BR102015031967A2 - FLOW CONTROL MECHANISM FOR HYDRAULIC REGISTRY AND HYDRAULIC REGISTRY AND APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

Summary "Flow control mechanism for a hydraulic register and register and hydraulic apparatus" The mechanism is applied to a hydraulic register comprising: a body (10) having inlet and outlet nozzles (11,12) and defining a chamber for pressure (cp). the mechanism comprises: a first and a second seat (s1, s2) internal to the body (10); a tubular piston (40) internal to the pressure chamber (cp) defining an open firing seat (sd) for the pressure chamber (cp), and carrying a first seal (v1) and being axially displaceable between first open positions and closed, releasing and blocking, respectively, the first seat (s1); a drive rod (30) having an inner end (31) carrying a trigger seal (vd) and being axially displaceable between rest and actuated positions, wherein the trigger seal (vd) locks and unlocks the trigger seat ( sd); and a second seal (v2) operatively associated with that of the drive rod (30), to be moved between second open and closed positions, in which it releases and blocks respectively the second seat (s2) when the drive rod (30) It is rotationally moved in both directions. 1/1

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow control mechanism to be applied to hydraulic registers for feeding water points in water. more particularly in hydraulic registers to be operatively associated with taps and spouts, to provide manual opening control and manual or automatic closing control of the hydraulic register. The invention further relates to a hydraulic register and a hydraulic apparatus such as a tap or spout provided with said control mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is well known in the art, hydraulic registers designed to control the supply of water to different hydraulic appliances such as nozzles, taps and others generally have a tubular body provided with the usual inlet nozzles. liquid outlet, an auxiliary nozzle and an internal sealing seat operably associated with a seal that is moved by a flow control mechanism between closing and opening positions of the hydraulic register associated with the hydraulic apparatus.

Flow control mechanisms designed and constructed to permit varying degrees of opening of the hydraulic register sealing seat and its closure by user actuation by rotating in one direction and another an assembly formed by a drive rod and handwheel. These flow control mechanisms, by turning the handwheel, require user action to achieve not only opening but also closing the hydraulic register manually.

[004] Flow control mechanisms are also known in the art, designed and constructed to allow manual opening of the hydraulic register by simple unidirectional axial displacement of the drive rod by the closing of the hydraulic register in such a way as to automatic and timed, usually by the action of elastic return means and the actual hydraulic pressures upstream and downstream of the sealing seat.

[005] A known construction for a timed automatic closing hydraulic flow control mechanism can be seen in document PI1100876-8.

Although both flow control mechanism solutions (manual closing and timed automatic closing) have their advantages, depending on the most suitable use condition for each operation, they have the drawback of not allowing, in a single construction, obtaining the two operating conditions to be selectively performed by the user, at his discretion and according to each desired operation for the hydraulic register and the associated hydraulic apparatus.

In order to enable the above mentioned operational flexibility, the constructive solution described and claimed in patent application PI0805329-4A2 has been proposed. In this previous document, a two-flow flow control mechanism is proposed which provides a first operating condition of the self-closing hydraulic register and a second operating condition of the hydraulic register with user-defined opening and closing times. of the hydraulic register and the associated hydraulic device.

As can be seen from the constructive solution proposed in document PI0805329-4, the timed (automatic) closing operating condition requires the user to exert an axial force on the drive rod to move the sealing member from position. closed to an open position, the return of the sealing member, together with the drive rod, to the closed hydraulic register position, automatically obtained by the hydraulic and mechanical forces acting within the hydraulic register itself.

[009] On the other hand, the user manual close operating condition requires the user to move the drive rod axially and rotationally, with one-way rotational travel to lock the drive rod in a position from which only will be displaced by user actuation by re-rotating the drive rod in the opposite direction or by its axial pressing followed by rotation in the opposite direction until the drive rod is unlocked to return to the hydraulic register closing position by axial displacement of the drive rod in the opposite direction to that which provides the opening of the hydraulic register.

Thus, the solution of PI0805329-4 requires an axial displacement of the drive rod by the user in the opening direction so that, after release of the drive, the automatic and timed return of the drive rod and seal to the housing can occur. closing position of the hydraulic register. In addition, a rotational displacement of the drive rod is required to achieve hydraulic register locking in an open operating condition that will require user manual actuation to unlock the hydraulic register in the open condition and allow the seal to return to the closed condition by actuation of the hydraulic and mechanical forces acting on the sealing-rod assembly.

In said previous solution only one seal and one seat is provided, the opening of the hydraulic register being carried out manually by an axial displacement or by an axial and rotational joint displacement of the rod-seal assembly, the return of the assembly to the condition of closing is performed automatically by the hydraulic and mechanical forces acting within the hydraulic register. However, in order to achieve manual control of the timing and degree of openness of the hydraulic register, the user must promote manual axial and rotational movement of the drive rod and seal to a locking position of the mechanism designed to ensure a specific degree of openness. The sealing-rod assembly will be mechanically locked in said opening condition until the user promotes a rotational movement of the sealing-rod assembly in the opposite direction, releasing it from the lock and allowing its automatic and timely return to the closing condition. In short, in this previous solution, closing the hydraulic register will always have a degree of timing not controlled by the user.

Although this prior art solution allows two modes of operation of the hydraulic register in a single construction in terms of opening time, automatic and manual locking control, it has only one seal and one associated seat, requiring the user to perform an axial and rotational joint travel of the flywheel assembly to lock it in a predetermined open condition in design where the hydraulic register will remain until the user again acts to unlock the flywheel assembly, allowing your timed return to the close condition. In this earlier construction, the user is unable to continuously and smoothly control the degree of opening and the manual closing movement of the hydraulic register, the opening degrees being determined by the design characteristics of the hydraulic register. In addition, because it has a single seal to be approached and away from its control seat, this prior solution requires that in both operating conditions the seal be subjected to an axial displacement, the rotational displacement being used only to lock the seal in a certain open condition.

Another drawback of said prior solution is that it uses the same means to promote closing and opening of the hydraulic register under both operating conditions. In case of any malfunction of the common means, the hydraulic register will have its operation completely unfeasible.

Another limitation of the previous technical solution discussed above is that it does not allow the user to perform the modification by extremely simple operation by altering the hydraulic register or even after it has been assembled. automatic shutdown time to a value that it deems most appropriate from the maximum design shutdown time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Due to the limitations and drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art flow control mechanism, the present invention has the general object of providing a simple and robust construction control flow mechanism that is easy to manufacture. and user operation, to be applied to hydraulic registers in general and, more particularly, to spout or taps registers, to provide, by independent rotational and axial displacements, a drive rod, usually carrying a handwheel, manual control. opening and manual or automatic closing control of the hydraulic register.

The invention further relates to a hydraulic register provided with said flow control mechanism and a hydraulic apparatus such as a tap or mixer spout operatively associated with said hydraulic register.

The flow control mechanism in question is applicable to a hydraulic register of the type comprising a body having inlet and outlet nozzles and defining within it a pressure chamber maintained in restricted fluid communication with the nozzle. output.

According to the invention, the flow control mechanism comprises: a first and a second seat, internal to the body and communicating the inlet and outlet nozzles; a tubular piston internal to the pressure chamber, open to the inlet nozzle and defining an open firing seat for the pressure chamber.

The tubular piston carries a first seal and is rotatably coupled to a second seal to be moved: axially between first closed and open positions, wherein the first seal locks and unlocks the first seat respectively; and rotationally between second closed and open positions in which the second seal blocks and unlocks the second seat respectively.

Further provided is a drive rod that protrudes into the body through the firing seat to have an inner end rotatably coupled to the tubular piston and carrying a firing seal, said drive rod being axially displaceable between a resting position in which the trigger seal locks the trigger seat, and a triggered position in which the trigger seal unlocks the trigger seat.

As can be seen, the proposed construction allows the hydraulic register to be operated in two different ways, namely, manual opening and closing by turning the drive rod, usually by a handwheel, and manual opening by pressing. steering wheel axial control and timed automatic closing by return of the mechanism to an inoperative closed hydraulic record condition.

With the above construction, the same flow control mechanism construction can be applied to a hydraulic register, to allow the user to choose the type of operation of the hydraulic register by manual closing or by automatic and timed closing, simply by choosing the type of displacement, rotary or axial, to be applied to the steering wheel knob.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention and in which: Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mechanism. flow control in question, in a closed condition and applied to a hydraulic register whose body is incorporated in one piece into a hydraulic apparatus defined by a tap illustrated by way of example;

Fig. 1A illustrates the flow control mechanism of Fig. 1, to a larger scale and with the tap partially cut off;

Fig. 1B is a view similar to that of Fig. 1A, but illustrating the flow control mechanism with the trigger seat and the first seat in the unlocked condition by axial displacement of the drive rod;

Figure 1C is a view similar to that of Figures 1A and 1B, but illustrating the flow control mechanism with the trigger seat and the first seat in the locked condition and the second seat in the unlocked condition by rotational displacement of the rod. drive;

Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the hydraulic register taken along line II-II of Fig. 1C;

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-section of the hydraulic register taken along line III-III of figure 1C;

Fig. 4 is a cross-section of the hydraulic register taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 1C;

Fig. 5 is a cross-section of the hydraulic register taken along line V-V of Fig. 1C;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic register, taken along line VI-VI in Figure 1B, illustrating the tubular piston axially displaced to an opening position of the first seat and rotatably locked relative to the registration body. ;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the tubular piston 40 mounted within the registration body, as shown in Figs. 1B and 6;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic register, taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 1C, illustrating the tubular piston pivotally displaced to an opening position of the second seat and axially locked with respect to the registration body. ;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the tubular piston 40 mounted within the registration body, as shown in Figs. 1C and 8;

Figure 10 shows a view similar to that of Figure 1A, with the flow control mechanism in the closed position and having a second constructive configuration for the second seat and second seal;

Figure 11 represents a view similar to that of figure 10, but illustrating the flow control mechanism with the second seat unlocked by the second seal.

Figure 12 shows a view similar to that of Figure 1A, with the flow control mechanism in the closed position and showing a third constructive configuration for the second seat and second seal;

Figure 13 is a view similar to that of figure 12, but illustrating the flow control mechanism with the second seat unlocked by the second seal.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of figure 1B, but illustrating a first constructive variant for the drive axle maximum axial stroke regulating means for adjusting the automatic closing time of the flow control mechanism. ;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the bonnet nut, the drive rod and one of the axial stroke adjusting elements of the drive rod;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 1B, but illustrating a second embodiment of the drive shaft maximum axial stroke regulating means for adjusting the automatic closing time of the flow control mechanism. ;

Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a bonnet nut, adjusting nut, and axial stroke limiting sleeve of the drive rod; and Figure 18 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 15, in assembled condition and with the adjusting nut partially cut and mounted around the limiting sleeve already rotatably locked around the castle nut.

Description of the Invention As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the flow control mechanism in question is applicable to a hydraulic register R for feeding water points in general and more particularly to hydraulic registers R to be operatively associated. to taps and spouts.

As shown in Figure 1, the flow control mechanism in question can be applied to a hydraulic register R whose body 10 can be incorporated, in one piece, for example, of cast metal alloy, to a washbasin tap T said body 10 being provided with an inlet nozzle 11 to be connected to a hydraulic network terminal (not shown) and an outlet nozzle 12 which, in the case of a tap T, may take the form of a spout 12a optionally provided with an end aerator 12b of any suitable construction.

The body 10 is further preferably provided with an auxiliary nozzle 13, generally having an internal thread 13a and which is closed by a bonnet cap 14, provided with an external thread 14a, to be engaged with the internal thread 13a of the auxiliary nozzle 13. The body 10 further defines within it a pressure chamber CP which is maintained in restricted fluid communication with the outlet nozzle 12, in a manner known in the art, the pressure chamber CP described below.

The inlet 11 and outlet 12 nozzles are selectively maintained in fluid communication with each other via a first and second seat S1, S2, internal to the body 10 and which will be described later.

The body 10 may further comprise, in its interior, a tubular jacket 20, made of metal alloy or plastic material, defining the pressure chamber CP and having a first end 21 which is indirectly seated against an inner annular stop 16 of the body 10 and a second end 22 fitted within the bonnet 14 and closed by an annular insert 25, which is housed within the bonnet 14 and whose function will be discussed below. The bonnet cap 14 axially compresses a snap ring AE against a small outer annular flange 20a of the tubular sleeve 20, axially forcing the first end 21 thereof into the inner annular stop 16 of body 10, with the tubular sleeve 20 has at least radial opening 23 in fluid communication with outlet nozzle 12 of body 10.

The ring insert 25 has an axially disposed tubular neck 25a through which a drive rod 30 extends outwardly into the body 10 through the bonnet cap 14. The bonnet cap 14 carries a retainer 15 to tightly enclose an adjacent portion of the drive rod 30. Retainer 15 is held in its housing within bonnet cover 14 by actuation of tubular insert 25 which further functions as a guide for the axial displacement of the drive rod 30.

The flow control mechanism comprises a tubular piston 40, internal to the pressure chamber CP, that is, internal to the tubular jacket 20 when provided, open to the inlet nozzle 11 and defining an open SD firing seat to the CP pressure chamber. The tubular piston 40 carries a first seal VI, further said tubular piston 40 rotatably coupled to a second seal V2.

The tubular piston 40 may be moved axially between first closed and open positions (see Figures 1A and 1Β), wherein the first seal VI blocks and unlocks respectively the first seat Sl, and may also be the tubular piston. 40 is rotationally moved between second closed and open positions (see Figures 1A and 1C), in which the second seal V2 blocks and unlocks, respectively, the second seat S2.

The drive rod 30 projects into the body 10 not only through the bonnet cover 14 when the latter is provided but also through the SD firing seat to have an inner end 31 rotationally coupled to the housing. tubular piston 40 and carrying a VD trigger seal.

The drive rod 30 is axially displaceable by user actuation between a rest position shown in FIGS. 1 and IA, in which the trigger seal VD blocks the SD trigger seat and a triggered position illustrated in the figure. 1B, wherein the VD trigger seal unlocks the SD trigger seat, allowing pressurized water flow to penetrate into the CP pressure chamber, assisting the user to axially move the drive rod and tubular piston 40 towards the housing. first seat release Sl (see Figure 1B).

With the proposed construction, the tubular piston 40 becomes axially free displaceable with respect to the second seal V2, the inner end 31 of the drive rod 30 being axially free and limited displaceable with respect to the piston 40, the latter having a free end 41 facing and constantly open to the inlet nozzle 11 through the first seat VI, and an opposite end 42 closed and defining the firing seat VD.

The first seal VI may take the form of an elastomeric ring mounted around the free end 41 of the tubular piston 40 and held upstream of the first seat SI in the first and second closed and open positions of the tubular piston 40 as illustrated. 1A and 1B, wherein in the first closed condition and in the second closed and open positions of the tubular piston 40 (see Figures 1A and 1C) the first seal VI remains seated against the first seat Sl.

On the other hand, the opposite end 42 of the tubular piston 40 may be closed by an end wall 43, for example in the form of a plug and provided with a central opening 43a defining the firing seat SD. The opposite end 42 of the tubular piston 40 is internally provided with at least one longitudinal groove extension 44, the inner end 31 of the drive rod 30 being provided with at least one radial projection 34 (see figures ΙΑ, 1B, 1C and 2) to be slidably engaged within a respective longitudinal slot extension 44 of the opposite end 42 of tubular piston 40. This construction allows the drive rod 30 to remain rotationally coupled to the opposite end 42 of tubular piston 40 to allow the rotation of the drive rod 30 to promote a corresponding rotation in the tubular piston 40.

In the illustrated construction, the inner end 31 of the drive rod 30 carries an axial extension 35, for example in the form of a bolt protruding through the SD firing seat, to have an enlarged end head 36 around it. which the firing seal VD is mounted and in which at least one rotational locking radial projection 34 is incorporated at the opposite end 42 of the tubular piston 40.

The VD trigger seal takes the form of an elastomeric ring mounted around the axial extension 35 of the inner end 31 of the drive rod 30 and held upstream of the SD trigger seat in the rod rest and actuated positions 30 at rest position of drive rod 30 firing seal VD is seated against firing seat SD, while in the (axially displaced) position of drive rod 30 firing seal VD is axially away from the SD firing seat.

In a constructive form illustrated in Figures 1, ΙΑ, 1B, 1C, 4 and 5 the first seat SI is defined by a central opening 51 of a ring shaped ceramic insert 50 hermetically seated and retained within the housing. body 10 and provided with at least one eccentric opening 52 (see figures 1C and 5) defining the second seat S2, the second seal V2 being defined by an axially and hermetically annular shaped movable ceramic insert 60 (figure 4) slidably seated against the fixed ceramic insert 50 and further provided with a central window 61 for slack passage of the tubular piston 40 and at least one eccentric window 62.

The movable ceramic insert 60 is rotationally displaceable, together with the tubular piston 40, between the latter closed and open positions of the latter, in which at least one eccentric window 62 of the movable ceramic insert 60 is axially misaligned and aligned, respectively. with respect to at least one eccentric opening 52 of the fixed ceramic insert 50, locking and unlocking, respectively, the second seat S2.

The tubular piston 40 carries, medially and externally, an annular sealing member 47, which is hermetically forced against a cylindrical side wall portion of the pressure chamber CP defined within the body 10, said cylindrical side wall portion being said. of the CP pressure chamber generally formed by the tubular jacket 20.

The tubular piston 40 is further externally provided with at least one radial projection 48, with the central window 61 of the movable ceramic insert 60 provided with at least one recess 68 into which a respective radial projection 48 is fitted and rotatably locked. of the tubular piston 40. This construction allows the piston 40 to remain constantly and rotationally coupled to the movable ceramic insert 60 while remaining free for axial displacements relative to said insert. Thus, upon opening of the first seat SI by the axial displacement of the tubular piston 40, the movable ceramic insert 60 remains stationary in its locking position of the second seat S2.

The movable ceramic insert 60 incorporates at least one external radial projection 63 (see Figure 4) which is angularly displaceable between the ends of a respective circumferential groove extension 27 of an adjacent inner body wall 10. defined by tubular sleeve 20 to limit the rotation of tubular piston 40 and movable ceramic insert 60 between the second closed and open positions of tubular piston 40.

In the construction illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the fixed ceramic insert 50 has a hermetically seated annular end face 50a inside the tubular sleeve 20 against an annular gasket G which is seated against the inner annular stop 16 of body 10 .

As already mentioned, the bonnet cap 14 presses the outer annular flange 20a of the tubular sleeve 20 axially so that the tubular sleeve 20 presses the movable insert 60 against the fixed insert 50 and the latter against the annular gasket. G which is seated against the annular stop 16 of the body 10.

The tubular jacket 20 does not have its first end 21 (or any other part) directly seated against the body 10. In this construction, the fixed insert 50 also has an annular end face 50b against which it is seated and pressed against. by the tubular sleeve 20, an end ring bearing 60a of the movable ceramic insert 60 also internal to the tubular sleeve 20, the latter having an inner peripheral step 26a being seated on the movable ceramic insert 60 so as to press it against the fixed ceramic insert 50.

For user control of the flow control mechanism, the drive rod 30 has an outer end 32 protruding out of the bonnet 14 and coupled to a drive knob 70 and a spring 80 is also provided. preferably helical, mounted around the outer end 32 of the drive rod 30 and compressed between the bonnet cap 14 and the actuator knob 70, the bonnet cap 14 incorporating a tubular axial projection 14b housing an extreme portion of the spring 80 and more internally, the retainer 15 which tightly surrounds an adjacent portion of the drive rod 30.

[0069] The aforementioned construction allows the user to press the actuation button 70, axially displacing the actuation rod 30 and the VD trigger seal, causing the SD trigger seat to be unlocked and allowing the trigger chamber to CP pressure is pressurized with water from the inlet nozzle 11 through the inside of the plunger 40. Depending on the difference in areas between the free end 41 of the plunger 40 and the annular sealing member 47 thereof, the pressurization of the CP pressure chamber assists the user in axially displacing tubular piston 40 to the position shown in Figure 1B, in which the first seal VI unlocks the first seat Sl. This construction requires less force from the user to axially move the drive rod 30 when opening the register in automatic and timed close mode.

When the user releases drive button assembly 70 and drive rod 30, spring 80 causes drive rod 30 to return to its resting position, where trigger seal VD is seated against the seat. SD shooting, blocking the latter. Thereafter, the pressure chamber CP is progressively and slowly depressurised by the leakage of water to the outlet nozzle 12 through the aforementioned but not illustrated restricted fluid communication between the pressure chamber CP and the nozzle. output 12, which fluid communication can be done in different ways well known in the prior art.

The pressure imbalance between the two ends of the tubular piston 40 causes it to be axially displaced back to the position in which the first seal VI is again seated against the first seat Sl, automatically closing the hydraulic register R, at the time corresponding to the pressure chamber CP depressurization time, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A. This operation allows manual opening of the hydraulic register R by axial push of the pushbutton 70 and its automatic and timed closing as soon as the user releases pressure on the pushbutton 70.

When the user wishes to have control over the flow rate and opening time of the hydraulic register R, he simply has to turn the drive knob 70, producing a corresponding rotation of the drive rod 30 and tubular piston 40 without producing any. axial displacement of these parts, whereby the VD trigger seal remains blocking the SD trigger seat. The degree of rotation of the trigger button 70 for opening the register allows the user to set the desired flow rate, which will remain released until the knob is turned by the user towards closing the register.

Rotation of drive knob 70, together with drive rod 30 and tubular plunger 40, produces a rotation of second seal V2 defined by movable ceramic insert 60 sufficient to unlock second seat S2 as illustrated. in figure 1C. The second seat S2 will remain unlocked until the user turns the drive knob 70 counterclockwise by turning the movable ceramic insert 60 back to the position where it locks the second seat S2 again, closing the hydraulic register R.

The construction illustrated in figures 1 to 9 may further comprise safety means to prevent the two modes of operation from being performed simultaneously by the user, that is, the user can initiate axial displacement of the drive rod 30 with the drive knob 70 rotated out of its closed position or rotate the drive knob after axial displacement of the drive rod 30 has begun.

Said safety means prevent the user from axially actuating the flow control mechanism for automatic closing, without realizing that said mechanism has also been rotatably triggered for manual closing mode. In this case, the user may move away from the register, understanding that the mechanism will automatically close after some time, failing to realize that the register remained open by inadvertently turning the drive button.

As shown in Figures 1B, 1C, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the safety means may comprise at least one guide means 45 provided externally to the tubular piston 40 and a respective guide follower means 26a incorporated in the peripheral step. 26 of the tubular jacket 20, generally in the form of a radial tooth 26b, radially facing the geometrical axis of the mechanism and cooperating with guide means 45 to allow, in the condition of closing of the flow control mechanism, the assembly 70-30 actuating pushbutton can be selectively actuated by the user axially or rotatably.

In the illustrated construction, two guide means 45 are provided, each of which is defined by a longitudinal groove 45a and a small circumferential groove 45b open to one end of the longitudinal groove 45a. In the closing condition of the mechanism, the radial tooth 26b is positioned in the region of union between the two slots 45a and 45b, allowing the button-rod-plunger assembly 70-30-40 to be moved axially or rotatably. However, with the beginning of displacement of tubular piston 40 in either direction (axial or circumferential), radial tooth 26b will slide into one of the longitudinal grooves 45a or circumferential 45b, preventing displacement of tubular piston 40 in the direction defined by the other slot.

Figures 10 and 11 relate to a second constructive configuration for second seat S2 and second seal V2, with the other characteristics being basically the same as described above and defined by the same reference numerals. In this second embodiment, the second seal V2 is defined by an extremely free portion 91 of a tubular axial extension 90 of the drive rod 30, more precisely of the axial extension 35 of the drive rod 30.

Said extension has its free end portion 91 disposed within the free end 41 of the tubular piston 40 and provided with a radial bore 92, the annular gap between the free end portion 91 of the tubular axial extension 90 and the free end. 41 of the tubular piston 40 sealed by a sealing sleeve 93 provided with a radial opening 94 coincident with the radial bore 92 and axially retained within the tubular piston 40.

The sealing sleeve 93 allows relative axial and rotational displacements between the tubular axial extension 90 and the tubular piston 40 in the two modes of operation of the flow control mechanism.

In this embodiment, the drive rod 30 is not rotationally coupled to the tubular piston 40, the free end 41 of the latter being provided with a radial window 49 open to the outlet nozzle 12 of the body 10 and defining the second seat. S2.

The turning of the drive knob 70 and the drive rod 30 by the user only causes a corresponding rotation of the tubular axial extension 90 between a lock position of the second seat S2 (shown in figure 10), in which the hole The radial hole 92 is offset from the radial window 49, preventing water from passing through the second seat S2, and an unlocking position of the second seat S2, wherein the radial hole 92 is at least partially aligned and open to the radial opening 94 of the sleeve. 93 and further to the radial window 49 of the free end 41 of the tubular piston 40, as shown in Figure 11.

In this embodiment, the tubular axial extension 90 of the drive rod 30 is incorporated in one piece into the axial extension 35 of the latter, said tubular axial extension 90 being provided with at least one radial bore 95 open into the housing. tubular piston 40 to allow the pressurized water flow to access the upstream side of the SD firing seat within the tubular piston 40 and thereby allow pressurization of pressure chamber CP and smooth opening of hydraulic register R when opening of the SD trigger seat by pressing the drive rod 30 by the user.

Figures 12 and 13 relate to a third constructive configuration for the second seat S2 and for the second seal V2, with the other characteristics being basically the same as previously described and defined by the same reference numerals.

In this third embodiment, the drive rod 30 carries a first tubular axial extension 100, having a free end portion 101 open to the inlet nozzle 11 of tap T. In the illustrated construction, the first tubular axial extension 100 has a one-piece end is incorporated into the axial extension 35 of the drive rod 30 and has an axial extension less than that of the tubular piston 40 and is further provided with an external thread 103. In this third configuration, the second seal V2 is loaded in a second tubular axial extension 200 having a free end portion 201 open to the inlet nozzle 11 of tap T and an opposite end portion 202 provided with an inner thread 203 which is engaged around the outer thread 103 of the first tubular axial extension 100.

The free end portion 201 of the second tubular axial extension 200 carries the second seal V2 which, in this third configuration, is defined by two sealing rings 204 mounted around the second tubular axial extension 200 axially spaced apart by each other. a distance greater than the largest axial dimension of the second seat S2 which is defined by at least one radial opening 49 provided in a region of the tubular piston 40 positioned axially recessed with respect to the first seal VI so as to be downstream first sealing seat SI upon closing by the first seal VI.

As can be seen from figures 12 and 13, the turning of the drive knob 70 and the drive rod 30 by the user causes only a corresponding rotation of the first tubular axial extension 100, causing its outer thread 103 to cause , in engagement with the inner thread 203 of the second tubular axial extension 200, a corresponding axial displacement of the latter between a locking position of the second seat S2 (see Figure 12), in which the two sealing rings 204 are positioned on both sides. of the radial opening 49 of the tubular piston 40, and an unlocking position of the second seat S2 (see Figure 13), in which the two sealing rings 204 are offset to the downstream side of the second seat S2, that is, of the opening 49, allowing water to pass from inlet 11 to outlet 12. It should be noted that the second tubular axial extension 200 is prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis as a function of coupling. polygon of its opposite extreme portion 202 within the tubular piston 40, which has resistance to rotation due to the characteristic friction of the assembly. This construction also ensures a protection system against excessive manual torque applied to the pushbutton rod assembly.

In this third constructive configuration, the opposite end portion 102 of the first tubular axial extension 100 is provided with at least one radial bore 105 open into the tubular piston 40 to allow the pressurized water flow to access the upstream side. of the SD firing seat inside the tubular piston 40 and thus allow pressurization of the pressure chamber CP and the smooth opening of the hydraulic register R when opening the SD firing seat by pressing the drive rod 30 by the user.

[0089] The invention further provides a constructive solution that allows the user to vary the axial stroke of the pushbutton and push rod assembly 70,30 to automatically and quickly adjust the automatic closing time of the R register.

In the construction illustrated in FIGS. 1, B, 1B and 1C the flow control mechanism further comprises an internally threaded adjusting nut 18 engaged with an externally threaded portion of the body 10 and further provided with an extreme edge 18a facing away. actuating the pushbutton 70 and defining an abutment B that can be axially displaced by turning the adjusting nut 18 to limit the axial travel of the pushbutton assembly in the unlocking direction of the SD firing seat. In the illustrated construction, the externally threaded portion of the body 10 is defined by an extension of the bonnet cap 14, the axial stroke of the knob-stem assembly being limited by seating of the drive knob 70 on the stop B.

In the construction illustrated in figures 14 and 15, the adjustment of the axial stroke of the pushbutton rod assembly is achieved by providing a limiting sleeve 17 provided with an external thread 17a and an extreme edge 17b facing the pushbutton. drive 70 to define a stop B, the limiting sleeve 17 being mounted freely in the axial direction and locked in a rotational direction about a portion of the body 10 generally defined by the bonnet 14. It is furthermore A adjusting nut 18 is provided with an inner thread 8d engaged with the outer thread 17a of the limiting sleeve 17 and axially locked to the body 10, more particularly in the bonnet cap 14. The limiting sleeve 17 is axially displaceable by turning the locking nut. adjustment 18 to limit the axial stroke of the pushbutton assembly in the unlocking direction of the SD firing seat.

In the construction illustrated in figures 14 and 15, the body portion 10 around which the limiting sleeve 17 is mounted is defined by an extension of the bonnet cover 14, the axial travel of the button-stem assembly being limited by the seating of the actuating button 70 on the stop B defined by the extreme edge 17b of the limiting sleeve 17.

In the constructive solution proposed in Figures 14 and 15, the rotational locking of the limiting sleeve 17 in the bonnet cap 14 is obtained by a key 19 housed between said parts, the adjusting nut 18 having an end 18b seated on the bonnet cap 14, with the intermediate of a friction washer 28, and incorporating an inner peripheral rib 18c disposed and retained between the friction washer 28 and a snap ring 29 carried by the bonnet cap 14. The bonnet cap 14 incorporates, at a free end facing upwards. drive button 70, an outer peripheral step 14c around which an inner face of the limiting sleeve 17 slides and against which an inner peripheral step 17c of the limiting sleeve 17 is seated when the latter reaches a maximum axial displacement toward the button. drive 70.

The axial stroke adjustment of the pushbutton rod assembly 70,30 can be further accomplished by the exemplary solution illustrated in figures 16, 17 and 18 in which the axial stroke adjustment of the pushbutton rod assembly is achieved by providing a limiting sleeve 17 with its cylindrical sidewall 17d provided with at least two angularly offset lower indentations 17e, each defining a small shoe 17f. The limiting sleeve 17 further internally incorporates at least two longitudinal ribs 17g whose function will be described below. The limiting sleeve 17 has an extreme edge 17b facing the pushbutton 70 to define a stop B and is mounted freely in the axial direction and locked in a rotational direction about a portion of the body 10. , generally defined by castle lid 14.

An adjusting nut 18 is further provided having its cylindrical side wall 18h mounted around the limiting sleeve 17 and being internally provided with at least two ramps 18e each formed in a helical step development 18f arranged in stepped arrangement to operate as selective seating regions of a respective limiting glove shoe 17f 17. Thus, the manual turning of the adjusting nut 18 will position a step 18f of the ramps 18e axially aligned with a respective limiting glove shoe 17f to said shoe 17f is seated therein, defining the relative axial positioning between the limiting sleeve 17, with its stop B, and the adjusting nut 18.

As shown, the limiting sleeve 17 is axially displaceable by turning the adjusting nut 18 to limit the axial travel of the pushbutton assembly in the unlocking direction of the SD firing seat.

In the construction illustrated in figures 16, 17 and 18, the body portion 10 around which the limiting sleeve 17 is mounted is defined by an extension of the bonnet cap 14, externally provided with a toothed crown 14d in which the longitudinal ribs 17g of the limiting sleeve 17 are engaged, rotationally locking the latter to the bonnet cover 14 and, consequently, to the body 10 of the register R and the axial stroke of the pushbutton assembly limited by seating of the pushbutton 70 on the stop B defined by the extreme edge 17b of the limiting sleeve 17 which may be axially displaced with respect to the bonnet cover 14.

In the constructive solution proposed in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, the adjusting nut 18 has an end 18b seated on the bonnet cap 14, through the middle of a friction washer 28, and incorporating a disposed and retained inner peripheral rib 18c. between the friction washer 28 and a snap ring 29 carried by the bonnet cap 14.

The adjusting nut 18 incorporates, at a free end facing the drive knob 70, internal teeth 18g which cooperate with a circumferential rib 17h provided externally to the limiting sleeve 17 to prevent axial displacement of the latter from its engagement with the toothed crown 14d of bonnet cover 14, i.e. to limit the axial displacement of the limiting sleeve 17 when it reaches a maximum axial displacement toward the drive knob 70.

In the construction described above, the adjusting nut 18 incorporates, near the lower end of the cylindrical side wall 18h, a radially outwardly extending handle lug 18i to allow the user to rotate the adjusting nut 18 to change step 18f of the ramps 18e having a respective shoe 17f of the limiting sleeve 17 seated thereon, thereby altering the axial positioning of the latter and its stop B relative to the bonnet cover 14 and the body 10 of the R register. 18e with steps 18f allows the limiting sleeve to be stabilized at each axial position easily determined by the user by rotating an angle, usually no more than 90 degrees, of the adjusting nut 18, without the risk of the axial pushbutton actuations. drive 70 will disregard the position chosen for the stop B of the limiting sleeve 17.

[00101] The above described solutions related to thrust stroke adjustment of the pushbutton rod assembly 70,30 can be applied to any of the flow control mechanism constructions that include manual operation of hydraulic register opening R, by manual axial pressing of the drive button 70 in conjunction with the drive rod 30, and an automatic closing operation by means of the hydraulic and mechanical forces acting within the associated hydraulic register R.

Although only a few configurations of the flow control mechanism have been illustrated here, it should be understood that various changes in shape and arrangement of the different component parts can be made without departing from the inventive concept defined. within the claim framework accompanying this report.

Claims (30)

1. Flow control mechanism for a hydraulic register of the type comprising: a body (10) having inlet (11) and outlet (12) nozzles and defining within it a pressure chamber (CP) in communication restricted to the outlet nozzle (12), the mechanism of which comprises: a first seat (Sl) and a second seat (S2), internal to the body (10) and communicating the inlet nozzles (11) and output (12); a tubular piston (40) internal to the pressure chamber (CP), open to the inlet nozzle (11) and defining a trigger seat (SD) open to the pressure chamber (CP), said tubular piston (40) carrying a first seal (VI) and being axially displaceable between first open and closed positions, wherein the first seal (VI) releases and blocks respectively the first seat (Sl); a drive rod (30) projecting into the body (10) through the firing seat (SD) to have an inner end (31) carrying a firing seal (VD), said drive rod ( 30) being axially displaceable between a rest position in which the trigger seal (VD) locks the trigger seat (SD) and a triggered position in which the trigger seal (VD) unlocks the trigger seat (SD) ); and a second seal (V2) operatively associated with the inner end (31) of the drive rod (30), to be moved between second open and closed positions, in which it releases and blocks respectively the second seat (S2) when the rod The drive shaft (30) is rotationally moved in either direction about its longitudinal axis. Mechanism according to Claim 1, characterized in that the trigger seal (VD) is in the form of an elastomeric ring mounted around the inner end (31) of the drive rod (30) and held upstream. firing seat (SD) in the resting and driven positions of the drive rod (30), and in the resting position of the driving rod (30) the firing seal (VD) is seated against the firing seat (SD) ) while in the actuated position of the drive rod (30) the firing seal (VD) is axially spaced from the firing seat (SD). Mechanism according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular piston (40) has a free end (41) facing and constantly open to the inlet nozzle (11) through the first seat ( Sl), and an opposite end (42) closed and defining the firing seat (SD). Mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the body (10) being further provided with an auxiliary nozzle (13) which is closed by a bonnet cover (14) through which the drive rod (8) is arranged. 30) characterized in that it further comprises within the body (10) a tubular jacket (20) incorporating an outer annular flange (20a) and defining the pressure chamber (CP) having a first end (21) ) indirectly seated against an inner annular stop (16) of the body (10), and a second end (22) fitted within the bonnet cover (14) and closed by an annular insert (25) which is housed within the bonnet cap (14) axially compressing an elastic ring (AE) against the outer annular flange (20a) of the tubular sleeve (20), axially forcing the first end (21) of the latter into the inner annular stop ( 16) of the body (10), the tubular jacket (20) having at least radial opening (23) in communication fluid with the outlet nozzle (12) of the body 10. Mechanism according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first seal (VI) takes the form of an elastomeric ring mounted around the free end (41) of the tubular piston (40) and held upstream of the first one. seat (Sl) in the first and second closed and open positions of the tubular piston (40), and in the first closed condition of the first seal (VI) and in the second closed and open positions of the second seal (V2), the first seal (VI ) is seated against the first seat (Ps). Mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the opposite end (42) of the tubular piston (40) is closed by an end wall (43) provided with a central opening (43a) defining the firing seat (SD), with the inner end (31) of the drive rod (30) protruding through the firing seat (SD) to have an enlarged end head (36) around which the trigger seal (VD). Mechanism according to Claim 6, characterized in that the inner end (31) of the drive rod (30) carries an axial extension (35) protruding through the firing seat (SD), defining the head extended end (36) around which the firing seal (VD) is mounted. Mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the tubular piston (40) is rotatably coupled to the second seal (V2) and axially displaceable with respect to the second seal (V2). the inner end (31) of the drive rod (30) rotatably coupled to the tubular piston (40) and axially free and limited displaceable with respect to the tubular piston (40). Mechanism according to Claim 8, characterized in that the opposite end (42) of the tubular piston (40) is internally provided with at least one longitudinal slot extension (44), the inner end (31) of drive rod (30) provided with at least one radial projection (34) to be slidably engaged within a respective longitudinal slot extension (44) of the opposite end (42) of the tubular piston (40) to provide the rotational locking of the drive rod (30) on the tubular piston (40). Mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the first seat (Sl) is defined by a central opening (51) of a hermetically seated fixed annular shaped ceramic insert (50) and retained within the body (10) and provided with at least one eccentric opening (52) defining the second seat (S2), the second seal (V2) being defined by an annular shaped movable ceramic insert (60); axially and hermetically slidably seated against the fixed ceramic insert (50) and further provided with a central window (61) and at least one eccentric window (62), said movable ceramic insert (60) being rotationally displaceable in together with the tubular piston (40) between the latter's closed and open positions in which the at least one eccentric window (62) of the movable ceramic insert (60) is axially misaligned and aligned with respect to at least respectively an eccentric opening (52) of the fixed ceramic insert (50), blocking and releasing, respectively, the second seat (S2). Mechanism according to Claim 10, characterized in that the tubular piston (40) medially and externally carries an annular sealing member (47) which is hermetically forced against a cylindrical side wall portion of the pressure chamber. (CP), defined by the tubular sleeve (20), the tubular piston (40) still externally provided with at least one radial projection (48), the central window (61) of the movable ceramic insert (60) provided with at least recess (68) into which a respective radial projection (48) of the tubular piston (40) is fitted and rotationally locked. Mechanism according to either of Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the movable ceramic insert (60) incorporates at least one angularly displaceable outer radial projection (63) between the ends of a respective circumferential groove extension (27). ) of an adjacent cylindrical side wall portion of the pressure chamber (CP) defined by the tubular sleeve (20), limiting the rotation of the tubular piston (40) and movable ceramic insert (60) between the closed and open positions of the piston tubular (40). Mechanism according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the fixed ceramic insert (50) has an annular end face (50a) hermetically seated and retained within the body (10), with the interposition of an elastomeric annular gasket (G) and an extreme ring annular bearing face (50b) against which an end ring (60a) of the movable ceramic insert (60) also internal to the body (10) is seated and pressed against it. ), the latter being provided with an inner peripheral step (26) seated on the movable ceramic insert (60) so as to press it against the fixed ceramic insert (50). Mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the tubular piston (40) is displaced from either of the first and second closed conditions and in either direction when it is displaced; axial and circumferential, be locked in relation to the body (10) against displacement in the other of said directions. Mechanism according to Claim 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one guide means (45) provided externally to the tubular piston (40) and a respective guide follower means (26a) internally provided in the body (10). and cooperating with the guide means (45) to enable, in any of the first and second closed conditions of the tubular piston (40), the drive rod (30) can be selectively driven by the user axially or in a rotational manner, and in order to prevent the tubular piston (40) being displaced from either of the first and second conditions closed and in one of the axial and circumferential directions, the drive rod (30) may be displaced in the other of said directions. Mechanism according to Claim 15, characterized in that each guide means (45) is defined by a longitudinal groove (45a) and a small circumferential groove (45b) open to one end of the longitudinal groove (45a). ), the guide follower means (26a) being defined by a radial tooth (26b) carried by the body (10) and in the first and second closed condition of the tubular piston (40), the guide follower means (26a) It is positioned in the region of union between the two grooves (45a and 45b), allowing the rod-piston assembly (30-40) to be moved axially or rotatably with the guide follower means (26a) sliding inside one of the two grooves (45a, 45b), with the beginning of displacement of the tubular piston (40) in either axial and circumferential direction, the guide follower (26a) begins to slide within one of the grooves ( 45a, 45b), preventing displacement of the tubular piston (40) in the other the direction. Mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the drive rod (30) carries a tubular axial extension (90) having a free end portion (91) disposed within the free end (41). ) of the tubular piston (40) defining the second seal (V2) and provided with a radial bore (92), between the free end portion (91) of the tubular axial extension (90) and the free end (41) of the The tubular piston (40) is formed by an annular gap sealed by a sealing sleeve (93) provided with a radial opening (94) coincident with the radial bore (92) and axially retained within the tubular piston (40). allowing relative axial and rotational displacements between the tubular axial extension (90) and the tubular piston (40) and the second seat (S2) being defined by a radial window (49) provided at the free end (41) of the tubular piston ( 40), open to the outlet nozzle (12) of the body (10) and with which it is at least partially alignable by turning the drive rod (30) the radial bore (92) of the tubular axial extension (90). Mechanism according to Claim 17, characterized in that the inner end (31) of the drive rod (30) carries an axial extension (35) protruding through the firing seat (SD), defining the head extended end (36) around which the firing seal (VD) is mounted, and the tubular axial extension (90) of the drive rod (30) is incorporated in one piece into the axial extension (35) of the latter. said tubular axial extension (90) being provided with at least one radial hole (95) open into the tubular piston (40). Mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the drive rod (30) carries a first tubular axial extension (100) open to the inlet nozzle (11) and provided with an external thread ( 103) and radial bore (105) open into the tubular piston (40), the second seal (V2) being loaded into a second tubular axial extension (200) open to the inlet nozzle (11) and provided with thread (203) engaged with the outer thread (103) of the first tubular extension (100), the second seat (S2) being defined by at least one radial opening (49) in the tubular piston (40) and the second seal (V2) defined by two sealing rings (204) mounted around the second axial extension (200), axially spaced apart and frictional against the inner face of the tubular piston (40), the second axially movable axial extension (200) being axially displaceable by turning the drive rod (30) and the first pr tubular axial elongation (100) between a second seat locking position (S2) with the two sealing rings (204) positioned on either side of the radia opening (49) and a second seat unlocking position (S2) ), wherein the two sealing rings (204) are offset to the downstream side of the second seat (S2) defined by the radial opening (49). A mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 19, the body (10) further being provided with an auxiliary nozzle (13) which is closed by a bonnet cover (14) through which the drive rod (8) is arranged. 30), characterized in that the drive rod (30) has an outer end (32) protruding from the bonnet (14) and coupled to a drive knob (70), and a spring is provided ( 80) mounted around the outer end (32) of the drive rod (30) and compressed between the bonnet cap (14) and the drive knob (70), the bonnet cap (14) incorporating a tubular axial projection ( 14a) housing an extreme portion of the spring (80) and further acting as a guide for axial displacement of the actuation knob (70). A mechanism according to claim 20, further comprising an internally threaded adjusting nut (18) engaged with an externally threaded portion of a bonnet extension (14) and further provided with an end edge ( 18a) facing the actuation knob (70) and defining an abutment (B), axially displaceable by turning the adjusting nut (18), to limit the axial stroke of the stem knob assembly in the direction of unlocking the firing seat ( SD), the axial stroke of the pushbutton assembly being limited by seating of the pushbutton (70) on the stop (B). A mechanism according to claim 20, further comprising: a limiting sleeve (17) provided with an external thread (17a), an extreme edge (17b) facing the actuation button (70) and defining a stop (B), and mounted axially free and rotationally locked about an extension of the bonnet cover (14); and an adjusting nut (18) provided with an inner thread (18d) engaged with the outer thread (17a) of the limiting sleeve (17) and axially locked to the body (10), said limiting sleeve (17) being axially displaceable by turning the adjusting nut (18) to limit the axial stroke of the pushbutton assembly towards the seat release (SD) direction, the axial stroke of the pushbutton assembly being limited by seating of the pushbutton (70) on the stop (B). Mechanism according to Claim 22, characterized in that the rotational locking of the limiting sleeve (17) in the bonnet cover (14) is obtained by a key (19) housed between said parts, having the adjusting nut (18 ) an end (18b) seated on the bonnet cap (14), through the intermediation of a friction washer (28), and incorporating an inner peripheral rib (18c) disposed and retained between the friction washer (28) and an elastic ring (29) carried by the bonnet cover (14). Mechanism according to Claim 23, characterized in that the bonnet cover (14) incorporates, at a free end facing the actuation knob (70), an external peripheral step (14c) around which it slides. inner face of the limiting sleeve (17) and against which an inner peripheral step (17c) of the limiting sleeve (17) is seated when the latter reaches a maximum axial displacement towards the actuation button (70). Mechanism according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises a limiting sleeve (17) having: a cylindrical sidewall 17d provided with at least two lower indentations 17e each defining a shoe 17f; at least two longitudinal ribs 17g; an extreme edge 17b facing the pushbutton 70 and defining a stopper B, said limiting sleeve (17) being mounted freely in the axial direction and locked in a rotational direction about a portion of the body (10). ), further being provided an adjusting nut (18) having a cylindrical side wall (18h) mounted around the limiting sleeve (17) and being internally provided with at least two ramps (18e) each formed in one development. helical steps (18f), defining selective seating regions of a respective shoe (17f) of the limiting sleeve (17), the limiting sleeve 17 being axially displaceable by turning the adjusting nut 18 to limit the axial stroke of the rod (30) in the direction of release of the seat (SD). Mechanism according to Claim 25, characterized in that the body portion 10 around which the limiting sleeve 17 is mounted is defined by an extension of the bonnet cover 14, externally provided with a toothed crown 14d on the which the longitudinal ribs 17g of the limiting sleeve 17 are engaged, the latter locking in rotational engagement with the bonnet cover 14 and, consequently, the body 10 of the register R and the axial stroke of the pushbutton assembly limited by the seating of the drive knob 70 in stop B defined by the extreme edge 17b of the limiting sleeve 17, axially displaceable with respect to the bonnet cover 14 with the adjustment nut turning (18). Mechanism according to Claim 26, characterized in that the adjusting nut 18 has an end 18b seated on the bonnet cap 14, through the intermediation of a friction washer 28, and incorporating a disposed and retained inner peripheral rib 18c. between the friction washer 28 and a snap ring 29 carried by the bonnet cap 14. Mechanism according to Claim 27, characterized in that the adjusting nut 18 incorporates, at a free end facing the actuation knob 70, internal teeth 18g which cooperate with a circumferential rib 17h provided externally to the limiting sleeve 17. to prevent axial displacement of the latter out of its engagement with the toothed crown 14d of the bonnet cap 14, the adjusting nut 18 further incorporating a radially outwardly projecting handle 18i near the end 18b. Hydraulic register, comprising a flow control mechanism as defined in any one of claims 1 to 28. Hydraulic apparatus, such as a tap or spout incorporating, in a single body, a hydraulic register, characterized in that said hydraulic register comprises a flow control mechanism as defined in any one of claims 1 to 28.