GB2597495A

GB2597495A - A spray head

Info

Publication number: GB2597495A
Application number: GB2011444.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Patrick Conway Sean; Westgate Simon; Lohia Chandra; Narkhede Ramesh; Ningappa Mohan
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-23
Filing date: 2020-07-23
Publication date: 2022-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-23
Also published as: GB2597495B; GB202011444D0

Abstract

A spray head for an ablutionary fitting (e.g. a shower head). The spray head comprises: an entry chamber 6 configured to receive water flow from an inlet 4; and at least one nozzle 10a-10f configured as an outlet for water from the entry chamber. Each nozzle 10a-10f comprises a channel 11 including an interior surface having a plurality of ridges and grooves 12, 13 that extend parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (9; fig. 7) of the channel 11 such that the ridges and grooves reduce turbulence in the water. Also claimed is a spray head wherein the entry chamber 6 comprises a passage following a path extending around an axis of the spray head, the path being disposed in a plane perpendicular to the fluid output direction and the shape of the entry chamber being configured to provide substantially equal mass flow rate distribution between a plurality of nozzles along the path (e.g. by using evenly angularly spaced nozzles along a tapering chamber shape that tapers towards the more distant nozzles, best seen in figure 4). The nozzles 10 may have tapered inlets (see figure 3).

Description

A SPRAY HEAD

The present invention relates to spray heads for an ablutionary fitting. The invention further relates to an ablutionary fitting, and to a method of providing a stream of water. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to shower systems.

Many modern spray heads have a plurality of modes selectable by a user which are configured to provide different spray patterns Such features may improve the experience of a user.

The possible shaping of the water by the spray head may be limited by turbulence in the water. This turbulence may mean that the water stream does not maintain its shape for long after exiting the spray head. With this in mind, it is advantageous to provide a spray head with a more laminar flow output such that the flow can be better shaped to provide a desired spray pattern which is more consistent and long lasting. It is known to create laminar flow using a long and thin pipe, i.e. a pipe with a high length to diameter ratio, but for use in a shower head, there is a need for a more compact solution.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a spray head for an ablutionary fitting, the spray head comprising: an entry chamber configured to receive water flow from an inlet; and at least one nozzle configured as an outlet for water from the entry chamber. The at least one nozzle comprises a channel including an interior surface having a plurality of ridges and grooves that extend parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel such that the ridges and grooves reduce turbulence in the water.

It may be that each ridge and/or each groove extends parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

The spray head may comprise a plurality of nozzles, at least some of the nozzles comprising a channel including an interior surface having a plurality of ridges and grooves that extend parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel such that the ridges and grooves reduce turbulence in the water.

A channel which includes a plurality of ridges and grooves which extend parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle may reduce turbulence in the water by limiting the components of flow velocity perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Therefore, the flow exiting the channel is much closer to laminar than the flow entering the channel from the entry chamber. In this way, the resulting flow is easier-to shape into a desired stream, for example a sheet.

It may be that the entry chamber is a passage extending along a path in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a fluid output direction of the spray head. The fluid output direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the one or more channels.

The passage may be planar such that its length in a first plane, perpendicular to the fluid output direction, is much greater than its height in a direction parallel to the fluid output direction The direction of the water flow in the chamber may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel(s).

The shape of the entry chamber may be configured to provide a substantially equal mass flow rate distribution between the nozzles.

The length of the entry chamber passage may extend around an axis of the spray head. The axis may be the major central axis of the spray head which is substantially parallel to the fluid output direction. The passage may be arranged such that it defines an empty space through which the axis of the spray head passes. Such an arrangement may leave sufficient space for the components of alternative spray patterns to be housed which is of particular advantage in multi-mode spray heads.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a spray head for an ablutionary fitting, the spray head comprising: an entry chamber configured to receive water from an inlet; and a plurality of nozzles configured to provide outlets from the entry chamber, wherein the entry chamber comprises a passage following a path extending around an axis of the spray head and the path is disposed in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a fluid output direction of the spray head. The shape of the entry chamber is configured to provide a substantially equal mass flow rate distribution between the plurality of nozzles.

The passage may be arranged such that it defines an empty space through which an axis of the spray head passes. The axis may be the major central axis of the spray head which is substantially parallel to the fluid output direction. Such an arrangement may leave sufficient space for the components of alternative spray patterns to be housed which is of particular advantage in multi-mode spray heads.

The direction of the water flow in the chamber may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel(s).

An entry chamber shaped as described in relation to both the first aspect and the second aspect reduces the turbulence of water flowing through the head. When the entry chamber is a passage, the fluid at any point in the passage is guided in a certain direction and therefore the shape of the passage reduces the turbulence in the passage and hence at the inlets to the channels from the passage.

One or more of the plurality of nozzles may comprise a channel including an interior surface having a plurality of ridges and grooves that extend parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel such that the ridges and grooves reduce turbulence in the water.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, it may be that the one or more channels comprises more than two ridges, optionally more than three ridges, preferably more than four ridges, in a preferred embodiment, one or more channels may comprise more than five ridges.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the nozzle or nozzles may include a shaped portion, downstream of the channel, configured to shape flow exiting the nozzle(s).

An outlet of the shaped portion may have a first and a second dimension, said first and second dimensions being perpendicular to one another, and to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, wherein the first dimension is greater than the second dimension, such that the shaped portion is configured to shape the water flow into a sheet. A sheet of water may be defined as a stream of water which is substantially planar. in this sense, one may define two axes which are perpendicular to the fluid output direction, and to eachother. The width of the water stream along one of these axes may be at least an order of magnitude larger than the width of the stream along the other of the axis.

A sheet, or multiple sheets, of water may be aesthetically pleasing to a user. It may also provide a different sensation to conventional shower head spray modes which a user may find desirable.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the nozzle or nozzles may include an intermediate portion which is disposed between the channel and the shaped portion.

In the spray head of the first aspect or the spray head of the second aspect, one or more of the plurality of nozzles have tapered inlets to the channel from the entry chamber to regulate flow distribution between nozzles. This tapering may be achieved by chamfering the top of the ridges of the channel. The tapering may act to guide the water from the entry chamber into the channel.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect. the nozzles may be located on a circumference of a circle.

It may be that the greater dimension of the outlet(s) of the shaped portion(s) of one or more nozzles is substantially parallel to a tangent to the circle at the longitudinal axis of said nozzle.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the nozzles may be evenly spaced angularly around the axis of the spray head.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the nozzles may be unevenly spaced from the inlet to the entry chamber around the entry chamber passage.

in the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the entry chamber cross sectional area may be reduced at one or more nozzles to regulate flow distribution between nozzles. The reduction in cross sectional area may be achieved by a narrowing of the entry chamber passage in the plane perpendicular to the fluid output direction. it may be that the height of the entry chamber passage is substantially constant.

It may be that the ends of the entry chamber passage are chamfered. Such an arrangement may lead to a more efficient use of space. Further, the chamfering of the ends of the chamber may reduce the space in which turbulent flow patterns may form.

The chamfering may also guide the water into nozzles located substantially at the ends of the entry chamber passage.

It may be that the entry chamber tapers towards the nozzles which are more distan from the inlet.

According to the above, the flow distribution between the nozzles may be maintained substantially equal. In embodiments, the flow distribution may be kept within +3% in all nozzles In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect the channel(s) may have a substantially circular cross section.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, it may be that the cross sectional area of the channel(s) is constant along their length.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the ridges may be of substantially equal thickness along their length.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the ridges may extend radially inward from the interior surface of one or more channels towards the longitudinal axis of the or each channel such that the bases of the grooves are formed by the interior surface of the one or more channels.

The ridges may extend by up to at least 20% of the diameter of the channel. The diameter of the channel may be defined as the length of a straight line from one point on the interior surface of the channel to another point on the interior surface of the channel (for example from the base of one groove to the base of the opposite groove) which passes through the central longitudinal axis of the channel and is perpendicular to that longitudinal axis.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the ratio of the length to the diameter of one or more channels may be less than 10. The length of the channel may be defined as the length of a straight line, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel, running from the inlet to the channel, to the outlet of the channel, for example the outlet into the shaped portion. The ratio of the length to the diameter of the channel may be related to the creation of laminar flow. The features disclosed herein may enable the channels to have a lower length to diameter ratio, whilst still providing laminar flow, which in turn enables a more compact means of creating substantially laminar flow.

In the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect, the entry chamber cross sectional area may be increased at an inlet point such that the entry chamber has a bulge at or close to an inlet point. The increase in cross sectional area may be achieved by a widening of the entry chamber passage in the plane perpendicular to the fluid output direction. It may be that the height of the entry chamber passage is substantially constant.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an ablutionary system comprising the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a stream of water comprising using the spray head of the first aspect, or the spray head of the second aspect.

It will be understood that any feature of any aspect may be combined with any other feature of any other aspect unless the features are mutually exclusive.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 illustrates the internals of a shower handset comprising a spray head according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates an alternative view of the spray head shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the entry chamber and nozzles of a spray head according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the entry chamber and nozzles shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the internals of a spray head according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the internals of a spray head according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 schematically illustrates a plan view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 illustrates a cross section through a multi-mode spray head incorporating the chamber and nozzles of the invention; and Figure 9 illustrates an ablutionary installation.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the internal components of a shower handset 2 comprising a spray head I according to an embodiment of the invention. it will be understood that the shower handset 2 may have an external casing which is not shown. It will be further understood that a multi-mode spray head may have other chambers, nozzles, and valves (not shown) to facilitate alternative spray patterns.

When the spray head I is in use, water travels along the handle portion 3 of the handset 2 and into the spray head I. The water travels through the inlet 4 into the entry chamber 6. The entry chamber 6 is in the form of a passage disposed in a first plane which is substantially perpendicular to a fluid output direction 17 of the spray head I. The passage 6 extends along a path in the first plane.

The passage 6 may be planar such that its length along the path in the first plane is much greater than its height in a direction parallel to the fluid output direction 17. For example, the length of the passage 6 may be at least an order of magnitude larger than its height.

The entry chamber passage 6 may extend around an axis 5 of the spray head 1. The axis 5 may be the major central axis of the spray head 1 which is substantially parallel to the fluid output direction 17. The passage 6 may be arranged such that it defines an empty space through which the axis 5 of the spray head 1 passes. Such an arrangement may leave sufficient space for the components used to form alternative spray patterns to be housed in a multi-mode spray head. The water then travels around the entry chamber 6 such that the flow direction in the chamber 6 is perpendicular to the flow in the inlet 4. The water then flows into the outlet nozzles 10.

Each nozzle 10 comprises a channel 11, and a shaped portion 14. The channel 11 of each nozzle 10 extends along a longitudinal axis 9, which also forms an axis of the nozzle 10. The fluid output direction 17 of the spray head I is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 9 of the one or more channels 11, and the direction of the water flow in the entry chamber 6 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 9 of the channel(s) 11.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the entry chamber 6 and nozzles 10 can be seen more clearly. In the illustrated embodiment each nozzle has ridges 12 and grooves 13 on its inner surface, and the entry chamber 6 takes the general shape of a broken circular section or horseshoe. In the example shown, the inlet 4 is positioned much closer to one end of the chamber 6 than the other. A first nozzle 10a is positioned in an anti-clockwise direction around the passage 6 from the inlet 4, whilst the remaining nozzles 10b-f are provided in a clockwise direction from the inlet 4.

it will be understood that a number of constraints may affect the positioning of the inlet 4. For example, in a multi-mode shower head, other inlets, outlets, chambers, and valves will be present to facilitate the other spray modes. As such, the components of the current invention may need to be configured to fit around these other components in a compact spray head.

As will be discussed below in more detail, the entry chamber 6 is shaped to direct water such that the mass flow rate distribution through each nozzle 10 is substantially the same. The chamber 6 is also shaped to minimise turbulent flow.

The chamber 6 has rounded off or chamfered corners to remove intern& areas unused for flow. The chamfered ends 8 of the chamber 6 can be seen in Figure 3. This leads to a more efficient use of space within the spray head 1, as well as reducing the amount of space in which turbulent flow patterns may form In the illustrated embodiment, the entry chamber cross sectional area is largest at an inlet point. The increase in cross sectional area is achieved by a widening of the entry chamber passage 6 in the plane perpendicular to the fluid output direction 5 such that the entry chamber bulges around the inlet 4. The height of the entry chamber passage 6 is constant. Guiding vane 7 inside the chamber 6 directs flow past a second nozzle 10b (the first nozzle 10 from the inlet 4 in the clockwise direction) to ensure that the mass flow rate distribution through the nozzle 10b is not too great As can be best seen in the plan view provided by Figure 4, the cross sectional area of the chamber 6 narrows towards the more distant nozzles 10e, 10f. This shaping means that a smaller portion of the water at the location of these nozzles is able to flow around the nozzle and hence a greater portion will enter the nozzle. Since the mass flow rate in the chamber 6 at the positions of the more distant nozzles is lower than the mass flow rate near the inlet 4, forcing a greater proportion of the flow into the nozzles helps to keep the flow distribution through the nozzles 10 approximately constant between the nozzles 10.

The flow path from the inlet 4 to the first nozzle 10a is constricted such that the section of passage 6 leading to the first nozzle 10a is much narrower than the rest of the passage 6, even more so than the narrowed portion leading to the most distant nozzle 10f. This is to minimise recirculation of water which would lead to turbulent flow, and to provide the water with the shortest possible path from the inlet 4 to the first nozzle I Oa with the least directional changes. Further, the narrow path limits the flow to the nozzle 10a to ensure that it does not receive a greater mass flow rate than the other more distant nozzles 10b-f.

As can be best seen from Figure 3, the tops of the ridges 12 of channels 11 of third and fourth nozzles 10c and 10d (the second and third nozzles 10 from the inlet 4 in the clockwise direction) are chamfered at the inlets to the nozzles (10) such that the inlet to the channel 11 from the entry chamber 6 is tapered. This is an additional measure to ensure that the mass flow rate distribution through the nozzles 10 is substantially equal across the nozzles 10. At the location of the third and fourth nozzles 10c and 10d, the narrowing of the chamber 6, combined with the residual pressure from the inlet 4 means that the water has a higher velocity than at other points in the chamber 6 (the pressure is reduced in the wide chamber areas so the velocity is lower near the inlet, and the narrowest part of the chamber 6 is the most distant from the inlet 4 so there is little momentum left meaning the velocity is lower at the far end of the chamber 6). This high velocity may cause much of the water to pass over the nozzles 10c, 10d without entering them. The chamfering of the tops of ridges 12 at the inlet of the nozzles 10c, 10d encourages the fluid into the respective channels 11c, lid which helps to maintain the substantially equal mass flow rate distribution.

Steady state Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis was performed on an internal volume model of the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, to determine the mass flow rate distribution between the nozzles 10a-f. A summary of the results is

given in Table I.

Table 1

Nozzle Flow Rate (Litres/min) Deviation from mean ("A)) 10a (anti-clockwise) 1.02 +2 10b (first nozzle clockwise) 0.98 -2 10c (second nozzle clockwise) 100 0 10d (third nozzle clockwise) 0.97 -3 10e (fourth nozzle clockwise) 1.03 +3 10f (fifth nozzle clockwise) 1.00 0 In the ideal case, the flow through each nozzle 10 would be equal to the inlet flow rate divided by the number of nozzles 10. In the above analysis, the flow rate through the inlet 4 was 6 litres/min, and so a flow rate of 1 litre/min is optimal result. it can be seen from the results in Table 1 that all of the deviations are within ±3% of the target result. This is therefore a positive result and is due to the properties of the chamber 6 and nozzles 10 discussed above.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of Figure 5 is the same as the embodiment discussed above unless stated otherwise, and so like reference numerals are used for like features.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, there are no ridges 12 and grooves 13 in the channels 11. Instead the inner surface of the channels 11 is smooth. This embodiment may be easier and/or less expensive to manufacture than the embodiment which incorporates the ridges 12 and grooves 13 into the nozzle channels 11. This embodiment may therefore be preferred in applications where more laminar flow is not a priority.

Figure 6 shows the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, in the same perspective view as Figure 5 for comparison. The inverse of the ridges 12 and grooves 13 can be seen on the outer surface of each channel 11. The ridges 12 and grooves 13 on the interior surface of the channels 11 act to reduce the components of flow velocity perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 9 of the nozzles 10 since any water with a velocity which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 9 which contacts a ridge 12 will be deflected in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the flow exiting the channels 11 is much closer to laminar than the flow which enters the channels 11. This reduces twisting at the outlets of the channels I I, and makes the water much easier to shape, downstream of the channel 11, into a desired jet.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates a cross section of a single nozzle 10 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, and Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the channel 11, ridges 12, grooves 13, shaped portion 14, and an intermediate portion 15 between the channel II and shaped portion 14.

The intermediate portion 15 is frustoconical, tapering from the channel 11 to the shaped portion 14. The maximum diameter of the intermediate portion IS corresponds to the diameter d of the channel 11, and the minimum diameter corresponds to the diameter of an inlet of the shaped portion. In cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 9, the intermediate portion 15 is circular in shape.

The shaped portion 14 is configured such that the water passing from the channel I I is formed into a sheet like jet. in the illustrated embodiment, the outlet of the shaped portion 14 is biconvex, when viewed along the longitudinal axis 9. The shaped portion 14 has a circular inlet perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 9, which corresponds to the minimum diameter of the intermediate portion 15. The cross section of the shaped portion 14 transitions smoothly from the circular inlet to the biconvex outlet. From this inlet, the shaped portion 14 flares both in a direction at a tangent to the passage direction, and in the direction perpendicular to that tangent. The flare is more significant in the tangential direction than in the direction perpendicular to the tangent. The overall shape of the shaped portion 14 can be described as a section of the volume which would be formed by rotating a biconvex shape 1800 about its second axis, where the first axis is a straight line between the apexes, and the second axis is the perpendicular bisector of the first axis.

It is envisioned that other jet shapes may be desirable, in this case, the shaped portion 14 may have a different configuration.

The above explained features contribute to the creation of suitably laminar flow with nozzles 10 having a smaller length to diameter ratio than would otherwise be required. The ratio of the length L to the diameter d of the channel may be related to the creation of laminar flow. It is known to use a long thin pipe with a high length to diameter ratio to provide laminar flow. This solution however is not optimal in a shower head due to the volume constraints. The features disclosed herein may enable the channels to have a lower length to diameter ratio which in turn allows more compact nozzles 10 which may fit inside a spray head 2 whilst still providing the necessary laminar flow.

Figure 8 illustrates a cut through view of a mufti-mode spray head which incorporates the inlet 4, entry chamber 6, and nozzles 10 of the invention. In such a spray head, the spray pattern created by the present invention may be selectable, by a user, from a number of different spray patterns in a number of known ways such as the provision of a rotatable lever.

Figure 9 illustrates a spray head 2 according to an embodiment of the invention incorporated in an ablutionary fitting 16. The ablutionary fitting shown in Figure 9 comprises a wall bar with an integral overhead spray head. The multi-mode spray head 2 is held on the wall bar by an adjustable bracket. Water is supplied to the spray head 2 by a flexible hose (not shown) which connects to a diverter valve.

Whilst the invention has been described in relation to water, it will be understood that the spray head 1 of the invention may be used with any suitable fluid.

It will be understood that whilst efforts have been made to describe the shape of the entry chamber 6, the invention is not limited to the shape of the illustrated embodiment.

It will be understood that whilst the illustrated embodiment has six nozzles 10, any number of nozzles are envisaged. All or some or none of the nozzles may be as described above.

Whilst the positions of the nozzles 10 in the illustrated embodiment have been described, it will be understood that the nozzles 10 could be in a number of different positions. They may be unevenly spaced around the passage 6. Alternatively, it may be that the chamber 6 is a different shape to the chamber in the illustrated embodiment, and hence the positions of the nozzles 10 will vary. As an example, the nozzles 10 may be more central, or the passage 6 may spiral inwards or outwards.

In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the entry chamber 6 is substantially constant, varying only at the chamfered ends of the passage 6. It is envisaged that the height of the chamber 6 may not be constant, and may vary. This variation may help to control the mass flow rate, or may be to accommodate components associated with other spray patterns, present in a multi-mode spray head.

In the illustrated embodiment, two of the nozzles 10 are shown to have tapered inlets. It will be understood that any nozzle 10 may have a tapered inlet. Further the angle of the chamfer on the top of the ridges 12 which causes the tapering may be the same at each nozzle 10, or may vary between different tapered inlets.

It is envisaged that the spray head I of the invention may be incorporated into any kind of ablutionary fitting.

The skilled person would understand that the configurations described above are provided for explanatory purposes only, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention as claimed.

References herein to the positions of elements of the spray head I are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the Figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the spray head 1 as shown in the embodiments are illustrative only. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that I5 many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, any embodiment described herein is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Various embodiments are described and intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Those skilled in the art will understand that substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of any embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

Claims

CLAIMSA spray head for an ablutionary fitting, the spray head comprising: an entry chamber configured to receive water flow from an inlet; and at least one nozzle configured as an outlet for water from the entry chamber; wherein the at least one nozzle comprises a channel including an interior surface having a plurality of ridges and grooves that extend parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel such that the ridges and grooves reduce turbulence in the water.
2. A spray head according to claim 1, wherein the spray head comprises a plurality of nozzles, at least some of the nozzles comprising a channel including an interior surface having a plurality of ridges and grooves that extend parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel such that the ridges and grooves reduce turbulence in the water.
3. A spray head according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the entry chamber is a passage extending along a path in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a fluid output direction of the spray head, wherein the fluid output direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the one or more channels.
4. A spray head according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the shape of the entry chamber is configured to provide a substantially equal mass flow rate distribution between the nozzles.
A spray head according to claim 3 or claim 4 when dependant on claim 3, wherein the length of the entry chamber passage extends around an axis of the spray head.
A spray head for an ablutionary fitting, the spray head comprising: an entry chamber configured to receive water from an inlet; and a plurality of nozzles configured to provide outlets from the entry chamber, wherein the entry chamber comprises a passage following a path extending around an axis of the spray head and wherein the path is disposed in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a fluid output direction of the spray head, the shape of the entry chamber being configured to provide a substantially equal mass flow rate distribution between the plurality of nozzles. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
A spray head according to claim 6, wherein one or more of the plurality of nozzles comprise a channel including an interior surface having a plurality of ridges and grooves that extend parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel such that the ridges and grooves reduce turbulence in the water.
A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle or nozzles includes a shaped portion, downstream of the channel, configured to shape flow exiting the nozzle(s).
A spray head according to claim 8, wherein an outlet of the shaped portion has a first and a second dimension, said first and second dimensions being perpendicular to one another, and to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, wherein the first dimension is greater than the second dimension, such that the shaped portion is configured to shape the water flow into a sheet.
A spray head according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the nozzle or nozzles includes an intermediate portion which is disposed between the channel and the shaped portion.
A spray head according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein one or more of the plurality of nozzles have tapered inlets to the channel from the entry chamber to regulate flow distribution between nozzles.
A spray head according to any one of claims 2 to I I. wherein the nozzles are located on a circumference of a circle.
A spray head according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the greater dimension of the outlet(s) of the shaped portion(s) of one or more nozzles is substantially parallel to a tangent to the direction of the path at the longitudinal axis of said nozzle.
14. A spray head according to any one of claim 2, claims 3 to 5 when dependent on claim 2, or claims 6 to 13, wherein the nozzles are evenly spaced angularly around the axis of the spray head.
15. A spray head according to any one of claim 2, claims 3 to 5 when dependent on claim 2, or claims 6 to 14, wherein the entry chamber cross sectional area is reduced at one or more nozzles to regulate flow distribution between nozzles.
16. A spray head according to claim 15, wherein the entry chamber tapers towards the nozzles which are more distant from the inlet.
17. A spray head according to any one of claims I to 5 or 7 to 16, wherein the channel(s) have a substantially circular cross section.
A spray head according to any one of claims I to 5 or 7 to 17, wherein the cross sectional area of the channel(s) is constant along their length.
19. A spray head according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7 to 16 wherein the ridges are of substantially equal thickness along their length.
20. A spray head according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7 to 16, wherein the ridges extend radially inward from the interior surface of one or more channels towards the longitudinal axis of the or each channel.
21. A spray head according to claim 20, wherein the ridges extend by up to at least 20% of the diameter of the channel.
22. A spray head according to any one of claims Ito 5 or 7 to 21, wherein the ratio of the length to the diameter of one or more channels is less than 10.
23. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the entry chamber comprises a bulge at an inlet point.
24. An ablutionary system comprising the spray head of any of claims 1 to 23.
25. A method of providing a stream of water comprising using a spray head according to any of claims 1 to 23.