selector is operable as a diverter to dispense fluid through the first or second outlet conduits and / or as a mode oscillator to switch back and forth between dispensing fluid from the first outlet conduit and second outlet conduit. The mode selector may include a first feedback conduit arranged to direct fluid from the first outlet conduit to the valve arrangement; and a second feedback conduit arranged to direct fluid form the second outlet conduit to the valve arrangement. The mode selector may include first feedback control means arranged to turn off passage of fluid through the first feedback conduit to open supply of fluid to the first outlet conduit in a first diverter mode, wherein in the first diverter mode, there is no passage of fluid through the second outlet conduit; and second feedback control means arranged to turn off passage of fluid through the second feedback conduit to open supply of fluid to the second outlet conduit in a second diverter mode, wherein in the first diverter mode, there is no passage of fluid through the first outlet conduit. The first and second feedback control means may be operable at the same time to turn off passage of fluid through the first and second feedback conduits to open supply of fluid to the first second outlet conduits at the same time, in a third diverter mode. The mode selector may include means to vary the flow rate of fluid received by the valve arrangement from the first and / or second outlet conduit. Varying the flow rate may vary the frequency of switching back and forth between dispensing fluid from the first outlet conduit and second outlet conduit, when operating as a mode oscillator. The means to vary the flow rate of fluid received by the valve arrangement may comprise a variable constriction in the first and / or second feedback conduit. The mode selector may include a first inlet for receiving fluid; a first fluid path extending between the first inlet and the first outlet conduit; a second inlet for receiving fluid; and a second fluid path extending between second first inlet and the second outlet conduit; wherein the valve arrangement includes: a first valve arranged to open and close the first fluid path in response to fluid pressure received from the first outlet conduit; and a second valve arranged to open and close the second fluid path in response to fluid pressure received from the second outlet conduit. The first and second valves may comprise diaphragm valves operable based on a pressure differential across opposing sides of a diaphragm provided, and the valve arrangement includes means to later the pressure differential across the diaphragm of each valve. The valve arrangement may include: a chamber arranged between the first outlet conduit and second outlet conduit, the chamber arranged to receive the fluid pressure from the first and second outlet conduits; a first pilot passage between the first outlet conduit and the chamber; a second pilot passage between the second outlet conduit and the chamber; and a diverter valve member arranged in the chamber, the diverter valve member slidable in the chamber between two opposing positions, to open and close the first pilot passage and second pilot passage, to modify the pressure differential across the diaphragm of each diaphragm valve. The diverter valve member may comprise a double acting piston, wherein fluid pressure from the first outlet conduit acts on a second side of a head of the piston and fluid pressure from the second outlet conduit acts on a first side of the head of the piston, opposite the second. The first side of the piston head may face the first pilot passage and the second side of the piston head faces the second pilot passage. The diverter valve may comprise closing members arranged on opposite sides of the head of the piston, arranged to close the first and second pilot passages. The double acting piston may comprise a stem extending from both sides of the head of the piston. The closing members may slidably engage the stem, such that there is travel of the head of the piston before closing members are moved. Each closing member may comprise a blind bore having an open end facing the head of the piston and a closed end facing the respective pilot passage. The blind bore may have engageable formations adjacent the open end. A portion of the valve stem may have engageable formations is slidably received in the blind bore and engages the closed end to push the closing member towards the pilot hole and engages the engageable formations on the blind bore to pull the closing member away from the pilot hole. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an ablutionary fitting having: a mode selector according to the first aspect; and an outlet device including: a first set of one or more first outlet openings fluidly coupled to the first outlet conduit of the mode selector; a second set of one or more second outlet openings fluidly coupled to the second outlet conduit of the mode selector. The mode selector may be provided within the outlet device. The outlet device may comprise a shower head. The mode selector may be provided in a control device, separate to the outlet device. The control device may be wall mountable. The ablutionary fitting may comprise controls for operating the mode selector to choose between different modes. The controls may operate the means to vary the flow rate. The controls may be incorporated in the outlet device. The controls for operation of the mode selector may be incorporated in the control device. The first and second feedback conduits may extend from the first and second sets of openings. Features described in relation to a particular aspect can be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect, unless mutually exclusive. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a mode selector; Figures 2A-C illustrate the diverter valve of the mode selector of Figure 1 during different stages of operation; Figure 3A-D illustrate an example of operation of a shower head using the mode selector of Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates an example with the controls for the mode selector in the shower head of Figures 3A-D; and Figure 5 illustrates an example of a separate control device for the mode selector. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a mode selector 1 for switching between different modes of operating an ablutionary fitting that dispenses water. The modes included an oscillation mode. The mode selector 1 includes two inlets 3, 5 for receiving water. The water can be received from any source, including a mains water supply, a water heater, a thermostatic mixing cartridge, or any other source. The same source may provide water to both inlets 3, 5, or the different inlets 3, 5 may be provided from different sources. The flow of water into the selector 1 may be controlled separately from the selection of the modes, or as part of the selection of modes. A first inlet 3 of the mode selector is in fluid communication with a first outlet conduit 7 along a first fluid path 9. The second inlet 5 is in fluid communication with a second outlet conduit 11 along a second fluid path 13. As will be discussed in more detail below, the first and second outlet conduits 7,11 are associated with different modes of operation of an ablutionary fitting fed by the mode selector 1. Each fluid path 9, 13 includes a corresponding valve 15, 17 to open and close the fluid path 9, 13. The valve 15, 17 in each fluid path 9, 13 is formed in a valve chamber 19, 21. Water enters the valve chamber 19, 21 from the respective inlet 3, 5 and exits the valve chamber 19, 21 through an outlet 45a,b into the respective outlet conduit 7, 11. Each valve chamber 19, 21 includes a closing member 23, 25 that opens and closes the fluid paths 9, 13. In the example shown, the valves 15, 17 are both diaphragm valves, in which the closing member 23, 25 is a flexible diaphragm mounted on a rigid support member 27, 29. In the example being discussed, the two diaphragm valves 15, 17 have the same structure. Each diaphragm 23, 25 has a first side 31a,b and an opposing second side 33a,b also. Water both enters and exits the chamber 19, 21 on the first side 31a,b of the diaphragm 23, 25. Each diaphragm 23, 25 is able to move with the rigid support member 27, 29, or deform, along a direction perpendicular to the sides of the diaphragm 31a,b 33a,b, towards or away from where water enters and exits the chambers 19, 21. In each valve 15, 17, a first pilot passage 35a,b extends from the valve chamber 19, 21 of the diaphragm 23, 25 into a central control chamber 39 and a second pilot passage 37a,b extends from the outlet conduit 7, 11 into the central control chamber 39. Each diaphragm 23, 25 forms a seal with the side of the respective chamber 19, 21 to prevent water passing around the diaphragm 19, 21. A pilot hole 41a,b is formed extending through the diaphragm 23, 25 between the first side 31a,b and the second side 33a,b. Therefore, water can only pass from one side of the diaphragm 19, 21 to the other through the pilot hole 41a,b or through a pilot loop formed by the pilot passages 35a,b, 37a,b and the central control chamber 39. As will be discussed below in more detail, a diverter valve 43 is provided in the central control chamber 39 to open and close the pilot loop for each valve 15, 17, to vary the pressure on the opposing sides of the diaphragms 23, 25 to open and close the valves 15, 17. When one of the valves 15, 17 is closed, as shown by the second valve 17 in Figure 1, the pilot loop of the valve 17 is closed by the diverter valve 43. Water passes through the pilot hole 41b in the diaphragm 25 but cannot pass through the first pilot passage 35b out of the valve chamber 21. In this arrangement, the pressure on the second side 33b of the diaphragm 25 is equal to the pressure on the first side 31b. however, the due to the shape of the diaphragm 25, rigid support 29, valve chamber 21 and outlet opening 45b the water pressure acts on a larger area on the second side 33b of the diaphragm 25 than on the first side 3 lb. Therefore, the force acting on the second side 33b is larger. Therefore, the diaphragm 25 is urged towards the opening 45b into the second outlet conduit 11 and seals against the opening 45b, closing the second fluid path 13. The second fluid path 13 in Figure 1 is shown in dashed lines after the diaphragm 25 to show the path 13 is closed. When one of the valves 15, 17 is open, as shown by the first valve 15 in Figure 1, the pilot loop is opened by the diverter valve 43. This allows water to pass from the valve chamber 19, through the first pilot passage 35a into the central control chamber 39 and from the central control chamber 39, through the second pilot passage 37a into the outlet conduit 7. Therefore, the force from the inlet water pressure acting on the first side 31a of the diaphragm 23 is greater than the force acting on the second side 33a, urging the diaphragm 23 away from the opening 45a into the first outlet conduit 7. Water enters the chamber 19 from the first inlet 3, enters the annular space around the chamber 19 and passes into the opening 45a and the first outlet conduit 7. The central control chamber 39 extends along a length between the first outlet conduit 7 and the second outlet conduit 9. The chamber 39 has a width perpendicular to the length and is substantially cylindrical in shape. At a first end 39a of the central control chamber 39, the first pilot passage 35a from the first valve chamber 19 and the second pilot passage 35a from the first outlet conduit 7 open into the central control chamber 39. At a second end 39b, of the central control chamber 39, the first pilot passage 35b from the second valve chamber 21 and the second pilot passage 35b from the second outlet conduit 11 open into the central control chamber 39. The ends 39a,b of the chamber 39 are formed with tapering recesses 39c, 39d extending along the centre line and narrowing as they extend away from the chamber 39 The first pilot passages 35a,b open into the central control chamber 39 approximately along a centre line, into the recesses 39c, 39d. The second control passages 37a,b are radially spaced from the centreline, away from the recesses 39c, 39d. The central control chamber 39 is divided into two halves 47, 49 be a flexible control diaphragm 51 extending across the width of the chamber 39. The first half 47 of the central control chamber 39 is formed on a first side 53 of the control diaphragm 51 and is in fluid communication with the pilot loop of the first valve 15. The second half 49 of the central control chamber 39 is formed on a second side 55 of the control diaphragm 51, opposite the first side 53, and is fluid communication with the pilot loop of the second valve 17. The diaphragm 51 fluidly seals the two halves 47, 49 of the central control chamber 39 from each other, such that water cannot pass between them. A piston assembly 57 is formed in the control chamber 39, having a piston head 59 formed by a please 59a,b extending across the width of the chamber 39. The plates 59a,b are rigidly secured together, with a central portion of the diaphragm 51 fixed between them. The sides of the diaphragm 51 extend around the sides of the plate 59a of the piston head and forms a seal between the piston head 59 and the side 73 of the control chamber 39 so no water can pass around the piston head 59. The connection between the plates 59a,b of the piston head 59 is also such that no water passes through them. The piston assembly 57 includes a first valve stem 61 extending perpendicular from a first side 65 of the piston head 59 (formed by the first piston plate 59a), towards the first end 39a of the chamber 39. A second valve stem 63 extends from a second side 67 of the piston head 59 (formed by the second piston plate 59b), towards the second end 39b of the camber 39. The piston assembly 57 operates as a double acting piston, which can be operated by water pressure on either side of the diaphragm 51. Each half 47, 49 of the control chamber 39 is further divided into two sub-portions 47a,b, 49a,b by a frame member 69, 71. The frame member 69, 71 has a central planar surface 69a, 71a facing towards the respective sides 65, 67 of the piston head 59. The planar surface 69a, 71a extends perpendicular to the length of the central control chamber 39 but does not extend across the full width. Each frame member 69, 71 also has a skirt wall 69b, 71b extend from the planar surface 69a, 71a towards the respective end 39a, 39b of the chamber 39. The skirt wall 69b 71b tapers outwards as it extends towards the end 39a, 39b and defines an internal volume. The skirt wall 69b, 71b extends to the side 73 and ends 39a,b of the chamber 39, forming a fluid tight seal so no water can pass between the two sub-portions 47a,b, 49a,b, and holding the frame members 69, 71 in place. Within the volume formed by the skirt wall 69b, 71b, a hollow cylindrical guiding portion 69c, 71c extends along the centreline of the chamber 39. The valve stems 61, 63 extend within the guides. Each half 47, 49 of the central control chamber 39 has a central sub-portion 47a, 49a between the frame member 69, 71 and the piston head 59 / diaphragm 51 and an outer sub-portion 47b, 49b formed within the internal volume of the skirt wall 69b, 71b of the frame member 69, 71. The valve stems 61, 63 extend through the planar surface 69a, 71a of the frame members 69, 71 into the outer sub-portions 49a,b. Seals are formed between the frame member 69, 71 and the valve stems 61, 63 such that water also cannot pass between the sub-portions 47a,b, 49a,b through this route. In each of the outer sub-portions 47b, 49b of the central control chamber 39, closing pistons 75, 77 are provided. The closing pistons 75, 77 extend through the guiding portions 69c, 71c of the frame members 69, 71. As will be discussed in more detail below, movement of the piston head 59 causes movement of the valve stems 61, 63, which in turn engage and move the closing pistons 75, 77 to open and close the second pilot conduits 37a, 37b. The central piston head 59 is moved by water pressure from the outlet conduits 7, 11. As shown in Figure 1, a first feedback conduit 79 connects the first outlet conduit 7 to the central sub-portion 49a on the second side 67 of the piston head 59. Therefore, this causes the piston head 59 to move towards the first end 39a of the chamber 39, where the first valve stem 61 engages the first closing piston 75, closing the pilot loop associated with the first valve 15, which in turn closes the first valve 15. This movement of the piston head 59 also causes the second stem 63 to engage the second closing piston 77 pulling it away from the second end 39b of the central chamber 39, opening the pilot loop of the second valve 17, in turn opening the second valve 17. A second feedback conduit 81 connects the second outlet conduit 11 to the central sub-portion 47a on the first side 65 of the piston head 59. Therefore, this causes the piston head 59 to move towards the second end 39b of the chamber 39, where the second valve stem 63 engages the second closing piston 77, closing the pilot loop associated with the second valve 17, which in turn closes the first valve 17. This movement of the piston head 59 also causes the first valve stem 61 to engage the first closing piston 75, pulling it away from the first end 39a of the central chamber 39, opening the pilot loop of the first valve 15, in turn opening the first valve 15. The feedback conduits 79, 81 are formed as branches off the outlet conduits 7, 11. After the feedback conduits 79, 81 branches off from the outlet conduits 7, 11, the outlet conduits 7, 11 continue to provide water downstream. By operating in this way, the mode selector switches back and forth between flow of water from the first outlet conduit 7 and flow of water from the second outlet conduit 11, due to using the water pressure from an outlet conduit 7, 11 to close supply through that conduit 7, 11. Figures 2A-C show the operation of the diverter valve 43 in more detail. As can be seen in Figures 2A-C each of the closing pistons 75, 77 includes a body 83, 85 having a blind bore 87, 89 (a passage with an open end and a closed end) extending along the same direction as the valve stem 61, 63. The open end 91, 93 of the blind bore 87, 89 faces into the central control diaphragm 51 / piston head 59, with the closed end 95, 97 facing towards the respective end 39a,b of the central control chamber 39. Each closing piston 75, 77 has a closing member 99, 101 extending from the body 83, facing towards the respective end 39a,b of the central control chamber 39. The closing members 99, 101 have a resiliently deformable material on their ends, which engages the opening of the second pilot passage 37a,b into the central control chamber to the second pilot passage and thus the pilot loop. At least part of the valve stem 61, 63 is received in the blind bore 87, 89 of the closing piston 75, 77. The ends 103, 105 of the valve stems 61,63 remote from the piston head 59 are provided with enlarged ribs 107, 109. Corresponding ribs 111, 113 are formed near the open ends 91, 93 of both blind bores 87, 89 to restrict movement of the valve stems 61, 63 with respect to the closing pistons 75, 77. Figure 2A shows the situation with the pilot loop of the first valve 15 open (and hence the first valve 17 is open) and the pilot loop of the second valve 17 closed (and hence the second valve 17 is closed). As can be seen from Figure 2A, the end 103 of the first valve stem 61 is spaced from the closed end 95 of the blind bore 87 in the first closing piston 75, and the end 105 of the second valve stem 63 abuts the closed end 97 of the blind bore 89 in the second closing piston 77. Water passes through the first feedback conduit 79 to the second side 67 of the piston head 59, causing pressure to build on the second side 67 of the piston head 59. This causes the piston head 59 and diaphragm 51 move or deform towards the first end 39a of the chamber 39. In a first stage of the motion, the valve stems 61, 63 move in the blind bores 87, 89 of the closing pistons 75, 77 without the closing pistons 75, 77 moving. At the end of the first stage of movement, as shown in Figure 2B the end 103 of the first valve stem 61 abuts the closed end 95 of the blind bore 87 in the first closing piston 75. Furthermore, the ribs 109 on the end 105 of the end 105 of the second valve stem 63 engage the ribs 113 on the inside of the blind bore 89 of the second closing piston 77. During this stage of movement, there is no change in the outlet from the mode diverter 1. The outlet is still via the first outlet conduit 7. In a second stage of motion the pressure on the second side 67 of the piston head 59 causes the piston head 59 and diaphragm 51 to move or deform towards the first end 39a of the chamber. Due to the engagement of the end 103 of the first valve stem 61 with the closed end 95 of the blind bore 87 in the first closing piston 75 and the ribs 109 on the end 105 of the second valve stem 63 with the ribs 113 on the inside of the blind bore 89 of the second closing piston 77, the first closing piston 75 is pushed to close the pilot loop for the first valve 15 and the second closing piston 77 is pulled away to open the pilot loop for the second valve 17. This situation is shown in Figure 2C. Closing the first pilot loop causes the pressure on the second side 33a of the first diaphragm 23 in the first valve 15 to increase, moving the diaphragm 23 to close the first valve 15. This causes the flow of water from the first outlet conduit 7 to stop. Opening the second pilot loop provides a path second side 33b of the diaphragm 25 of the second valve 17, reducing the pressure on the second side 33b allowing the inlet pressure to open the diaphragm 25, opening the second valve 17. This causes the flow of water from the second outlet 11 conduit to start. As water flows through the second outlet 11, water is provided through the second feedback conduit 81, increasing pressure on the first side 65 of the piston head 59. Therefore, the device now starts to operate to open the first pilot loop and close the second pilot loop, opening the first valve 15 and closing the first valve 17. It will be appreciated that the operation for opening the first valve 15 and closing the second valve 17, is the same as closing the first valve 15 and opening the second valve 17, with the movement now in the opposite direction. The above operation describes an oscillating mode. In order to select continual flow from only one of the outlet conduits 7. 11, both feedback conduits 79, 81 are provided with valves 115, 117 to open and close flow through the conduits 79, 81. With both feedback conduits 79, 81 open, the mode selector 1 operates in the oscillating mode as discussed above. With the valve 115 in the first feedback conduit 79 closed and the valve 117 in the second feedback conduit 81 open, there is no pressure build up on the second side 67 of the piston head 59. Therefore, the pressure acting on the first side 65 of the piston head 59 from the pilot loop of the first valve 15, acting via the first closing piston 75, causes the pilot loop for the second valve 17 (and hence the second valve 17 itself) to close. Therefore, the flow in this case is continually through the first outlet conduit 7. Conversely, with the valve 115 in the first feedback conduit 79 open and the valve 117 in the second feedback conduit 81 closed, there is no pressure build up on the first side 65 of the piston head 59. Therefore, the pressure acting on the second side 67 of the piston head 59 from the pilot loop of the second valve 17, acting via the second closing piston 77, causes the pilot loop for the first valve 15 (and hence the first valve 15 itself) to close. Therefore, the flow in this case is continually through the second outlet conduit 11. With both valves 115, 117 closed, the pressure on the outer sides 65, 67 of piston head 59 equalises, and so the piston head 59 adopts a rest position with both pilot loops, and hence both valves 15, 17 open. Therefore, flow is from both outlet conduits 7, 11. In some embodiments, the valves 115, 117 turn the supply of water through the feedback conduits 79, 81 on or off. In other embodiments, one or both of the valves 115, 117 may allow for variation of the flow rate through the feedback conduits 79, 81 on a scale between off and fully on. By varying the flow rate through one or both feedback conduits 79, 81, the speed it takes to go through both stages of movement can be varied during operation in the oscillation mode. This can vary the frequency of oscillation, and by varying the flow through the two feedback conduits 79, 81 independently, the relative time where flow is from each outlet conduit 7, 11 can also be varied in oscillation mode. Figures 3A-3D illustrate an example of a shower head 119 in side view and from underneath. The shower head 119 has a stem 121 forming a handle and an outlet head 123 from which water is dispensed. The outlet head 123 includes a plate having a plurality of nozzles (not shown) through which water flows. The nozzles (not shown) are grouped into different sets associated with different modes. In the example shown, the different sets are provided in different locations, for example arranged concentrically. In one embodiment, a first set of nozzles 127 may be coupled to the first outlet conduit 79 of the mode selector 1 and a second set of nozzles 129 may be coupled to the second outlet conduit 81. In Figures 3A-3D, the shaded areas show nozzles which are on, and unshaded areas show nozzles which are off. Figure 3A illustrates a first mode, in which only the first set 127 of nozzles is on (coupled to the first outlet conduit 7). Figure 3B illustrates a second mode in which only the second set 129 of nozzles is on (coupled to the second outlet conduit 11). Figure 3C illustrates a third mode with both sets of nozzles 127, 129 on, and Figure 3D shows an oscillation mode. Various control means will be appreciated for controlling operation of the mode selector 1, and also for controlling flow of fluid into the mode selector 1. In some examples, the controls for turning flow into the mode selector 1 on and off are integrated with the controls for the mode selector 1 and in other examples they are separate. Figure 4 illustrates a first examples of a control 125 for selecting the different modes of a mode selector 1. In this example, the mode selector 1 is incorporated into the shower head 119, and a collar 125 is provided around the stem 121 of the shower head 119. The collar 125 is slidable in a direction along the length of the stem 121, with different positions along the length of the stem 121 corresponding to different mode selections. In one example, a further position of the control may be used to turn the flow of water into the mode selector 1 off. In embodiments where a user is able to modify the flow rate through one or both of the feedback conduits 79, 81, twisting the collar 125 around the stem 121 may vary the frequency of oscillation in oscillation mode. The collar 125 may be rotatable at any position along the length of the stem 121 or only at the position which selects the oscillation mode. In other examples, the mode selector 1 may be formed separately from the shower head 119. In this case, a separate control device 131 may be provided, enclosing the mode selector 1, and the outlet conduits 7, 11 may be connected to the shower head 119 by a hose, or other hidden pipe work. The hose or pipework may include separate channels for the two different outlet conduits 7, 11. Figure 5 shows an example of a separate control device. This has a first button 133 to turn the flow from the first set of nozzles 127 on and off, and a second button 135 to turn the flow from the second set of nozzles 129 on and off. Using the first and second buttons 133, 135 to turn both sets of nozzles 127, 129 on may select the mode with both sets of nozzles open. A third button 137 may be provided to select the oscillation mode. Optionally, this button may be twistable to modify the frequency of operation. It may be that selecting all three buttons in an off position also turns off flow into the mode selector 1. Alternatively, a separate button or control (not shown) may be provided to turn flow into the mode selector 1 on and off. It will be appreciated that the mode selector 1 may be formed in any suitable way, in any suitable material. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a housing 139 is formed defining at least part of the inlets 3, 5, outlet conduit 7. 11, valve chambers 19, 21 and central control chamber 39. Each of the valve chambers 19, 21 may have a separately formed closing member 141, 143 to allow assembly of the valves. Seals (not shown) may be provided to ensure water cannot leak out of the housing 139 or between regions that should not be in fluid communication. It will be appreciated that this embodiment is given by way of example only, and any suitable constructions may be used. In the embodiments discussed above, two feedback conduits 79, 81 are described. The feedback conduits 79, 81 may be connected to the outlet conduits 7, 11 at any suitable point. The branch to the feedback conduit 79, 81 may be formed in the housing 139 forming the mode selector or may be formed at any point between the mode selector and the outlet openings from which water is dispensed. In some examples, the feedback may be directly from the portion of the shower head (or other fitting) where the nozzles or outlets are formed. In the above examples, the valves 115, 117 in the feedback conduits 79, 81 are used to both open and close the flow through the conduits 79, 81 and, in some embodiments, vary the flow to vary the frequency of oscillation. It will be appreciated that various means could be used to vary the flow rate separately to opening and closing the flow. For example, there could be a variable constriction a shaped opening in the conduit that can be moved in and out of the conduit to vary an open area, or an iris type mechanism, or multiple feedback conduits that can be individually opened and closed. The arrangement of valves 15, 17 and diverter valve 43 is given by way of example only. The arrangement of the diverter valve 43 is by way of example only. Any suitable valve that is operated by a water pressure to move a piston head 59 and / or closing pistons 75, 77 may be used. This may be arranged such that water pressure from a first outlet, opened and closed by a first valve, is used to close the first valve and open a second valve associated with a different outlet and water pressure from the second outlet is used to close the second valve and open the first valve. In the above example, when both feedback loops 79, 81 are closed, the pressure on either side 65, 67 of the piston head 59 equalises so both valves are open. This may be by way of example only. The pilot loops in the two valves 15, 17 may be arranges so that the pressure on one side is greater than the other, such that the rest position of the mode selector is with one valve 15, 17 open and the other close. Biasing means, such as springs, may achieve the same result. The valves 15, 17 used to open and close the two fluid paths 9, 13 are also given by way of example only. Any suitable diaphragm valve may be used in the diaphragm valve. The pilot loop may follow any path. In the examples shown above, the pilot extends from one side of the diaphragm to the other through a pilot loop that bypasses the valve chamber, and a pilot hole 41a,b through the diaphragm. The pilot hole may extend through any position in the diaphragm or around the edge of the diaphragm. In some examples, the pilot loop may also extend through the diaphragm. In this case, the pilot loop or pilot hole may be closed by the action of the diverter valve. In further examples, different types of valve may be used, which can be remotely opened and closed by the diverter valve. The closing pistons 75, 77 are given by way of example only, and any suitable closing member can be used. The piston head 59 and valve stems 61, 63 may be arranged in any way to engage the closing members. In the examples discussed above, there is some travel after the piston head 59 starts moving, and before it moves the closing members. However, this is by way of example only. Furthermore, whilst ribs are described above, the valve stems may engage the closing members by any engageable formations. The arrangement of the piston head discussed above is given by way of example only. The piston head 59 may be a single plate, with the valve stems 61, 63 extending off opposing sides of the plate. The diaphragm may be secured to the piston head 59 in any suitable way. The mode selector 1 may be used in any type of ablutionary fitting. Whilst a shower head is given as an example, this is just one example. The mode selector may be used in a tap / faucet, shower head, handset or any other fitting. The fitting may have any arrangement of nozzles or openings for dispensing water, and the different sets may be arranged in any way. In the above examples, the sets are two distinct areas, but the sets could partially or wholly overlap, and have different types of outlets or other characteristics. The mode selector 1 may be part of the outlet device from which water is dispensed (such as the shower head) or may be separate. Furthermore, any type of control may be used. Various mechanisms for connecting the controls to the mode selector 1, for operating the valves 115, 117 in the feedback conduits 79, 81 and, where provided, the separate variable construction will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art. In the examples discussed above, the mode selector 1 is used to direct water into different modes. It will be appreciated that any fluid may be used in the mode selector.

Claims

1. A mode selector for an ablutionary fitting, the mode selector having:a first outlet conduit for dispensing fluid;a second outlet conduit for dispensing fluid; anda valve arrangement configured to:shut off supply of fluid to the first outlet conduit and open supply of fluid to the second outlet conduit in response to fluid pressure received from the first outlet conduit; andopen supply of fluid to the first outlet conduit and shut off supply of fluid to the second outlet conduit in response to fluid pressure received from the second outlet conduit,wherein the mode selector is operable as a diverter to dispense fluid through the first or second outlet conduits and / or as a mode oscillator to switch back and forth between dispensing fluid from the first outlet conduit and second outlet conduit.

2. The mode selector of claim 1, including:a first feedback conduit arranged to direct fluid from the first outlet conduit to the valve arrangement; anda second feedback conduit arranged to direct fluid form the second outlet conduit to the valve arrangement.

3. The mode selector of claim 2, including:first feedback control means arranged to turn off passage of fluid through the first feedback conduit to open supply of fluid to the first outlet conduit in a first diverter mode, wherein in the first diverter mode, there is no passage of fluid through the second outlet conduit; andsecond feedback control means arranged to turn off passage of fluid through the second feedback conduit to open supply of fluid to the second outlet conduit in a second diverter mode, wherein in the first diverter mode, there is no passage of fluid through the first outlet conduit.

4. The mode selector of claim 3, wherein the first and second feedback control means are operable at the same time to turn off passage of fluid through the first and second feedback conduits to open supply of fluid to the first second outlet conduits at the same time, in a third diverter mode.

5. The mode selector of any preceding claim, including:means to vary the flow rate of fluid received by the valve arrangement from the first and / or second outlet conduit,wherein varying the flow rate varies the frequency of switching back and forth between dispensing fluid from the first outlet conduit and second outlet conduit, when operating as a mode oscillator.

6. The mode selector of claim 5, when dependent on claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the means to vary the flow rate of fluid received by the valve arrangement comprises a variable constriction in the first and / or second feedback conduit.

7. The mode selector of any preceding claim, including:a first inlet for receiving fluid;a first fluid path extending between the first inlet and the first outlet conduit;a second inlet for receiving fluid; anda second fluid path extending between second first inlet and the second outlet conduit;wherein the valve arrangement includes:a first valve arranged to open and close the first fluid path in response to fluid pressure received from the first outlet conduit; anda second valve arranged to open and close the second fluid path in response to fluid pressure received from the second outlet conduit.

8. The mode selector of claim 7. wherein the first and second valves comprise diaphragm valves operable based on a pressure differential across opposingsides of a diaphragm provided, and the valve arrangement includes means to later the pressure differential across the diaphragm of each valve.

9. The mode selector of claim 8, wherein the valve arrangement includes:a chamber arranged between the first outlet conduit and second outlet conduit, the chamber arranged to receive the fluid pressure from the first and second outlet conduits;a first pilot passage between the first outlet conduit and the chamber;a second pilot passage between the second outlet conduit and the chamber; anda diverter valve member arranged in the chamber, the diverter valve member slidable in the chamber between two opposing positions, to open and close the first pilot passage and second pilot passage, to modify the pressure differential across the diaphragm of each diaphragm valve.

10. The mode selector of claim 9, wherein the diverter valve member comprises a double acting piston, wherein fluid pressure from the first outlet conduit acts on a second side of a head of the piston and fluid pressure from the second outlet conduit acts on a first side of the head of the piston, opposite the second.

11. The mode selector of claim 10, wherein the first side of the piston head faces the first pilot passage and the second side of the piston head faces the second pilot passage.

12. The mode selector of claim 10 or claim 11, the diverter valve comprises closing members arranged on opposite sides of the head of the piston, arranged to close the first and second pilot passages and wherein the double acting piston comprises a stem extending from both sides of the head of the piston, wherein the closing members slidably engage the stem, such that there is travel of the head of the piston before closing members are moved.

13. The mode selector of claim 12, wherein:each closing member comprises a blind bore having an open end facing the head of the piston and a closed end facing the respective pilot passage;the blind bore has engageable formations adjacent the open end,a portion of the valve stem having engageable formations is slidably received in the blind bore and engages the closed end to push the closing member towards the pilot hole and engages the engageable formations on the blind bore to pull the closing member away from the pilot hole.

14. An ablutionary fitting having:a mode selector as claimed in any preceding claim; andan outlet device including:a first set of one or more first outlet openings fluidly coupled to the first outlet conduit of the mode selector;a second set of one or more second outlet openings fluidly coupled to the second outlet conduit of the mode selector.

15. The ablutionary fitting of claim 14, wherein the mode selector is provided within the outlet device.

16. The ablutionary fitting of claim 15, wherein the outlet device comprises a shower head.

17. The ablutionary fitting of claim 14, wherein the mode selector is provided in a control device, separate to the outlet device.

18. The ablutionary fitting of claim 17, wherein the control device is wall mountable.

19. The ablutionary fitting of any of claims 14 to 18, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the ablutionary fitting comprises controls for operating the mode selector to choose between different modes.

20. The ablutionary fitting of claim 19, when the mode selector is as claimed in claim 5 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the controls operate the means to vary the flow rate.5 21. The ablutionary fitting of claim 19 or claim 20, when dependent on 15 or anyclaim dependent thereon, wherein the controls are incorporated in the outlet device.

22. The ablutionary fitting of claim 19 or claim 20, when dependent on 17 or any 10 claim dependent thereon, wherein the controls for operation of the modeselector are incorporated in the control device.

23. The ablutionary fitting of any of claims 14 to 18, when dependent on claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first and second feedback 15 conduits extend from the first and second sets of openings.

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