ES2755786A1 - Auxiliary water saving device (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Auxiliary water saving device (1) to be coupled to existing taps in homes that includes a main body formed by a lever arm (9), a removable height adapter (9.2), a hollow cylinder (9.1) that houses its internal regulation means controlled by an axial pressure regulating screw (7.1) and a return tension blocking screw (8.1); a clamp to the faucet body (3), and a telescopic stem (4) fixed to the faucet handle by means of a clamp (2) that transfers the movements of the faucet handle to the regulation means, through a slit made in the central part of the cylindrical body (9.1). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Water saving auxiliary device

Technique sector

The present invention belongs to the sector of use of natural resources and more specifically to the saving of drinking water.

The object of the present invention is a device, which, being equipped with assembly and adjustment mechanisms that are easy to adapt and handle without the need for special tools or knowledge, can be coupled to most existing domestic water taps, providing them with the possibilities of: -staged opening, and -return to the closing position in an adjustable and progressive way, being able to select these characteristics either jointly or individually and interchangeably

Background of the Invention

Among the natural resources that must be cared for and conserved the most, would be water, and more specifically drinking water, so that any means that can contribute to its control and savings must arouse interest from the administration and society, thereby contributing to the use of natural resources, and not always inexhaustible.

One of the largest consumptions of drinking water is generated in homes, both due to the number of existing taps and the current use that is made of this resource, and sometimes also due to distraction, habit, or simply not have easy means that could help reduce its use.

There are numerous studies on consumption per person and household, available to consult. The proposed system seeks to have elements that remind us, sensitize and facilitate the reduction of these consumption.

The installation of this device could achieve water reductions of up to 30% or 40%, from the usual consumption per installed tap, only with a modest investment and the installation of the proposed system.

In an exhaustive search for the state of the art at the national and international level, no devices or elements that provide these functions are detected together with the mechanical systems of the proposed invention, nor that these benefits can be regulated from the outside. There are taps that "separately" are manufactured to be able to offer these characteristics, but both in terms of opening levels or steps, and in the case of timed taps to close (non-progressive), their implementation in homes is greatly reduced by not say non-existent, perhaps because your choice involves having to acquire and / or replace the entire complete faucet with the consequent economic investment and work to be carried out, likewise, regarding the provision of timed closure only in some public places They are installed but since their closing time is fixed, without the possibility of regulation, it sometimes means that the service time is longer than desired, causing unnecessary consumption.

On the other hand, in what is known from the current state of the art, both the staggered existing models and those referring to automatic closing do not admit taking these features out of service, so that a certain form of use must be accepted without other possibilities than the to change or replace the tap.

It is also true that standard commercialized taps allow them to be positioned at any point of their opening path, and thus regulate the flow, but it is usual for the opening action to be carried out in its entirety, either due to haste, habit, or even facilitated by the own loss of resistance of the tap motivated by a use, without possibility of correction.

Explanation of the invention

In order to achieve the objectives set and avoid the drawbacks mentioned in the previous section, the invention proposes a device that, when installed on the different taps existing in homes, can give them the characteristics of; - Stages or levels staggered in its opening. - Progressive return (adjustable) to the closed position through the setting chosen by the user. -Optional possibility of one or another benefit, interchangeably, and -Possibility of out of service without the need to remove the device.

With this invention, it is not required that the potential user have to change the taps installed in their home to achieve a decrease in water consumption, nor decrease the comfort of its use, it only seeks to help and provide a means of rationalizing the consumption of a vital resource for life, in addition and also, with the consequent motivation of economic savings in the water bill, which would provide the amortization made in a very short period of time.

For a better understanding of these characteristics and advantages, they are summarized below as follows: -The auxiliary device proposed in one of its characteristics, enables the tap to be staggered in its opening movement, by providing it with marked stations and without them take effect or offer resistance in your return movement.

Another of its characteristics is that of the progressive return, from any of its opening positions, to its state of closing or cutting of flow, being able to adjust the speed of this action, consequently the service time of the tap. The use of the aforementioned functions together or indistinctly separated, can be easily chosen, for which the device comprises mechanical means for this purpose as detailed in the corresponding section.

These same means, mentioned in the previous point, comprise and allow the device the option of taking it out of service without the need to be removed from the tap itself.

Another characteristic of the proposed investment is that of covering and adapting to a wide range of models, shapes and measures of the taps sold, using wide range coupling elements, even so, in order to expand the range to be covered, the device separately, it would comprise other complementary elements or components.

In this same sense, the proposed investment includes the possibility of replacement supplies of those elements that due to their use and / or need for adjustments may be required by users.

Likewise, given its operation in humid environments and contact with water, the device object of the investment, as well as the elements that form it, in a preferred embodiment, would comprise for its manufacture plastic and / or similar materials that prevent oxidation and facilitate cleaning, in addition to seeking to be light and attractive in its colors and shapes.

Brief description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the investment, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of figures is included as an integral part of the description. where, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 shows an overall overview of a possible preferred embodiment with the different elements assembled according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the different elements comprising the device according to the preferred embodiment.

Figure 3 shows an internal view of the step system in the opening and return voltage system according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 4 shows a drawing of complementary details and cross section of the regulation systems of the previous figure 3.

Figures 5 and 6 show views, according to a preferred embodiment, of the device coupled to the faucet in a state of rest or closed, and open or service respectively.

The following is a list of the different elements represented in the figures that make up the invention:

1. Auxiliary device for taps.

2. Faucet control fixing clamp.

3. Faucet body fixing clamp.

4. Telescopic cylinder.

5. Axis tension system.

6. Return system springs.

7. Side cover for opening stations.

7.1. Axial pressure regulation screw.

8. Adjustable return tension side cover.

8.1. Return voltage blocking screw.

9. Lever arm body.

9.1. Body, hollow cylinder body.

9.2. Body height adapter.

10. Cylinder / friction ball (fulcrum).

11. Options selector cap.

11.1. Return selector pin.

11.2. Pin opening degrees option.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures and according to the numbering adopted, a preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in them, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described below. Thus, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary water saving device (1) assembled and disassembled respectively, essentially comprises the following elements:

A main body (9), of which a transparent and hollow cylinder (9.1) forms part, houses inside the tension and adjustment elements of the different functions. An opening made in its upper surface of the cylinder (9.1) allows the telescopic rod (4), fixed to the tap control handle by means of the clamp (3), to transfer the opening / closing movements to the bush (11) and / or to the axis (5), by means of the pins (11.1) and (11.2), or what is the same, return system and opening step system respectively.

In order to make the fixing of the device (1) even more solidary, with the articulated arm of the tap and position it in the center of it, the clamp (2) fixes the telescopic cylinder (4), being attached to the upper part of the handle also allowing it to be extended and adjusted according to the length of the control handle if necessary.

Likewise, the main body, the arm / lever (9), provides the device with counter tension by means of the springs (6) and bush (11) generating the return force to close the tap, an action exerted by means of the support point (fulcrum) that provides a small cylinder and rotating ball (10) inserted, depending on the height of the tap in one of the housings of the arm (9) or the arm extension (9.2) allowing in all rotational movements to ensure contact with the faucet body.

Figures 3 and 4 show in more detail the tension, adjustment and function selection elements of the device (1), which in a possible preferred embodiment comprises:

- Fixing means for opening stations;

The cover (7) mounted on one of the sides of the cylindrical body (9.1), moved by the axis (5), has a ball on its inner face in order to cause it to fit into the slits or holes in the wall of the cylindrical body ((9.1)).

The construction and shape of the housings would be mechanized in such a way that it only influences the hardness and / or retention in the opening movement and not in the return or closing movement of the tap. Likewise, the cover would comprise a clutch system (7.1) with possibilities of adjusting the axial pressure exerted by the cover (7), consequently the friction or hardness in the opening movement of the different positions.

- Regulation of return to the closed position:

On the other side of the cylinder body (9.1), the cover (8), would comprise a regulation system by means of springs (6). A first spring would have the mission of returning the tap to its closed position under a pre-established fixed time parameter, even so, given the difference in hardness in the opening / closing movement of the taps, as well as the preferences or needs that each user may have, a second spring fulfills the function of expanding the regulation range and making it possible to adjust the reaction times. The indications would appear on this cover - these indications coinciding with a greater or lesser response time of the tap, once the desired tension is set, the regulation cover would be blocked by a stud (8.1) located in the cylindrical main body (9.1)

- Selection of device features:

Figures 3 and 4 show a more detailed view and cross section of the cylindrical body (9.1), in its central part, the bushing (11) is embraced externally by one of the ends of the telescopic rod (4) and inside it wraps and houses the shaft (5) in its central part, allowing in its adjustment the rotation of the elements it joins.

When the pins (11.1) and (11.2) remain inserted, service position, the bushing (11) and axis 5 receive the pendulum movement of the telescopic rod (4), putting into operation both features, if, on the contrary, it is desired not to use some of these benefits by simply lifting the pin in question, the movement of the rod is isolated. Since the depth of the pin (11.1) has to reach the axis (5), through the wall of the bushing (11), it has an opening that allows movement and being pierced by the pin without incident. In the same way, and by this procedure, if both pins were in their raised position, the device would be out of service.

Figures 5 and 6 show the device (1) installed on a standard tap in its rest or closed position and in service or open, respectively.

To expand the preferred embodiment of the invention and with the intention of showing the ease of adaptation and assembly of the device, the installation process in a preferred embodiment and use is described below:

With the device (1) assembled, figure 1, only in the absence of the clamp (2) and the pins (11.1) and (11.2) inserted (initial service situation) it would proceed to its coupling in the chosen tap, introducing the device from the rear of the control, this action would be carried out by exerting a slight push or pressure to introduce the clamp (3) to the body of the tap, and ensuring its diameter. Once the device has been positioned, the clamp (2) would be placed, being attached to the handle that controls the device, ready to be used.

Once the device is fixed to the tap, test the effect and sensitivity of the opening degree or steps, and also the speed and / or return of the knob from the open to closed position.

If the preset regulation of steps or opening levels, with regard to decreasing / increasing hardness or friction force, it is desired to modify, this would be done by means of the screw (7.1) located on the cover (7). If, on the other hand, it is the return or closing tension that is to be modified, it would be readjusted by means of the cover or wheel (8), in accordance with the signs / - that appear on said cover, having previously released the prisoner ( 8.1) and subsequent blocking thereof, once adjusted. Regarding the adjustment of the lever arm (9), it would only be necessary to change and insert the small cylinder and turn ball (10) in the appropriate housing according to the height of the body of the tap. Since there are taps with reduced height the arm (9.2) would comprise an optionally usable insert. The attached manual, with a simple drawing, would indicate the method to be followed for its placement, choice of desired performance, regulation of the hardness of opening levels and adjustment of the return tension according to the initial hardness of the tap in question, Along with the manual, a small and unique allen key would be attached to allow the mentioned adjustments.

Claims (6)

1. Auxiliary water saving device (1) to be coupled to a wide range of existing taps in homes and give them the joint or indistinct characteristics of -staging or levels at opening, and adjustable progressive return at closing, characterized in that understands: - A main body formed by an arm / lever (9) and a cylindrical and hollow part (9.1) in which the regulation, tensioning and selection elements of the device are supported and housed. - A telescopic actuator or stem (4) intended to transfer the movements of the tap handle to the mechanisms inside it through the slit made in the central part of the cylindrical body (9.1), and in turn, have a length adjustable to different tap controls. - Some clamps (3) and (2), for adjusting to the body and control of the tap respectively, both of material and shapes with possibilities of adaptation to a wide range of taps. - Some regulation means housed inside the main body (9.1) piloted from the covers (7) and (8), coupled on their sides, with possibilities and indications of the pertinent adjustments and their blocking. - A function selector bushing (11) that located at the non-extendable end of the telescopic rod (4), and depending on the options chosen by the pins (11.1) and (11.2), transfers the movement to the regulation means. - A lever arm (9) and support point with a rotating contact ball (10), adjustable according to the height of the tap body, expandable with the optional element (9.2). 2. Auxiliary water saving device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it has complementary and optional adaptation elements in order to cover a wide range of models and measures of taps. 3. Auxiliary water saving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its design allows the change of elements for regulating forces and reaction times. 4. Auxiliary water saving device (1) according to claims 2 and 3, because it allows replacement and replacement of those coupling and adjustment elements that suffer deterioration. 5. Auxiliary water device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body is made of transparent material that allows the internal elements to be viewed, thus facilitating possible replacements and adjustments, and giving the device greater constructive appeal and lightness. 6. Auxiliary water saving device (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that all the constructive elements of the device allow its washing and hygiene with water and standard cleaning products, without possible oxidation.