GB2637967A

GB2637967A - Electrical bonding of ablutionary fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2637967A
Application number: GB2401746.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Placencia Adolfo
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2024-02-08
Filing date: 2024-02-08
Publication date: 2025-08-13
Also published as: GB202401746D0

Abstract

An ablutionary fitting (1) e.g. a tap or faucet with electrical grounding features, having a main body (3) at least partially formed of electrically conductive material, including one or more outlets (19), a handle (21) at least partially formed of electrically conductive material, the handle moveable relative to the body to control the fitting and having an internal recess (29) with a sidewall (37) extending from an open end (31) to a closed end (33) around the outside of the recess; and one or more tabs 59a,b providing electrical contact between the handle and main body as the handle is moved relative to the body, wherein a portion of the main body is received into the internal recess through the open end, the one or more tabs are in the internal recess between the main body and the sidewall, and the portion of the main body received in the recess extends further into the recess from the open end to the closed end than the one or more tabs.

Description

ELECTRICAL BONDING OF ABLUTIONARY FITTING

The present disclosure relates to an ablutionary fitting and to a method of electrically bonding an ablutionary fitting to a common ground.

Equipotential bonding is the practice of electrically coupling all electrically conductive elements in a room, building or other structure to a common earth/ground. This prevents a build-up of electrical potential between two different components, which can cause electrical shock when the different components are touched at the same time.

In some situations, ablutionary fittings such as taps, faucets, showers and the like are made from electrically conductive material such as metal. Since the fitting is conductive, it is necessary to include it in equipotential boding. In many cases, the handle is electrically insulated from the main body of the fitting. This can lead to a potential difference between different parts of the tap, causing a risk of shock. it is desirable to ensure the handle is electrically coupled to the main body to prevent this, and to ensure the tap can be connected to a common ground of the wider environment.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an ablutionary fitting having: a main body at least in part formed of an electrically conductive material, and including one or more outlets; a handle at least in part formed of an electrically conductive material, the handle arranged to move relative to the body to control operation of the fitting, the handle having an internal recess extending from an open end to a closed end, with a sidewall extending from the open end to the closed end around the outside of the recess; and one or more tabs arranged to provide electrical contact between the handle and main body as the handle is moved relative to the body, wherein a portion of the main body is received into the internal recess through the open end, wherein the one or more tabs are arranged in the internal recess between the portion of the main body received in the internal recess and sidewall of the internal recess, and the portion of the main body received in the internal recess extends further into the recess from the open end to the closed end than the one or more tabs.

The main body may be arranged to be electrically coupled to a common ground of a surrounding environment of the ablutionary fitting.

The main body may be arranged to be electrically coupled to the common ground through supply pipes for providing water to the ablutionary fitting.

The main body may include a cartridge for mixing hot and cold water prior to water being provided from the one or more outlets. Part of the cartridge may form the portion of the main body received in the internal recess and may beat least in part formed of an electrically conductive material. The one or more tabs may be arranged to provide electrical contact between the handle and the cartridge.

An outer housing of the main body may be at least in part formed of an electrically conductive material, and the outer housing may be electrically coupled to the cartridge.

The cartridge may be electrically coupled to the supply pipes when the cartridge is fluidly coupled to the supply pipes.

The inner surface of the handle, defining the internal recess, may include one or more slots therein. Each slot may be arranged to receive one of the one or more tabs.

The tabs may be held in the slots prior to assembly of the handle and main body.

The tabs may be held in the slots by push fit or mechanical connections.

The one or more tabs may be resiliently urged against the inner surface of the handle and/or the portion of the main body received in the internal recess, to maintain electrical contact between the handle and main body as the handle is moved relative to the body.

The tabs may be resiliently urged in a direction radial to the first direction.

The tab may include a resilient deformable formation where it abuts the inner surface of the handle and/or where it abuts the outer end of the portion of the main body received in the internal recess.

The tabs may extend along a direction parallel to the first direction and bridge the radial gap between the outer end of the portion of the main body received in the internal recess and the inner surface of the handle.

The handle may be able to rotate around the first direction, the extent of movement of the handle around the first direction defining a lateral arc. The one or more tabs may be arranged to maintain electrical contact between the handle and main body as the handle moves around the full extent of the lateral arc.

The tab may be held stationary with respect to one of the handle and main body as the handle moves around the full extent of the lateral arc. The other of the handle and main body may include a contact formation arrange to electrically couple to the one or more tabs, the contact formations extending around the full extent of the arc.

The ablutionary; fitting may comprise two or more tabs, arranged around the circumference of the internal recess.

I5 The ablutionary fitting may comprise a tap or faucet.

According to a second aspect of the invention,there is provided a method of electrically bonding an ablutionary fitting to a common ground, the method comprising; providing an ablutionary fitting as claimed in any preceding claim: and electrically coupling the main body of the ablutionary fitting to a common ground.

Electrically coupling the main body of the ablutionary.; fitting to a common ground may comprise electrically coupling the main body to the supply pipes used to supply water to the ablutionary fitting, the supply pipes being coupled to the common ground.

Forming a fluid connection between the supply pipes and the ablutionary fitting may also form the electrical connection between the supply pipes and the main body.

Aspects of the invention provide for a simple and reliable way to make bond a handle of a tap to a common ground with the body of the tap. The bonding is easy to make and install and robust throughout use.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lA illustrates a tap according to an embodiment of the invention in side view; Figure 1B illustrates the tap of Figure IA in top down view; Figure 2 illustrates the tap of Figure 1A with a portion of the housing cut away to show the internal components; Figure 3 shows a close up of the top part of the view of Figure 2, where the handle meets the main body; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a conducting tab from the tap of Figure 1A, fitted in the tap; and Figure 5 shows the hub portion of the handle of the tap of Figure 1A, from underneath.

The Figures schematically illustrate a tap 1 (or faucet) according to an embodiment of the invention.

The tap 1 has a main body 3 formed by an external housing 5. The main body 3 has a central or hub portion 7. The hub portion 7 is substantially cylindrical, extending from a base 9 along a first direction 11. Within the hub portion 7, the housing 5 defines a volume 7a. In use, the base 9 of the tap 1 is fitted on a mounting surface (not shown) to install the tap 1.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, which show cut away views of the tap I, a thermostatic mixing cartridge 13 is provided within the volume 7a defined by the hub portion 7. The cartridge 13 is substantially cylindrical in shape, also extending along the first direction 11.

in use, hot and cold water are provided to respective inlets (not shown) of the cartridge 13 via respective supply pipes 15a, 15b. The cartridge 13 mixes the hot and cold water in a desired proportion and then provides the mixed water from an outlet (not shown) of the cartridge 13.

The main body 3 has a spout 17 extending radially out from the hub portion 7 and first direction 11. The spout 17 has an outlet 19 in fluid communication with the outlet of the mixer cartridge 13 for dispensing the mixed water from the tap 1.

A handle 21 is provided on an outer/top end 23 of the housing 5 of the main body 3, opposite the base 9 along the first direction 11.

The handle 21 includes a hub 25 arranged along the first direction 11, and a lever portion 27 extending from the hub 25. In use, a user grips the lever portion 27 to move the handle 21 relative to the main body 3 to control the tap 1, as will be discussed below.

The hub 25 of the handle 21 includes an internal recess 29 having an open end 31 facing along the first direction towards the top end 23 of the housing 5 of the main body 3, and a closed end 33 opposite the open end 31 along the first direction 11. A sidewall 37 extends around the periphery of the internal recess 29, between the open end 31 and closed end 33, around the first direction II.

The sidewall 37 and closed end 33 of the internal recess 29 are formed by the internal I5 surface 39 of the handle, extending around the first direction.

A portion of the mixer cartridge 13 projects from the top end 23 of the housing 5 of the tap 1, forming an outer end 35 of the main body 3. This portion of the mixer cartridge 13 is received in the internal recess 29 of the handle 21.

At the open end 31, the internal recess 29 has a first diameter perpendicular to the first direction I I. Along the length of the recess 29 from the open end 31 to the closed end 33, the diameter is reduced at different ledges 41a-c. The changes in diameter are step changes, and the diameter is constant between ledges 4 la-c.

The changes in diameter of the recess 29 are arranged to coincide with corresponding changes in diameter in the cartridge 13 or the housing 5 of the main body 3, or other features in the tap 1.

Adjacent the closed end 33 of the recess 29, a band 45 or grooves and ridges is formed in the internal surface 39 of the handle 21, around the circumference of the recess 29. The grooves and ridges extend parallel to the first direction 11 and engage corresponding formations in a securing nut 43a of the thermostatic cartridge 13. The securing nut 43a holds the thermostatic cartridge 13 in place in the body 3 of the tap 1.

The nut 43a is secured to the thermostatic cartridge 13 by a clip 43b.

Spaced from the open end 31 of the recess, a second band 47 of grooves and ridges is formed in the internal surface 39 of the handle 21, around the circumference of the recess 29. These grooves and ridges also extend parallel to the first direction 11. The second band of grooves 47 engages with a maximum temperature adjuster ring 49 on the cartridge to allow for modification of the maximum temperature of water provided form the tap I. Movement of the handle 21 controls operation of the cartridge 13. For example, the handle may control the proportions in which hot and cold water arc mixed and/or turn the flow from the outlet 19 on and off Movement of the handle is imparted to the cartridge 13 through one or both of the bands 45, 47 of groves and ridges.

In one example, the handle 21 may rotate around the first direction 11. This defines a IS lateral or horizontal arc 51 of movement (see Figure IB). The body 3 and cartridge 13 remain stationary during movement of the handle 21. Movement may extend from one extreme position on the arc 51, being the off position with no flow. As the handle 21 moves around the arc 51, the flow starts, and the proportion of hot water increases.

Alternatively, the handle 21 may move clockwise or anticlockwise from a central position, with movement in different directions have different effects.

Alternatively:, if the tap 1 does not include the cartridge 13, as discussed in more detail below, the movement around the arc 51 may gradually increase the flow of water 25 between no flow and a maximum flow.

As best shown in Figure IA, a collar or band 57 may be provided between the handle 21 and main body 3. A bearing 57a is provided to reduce the friction when the handle 21 rotates.

The handle 21, main body 3 (including the hub 7 and spout 17) and cartridge 13 may be wholly or partially made from electrically conductive material.

At least one electrically conductive part of the cartridge 13 is electrically coupled to the conductive part of the main body 3. This may be by direct contact or by a conductive intermediary (not shown). This ensures a common electrical potential between body 3 and cartridge 13.

To ensure a common electrical potential between the handle 21 and body 3 (and cartridge 13), a pair of conducting tabs 59a,b arc provided to bridge the radial gap 61 between the inner surface 39 of the handle 21, and a conducting portion of the cartridge 13.

Each tab 59a,b comprises a planar rectangular member having a length extending along the first direction 11, for a portion of the length of the internal recess 29, a width extending around part of the circumference of the handle 21 and a thickness extending radially. The width may with be straight or curved around the circumference.

A first face 63 of the tab faces the inner surface 39 of the handle 21 and an opposing face 65, spaced from the first face 63 by the thickness of the tab 59a,b faces the cartridge 13.

At a first end 67 of the tab 59a,b, a curved formation 69 is formed on the first face 63 of the tab 59a,b. This forms a contact portion that abuts the inner surface 39 of the handle 21.

The curved formation 69 may be hollow, or loop of material extending from the first face at opposite ends. In some examples, the curved formation 69 may extend across the width of the tab 59a,b.ln other examples, the curved formation 69 may extend across only part of the width of the tab 59a,b. In this case, one formation 69 may be provided, or multiple formations 69 spaced apart by flat regions of the tab 59a,b.

At a second end 71 of the tab 59a,b, opposite the first end 67, the tab 59a,b includes a dog-leg portion 73 tapering radially inwards towards the first direction 11 and cartridge 13. A second contact portion 75 is formed after the dog leg portion 73. The second contact portion may extend parallel to the first direction 11 or may be curved.

In the assembled tap 1, the second contact portion 75 abuts a radially projecting ring 77 formed on the outside of the cartridge 13, to form an electrical contact. The ring may, for example, be formed in the cartridge cap. S As best shown in Figure 5, the two tabs 59a,b are arranged at diametrically opposed positions around the circumference of the internal recess 29.

Each tab 59a,b is provided in a respective slot 79a,b formed in the inner surface 39 of the handle 21. The slots 79a,b are open into the internal recess 29 and are formed in the sidewall 37 of the recess 29.

The slots 79a,b extend parallel to the first direction 11, from an opening 81 formed in the ledge 41c closest to the closed end 33 of the recess 29 towards the closed end itself.

The slots 79a_b break the band 45 of ridges and grooves near the closed end 33.

In use, the tabs 59a,b arc inserted into the opening 81 of the slots 79a,b, with the first contact formation 69 facing towards the closed end 33, and facing outwards towards the I5 inner surface 39 of the handle 21.

The slots 79a,b do not extend the full height of the internal recess 29, and stop short of the closed end 33. The length of the slots 79a,b is such that the tabs 59a,b do not extend past the end of the cartridge 13, along the first direction 11 towards the closed end 33, when the tap I is assembled. In other words, the cartridge 13 is closer to the closed end of the recess 29 along the first direction 11 than the tabs 59a,b. Therefore, the tabs 59a,b do not limit movement of the handle 21.

The second end 71 of the tabs 59a,b projects out of the opening 81 of the slots 79a,b, towards the open end 31 of the recess 29.

in one example, the width of the slot 79a,b is such that the tab 59a,b is held in place by push fit. In other examples, mechanical fixing means or interengaging projections may be used.

The handle 21, with the tabs 59a,b fitted in the slots 79a,b, is fitted over the main body 3, with the second contact portion 75 contacting a ring 77 on the cartridge 13 as discussed above. The handle 21 may be secured to the main body 3 by any suitable fixing means. For example, a screw or bolt 87 may secured the handle 21 to the main body along an axis 53 perpendicular to the first direction.

In the embodiment shown, the ring 77 is formed inside the top of the cartridge cap, and the dog leg portion 73 in the tabs 59a,b projects into a gap 83 between the cartridge cap and the main body of the cartridge 13.

As the handle 21 is rotated around the lateral arc 51 relative to the main body 3. the tabs 59a,b are retained in the slots 79a,b and rotate with the handle 21 and maintain electrical contact with the handle 21. The ring 77 on the outside of the cartridge 13 is continuous around the cartridge 13, and so the second contact portion 75 also maintains electrical contact with the cartridge 13.

The tabs 59a,b may also be made of resilient deformable material to assist in maintaining contact with both the cartridge 13 and handle 21.

As discussed above, the cartridge 13 and main body 3 are at a common electrical potential. The tabs 59a,b ensure the handle 21 is also electrically coupled to the same electrical potential. This ensures no build-up of potential difference between different parts of the tap 1 that are otherwise electrically isolated.

Often, a building, room or other structure will be provided with a common ground 85 connection for all electrically conductive fixtures in the vicinity. The tap 1 is electrically connected to the common ground 85 to ensure there is no build-up of potential difference between different items/fixtures.

In some cases, the supply pipes 15a,b that provide hot and cold water to the tap 1 may be made of copper or other electrically conductive material. In this case, the supply pipes 150 will also be connected to the common ground 85 for the building. The fluid connection of the supply pipes 15a,b to the tap I may be through a conductive part of the body 3 or cartridge 13 such that the electrical coupling of the tap 1 to the common ground 85 is through the pipe connection. Alternatively, the common ground in the tap 1 may be connected to the supply pipes 15a,b by any suitable electric bridging member (not shown).

The tap or faucet 1 may include any type of cartridge 13 for mixing hot and cold water or for any other purpose. Alternatively, the cartridge 13 may be omitted altogether and the tap or faucet I may simply be used for controlling flow of water, and not temperature. As will be discussed in more detail below, where the cartridge 13 is omitted the tabs 59a,b may electrically couple to a different part of the main body 3.

In the example discussed above, two tabs 59a,b are provided at diametrically opposed positions around the handle 21. It will be appreciated that there may only be one tab 59, or there may be more than two tabs 59a,b. Furthermore, where multiple tabs 59a,b are provided, they may be spaced regularly or irregularly around the handle 21.

In the above embodiment, the ring 77 on the cartridge 13 that forms the contact point for the tabs 59a,b extends around the full circumference of the cartridge 13. This is by way of example only. In some examples, the ring 77 may be broken into separate portions, each portion extending sufficiently to maintain electrical contact with one of the tabs 59a,b as the handle 21 is moved around the full extent of the lateral are 51. In other examples, the ring 77 may be broken into divided portions and he portions and tabs 59a,b may be positioned such that at least one tab 59a,b is always in contact with a portion of the ring 77 as the handle 21 moves around the lateral arc 51, but some of or all of the individual tabs 59a,b may only be in contact for a portion of the movement around the lateral arc 51 The shape of the tabs 59a,b given above is by way of example only. The tab 59a,b may have any suitable shape that bridges the gap 61 between the side of the handle 21 and the main body 3.

In the example discussed above, the tab 59a,b is shaped and/or formed of a material arranged to urge the tab 59a,b into electrical contact with the handle 21 and body. This is by way of example only. Any suitable means can be used for this urging. This may include, for example, suitable shaping and formation and material of the tab 59a,b and/or resiliently deformable members such as springs (which are electrically conducting).

in the above example, the tab 59a,b contacts a ring 77 on the outer surface of the cartridge 13. This is by way of example only. The tab 59a,b may contact any conducting part of the cartridge 13 or a part of the main body 3, such as the housing 5 or internal features in the body 3.

In the example discussed above, the tabs 59a,b arc held still with respect to the handle 21, and move with respect to the main body 3. It may, however, be that the tabs 59a,b are held still with respect to the body 3 (for example they may be held in a slot formed in the body 3 or the cartridge 13). In this case, the handle 21 may include a formation, such as a ring, that extends around the inner surface 39 of the handle 21, and which forms a contact point with the tab 59a,b as the handle 21 moves with respect to the body 3 and tab 59a,b.

In the examples discussed above, each tab 59a,b is held in a slot 79a,b. However, this is by way of example only. The tab may be held stationary against one of the handle 21 and body 31 by any suitable means including shaping and formation of the handle 21 or body 3, fixing means and other suitable means.

in the examples discussed above, the body 3 (in particular the cartridge 13) extends into the handle 21. It may be that a portion of the handle 21 extends into the body 3. In this case, the tabs may be received between an outer portion of the part of the handle 21 in the body 3 and an inner surface of the body 3.

it will be appreciated that whilst the above embodiment relates to a particular design of tap/faucet 1, it may be used in any tap, faucet or any other ablutionary fitting where one part rotates relative to another part. The tabs 59a,b are used to maintain electrical contact between two parts that rotate relative to each other. The tap, faucet or ablutionary fitting may include seals to prevent escape of water along leakage paths.

The seals are not show in the Figures for ease of illustration of the other features.

Claims

Claims An ablutionary fitting having: a main body at least in part formed of an electrically conductive material, and including one or more outlets; a handle at least in part formed of an electrically conductive material, the handle arranged to move relative to the body to control operation of the fitting, the handle having an internal recess extending from an open end to a closed end, with a sidewall extending from the open end to the closed end around the outside of the recess; and one or more tabs arranged to provide electrical contact between the handle and main body as the handle is moved relative to the body, wherein a portion of the main body is received into the internal recess through the open end, I5 wherein the one or more tabs are arranged in the internal recess between the portion of the main body received in the internal recess and sidewall of the internal recess, and the portion of the main body received in the internal recess extends further into the recess from the open end to the closed end than the one or more tabs.
The ablutionary fitting of claim 1, wherein the main body is arranged to be electrically coupled to a common ground of a surrounding environment of the ablutionary fitting.
The ablutionary fitting of claim 2, wherein the main body is arranged to be electrically coupled to the common ground through supply pipes for providing water to the ablutionary fitting.
4. The ablutionary fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the main body includes a cartridge for mixing hot and cold water prior to water being provided from the one or more outlets, wherein part of the cartridge forms the portion of the main body received in the internal recess and is at least in part formed of an electrically conductive material, and wherein the one or more tabs are arranged to provide electrical contact between the handle and the cartridge.
3. The ablutionary fitting of claim 4, wherein an outer housing of the main body is at least in part formed of an electrically conductive material, and the outer housing is electrically coupled to the cartridge.
The ablutionary fitting of claim 4 or claim 5, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the cartridge is electrically coupled to the supply pipes when the cartridge is fluidly coupled to the supply pipes. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12. 13.
The ablutionary fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface of the handle, defining the internal recess, includes one or more slots therein. each slot arranged to receive one of the one or more tabs.
The ablutionary fitting of claim 7, wherein the tabs arc held in the slots prior to assembly of the handle and main body.
The ablutionary fitting of claim 8, wherein the tabs are held in the slots by push fit or mechanical connections.
The ablutionary fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more tabs are resiliently urged against the inner surface of the handle and/or the portion of the main body received in the internal recess, to maintain electrical contact between the handle and main body as the handle is moved relative to the body.
The ablutionary fitting of claim 10, wherein the tabs are resiliently urged in a direction radial to the first direction.
The ablutionary fitting of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the tab includes a resilient dcformablc formation where it abuts the inner surface of the handle and/or where it abuts the outer end of the portion of the main body received in the internal recess.
The ablutionary fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the tabs extend along a direction parallel to the first direction and bridge the radial gap between the outer end of the portion of the main body received in the internal recess and the inner surface of the handle.
14. The ablutionary fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the handle is able to rotate around the first direction, the extent of movement of the handle around the first direction defining a lateral arc, wherein the one or more tabs are arranged to maintain electrical contact between the handle and main body as the handle moves around the full extent of the lateral arc.
15. I5 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.The ablutionary fitting of claim 14, wherein the tab is held stationary with respect to one of the handle and main body as the handle moves around the full extent of the lateral arc, and wherein the other of the handle and main body includes a contact formation arrange to electrically couple to the one or more tabs, the contact formations extending around the full extent of the arc.The ablutionary fitting of any preceding claim, comprising two or more tabs, arranged around the circumference of the internal recess.The ablutionary fitting of any preceding cla vv. where n the ablutionary fitting comprises a tap or faucet.A method of electrically bonding an ablutionary fitting to a common ground, the method comprising; providing an ablutionary fitting as claimed in any preceding claim; and electrically coupling the main body of the ablutionary fitting to a common ground.The method of claim 18, wherein electrically coupling the main body of the ablutionary fitting to a common ground comprises electrically coupling the main body to the supply pipes used to supply water to the ablutionary fitting, the supply pipes being coupled to the common ground.The method of claim 19, wherein forming a fluid connection between the supply pipes and the ablutionary fitting also forms the electrical connection between the supply pipes and the main body.LU C\I O icr c:D