EP4677158A1 - Conduite de fluide - Google Patents

Conduite de fluide

Info

Publication number
EP4677158A1
EP4677158A1 EP24717751.2A EP24717751A EP4677158A1 EP 4677158 A1 EP4677158 A1 EP 4677158A1 EP 24717751 A EP24717751 A EP 24717751A EP 4677158 A1 EP4677158 A1 EP 4677158A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
inner core
body section
section
fluid conduit
expandable member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24717751.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Delaney
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ellsi Ltd
Original Assignee
Ellsi Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB2303548.8A external-priority patent/GB2627991B/en
Application filed by Ellsi Ltd filed Critical Ellsi Ltd
Publication of EP4677158A1 publication Critical patent/EP4677158A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
    • E03C1/0401—Fixing a tap to the sanitary appliance or to an associated mounting surface, e.g. a countertop
    • E03C1/0402—Fixing a tap to the sanitary appliance or to an associated mounting surface, e.g. a countertop with mounting from only one side

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a fluid conduit, particularly to a water faucet or a tap, a tap that uses tails, a radiator inlet and conduits for allowing water to pass therethrough.
  • Water faucets such as taps on sinks and bathrooms, are conventionally fitted into preformed apertures in the sink or bathtub; however, fitting the faucet normally requires access to both sides of the aperture, because respective parts are placed on each side of the aperture and connected to one another, with elastomeric seals being required on each side of the surface. This may be in the form of threaded sections that are screwed to each other to clamp around the sink or bath. If the seals are not properly located, there is a significant risk of water leaking through the surface.
  • a problem with such existing arrangements is that installation is difficult, due to the depth of the sink unit or bathtub, and this is a particular problem with kitchen sinks. As such, an installer will need to have access to both sides of the surface in which the faucet is being installed, and, oftentimes, two people are required.
  • a further problem with conventional arrangements is that where threaded connections are used, they can loosen over time, leading to leaks.
  • other conduits through which water passes and/or that are connected to water-filled receptacles are often prone to leaking.
  • hot tub jets are connected through a wall of a receptacle and water passes through the jets. Hitherto, these are complicated to install, and leakage around the jets account for a large number of hot tub failures, because the waterjet fitting allows water leaks therethrough, due to the nature of its construction.
  • a conduit is required to pass the water from the water supply, through the wall and into the shower cubicle.
  • this is undertaken by way of pipes passing through the wall through tiles, with a cap being placed over the aperture and a foam sealant being used to fix the cap in place to reduce the risk of leaks; however, often the cap can come loose, and the foam is insufficient for preventing water egress.
  • fluid passes from within a receptacle outwardly, such as in a keg or barrel leaks can occur around the outlet.
  • the present invention is directed to a fluid conduit connection arrangement having a body section, wherein the body section comprises: inner core section extending from the body section, the inner core section having an axial bore therethrough; outer expandable seal member coaxial with the inner core section and external thereof, a first end of the expandable seal member being proximal the body section and a second end of the expandable seal member being distal the body section; and an end element adjacent the distal end of the expandable seal member; wherein, an actuation mechanism is provided that can draw the end element towards the body section to axially compress the expandable seal member, resulting in radial expansion of the expandable seal member.
  • the arrangement of the present invention provides a mechanism for securing a conduit, such as a water or gas conduit, to a surface, such as a faucet or a hot tub jet.
  • a conduit such as a water or gas conduit
  • a surface such as a faucet or a hot tub jet.
  • the diameter of the expandable section is increased so that it is larger than diameter of the aperture.
  • the arrangement cannot pass back through the aperture when in the second, compressed position. This locks the arrangement in place within a surface.
  • the inner core section is arranged to reinforce the lower part of the arrangement and it also ensures that the expandable member, which is arranged around the inner core section, cannot expand inwardly. As a result, when the expandable member is compressed axially, it is forced to expand radially outwards. Thus, the inner core forces the expandable member to increase in diameter when compressed, preventing the arrangement from passing back through the surface, when installed.
  • the actuation mechanism is, ideally, placed with in the body section, but it can be arranged adjacent or on the body section, depending upon the arrangement. Thus, it may be arranged externally of the body section in some situations.
  • the body section may be provided with a flange that, when installed, is positioned adjacent the top of the surface in which the arrangement is located.
  • a seal element may be positioned between the flange and the surface to reduce the risk of water ingress under the flange and through the aperture in the surface.
  • the end element may be connected to the expandable member so that movement of the end element compresses the expandable element.
  • the end element may have at least one dimension that is larger than the diameter of the expandable material, or it may connect to a further element that compresses the expandable element when moved.
  • the expandable member is a resiliently yieldable material, such as an elastomeric material or rubber.
  • the expandable material may be a tubular seal element, and it may be provided with creases, ribs, folds or other elements that encourage a predetermined deformation upon compression of the tubular seal.
  • the expandable member is a seal that is arranged to surround the inner core, and it may be coaxial therewith. Thus, it may be considered a sleeve that surrounds the core.
  • the present invention provides a mechanism for securing a conduit or faucet to a surface from a single side, thereby removing the need to have access to both sides of the surface and requiring only a single person for installation.
  • the actuation mechanism could be a lever and a cam arrangement, allowing for rotational or linear movement of the lever to induce movement in the cam.
  • the cam may be attached to the end element by a rigid connector, so that movement of the cam results in movement of the end element.
  • a flexible elongate element is connected to the end element and to the actuation mechanism.
  • a flexible elongate element such as a wire, chain or string may extend from the actuation mechanism to the end element, although it will be understood that one or more intermediate connection pieces may be arranged between the parts.
  • the flexible elongate element passes through the bore of the inner core section to connect with the actuation mechanism.
  • the actuation mechanism comprises a ratchet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement having a gear and pawl.
  • the gear is mounted upon a shaft and the elongate flexible element is a wire that is connected at one end to the shaft and wraps therearound upon rotation of the shaft, the other end of the wire being connected to the end element, such that rotation of the shaft adjusts the position of the end element, relative to the actuation mechanism.
  • the movement of the end element can be readily controlled, and it can be held in a desired position, thereby keeping the expandable element in the compressed position.
  • the shaft is rotated upon rotation of a tool.
  • a removeable tool to be used to install the arrangement by rotating the shaft to operate the ratchet.
  • a hex-key, screwdriver or other tool may engage with the shaft, or another element that is connected to the shaft, and upon rotation of the tool, the gear of the ratchet mechanism is rotated to move the end element towards the body section.
  • the ratchet control is removable to prevent inadvertent disengagement once the arrangement is installed.
  • having a removeable tool reduces the space required once the product is installed.
  • a release mechanism is provided to release the pawl, thereby allowing extension of the expandable member.
  • a release mechanism such as a button, that can release the biased pawl and disengage the same. This allows the expandable member to be moved back into the first, extended position, after which the arrangement can be removed from the surface in which it is installed, because the diameter of the expandable member is decreased to allow passage back through the aperture.
  • the actuation mechanism may comprise a first threaded part and a second thread part, wherein rotation of the first part moves the end element relative to the body section.
  • the inner core section may have an external surface upon which threads are provided, and the end element can be provided with internal threads that can engage with the threads of the inner core section. It will be appreciated that in such an arrangement the end element will be coaxial with the inner core and external thereof. Whilst the end element could, in some arrangements, be internal of the inner core section, in which case the threads are switched to be external of the end element and internal of the inner core section, such an arrangement is more complex.
  • the inner cores section can be rotated within the body of the device.
  • the expandable seal can be arranged coaxially with the inner core section and the end element such that movement of the end section, which is preferably internal of the seal member but might be arranged externally thereof in some arrangements, compresses or extends the seal member, thereby causing radial expansion or contraction of the seal element.
  • the inner core section may be rotated.
  • the inner core section may be provided with radial apertures there to receive a tool so that the inner core can be rotated around its axis.
  • a tool can be inserted into an aperture, the inner core section rotated by moving the tool in a particular direction, and the tool removed.
  • a ratchet arrangement may be incorporated into the inner core section, either to prevent in advertent rotation in a particular direction, or to make rotation of the inner core section easier by not requiring the tool to be removed in order to return the tool to its starting position.
  • the inner core section may be rotated by way of a worm gear and corresponding teeth on the inner core section, the teeth being arranged either radially or axially.
  • the teeth of the inner core section engage with the worm gear so that rotation of the worm gear results in rotation of the inner core section.
  • the worm gear can be adapted and arranged to accept a tool therein for rotating the worm gear. It will be appreciated that the use of a worm gear reduces the risk of undesired rotation of the inner core section.
  • gear wheels Whilst a worm gear has been described herein, and is of particular advantage, it could be replaced by one or more gear wheels, which may be bevel gears or mitre gears, to produce a similar result, especially where a pawl is used with the gear wheel. Similar gear and wheel ratchet systems to those described herein may be used to lock a gear wheel in place.
  • the expandable seal member is, preferably, arranged to be compressed between the body section and one side of the surface into which the conduit is being fitted. This holds the expandable seal element in place whilst the rotating parts operate, thereby allowing the movement of the respective parts without corresponding rotational movement of the expandable seal member.
  • the body section is provided with at least one aperture therethrough, and, preferably, at least one fluid conduit passes through the at least one aperture.
  • fluid conduits that pass through the body section allows for more than one fluid to pass through the faucet, for example, hot water and cold water.
  • Conduits of this type are commonly known as “tap tail connectors” and they allow the passage of water through the connection arrangement, with a reduced risk of leakage.
  • a plurality of end elements is provided and where this is the case, it may be that a plurality of elongate flexible elements is provided that are connected to the end element.
  • more than one end element and/or flexible elements can be provided, thereby allowing the central part of the body section to be clear.
  • a single shaft may connect to two or more flexible elements they may pass close to the internal periphery of the inner core section.
  • the present invention extends to a water faucet comprising a water faucet connection arrangement as described herein or to a waterjet or conduit having a fixing arrangement as described herein.
  • the invention may extend to a tap or other conduit arrangement that is provided with the connection arrangement described.
  • This provides a faucet that can be easily fitted from the ‘top’ side of the sink or bath, making it quicker and easier to install such a device.
  • the faucet may be created with a spout and water control valves connected to the body section, or they may be mounted upon the body section after installation.
  • the invention extends to an insert having body section and an inner core with threads thereabout.
  • An end element is connected to the inner core and an expandable sleeve member is arranged coaxially with and external of the inner core.
  • the end element engages the threads on the inner core so that rotation of the inner core results in axial movement of the end element.
  • Such movement of the end element along the inner core can compress or extend the expandable element, thereby increasing or decreasing its width accordingly.
  • Figure l is a side view of a conduit connection arrangement in accordance with the present invention, in a first position
  • Figure 2 is cross-sectional view of the conduit connection arrangement of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a front view of the arrangement of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a side view of a conduit connection arrangement of Figure 1, in a second position
  • Figure 6 is a cross-section view of the arrangement of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a front view of the arrangement of Figure 5;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-section view of the arrangement of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a tap incorporating a connection arrangement of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tap of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is a further tap in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 13 is view of the connection arrangement of the tap of Figure 12;
  • Figure 14 is a sectional view of Figure 13 in a first state
  • Figure 15 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 14;
  • Figure 16 is a further sectional view of Figure 13 in a second state;
  • Figure 17 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 16;
  • Figure 18 is another arrangement for use in a fluid conduit
  • Figure 19 is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 18;
  • Figure 20 is a top sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 18;
  • Figure 21 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 20;
  • Figure 22 is a view of an insert in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 23 is a sectional view of the insert of Figure 22 in a first state
  • Figure 24 is a sectional view of the insert of Figure 22 in a second state
  • Figure 25 is a view of a further insert in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 26 is a sectional view of the insert of Figure 25 in a first state
  • Figure 27 is a sectional view of the insert of Figure 26 in a second state.
  • Figures 1 to 11 show a tap 10 having a spout section 12 and a connection arrangement 14.
  • the connection arrangement 14 has a body section 16 that has an upper end 18 and a lower end 20. Adjacent the lower end 20 is a radially extending flange 22 that may have an elastomeric seal fitting thereunder. Within the body section 16 is a bore 24 that allows communication through the body section 16. An inner core section 26 extends from the lower end 20 of the body section 16 and coaxially with the bore 24 of the body section 16. The inner core 26 is provided with two slots 28 opposite one another.
  • an expandable member 30 Arranged around the external surface of the inner core 26 is an expandable member 30. This is in the form of a tube of elastomeric material that has a first end 32 adjacent the flange 22 of the body section 16, and a second end 34 distal from the body section 16.
  • the expandable member 30 extends along the inner core 26 so that the second end 34 of the expandable member 30 is arranged to be positioned part way down the length of the slots 28 of the inner core 26. Also arranged coaxially with the inner core 26 and external thereof is an end element 36, which is positioned adjacent the second end 34 of the expandable member 30.
  • the end element 36 may be affixed to the expandable member 30 at, or adjacent to, the second end 34 of the expandable member 30. Additionally, or alternatively, the end element 36 may extend radially so that it has a diameter larger than that of the expandable member 30.
  • the end element 36 is provided with a bar 38 that extended across the diameter of the end element 36, with the bar being received within the respective slots 28 of the inner core 26.
  • the bar 38 can move within the slots 28 of the inner core 26, and when the bar 28, and end element 36, moves towards the lower end 20 of the body section 16, the expandable member 30 is compressed axially. Due to the inner core 26 being located inwardly of the expandable member 30, when compressed axially, the expandable member 30 expands radially, because it cannot expand internally due to the inner core being in the way.
  • a metal wire 40 Connected to the bar 38 of the end element 36 is a metal wire 40.
  • the metal wire 40 extends towards the body section 16 through the bore 24.
  • an actuation mechanism 42 which is in the form of a ratchet arrangement comprising a gear wheel 44, which is mounted on a shaft 46.
  • the shaft 46 is arranged within the body section 16, with the ends of the shaft 46 passing through the wall of the body section 16 so that the ends are accessible from externally of the body section 16.
  • the ends of the shaft 46 are provided with recesses 48 for receiving a tool.
  • the wire 40 being connected to the bar 38, it is also attached to the shaft 46.
  • a pawl 50 Engaging with the gear wheel 44 is a pawl 50, which is biased by a spring 52 so that one end of the pawl 50 engages with the teeth of the gear wheel 44.
  • a ratchet arrangement is provided such that upon rotation of the shaft 46, the gear wheel 44 rotates and the pawl 50 prevents counter rotation of the gear wheel 44.
  • the other end of the pawl 50 is provided with a release button 54 that, upon depression thereof, counters the bias of the spring 52 to disengage the pawl 50, thereby allowing counter rotation of the gear wheel 44.
  • connection arrangement when the connection arrangement is in a first, noncompressed state, the expandable member 30 is extended and so has a first, diameter that is slightly greater than that of the inner core 26. In this state, the tap 10 and connection arrangement 14 can be placed through an aperture in a surface 56, such that the flange 22 is adjacent the top side of the surface 56.
  • FIG. 9 to 11 illustrate the tap 10 and connection arrangement, when installed into a surface 56. Due to the expandable member 30 having a diameter larger than that of the aperture in the surface 56 when in the compressed position, the tap is secured into the surface 56. It will be appreciated that as the user only requires access to the recess 48 during installation, the tap can be ‘top-fitted’, meaning that it can be installed from one side of the surface 56.
  • a tail connector 58 is provided, which passes through the body section 16.
  • this tail connector 58 can be connected to a water supply to allow the tap to operate.
  • the valve arrangement on the tap is not shown, but the skilled person will understand how a tap according to the present invention will function to dispense water.
  • a channel or guide may be used to allow the wire to flow freely therethrough. This could be in the form of a bar or pulley wheel.
  • Figures 12 to 17 show a tap 70 with a fixing arrangement 72 thereupon.
  • the arrangement comprises a body section 16 that has an upper end 18 and a lower end 20. Adjacent the lower end 20 is a radially extending flange 22. Within the body section 16 is a bore that allows fluid communication through the body section 16.
  • An inner core section 76 is contained within the top section 16, with the inner core section 76 extending from the lower end 20 of the body section 16.
  • the part of the inner core section 76 that is contained within the body section 16 comprises a tubular element, and it may be provided with a radially extending top flange 78, thereby preventing it from passing through the bore in the body section 16.
  • the tubular element of the inner core section 76 extends through the lower end 20 of the body section 16 and protrudes therefrom, with the inner core section 76 being provided with a bore 24a therethrough to allow the passage of fluid, either directly or within conduits placed into the bore 24a.
  • the inner core section 76 is, preferably coaxially with the bore of the body section 16 and it is able to rotate about its axis within the body section 16.
  • the radially extending flange 78 has a greater width than the bore within the body section 76, so that it cannot pass through the lower part 20 of the body section 16. Therefore, the insert the inner core section 76 into the body section 16, the top of the body section 16 may be removed.
  • the top of the body section 16 may be provided with a threaded top piece 79 that can be fitted onto corresponding threads 80 on the body section 16.
  • the radially extending flange 78 of the inner core section 76 is provided with apertures 82 that are substantially radial to the axis of the inner core section 76.
  • the apertures 82 have a recess that extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the inner core section 76.
  • the body section 16 has an elongate aperture 83 in its surface that exposes the apertures 82. Thus, the apertures 82 can be accessed when the inner core section 76 is within the body section 16.
  • an expandable member 30 Arranged around the external surface of the inner core 76 is an expandable member 30.
  • This is in the form of a tube of elastomeric material that has a first end 32 adjacent the flange 22 of the body section 16, and a second end 34 distal from the body section 16, with the ends 32 and 34, preferably, being on opposing sides of the surface 56.
  • the end of the expandable member 30 that is adjacent the flange 22, preferably, extends radially along the underside of the flange 22. This is so that when the device is installed, the expandable member 30 is arranged between the flange 22 and the surface 56 in which it is being installed, thereby allowing it to be compressed between the flange 22 and the surface 56 during installation, thus creating a seal.
  • the expandable member 30 extends along the inner core 76 so that the second end 34 of the expandable member 30 is arranged to be positioned adjacent the end of the inner core 76 that is distal from the body section 16.
  • an end element 36 which is positioned adjacent the second end 34 of the expandable member 30.
  • the end element 36 may be affixed to the expandable member 30 at, or adjacent to, the second end 34 of the expandable member 30.
  • the end element 36 may be received within an internal channel adjacent the end of the expandable member 30, thereby keeping the end element 36 more securely held in place on the expandable member 30.
  • the end element 30 is provided with internal threads 84 that engage with external threads 86 on the outer surface of the inner core section 76.
  • Figures 18 to 21 show a similar fixing arrangement to that shown in Figures 12 to 17; however, rather than using a tool to rotate the fixing arrangement directly, a different mechanism is used at the top end of the device, with the bottom part of the fixing arrangement being the same as described in relation to Figures 12 to 17.
  • the inner core 76 comprises radially extending teeth 90 around the external surface of the inner core 76, with the teeth being arranged adjacent to the end of the inner core 76 that is distal from the end element.
  • a worm gear 92 is mounted within the body section 16 and the worm gear 92 engages the teeth 90. At least one end of the worm gear 92 is provided with a section for receiving a tool, for example, a recess 94.
  • the lower part of the inner core 76, the expandable member 30 and the end element 36 follow the same arrangement as shown in Figures 12 to 17, with the end element 36 having internal threads that engage with threads on the external surface of the inner core 30.
  • the tool can be rotated, which then rotates the worm gear 92 and that, in turn, rotates the inner core section 76. Therefore, the worm gear 92 is used to rotate the inner core section 76, which then compresses or expands the expandable member 30 axially, resulting in radial expansion or contraction of the expandable member 30.
  • Use of a worm gear 92 reduces the risk of the arrangement loosening.
  • Figures 22 to 27 show two inserts 100 and 120 comprising an inlet 102, a body section 104 and an inner core 106.
  • a channel is formed through the inlet 102, the body section 104 and the inner core 106 to allow fluid communication through the insert 100 and 120.
  • the inner core section 106 comprises a tubular section 108 that is provided with external threads 110.
  • the body section 104 comprises a hexagonal top profile 112 that is shaped to be engaged by a spanner and that has a radially extending flange distal from the inlet 102. Rotation of the top profile 112 rotates the inner core section 106 and the threads 110 arranged thereupon.
  • the inner core section 106 is surrounded by a coaxial expandable section 114.
  • the expandable section 114 is substantially tubular with a radial flange 116 at the end adjacent the body section 104. Adjacent the end of the expandable section 114 that is distal from the radial flange 116 is an end element 118 that is internal to the expandable section 114.
  • the end element 118 is provided with internal threads that engage with the external threads 110 of the inner core 106.
  • the insert 100 is placed into an aperture so that the flange of the expandable section 114 is in contact with the surface surrounding the aperture.
  • the frictional contact between the flange 116 of the expandable section 116 and the surround of the aperture reduces the risk of rotation of the expandable section 114.
  • rotation of the top profile 112 results in the axial movement of the end element 118 along the inner core 106.
  • the expandable section 114 is compressed and, due to the inner core 106 being arranged internal of the expandable section 114, the expandable section 114 expands radially.
  • the increased diameter of the insert 100 prevents its removal from the surface into which it is installed.
  • the insert 120 also comprises an inlet 102, a body section 104 and an inner core 122.
  • the body section comprises a hexagonal profile 112 to which a spanner can be connected.
  • the core 122 is an elongate stem that is provide with a head element 124 and a shaft 126, with the shaft 126 having an external threaded section 128 along at least part of the shaft 126.
  • the head element 124 of the core 122 can be connected to the body section 104, so that rotation of the profile 112 simultaneously rotates the elongate stem.
  • An expandable member 130 is arranged coaxially with the shaft 126 of the inner core 122. As with the arrangement in Figures 22 to 24, the expandable member 130 has a radially extending flange 132 at the end proximal the body section 104.
  • the expandable member 130 is provided with an internal profile that ensures that when it is radially compressed, the expandable member expands radially.
  • the profile may comprise weakened sections and reinforced sections.
  • the end element 134 is substantially circular and has a cross piece 136 extending through the central point of the end element 134 and connecting opposing sides thereof.
  • the end element 134 has apertures therein to allow the flow of fluid therethrough.
  • the body section 104 can be provided with a cross piece that passes through the middle of the channel, with the inner core 122 being positioned therein.
  • the insert 120 is placed into an aperture, with the flange 132 of the expandable member 130 being adjacent the surrounding surface of the aperture, thereby providing a frictional connection.
  • the head element 124 is then rotated by turning the profile 112.
  • the end element 134 moves axially along the shaft of the elongate member, or inner core 122.
  • movement of the end element will axially compress the expandable section 130, thereby causing radial expansion thereof.
  • rotation of the head element 124 in an opposing manner will induce extension of the expandable section 130, thus reducing the radial dimensions of the expandable section 130.
  • the insert may be placed into a conduit or through an aperture in a surface.
  • the arrangement may be used in respect of a shower fitting or other water conduit that can be installed into a surface through an aperture, for example for hot tub jets or for supporting jets in hot tubs.
  • a faucet fitting may be described herein, it will be appreciated that it might also be used on a conduit of a different type and the disclosure is not limited solely to a faucet.
  • conduits or pipes Whilst water can flow directly through the water conduit connection arrangement, it is preferable that internal conduits or pipes are provide for the flow of fluid, which may be liquid or gas.
  • fluid which may be liquid or gas.
  • two conduits may pass through the connection arrangement, for example, a gas conduit and a water conduit, thereby allowing for sparkling water to be provided from the water outlet of the faucet.
  • tap tails can be used to provide fluid through the conduit.
  • the present invention may be used in respect of a gas conduit or outlet, especially where internal gas conduits are used.
  • the present invention may be applicable for securing a conduit into a surface, to provide a channel for fluid and/or smaller conduits.
  • the inner core section may be elongated to provide a significant channel on the second side of the surface.
  • the inner core may be provided with a connection mechanism or part of a connection mechanism to allow a further conduit to be connected thereto.
  • the inner core may be provided with an internal or external thread, so that once installed in a surface a further pipe or hose can be connected to the inner core section.
  • the fixing arrangement described herein can be part of the device in which it is to be used, for example a faucet or waterjet, or the relevant parts can be fitted to the fixing arrangement once it is installed into an aperture.
  • the fixing arrangement can be installed and then pipes pass through the conduit of the fixing and a spout can be fixed to the fixing arrangement.
  • the fixing arrangement may be integral with the faucet or waterjet, particularly where water flows through the fixing arrangement, rather than through pipes passing there through.
  • a rack and pinion may be used, a gear and a pawl arrangement is preferred, due to the smaller nature of the latter. It will be appreciated that the location and size of the gear and pawl may be adjusted according to the size and shape of the faucet and the intended purpose.
  • the expandable section will be on one side of a surface and the top section will be on the other side of the surface. Therefore, the parts sandwich the surface therebetween.
  • the fixing arrangement could be arranged with the expandable section within a conduit, so that the expandable section presses against the conduit to create a friction grip; however, a frictional engagement is less desirable than the sandwiching of the surface with the expandable section having a diameter larger than that of the aperture.
  • the internal threads on the end element may be teeth that engage with threads on the external surface of the inner core.
  • worm gear of one embodiment may replace the ratchet mechanism of another embodiment and vice versa.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Joints That Cut Off Fluids, And Hose Joints (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un robinet d'eau et un agencement de raccordement associé, l'agencement de raccordement ayant une section de corps. La section de corps comprend une section centrale interne s'étendant à partir de la section de corps, la section centrale interne ayant un alésage axial à travers celle-ci. Un élément extensible externe est disposé de manière coaxiale avec la section centrale interne et à l'extérieur de celle-ci. Une première extrémité de l'élément extensible est proximale à la section de corps et une seconde extrémité de l'élément extensible est distale par rapport à la section de corps. Un élément d'extrémité est positionné adjacent au côté distal de l'élément extensible et un mécanisme d'actionnement est prévu qui peut tirer l'élément d'extrémité vers la section de corps pour comprimer axialement l'élément extensible, ce qui entraîne une expansion radiale de l'élément extensible.
EP24717751.2A 2023-03-10 2024-03-08 Conduite de fluide Pending EP4677158A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2303548.8A GB2627991B (en) 2023-03-10 2023-03-10 A water conduit
GB2318690.1A GB2628027B (en) 2023-03-10 2023-12-07 A fluid conduit
PCT/GB2024/050625 WO2024189323A1 (fr) 2023-03-10 2024-03-08 Conduite de fluide

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4677158A1 true EP4677158A1 (fr) 2026-01-14

Family

ID=90719799

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24717751.2A Pending EP4677158A1 (fr) 2023-03-10 2024-03-08 Conduite de fluide

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4677158A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN120958200A (fr)
AU (1) AU2024237836A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024189323A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3231214A1 (de) * 1982-08-21 1984-02-23 Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik Gmbh & Co, 5870 Hemer Sanitaerarmatur
JPH0893010A (ja) * 1994-09-28 1996-04-09 Toto Ltd 水栓の固定構造
US6385798B1 (en) * 2000-12-22 2002-05-14 Moen Incorporated Top mount faucet valve body
FR2904638B1 (fr) * 2006-08-01 2011-03-04 Leroy Merlin Participations Systeme de montage et de reglage en hauteur d'un robinet.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2024237836A1 (en) 2025-09-25
CN120958200A (zh) 2025-11-14
WO2024189323A1 (fr) 2024-09-19

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