Delivery spout for sinks having a pull-out spray head with spring return
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure IT2026050024_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DELIVERY SPOUT FOR SINKS HAVING A PULL-OUT SPRAY HEAD WITH SPRING RETURN
[0002] The present invention relates to a delivery spout for sinks having a pull-out spray head with spring return.
[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a retaining mechanism for a pull-out spray head for sinks.
[0004] In the prior art, faucets for sinks are known having a spray head that can be pulled out of the main delivery body of the sink at the water outlet opening, thereby allowing a more precise cleaning of the dirty objects placed in the sink.
[0005] Typically, in faucets of this type, the hose of the pull-out spray head extends from beneath the sink on which the faucet is installed, and the delivery outlet (which is part of the pull-out spray head) is returned to its seat.
[0006] In this type of faucet well-known in the art, the return of the pull-out spray head to its seat is facilitated by the presence of a counterweight mechanism, which, however, requires free space to facilitate its movement.
[0007] Such a counterweight mechanism is typically positioned in a space beneath the sink on which the faucet is installed, said space is often crowded with technical components, such as:
[0008] - drain pipes from the basins to the drain manifold positioned on the wall where the sink is installed; or
[0009] - steel hoses supplying water to the faucet; and often waste collection containers.
[0010] Since in this type of faucet, well-known in the art, the sealing is provided at the faucet outlet, during water delivery, the water fills the entire faucet body up to the end of the hose within it. Therefore, as long as water is being delivered, once the spray head is pulled out, and therefore also part of the hose, the return of the pull-out spray head to its seat becomes difficult due to the high pressure generated within the faucet.
[0011] The aim of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, in order to develop a delivery spout for sinks with a pull-out sprayhead having optimal water sealing along with improved pressure control and ensuring the spray head can be returned to its seat after use.
[0012] A further aim of the present invention is to provide a pull-out spray head for a faucet delivery spout without components located below the faucet itself, at a reduced cost.
[0013] An object of the invention therefore is a delivery spout for delivering a fluid, said delivery spout comprising a tubular main body having a first base end and a second end, a first tube arranged within said main body having a first end, coupled to said first base end of said main body, and a second end, a sliding bushing having a first upper portion and a second lower portion through which a central through hole is formed, at which said sliding bushing externally surrounds said first tube so as to slide freely along it and said first upper portion, a second tube having a first end and a second end, said second tube being arranged within said main body and being telescopically slidable externally to said first tube, said second tube being coupled at its first end to the first upper portion of said sliding bushing and having its second end in fluid communication with the second end of said first tube, and
[0014] a spring element constrained within said main body and coupled to said sliding bushing so as to exert an elastic force thereon.
[0015] Moreover, according to the invention, said sliding bushing may comprise a housing interspace at said central through hole and at its lower portion, wherein said delivery spout may further comprise at least one first seal having a central through hole and arranged in said housing interspace in such a way as to externally surround said first tube and slide freely along it.
[0016] In addition, according to the invention, said central through hole of said at least one first seal may have at least one internal protruding edge adapted to abut against the external surface of said first tube.
[0017] Also, according to the invention, said first seal may further comprise at least one external protruding edge on the external edge with respect to said central through hole adapted to abut against the surface of the housing interspace of said sliding bushing.Furthermore, according to the invention, said delivery spout may further comprise a cap coupled to the second lower portion of said sliding bushing, said cap having a central through hole in such a way as to externally surround said first tube and slide freely along it.
[0018] Preferably, according to the invention, said delivery spout may comprise a second seal and said cap may provide an internal housing portion to house said second seal.
[0019] Again, according to the invention, said sliding bushing may have a hollow cylindrical body having a central perforated wall on which said central through hole is formed, said central perforated wall being adapted to define and partially separate said first upper portion and said second lower portion, wherein said housing interspace may be formed.
[0020] In addition, according to the invention, said sliding bushing may provide, on its outer surface, at least one external peripheral groove, and may comprise at least one sliding ring arranged in the respective external peripheral groove, so as to abut against the inner surface of said main body.
[0021] In particular, according to the invention, said upper portion of said sliding bushing may have an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of its lower portion which has a disk-shaped upper surface protruding from said upper portion, wherein said upper portion is configured to fit into and be coupled within said first end of said second tube, and wherein said spring abuts against said upper disc-shaped surface of said lower portion.
[0022] Also according to the invention, said delivery spout may further comprise a connecting body having a through hole, said connecting body being arranged and coupled within said main body at its first base end, wherein said first end of said first tube may be fitted into and coupled to said through hole of said connecting body for coupling to said first base end of said main body.
[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention, said delivery spout may further comprise a base body adapted to be fixed to a sink, wherein said connecting body may be rotatably coupled to said base body.
[0024] Again, according to the invention, said delivery spout may further comprise reversible coupling means arranged within said second end ofsaid main body for reversibly coupling said second end of said second tube to said second end of said main body, wherein preferably, said reversible coupling means are magnetic coupling means.
[0025] Also, according to the invention, said delivery spout may further comprise a fitting arranged within said through hole of said connecting body, said fitting having a through hole and being externally and rigidly coupled to said first end of said first tube via said through hole.
[0026] In addition, according to the invention, said delivery spout may further comprise a spray head rigidly coupled and in fluid communication with said second end of said second tube.
[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention, said spring element is a helical compression spring surrounding said second tube, said helical compression spring having its ends arranged at said second end of said main body and at said first upper portion of said sliding bushing.
[0028] Moreover, according to the invention, a mechanical stop system may be provided acting on said spring element to limit the pull-out distance of said second tube in said second configuration.
[0029] In particular, according to the invention, said helical compression spring may have a portion of the coils with a pitch substantially equal to 0.
[0030] A further object of the invention is a faucet comprising a delivery spout and a control body for controlling the passage and / or the mixing of a fluid within said delivery spout according to the invention.
[0031] The invention will now be described by way of example only and without limitation, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a delivery spout according to the invention, in a first embodiment, for a faucet with a pull-out spray head assembled to a faucet body, in a first operating configuration;
[0033] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the delivery spout of Figure 1 , in exploded view;
[0034] Figure 3a shows a front view of the delivery spout of Figure 2;
[0035] Figure 3b shows a sectional view along the plane lllb - lllb’ of the delivery spout of Figure 1 in a first operating configuration;Figure 4 shows detail IV of Figure 3b;
[0036] Figure 5a shows a front view of the delivery spout of Figure 3a in a second operating configuration, with the pull-out spray head partially pulled out;
[0037] Figure 5b shows a sectional view along the plane Vb - Vb’ of the delivery spout of Figure 5a;
[0038] Figure 6 shows detail VI of Figure 5b;
[0039] Figures 7a-7d show a front view of the base of the delivery spout of Figure 2, successively illustrating its innermost components;
[0040] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the flexible tube of the pull-out spray head of the delivery spout of Figure 2;
[0041] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the helical spring of the pull-out spray head of the delivery spout of Figure 2;
[0042] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the Rilsan tube of the pull-out spray head of the delivery spout of Figure 2;
[0043] Figure 11 a shows an exploded perspective view of the delivery outlet of the pull-out spray head and of the corresponding connecting element of the delivery spout of Figure 2;
[0044] Figure 11 b shows a perspective view of the spray head of Figure 11 a coupled to the flexible tube of Figure 8;
[0045] Figure 11c shows a side partially sectional view of the assembly of Figure 11b;
[0046] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the main delivery body of the delivery spout of Figure 2;
[0047] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the connection fitting to the body for a John-Guest fitting of the pull-out spray head of the delivery spout of Figure 2;
[0048] Figure 14 shows a top view of the delivery spout installed on a faucet of Figure 1 , highlighting the possible rotation range of the delivery spout;
[0049] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the sliding bushing of the delivery spout of Figure 2 for the connection to the flexible tube of Figure 8;
[0050] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the lip seal of the delivery spout of Figure 2;Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the nut or cap of the delivery spout of Figure 2 for securing the seal of Figure 16;
[0051] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a delivery cartridge inserted into the control lever of the faucet of Figure 1 ;
[0052] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a delivery spout according to the invention, in a second embodiment, assembled to a faucet body, in a first operating configuration;
[0053] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the delivery spout of Figure 19, in exploded view;
[0054] Figure 21a shows a front view of the delivery spout of Figure 20; Figure 21b shows a sectional view along the plane XXIb-XXIb’ of the delivery spout of Figure 20 in a first operating configuration;
[0055] Figure 22 shows detail XXII of Figure 21 b;
[0056] Figure 23a shows a front view of the delivery spout of Figure 21a in a second operating configuration, with the pull-out spray head partially pulled out;
[0057] Figure 23b shows a sectional view along the plane XXI I lb— XXI I lb’ of the delivery spout of Figure 23a;
[0058] Figure 24 shows detail XXIV of Figure 23b;
[0059] Figures 25a - 25d show a front view of the base of the delivery spout of Figure 20, successively showing its innermost components;
[0060] Figure 27 shows a perspective view of the flexible tube of the pull-out spray head of the delivery spout of Figure 20;
[0061] Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the helical spring of the pullout spray head of the delivery spout of Figure 20;
[0062] Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the inner tube of the pull-out spray head of the delivery spout of Figure 20;
[0063] Figure 30 shows a perspective view of one end of the flexible tube of Figure 27, on which the sliding bushing is arranged;
[0064] Figures 31a and 31b show two perspective views of the cap of the delivery spout of Figure 20; and
[0065] Figure 32 shows a perspective view of a second seal of the delivery spout of Figure 20.Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a delivery spout for a sink faucet, comprising a pull-out spray head provided with a spring-loaded return mechanism. This delivery spout will be indicated by reference numeral 100. Referring in particular to the exploded view of Figure 2, said delivery spout 100 according to the invention comprises the following elements:
[0066] o a base body 1 , which can be connected to the control lever 22 of the faucet or control body 21 ;
[0067] o a spout-holder connecting body 2, in particular a collar 2 provided with a quick-fit coupling, for example of the John-guest type;
[0068] o a main delivery body 3 coupled via the connecting body 2 to the base body 1 , preferably said main body 3 has a curved profile, having an end portion with an opening, preferably formed from a brass tube 0 28 x 1.5 mm, with an average bending radius of 104 mm;
[0069] o a first tube or inner tube 7 for water delivery, connected to the upper portion of the connecting body 2 and inserted within said main body 3; preferably, said first tube 7 is made of Rilsan PA12 - DIN 73378 and has a diameter of 06 x 4 mm;
[0070] o a sliding bushing 11, adapted to slide externally to said first tube 7, above said connecting body 2 and within said main body 3;
[0071] o a second tube 14, in other words a flexible tube 14, coupled to said sliding bushing 11 and arranged so as to surround said first tube 7, preferably, said second tube 14 has fixed M 10 x 1 fittings with a 0 6.5 hole, and a further swivel fitting 15 x 1 coated in nylon and rotatable in all directions;
[0072] o a spring element 15, in particular a helical compression spring 15, which surrounds said second tube 14 and which has a first end 141 abutting against said sliding bushing 11 and a second end 142 abutting against the delivery outlet of the main body 3, preferably, said spring element 15 has a Teflon coating in order to reduce noise; o a pull-out spray head 17, coupled to said second tube 14 at the delivery outlet of the main body 3 for water delivery.
[0073] As shown in Figure 1 , the delivery spout 100 is installed on the faucet21 at said base body 1, above the supply pipes. Each time the spray head 17 is pulled out by a user, said spray head 17, which is anchored to the free end 142 of the second tube 14, is returned to its seat by the spring element 15 once the user releases the spray head 17 after use.
[0074] The delivery spout 100 also comprises most of the elements (except the spray head 17) arranged within its main delivery body 3 and within the base body 1 , advantageously, this particular arrangement makes it possible to create different shapes or sizes, without constraining the design of the faucet to the dimensions of the supply pipes.
[0075] A further advantage of this particular arrangement according to the invention is the absence of any undesired bulk resulting from the presence of movable elements beneath the sink, thereby leading to reduced production costs of the delivery spout 100.
[0076] Said sliding bushing 11 has a central through hole 1 T to allow the passage of the first tube 7 and a first upper portion 11a with which said second tube 14 is in abutment relationship, in particular being coupled thereto as the spring 15 surrounds and abuts against the upper portion 11a of the sliding bushing 11. Since said second tube 14 is also coupled to the spray head 17, when the spray head 17 is pulled out, by dragging the second tube 14 and the sliding bushing 11 (arranged adjacent to said connecting body 2) it will translate along the main body 3, continuously surrounding said first tube 7 and having, as its end-of-travel position, the upper end of the first tube 7 itself, or the portion in the vicinity of said end, in order to ensure sealing during water delivery.
[0077] The slidable coupling of the first tube 7 with the second tube 14 by means of said sliding bushing 11 advantageously allows the spray head 17 to be returned to its seat also during water delivery, since water is present only in the first tube 7.
[0078] In fact, thanks to this particular arrangement, the main body 3 is not filled entirely with water, but only the volume within the first tube 7. Therefore, the pressure that a user must overcome to reposition the spray head 17 in its seat is significantly reduced.
[0079] The pressure in the delivery spout 100 according to the inventionupstream of the spray head 17 is approximately 0.2 kg at 1 atm; consequently, at a pressure of 3 atm, only 0.6 kg of pressure force is generated.
[0080] This design of the delivery spout 100 according to the invention advantageously allows the volume of water in the delivery spout, which must be filled and emptied with each operation, to be reduced to a few cubic centimetres.
[0081] In fact, since only the gap between the first tube 7 and the inside of the second tube 14 needs to be filled, the overall volume to be filled is smaller, reducing not only any water wastage but also the delivery time from the spray head 17.
[0082] Furthermore, advantageously, the water is in contact with the internal part of the second tube 14 and the first tube 7, both certified for such use. Further thanks to the connection between the first tube 7 and the second tube 14, advantageously, no significant variation in water flow rate occurs in the delivery spout 100 during either the opening or closing steps, since the difference between the outer diameter of said first tube 7 and the inner diameter of said second tube 14 is preferably 2 mm, and since the inner diameter of said first tube 7 is preferably 4 mm and the outer diameter of said second tube 14 is preferably 14 mm.
[0083] Once said spray head 17 has been returned to its seat at the delivery outlet of the main body 3, reversible coupling means 16 may be further provided, such as a magnetic fitting or a mechanical locking system, adapted to hold the spray head 17 in position during water delivery.
[0084] Therefore, in order to pull the spray head 17 out of the coupling with said reversible coupling means 16, the user must act on said spray head 17 to overcome the opposing force of such coupling.
[0085] The reduction of the pressure acting on the spray head 17 allows it to always remain firmly in its seat at the opening of the main body 3 of the delivery spout 100, thereby eliminating the need for any complex mechanical stop (i.e., one adapted to withstand high pressures), thus resulting in lower production costs and in a simplification of the delivery spout 100 according to the invention.As previously described, to return said spray head 17 to its seat, within said main body 3, said spring element 15, preferably a helical compression spring, is also provided, with a first end coupled to said free end of said main body 3 and a second end abutting against said first upper circular hollow portion 11a of said sliding bushing 11. Said spring element 15, when compressed during the pull-out step of the spray head 17, will then release an elastic force that will accompany the spray head 17 back into its seat once released by the user.
[0086] Said delivery spout 100 provides two operating configurations described above:
[0087] 1. a first operating configuration (shown in Figure 1 or in Figures 3a and 3b) wherein, by means of a cartridge 23, water delivery is controlled by said control lever 22 of said faucet 21, the water being delivered through said spray head 17, which, being in its seat, acts as a delivery outlet of a conventional faucet according to the prior art, in such configuration, said sliding bushing 11 is arranged adjacent to said connecting body 2; and 2. a second operating configuration (shown in Figures 5a and 5b) wherein a user, after having pulled said spray head 17 out of the main delivery body 3 of the delivery spout 100, in particular by gripping it at a stainless steel ring (which may externally surround the delivery outlet of the spray head 17, providing an aesthetically and tactilely pleasing effect), pulls it downwards causing it to come out of the main delivery body 3 up to a maximum extension of approximately 30 - 35 cm. By pulling the spray head 17, the user will in fact exert a force such as to compress the spring element 15 during the pull-out stroke and, after use, the spring element 15 will return the spray head 17 to its seat in the first operating configuration, as can be seen in Figure 3b. The elastic action of the spring element 15, coupled with the inner surface of the main delivery body 3, on the sliding bushing 11, allows the delivery spout 100 to automatically return to the first configuration without requiring any particular movement by the user. In the second configuration, the sliding bushing 11 slides along the first tube 7, moving away from said connecting body 2.
[0088] Said sliding bushing 11 may comprise additional elements arrangedadjacently, such as a cap 12, in particular a seal-retaining ring 12, coupled to a second lower portion 11b of said sliding bushing 11, and a lip seal 13 arranged between said cap 12 and a perforated dividing wall 11c.
[0089] The assembly consisting of said sliding bushing 11 , said cap 12, and said lip seal 13, namely elements 11, 12, 13, each of which has a central through hole 11’, 12’, 13’ to allow the passage of the first tube 7, which is adapted to slide integrally within the main body 3 during the transition from said first operating configuration to said second operating configuration of the delivery spout 100 according to the invention, as can be seen in Figures 5a-6.
[0090] In particular, said assembly 11, 12, 13 is also adapted to slide up to the upper end of said first tube 7, in the vicinity of such upper end, in order to ensure the sealing during water delivery, in particular, the seal 13 is the element which, by embracing the first tube 7, is adapted to ensure the sealing.
[0091] The sliding bushing 11 may further have a hollow cylindrical body, with a central perforated dividing wall 11c through which an end 141 of the second tube 14 is coupled to said first upper portion 11a of the sliding bushing 11, while said cap 12 is coupled to said second lower portion 11b in such a way as to leave a housing interspace 13a adapted to house said seal 13.
[0092] Furthermore, in Figure 15, it can be seen how a sliding ring 20 made of nylon may be provided, arranged externally to said sliding bushing 11 within a dedicated external peripheral groove 20’, to facilitate the sliding of said sliding bushing 11 with respect to said main body 3.
[0093] Said sliding ring 20 in fact counteracts the tangential forces (reducing friction and noise) between said sliding bushing 11 and the inner surface of the main body 3 during the pull-out of the spray head 17.
[0094] Said cap 12, in particular a seal-covering cap 12, is coupled at its lower side to the sliding bushing 11 and is adapted to abut against the upper flat surface of said connecting body 2, which represents the end-of-travel position of the assembly 11, 12, 13, as well as the position of said assembly 11, 12, 13 in said first configuration. In particular, the portion 12a of said cap12 that abuts against the flat surface of the connecting body 2, in particular its upper portion 2b, has a larger diameter than the remainder 12b of the body of said cap 12 embraced by the sliding bushing 11.
[0095] Said seal 13 is arranged between the central dividing portion 11c of the sliding bushing 11 and within said interspace 13a, being adapted to be coupled to said first tube 7 by snap-fitting at two internal protruding edges 13”, acting as sliding pads 13” which reduce the resistance with the first tube 7 during sliding, being the only surface in contact therewith. Furthermore, said seal 13 provides at least one external protruding edge 13”’ adapted to come into contact with the housing interspace 13a in said sliding bushing 11. The interspace 13a in said sliding bushing 11 is preferably sufficiently wide so as to properly allow the compression of said seal 13.
[0096] Said seal 13 is an elastic rubber element to ensure axial sealing. Thanks to the presence of the internal and / or external protruding edges, it ensures an internal and / or external sealing.
[0097] Said lip seal 13 is held in position by said cap 12, which acts as a stop, in particular it is adapted to be supported on said cap 12, thereby ensuring the dynamic sealing of the delivery spout, preventing the delivered water from filling the remainder of the main body 3.
[0098] Such particular arrangements result in improved sliding of the second tube 14 within the main body 3 and, due to a reduced resistance of the lip seal 13, enhanced reliability of the sealing of the delivery spout 100 according to the invention.
[0099] In Figures 4, 6, and 7a - 7d, said connecting body 2 can be seen mounted within said base body 1.
[0100] As shown in Figure 14, said connecting body 2 has a cylindrical body with two portions of different diameters:
[0101] - a first portion 2b, rigidly coupled to said base body 1 by means of fastening means 4 (in particular, a set screw 4), onto which the insertion of a fitting 10 may be provided, to which one end of said first tube 7 is coupled, thereby allowing the passage of water up to the end of the spray head 17; and
[0102] - a second portion 2a (having a larger diameter than said first portion2b) comprising said flat surface against which said cap 12 is adapted to abut, and internally coupled to the base end of the main delivery body 3, thus forming a continuous outer surface with said base body 1.
[0103] Once said main body 3 is mounted on the base body 1 , said set screw 4 is inserted into a seat formed in the base body 1 itself and serves as a mechanical stop to prevent rotation of the main body 3 and of the connecting body 2, and also prevents them from being pulled out.
[0104] A pair of blocks 19 may be provided at the second portion 2a of said connecting body 2, arranged in correspondence with said fastening means 4, in order to limit and control the rotation of the connecting body 2.
[0105] Said blocks 19, upon rotation of the delivery spout 100 by a user, by abutting against said fastening means 4, prevent the delivery spout 100 mounted on said faucet 21 from rotating freely, therefore preventing water from splashing all over the sink during water delivery. In fact, said blocks 19, as can be seen in Figure 14, block the rotation of the delivery spout 100 at an angle a between 140° and 160°, preferably 150°.
[0106] Externally to said second portion 2a, at least one pair of O-rings 8, in other words at least one first pair of OR 8, may also be provided, arranged below said blocks 19, which have the function of generating a positive pressure against the surface of the base body 1 , thereby preventing any leaks and establishing the pressure between the connecting body 2 and the base body 1.
[0107] In addition to said at least one pair of OR 8, two pairs of further OR 18 may be provided, arranged in grooves with a smaller diameter than that in which said at least one pair of OR 8 is arranged.
[0108] A first pair of further OR 18 is arranged below said at least one pair of OR 8, and a second pair of further OR 18 is instead mounted above both said at least one pair of OR 8 and said blocks 19.
[0109] Said two pairs of further OR 18 act as springs, in order to eliminate, through their compression, any possible coupling play and to achieve maximum stiffness in response to transverse forces on said delivery outlet of the main body 3 when a force is applied to pull out said spray head 17, compressing said spring element 15.In order to achieve both smooth rotation and, at the same time, maximum stiffness of the overall system, the use of a pair of split washers 6 may be further provided, each arranged between the respective said second further pair of OR 18 and the surface of the base body 1.
[0110] Since the two portions 2a, 2b of the connecting body 2 have two different diameters, a connecting edge is defined, at which the connecting body 2 abuts against the upper edge of the base body 1.
[0111] Furthermore, at said connecting corner, a washer 5, preferably a Teflon seal 5, may be provided, adapted to maintain a constant pressure resulting from the compression of said first pair of further OR 18 to compensate for the rotational tolerance play and thus achieve maximum stiffness in response to transverse forces acting on the outlet of said delivery spout 100.
[0112] Finally, in order to eliminate any leakage in the coupling between said main body 3 and said connecting body 2, a third OR 9 may be provided, arranged within said main body 3, in particular between said connecting body 2 and the inner surface of the main body 3, in correspondence with the upper portion 2b of said connecting body 2.
[0113] Referring to Figures 19 - 32, a second embodiment of the delivery spout 100 according to the invention is shown. The components in common with the first embodiment are indicated with the same reference numerals.
[0114] In the second embodiment, shown in Figures 20 - 24, the sliding bushing 111, although functionally equivalent to the sliding bushing described previously, has a different configuration.
[0115] In particular, the sliding bushing 111 is coupled to the first end 141 of the second tube 14. The second tube 14 is preferably a flexible tube 14, for example braided with nylon. Preferably, this first end 141 of the second tube 14 is provided with a rigid and non-flexible tubular body, unlike the rest of the body.
[0116] The sliding bushing 111 has a first upper portion 111a and a second lower portion 111b through which a central through hole 11 T is formed, at which said sliding bushing 111 externally surrounds said first tube 7 so as to slide freely along it.The first end 141 of the second tube 14 is coupled to the first upper portion 111 a of the sliding bushing 111. In particular, such coupling can be achieved, for example, by a crimped coupling, in other words, obtained by crimping. In this particular embodiment, the first end 141 of the second tube 14 has a ferrule surrounding the flexible portion of the flexible tube 14, in particular the nylon braid, and the upper portion 111 a of the sliding bushing 111 has a shaped outer portion, in particular herringbone-shaped, adapted to fit into the flexible tube 14 and fixed thereto by the ferrule which is crimped onto the shaped portion of the sliding bushing 111.
[0117] The spring element 15 is in abutment relationship with said sliding bushing 111 so as to exert an elastic force thereon. In particular, the upper portion 111a of the bushing 111 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of its lower portion 111b and is configured in such a way that the spring 15 is able to surround the upper portion 111a and abut against the outer surface of the lower portion 111b.
[0118] Furthermore, the sliding bushing 111 comprises a housing interspace 113a, in correspondence with the central through hole 111’ and its lower portion 111b, within which the seal 13 is housed. This housing interspace 113a is accessible from to the lower portion 111 b of the bushing 111. The seal 13 is equivalent to the seal described for the first embodiment and shown, for example, in Figure 16.
[0119] As can be seen in particular in Figures 31a - 31b and Figure 22, a cap 120 is also provided which is adapted to be coupled to the second lower portion 111b of the sliding bushing 111, to close the housing interspace 113a in which the seal 13 is inserted. This cap 120 also has a central through hole 120’ so as to externally surround said first tube 7 and slide freely along it. Preferably, the cap 120 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known by the trade name Teflon, which makes it possible to reduce friction between it and the first tube 7.
[0120] Furthermore, a second seal 130 (shown in Figure 32 and visible in the cross-section of Figure 22) may be provided, housed within the internal portion of the cap 120. The cap 120 may have an external disc-shaped portion 120a adapted to close the lower portion 111b of the bushing 111and an internal portion 120b having a smaller diameter and adapted to fit into the housing interspace 113’ of the bushing 111 to couple therewith, for example by interference fit or by screwing. In the internal portion 120b, there is a housing portion for said second seal 130.
[0121] This second seal 130’ also has a central through-hole 130’ to surround said first tube 7. Furthermore, to improve the sealing, the central through-hole 130’ of said second seal 130 has at least one internal protruding edge 130” adapted to abut against the outer surface of said first tube 7. Furthermore, the second seal 130 may also comprise at least one external protruding edge 130’” on the external edge with respect to said central through-hole 130’ adapted to abut against the surface of the housing portion in the internal portion 120b of the cap 120.
[0122] An O-ring 18 may be provided that surrounds the internal portion 120b of the cap 120 to improve the sealing between the cap 120 and the housing interspace 113’ of the bushing. 111.
[0123] In particular, in the second embodiment, the second end 142 of the flexible tube 14 is preferably rotatable, whereas the first end 141 is non-rotatable. This prevents any rotations applied to the spray head 17 from causing torsion of the body of the flexible tube 14 and reducing its ability to slide freely, for example, at the bend of the main body 3 of the delivery spout 100.
[0124] As can be seen in particular in Figure 28 and by comparing Figures 21b and 23b, the spring element 15 is a variable-pitch helical spring. In particular, at the end coupled to the main body 3, a first portion 15’ of the spring 15 has a coil pitch substantially equal to 0; preferably, this first portion 15’ is between 1 / 5 and 1 / 6 of the overall length of the spring 15. This first portion 15’ therefore acts as a travel stop to limit the pull-out of the spray head 17 beyond a predetermined distance. The remaining second portion 15” instead has a constant pitch adapted to compress when the spray head 17 is pulled out and to extend again to return the spray head 17 and therefore the second tube 14 to the original position.
[0125] This solution has made it possible to achieve an optimal result: the spray head 17 provides a smooth and controlled pull-out and return, with anend-of-travel stop precisely designed in accordance with the system requirements.
[0126] In other variants of the invention, the spring element may be a constant-pitch helical spring having a length shorter than the length of the main body, and wherein the end opposite to the one arranged on the sliding bushing is fixed to the main body at a predetermined distance from the delivery outlet, so as to act as a mechanical stop to limit the pull-out of the spray head beyond a predetermined distance.
[0127] This prevents the user, during extension of the spray head and in the absence of an end-of-travel stop, from continuing to pull the spray head in the final stage of pull-out, thereby applying an excessive force due to the increasing resistance of the spring.
[0128] It was therefore necessary to introduce a mechanical stop that limits the pull-out of the spray head to a predetermined distance, calculated according to the design specifications.
[0129] Advantageously, the delivery spout mechanism 100 according to the invention, by having a reduced number of components, due to the absence of both moving and non-moving elements below the faucet, allows production costs to be lowered and the construction of the faucet to be simplified.
[0130] In the foregoing, preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and changes without departing from the scope of protection, as defined in the attached claims.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A delivery spout (100) for delivering a fluid, said delivery spout (100) comprisinga tubular main body (3) havinga first base end and a second end,a first tube (7) arranged within said main body (3) havinga first end, coupled to said first base end of said main body (3), and a second end,a sliding bushing (11; 111) having a first upper portion (11a; 111a) and a second lower portion (11b; 111b) through whicha central through hole (11’; 111’) is formed, at which said sliding bushing (11; 111) externally surrounds said first tube (7) so as to slide freely along it,a second tube (14) having a first end (141) and a second end (142), said second tube (14) being arranged within said main body (3) and being telescopically slidable externally to said first tube (7), said second tube (14) being coupled at its first end (141) to the first upper portion (11a; 111a) of said sliding bushing (11; 111) and having its second end (142) in fluid communication with the second end of said first tube (7), anda spring element (15) constrained within said main body (3) and abutting against said sliding bushing (11; 111 ) so as to exert an elastic force thereon.
2. The delivery spout (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said sliding bushing (11; 111) comprises a housing interspace (13a; 113a) at said central through hole (1 T; 11 T) and at its lower portion (11b; 111 b), whereinsaid delivery spout (100) further comprisesat least one first seal (13; 130) having a central through hole (13’; 130’) and arranged in said housing interspace (13a; 113a) in such a way as to externally surround said first tube (7) and slide freely along it.
3. The delivery spout (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said central through hole (13’) of said at least one first seal (13; 130) has at least one internal protruding edge (13”; 130”) adapted to abut against theexternal surface of said first tube (7).
4. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, whereinsaid first seal (13) further comprisesat least one external protruding edge (13”’) on the outer edge with respect to said central through hole (13’) adapted to abut against the surface of the housing interspace (13a; 113a) of said sliding bushing (11; 111).
5. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of claims 2 - 4, wherein said delivery spout (100)further comprisesa cap (12; 120) coupled to the second lower portion (11b; 111b) of said sliding bushing (11; 111), said cap (12; 120) having a central through hole (12’; 120’) in such a way as to externally surround said first tube (7) and slide freely along it.
6. The delivery spout (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein it comprises a second seal (130) and wherein said cap (120) provides an internal housing portion to house said second seal (130).
7. The delivery spout (100) according to claim 4 or 5, when dependent on claim 4, whereinsaid sliding bushing (11) has a hollow cylindrical body having a central perforated wall (11c) on which said central through hole (11’) is formed, said central perforated wall (11c) being adapted to define and partially separate said first upper portion (11a) and said second lower portion (11b), wherein said housing interspace (13a) is formed.
8. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, whereinsaid sliding bushing (11) provides, on its outer surface, at least one external peripheral groove (20’), and comprisesat least one sliding ring (20) arranged in the respective external peripheral groove (20’), so as to abut against the inner surface of said main body (3).
9. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said upper portion (111a) of said sliding bushing (111) hasan outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of its lower portion (111b) which has a disk-shaped upper surface protruding from said upper portion (111a), wherein said upper portion (111a) is configured to fit into and be coupled within said first end (141) of said second tube (14), and wherein said spring (15) abuts against said upper disc-shaped surface of said lower portion (111b).
10. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said delivery spout (100) further comprisesa connecting body (2) having a through hole,said connecting body (2) being arranged and coupled within said main body (3) at its first base end,wherein said first end of said first tube (7)is fitted into and coupled to said through hole of said connecting body (2) for coupling to said first base end of said main body (3).
11. The delivery spout (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said delivery spout (100) further comprisesa base body (1 ) adapted to be fixed to a sink,whereinsaid connecting body (2) is rotatably coupled to said base body (1).
12. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said delivery spout (100) further comprisesreversible coupling means (16) arranged within said second end of said main body (3) for reversibly coupling said second end (142) of said second tube (14) to said second end of said main body (3), wherein preferably, said reversible coupling means (16) are magnetic coupling means (16).
13. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of claims 10 - 12, wherein said delivery spout (100) further comprisesa fitting (10) arranged within said through hole of said connecting body (2), said fitting (10) having a through hole and being externally and rigidly coupled to said first end of said first tube (7) via said through hole.
14. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said delivery spout (100) further comprisesa spray head (17) rigidly coupled to and in fluid communication with said second end (142) of said second tube (14).
15. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spring element (15) is a helical compression spring (15) surrounding said second tube (14), said helical compression spring (15) having its ends arranged at said second end of said main body (3) and at said first upper portion (11a; 111 a) of said sliding bushing (11; 111).
16. The delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanical stop system is provided acting on said spring element (15) to limit the withdrawal distance of said second tube (14) in said second configuration.
17. The delivery spout (100) according to claims 15 and 16, wherein said helical compression spring (15) has a portion of the coils (15') with a pitch substantially equal to 0.
18. A faucet comprisinga delivery spout (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, anda control body (21 ) for controlling the passage and / or mixing of a fluid within said delivery spout (100).