Abstract:
A spray head suitable for mounting on a flexible hose, wherein the spray head comprises a rotary switching mechanism for permitting selection of either a stream flow (i.e. laminated flow) or a spray flow, e.g. by directing flow received from the hose through different outlet nozzles. By providing a compact rotary switching action, the spray head may overcome problems caused by wear or scale build up that are seen in push button or linear switching mechanisms.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of GB patent application no. 1610714.6 filed on 20 Jun. 2016. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Typical spray devices (sometimes known as hand sprays) include a spray head, e.g. similar to a shower head, for delivering fluid (e.g. water) flow through a nozzle. Such spray devices can be configured as a side spray, e.g. located next to the primary tap or taps of a kitchen sink, or removably mountable on the work surface (sink holding or containing surface). Alternatively, a spray device may be configured as a pull-down or lift-out spray directed mounted on the primary tap, which is typically a mixer tap. Each spray device may comprise a spray head, which typically includes a hand grip to allow the user to direct the flow as desired, and a flexible fluid delivery hose to allow more freedom of movement. Typically, known hand sprays are operable using a simple thumb switch, which controls a valve to stop or release fluid flow through the nozzle. The thumb switch allows controlled one-handed operation. 
         [0003]    It is known for spray devices to be capable of outputting different types of flow, in a user selectable manner. US 2006/0163387 discloses a faucet spray head having a spout adaptor that has coaxially mounted aeration and spray unit, which are selectable based on a rotational position of the spray head mechanism in relation to the spout adaptor. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,131 discloses a diverter valve for mounting on a kitchen faucet to permit selective control over the flow of fluid from a fluid source to one of several fluid outlets. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    At its most general, the present disclosure provides a spray head suitable for mounting on a flexible hose, wherein the spray head comprises a rotary switching mechanism for permitting selection of either a stream flow (i.e. laminated flow) or a spray flow, e.g. by directing flow received from the hose through different outlet nozzles. By providing a compact rotary switching action, the disclosure may overcome problems caused by wear or scale build up that are seen in push button or linear switching mechanisms. 
         [0005]    According to the disclosure, there is provided a spray head for mounting on a flexible hose, the spray head comprising: a fixed head portion mountable to the flexible hose; and a rotatable head portion mounted on the fixed head portion and rotatable relative to the fixed head portion about a rotation axis, wherein the fixed head portion comprises a fluid flow path for receiving an input flow from the flexible hose, the fluid flow path extending in the same direction as the rotation axis, wherein the rotatable head portion comprises a first nozzle for generating a first fluid flow type, a second nozzle for generating a second fluid flow type that is different from the first fluid flow type, a first flow path in fluid communication with the first nozzle, and a second flow path in fluid communication with the second nozzle, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are separate from each other and each radially offset from the rotation axis, and wherein the rotatable head portion is rotatable relative to the fixed head portion to selectively provide fluid communication between the first flow path or the second flow path with the fluid flow path in the fixed head portion. The spray head is thus operable to select different flow types by rotating the rotatable head portion to bring different flow paths (and therefore different nozzles) into fluid communication with the fluid flow path. 
         [0006]    The spray head may have a generally cylindrical form, e.g. having an axis that is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the hose. The spray head may thus appear as a compact continuation or termination of the hose. 
         [0007]    The nozzles may be separate components, e.g. mounted next to each other in the rotatable head portion. The nozzles may be independently detachable, e.g. to enable easy replacement or to enable the same flow selection mechanism to be used with a variety of nozzle. In one example, the first fluid flow type may be stream flow, e.g. from an aerator-type nozzle, and the second fluid flow type may be a spray fluid flow, e.g. from a spray type nozzle. Other types of nozzle can be used. The disclosure is also not limited to two nozzles. There may be three, four or more nozzles in the rotatable head portion. 
         [0008]    The fluid flow path in the fixed head portion may include a distal portion that is radially offset from the rotation head. The rotatable head portion may be rotatable relative to the fixed head portion to selectively align the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path with the distal portion of the fluid flow path. In other words, depending on the relative angular position of the rotatable head portion and the fixed head portion, the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path will be aligned with the distal portion of the fluid flow path. 
         [0009]    As discussed below, each of the flow paths described herein may comprise one or a plurality of channels or passages formed through an otherwise impermeable element. The channels may be shaped or sized to permit the selective alignment contemplated herein. For example, the rotatable head portion may be rotatable relative to the fixed head portion between a first position in which the fluid flow path in the fixed head portion is in fluid communication with only the first flow path and a second position in which the fluid flow path in the fixed head portion is in fluid communication with only the second flow path. 
         [0010]    The fixed head portion may be mountable to the flexible hose via a connector body. The fixed head portion may be secured to the connector body in a non-rotatable manner, e.g. via a splined connection or the like. The flexible hose may be mounted on the connector body in any suitable manner, e.g. fixed or flexible. For example, to prevent unwanted twisting of the hose, the hose may be rotatably coupled to the connector body. 
         [0011]    The fixed head portion may comprise an axially extending tubular spindle, wherein the fluid flow path comprises an axially extending passage through the spindle. The connector body discussed above may be arranged to provide fluid communication between an input fluid flow from the hose and the axially extending passage in the spindle, e.g. by having each of the hose and the spindle mounted in the connector body. The connector body may include sealing elements arrange to ensure the junction between the hose and spindle is water tight, i.e. does not leak. 
         [0012]    The rotatable head portion may comprise a flow director body rotatably mounted on the spindle. The flow director body may be a component in which the first flow path and second flow path are provided in a manner that allows their position to be rotated about the rotation axis. For example, the flow director body may be an inverted cup-shaped element coaxially mounted on the spindle to define a recess at a distal end of the axially extending passage. There may be two independent outlets from the cup-shaped elements, which correspond to the first flow path and second flow path respectively. Each outlet may feed a respective nozzle. 
         [0013]    In one example, the fixed head portion comprises a first flow defining element and the rotatable head portion comprises a second flow defining element, wherein the fluid flow path includes a channel through the first flow defining element, wherein the first flow path comprises a first passage through the second flow defining element, and wherein the second flow path comprises a second passage through the second flow defining element. The first flow defining element and the second flow defining element may be overlaid, i.e. may overlap in the direction of fluid flow, such that relative rotation between the rotatable head portion and fixed head portion changes the relative angular position between the first flow defining element and the second flow defining element. As discussed above, the first passage and second passage in the second flow defining element and the channel in the first flow defining element may be shaped so that only one of the first passage or second passage can overlap with the channel at any given angular position. 
         [0014]    The first flow defining element and the second flow defining element may comprise a pair of ceramic discs mounted in sliding contact with each other. This type of rotary interface is known in cartridge valves. Indeed, in one example, the fixed head portion and rotatable head portion may comprise relatively movable parts of a flow control cartridge valve, e.g. a ceramic cartridge valve. To facilitate operation, the cartridge valve may be enclosed in a casing, e.g. to improve a user&#39;s grip on the device. For example, the casing may comprise a distal part that is secured to the rotatable head portion and a proximal part that is secured to the fixed head portion. The first nozzle and the second nozzle may be mounted in the distal part of the casing. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the disclosure provides a spray apparatus for a kitchen sink, the spray apparatus comprising a flexible hose connectable to a water supply (e.g. a mains supply); and a spray head as defined above mounted on a distal end of the flexible hose. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    Examples of the disclosure are discussed below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic cross section of a spray head apparatus depicting an example of how an embodiment of the disclosure can be used; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a spray head apparatus that is an embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a spray head for use in the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2A ; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a schematic cross section of a spray head assembly that is an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    In the description below, like reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. 
         [0022]    The disclosure relates to a spray head apparatus for directing liquid through one of two (one of a plurality of) nozzles. In particular, the disclosure directs liquid from a liquid supply through a stream straightener nozzle or a spray nozzle. The stream straightener nozzle (directs) collimates the liquid into a straight stream. The spray nozzle directs (disperses) the liquid into a disperse spray. The spray head apparatus can be connected to a liquid supply point located in a kitchen or bathroom sink for example (but could also include e.g. a drinks fountain or a garden hose pipe etc.). 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a spray head apparatus  10  for directing liquid from a liquid supply  110  through a hose  80  and into a spray head  100  which directs the liquid into one or more of a plurality of nozzles (two nozzles in this example discussed below) to produce different types of flow stream, e.g. a straight stream (i.e. unbroken flow) or a spray of liquid (i.e. flow of droplets). 
         [0024]    The spray head apparatus  10  is connected by an installation connection  12  (e.g. a conventional water tight connector) to a liquid supply  110  located in a kitchen or bathroom. Once the liquid supply  110  is switched on via a mechanism suitable for controlling liquid flow, (e.g. a tap or a valve), liquid flows from the liquid supply  110  and along a flow channel defined by the hose  80 , from a proximal hose end  20  to a distal hose end  30 , in the direction shown by arrows  16 . The hose  80  may be enclosed in a hose casing  14  to provide protection and support to the hose  80 , as is conventional. The hose  80  can be made from flexible tubing, e.g. rubber, plastic, PTFE, or the like. The hose casing  14  can be made from a strong, liquid durable material, e.g. stainless steel, plastic, brass, or the like. The hose  80  and hose casing  14  may be flexible or rigid. 
         [0025]    The spray head  100  is connected to the distal end  30  of the hose  80  at a spray head connector  18 . The spray head connector  18  brings the flow channel defined by the hose  80  into fluid communication with an interior of the spray head  100 . The spray head  100  comprises a fixed head portion  65  and a rotatable head portion  60 . The fixed head portion  65  is secured so that is does not rotate relative to the spray head connector  18 . The rotatable head portion  60  is rotatable relative to the fixed head portion about a rotation axis  15  that extends in a fluid flow direction through the spray head  100 . In this embodiment, the fixed head portion  65  is located proximally to the rotatable head portion  60 , but the opposite configuration is also possible. 
         [0026]    As discussed in more detail below, the fixed head portion  65  has a flow path comprising at least one channel running therethrough, parallel to the axis of rotation  15 . For example, the flow path in the fixed head portion  65  may have only one channel, e.g. for conveying a mixed flow from the liquid supply, but it may comprise two or more channels, e.g. for conveying hot and cold flows separately. 
         [0027]    The rotatable head portion  60  comprises two (or more) independent flow paths (each of which may be defined by one or more channels) for directing fluid from the flow path in the fixed head portion  65  to a respective nozzle. For example, a first flow path by direct the fluid flow through a stream straightener nozzle  120 , while a second flow path may direct the fluid flow through a spray nozzle  130 . The stream straightener nozzle  120  may be configured (e.g. dimensioned) to cause liquid within a predetermined range of flow rate to exit the spray head  100  as a straight column. For example, the stream straightener nozzle  120  may be an aerator insert or the like. The spray nozzle  130  may be configured (e.g. dimensioned) to cause the output stream to consist of a plurality of separate jets which together form a spray.  FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a spray head apparatus  210  that is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . The outer casing  14  is partly cut away to show the hose  80 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of a spray head  100  that can be used in the disclosure. The spray head  100  is connected by the spray head connector  18  to the hose  80  and the hose casing  14  at the distal hose end  30 . Liquid flows into the spray head  100  in the direction shown by the arrow  16 . Liquid flows into the fixed head portion  65  and then into the rotatable head portion  60  as discussed above. The fixed head portion  65  comprises a first casing  55  which may form a first gripping surface. The rotatable head portion  60  may comprise a second casing  50 , which may form a second gripping surface. The first casing  55  and the second casing  50  can be made from the same or different materials. The materials may be strong and liquid durable, e.g. stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, brass, or the like. 
         [0029]    The material for the first casing  55  and second casing  50  may be selected or patterned to facilitate grip by the user to aid rotation of the rotatable head portion  60  relative to the fixed head portion  65 . For example, the casing may comprise a textured coating, e.g. made from rubber, plastic, stainless steel, brass, or the like. 
         [0030]    In this embodiment, the rotatable head portion  60  can be rotated between two positions corresponding to different internal configurations of the flow path discussed above. In a first position, liquid exits the rotatable head portion  60  through a stream straightener nozzle  120 . In a second position, liquid exits the rotatable head portion  60  through a spray nozzle  130 . The stream straightener nozzle  120  and the spray nozzle  130  may be conventional components, e.g. such as those manufactured by NEOPERL GmbH, Germany. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view through the spray head  100  shown in  FIG. 2B . The hose  80  defines an inlet flow path  81  through which liquid flows in the direction shown by arrow  16  into the spray head  100 . In this example, the connector  18  comprises a connector housing  320  that is sealably mounted at the distal end of the hose. The connector housing  320  is a tubular body having a passageway therethrough for receiving a distal end of the hose  80  at a proximal end and a hollow spindle  305  at a distal end. The hose  80  may be secured in the connector housing  320  by an interference fit. A sealing ring  82  is mounted between the outer surface of the hose  80  and an inner surface of the connector housing  320  to provide a watertight seal. The spindle  305  may be mounted to the connector housing  320  via a splined connection, e.g. comprising a plurality of radial splines  302  projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the connector housing  320  to engage corresponding slots on the outer surface of the spindle  305 . The splined connection ensures that the spindle  305  is fixed to the connector housing  320  in a rotational sense, i.e. the splined connection inhibits relative rotation between these components. A sealing ring  321  is mounted between the outer surface of the spindle  305  and an inner surface of the connector housing  320  to provide a watertight seal. 
         [0032]    In this example, the spindle  305  corresponds to the fixed head portion  65  discussed above. The spindle  305  defines a fluid flow path  365  that is in fluid communication with the inlet flow path  81 . 
         [0033]    A flow director body  310  is rotatably mounted on a distal portion of the spindle. The flow director body  310  has a proximal portion having a passageway therein through which the spindle  302  passes. A pair of sealing rings  323 ,  324  are mounted between the outer surface of the spindle  305  and an inner surface of the passageway to provide a watertight seal. A washer  322  is mounted around the spindle  305  between a proximal end of the flow director body  310  and a distal end of the connector housing  320  to facilitate relative rotation therebetween. 
         [0034]    The flow director body  310  has a inverted cup shape, which defines a recess for carrying a pair of ceramic discs  350 ,  352 . A first ceramic disc  350  is non-rotatably connected to a distal end  306  of the spindle  305  by a pair of axially extending pegs  340   a ,  340   b . The first ceramic disc  350  has a axial channel  360  extending therethrough that is located in an offset position relative to the rotation axis  15 . The axial channel  360  is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path  365  through the spindle  305 , whereby liquid flows into the first ceramic disc channel  360  from the fluid flow path  365  when the liquid supply  110  is initiated. 
         [0035]    A second ceramic disc  352  is mounted in the flow director body  310  and rotates with it relative to the spindle  302 . The second ceramic disc  352  has two axial channels  370 ,  375  formed therethrough, both at location that are radially offset from the rotation axis  15 . 
         [0036]    An outlet cover  353  is mounted over the mouth of the recess formed by the flow director body  310 . The outlet cover  353  has a pair of axial outlet channels  373 ,  377  formed therein. The outlet cover  353  is mounted to align each outlet channel  373 ,  377  with a respective one of the first channel  370  and second channel  375 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first channel  370  in the second ceramic disc  352  aligns with a first outlet channel  373 , while the second channel  375  in the second ceramic disc  352  aligns with a second outlet channel  377 . 
         [0037]    In this example, the flow director body  310  may correspond to the rotatable head portion  65  discussed above. The spindle  305 , flow director body  310 , ceramic discs  350 ,  352 , and outlet cover  353  may be provided by a conventional ceramic cartridge valve, such as those manufactured by Flühs Drehtechnik GmbH. However, the disclosure proposes a use configuration for such valves that is unconventional. Rather than fixed the valve body and connecting the spindle to an actuator (e.g. tap handle or the like), the disclosure proposes fixing the spindle and instead using the valve body (flow director body) as the actuatable component. 
         [0038]    A first casing  50  is mounted on and fixed to the flow director hosing  310  by a retaining ring  330  and a radially extending locator peg (not shown). The first casing  50  comprises a proximally facing cup portion for retaining the flow director body  310 . The first casing  50  and flow director housing  310  therefore rotate as one piece relative to the spindle  305 . A sealing ring  357  is mounted between the outer surface of the flow director body  310  and an inner surface of the first casing  50  to provide a watertight seal. 
         [0039]    The first casing  50  has a distal end surface in which a pair of nozzles  120 ,  130  are mounted. The nozzles  120 ,  130  may be integrally formed in the casing, or may be independent components that are mounted therein. The pair of nozzles  120 ,  130  are each offset from the rotation axis  15  and aligned with a respective one of the outlet channels  373 ,  377 . In this example, the pair of nozzles comprise a stream straightener nozzle  120  fixed in alignment with first outlet channel  373  and a spray nozzle  130  fixed in alignment with second outlet channel  377 . 
         [0040]    When the rotatable head portion casing  50  is rotated by the user, the outlet channels  373 ,  377  and the nozzles  120 ,  130  are rotated relative to the spindle  305  (and therefore relative to the hose  80 ) to enable the user to select between a stream output flow and a spray output flow. 
         [0041]    A second casing  55  is mounted between a distal end of the hose  80  and a proximal end of the first casing  50 . The second casing  55  may be a moulded element, e.g. made from silicone rubber or the like. The second casing  55  may be secured in a non-rotatable manner to the connector housing  320 . It may be overmoulded thereon. The second casing  55  may engage the first casing  50  at a sliding interface  315  that permits relative rotation between these components about the rotation axis  15 . 
         [0042]    In use, the spray head  100  is adjustable between two main positions, depending on the relative rotational position of the flow director body  310  relative to the spindle  305 . 
         [0043]    In a first position, the axial channel  360  in the first ceramic disc  350  is aligned with the first channel  370  in the second ceramic disc  352 , whereby liquid flows from the fluid flow path  365  into the axial channel  360  then into the first channel  370  in the second ceramic disc  352  and thence into first outlet  373  and through nozzle  120 . 
         [0044]    In a second position, the axial channel  360  in the first ceramic disc  350  is aligned with the second channel  375  in the second ceramic disc  352 , whereby liquid flows from the fluid flow path  365  into the axial channel  360  then into the second channel  375  in the second ceramic disc  352  and thence into second outlet  377  and through nozzle  130 . 
         [0045]    The embodiments of the disclosure discussed above provide a mechanism in which rotary action is used to switch between liquid exiting the spray head  100  by the stream straightener nozzle  120 , and liquid exiting the spray head  100  by the spray nozzle  130 . The use of rotary action for this purpose can be advantageous when compared with conventional push button or axial switching actions because it may provide the product with a greater life expectancy.