Faucet with fine flow regulation

Abstract

The invention relates to a faucet with fine flow regulation, comprising a main body (1), a cold water pipeline (2) and hot water pipeline (3), at least one handle (4), an internal mixing and regulation valve (78), and a spout (6) with an outlet at the end thereof. Said faucet further comprises at least one first fine flow regulation device consisting of a removable cartridge (5) coupled to the outlet of the spout (6), with a fixed piece (9) having internal passages and a movable piece (10) with obturation elements, which is associated with a lever (10.1). Optionally, the faucet also includes a second fine flow regulation device consisting of a fixed regulator (14) incorporated into the base of the hollow body (1) of the faucet, which is connected to the mixing and regulation valve (78) or directly to the conduits of the cold water pipeline (2) and hot water pipeline (3).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] FINE FLOW CONTROL TAP

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as stated in the present descriptive report, refers to a tap with fine flow regulation, providing advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below, that represent an improvement over the current state of the art.

[0005] The object of the present invention is a tap for domestic use, whether of the type known as single-lever or any other type, whether or not it is a mixer, which has the particularity of being equipped with means of fine, that is, precise, regulation of the flow of water it supplies and which, consisting of at least one device that may consist of a regulating cartridge attachable in a removable manner to the outlet of the spout or a device consisting of a regulator integrated in the base of the tap in a fixed manner, the user can operate by a simple manual manipulation of one or the other device, allowing saving water regardless of how the opening of the tap is adjusted in each use, and thus always consuming only what is strictly necessary.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of plumbing elements, focusing particularly on the field of taps for water supply, especially encompassing flow regulation systems, apparatus and devices.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The use of water supply taps is so widespread globally that it would be impossible to compile all existing records of patents registered with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office. However, since the invention presented in this document specifically relates to water conservation, the range of registered inventions is significantly reduced, although still quite broad. In any case, some registered inventions are cited below as examples.

[0010] The document ES1004768U, Modular single-lever mixer for taps, refers to a single-lever tap that has the opening and closing lever positioned in such a way that it is easier to regulate the flow of mixed water where the hot and cold water enter a chamber before exiting through the spout.

[0011] Utility Model ES1048180U, Water Saving Device, describes a solution very similar to the one proposed in this document, as it incorporates a two-position cartridge into a single-lever tap with a maximum and minimum supply regardless of the opening given to the lever of the single-lever tap.

[0012] Patent ES-2244358 A1, entitled "Water Saving Device," describes an energy-saving device of the type attachable to taps for common consumption points, with hot and cold water circuits. It has a user-operated control and temperature-sensitive means through which the device's operating position is determined. The flow rate is regulated by a thermosensitive spring. This patent is very similar to the one now being proposed.

[0013] Finally, Patent ES-2372055T3, entitled "Installation, device and procedure for saving water", whose purpose is similar to that of the registrations mentioned above, describes a more complex installation conceived by the same inventor as the one mentioned third.

[0014] However, while it is true that the objective of all these inventions is water conservation, the one presented in this document is novel, economical, and very simple, being applicable to all single-lever faucets on the market. It is even applicable, at least in its basic form, to ordinary faucets that supply hot or cold water through separate spouts, although, in that case, it is clear that a regulating cartridge would have to be installed in each spout. In any case, a key objective of the present invention is to solve a very common problem with single-lever faucets, whose installation is increasingly common in kitchens and bathrooms, which supply hot, cold, or mixed water at the user's desired temperature simply by properly operating the faucet's opening lever.

[0015] It frequently happens that, over time, the opening and supply mechanism loses its initial characteristics as a result of the progressive accumulation of limescale in the water.

[0016] This creates serious difficulties when the user wants to regulate the water supply precisely, as it results in fluctuations, excessive or insufficient flow. The outcome is that people often choose to leave it as is, with a constant flow of more water than necessary that is lost down the drain while they shave, wash their face, brush their teeth, or work in the kitchen sink.

[0017] The invention presented in this document provides an innovative solution by coupling regulating means that allow the flow rate to be adjusted with a fine graduation by simply manipulating a lever or actuator, said means being, at least partially, easily removable to allow for periodic cleaning and to prevent them from becoming blocked due to the accumulation of limescale.

[0018] Thus, and with reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least as far as the applicant is concerned, there is no knowledge of any other tap with fine flow regulation, nor any other invention of similar application, that presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal or similar to those of the one claimed herein.

[0019] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The finely regulated flow tap proposed by this invention is configured as an optimal solution for achieving the aforementioned objectives while also representing an improvement over the current state of the art. The characterizing details that make this possible and distinguish it are conveniently set forth in the final claims accompanying this description. Specifically, as previously mentioned, the invention proposes a tap for domestic use, which may be a single-lever or other type, with or without a mixer, featuring the distinctive characteristic of being equipped with means for finely regulating the water flow it supplies. This flow can be operated by the user through simple manual manipulation, allowing for water savings regardless of how the tap is opened for each use, thus consuming only the strictly necessary amount.To this end, and more specifically, the tap that is the subject of the invention comprises, at least, a first fine flow regulation device consisting of a removable regulating cartridge, preferably attached by screw, to the outlet of the spout, which, basically formed by a fixed piece with one or more passage openings and a movable obturating piece associated with a lever, allows the user, by moving said lever in one direction or another, to widen or reduce the obstruction of the openings, and consequently, regulate the volume of water flow that comes out of the spout.

[0021] Ideally, the removable regulating cartridge includes ceramic pieces, one of which remains stationary while the other rotates when the lever is operated. The rotating piece allows water from the tap to pass through, as it has a closed section, which acts as a seal, and an open section positioned slightly off-center. The stationary piece, on the other hand, has a base that acts as a distributor, equipped with a series of small perforations distributed in such a way that, when the lever is operated and the attached seal is moved, the open section allows water to pass through one, two, or more of these openings for progressive flow regulation.

[0022] In a second embodiment, the openings of the distributor of the fixed piece are replaced by a window that increases in width, thereby achieving the same objective, depending on the position of the obturation and opening area occupied by the movable piece when it is rotated through the lever, a more or less wide portion of said window is freed and thus the flow coming out of the pipe is regulated.

[0023] Ideally, the cartridge is equipped with a filter to retain impurities, which can also be easily removed from the body for periodic cleaning, as is the case with most faucets that incorporate the filter at the spout outlet for screw-on assembly and disassembly. In a more complete version of the faucet, which is preferably a single-lever type, the fine flow control device allows for precise control of the water supplied, in this case directly from the inside. This device is permanently integrated into the base of the faucet and regulates the flow via a simple actuator.

[0024] The fine flow regulation device, permanently integrated into the base of the tap, preferably comprises a rotating ring, adapted to the dimensions of the tap base, which includes a gradual actuator, which can be easily manipulated by the user from the outside, and a connector that links said rotating body with an internal water passage valve of the tap itself, so that, depending on the position in which it is located, it regulates said valve and increases or decreases the flow passing through it, acting on this in the conduction of the mixed water (cold / hot).

[0025] Preferably, the actuator of the rotating ring body is a rough or grooved surface on the outside of the ring, so that the user can hold it to rotate the ring to one side or the other and regulate the flow.

[0026] The connector, for its part, can consist of an electronic cable or a mechanical transmission, depending on the type of valve the faucet has. Logically, this second regulating device will be permanently installed in the faucet during its manufacture. While it is possible to adapt it to existing faucets, once installed it will not be easily removable.

[0027] Another alternative is for the regulating ring to act directly on the tap pipes before the water passes to the valve where the hot / cold water is mixed.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by sheets of drawings in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure number 1.- Shows a schematic side elevation view of an example of the tap with fine flow regulation, specifically a single-lever type example, in a basic vane of the same with a removable regulating cartridge at the spout outlet, showing its general configuration; Figure number 2.- Shows a schematic plan view of an example of the valve or group of parts that regulate the flow of the tap shown in figure 1, being represented in the closed position; Figure number 3.Figure 4 shows a view similar to the previous one, of the parts of the valve that regulates the flow of the tap, in this case represented in the position of supplying a mixture of cold and hot water; Figure 5 shows another view similar to the previous ones, of the parts of the valve that regulates the flow of the tap, in this case represented in the position of supplying only hot water; Figure 6 shows another view similar to the previous ones, of the parts of the valve that regulates the flow of the tap, in this case represented in the position of supplying only cold water; Figure 7 shows a schematic side elevation view of an example of the removable regulating cartridge that comprises the tap of the invention, represented independently, showing its external configuration and main parts;Figure 6 shows a bottom plan view of the cartridge shown in Figure 6, showing the filter it includes; Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the inside of the cartridge, in an embodiment with multiple circular openings in the fixed distributor, represented in a fully closed position; Figure 9 shows a similar schematic view of the inside of the cartridge, in this case represented in a fully open position; Figures 10 and 11 show two more views of the inside of the cartridge, in its embodiment with multiple openings in the fixed distributor, represented in respective positions of minimum opening and slightly larger opening; Figure 12 shows another schematic view of the inside of the cartridge, in another embodiment, in this case with a variable section window in the fixed distributor, represented in the maximum opening position; Figure 13.- It shows another view similar to the previous one of the interior of the cartridge in its vahante with a variable section window in the fixed distributor, in this case represented in an intermediate opening position; and figure number 14.- It shows a schematic side elevation view of another example of the tap of the invention, in this case in a vahante of the same where the flow regulation element is integrated into the base of the tap, the internal elements having been schematically represented by dashed lines.

[0030] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In view of the aforementioned figures, one can observe in them various non-limiting examples of the embodiment of the tap with fine flow regulation of the invention, each element of what is described in detail below being indicated according to the numbering adopted, according to the following list:

[0032] - body (1)

[0033] - cold water pipe (2)

[0034] - hot water pipe (3)

[0035] - lever (4)

[0036] - cartridge (5)

[0037] - pipe (6)

[0038] - mixing and regulating valve (78)

[0039] - fixed plate (7) - hot water inlet hole (7.1)

[0040] - cold water inlet hole (7.2)

[0041] - mixed water outlet holes (7.3)

[0042] - movable plate (8)

[0043] - distribution hole (8.1)

[0044] - fixed part (9)

[0045] - thread (9.1)

[0046] - moving part (10)

[0047] - lever (10.1)

[0048] - filter (11)

[0049] - fixed distributor (12),

[0050] - perforations (12.1)

[0051] - variable section window (12.2)

[0052] - rotating shutter (13)

[0053] - fixed regulator (14)

[0054] - ring (15)

[0055] - gradual actuator (15.1)

[0056] - connector (15.2)

[0057] Thus, as can be seen in said figures, the tap of the invention, being of the type conventionally formed by a main hollow body (1), into which a cold water pipe (2) and a hot water pipe (3) are inserted, comprising at least one operating handle (4), when it is of the single-lever type, as represented in the figures _without ruling out that it may have two handles or independent operating means when it is not single-lever_, associated with an internal mixing and regulating valve (78), and a spout (6) provided with an outlet hole at its end.

[0058] For informational purposes, to facilitate understanding of the conventional operation of a single-lever faucet, Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 include a representation of the most important elements comprising the mixing and regulating valve (78) in this type of faucet: a fixed plate (7) and a movable plate (8). The fixed plate (7) has three holes: one for the hot water inlet (7.1), another for the cold water inlet (7.2), and a third for the mixed water outlet (7.3) to the spout (6). The movable plate (8) has a single distribution hole (8.1), and it is this movable plate (8) that is connected to the faucet handle (4).

[0059] Figure 2 shows the closed tap position, where you can see how the movable plate (8) covers the hot (7.1) and cold (7.2) water inlet holes.

[0060] In Figure 3, the movable plate (8) has been moved and allows the passage and mixing of hot and cold water towards the outlet hole to the tap spout (7.3).

[0061] Figures 4 and 5 show the cases of exclusive hot water supply (Figure 4) and cold water supply (Figure 5).

[0062] Well, starting from this already known configuration, the tap that is the subject of the invention is distinguished, essentially, by comprising, at least, a first fine flow regulation device consisting of a regulating cartridge (5) attached, in a removable manner, to the outlet of the spout (6), which is basically made up of a fixed piece (9) with one or more internal passage openings and a movable piece (10) with internal obturation elements and associated with a lever (10.1), being configured as a device to regulate the flow supplied by the tap through said outlet of the spout (6) by means of the actuation of said lever (10.1).

[0063] Preferably, the fixed part (9) is provided with a thread (9.1) on the top, to allow the removable coupling of the cartridge (5) to the outlet hole of the tap pipe (6), which generally has a threaded portion on its inner wall for the inclusion of filters and / or atomizers, so that the cartridge (5) is incorporated in place of such elements.

[0064] Preferably, both the fixed (9) and moving (10) parts of the cartridge (5) have a cylindrical configuration, with the moving part (10) being rotatable by manipulating the lever (10.1) with respect to the fixed part (9).

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as internal elements to the fixed (9) and movable (10) part comprising the cartridge (5) for regulating the flow rate, the following are provided: - a fixed distributor (12), integral with the fixed part (9), which is provided with multiple perforations (12.1), defining passage openings, distributed in a semicircular portion of its circular surface, and

[0066] - a rotating shutter (13), attached to the moving part (10) and its lever (10.1), which is made up of a semicircular portion.

[0067] By turning the lever (10.1), the rotating obturator (13), which moves together with the movable part (10), is displaced over the fixed distributor (12) and the perforations (12.1) of the same are totally or partially covered, allowing, depending on the position, the flow rate to be regulated by leaving more or fewer perforations (12.1) uncovered.

[0068] Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 show the described elements that allow this regulation, which are the fixed distributor (12), equipped with multiple perforations (12.1), attached to the fixed piece (9), and the rotating shutter (13) attached to the rotating piece (10) and its lever (10.1).

[0069] Figure 8 shows the cartridge (5) in the closed position, with the rotating shutter (13) covering all the perforations (12.1) of the fixed distributor (12). Conversely, Figure 9 shows the cartridge (5) fully open, allowing water to flow through all the perforations (12.1). Figures 10 and 11 show intermediate positions demonstrating the possibility of fine-tuning by the user using the lever (10.1).

[0070] Furthermore, according to figures 12 and 13, it can be seen how, in an alternative embodiment, the cartridge (5), as internal elements to the fixed part (9) and the moving part (10) to provide flow regulation, comprises:

[0071] - a fixed distributor (12), integral with the fixed part (9), which is provided with a single window of variable section (12.2), which defines a single passage opening wider at one end and narrower at the other, being situated so that it only covers a semicircular portion of the circular surface of said fixed distributor (12), and - the same rotating shutter (13), integral with the movable part (10) and its lever (10.1), formed by a semicircular portion.

[0072] In this case, depending on the position of the shutter (13) when rotated by the lever (10.1), a more or less large portion of the variable-section window (12.2) is opened, thus regulating the flow rate exiting the pipe (6). Figures 12 and 13 show the case of a fully open and a very small opening, respectively.

[0073] It should be noted that, in both the first and second embodiments, the maximum rotation angle of the rotating shutter (13), which is integral with the rotating piece (10), is 180 degrees, for which the corresponding internal stops, not shown, are incorporated.

[0074] Furthermore, in either of the two options, preferably, the cartridge (5) is also equipped with a filter (1) attached to the bottom of the moving part (10), on the opposite side from the thread (9.1) with which it is attached to the pipe (6), to retain impurities, which can also be easily removed from the cartridge body (5) for periodic cleaning.

[0075] Furthermore, according to Figure 14, it can be seen how, in one embodiment of the tap, this, which is preferably of the single-lever type, where the fine flow regulation device consists of a fixed regulator (14) incorporated in the base of the hollow body (1) of the tap that regulates the flow supplied by the tap through said outlet of the pipe (6).

[0076] The fixed regulator (14) can operate a valve located downstream of the mixing and regulating valve (78), i.e., it regulates the flow of water that comes out through the pipe (6) to the outside.

[0077] Alternatively, the fixed regulator (14) can operate a valve located upstream of the mixing and regulating valve (78), i.e., it regulates the flow of water from the cold water pipe (2) and the hot water pipe (3) entering the mixing and regulating valve (78).

[0078] The connection between the fixed regulator (14) and the valves on which it acts can be made through a mechanical transmission as well as through an electrical cable that sends an electrical signal to act on the valve.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixed regulator (14) comprises a rotating ring (15), adapted to the dimensions of the base of the tap body (1), which includes a gradual actuator (15.1), for example, defined by a grooved external surface.

[0080] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field can understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- A tap with fine flow regulation, consisting of a main hollow body (1) into which a cold water pipe (2) and a hot water pipe (3) are inserted, comprising at least one operating handle (4) associated with an internal mixing and regulating valve (78), and a spout (6) provided with an outlet orifice at its end, is characterized by comprising a fine flow regulation device configured to regulate the flow supplied by the tap through said spout outlet (6) independently of the internal mixing and regulating valve (78). 2.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fine regulation device consists of a removable cartridge (5) which, coupled to the outlet of the spout (6), comprises a fixed piece (9) with one or more internal passage openings and a movable piece (10) with internal obturation elements and associated with a lever (10.1), being configured to regulate the flow supplied by the tap through said outlet of the spout (6). 3.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixed part (9) is provided with a thread (9.1) at the top, to allow the removable coupling of the cartridge (5) to the outlet hole of the spout (6). 4.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that both fixed (9) and movable (10) parts of the cartridge (5) have a cylindrical configuration, the movable part (10) being rotatable by means of manipulation of the lever (10.1) with respect to the fixed part (9). 5.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to claim 4, characterized in that, as internal elements to the fixed (9) and movable (10) part comprising the cartridge (5) to provide flow regulation, the following are provided: - a fixed distributor (12), integral with the fixed piece (9), which is provided with multiple perforations (12.1), which define passage openings, distributed in a semicircular portion of its circular surface, and - a rotating shutter (13), integral with the moving part (10) and its lever (10.1), which is made up of a semicircular portion. 6.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to claim 4, characterized in that, as internal elements to the fixed (9) and movable (10) part comprising the cartridge (5) to provide flow regulation, the following are provided: - a fixed distributor (12), integral with the fixed part (9), which is provided with a single window of variable section (12.2), which defines a single passage opening wider at one end and narrower at the other, being situated so that it only covers a semicircular portion of the circular surface of said fixed distributor (12), and - a rotating shutter (13), attached to the moving part (10) and its lever (10.1), consisting of a semicircular portion. 7.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it incorporates internal stops that limit the maximum rotation angle of the rotating obturator (13), integral with the rotating piece (10), to 180 sexagesimal degrees. 8.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to any of claims 2-7, characterized in that the cartridge (5) is provided with a filter (1) coupled to the lower part of the movable piece (10). 9.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to any of claim 1, characterized in that the fine flow regulation device consists of a fixed regulator (14) incorporated in the base of the hollow body (1) of the tap which regulates the flow supplied by the tap through said outlet of the spout (6). 10.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to any of claim 9, characterized in that the fixed regulator (14) actuates a valve located downstream of the mixing and regulating valve (78), i.e., it regulates the flow of water that comes out through the pipe (6) to the outside. 10.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to any of claim 9, characterized in that the fixed regulator (14) actuates a valve located upstream of the mixing and regulating valve (78), i.e., it regulates the flow of water from the cold water pipe (2) and from the hot water pipe (3) entering the mixing and regulating valve (78), 11.- Tap with fine flow regulation, according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixed regulator (14) comprises a rotating ring (15), adapted to the dimensions of the base of the tap body (1), which includes a gradual actuator (15.1).

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