IE20110441A1 - Instantaneous electric water heaters - Google Patents

Abstract

An instantaneous electric water heater assembly (6) having a housing, an electrical connection element (10) for connection to an external source of electrical power and through which power is supplied to the assembly (6), the connection element (10) being moveable between a plurality of positions within the housing whereby, during installation of the assembly (6), the connection element (10) may be moved to position which corresponds or is close to, or is otherwise suitable/convenient in relation to the location of an existing source of electrical power. <Figure 1>

Description

This invention relates, in broad terms, to the area of instantaneous electric water heaters such as are found, for example, in electric shower assemblies, heated hand wash basins and the like. The invention also relates to a power distribution arrangement suitable for use with electric water heaters but which may also be applicable and useful to other electrical devices, both domestic and otherwise.

Background to the invention The installation of electric showers and other types of instantaneous electric water heaters can present a number of challenges. Where (by way of example) an electric shower is installed in a particular location (e.g. on a tiled bathroom wall) for the first time, the installer often has a number of options and “room for manoeuvre” in terms of electrical and plumbing connections, with many shower manufacturers providing a number of break-out tabs on new shower housings so as to provide a number of alternative cable and pipework entry points.

However, whilst this provides a “first time” installer with a good degree of freedom in terms of how the shower is eiectricaliy connected to an external power supply, significant problems are often met when an existing shower is replaced with a different model, make or series.

Specifically, where the replacement shower has its internal electrical wiring connection at a different position (such as on the opposite side) to the shower being replaced, it can be necessary to rewire (and/or re-plumb) the installation, with consequential requirements to alter or replace any tiling or other such cosmetic facia on which the shower is to be positioned. 1E11 0 441 In short, this is because it is usually required, on installation of a replacement shower unit, for the replacement to occupy the same or a closely similar “footprint as that being replaced. This is for aesthetic, safety and general convenience reasons, tn addition, it can often be the case that the tiling (for example) has become marked (e.g. through water/detergent/hair product staining), with the tiling also perhaps having existing screw holes/drilled mounting apertures within the footprint of the shower unit. Clearly, it is desirable for the replacement unit to cover or conceal any such marks as far as possible, meaning that an identical/near-identical positioning of the replacement unit is highly desirable.

Overview of the prior art A recent attempt to alleviate such problems in electric showers provides a shower unit with dual sets of terminal blocks - one set on either side of the shower body - with each set being fixed in position and electrically connected to the relevant components of the shower. With the positioning of the unit often being constrained (as explained above), this allows an incoming mains power supply to be connected to whichever terminal block is nearest/most convenient.

However, the provision of dual terminal block sets adds both to the cost and complexity of the resulting arrangement. Specifically, as it is necessary for each set of connection blocks both to be electrically connected to each other and to the relevant components of the shower (so that it does not matter which connection block receives the incoming power supply) the amount of internal wiring is increased significantly. This not only adds to the manufacturing cost but also compromises the space available within the shower housing, and the increased number of electrical connections required also inevitably increases IE 1 1 0 4 41 the risk of a break/connection failure at some position within the wiring arrangement.

Summary of the invention 5 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instantaneous electric water heater assembly having a housing, an electrical connection element for connection to an external source of electrical power and through which power is supplied to the assembly, the connection element being moveable between a plurality of positions within the housing whereby, during installation of the assembly, the connection element is moveable to a position which corresponds or is close to, or is otherwise suitable/convenient in relation to the location of an existing source of electrical power.

The connection element may be moveable between two positions which are disposed on opposite sides of the inside of the housing. Regardless of the number of positions, at least some may be defined by locating elements by which the connection element is securable to the housing.

The connection element is preferably an electrical connection block with the locating elements engaging with the block to maintain the block at the desired position.

The locating elements may have a securing element to secure the connection element in position.

The securing element may be a clip or threaded fastener but preferably comprises an opening for reception of a fastener which, in use, passes through the connection element to secure it to one of the locating elements. The opening may be threaded, for reception of a threaded fastener, or unthreaded, for reception (for example) of a self-tapping fastener.

IE1 1 0 4 41 Each locating element may protrude from the housing and preferabiy is a moulding which extends from (and is integral with) the housing.

Alternatively, the possible positions of the connection element may be marked 5 or otherwise defined simply by a securing element, with no locating eiemeni being necessary. The securing element may be as previously described.

The connection element is preferably electrically connected to a power distribution element which, in turn, is electrically connected to at least some of the assembly components which require electrical power.

The connection element may be electrically connected to the power distribution element by way of electrical cables which are preferably attached to the power distribution element in a substantially non-removable manner.

The electrical cables may be attached to the power distribution element by welding, crimping, or other such substantially non-removable means.

The power distribution element conveniently is located substantially 20 equidistant from each of the plurality of possible positions of the connection element. In this way, when (during installation) the connection element is moved between the plurality of possible positions, the electrical cables connecting the connection element to the power distribution element are not exposed to any substantia! strain, twisting, stretching or the like.

Preferably, the power distribution element is located on or close to the main vertical axis of the assembly, most preferabiy at or near the top of the assembly.

The power distribution element may be at least partially hard-wired to said assembly components.

IE1 1 ο 4 4 1 The power distribution element may comprise a moveable part to assist with the movement of electrical cables, between the piuraiity of possible positions of the connection element. The moveable part may be angularly moveable (e.g. rotatable), swingable or pivotable or may comprise a bearing arrangement to facilitate said movement.

The assembiy may comprise a plurality of cable guides to aid routing of the cables between the connection element and the power distribution element. In this way, accurate, safe and convenient positioning of cables is facilitated once the connection element is located at the desired position, reducing the risk of the cables being exposed to any sharp/abrasive component surfaces, areas of elevated temperature or any sharp bends which could expose the cables to an increased risk of failure or work stress.

It will be appreciated, however, that any stress or strain to which the cables may be exposed, during movement, is likely to be minimal. Simply, this is because movement of the connection block between the plurality of possible positions occurs only during installation of the shower unit, in other words, during a typical lifespan of an electric shower, it is likely that the connection block will be moved a very small number of times - probably only once or twice.

In that light, the moveable characteristic of the connection element provides a significant benefit in terms of ease of installation, but with an insignificant risk of any undue stress or strain being applied to the cables.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a moveable coid water inlet.

IEl 1 0 4 4 1 Specifically, the cold water inlet may be moveable between at least two positions whereby, during installation of the assembly, the inlet is moveable to a position which corresponds or is close to, or is otherwise suitable/convenient in relation to the location of an existing cold water supply.

With the additional provision of a moveable cold water inlet of this type, the resulting assembly provides an installer with an optimum degree of flexibility, in terms of the positions of both the mains power and cold water supplies.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric shower having an instantaneous electric water heater assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power distribution arrangement for an electrical device comprising a connection element for connection to a source of electrical power, the connection element being electrically connected to components of the device requiring electrical power, with the connection element being moveable between a plurality of positions within a housing of the device, whereby during installation of the device, the connection element is moveable to a position which corresponds or is close to, or is otherwise suitabie/convenient in relation to the location of an existing source of electrical power. The invention, in the third aspect, may comprise one or more of the features described in relation to the first and second aspects.

Detailed description of the invention Preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, but strictfy by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 1E1 1 0 441 FIGURE 1 shows, in simplified terms, the internal layout of an electric shower assembly; FIGURE 2 shows a similar layout, but with the connection element being 5 disposed at a different position; and FIGURE 3 shows a similar arrangement to Figure 2, but with a cold water iniet adjusted to receive a cold water supply from a different direction.

Referring first to Figure 1, this shows, in simplified form, the inside (5) of an electric shower assembly (6), with the assembly (6) comprising (in generally conventional manner) an electric heater can (7) disposed upstream of a hot water outlet (8), with the shower being operated via a generally conventionai on/off switch (not shown), a flow control vaive (26) and a power selector (9).

Mains electrical power to the unit is passed to the unit through an electrical connection element (10) in the form of a plastics connection block, in the example shown, the connection block has provision for two through cabie connections (live and neutral) although it wili of course be appreciated that three through connections are also envisaged, so as to provide an additional earth connection, as required. Thus, in use, mains electrical power is provided by way of an incoming cable arrangement connected to the block (10) via the lower pair of screw connectors (20 and 21). Power is then passed to the relevant components of the shower along internal cable/wires (12) to a power distribution element (13) in the form of a terminal plate, block or the like. From the power distribution element, further internal wires/cabies (not shown, for clarity) run to the thermal cut-out (27) and the heater can (7). The outlet temperature regulator (22), solenoid valve (23), and on/off switch and indicator lights, are also powered, in a generally conventionally manner.

IE1 1 0 4 4 1 It will be appreciated, of course, that the cabling between the power distribution element and the various electrical components is generally conventional and simply replaces the cabling which, in prior art shower arrangements, would otherwise run directly from the connection block (10) to the components.

However, it is envisaged by the applicants that at least some of the electrical connectivity between the power distribution element (13) and the various components requiring electrical power may be effected by way of a hard-wired arrangement, as convenient.

The connection block (10), in the example shown, is received snugly in a moulding (16) which extends from (and is formed integrally with) the inner surface of the shower (5). In the example, the moulding (16) is provided with an aperture (24) to receive a self-tapping fastener (25) (such as a screw) which passes through the connection block (10) and secures the block (10) to the housing.

As can be seen from the right of Figure 1, an alternative position (11) is provided for location of the connection block (10). This alterative position is also provided with an aperture (24a) whereby the connection block (10) can be moved from its left-hand position to the right-hand position, in accordance with the wishes of an installer.

Thus, in order to accommodate an existing electricai power source disposed towards the left of the shower housing, the connection block (10) can be retained at the position shown in Figure 1, with the incoming power cables being attached simply to the connection block via the connection screws (20 and 21). However, should the installer find that the desired location of the shower means that the incoming power supply is disposed towards the other side of the shower housing, it is a simple matter to remove the connection IE 1 1 ο 4 4 1 block (10) from the left hand moulding (16) by removal of the self-tapping fastener (25) and to reposition the block (10) at the alternative position (11), securing it by way of the same fastener (25) into the aperture (24a). It will of course be understood that other types of fastener are also envisaged as being suitable.

As can be seen from Figure 2, which shows the connection block (10) in the alternative (right hand) position, the central disposition of the power distribution element (13) means that the connection block (10) (and the internal wires (12) attached to it) can move (“swing”) easily between the two sides of the assembly. In the example shown, the wires (12) are welded or crimped to the power distribution element (13) so as to minimise the possibility of any detachment, with the subsequent cabling (from the power distribution element to the components - not shown) not being exposed to any movement whatsoever, regardless of a left or right handed incoming power supply.

Whilst, for ease of illustration, the figures show the interna! wires (12) positioned over and around certain internal components of the shower, it will be appreciated that this is for clarity only and that, in practice, it is likely that the cables wouid be routed between the connection block and power distribution element (13) in such a way that contact with the components was avoided or reduced, as far as possible. To that end, suitable cable guides (such as lugs, clips or posts) could be provided, whereby an installer can simply press the wires (12) into position, at the same time as (or subsequent to) the connection block (10) is secured at the relevant position. This will not only simplify the installation process but will also help to ensure that any sharp bends or hot spots are avoided, which could damage or affect the safe operation ofthe internal wires (12).

Figure 3 is largely similar to Figure 2, save that the cold water inlet (15) has been moved from the right-hand position of Figure 2 to the left-hand position.

|E1 1 0 4 41 As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, this degree of movement (made possible by a rotatably mounted inlet pipe) provides even greater flexibility to the installer, as it allows an existing cold water supply to enter the unit from a piuraiity of different positions. In addition to the basic left/right option, provided by way of the rotatable inlet pipe, a separate elbow connector (not shown) may be provided, for attachment to the end of the water inlet (15), with the elbow connector being rotatable about the principal axis of the inlet (15), thus accommodating an inlet water supply both from below and above the unit.

Whilst, in the specific embodiments shown, the connection element (10) provides eiectrical power to the components of the shower via the power distribution element (13), it will of course be appreciated that the power distribution element could be omitted, under some circumstances, in other words, the use of sufficiently flexible (and stress and strain resistant) cables could allow the connection block (10) to be directly connected to the various electrical components. The cables directly connecting the connection element to the components could be pinched, clamped or otherwise held to the assembly at a position along their length. Those parts of the cables between the connection element and the holding position would be free to move, but those parts of the cables between the holding position and the components would be substantially retained in position, and thus not exposed to any movement-induced stress or strain. However, as this could result in the cables overlying and coming into contact with some of the internal components, it is considered far preferable, by the applicants, to adopt the intermediary of the power distribution element, conveniently at the upper centra! position shown.

It will of course be appreciated by those skilled in the art of electrical circuits, components and wiring assemblies that the power distribution arrangement in these examples could well find application in other domestic, commercial or IE 1 1 Ο 4 4 1 industrial electrical appliances, where varying power source entry positions also present challenges. Thus, the advantages provided by the moveable connection element of the present invention could be beneficial in (for example) wall mounted clocks, lighting arrangements, audio controls, central heating controls, air conditioning controls and the like.

Claims (21)

Claims

1. An instantaneous electric water heater assembly having a housing, an etectricai connection element for connection to an external source of 5 electricaf power and through which power is supplied to the assembly, the connection element being moveable between a plurality of positions within the housing whereby, during installation of the assembly, the connection element is moveable to a position which corresponds or is close to, or is otherwise suitable/convenient in relation to the location of 10 an existing source of electrical power.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the connection element is moveable between two positions which are disposed on opposite sides of the inside of the housing.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the positions are 15 defined by locating elements by which the connection element is securable to the housing.

4. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the connection element is an electrical connection block and wherein the locating elements engage with the block to maintain the block at the desired position. 20 5. An assembly according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the locating elements have a securing element to secure the connection element in position. 6. An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the securing element is a clip. 25 7. An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the securing element is an opening for reception of a threaded fastener which, in use, passes through the connection element to secure it to one of the locating elements. IE 1 10441 8. An assembly according to claim 5 whereby the securing element is an opening for reception of a self-tapping fastener which, in use, passes through the connection element to secure it to one of the locating elements.

5. 9. An assembly according to any of claims 3 to 8 wherein each locating element is a moulding which extends from the housing.

6. 10. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the positions are marked or otherwise defined by a securing element.

7. 11. An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the securing element is as 10 defined in claim 6, claim 7 or claim 8.

8. 12. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the connection element is electrically connected to a power distribution element which, in turn, is electrically connected to at least some of the assembly components which require electrical power. 15

9. 13. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the connection element is electrically connected to the power distribution element by way of electrical cables which are attached to the power distribution element in a substantially non-removabie manner.

10. 14. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the electrical cables are 20 attached to the power distribution element by welding or crimping.

11. 15. An assembly according to claim 12, claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the power distribution element is located substantially equidistant from each of the plurality of possible positions of the connection element.

12. 16. An assembly according to any of claims 12 to 15 wherein the power 25 distribution element is located on or close to a main vertical axis of the assembly. IE 1 1 ο 4 4 1

13. 17. An assembly according to any of claims 12 to 16 wherein the power distribution element is located at or near the top ofthe assembly.

14. 18. An assembly according to any of ciaims 12 to 17 wherein the power distribution element is at least partially hard-wired to said assembly 5 components.

15. 19. An assembly according to any of ciaims 13 to 18 having a plurality of cable guides to aid routing of the cables between the connection element and the power distribution element.

16. 20. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the connection element is 10 electrically connected to the power distribution element by way of electrical cables, with the assembly having a plurality of cable guides to aid routing of the cables between the connection element and the power distribution element.

17. 21. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the power distribution 15 element is located substantially equidistant from each of the plurality of possible positions of the connection element, and wherein the connection element is electrically connected to the power distribution element by way of electrical cables, with the assembly having a plurality of cable guides to aid routing of the cables between the connection 20 element and the power distribution element.

18. 22. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims having a moveabie cold water inlet.

19. 23. An assembly according to claim 22 wherein the inlet is moveable between at least two positions whereby, during installation of the 25 assembly, the inlet is moveabie to a position which corresponds or is close to, or is otherwise suitabie/convenient in relation to the location of an existing cold water supply. 1E1 1 0 441

20. 24. An electric shower having an instantaneous electric water heater assembly in accordance with any ofthe preceding claims.

21. 25. A power distribution arrangement for an eiectrical device comprising a connection element for connection to a source of electrical power, the 5 connection element being electrically connected to components of the device requiring electricai power, with the connection element being moveable between a plurality of positions within a housing of the device, whereby during installation of the device, the connection element is moveable to a position which corresponds or is close to, or is 10 otherwise suitabie/convenient in relation to the location of an existing source of electrical power.