U.S. patent application number 09/839434 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for dual outlet faucet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Brandebusemeyer, Heinz.
Application Number | 20010044955 09/839434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7642094 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brandebusemeyer, Heinz |
November 29, 2001 |
Dual outlet faucet
Abstract
A faucet has a base formed with a outwardly open cavity and a
pair of confronting open outlet ports opening into the cavity. A
sleeve fitted over the base at the cavity has an inner surface
directed radially inward at the base, and is rotatable on the base.
A spout extending radially outward from the sleeve is formed with a
pair of passages each radially inward at the sleeve inner surface
into the cavity. A connector in the cavity is formed with an outer
surface radially confronting the sleeve inner surface, with a pair
of axially oppositely directed tubular inlet nipples fitted in the
outlet ports, and with respective passages extending from the
nipples and opening radially outward at the outer surface level
with the passages. Seals between the surfaces couple the connector
to the spout fitting for joint rotation therewith and preventing
fluid flow between the grooves.
Inventors: |
Brandebusemeyer, Heinz;
(Menden, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE FIRM OF KARL F ROSS
5676 RIVERDALE AVENUE
PO BOX 900
RIVERDALE (BRONX)
NY
10471-0900
US
|
Assignee: |
Friedrich Grohe AG & Co.
KG
|
Family ID: |
7642094 |
Appl. No.: |
09/839434 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/678 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/87249 20150401;
E03C 1/04 20130101; Y10T 137/86815 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/678 |
International
Class: |
E03C 001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 17, 2000 |
DE |
10023723.1 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A faucet comprising: a base centered on an axis and formed with
a radially outwardly open cavity, and a pair of confronting and
axially open outlet ports opening into the cavity; a spout fitting
having a sleeve centered on the axis, fitted over the base at the
cavity, having an inner surface directed radially inward at the
base, and rotatable on the base about the axis, and a spout
extending radially outward from the sleeve and formed with a pair
of passages each having an inner end opening radially inward at the
sleeve inner surface into the cavity and an outer end, the inner
ends being axially offset from each other; a connector in the
cavity formed with an outer surface radially confronting the sleeve
inner surface, a pair of axially oppositely directed tubular inlet
nipples fitted in the outlet ports, and respective passages
extending from the nipples and opening radially outward at the
outer surface level with the passage inner ends, one of the
surfaces being formed with a pair of axially offset grooves opening
toward the other surface and connecting the respective inner ends
with the respective passages; and seal means between the surfaces
for coupling the connector to the spout fitting for joint rotation
therewith and for preventing fluid flow between the grooves.
2. The faucet defined in claim 1 wherein the connector is unitarily
formed of one piece with the nipples.
3. The faucet defined in claim 2 wherein the connector is of
plastic.
4. The faucet defined in claim 1 wherein the outer passage ends
open on the spout offset from each other.
5. The faucet defined in claim 1, further comprising a mixing valve
fixed to the base and having an output connected to one of the
outlet ports.
6. The faucet defined in claim 5 wherein the mixing valve is
provided with a single control lever for varying flow to the one
outlet port.
7. The faucet defined in claim 5, further comprising separate and
distinct supplies of pressurized water connected to the outlet
ports.
8. The faucet defined in claim 7, further comprising a flow-control
valve fixed to the base and connected between one of the supplies
and the other of the ports.
9. The faucet defined in claim 8 wherein the flow-control valve is
provided with a control knob mounted on the base part.
10. The faucet defined in claim 1, further comprising a brake ring
bearing radially inward on the base part and radially outward on
the sleeve.
11. The faucet defined in claim 11 wherein the brake ring is hard
and the base part is formed with a radially outwardly open groove
holding the brake ring, the faucet further comprising an
elastically compressible biasing ring in the groove braced axially
between the base part and the brake ring and urging same radially
outward.
12. The faucet defined in claim 1 wherein the connector is formed
as a thin-walled sleeve coaxially surrounding the base and formed
with an inner part forming the passages and nipples and of a
predetermined relatively small angular dimension, the cavity being
of a relatively large angular dimension such that the inner part
can move angularly n the cavity.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a dual-outlet faucet. More
particularly this invention concerns such a faucet which has a
pivotal spout provided with two outlets from which separate flows
of liquid can issue.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known, for instance from U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,545 of
Karls to make a faucet having a stationary base having an outer
surface centered on an axis and formed with an outlet port
connected to a respective supply of water. In this case one of the
outlets is fed by a mixing valve to which tempered water is
supplied and the other is fed by a separate hot-water supply for
scalding water. A spout having the two outlets is carried on a
sleeve having an inner surface and provided with passages opening
at one end at the inner surface and at the other end at the
respective outlet. One of the surfaces is formed with an annular
groove centered on the axis and open toward to the other surface so
the spout can be pivoted about the axis of the base with liquid
flowing freely from the base into and out the spout. Both surfaces
may even be formed with radially confronting grooves. Such a
fitting is used in a kitchen in place of two separate faucets, one
supplying the normal tempered water for washing and the other
scalding water for cooking.
[0003] In this arrangement the two flows are kept apart by dynamic
seal rings set in the base and radially outwardly engaging the
spout sleeve. These rings are fairly large in diameter and must be
quite snug to prevent leakage. Thus they offer considerable
resistance to pivoting of the spout, especially when In another
arrangement described in European patent application 0,304,529 of
Hecht-Burgos a single-flow spout is connected to a base body by a
tubular elbow fitting having an axial arm fitted into an axially
central and axially open bore on the base and a radial arm fixed in
the spout sleeve. Thus this fitting rotates with the spout so that
the dynamic seal is of small diameter and therefore offers little
resistance to pivoting of the spout. This arrangement is
constructed such that it could not be adapted to a dual-flow
system.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an improved dual-outlet or -flow faucet.
[0005] Another object is the provision of such an improved
dual-outlet or -flow faucet which overcomes the above-given
disadvantages, that is which is of simple construction but which
pivots smoothly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A faucet has according to the invention a base body centered
on an axis and formed with a radially outwardly open cavity and a
pair of confronting and axially open outlet ports opening into the
cavity. A spout fitting has a sleeve centered on the axis, fitted
over the base at the cavity, having an inner surface directed
radially inward at the base and rotatable on the is base about the
axis. A spout extending radially outward from the sleeve is formed
with a pair of passages each having an inner end opening radially
inward at the sleeve inner surface into the cavity and an outer
end. The inner ends are axially offset from each other. A connector
in the cavity is formed with an outer surface radially confronting
the sleeve inner surface, with a pair of axially oppositely
directed tubular inlet nipples fitted in the outlet ports, and with
respective passages extending from the nipples and opening radially
outward at the outer surface level with the passage inner ends. One
of the surfaces is formed with a pair of axially offset grooves
opening toward the other surface and connecting the respective
inner ends with the respective passages. Seals between the surfaces
couple the connector to the spout fitting for joint rotation
therewith and preventing fluid flow between the grooves.
[0007] Thus with this system the only dynamic sealing, that is
sealing between parts that normally move relative to each other, is
needed at the nipples which can be of small diameter so that small
O-rings working with little friction can be used. The sealing
between the outer surface of the base and the inner surface of the
sleeve can be by means of rugged static seals or gaskets that can
be guaranteed to prevent cross flow between the passages while in
now way impeding free pivoting of the sleeve. Since circumference
increases as a multiple of diameter and circumference determines
how much surface is in contact in such seal rings, markedly
reducing the diameter of the parts having the dynamic sealing has a
corresponding great effect in reducing friction. In fact with the
smaller seals according to the invention it is possible to use
elevated radial sealing pressures without making the spout movement
sticky or sluggish.
[0008] According to the invention the connector is unitarily formed
of one piece with the nipples, normally of molded plastic.
[0009] The outer passage ends open on the spout offset from each
other. Thus the two flows are kept completely separate, normally
radially of the pivot axis.
[0010] According to the invention a mixing valve fixed to the base
has an output connected to one of the outlet ports. This mixing
valve is provided with a single control lever for varying flow to
the one outlet port. Separate and distinct supplies of pressurized
water are connected to the outlet ports. A flow-control valve fixed
to the base is connected between one of the supplies and the other
of the ports. This flow-control valve is provided with a control
knob mounted on the base part.
[0011] In accordance with the invention a brake ring bears radially
inward on the base part and radially outward on the s sleeve. The
brake ring is hard and the base part is formed with a radially
outwardly open groove holding the brake ring. An elastically
compressible biasing ring in the groove is braced axially between
the base part and the brake ring and urges same radially
outward.
[0012] The connector according to the invention is formed as a
thin-walled sleeve coaxially surrounding the base and formed with
an inner part forming the passages and nipples and of a
predetermined relatively small angular dimension. The cavity is of
a relatively large angular dimension such that the inner part can
move angularly in the cavity. Thus the extent of angular travel of
the spout fitting on the base is equal to the difference between
the angular dimensions of the cavity and inner connector part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] The above and other objects, features, and advantages will
become more readily apparent from the following description,
reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an axial section through the faucet according to
the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a section taken along line II-II of FIG. 1;
and
[0016] FIG. 3 is a large-scale view of a detail of FIG. 1.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
[0017] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 a faucet according to the invention
has a base body 1 on which a spout fitting 2 can pivot about an
axis A. The base 1 is a machined metal casting secured to a counter
7 by fittings 16 engaging through a hole 70 in the is counter 7.
Also extending through this hole 70 are hot- and cold-water feed
lines 110 and 120 (the latter behind the former in FIG. 1)
connected to respective unillustrated supplies 9 of pressurized
cold and hot water and a feed line 130 connected to a supply 8 of
pressurized scalding water. These lines 110, 120, and 130 are
connected to respective axially downwardly open inlet ports 11, 12,
and 13 of the base 1. The base 1 also has a top part 100 secured by
screws 101 to it.
[0018] A standard valve cartridge 4 is bolted to the top part 100
of the base 1 and is provided with a standard lever or handle 40.
The two input ports 11 and 12 connected through the base 1 with
this valve 4 which has an outlet opening at an axially central port
14 formed in the top part 100 and opening axially downward into a
cavity 10 formed therein. As is standard, pivoting of the handle 40
about the axis 200 changes the mix of hot and cold water from the
lines 110 and 120 to the outlet port 14, and tipping the handle 40
about an axis perpendicular to the axis 200 changes the volume of
flow from the outlet port 14.
[0019] The inlet port 13 connects with a simple flow-control valve
5 operated by a knob 50 on the rear of the base 1. When opened, the
valve 5 feeds scalding water from the supply 8 to an axially
central port 15 formed in the base 1 and opening axially upward
into the cavity 10 in line with the port 14.
[0020] The spout fitting 2 is unitarily formed, normally of metal,
of a cylindrical sleeve 20 and a spout 25. The sleeve 20 is
captured between a lower face of the top part 100 and an upwardly
directed confronting shoulder 101 of the base 1. The spout 25
extends radially upward off the sleeve 20 and is formed with two
passages 210 and 220 opening at respective aerator outlets 21 and
22 at the outer end of the spout 25 and via respective ports 211
and 221 radially inward toward the base 1. The two outlets 21 and
22 are spaced apart by a horizontal distance 23, making it easy to
establish where the flow is coming from and putting the
scalding-water outlet 22 back out of the way somewhat.
[0021] According to the invention the spout fitting 2 further
comprises a molded-plastic connector 3 set in the cavity 10 of the
base 1 and formed with a pair of radially outwardly open grooves 30
and 31 respective opening level with the ports 211 and 221. In
addition the connector 3 is formed with an axially centered and
upwardly axially extending inlet nipple 34 fitting complementarily
in the port 14 and sealed relative thereto by an O-ring 340 and
with an axially centered and downwardly axially extending inlet
nipple 35 fitting complementarily in the port 15 and sealed
relative thereto by an O-ring 350. The inlet nipple 34 communicates
via a radially extending passage 32 with the upper groove 30 and
the inlet nipple 35 via a radially extending passage 33 with the
lower groove 33. The inner portion of the connector 3 forming the
two parallel passages 32 and coaxial nipples 34 and 35 is as shown
in FIG. 2 of substantially smaller angular dimension than the
cavity 10, so that the entire connector 3 can pivot relative to the
base 1 through an angular stroke equal to the difference between
the angular dimensions of the inner portion of the connector 3 and
the cavity 10.
[0022] The connector 3 is sealed against the sleeve 20 by three
seal rings 36 that flank the grooves 30 and 31 and that act
statically, that is they do not normally permit relative movement
between the sleeve 20 and fitting 3. The seal rings 340 and 350,
however, act dynamically, sealing between the nipples 34 and 35 as
they rotate about the axis 200 in the ports 14 and 15. Thus the
flows from the valves 4 and 5 totally segregated and the only
dynamic sealing action is at the small-diameter rings 340 and 350,
so that rotation of the fitting 2 about the axis 2 on the base part
1 is extremely easy. Furthermore since the seals 340 and 350 are
normally wet, sealing action does not change as the faucet is
used.
[0023] According to the invention a brake 60 is provided to prevent
the spout 25 from pivoting too freely on the base 100. This brake
60' comprises as shown in FIG. 3 an elastically compressible ring
60' seated in the base of a radially outwardly open groove 102 cut
in the base 1 and a harder plastic brake ring 60" pressed by the
biasing ring 60' against an inner face of the sleeve 20. The brake
60 is located outside the wet area defined between the static seal
rings 36 so that it stays dry. Thus its braking effect will be the
same whether the faucet is being used or not.
* * * * *