GB2612395A

GB2612395A - Diverter valve

Info

Publication number: GB2612395A
Application number: GB2208870.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harvey David
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-16
Filing date: 2022-06-16
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2042-06-16
Also published as: GB2612395B; IE20230087A2; GB202208870D0

Abstract

The diverter valve includes a first inlet 110 and a second inlet 111, each receiving a separate fluid stream. A first set of outlets 139 includes a first first outlet 142 and a first second outlet 143. A second set of outlets 174 includes a second first outlet 176 and a second second outlet, for example concentrically arranged with the first outlet, 175. Wherein the diverter valve is configured to allow user selection of one of the first set or the second set of outlets without the first fluid stream and the second fluid streams mixing upstream of either of the sets of outlets. Also claimed is a plumbing system, such as a shower, with the diverter valve and a first fluid delivery device down stream of the valve and in communication with the first set of outlets and a second delivery device down stream of the diverter valve in communication with the second set of outlets. The fluid streams may include water, gas, soap or air. The diverter may include a third fluid stream. The flow rate may reduced gradually from one set of outlets as the flow is changed over or switched to the other set of outlets.

Description

DIVERTER VALVE

The present disclosure relates to a diverter valve for use in a plumbing system such as an ablutionary system. The disclosure also relates to a plumbing system, e.g. an ablutionary system, comprising a diverter valve.

In a shower system, a diverter valve may be employed to allow a user selectively to direct a flow of water to one or more of a plurality of fluid flow devices downstream of the diverter. For example, the shower system may comprise a handheld showerhead and a fixed overhead shower. Using the diverter valve, the user may be able to permit the flow of water to one or more of the handheld showerhead and the fixed overhead shower.

0B2466504A discloses an instantaneous water heater comprising a heater tank for heating water flowing through the tank, and a diverter valve downstream of the heater IS tank for selectively directing water from the heater tank to at least one outlet.

GB2574420A discloses a diverter for use in a shower system, the diverter having a diverter inlet and at least two diverter outlets. The diverter inlet is provided with a diverter inlet fitting adapted to be connected to a hose or pipe. The diverter inlet fitting is freely movable about an axis of the diverter.

A first aspect provides a diverter valve for use in a plumbing system comprising: a first inlet for receiving a first fluid stream; a second inlet for receiving a second fluid stream; a first set of outlets comprising a first outlet for the first fluid stream and a first outlet for the second fluid stream; and a second set of outlets comprising a second outlet for the first fluid stream and a second outlet for the second fluid stream; wherein the diverter valve is configured to allow user selection of one or more of the first set of outlets or the second set of outlets without the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream mixing upstream of the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets.

As a result of preventing the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream from mixing upstream of the first set of outlet and the second set of outlets, the flow of the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream through the diverter valve may be facilitated. in contrast, if the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream were allowed to mix prior to entering the diverter valve or within the diverter valve, then the fluid flow(s) through the diverter valve may be less smooth.

The diverter valve may be configured so that during a changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets or vice versa the flow to one of the sets of outlets gradually reduces as the flow to the other of the sets of outlets gradually increases.

The diverter valve may be configured so that there is no significant reduction in flow during the changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets or vice versa.

In some implementations, the diverter valve may not be configured so that flow rates of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are substantially unchanged during user-initiated changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets and vice versa.

The diverter valve may comprise one or more valve elements operable to control, in use, fluid flow to the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets.

An actuator such as a lever or a button may be operably coupled to the valve element(s). The actuator may comprise a control lever. The control lever may be configured to be rotatable or slidable.

The valve element may comprise a shuttle body. The diverter valve may comprise a tubular portion with a shuttle body disposed therein. The shuttle body may be movable longitudinally, in use, within the tubular portion. The shuttle body may be configured such that user-initiated longitudinal movement of the shuttle body within the tubular portion prevents or allows fluid flow to the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets depending upon the position of the shuttle body.

A first fluid stream waterway may pass through the diverter valve from the first inlet for receiving the first fluid stream with a first branch leading to the first outlet for the first fluid stream and a second branch leading to the second outlet for the first fluid stream.

A second fluid stream waterway may pass through the diverter valve from the second inlet for receiving the second fluid stream with a first branch leading to the first outlet for the second fluid stream and a second branch leading to the second outlet for the second fluid stream.

The first fluid stream waterway and/or the second fluid stream waterway may include a pipe that is flexible at least in part. For example, the second fluid stream waterway may include a flexible pipe coupled to the or a shuttle body.

In an implementation, the first fluid stream waterway may pass outside the or a shuttle body and the second fluid stream waterway may pass through the or a shuttle body. I5

The diverter valve may be configured to be fixed to a surface, e.g. a wall.

The diverter valve may be part of, e.g. integrated or built into, a fitting for the plumbing system, e.g. a fitting comprising a means operable to provide at least one fluid stream having a desired temperature and/or flow rate. The means operable to provide at least one fluid stream having a desired temperature and/or flow rate may comprise a mixer valve, e.g. a thermostatic mixer valve, or an instantaneous water heater.

The diverter valve may comprise a third inlet for receiving a third fluid stream.

The first set of outlets may comprise a third outlet for the third fluid stream and/or the second set of outlets may comprise a third outlet for the third fluid stream.

The diverter valve may comprise a third sct of outlets. The third set of outlets may comprise a third outlet for the first fluid stream, a third outlet for the second fluid stream and, optionally, a third outlet for the or a third fluid stream.

The diverter valve may be configured such that first fluid stream and the second fluid stream do not mix upstream of the third set of outlets.

The diverter valve may be configured such that the third fluid stream does not mix with the first fluid stream and/or the second fluid stream upstream of the first set of outlets, the second set of outlets and/or the or a third set of outlets.

In a plumbing system comprising the diverter, the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may mix together downstream of the first set of outlets to produce a first mixed fluid stream. A first fluid delivery device, e.g. a sprayer for a shower, may be in fluid communication with the first set of outlets.

In a plumbing system comprising the diverter, the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may mix together downstream of the second set of outlets to produce a second mixed fluid stream. A second fluid delivery device, e.g. a sprayer for a shower, may be in fluid communication with the second set of outlets.

I5 For example, the first fluid stream may comprise water. The second fluid stream may comprise air or a cleaning agent such as a soap or a detergent.

A second aspect provides a plumbing system comprising: a diverter valve according to the first aspect; a first fluid delivery device downstream of the diverter valve and in fluid communication with the first set of outlets; and a second fluid delivery device downstream of the diverter valve and in fluid communication with the second set of outlets.

When installed at a site of use, the first inlet may be fluidly connected to a source of the first fluid stream and the second inlet may be fluidly connected to a source of the second fluid stream. Accordingly, the plumbing system may comprise a source of the first fluid stream and a source of the second fluid stream For example, the source of the first fluid stream and/or the source of the second fluid stream may comprise a means operable to provide a fluid stream having a desired temperature and/or flow rate. The means operable to provide a fluid stream having a desired temperature and/or flow rate may comprise a mixer valve, e.g. a thermostatic mixer valve, or an instantaneous water heater, In an implementation, the source of the first fluid stream or the source of the second fluid stream may comprise a means operable to provide a stream of air or other gas. The means operable to provide a stream of air or other gas may include, for example, a pump.

The plumbing system may be an ablutionary system. The ablutionary system may comprise a shower system. The ablutionary system may comprise an instantaneous water heater. For instance, the instantaneous water heater may be part of an electric shower system.

For instance, the first fluid delivery device may comprise a first spray head for a shower, e.g. a handheld shower or a fixed shower head. The second fluid delivery device may comprise a second spray head for a shower, e.g. a handheld shower or a fixed shower head. The fixed shower head may be an overhead shower.

In some implementations, the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may be allowed to mix downstream of the diverter valve to produce a mixed fluid stream. The plumbing system may be configured such that the mixed fluid stream may be supplied to the first fluid delivery device and/or the second fluid delivery device.

For example, the first fluid stream or the second fluid stream may comprise, or consist essentially of, water. The other of the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may comprise air or a cleaning agent such as a soap or a detergent.

The first fluid stream may be water and the second fluid stream may be air or vice versa.

In such an implementation, the mixed fluid stream produced if the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream are allowed to mix downstream of the diverter valve may be an aerated fluid stream.

In implementations where the mixed fluid stream is an aerated fluid stream, the fluid delivery devices downstream of the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets may each deliver an aerated output, e.g. an aerated spray pattern. By delivering an aerated output, e.g. an aerated spray pattern, output coverage, e.g. spray pattern coverage, may be increased for a given water flow rate. A user may therefore experience an increased I5 spray pattern coverage for a given water flow rate. Furthermore, a reduction in water consumption may be enabled or a more efficient use of water may bc enabled.

In some implementations, the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may not be allowed to mix downstream of the first set of outlets such that the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream are delivered separately by a fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the first set of outlets.

In some implementations, the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may not be allowed to mix downstream of the second set of outlets such that the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream are delivered separately by a fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the second set of outlets.

The first fluid stream and/or the second fluid stream may comprise a cleaning agent I5 such as a soap or a detergent. The first fluid stream and/or the second fluid stream may comprise a fragrance. Hence, for example, a more efficient, effective and/or luxurious ablutionary or cleaning or washing experience may be provided.

The first fluid stream and/or the second fluid steam may be water.

The first fluid stream and/or the second fluid stream may be a continuous fluid stream or an intermittent fluid stream, e.g. a pulsed fluid stream.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutates mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore except where mutually exclusive any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a diverter valve; Figure 2 shows an outer view of the diverter valve of Figure E and Figure 3 illustrates schematically an ablutionary system comprising the diverter valve of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a diverter valve 100 for use in a plumbing system, e.g. an ablutionary system.

The diverter valve 100 comprises a diverter valve body 101. The diverter valve body 101 is configured to be attached to a mounting surface (not shown) such as a wall. The diverter valve body 101 comprises a mounting plate cover 114. The mounting plate cover 114 is configured to provide a shroud covering a mounting plate 115 attached to the mounting surface. For instance, the mounting plate 115 may be attached to the mounting surface by one or more mechanical fastening means, e.g. one or more screws. Additionally or alternatively, thc mounting plate 115 may be adhered to the mounting surface. The mounting plate cover 114 is fixed to the mounting plate 115, in use by a grub screw (not shown) received in a countersunk aperture 116 passing through the mounting plate cover 114 and extending into an aperture 117 in the mounting plate 115.

The diverter body 101 comprises an inlet portion 102, which is generally T-shaped. The inlet portion 102 comprises a first portion 103 with a first end and a second end and a crossbar portion 104 which is connected at a mid-point to the second end of the first portion 103. The crossbar portion 104 has a first crossbar end 105 adjacent the mounting plate cover 114 and a second crossbar end 106 that communicates with a shuttle body housing portion 107. The first crossbar end 105 is blocked with an end cap 108. A first sealing ring 109 provides a fluid-tight seal between the inlet portion 102 and the end cap 108. The inlet portion 102 may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the crossbar portion 104. For instance, the inlet portion 102 may be freely rotatable in an arc about the longitudinal axis of the crossbar portion 104.

The first end of the first portion 103 comprises a first inlet 110 for receiving a first fluid stream and a second inlet 111 for receiving a second fluid stream. The first inlet 110 and the second inlet 111 are arranged concentrically with the second inlet 111 inside the first inlet 110. The first end of the first portion 103 has a threaded portion 112 configured to be connectable to a pipe (not shown) conveying the first fluid stream.

A first waterway 113 for conveying the first fluid stream through the inlet portion 102 extends from the first inlet 110 along the first portion 103, into the crossbar portion 104 and into the shuttle body housing portion 107 connected to the second crossbar end 106. A branch portion 118 of the shuttle body housing portion 107 is received in the inlet portion 102 via the second crossbar end 106. A second sealing ring 119 provides a fluid-tight seal between the inlet portion 102 and the shuttle body housing portion 107.

A first connector 120 comprises the second inlet III. At a first end, the first connector 120 is adapted to be connected to a pipe or a hose for conveying the second fluid stream.

At a second end, the first connector 120 is connected to a first end of an inlet plug 121 fitted within the first portion 103 of the inlet portion 102. The second end of the first connector 120 is received within the first end of the inlet plug. A third sealing ring 122 provides a fluid-tight seal between the first connector 120 and the inlet plug 121. A second end of the inlet plug 121 is disposed within the crossbar portion 104. An internal passageway 123 extends from the first end of the inlet plug 121 to the second end of the inlet plug 121. The internal passageway 123 is in fluid communication with the second inlet 111. The inlet plug 121 is configured such that the first fluid stream flows around the outside of the inlet plug 121, in use, while the second fluid stream flows along the internal passageway 123 At the second end, the inlet plug 121 is connected to a first open end 126 of a corner connector 124. The second end of the inlet plug 121 is received within the first open end 126 of the corner connector 124. A fourth sealing ring 125 provides a fluid-tight seal between the inlet plug 121 and the corner connector 124. The corner connector 124 is disposed within the crossbar portion 104 of the inlet portion 102. The corner connector 124 has a second open end 127 oriented at 90° to the first open end 126. A corner connector internal passageway 128 extends from the first open end 126 to the second open end 127. Accordingly, the corner connector internal passageway 128 is in fluid communication with the internal passageway 123.

A first end of an internal connector pipe 129 is fixed within the second open end 127 of the corner connector 124. A second end of the internal connector pipe 129 is fixed in a side inlet 130 of a spindle 131 disposed within the shuttle body housing portion 107. The internal connector pipe 129 provides fluid communication between the corner connector internal passageway 128 and an internal cavity 132 within the spindle 131. The internal connector pipe 129 is flexible at least in part.

A second waterway 133 for conveying the second fluid stream extends through the inlet portion 102. In flow series, the second waterway 133 is made up of the first connector 120, the internal passageway 123 of the inlet plug 121, the corner connector internal passageway 128 and the internal connector pipe 129. Accordingly, the second fluid stream is conveyed into the internal cavity 132 within the spindle 131.

The second waterway 133 is separate from the first waterway 113. Accordingly, in use, there is no mixing of the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream as they flow along the first waterway 113 and the second waterway 133, respectively.

The shuttle body housing portion 107 comprises a principal tubular portion 134 The branch portion 118 extends transversely from the principal tubular portion 134. The principal tubular portion 134 extends longitudinally from a first end 135 to a second end 136. The branch portion 118 is connected to the principal tubular portion 134 at an intermediate point between the first end 135 and the second end 136.

A shuttle body 137 is disposed within the principal tubular portion 134 and is movable longitudinally, in use, within the principal tubular portion 134. The shuttle body 137 comprises the spindle 131 and a spindle plug 138.

A first set of outlets 139 is provided by a first outlet portion 140 coupled to the first end 135 of the principal tubular portion 134. The first outlet portion 140 is received in the first end 135 of the principal tubular portion 134. A first end 141 of the first outlet portion 140 comprises a first outlet 142 for the first fluid stream and a second outlet 143 for the second fluid stream. The first outlet 142 and the second outlet 143 are arranged concentrically with the second outlet 143 inside the first outlet 142. The first end 141 of the first outlet portion 140 has a threaded portion 144 configured to be connectable to a pipe for conveying the first fluid stream away from the diyerter valve 100.

A second connector 145 comprises a first end 146 adapted to be connected to a pipe or a hose for conveying the second fluid stream away from the diverter valve 100. A second end 147 of the second connector 145 is received in the second outlet 143 of the first outlet portion 140. A fifth sealing ring 148 provides a fluid-tight seal between the second outlet 143 of the first outlet portion 140 and the second connector 145.

A first spigot 149 extends from the second outlet 147 of the first outlet portion 140 towards a second end 150 of the first outlet portion 140. As will be described in more detail below, the first spigot 149 comprises an internal passageway 151 that provides, in use, fluid communication from the internal cavity 132 of the spindle 131 to the second connector 145. Accordingly, the second fluid stream flows, in use, along the internal passageway 151 of the first spigot 149. As will be described in more detail below, the first fluid stream flows, in use, around the outside of the spindle 131 and the outsidc of the first spigot 149 to the first outlet 142 at the first end 141 of the first outlet portion 140. Accordingly, in use, there is no mixing of the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream as they flow through the diverter valve 100.

The internal passageway 151 in the first spigot 149 includes a transverse passage 152 leading at each end to an aperture in a side of the first spigot 149. In a downstream direction from the transverse passage 152, the first spigot 149 has a first outer diameter. In an upstream direction from the transverse passage 152, the first spigot 149 has a second outer diameter. The second outer diameter is less than the first outer diameter.

A sixth sealing ring 153 extends around the first spigot 149 at a location downstream of the transverse passage 152. A seventh sealing ring 154 extends around the first spigot 149 at a location upstream of the transverse passage 152.

The internal cavity 132 of the spindle 131 has a first open end 155 and a second open end 156. The first spigot 149 extends through the first open end 155 and into the internal cavity 132. At a point between the side inlet 130 and the first open end 155 of the spindle 131, there is a first outer rib 157 extending around an outer circumference of the spindle 131. An eighth sealing ring 158 sits in a channel extending around the first outer rib 157.

The spindle plug 138 is connected to the spindle 131. Together, the spindle plug 138 and the spindle 131 form the shuttle body 137. The spindle plug 138 extends through the second open end 156 and into the internal cavity 132. The spindle plug 138 has an internal passageway 190 extending from a first open end 158 to a second open end 159.

The internal passageway 190 communicates with the internal cavity 132 such that, in use, the second fluid stream can flow from the internal cavity 132 into the internal passageway 190. From the first open end 158 to the second open end 159 of the spindle plug 138, the internal passageway 190 comprises a first passage portion 160, a second passage portion 161 and a third passage portion 162. The first passage portion 160 extends more than half the distance from the first open end 158 to the second open end 159. The first passage portion 160 has a first inner diameter. The second passage portion 161 has a second inner diameter. The third passage portion 162 has a third inner diameter. The second passage portion 161 is between the first passage portion 160 and the third passage portion 162. The first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter. The second inner diameter is less than the third inner diameter.

At a point between the side inlet 130 and the second open end 156 of the spindle 131, there is a second outer rib 163 extending around an outer circumference of the spindle 131. A ninth sealing ring 164 sits in a channel extending around the second outer rib 163, Apertures 191 in a wall of the spindle 131 provide fluid communication between the principal tubular portion 134 and a first annular passageway 192 passing between an outer surface of the spindle plug 138 and an inner surface of the spindle 131. The apertures 191 are positioned between the ninth sealing ring 164 and the second open end 156 of the spindle 131.

A control lever 165 is operable coupled to a drive collar 166. The drive collar 166 extends around an outer circumference of the principal tubular portion 134. The drive collar 166 is operably coupled to a drive body 167. The drive body 167 is a tubular body disposed inside the principal tubular portion 134 and arranged around a portion of the spindle 131 between the second outer rib 163 and the second open end 156. The drive body 167 extends beyond the second open end 156 of the spindle 131. Protrusions 180 on an outer surface of the spindle 131 are received in helical grooves 181 in an inner surface of the drive body 167. When a user rotates the control lever 165, in use, the drive body 167 is caused to rotate. lnterengagement between the protrusions 180 on the outer surface of the spindle 131 and the helical grooves 181 in the inner surface of the drive body 167 then causes the shuttle body 137 to move longitudinally within the principal tubular portion 134.

A tenth sealing ring 168 provides a first fluid-tight seal between the drive body 167 and the principal tubular portion 134. An eleventh sealing ring 169 provides a second fluid-tight seal between the drive body 167 and the principal tubular portion 134.

A twelfth sealing ring 170 sits in a channel extending around the principal tubular portion 134. The twelfth sealing ring 170 is disposed at a location between the drive collar 166 and the second end 136 of the principal tubular portion 134. The twelfth sealing ring 170 provides a fluid-tight seal between the principal tubular portion 134 and an outer sleeve 171. The outer sleeve 171 encompasses a portion of the principal tubular portion 134. The outer sleeve 171 extends from the control lever 165 to beyond the second end 136 of the principal tubular portion 134 A second spigot 172 extends into the second open end 159 of the spindle plug 138. The second spigot 172 has a stepped outer surface such that the second spigot 172 has a first IS portion 182 with a first outer diameter, a second portion 183 with a second outer diameter and a third portion 184 with a third outer diameter. The third outer diameter is smaller than the second outer diameter. The second outer diameter is smaller than the third outer diameter. A thirteenth sealing ring 185 sits in a channel extending around the third portion 184 of the second spigot 172. A fourteenth sealing ring 186 sits in a channel extending around the second portion 183 of the second spigot 172. The second spigot 172 has an open end 187 and an internal passageway 188 extending longitudinally from the open end 187 through the first portion 182, the second portion 183 and into the third portion 184 of the second spigot 172. The internal passageway 188 terminates within the third portion 184 of the second spigot 172. A plurality of apertures extending laterally through a side wall of the third portion 184 of the second spigot 172 provide fluid communication from outside the third portion 184 to the internal passageway 188. The plurality of apertures is located between the thirteenth sealing ring 185 and the fourteenth sealing ring 186.

A second sct of outlets 174 is provided by a second outlet portion 173 coupled to the open end 187 of the second spigot 172. The second outlet portion 173 is received in the open end 187 of the second spigot 172. A first end of the second outlet portion 173 comprises a first outlet 176 for the first fluid stream and a second outlet 175 for the second fluid stream. The first outlet 176 and the second outlet 175 are arranged concentrically with the second outlet 175 inside the first outlet 176. The second outlet is in fluid communication with the internal passageway 188 of the second spigot 172. The first outlet 176 is in fluid communication with a second annular passageway 189 passing between an outer surface of the spindle plug 138 and an inner surface of the principal tubular portion 134. The second annular passageway 189 passing between the outer surface of the spindle plug 138 and the inner surface of the principal tubular portion 134 is downstream of, and in fluid communication with, the first annular passageway 192 passing between the outer surface of the spindle plug 138 and the inner surface of the spindle 131.

The first outlet 176 and the second outlet 175 both lead into a riser pipe 177 for conveying fluid away from the diverter valve 100 towards a fluid delivery device (not shown) such as an overhead shower. The riser pipe 177 is received within the outer sleeve 171. The riser pipe 177 is fitted with a pipe end connector fitting 179. A fifteenth sealing ring 178 provides a fluid-tight seal between the pipe end connector fitting 179 and the outer sleeve 171.

Figure 2 shows an outer view of the diverter valve 100. Like features arc labelled with the same reference numerals as in Figure 1. In addition to the features described above in relation to Figure 1, it can be seen in Figure 2 that the control lever 165 comprises a handle portion 190 for a user to grip, in use, when operating the diverter valve 100.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically an example of an ablutionary system 1000 comprising the diverter valve 100. The ablutionary system 1000 is an electric shower system.

An electric shower unit 1002 comprising an instantaneous water heater is mounted on a wall 1001. The instantaneous water heater is connected to an inlet pipe 1003 protruding from the wall 1001. The inlet pipe 1003 is coupled to a water supply (not shown) and conveys water, in use, to the instantaneous water heater. The instantaneous water heater comprises a heater tank containing one or more heating elements operable to heat water passing through the heater tank. The water passing through the tank is heated, in use, to a user-desired temperature.

After exiting the heater tank, water at the user-desired temperature passes from the electric shower unit 1002 along an outlet pipe 1004 to the diverter valve 100. A first end of the outlet pipe 1004 is connected to the electric shower unit 1002. A second end of the outlet pipe 1004 is connected to the first end of the first portion 103 of the inlet portion 102 of the diverter body 101.

The electric shower unit 1002 also comprises an electric pump configured to draw in ambient air and create a forced air stream. The forced air stream is conveyed from the electric shower unit 1002 to the diverter valve 100 along a pipe disposed at least partially within the outlet pipe 1004. A first end of the pipe disposed at least partially within the outlet pipe 1004 is connected to the electric shower unit 1002. A second end of the pipe disposed at least partially within the outlet pipe 1004 is connected to the first connector 120.

Accordingly, the water at the user-desired temperature constitutes a first fluid stream received by the diverter valve 100 and the forced air stream constitutes a second fluid stream received by the diverter valve 100.

The diverter valve 100 is configured to allow user selection of one or more of the first set of outlets or the second set of outlets without the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream mixing upstream of the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets.

A first outlet pipe 1007 connects the first outlet portion 140 (Figure I, Figure 2) to a first fluid delivery device 1008 The first fluid delivery device 1008 has the form of a handheld showerhead.

The riser pipe 177 extends away from the second outlet portion 173 (Figure 1, Figure 2) to an arm 1005. The arm extends away from the wall 1001 and leads to a second fluid delivery device 1006. The second fluid delivery device 1006 has the form of a fixed, overhead showerhead. The second fluid delivery device 1006 is in fluid communication with the diverter valve 100.

Referring to the Figures, and Figure 1 in particular, operation of the diverter valve 100 will now be described.

As shown in Figure 1, the shuttle body 137 is positioned at one end of its permitted longitudinal movement within the principal tubular portion 134 such that fluid flow to the second set of outlets 174 is prevented and fluid flow to the first set of outlets 139 is allowed. The first fluid stream is prevented from reaching the first outlet 176 of the second set of outlets 174 and the first fluid stream is allowed to reach the first outlet 142 of the first set of outlets 139. The second fluid stream is prevented from reaching the second outlet 175 of the second set of outlets 174 and the second fluid stream is allowed to reach the second outlet 143 of the first set of outlets 139.

As shown in Figure 1, the ninth sealing ring 164 is pressed against a seat formed by an inner surface of the principal tubular portion 134. Accordingly, the first fluid stream cannot flow towards the first outlet 176 of the second set of outlets 174. The thirteenth sealing ring 185 is pressed against an inner surface of the second passage portion 161 of the spindle plug 138, thereby preventing the second fluid stream from flowing towards the second outlet 175 of the second set of outlets 174 via the internal passageway 188 in the second spigot 172. The fourteenth scaling ring 186 is pressed against an inner surface of the third passage portion 162 of the spindle plug 138 and provides a fluid-tight seal between the spindle plug 138 and the second spigot 172.

When a user rotates the control lever 165, in use, the shuttle body 137 is caused to move longitudinally within the principal tubular portion 134. At the other end of its permitted longitudinal movement within the principal tubular portion 134 than is shown in Figure 1, the shuttle body 137 is located such that fluid flow to the first set of outlets 139 is prevented and fluid flow to the second set of outlets 174 is allowed.

When the shuttle body 137 is located, in use, such that fluid flow to the first set of outlets 139 is prevented and fluid flow to the second set of outlets 174 is allowed, the eighth sealing ring 158 is pressed against a seat formed by an inner surface of the principal tubular portion 134. Accordingly, the first fluid stream cannot flow towards the first outlet 142 of the first set of outlets 139. The first fluid stream can flow towards the first outlet 176 of the second set of outlets 174. The ninth sealing ring 164 is not pressed against the seat formed by the inner surface of the principal tubular portion 134.

Accordingly, the first fluid stream can flow through the apertures 191, along the first annular passageway 192, along the second annular passageway 189 and through the first outlet 176 of the second set of outlets 174.

The second fluid stream cannot flow towards the second outlet 143 of the first set of outlets 139, because an inner wall of the spindle 131 is pressed against the seventh sealing ring 154. The second fluid stream can flow toward the second outlet 175 of the second set of outlets 174. An inner wall of the spindle plug 138 is not pressed against the thirteenth sealing ring 185. Hence, the second fluid stream can flow into and along the internal passageway 188 and on to the second outlet 175 of the second set of outlets 174 The diverter valve 100 is configured so that flow rates of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are substantially unchanged during user-initiated changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets and vice versa. Such an implementation may be beneficial when the diverter valve 100 is employed in a plumbing system or an ablutionaty system comprising an instantaneous water heater, e.g. an electric shower system The diverter valve 100 may be configured so that during the changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets or vice versa the flow to one of the sets of outlets gradually reduces as the flow to the other of the sets of outlets gradually increases. In this way, the shuttle body 137 cannot be positioned to prevent water flow completely and changing over from one set of outlets to the other can be achieved without any significant reduction in flow. With reference to Figure 3, for example, if the diverter valve 100 is used to select a different set of outlets while the electric shower unit 1002 is in use, the water flow is maintained, thereby preventing a sudden, unexpected increase in temperature of water delivered from the electric shower unit 1002, which could otherwise occur if water flow was reduced or temporarily interrupted during the changeover.

The diverter valve may be employed in any plumbing system or ablutionary system. For instance, the diverter valve may be employed in an ablutionary system comprising a gas-fired or oil-fired instantaneous water heater. The diverter valve may be employed in an ablutionary system comprising a mixer valve, e.g. a thermostatic mixer valve.

The first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may be allowed to mix downstream of the first set of outlets to produce a first mixed fluid stream that is then delivered by a fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the first set of outlets The first fluid stream and the second fluid stream may be allowed to mix downstream of the second set of outlets to produce a second mixed fluid stream that is then delivered by a fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the second set of outlets.

The first fluid stream may be water and the second fluid stream may be air or vice versa. The mixed fluid stream may be an aerated fluid stream.

In implementations where the mixed fluid stream is an aerated fluid stream, the fluid delivery devices downstream of the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets may each deliver an aerated output, e.g. an aerated spray pattern. By delivering an aerated output, e.g. an aerated spray pattern, output coverage, e.g. spray pattern coverage, may be increased for a given water flow rate. A user may therefore experience an increased spray pattern coverage for a given water flow rate. Furthermore, a reduction in water consumption may be enabled or a more efficient use of water may be enabled.

The first fluid stream and/or the second fluid stream may comprise a cleaning agent such as a soap or a detergent. The first fluid stream and/or the second fluid stream may comprise a fragrance. Hence, for example, a more efficient, effective and/or luxurious ablutionmy or cleaning or washing experience may be provided.

The first fluid stream and/or the second fluid steam may be water.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A diverter valve for use in a plumbing system comprising: a first inlet for receiving a first fluid stream; a second inlet for receiving a second fluid stream; a first set of outlets comprising a first outlet for the first fluid stream and a first outlet for the second fluid stream; and a second set of outlets comprising a second outlet for the first fluid stream and a second outlet for the second fluid stream; wherein the diverter valve is configured to allow user selection of one or more of the first set of outlets or the second set of outlets without the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream mixing upstream of the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets.
IS 2. The diverter valve according to claim I, wherein the diverter valve is configured so that during a changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets or vice versa the flow to one of the sets of outlets gradually reduces as the flow to the other of the sets of outlets gradually increases.
3. The diverter valve according to claim 2, wherein the diverter valve is configured so that there is no significant reduction in flow during the changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets or vice versa.
4. The diverter valve according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the diverter valve is not configured so that flow rates of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are substantially unchanged during the changeover from the first set of outlets to the second set of outlets and vice versa.
The diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more valve elements operable to control, in use, fluid flow to the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets.
6 The diverter valve according to claim 5 comprising an actuator such as a lever or a button operably coupled to the valve element(s).
7. The diverter valve according to claim 6, wherein the actuator comprises a control lever configured to be rotatable or slidable 8. The diverter valve according to any one of claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the valve element comprises a shuttle body.9. The diverter valve according to claim 8 comprising a tubular portion with the shuttle body disposed therein, wherein the shuttle body is movable longitudinally, in use, within the tubular portion and the shuttle body is configured such that user-initiated longitudinal movement of the shuttle body within the tubular portion prevents or allows fluid flow to the first set of outlets and the second set of outlets depending upon the position of the shuttle body.10. The diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a I5 first fluid stream waterway passing through the diverter valve from the first inlet for receiving the first fluid stream with a first branch leading to the first outlet for the first fluid stream and a second branch leading to the second outlet for the first fluid stream.11. The diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a second fluid stream waterway passing through the diverter valve from the second inlet for receiving the second fluid stream with a first branch leading to the first outlet for the second fluid stream and a second branch leading to the second outlet for the second fluid stream.12. The diverter valve according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the first fluid stream waterway and/or the second fluid stream waterway include a pipe that is flexible at least in part.13. The diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the divcrtcr valve is configured to be fixed to a surface.14. The diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diverter valve is provided as part of a fitting for a plumbing system The diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a third inlet for receiving a third fluid stream.16. The diverter valve according to claim 15, wherein the first set of outlets comprises a third outlet for the third fluid stream and/or the second set of outlets comprises a third outlet for the third fluid stream.17. The diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims comprise a third set of outlets comprising a third outlet for the first fluid stream and a third outlet for the second fluid stream.18. A plumbing system comprising: the diverter valve according to any one of the preceding claims; a first fluid delivery device downstream of the diverter valve and in fluid communication with the first set of outlets; and a second fluid delivery device downstream of the diverter valve and in fluid communication with the second set of outlets.19. The plumbing system according to claim 18 comprising a source of the first fluid stream and a source of the second fluid stream, wherein the first inlet is fluidly connected to the source of the first fluid stream and the second inlet is fluidly connected to the source of the second fluid stream 20. The plumbing system according to claim 19, wherein the source of the first fluid stream and/or the source of the second fluid stream comprises a means operable to provide a fluid stream having a desired temperature and/or flow rate.21. The plumbing system according to claim 19 or claim 21, wherein the source of the first fluid stream or the source of the second fluid stream comprises a means operable to provide a stream of air or other gas.22. The plumbing system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the plumbing system is an ablutionary system, e.g. a shower system.23. The plumbing system according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the first fluid delivery device comprises a first spray head for a shower and the second fluid delivery device comprises a second spray head for a shower.24. The plumbing system according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream are allowed to mix downstream of the diverter valve to produce a mixed fluid stream and the plumbing system is configured such that the mixed fluid stream is supplied, in use, to the first fluid delivery device and/or the second fluid delivery device.25. The plumbing system according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the first fluid stream or the second fluid stream comprises water and the other of the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream comprises air, a cleaning agent such as a soap or a detergent and/or a fragrance. I5