EP2636804A1

EP2636804A1 - Spray head for kitchen or bathroom

Info

Publication number: EP2636804A1
Application number: EP12158092.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrizio Nobili
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-05
Filing date: 2012-03-05
Publication date: 2013-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-05
Also published as: EP2636804B1

Abstract

Water supply system (1) for kitchen or bathroom comprising a support (2) and a jet diffuser (3) which can be extracted from the support. The jet comprises a button (4) for opening and closing the flow situated on a body (5) of the jet diffuser. The button (4) controls an opening of the flow, when the body (5) is inserted inside the support (2), and a closure of the flow, when the body (5) is extracted from the support (2).

Description

Field of application

The present invention refers to a water supply system for kitchen or bathroom comprising a support and a jet diffuser which can be extracted from the support, the jet comprising a button for opening and closing the flow situated on a body of the jet diffuser.
In particular, the present invention refers to a supply system of the type mentioned above in which the jet diffuser is connected to a flexible tube for conveying the water and the button can control the opening of the flow from the flexible tube, both when the jet is fixed to its support, and when the jet is extracted from the support and is gripped by the user.

Prior art

Kitchen or bathroom water supply systems are known of the type comprising a jet diffuser, which is connected to a flexible tube for conveying water, and a support that is suitable for supporting the jet diffuser. For example, the support is a rod that is fixed to the kitchen sink and comprises a C-sectioned attachment in which the jet diffuser can be inserted from the top, allowing the flexible tube to pass downwards.
Such supply systems comprise a hot and cold water mixer, for example a lever, which also controls the opening and the closure of the flow. The water can be supplied with the jet diffuser inserted in the support or gripped and extracted from the support, moving the jet within the limitations allowed by the flexible tube. When the water is closed, the jet diffuser is put back in the support.
Known supply systems have the drawback that, in order to avoid involuntarily spraying water, before moving the jet diffuser from the support to a supply position, it is necessary to close the flow by acting upon the lever, then move the jet into the supply position, and then open the lever again; in particular, in order to avoid undesired splashing of water, it is necessary to carry out these operations also to supply small amounts of water, for a short time. Similarly, in order to put the jet back in the support without unintentionally spraying water, it is necessary to operate on the lever again, so as to close the flow, then put the jet back and then act upon the lever again so as to reopen the flow with the jet in the support, such a position being generally preferred, for example to wash the dishes.
Such operations, which are apparently convenient and natural, are however slow and tedious in the case in which the user has to continuously move the jet diffuser between different operative positions, especially if in such positions it is necessary to carry out a rapid supply of the flow and then immediately put the jet back into the support, for supply.
The technical problem at the basis of the present invention is that of simplifying known supply systems, finding an alternative to the supply control which makes it possible to speed up the opening and the closure of the flow and that allows the user to use both hands more freely, solving the drawbacks currently limiting the known systems.

Summary of the invention

The idea of solution at the basis of the present invention is that of devising a supply system in which the jet diffuser is opened through a coupling of the jet with a relative support and is closed through a decoupling of the jet and the support. In one aspect of the present invention, the coupling is a shape coupling between the jet and the support; preferably a button for opening the flow, which projects from an opening of the jet diffuser, is mechanically actuated by the jet/support contact, for opening the flow. In another aspect, the jet/support contact is electronically detected through a pressure sensor.
Based upon such an idea of solution, the technical problem described above is solved with a water supply system for kitchen or bathroom comprising a support and a jet diffuser which can be extracted from the support, in which the jet comprises a button for opening and closing the flow situated on a body of the jet diffuser and the button controls an opening of the flow, when the body is inserted in the support, and a closure of the flow, when the body is extracted from the support. Advantageously, when the jet is extracted from the support, the flow is automatically closed, i.e. without intervening on any control lever and, when the jet is put back in the support, the flow is opened automatically, without acting upon the lever.
In one aspect of the invention, the button can be further actuated to open the flow, manually, when the body is extracted from the support. In this case, the user can supply water by holding the jet and keeping the button actuated so as to open the flow.
In particular, the button is mobile from a position A in which it projects from the body, corresponding to the closure of the flow, to a position B in which it is retracted inside the body, corresponding to the opening of the flow. Elastic means are provided for repositioning the button projecting from the body, from the retracted position, as soon as the body is extracted from the support. When the jet is inserted in the support, the support compresses the elastic means, by pressing on the button.
In one embodiment, the retracted position is obtained through shape coupling between the body and the support. For example, the support comprises a C-shaped profile and the body comprises a section that can be inserted in the C-shaped profile in a predetermined direction, according to which the button is in contact with the inner surface of the profile and is pushed into the retracted position. Advantageously, such a shape coupling guides the user to open the flow, since the jet can be inserted in the profile only in a way such as to actuate the button.
In another embodiment, the button comprises a pressure sensor that is suitable for detecting a pressure exerted by the support or by a finger on the button, so as to control the opening or the closure of the flow. Advantageously, it is sufficient to exert a slight pressure on the sensor, through a contact with the support or with a finger, so as to open the flow. If there is no pressure on the sensor, the flow is automatically closed.
The supply system further comprises a lever or control for opening/closing the flow, operating so as to intercept a fluid path upstream of the jet diffuser and to close the flow of water even when the body is inserted in the support, and even if the button controls an opening of the flow through the jet, for example because it is inserted in the support. Advantageously, when the user has finished his work, he can close the flow with the general control lever and leave the jet diffuser placed in the support, without it supplying any more water.
It is also provided a switch for changing the supply mode of the fluid, for example from a cohesive central jet to a rain jet. Preferably, the switch is situated on the body of the jet diffuser and it is even more preferably a mechanical flip switch.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the support comprises a substantially tubular portion with a predetermined inner diameter, the body is substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tubular portion and able to slide axially inside the tubular portion. Moreover, the cylindrical body comprises a side opening engaged by the button and from which the button projects, for closing, or retracts, for opening the flow, it is connected to a flexible tube for conveying the water, the flexible tube being slidable inside the tubular portion, and to a cylindrical grip for the jet diffuser, with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tubular portion, which is a projection of the tubular portion when the body is inserted in the support. Such a configuration is particularly convenient and elegant, since the flexible tube and the body are completely retracted in the tubular portion, when the jet is inserted in the support, avoiding the tube taking up space in the sink; the solution has a considerably nice appearance.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention shall become clearer from the description given hereafter with reference to the attached drawings and only as a non-limiting example.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the supply system according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the supply system according to the present invention, in a different operation step.
Figure 3 is a section view of the supply system of figure 2.
Figure 4 is a section of the supply system of figure 1.

Detailed description

Figure 1 schematically represents a water supply system 1 for kitchen or bathroom comprising a support 2 and a jet diffuser 3 which can be extracted from the support and connected to a flexible tube for conveying water. The jet comprises a button 4 for opening and closing the flow situated on a body 5 of the jet diffuser, which controls an opening of the flow, when the body is inserted inside the support, and a closure of the flow, when the body is extracted from the support.
A lever or a general control for opening/closing the flow is operatively associated to or comprised in the supply system so as to close the flow of water from the jet diffuser, intercepting a fluid path upstream of the jet diffuser, even when the body is inserted inside the support and the button controls the opening of the flow. In other words, in conditions in which water is not being used, the general control lever intercepts the supply of fluid upstream of the flexible tube. Such a lever, in one embodiment of the present invention, is replaced by a pressure sensor, described in the rest of the description.
When the user wishes to turn the water on, he actuates the general control lever, with the jet inserted inside the support; in such a position the jet immediately supplies water. Extracting the jet from the support, the supply finishes, by effect of an interceptor situated in the jet and controlled by the button, which is activated for closing when the jet is extracted from the support.
With reference to figure 1 the water supply system according to the present invention is indicated with reference numeral 1, the support with reference numeral 2 and the jet diffuser with reference numeral 3. In figure 1 the jet is partially extracted from the support and in figure 2 it is inserted in it. A button 4 for opening and closing the flow on a body 5 of the jet diffuser controls the opening of the flow; in particular, when the body 5 is inserted in the support 2 like in figure 2, the button 4 controls the closure of the flow and when the body is extracted from the support, the button controls the closure.
The opening of the flow can be further controlled manually, when the body is extracted from the support, for example by exerting pressure with a finger. In particular, the button 4 is mobile from a position A in which it projects from the body, corresponding to the closure of the flow (figure 2), to a position B in which it is retracted inside the body, corresponding to the opening of the flow (figure 1). Elastic means are associated to the body for moving the button 4 into the projecting position, when the body is extracted from the support or when the finger is lifted from the button.
The retracted position of the button is obtained through shape coupling between the body and the support. The button is in contact with the support and the elastic means are compressed or loaded, when the body is inserted inside the support.
In one embodiment of the invention, a pressure sensor that is comprised in or associated to the button detects pressure exerted by the support or by a finger on the button, so as to consequently control the opening or the closure of the flow.
It is moreover provided a lever or control for opening/closing the flow, for intercepting a fluid path upstream of the jet diffuser and for closing the flow of water even when the body is inserted in the support and the button controls an opening of the flow through the jet. In such a way, after use, it is in any case possible to turn the water off, even if the jet diffuser is inserted in the support.
In one embodiment, a presence sensor is provided for detecting the presence of a user near to the jet diffuser, controlling an opening of the flow, when the jet is inserted inside the support. Analogously, the presence sensor detects the moving away of or the absence of a user near to the jet, closing the flow, even if the jet is inserted in the support.
An electronic control unit of a valve is foreseen for opening and closing the flow, electrically connected to the pressure sensor and, if foreseen, also to the presence sensor. For example, if both sensors are foreseen, the unit receives two different inputs associated to them and having two different levels of voltage - a level L1 is associated to the opening control and another level L2 is associated to the closure control.
In such a case, if for example the input from the pressure sensor is L1, since the jet is inserted inside the support, and the input from the presence sensor is L2, since no user is detected near the jet, the electronic unit controls the closure of the valve. If the input from the pressure sensor is L1, since the jet is inserted inside the support, and the input from the presence sensor is L1, since a user is detected near the jet, the electronic unit controls the opening of the valve; if, on the other hand, the input from the pressure sensor is L2, since the jet is extracted from the support, and the input from the presence sensor is L2, since a user is detected near to the jet, the electronic unit in any case shuts off the valve and therefore the flow.
In one embodiment, the unit comprises a solenoid valve for opening and closing the flow.
A switch 6 for changing the supply mode of the fluid, for example from a cohesive central jet to a rain jet, is moreover foreseen in the system of the present invention, preferably on the body of the jet diffuser and preferably being a mechanical flip switch.
As schematically represented in figure 1 and 2, the support preferably comprises a substantially tubular portion 2a with a predetermined inner diameter, the body is substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tubular portion (tube) and able to slide axially inside the tubular portion. Substantially, in the retracted position of the body in the tubular portion of the support, the button is invisible. The cylindrical body comprises a side opening 4ap engaged by the button and from which the button projects, for closing the flow, \i.e. when the body is extracted from the tubular portion, which, in such a configuration, does not compress the elastic means. When the body is retracted inside the tubular portion, it controls the opening of the flow, and the tubular portion compresses the elastic means for shape coupling with the body.
The body is connected to a flexible tube 7 for conveying water, also able to slide inside the tubular portion, and to a cylindrical grip 3a of the jet diffuser, preferably having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tubular portion, which is an extension of the tubular portion when the body is inserted in the support.
Advantageously, according to the present invention, the flow of water is opened when the jet diffuser is inserted inside the support and is interrupted when the jet is extracted from the support, thus avoiding spraying water during the movement of the jet diffuser. The presence of the button on the body of the jet diffuser and the accessibility of the button, when the body is extracted from the tube, makes it possible to have a supply, after having positioned the jet diffuser in a desired supply position.
Advantageously the lever or presence sensor makes it possible in any case to close the flow, when the jet diffuser is inserted inside the tube.

Claims

Water supply system (1) for kitchen or bathroom comprising a support (2) and a jet diffuser (3), which can be extracted from the support, said jet comprising a button (4) for opening and closing the flow situated on a body (5) of the jet diffuser, characterised in that the button controls an opening of the flow, when the body is inserted inside the support, and a closure of the flow, when the body is extracted from the support.
Supply system according to claim 1, characterised in that the button can be further manually actuated to open the flow when the body is extracted from the support.
Supply system according to claim 1, characterised in that said button is mobile from a position (A) in which it projects from the body, corresponding to the closure of the flow, to a position (B) wherein it is retracted inside the body, corresponding to the opening of the flow, and in that elastic means are provided for moving the button into the projecting position, when the body is extracted from the support.
Supply system according to claim 3, characterised in that the retracted position is obtained through shape coupling between the body and the support.
Supply system according to claim 1, characterised in that said button comprises a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure exerted by the support or by a finger on the button, to control said opening or closure of the flow.
Supply system according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a lever or control for opening/closing the flow, operating so as to intercept a fluid path upstream of said jet diffuser and close the flow of water even when the body is inserted in the support and the button controls an opening of the flow through the jet.
Supply system according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a switch (6) for changing the supply mode of the fluid, for example from a cohesive central jet to a rain jet, said switch preferably being situated on the body of the jet diffuser and preferably being a mechanical flip switch.
Supply system according to claim 1, characterised in that the support comprises a substantially tubular portion (2a) having a predetermined inner diameter, the body is substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tubular portion and slidable axially inside the tubular portion, the cylindrical body comprises a side opening (4ap) engaged by the button and from which the button projects, for the closure, or retracts, for the opening of the flow, the body abuts against a flexible tube (7) for conveying the water, also slidable inside the tubular portion, and against a cylindrical grip (3a) of the jet diffuser, preferably with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tubular portion, which is an extension of the tubular portion when the body is inserted in the support.
Supply system according to claim 5, characterised in that it comprises an electronic control unit of a valve for opening and closing the flow, said unit being electrically connected to the pressure sensor and a presence sensor, if present.
Supply system according to claim 9, characterised in that it comprises said presence sensor for detecting a user near to the jet diffuser, said presence sensor controlling an opening of the flow, when it detects a presence, or the closure, when there is no user present.
Supply system according to claim 10, characterised in that said unit receives two different inputs associated to the pressure sensor and to the detection sensor, said input having two possible different levels of voltage, a first level L1 being associated with the control for opening and a second level associated with the closure control, said unit controlling the opening if both levels of tension of the inputs are associated to the opening control (L1) and controlling the closure if at least one of said levels of tension is associated to the closure (L2).