Thermal disinfection water discharge device

Abstract

A water discharge device (10) comprises a valve assembly (20) and a device body (30). A valve arrangement (28) can direct hot water from a hot water inlet (22) or cold water from a cold water inlet (24) to a first valve outlet (26) or the second valve outlet (27). The device body (30) comprises a mixing chamber (33), an outlet port (35); a first conduit (36) and a second conduit (37) conveying water from the first and second valve outlets, respectively, to the mixing chamber. A controller (20) causes the valve assembly (20) to operate in two modes to thermally disinfect the first and second conduits. In a first mode, hot water is directed to the first valve outlet (26) and flows through the first conduit (36). In a second mode, hot water is directed to the second valve outlet (27) and flows through the second conduit (37).

Description

THERMAL DISINFECTION WATER DISCHARGE DEVICEField

[0001] The present disclosure relates to water discharge devices and particularly the hygienic delivery of water through such devices. The disclosure has been developed primarily for use as a tap or spout for discharging temperature controlled water with a thermal disinfection system and will be described hereinafter by reference to this applicationBackground

[0002] The following discussion of the prior art is intended to place the disclosure in an appropriate technical context and enable the associated advantages to be fully understood. However, any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should not be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] The hygienic delivery of water from water discharge devices is of increasing concern throughout the world particularly post the global COVID pandemic. Of concern are the growth of harmful bacterial colonies, such as Legionella bacteria which is responsible for more than 50% of all waterborne outbreaks and over 10% of diseases related to drinking water in the U.S. A variety of water discharge systems have been designed to control Legionella growth through chemical, thermal or ultraviolet treatment methods so as to ensure the delivery of sanitary water through common faucets, taps, shower heads and the like. However, many of these systems involve either complex valve arrangements or convoluted bypass pipes or conduits. The purpose of the bypass pipes is to create alternative flow paths to the existing hot water and cold water lines, so that the cold water line may be thermally disinfected with the hot water line. Similarly, the complex valve arrangements endeavour to connect the hot water line to the cold water line temporarily for thermal disinfection.

[0004] The reduction or elimination of pathogens like harmful bacteria is also of particular concern in hospitals, especially in oncology and burns wards, where the patients have a suppressed , minimal reduced or no immune system. Consequently, it is frequently the practice for a maintenance worker to visit each patient’s room and modify the thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) so that the TMV floods the water lines of the connected water discharge devices (such as, the water basin taps and shower / bath taps) with water at scalding temperatures (at 65 degrees Celsius or more) to disinfect the water discharge devices of any pathogens. After flooding the water lines for about 10 minutes, the worker returns the TMVback to normal and then goes to next patent’s room. This practice is a waste of resources, both in labour, time and excessive water consumption. This practice may also fail to adequately disinfect the outlet openings of the water discharge devices, as the area near the outlet tends not to be exposed to water at scalding temperatures. Furthermore, there is a safety risk that the TMV is not returned to normal operation after being modified, creating the danger of exposing staff and patients to hot water at scalding temperatures.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. It is an object of the disclosure in at least one preferred embodiment to provide a thermal disinfection system for a water discharge device that reduces or eliminates bacterial growth in the piping and / or outlet ports of these devices, obviating the need for manual disinfection practices as well as being simpler in structure and convenient to operate.Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a water discharge device comprising: a valve assembly comprising: a hot water inlet for receiving hot water from a hot water supply; a cold water inlet for receiving cold water from a cold water supply; a first valve outlet; a second valve outlet; and a valve arrangement configured to direct hot water from the hot water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet and direct cold water from the cold water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet; a device body comprising: a mixing chamber comprising an outlet port; a first conduit conveying water from the first valve outlet to the mixing chamber; a second conduit conveying water from the second valve outlet to the mixing chamber; and a controller operatively connected to the valve assembly; wherein the controller causes the valve assembly to operate in a first mode in which the hot water is directed to the first valve outlet and a second mode in which the hot water is directed to the second valve outlet; and wherein the hot water flows through the first conduit in the first mode and flows through the second conduit in the second mode to thermally disinfect the first and second conduits.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the mixing chamber comprises a disinfection device. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection device is configured to disinfect an interior surface of the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection device is located on the interior surface of the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection device is positioned in a location remote from the outlet port. In one or more embodiments, the location is substantially opposite to the outlet port.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the disinfection device comprises an ultraviolet light source or emitter. For example, the ultraviolet light source may comprise a mercury vapour lamp, LED lamp or other light source capable of generating ultraviolet light. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection device is configured to emit ultraviolet light inside the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the disinfection device is configured to shine ultraviolet light on the interior surface of the mixing chamber.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly changes from the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device. In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly changes from the second mode to the first mode after a second predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device. In one or more embodiments, the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number are the same. In one or more embodiments, the first predetermined number and / or second predetermined number is at least two.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly alternates between the first and second modes after a third predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined number is constant. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined number is variable. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined number is at least two. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined number varies after valve assembly has operated in the first mode and second mode at least once.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the water discharge device comprises a meter for counting the number of uses of the water discharge device, wherein the meter is in communication with the controller.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly changes from the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined time period. In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly changes from the second mode to the first mode after a second predetermined time period. In one or more embodiments, the first predetermined time period and the secondpredetermined time period are the same. In one or more embodiments, the first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period are the different. In one or more embodiments, the first predetermined time period and / or second predetermined time period may range from 10 minutes to 24 hours, and can include periods of 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours and 12 hours.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly alternates between the first and second modes after a third predetermined time period. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined time period is constant. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined time period is variable. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined time period varies after valve assembly has operated in the first mode and second mode at least once.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly comprises at least two hot water inlets and at least two cold water inlets.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a first hot water inlet and a first cold water inlet are fluidly connected to the first valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises a first hot water valve for opening or closing the first hot water inlet and a first cold water valve for opening or closing the first cold water inlet.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a second hot water inlet and a second cold water inlet are fluidly connected to the second valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises a second hot water valve for opening or closing the second hot water inlet and a second cold water valve for opening or closing the second cold water inlet.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises a first mixing chamber fluidly connecting the first hot water inlet, the first cold water inlet and the first valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises a first flow controller for controlling the flow of water out of the first valve outlet.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises a second mixing chamber fluidly connecting the second hot water inlet, the second cold water inlet and the second valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises a second flow controller for controlling the flow of water out of the second valve outlet.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, in the first mode, the first hot water valve is opened and the first cold water valve is closed, so that only the hot water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit. In one or more embodiments, in the first mode, the second hot watervalve is closed and the second cold water valve is opened, so that the cold water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit for mixing with the hot water from the first conduit in the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, in the first mode, the second hot water valve may be opened or partially opened, so that the hot and cold water mix in the second chamber and flow into the second conduit for further mixing with the hot water from the first conduit in the mixing chamber.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, in the second mode, the second hot water valve is opened and the second cold water valve is closed, so that only the hot water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit. In one or more embodiments, in the second mode, the first hot water valve is closed and the first cold water valve is opened, so that the cold water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit for mixing with the hot water from the second conduit in the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, in the second mode, the first hot water valve is opened or partially opened, so that the hot and cold water mix in the first chamber and flow into the first conduit for further mixing with the hot water from the second conduit in the mixing chamber.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement is electronically actuated. In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement is manually actuated. In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement is pneumatically or hydraulically actuated.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises one or more of the following valves, including combinations thereof: solenoid valves, needle valves, cartridge valves, rotary valves, spool driven valves, linear valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, diaphragm valves, gate valves, plug valves, pinch valves and other suitable valves. For example, the valve arrangement ma comprise solenoid valves as gates and stepper driven needle valves for mixing the hot and cold water.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the controller comprises an electronic controller or digital valve controller. In one or more embodiments, the controller comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0024] A second aspect of the disclosure provides a method of disinfecting a water discharge device comprising a valve assembly, a device body and a controller operatively connected to the valve assembly, wherein the method comprises: fluidly connecting a first valve outlet of the valve assembly to a first conduit of the device body;fluidly connecting a second valve outlet of the valve assembly to a second conduit of the device body; fluidly connecting the first conduit and second conduit to a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber comprising an outlet port; configuring a valve arrangement of the valve assembly to direct hot water from a hot water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet and direct cold water from a cold water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet; operating the valve assembly in a first mode in which the hot water is directed to the first valve outlet and conveyed through the first conduit to the mixing chamber to thermally disinfect the first conduit; and operating the valve assembly in a second mode in which the hot water is directed to the second valve outlet and conveyed through the second conduit to the mixing chamber to thermally disinfect the second conduit.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises disinfecting the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises disinfecting an interior surface of the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises emitting ultraviolet light inside the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises shining ultraviolet light on the inside surface of the mixing chamber.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises locating the disinfection device on the interior surface of the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises positioning the disinfection device in a location remote from the outlet port. In one or more embodiments, the location is substantially opposite to the outlet port.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises changing the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises changing the second mode to the first mode after a second predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises alternating between the first and second modes after a third predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined number varies operating in the first mode and second mode at least once.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises counting the number of uses of the water discharge device.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises changing the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined time period. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises changing the second mode to the first mode after a second predetermined time period.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises alternating between the first and second modes after a third predetermined time period. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined time period is constant. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined time period is variable. In one or more embodiments, the third predetermined time period varies after operating in the first mode and second mode at least once.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly comprises at least two hot water inlets and at least two cold water inlets.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises fluidly connecting a first hot water inlet and a first cold water inlet to the first valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises providing a first hot water valve for opening or closing the first hot water inlet and a first cold water valve for opening or closing the first cold water inlet.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises fluidly connecting a second hot water inlet and a second cold water inlet to the second valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises providing a second hot water valve for opening or closing the second hot water inlet and a second cold water valve for opening or closing the second cold water inlet.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises fluidly connecting a first chamber to the first hot water inlet, the first cold water inlet and the first valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises controlling the flow of water out of the first valve outlet.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises fluidly connecting a second chamber to the second hot water inlet, the second cold water inlet and the second valve outlet. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises controlling the flow of water out of the second valve outlet.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises, in the first mode, opening the first hot water valve and closing the first cold water valve, so that only the hot water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises,in the first mode, closing the second hot water valve and opening the second cold water valve, so that the cold water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit for mixing with the hot water from the first conduit in the mixing chamber. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises, in the first mode, opening or partially opening the second hot water valve, so that the hot and cold water mix in the second chamber and flow into the second conduit for further mixing with the hot water from the first conduit in the mixing chamber.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises, in the second mode, opening the second hot water valve and closing the second cold water valve, so that only the hot water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises, in the second mode, closing the first hot water valve and opening the first cold water valve, so that the cold water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit for mixing with the hot water from the second conduit in the mixing chamber. Alternatively, the method comprises, in the second mode, opening or partially opening the first hot water valve, so that the hot and cold water mix in the first chamber and flow into the first conduit for further mixing with the hot water from the second conduit in the mixing chamber.

[0039] One or more embodiments of the second aspect may have the features of one or more embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure stated above, where applicable.

[0040] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0041] Furthermore, as used herein and unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0042] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.Brief Description of Drawings

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a water discharge device according to one embodiment of the disclosure in a first mode;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the water discharge device of Figure 1 in a second mode;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a water system incorporating the water discharge device in the first mode of Figure 1;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a water system incorporating the water discharge device in the second mode of Figure 2;

[0048] Figure 5 is a first perspective view of a water discharge device according to another embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0049] Figure 6 is a second perspective view of the water discharge device of Figure 5.Description of Embodiments

[0050] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the following examples which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. Although the disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be embodied in many other forms. In the Figures, corresponding features within the same embodiment or common to different embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. In addition, in the following description, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein have been omitted for conciseness and clarity.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water discharge device in the form of a tap or faucet 10 for discharging heated, ambient or coldwater to a user, generally from one or more water supplies. The tap 10 may be used in a bathroom basin tapware application in either a domestic or commercial location. In other applications, the water discharge device may be configured as a bath spout, a kitchen tap, laundry tap, or a shower head without departing from the essence of the disclosure.

[0052] The tap 10 is shown fluidly connected to a first water supply 12 and a second water supply 14 by supply piping 16 and 18, respectively, and partly shown in dashed lines. Consequently, the tap 10 may discharge water from the first water supply 12, the second water supply 14, or a mix from both of these supplies. In other embodiments, the tap may be fluidly connected to only one, or any number of water supplies, through water junctions and the like.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the first water supply 12 is a hot water supply, and the second water supply 14 is a cold or ambient temperature water supply. As the embodiment is intended for thermal disinfection, the term ‘hot’ should be understood to be at least 60 degrees Celsius, being the minimum temperature required to kill Legionella bacteria, and is preferably higher, at 65 degrees or more. Cold or ambient temperature will normally be in the range of between 0 to 25 degrees Celsius depending on the ambient conditions at the point of supply. In some hot climate locations, the ambient water temperature may be in excess of 25 degrees Celsius, but the tap 10 of the present embodiment will still be useable. For ease of reference, the cold water or ambient water will be referred to as ‘cold’ water.

[0054] The tap 10 comprises a valve assembly 20 and a device body and a controller (not shown) operatively connected to the valve assembly. The valve assembly 20 comprises a hot water inlet 22 for receiving hot water from the hot water supply 12, a cold water inlet 24 for receiving cold water from the cold / ambient water supply 14, a first valve outlet 26, a second valve outlet 27 and a valve arrangement 28. The valve arrangement 28 is configured to direct hot water from the hot water inlet 22 to the first valve outlet 26 or the second valve outlet 27 and direct cold water from the cold water inlet 24 to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet.

[0055] The device body takes the form of an elongate and straight tap body 30, but it will be appreciated that the device body can adopt other forms, such as an elongate body with a curved body portion, a U-shaped body, T-shaped body and the like. The tap body 30 comprises a mixing chamber 33 comprising an outlet port 35, a first conduit 36 conveying water from the first valve outlet 26 to the mixing chamber and a second conduit 37 conveying water from the second valve outlet 27 to the mixing chamber. As is commonly known in the art but not shown in these Figures, the outlet port 35 would normally also comprise an aerator.

[0056] The controller causes the valve assembly 20 to operate in a first mode in which the hot water is directed to the first valve outlet 26 and a second mode in which the hot water is directed to the second valve outlet 27. In the first mode, the hot water is of sufficient temperature to kill any bacteria that may have grown on the inner surfaces of the first conduit 36. Similarly, in the second mode, the hot water kills off any bacteria that may have grown on the inner surfaces of the second conduit 37. In this way, the hot water flows through the first conduit 36 in the first mode and flows through the second conduit 37 in the second mode to thermally disinfect the first and second conduits. The tap 10 is thus able to thermally disinfect the conduits 36, 37 of the tap body 30 using a relatively simple arrangement without requiring complex and / or additional valving or piping. The controller may be any type of electronic controller or digital valve controller, but is preferably a PLC.

[0057] In this embodiment, the valve assembly 20 uses a switching valve arrangement 28. A solenoid valve 42 controls water flowing from the hot water supply line 16 to the hot water inlet 22 and a solenoid valve 44 controls water flowing from the cold water supply line 16 to the cold water inlet 24. Another set of solenoid valves 50, 55 respectively control the water flow from the valve arrangement 28 to the first and second valve outlets 26, 27, respectively. The valve arrangement 28 can selectively fluidly connect the valve 42 to either of the valves 50, 55. The valve arrangement 28 may also selectively fluidly connect the valve 44 to either of the valves 50, 55. In this way, the valve arrangement 28 is able to switch fluid connections between the hot water and cold water inlets 22, 24 and the first and second valve outlets 26, 27.

[0058] The valve arrangement 28 may employ different types of valves to switch the fluid connections between the hot and cold water inlets 22, 24 and the first and second valve outlets 26, 27. In this embodiment, digital or solenoid valves are used. However, other types of valves made be used. For example, the valve arrangement 28 can use one or more of the following, either solely or in combination with each other: solenoid valves, needle valves, cartridge valves, rotary valves, spool driven valves, linear valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, diaphragm valves, gate valves, plug valves, pinch valves and other suitable valves. In one particular embodiment, the valve arrangement 28 may use solenoid valves as gates for opening and closing the fluid connection between the tap 10 and the hot water and cold water supplies 12, 14, and use stepper driven needle valves for connecting the hot water and cold water inlets 22, 24 to the first and second valve outlets 26 27, for delivering the hot water and cold water along the first and second conduits 36, 37 to the mixing chamber 33, for mixing the hot and cold water prior to discharge from the outlet port 35.

[0059] The valve arrangement 28 is preferably electronically actuated via the controller. However, in other embodiments, the valve arrangement 28, may be manually actuated. The valve arrangement 28 may be pneumatically actuated or hydraulically actuated, either via the controller or manually.

[0060] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in operation, the tap 10 is installed as part of a water or plumbing system of a building. In the illustrated embodiment, the tap 10 is installed in a hospital environment, where the reduction or elimination of harmful bacteria is particularly important. The hot water supply 12 is the hospital hot water ring main, which keeps the water at 65 degrees Celsius. The cold water or ambient water supply 14 may be connected to the local council or city water supply. The hot water supply 12 and cold water supply 14 are fluidly connected to the tap 10 by the hot water inlet 22 and cold water inlet 24, respectively.

[0061] Figure 3 shows the tap 10 operable in the first mode. The valve arrangement 28 fluidly connects the hot water inlet 22 to the first valve outlet 26 that is in turn fluidly connected to the first conduit 36 of the tap body 30. The valve arrangement 28 also fluidly connects the cold water inlet 24 to the second valve outlet 27 that is in turn fluidly connected to the second conduit 37 of the tap body 30. In response to activation of the tap 10, the controller determines the amount of hot water and cold water that needs to be fed into the tap body 30 and mixing chamber 33 to achieve the water temperature of the water discharged from the outlet port 35, as set by the user. The controller then opens or partially opens the valves 42, 44 respectively associated with the hot water inlet 22 and the cold water inlet 24 to allow the correct amounts of hot and cold water to enter the valve arrangement 28. The controller also opens or partially opens the valves 50, 55 so the hot water and cold water then flow through the first and second conduits 36, 37, respectively, of the tap body 30 and mix in the mixing chamber 33, discharging through the outlet port 35. At the same time, the hot water thermally disinfects the first conduit 36 as it flows through towards the mixing chamber 33.

[0062] Figure 4 shows the tap 10 operable in the second mode. The valve arrangement 28 now fluidly connects the hot water inlet 22 to the second valve outlet 27 that is in turn fluidly connected to the second conduit 37 of the tap body 30. The valve arrangement 28 also fluidly connects the cold water inlet 24 to the first valve outlet 26 that is in turn fluidly connected to the first conduit 36. Again, in response to activation of the tap 10, the controller determines the amount of hot water and cold water that needs to be fed into the tap body 30 and opens or partially opens the valves 42, 44 associated with the hot water inlet 22 and the cold water inlet 24 to allow the correct amounts of hot and cold water to enter the valve arrangement 28. The controller also opens or partially opens the valve 50 so the hot water flows through the second conduit 37 and opens or partially opens the valve 55 so the cold water flows through the firstconduit 36. Both the hot water and cold water enter the mixing chamber 33 to mix and then the mixture discharges through the outlet port 35. This time, the hot water thermally disinfects the second conduit 37 as it flows through towards the mixing chamber 33.

[0063] It will be appreciated that where a user only requires cold water, then depending on which mode the tap 10 is in, the valve 42 remains closed to prevent any hot water being fed into the tap and only the valve 44 is opened to let cold water into the tap body 30.

[0064] To further ensure the water discharged from the tap 10 is not contaminated with bacteria, the mixing chamber 33 may also have a disinfection device. In this embodiment, the disinfection device comprises an ultraviolet (UV) light source or emitter 60. It should be recognised that in this specification, the term “ultraviolet light” refers to IIV-C used for disinfection, generally in the wavelength range of 100 to 280 nm. The ultraviolet light source 60 may comprise a mercury vapour lamp, LED lamp or other light source capable of generating ultraviolet light.

[0065] The UV light emitter 60 is configured to disinfect an interior surface 39 of the mixing chamber. In this embodiment, the UV light emitter 60 is located on the interior surface 39 of the mixing chamber, and is preferably opposite to the outlet port 35. In other embodiments, the UV light emitter 60 may be positioned in another location remote from the outlet port 35. The UV light emitter 60 is configured to shine ultraviolet light on the interior surface 39 of the mixing chamber 33. The UV light will kill off any bacteria that could grow within the mixing chamber, primarily on its interior surface 39, ensuring that the water discharged from the tap 10 is free of any bacteria that could cause harm to the user. The UV light emitter 60 will operate after each use (or a predetermined number of uses) of the tap 10 to emit ultraviolet light inside the mixing chamber 33.

[0066] The valve assembly 20 may change from the first mode to the second mode (and vice-versa) based on the number of uses of the tap 10. For example, the valve assembly 20 may change from the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined number of uses of the tap 10. The valve assembly 20 may then change from the second mode back to the first mode after a second predetermined number of uses. Similarly, the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number are the same or can be different. Generally, any number can be chosen as the first and / or second predetermined number. However, it is generally preferred that the first predetermined number ranges from two to ten, preferably two to five, but is most preferably at least two. Similarly, the second predetermined number ranges from two to ten, preferably two to five, but is most preferably at least two. Preferably, at leasttwo uses of the tap 10 in either the first or second modes are required before switching modes, to ensure that the first and second conduits 36, 37 are sufficiently thermally disinfected.

[0067] The valve assembly 20 may also alternate between the first and second modes after a third predetermined number of uses of the tap 10. The third predetermined number may be constant or variable, but preferably ranges from two to ten, more preferably two to five, but is most preferably at least two. In one embodiment, the third predetermined number increments to a set limit, such as from two to five, and then decrements down, such as from five back to two. Alternatively, after reaching the set limit, the third predetermined number resets back to two. In yet another embodiment, the valve assembly 20 may move to the second mode from the first mode after the first predetermined number of uses (say, 3 uses), then move back to the first mode after the second predetermined number of uses (say, 4 uses), and then alternate between the first and second modes each time after the third predetermined number of uses (say, 2 uses). To assist implementing this operation, the tap 10 may have a meter for counting the number of uses, where the meter is in communication with the controller. Alternatively, the controller may directly count or track each time the tap 10 is activated.

[0068] In an alternative configuration, the valve assembly 20 may change from the first mode to the second mode based on a set or variable time period. For example, the valve assembly 20 may change from the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined time period. The valve assembly 20 may then change back to the first mode from the second mode after the same first predetermined time period or a second predetermined time period different to the first time period. The first and second predetermined time periods may be set using the controller. The first predetermined time period and / or second predetermined time period can be selected for any time from 5 minutes up to 24 hours. However, it is preferred that valve assembly 20 changes between the first mode and the second mode on a relatively regular basis, such as every 10 to 20 minutes, but other time periods may be used like 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours and 12 hours.

[0069] In a further embodiment, the valve assembly 20 alternates between the first and second modes after a third predetermined time period. This third predetermined time period may be a constant value (such as 20 minutes) or variable (such as incrementing from 5 minutes upward to 30 minutes and the decrementing down to 5 minutes or resetting to 5 minutes). In one embodiment, the valve assembly 20 may move to the second mode from the first mode after the first predetermined time period (say, 10 minutes), then move back to the first mode after the second predetermined time period (say, 20 minutes), and then alternate between the first and second modes each time the third predetermined time period expires (say, 30 minutes). This allows the cycling between the first and second modes to be controlledso that there is more frequent changes between the first and second modes at peak times of demand compared to non-peak times. In further embodiments, the valve assembly 20 alternates between the first and second modes based on the time of day and / or night. For example, during the day where the tap 10 is more frequently used, the valve assembly 20 alternates between the first and second modes every 10 minutes, whereas during the night where the tap is less frequently used, the valve assembly 20 alternates between the first and second modes every 30 minutes.

[0070] The UV light emitter 60 may also be configured to intermittently shine UV light on the interior surface of the mixing chamber 33 at regular or irregular intervals and / or after a predetermined number of uses of the tap 10, in the same manner as described above in relation to operating the tap 10 in the first and second modes. The operation of the UV light emitter 60 may align with operation of the tap 10 in the first and / or second modes, but may also operate on its own independently of which mode the tap 10 is in.

[0071] This embodiment thus provides for the disinfection of the water lines in a simple and convenient manner, using a simpler arrangement incorporated into the water discharge device, like the tap 10. In the hospital environment, this obviates the need for a maintenance worker to regularly visit patients’ rooms to modify operation of the TMV, reducing wastage of time, labour and water involved with this practice, as well as eliminating the safety risk by inadvertent scalding where the TMV is accidentally not returned to normal operation. The embodiment also ensures that the mixing chamber 33 and its outlet port 35 are adequately disinfected.

[0072] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, another embodiment of a valve assembly 100 and its valve arrangement 110 is shown. The valve assembly 100 comprises two hot water inlets 120, 122 and two cold water inlets 140, 142, as best shown in Figure 6. A first hot water inlet 120 and a first cold water inlet 140 are fluidly connected to the first valve outlet 26. A second hot water inlet 122 and a second cold water inlet 142 are fluidly connected to the second valve outlet 27.

[0073] The valve arrangement 110 comprises two hot water valves 150, 152 for the two hot water inlets 120, 122, two cold water valves 155, 156 for the two cold water inlets 140, 142 and two flow controllers, preferably in the form of flow regulators 160, 165, as best shown in Figure 5. A first hot water valve 150 opens or closes the first hot water inlet 120 and a first cold water valve 155 opens or closes the first cold water inlet 140. Similarly, a second hot water valve 152 opens or closes the second hot water inlet 122 and a second cold water valve 156 opens or closes the second cold water inlet 142. A first chamber (not shown) fluidly connects the first hot water inlet 120, first cold water inlet 140 and first valve outlet 26. A first flow regulator 160controls the flow of water leaving the first valve outlet 26. A second chamber (not shown) fluidly connects the second hot water inlet 122, second cold water inlet 142 and second valve outlet 27. The second flow regulator 165 also controls the flow of water leaving the second valve outlet 27,

[0074] In this embodiment, there are dedicated hot water and cold water inlets (fluidly connected to respective hot water and cold water supplies) for each of the first and second valve outlets 26, 27. Hence, each of the first and second conduits 36, 37 are connected to their own set of hot water and cold water supplies. Consequently, this means that the valve arrangement 110 does not need to switch the fluid connections between the hot water supply and cold water supply and the first and second conduits 36, 37 to perform disinfection. Instead, in the first mode, the first hot water valve 150 is opened and the first cold water valve 155 is closed, so that only hot water can flow into the first chamber and is conveyed out of the first valve outlet 26 into the first conduit 36 to disinfect this conduit. The second hot water valve 152 is closed and the second cold water valve 156 is open, so that the cold water is directed out of the second valve outlet 27 into the second conduit 37 for mixing with the hot water from the first conduit 36 in the mixing chamber 33. The first and second flow regulators 160, 165 ensure that the water flowing out of the first and second valve outlets 26, 27 is at the correct flow rate, and thus the amounts of hot water and cold water are correct, so that when the hot water and the cold water mix in the mixing chamber 33, the water discharging from the tap 100 is at the correct temperature.

[0075] Similarly, in the second mode, the second hot water valve 152 is opened and the second cold water valve 156 is closed, so that only the hot water can flow into the second mixing chamber and is conveyed out of the second valve outlet 27 into the second conduit 37 to disinfect this conduit. The first hot water valve 150 is closed and the first cold water valve 155 is open, so that the cold water is directed out of the first valve outlet 26 into the first conduit 36 for mixing with the hot water from the second conduit 37 in the mixing chamber 33.

[0076] Alternatively, in the first mode, the second hot water valve 152 and the second cold water valve 156 are opened or partially opened, so that the hot and cold water enter the second chamber. Also, in the second mode, the first hot water valve 150 and the first cold water valve 155 are opened or partially opened, so that the hot and cold water enter the first chamber. The first and second flow regulators 160, 165 again ensure that the water flowing out of the first and second valve outlets 26, 27 is at the correct flow rate, and thus the amounts of hot water and cold water are correct, so that when the hot water and the cold water mix in the mixing chamber 33, the water discharging from the tap 100 is at the correct temperature.

[0077] In all other respects, the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 operate in a substantially similar manner to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, and so a detailed description of its operation will not be repeated. While the valve assembly 100 and valve arrangement 110 may appear relatively more complex compared to the valve assembly 20 and valve arrangement 28, the embodiment of Figures and 6 ensures that the fluid connections or piping in the tap 100 is more straightforward and simpler within the valve arrangement 110.

[0078] The controller in both embodiments is preferably an electronic controller in electronic communication with the valve assemblies 20, 100. The controller may take the form of a control box remote from the tap 10 and a computer control system (not shown). The control box may be connected to the tap 10 and the water supplies by way of the piping and also electrical wiring (not shown). Temperature sensors (not shown) measures the temperature of the water leaving the hot water supply 12 and the cold water supply 14.

[0079] In other embodiments, there may be additional conduits feeding into the mixing chamber 33, which may be supplied by further water inlets. Moreover, while the mixing chamber 33 is shown having a uniform cross section, in other embodiments, the mixing chamber may be of irregular cross section or may include multiple discrete sections without departing from the essence of the disclosure. As long as the two or more conduits are able feed into a downstream common chamber, it should be considered a mixing chamber for the purposes of the disclosure. Similarly, each conduit 36, 37 may be of any cross-sectional shape to perform the function of a waterway according to the disclosure.

[0080] To monitor the temperature of water in the mixing chamber 33, temperature sensors may be provided near or at the exits of the first and second conduits 36, 37 for sensing the temperature of the water entering the mixing chamber. A temperature sensor may also be provided near or at the outlet port 35 for sensing the temperature of the water being discharged from the tap 10. The temperature sensors send temperature signals to the computer control system, which in turn, selectively controls the valves 40, 42 so that the correct amounts of hot and cold water are fed into the tap to achieve the required warm water temperature, or cooler ambient water temperature to be discharged. In accordance with a further use, each temperature sensor is also able to sense the flow of water at that point.

[0081] The described embodiments have used valves in which the flow rate (and volume) of water can be gradually reduced or increased. However, in some embodiments, the valves can perform a simple on / off function. In commercial applications where there may be two or more taps in a single room, common cold and / or hot water supplies may feed several taps of the present disclosure through a manifold arrangement.

[0082] The tap 10 may also be adapted for contactless activation as an alternative to manual operation. In this case, to allow user flow activation, a contactless activation sensor (not shown) is provided on the most forward portion of the tap 10 proximate the outlet port 35. As is known in the art, the contactless activation sensor is activated by presence of a body in front of the sensor such as the user’s hand. In this case, the user simply places their hands in front of the outport port 35 to activate the contactless activation sensor, may send signals to the computer control system and / or controller to actuate the valve assembly 20, 100.

[0083] Similarly, to facilitate the temperature setting of the discharged water, the tap 10 may comprise a temperature actuation sensor (not shown) to allow the user to choose between a warm water setting or a cool ambient water setting. The temperature actuation sensor may be positioned on an upper forward point of tap 10. A user may place their hand in front of the temperature actuation sensor to select one of the temperature settings. The user’s hand only has to be momentarily in place to change the temperature from cool to warm or warm to cool. The change in setting may even be achieved by a wave of the user’s hand in front of the sensor. To indicate to the user of the current temperature setting, a temperature LED may be provided near or at the temperature actuation sensor. The temperature LED will illuminate to indicate which setting is currently selected.

[0084] In other embodiments, the water discharge device of the present disclosure may have the additional functionality of being configured to provide water at temperatures higher than 65 degrees Celsius for making hot beverages such as tea, instant coffee, or soup. This is be achieved by adding a third conduit connected to a boiler, or by increasing the temperature of the hot water supply 12. To implement this functionality, this mode of operation would require the user to maintain constant contact with one portion of the tap 10, such as a lockout switch, so as to minimize the possibility of burns. Furthermore, the tap 10 may have a supplemental digital display to show the user the actual temperature of the water being supplied. This variation of the tap 10 of the present disclosure would be especially advantageous in office environments and hotel rooms, where space is at a premium and one tap may serve for hand washing and for making hot beverages.

[0085] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, various features of the disclosure are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, Figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoingdisclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

[0086] In the specification, numerous specific details are described. However, it is understood that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. For example, the water discharge device can be made of conventional materials as is commonly known in the art and therefore relatively inexpensive to manufacture

[0087] While there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognise that other and further modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] By providing a valve assembly that allows for selective fluid connections between a hot water supply and the conduits of a water discharge device like a tap, the embodiments of the disclosure confer the advantages of a simpler and more convenient system for disinfecting water discharge devices. In particular, in one embodiment, this advantage is further enhanced by providing a disinfection device in the mixing chamber, preferably in the form of a UV light source or emitter. When implemented in a hospital environment, the embodiments of the disclosure can replace previous disinfection practices that waste time, labour and water resources and involve safety risks. All these advantages of the disclosure result in the reduction or elimination of unwanted bacterial growth in the piping and mixing chambers of taps, spouts, shower heads and other water discharge devices. In all these respects, the disclosure represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A water discharge device comprising: a valve assembly comprising: a hot water inlet for receiving hot water from a hot water supply; a cold water inlet for receiving cold water from a cold water supply; a first valve outlet; a second valve outlet; and a valve arrangement configured to direct hot water from the hot water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet and direct cold water from the cold water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet; a device body comprising: a mixing chamber comprising an outlet port; a first conduit conveying water from the first valve outlet to the mixing chamber; a second conduit conveying water from the second valve outlet to the mixing chamber; and a controller operatively connected to the valve assembly; wherein the controller causes the valve assembly to operate in a first mode in which the hot water is directed to the first valve outlet and a second mode in which the hot water is directed to the second valve outlet; and wherein the hot water flows through the first conduit in the first mode and flows through the second conduit in the second mode to thermally disinfect the first and second conduits.

2. The water discharge device of claim 1 , wherein the mixing chamber comprises a disinfection device configured to disinfect an interior surface of the mixing chamber.

3. The water discharge device of claim 2, wherein the disinfection device is positioned in a location remote from the outlet port.

4. The water discharge device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve assembly changes from the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device.

5. The water discharge device of claim 4, wherein the valve assembly changes from the second mode to the first mode after a second predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device.

6. The water discharge device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve assembly alternates between the first and second modes after a third predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device.

7. The water discharge device of any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a meter for counting the number of uses of the water discharge device, wherein the meter is in communication with the controller.

8. The water discharge device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve assembly changes from the first mode to the second mode after a first predetermined time period.

9. The water discharge device of claim 8, wherein the valve assembly changes from the second mode to the first mode after a second predetermined time period.

10. The water discharge device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve assembly alternates between the first and second modes after a third predetermined time period.

11. The water discharge device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve assembly comprises a first hot water inlet and a first cold water inlet fluidly connected to the first valve outlet; and a second hot water inlet and a second cold water inlet fluidly connected to the second valve outlet.

12. The water discharge device of claim 11 , wherein the valve assembly comprises: a first hot water valve for opening or closing the first hot water inlet; a first cold water valve for opening or closing the first cold water inlet; a second hot water valve for opening or closing the second hot water inlet and; a second cold water valve for opening or closing the second cold water inlet.

13. The water discharge device of claim 12, wherein the valve assembly comprises: a first chamber fluidly connecting the first hot water inlet, the first cold water inlet and the first valve outlet; a first flow controller controlling the flow of water leaving the first valve outlet; a second chamber fluidly connecting the second hot water inlet, the second cold water inlet and the second valve outlet; and a second flow controller for controlling the flow of water leaving the second valve outlet.

14. The water discharge device of claim 13, wherein:in the first mode: the first hot water valve is opened and the first cold water valve is closed, so that only the hot water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit; and the second hot water valve is closed and the second cold water valve is opened, so that the cold water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit for mixing with the hot water from the first conduit in the mixing chamber; in the second mode: the second hot water valve is opened and the second cold water valve is closed, so that only the hot water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit; and the first hot water valve is closed and the first cold water valve is opened, so that the cold water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit for mixing with the hot water from the second conduit in the mixing chamber.

15. A method of disinfecting a water discharge device comprising a valve assembly, a device body and a controller operatively connected to the valve assembly, wherein the method comprises: fluidly connecting a first valve outlet of the valve assembly to a first conduit of the device body; fluidly connecting a second valve outlet of the valve assembly to a second conduit of the device body; fluidly connecting the first conduit and second conduit to a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber comprising an outlet port; configuring a valve arrangement of the valve assembly to direct hot water from a hot water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet and direct cold water from a cold water inlet to the first valve outlet or the second valve outlet; operating the valve assembly in a first mode in which the hot water is directed to the first valve outlet and conveyed through the first conduit to the mixing chamber to thermally disinfect the first conduit; and operating the valve assembly in a second mode in which the hot water is directed to the second valve outlet and conveyed through the second conduit to the mixing chamber to thermally disinfect the second conduit.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising disinfecting the mixing chamber.

17. The method of any one of claims 15 or 16, comprising alternating between the first and second modes after a predetermined number of uses of the water discharge device.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 or 16, comprising alternating between the first and second modes after a predetermined time period.

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising: fluidly connecting a first hot water inlet and a first cold water inlet to the first valve outlet; providing a first hot water valve for opening or closing the first hot water inlet; providing a first cold water valve for opening or closing the first cold water inlet; fluidly connecting a second hot water inlet and a second cold water inlet to the second valve outlet; providing a second hot water valve for opening or closing the second hot water inlet; providing a second cold water valve for opening or closing the second cold water inlet; fluidly connecting a first chamber to the first hot water inlet, the first cold water inlet and the first valve outlet; controlling the flow of water leaving the first valve outlet; fluidly connecting a second chamber to the second hot water inlet, the second cold water inlet and the second valve outlet; and controlling the flow of water leaving the second valve outlet.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, in the first mode, the method comprises: opening the first hot water valve and closing the first cold water valve, so that only the hot water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit; and closing the second hot water valve and opening the second cold water valve, so that the cold water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit for mixing with the hot water from the first conduit in the mixing chamber; and wherein, in the second mode, the method comprises: opening the second hot water valve and closing the second cold water valve, so that only the hot water flows out of the second valve outlet into the second conduit; and closing the first hot water valve and opening the first cold water valve, so that the cold water flows out of the first valve outlet into the first conduit for mixing with the hot water from the second conduit in the mixing chamber.

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