FR3126470A3 - Adjustment device for water distribution unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Adjustment device for water distribution unit. The present invention relates to an adjustment device (1) for a water distribution unit, comprising a valve body (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and provided with an inlet (I) and an outlet (U) for water, shutter means (3) configured to control a flow of water from the inlet (I) to the outlet (U) for water, a first actuating member (4) axially movable along the longitudinal axis (X) to arrange the shutter means (3) in an open position (A) and in a closed position (C) to respectively open / close the water passage and a second actuating member (5) rotating around said longitudinal axis (X) to modify the opening position (A) of the shutter means (3) so as to adjust a flow rate of the water flow leaving the valve body (2, 2a, 2b, 2c). The adjuster (1) has a manual actuator (6; 6A; 6B; 6C) mating with both the first actuator (4) and the second actuator ( 5) and configured to receive manual action from a user to open, close and adjust the rate of water flow. The second actuating member (5) cooperates with the shutter means (3) through cam means (7) to modify the opening position (A) of the shutter means (3). Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Adjustment device for water distribution unit

The present invention relates to an adjustment device for a water distribution unit, in particular a manually operable device for opening, closing and adjusting the flow of water in distribution units provided in showers, in sinks or washbasins, etc

Devices are known for opening and closing the water supply in a shower, a sink or a washbasin.

These devices are mounted on a column or on a wall of the distribution unit and are configured to be operated manually by a user.

One type of these devices provides for the use of a control unit and a solenoid valve which, through electronic actuation, determines the closing and opening of the flow of water to be dispensed. Despite their great ease of use and their pleasant aesthetics, these devices are rather bulky and expensive due to their structural complexity; these devices also present some difficulty in assembly, also due to the presence of electrical cables to be connected.

Another category of devices, of the manual type, provides for the presence of a ceramic valve rotating on a rotation shaft in order to intercept the flow of water.

The rotation shaft can be rotated by means of a button placed on the column and operated by the pressure of a finger.

This last type of device has the limitation that it requires the user to exert strong pressure on the button, all the more pronounced as the pressure of the water in the distribution water circuit is high. .

To reduce the effort required of the user, there are some solutions that provide for the adoption of reducers intended to reduce the pressure to be exerted on said button. These solutions, on the other hand, involve an increase in the structural complexity and the size of the adjustment device.

To overcome the aforementioned limitations, the present applicant has developed a manual-type opening and closing system, the subject of patent EP2865928, which has proven to be extremely effective, efficient and simple to implement.

This system provides for a button which, with the slight pressure of a finger, can be moved manually into two different positions to open and close the flow of water, and can also be rotated to adjust the flow of the water. outgoing water.

Although the device described in EP2865928 has proven to be extremely advantageous and capable of successfully overcoming the limitations encountered in the aforementioned prior art systems, there are still significant margins for improvement for the current adjustment devices. some water.

The object of the present invention is to improve current water control devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment device configured so as to improve the actuation of the shutter means. In particular, the invention aims to provide a solution which makes it possible to subsequently facilitate, from the user's point of view, the operations of opening, closing and adjusting the flow of water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution which makes it possible to simplify, from the point of view of construction, the adjustment device and which at the same time improves its operating performance.

Yet another object is to provide a solution which reduces the size of the device and the space necessary for its mounting on a shower column or other similar wall of a distribution unit, thus making it possible to obtain advantages also from the point of aesthetic view, with particular reference to the possibility of obtaining a mounting configuration exactly at the same level as the surface of the aforementioned wall or column.

These and other objects are achieved by a system defined in the appended claims.

According to the invention there is provided an adjustment device as defined in the appended claims.

In particular, the present adjustment device, thanks to its specific structural configuration, more precisely thanks to the manual control member, to the actuating members and to the means forming a cam, has operating advantages, in particular advantages on the actuation and adjustment of the shutter means.

In addition, the particular structural configuration of the actuating members and of the control member implies an advantageous structural simplification.

The adjustment device according to the invention is simple to produce and particularly suitable for application in showers, washbasins and other water distribution structures.

The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate certain embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples and on which:

there is a view of an adjustment device according to the invention, with magnetic actuation and in an open position for the flow of water;

there is a longitudinal section taken along plane II-II on the on which is schematically represented a manual control device;

there is an exploded perspective view of the device of the equipped with a first variant of the manual control device;

there is an exploded perspective view of the device of the equipped with a second variant of the manual control device;

there shows the adjustment device according to the invention in a closed position for the flow of water;

there is a longitudinal section taken along the plane VI-VI on the ;

there is a view of part of the adjustment device in a partially open position or an intermediate position;

there is a longitudinal section taken along the plane VIII-VIII on the ;

there is another view of part of the adjuster in a partially open position;

there is a longitudinal section taken along the plane XX on the ;

there is another exploded perspective view of the adjustment device without the manual control device;

there shows a variant of the mechanically actuated adjustment device for the shutter means and in an open position;

there is a longitudinal section taken along the plane XIII-XIII on the ;

there is an exploded perspective view of the device of the with the manual control device;

there shows the mechanically actuated adjuster in a closed position;

there is a longitudinal section taken along the plane XVI-XVI on the ;

there is another view of part of the mechanically actuated adjuster in a partially open position;

there is a longitudinal section taken along the plane XVIII-XVIII on the .

With reference to the aforementioned figures, it should be emphasized that, for the sake of clarity, similar elements of different embodiments have been designated by the same reference number.

Reference numeral 1 designates an adjusting device for showers, washbasins and other structures in which a water distribution unit is provided.

This adjustment device 1 allows the opening, closing and adjustment of the flow rate of the water dispensed by conveniently acting on a manual control and makes it possible to dispense the water through a shower head connected to a shower column or through a sink-mounted spray nozzle.

As a general rule, the adjustment device 1 according to the invention provides:
- a valve body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c extending along a longitudinal axis X and provided with an inlet I and an outlet U for water,
- shutter means 3 configured to control a flow of water from the inlet I to the outlet U,
- a first actuating member 4 movable axially along the longitudinal axis X to arrange the shutter means 3 in an open position A and in a closed position C to respectively open/close the passage of the flow d 'water ;
- a second actuating member 5 rotating around the longitudinal axis X to modify the opening position A of the shutter means 3 so as to adjust a flow rate of the water flow at the outlet of the valve body 2, 2a , 2b, 2c;
- a manual control device 6; 6A; 6B, 6C coupling with both the first actuator 4 and the second actuator 5 and configured to receive manual action from a user to open, close and regulate the flow rate of the 'water,
in which the second actuating member 5 cooperates with the obturator means 3 through means forming a cam 7 to modify the opening position A of the obturator means 3.

Several variants of the adjustment device 1 will be described below, which can be configured with an actuation according to several versions, for example by providing a magnetic or mechanical actuation group for the shutter means.

With reference to Figures 1 to 11, a first variant of the adjustment device 1 will now be described, equipped, by way of non-limiting example, with a magnetic type actuation. According to this variant, in a few words, between the shutter means 3 and the first actuating member 4 is interposed a transmission group 21 of the magnetic type configured to transmit the movement of the first actuating member 4 to the shutter means 3 by the through a magnetic force.

To do this, the transmission group 21 comprises means forming a magnet 30 cooperating with a metal or ferromagnetic part 31 of the shutter means 3.

More specifically, the obturator means 3 comprise a needle 41 on which is provided said metallic or ferromagnetic part 31 intended to interact with the means forming the magnet 30 to receive therefrom the magnetic force sufficient to obtain an axial displacement along the X axis, as will be described in more detail below.

The valve body 2 is defined by a first body part 2a, by a second body part 2b and by a third body part 2c.

The first body part 2a and the second body part 2b are coupled together.

Inside the first body part 2a and the second body part 2b are received at least a part of the first actuating member 4 and of the second actuating member 5 and the shutter means 3.

The second body part 2b is configured so as to internally define a housing chamber 24 which protrudes towards the end occupied by the control member 6, is closed at the upper level and contains the obturator means 3, in particular the needle 41.

Inside the housing chamber 24 there is a spring 26 which urges the needle 41 outwards, more precisely towards a disc-membrane group G which will be explained in more detail below.

In the third part of the body 2c are formed the inlet I and the outlet U for the water.

The third valve body part 2c is configured so as to fulfill the function of a diffuser element for the outlet water flow.

The third body part 2c is coupled to the second body part 2b in order to mutually delimit a chamber inside which is received a disk-membrane group G.

Briefly, the disc-membrane group G includes a disc comprising an elastically deformable membrane and a rigid plate on which the membrane is mounted.

The disc is mounted between the third part 2c and the second part 2b of the valve body and acts as a seal between them.

The disc-membrane group G provides an inlet 39 for water and a drain orifice 40 for water.

The disc-membrane group G, depending on the position reached, authorizes or prevents the flow of water at the outlet through a section 50 of passage of the water in flow.

An intermediate position of the disc-membrane group G results in a reduction of the passage section of the water in flow rate 50 mentioned above and consequently a reduction in the flow of distributed water.

Through the inlet 39, the water enters a receiving chamber 23 which is delimited by an upper transverse wall of the second valve body part 2b and by the disc-membrane group G.

The water coming from the distribution network and entering the reception chamber 23 can be at a pressure between 0.1 and 10 bars of water, pressure to which the disc of said group G is subjected.

The obturator means 3 comprise an end forming a seal 42 coupled to the needle 41 and configured to obturate said emptying orifice 40 when a closed position C is reached. The closed position C is clearly visible on the , on which we notice that the disc-membrane group G closes the passage section of the water in flow 50.

Through the inlet 39, the water present in the chamber 23 has the effect of compressing the disc downwards by partially deforming the elastic membrane of the disc-membrane group G.

The seal end 42 plugs the drain port 40, thereby acting so that the water pressure (from top to bottom on the ), which pushes the membrane and the disc or rigid plate against the water flow passage section 50, which is equal to the pressure of the water entering through the inlet orifice 39. The different areas of the surfaces subjected to pressure on the upper side and on the lower side of the tray determine the thrust condition of the tray and the membrane against the flow passage section of the water 50.

It is obvious that it suffices to move the shutter means 3 by a few millimeters to trigger a movement of the disk G for the closing and opening of the flow of water through the lower diffuser.

Thanks to the magnetic actuation, it is enough to touch, with a very light pressure of a finger, the manual control 6 to move the shutter and the magnet in the release position of the disc, for the opening or closing the flow.

The more or less accentuated distance of the end 42 with respect to the drain orifice 40, adjusted by acting on the second actuating member 5 (as will appear more clearly in the following description), causes a modification and a desired adjustment of the rate of water flow exiting through the water flow passage section 50.

A possible partial opening position P is shown in figures 7 and 10.

The second actuator 5 is substantially cylindrical and configured as a rotating ring member 5.

Advantageously, this element forming a rotary ring 5 is not screwed but is simply received in an upper seat of the valve body 2 and always retains its position along the longitudinal axis X. In other words, the height, along of the X axis, of the second actuating member 5 (element forming a rotary ring 5) does not vary during the rotation of said second actuating member 5.

This facilitates the coupling with the manual control member 6 and this also allows simplicity of construction and greater ease of assembly. Precisely, this contributes to substantially reducing the overall dimensions, in particular in the transverse direction and, thanks to the absence of threaded zones for the second actuating member 5, it suffices to provide a lesser thickness of the walls of both said second actuator 5 and the valve body 2 which encloses it.

The first actuation member 4 is defined by a first element 4′ and by a second actuation element 4″ intended to interact in contact with each other.

Each of said first element 4′ and second actuating element 4″ has an elongated shape, extends along the X axis and is defined by an upper narrowed part, substantially cylindrical, of reduced diameter, and an enlarged lower part , therefore of greater diameter, which extends circularly and transversely with respect to the aforementioned longitudinal axis X.

The second actuating element 4” is fitted on the housing chamber 24 of the second valve body part 2b and can slide relative to the latter.

In other words, the housing chamber 24 penetrates inside the widened lower part of the second actuating element 4” inside which is provided a return spring 27 disposed so as to urge the first actuating member 4 away from the second valve body part 2b. In other words, the return spring 27 pushes the first actuating member 4 upwards (that is to say towards the control member 6) with reference to the attached figures.

The first actuating member 4 is structurally configured in such a way that the widened lower part of the first element 4' can receive inside the narrowed upper part, substantially cylindrical, of the second actuating element 4'.

In other words, the second actuation element 4”, in the assembled state, is inserted partially and coaxially inside the first actuation element 4’.

The second actuating element 4″ is therefore partially inserted coaxially in the first actuating element 4′ and the two elements are connected by means of an orifice-hook coupling 35 ( ) which allows them to rotate relative to each other but prevents them from separating.

In the widened lower part of the second actuating element 4” are received the magnet means 30.

The magnet means 30, according to an alternative non-limiting embodiment, comprises a magnet 30 having a toroidal or annular shape, fixed inside the widened lower part of the second actuating element 4”.

The magnet 30 extends in a circular manner around and outside the housing chamber 24 in which the metal part 31 of the obturator means 3 is contained.

The axial movement of the first actuating member 4, and consequently the movement of the magnet 30 integral with the latter, produces, under the effect of the magnetic attraction force exerted, a corresponding movement of the metal part 31 , that is to say of the needle 41 of the shutter means 3.

The metal part 31 is not in contact with the magnet 30 but separated from it by means of the interposed wall which delimits the housing chamber 24.

The elastic force of the spring 26, subjected to compression, facilitates a movement of the needle 41 outside the housing chamber 24 and towards the disc-membrane group G.

The magnetic driving force exerted by the magnet 30 on the metal part 31 is chosen so as to overcome the effect of the pressure of the fluid inside the receiving chamber 23 in the phase of ejection of the needle 41 out of of the housing chamber 24 and so as to overcome the elastic force of the spring 26 in the phase of reintroducing the needle 41 into the housing chamber 24, to reach the fully open position A (clearly visible in Figures 2 and 6) .

The first actuating member 4 is moved, by the exertion of a very light pressure by the user on the outermost upper part, to slide, along the axis X, inside the body of valve 2. The displacement of the magnet 30, entirely separated from the needle 41, causes, by magnetic action, the displacement of the latter in an extremely easy, precise and silent manner.

The first 4′ and the second 4″ actuating element engage each other via respective sawtooth shaped portions 20 which are provided on the aforementioned respective widened lower portions.

The saw-tooth shaped portions 20 provide interruption areas 32 which engage with respective axial guide projections 33 formed inside the first valve body portion 2a.

When the first actuating member 4 is moved axially, the interruption zones 32 extend along the axial guide projections 33, which serve as rails capable of preventing rotation around the longitudinal axis X.

Under the effect of pressure exerted by the user, the second actuating element 4” moves only axially over a given section, guided by the axial guide projections 33 which prevent its rotation, but the zones of interruption 32 of the second actuating element 4” then emerge from the axial guide projections 33.

At this point, the second actuating element 4”, free to rotate, is brought, under the effect of the interaction between the inclined surfaces provided on the profiled parts in sawtooth 20 of the two actuating elements 4' , 4”, to rotate at an angular pitch with respect to the first actuating element 4'.

The second actuating element 4”, with each rotation of an angular step, first moves towards a position farther from the receiving chamber 23 (opening position A) and towards a position closer to the receiving chamber 23 (closed position C) and so on, alternately.

The sawtooth profiled parts 20 are geometrically configured in such a way that they trigger, by cooperating mutually, for the first actuating member 4, a latching movement passing from the open position A to the closed position. closing C and vice versa.

The pressure exerted on the first actuating member 4 successively causes the positioning of the second actuating element 4” in the open position A and in the closed position C, then the passage of the obturator means 3 from the closing position. opening A to closing position C and vice versa, alternately.

The arrival in the furthest position or in the closest position of the disc-membrane group G is made possible thanks to the fact that, in the first case, the second actuating element 4” is oriented angularly with the interruption zones 32 placed in correspondence and in engagement with the axial projections 33 so as to allow the second actuating element 4” to slide upwards from the adjustment device 1 until bringing the first actuating element 4′ to come into abutment against the means forming a cam 7 provided on the second actuating member 5.

It is the means forming a cam 7 which define the end-of-travel position in opening (in other words they impose the opening position A) for the first actuating member 4 and consequently for the obturator means 3 which are driven axially by this one.

In the second case (position closer to the disc-membrane group G), the second actuating element 4” is oriented angularly with the interruption zones 32 cantilevered with respect to the axial guide projections 33 and not in tune with them. The sawtooth parts 20 therefore come to bear against the ends of axial projections 33, thus retaining the second actuating element 4” and preventing it from rising towards the top of the device 1. The closed position C is kept that way.

The first actuating element 4' is axially movable with respect to the ring-forming element 5 when it is subjected to pressure exerted by the user.

The second actuator 5 is partially received inside the first valve body part 2a.

Specifically, the second actuating member 5 is defined by a first internal part 5', received in a zone forming a seat of the first valve body part 2a, and by a second part 5' which protrudes outside of the first valve body part 2a through an upper opening formed in the latter.

On the first internal part 5 'are provided the means forming a cam 7 by means of which it is possible to adjust the end of travel in the opening position A of the shutter means 3, as described in detail below.

The second part 5″, on the other hand, is intended to come into engagement with the manual control member 6 in order to be rotated and allow adjustment of the opening limit switch for the shutter means 3 and to reach a desired position of partial opening P ( ) or an intermediate position.

The second actuating member 5 has a substantially cylindrical tubular hollow shape and defining a through longitudinal cavity, that is to say open at both ends.

Thus, the second actuation member 5 contains internally, or is traversed axially by, a part of the first actuation member 4, and more precisely the first actuation element 4'.

The first actuating element 4' protrudes outwards beyond the outermost end of the second actuating member 5, so as to be able to come into engagement with the manual control member 6.

The cam-forming means 7 will now be described in more detail as well as the way in which they act to modify the end-of-travel position, that is to say the open position A of the shutter means 3.

The means forming a cam comprise a profiled edge 7 provided at one end E of the second actuating member 5, in particular on the lower end of the first part 5', intended to be received in the valve body 2.

However, according to other variants not shown, it is possible to arrange the means forming a cam in other zones of the second actuating member 5, for example inside and close to the top of the second actuating member 5 , that is to say closer to the zone concerned by the presence of the manual control member 6 intended for the user.

A follower relief 19 configured to be in contact with the contour of the profiled edge 7 and to follow the latter is formed on the first actuating member 4, in particular on the first actuating element 4'.

The outline of the profiled edge 7 is geometrically configured so that the rotation of the second actuating member 5 causes a displacement of said follower relief 19 and consequently an axial displacement of the first actuating element 4' along the axis longitudinal X, so as to adjust the opening position A of the shutter means 3.

In particular, the contour of the profiled edge 7, or cam profile 7, is such that by rotating the second actuating member 5 in the clockwise direction, the end-of-travel position in opening of the shutter means 3 approaches the drain port 40 for the water of the disc-membrane group, so as to reduce the rate of the water flow leaving through the water flow passage section 50 and, conversely, by making turn the second actuating member 5 in the anti-clockwise direction, the end-of-travel position in opening of the obturator means 3 moves away from the said drain orifice 40 for the water, so as to increase the flow rate of water leaving through the water passage section in flow rate 50.

The cam profile 7 can be configured geometrically in the desired way by providing sections with a more or less pronounced inclination, according to specific requirements/preferences or operating criteria to be satisfied.

The cam profile can be of increasing shape, or even stepped, to have an adjustment of the flow rate that can vary continuously or even discontinuously.

Different but functionally equivalent solutions to the means forming the cam 7 can also be provided.

The rotation of the second actuating member 5 which, for convenience, can be called element forming a rotary ring 5, is limited thanks to an overhang 37 provided on the latter and which protrudes to come into engagement in a slot 38 provided on the first valve body part 2a. Slot 38 extends around axis X circumferentially over a determined angular section.

The ends of the arc of angular extension of the slot 38 respectively delimit the supposed extreme angular positions that the element forming the rotary ring 5 can take and therefore determine the positions of maximum and minimum adjustment of the flow rate of the water flow. output.

According to another possible embodiment not shown, it is possible to provide instead of means forming a cam 7, between the second actuating member 5 and the obturator means 3 and/or the first actuating element 4', d other means for transforming a rotation of the second actuating member 5 into a movement of the shutter means 3 to adjust the limit switch in the open position A.

The manual control device 6, 6A, 6B, 6C will now be described in more detail.

With particular reference to the , a first variant of said manual control member 6, 6A is described.

According to this first variant, the manual control member 6 is defined by a single control element 6A made in one piece.

This unique element is intended to receive, from a user, a pressure action along the longitudinal axis X (for the opening and closing of the water supply) and a rotation action around this same longitudinal axis X (to regulate the flow rate of the water flow to be distributed).

The manual actuator comprises a coupling part 8A suitably configured to allow connection to the first actuating member 4 and a socket part 9A suitably configured to engage the second actuating member 5 .

In particular, the coupling part comprises a through opening 8A configured to receive a fixing element 15, such as a screw, intended to come into engagement in a fixing cavity 16 provided on the first actuating member 4.

The single control element 6A is configured in the form of a cap and comprises a discoid part 10A, on which the aforementioned coupling part 8A is provided, and a tubular part 11A which protrudes from a surface 12 of the discoid part 10A. .

The engaging part 9A is formed on the tubular part 11A.

Said engaging part comprises a profiled surface 9A configured to come into engagement with a corresponding profiled surface 17 formed on the second actuating member 5.

The profiled surface 9A comprises raised and/or recessed elements configured to engage the respective recessed and/or raised elements of the mating profiled surface 17 of the second actuating member 5 (ring element 5).

According to one possible non-limiting embodiment, the raised and/or recessed elements comprise ribs and/or grooves extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

The manual control member 6 includes an element forming an aesthetic finishing cover 13A in the form of a button and intended to receive a tactile action from the user.

The element forming the finishing cover 13A is provided with hooking elements 18A configured to mate with retaining zones 14A provided on the control member 6, 6A.

The adjustment device 1 is provided with a fixing ring 25 by means of which it can be firmly secured to a washbasin or to a shower column.

The adjustment device 1 is configured to be able to be mounted in a retractable manner, with only the element forming the cover 13A visible and turned towards the user when he is in the closed position C.

In particular, a mounting configuration at the same level as the surface S of the shower column or of the washbasin top can be chosen.

As schematically shown in , when the adjustment device 1 is in the closed position C, the cover-forming element 13A has a top surface T which is at the same level as the surface S of the shower column or of the washbasin and perfectly flat by relation to it.

Upon opening pressure exerted by the user, the lid member 13A protrudes outward beyond the surface S to allow the user to grasp and rotate said lid member 13A, otherwise said controller 6A.

The control member 6A, in particular the element forming a cover 13A, can have reduced dimensions. It can precisely have an outer surface whose area is approximately equal to or greater than the pressure zone of a finger, so as to present a minimal and refined aesthetic appearance.

On the upper surface of the cover member 13A, if it is sized to be larger than a finger of the user, a recessed or recessed area placed in an off-center area can also be provided, in order to to allow the rotation of said element forming a cover 13A using a finger.

A clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation of the control member 6A relative to the valve body 2 can be carried out during the water distribution, allowing real-time adjustment of the distributed flow rate, or in the closed state (not -distribution of water). In this case, it is possible to define the distribution rate in advance of the opening of adjustment device 1.

The adjustment device 1 thus configured, in addition to its high convenience of use, is also characterized by its pleasant aesthetic appearance.

With reference to the a second variant of said manual control member 6, 6B, 6C is described which has many characteristics in common with the first variant which has just been described, which, for this reason, will not be described again.

According to this variant, the manual control member is defined by a first control element 6B and by a second control element 6C, distinct and separated from each other.

The first control element 6B is intended to receive only the user's axial pressure action for opening and closing the water supply and is configured to couple with the first actuating member 4.

The second control element 6C is intended to receive a rotational action from the user and is configured to come into engagement with the second actuating member 5 (element forming an actuating ring 5) to allow adjustment of the flow rate of water to be distributed.

The first control element 6B is defined by a discoid part 10B on which is formed a coupling part 8B for fixing by means of a screw 15 or equivalent means to the first actuating member 4.

The second control element 6C comprises a more interior tubular part 11C, on which the grip part 9C is made for coupling to the element forming an actuating ring 5, and a more exterior part forming a handle 12, intended to be seized and rotated by the user around the longitudinal axis X so as to rotate the element forming the actuating ring 5.

It is possible to arrange on the external cylindrical surface of the part forming the handle 12 a groove or raised and/or recessed elements, or others, to increase the grip and facilitate the grip and the rotation by the user.

Other details, such as the hooking elements 18B, the gripping part 9C, are configured in a completely analogous way to the previously described version.

Referring to Figures 12 to 18, there is shown another version of the adjustment device 1 having a mechanical type actuation.

Many components of this device are identical or similar to those described for the device 1 with magnetic actuation. Therefore, to simplify the presentation, they will not be described or quoted again.

What has been described with reference to the manual control member 6 also applies to this version of the adjustment device 1 with mechanical actuation. Therefore, it should be considered that the control member 6, described according to two different variants shown respectively in Figures 3 and 4, is also applied to the following mechanically actuated adjustment device 1.

According to this variant, between the shutter means 3 and the first actuating member 4 is interposed a transmission group 22 of the mechanical type, configured to mechanically transmit an axial movement of the movement of the first actuating member 4 to the shutter means 3.

Thanks to the transmission group 22, the shutter means 3 can be arranged in the fully open position A ( ), in the closed position C ( ) or in a desired and adjustable position of partial opening 1A ( ).

In this case, the second valve body part 2b is slightly different from the variant of magnetically actuated device 1 and has a chamber-forming element 43 fixed to the transverse part which delimits the receiving chamber 23 in its upper part.

Inside the chamber-forming element 43, the needle 41 of the shutter means 3 is movable in a sliding manner. It is connected, in its upper part, to the first actuating member 4, in particular to the upper part of the second actuating element 4”.

There is a spring 44 which urges the first actuating member 4 upwards and an additional spring 45, smaller, which urges the needle 41 downwards. Appropriate seals, in contact with the needle 41, prevent fluid leaks.

The operation of the first actuating member 4 and of the second actuating member 5 is perfectly analogous to the description made with reference to the variant of adjustment device by magnetic actuation 1.

From what has been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it therefore appears evident that the adjustment device 1 according to the invention successfully achieves all the objectives stated above.

The adjustment device 1 is advantageous in the actuation of the shutter means 3, thus considerably facilitating, from the user's point of view, the operations of opening, closing and adjusting the flow of water.

Thanks to the solution according to the invention, the adjustment device 1 is structurally simplified and at the same time the operating performance is improved.

The size of the device 1 and the space required for its mounting on a shower column or another similar wall of a dispensing unit are reduced, which makes it possible to obtain advantages also from the aesthetic point of view, with reference to particular to the possibility of obtaining a retractable assembly configuration, or exactly at the same level as the surface of the shower wall or column.

This adjustment device, thanks to the manual control member, the actuating members and the means forming a cam, has a reliable, precise and silent operation.

Thanks to the specific configuration of the second actuating member 5, in particular thanks to the means forming a cam 7, an advantageous and more efficient kinematic operation is obtained.

In essence, the means forming a cam 7 make it possible to benefit from a greater freedom of geometric configuration and to obtain a more or less accentuated effect of amplifying the axial displacement of the shutter means 3 in response to a minimal rotation of the second member of actuation 5.

Furthermore, the structural configuration described above makes it possible to considerably reduce the bulk, especially in the transverse direction, thus making the adjustment device 1 even easier to mount and more aesthetically pleasing.

What has been explained and shown in the attached drawings has been provided for the sole purpose of illustrating the innovative features of the adjustment device 1 according to several possible embodiments. Other modifications may be made to the various variants of the device, or to its components, without departing from the scope of the claims.

In practice, the materials, insofar as they are compatible with the specific use and the respective individual components for which they are intended, can be chosen appropriately according to the criteria required and the state of the art available.

It is possible to configure and size the adjusting device 1 and to adopt materials according to the requirements, and other variants and/or additions are possible with respect to the elements described above and illustrated in the attached drawings.

Claims (19)

Adjustment device (1) for a water distribution unit, comprising:
- a valve body (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and provided with an inlet (I) and an outlet (U) for water,
- shutter means (3) configured to control a flow of water from said inlet (I) to said outlet (U) for water,
- a first actuating member (4) axially movable along said longitudinal axis (X) to arrange said shutter means (3) in an open position (A) and in a closed position (C) to respectively open/ closing the passage of said water flow;
- a second actuating member (5) rotatable about said longitudinal axis (X) to modify said opening position (A) of said obturator means (3) so as to adjust a flow rate of water flowing out of said valve body (2, 2a, 2b, 2c);
- a manual control member (6; 6A; 6B, 6C) coupling both with said first actuating member (4) and with said second actuating member (5) and configured to receive a manual action from a user to open, close and regulate the flow of said water flow,
- said second actuating member (5) cooperating with said obturator means (3) through means forming a cam (7) to modify said opening position (A) of said obturator means (3). An adjustment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said manual control member (6; 6A; 6B, 6C) comprises a coupling part (8A; 8B) configured to allow connection to said first actuating member ( 4), and a grip portion (9A; 9C) configured to engage said second actuator (5), and wherein said second actuator (5) is received in a threadless seating area of said valve body (2) in such a way that said second actuating member (5) always maintains, in operation, the same height along said longitudinal axis (X) whatever the rotation exerted on said second actuating member (5). Adjustment device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the said manual control member (6) is defined by a single control element (6A) made in one piece and intended to receive, from a user, a pressing action along said longitudinal axis (X) for opening/closing the water and a rotational action around said longitudinal axis (X) for adjusting the rate of water flow output. Adjustment device (1) according to Claim 3, in which the said single control element (6A) is configured in the form of a cap and comprises a discoid part (10A), on which the said coupling part (8A) is provided, and a tubular part (11A) which protrudes from a surface (12) of said discoid part (10A), said gripping part (9A) being formed on said tubular part (11A). Adjustment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said manual control member (6) is defined by a first control element (6B) intended to receive a pressing action along said longitudinal axis (X) exerted by a user and configured to couple with said first actuating member (4), and by a second control element (6C), intended to receive from the user a rotational action around said longitudinal axis ( X), said second control element (6C) being configured to come into engagement with said second actuating member (5), said first control element (6B) and said second control element (6C) being distinct and separate each other. Adjusting device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said first control element (6B) is defined by a discoid part (10B) on which said coupling part (8B) is provided, and in which said second control (6C) comprises a more internal tubular part (11C) - on which said gripping part (9C) is formed - and a more external handle part (12), intended to be grasped and turned by the user around said axis longitudinal (X) so as to rotate said second actuating member (5) for adjusting the flow of water dispensed. Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said manual control member (6; 6A; 6B, 6C) includes an element forming a finishing cover (13A; 13B) in the form of a button and intended to receive a tactile action on the part of the user, said adjustment device (1) being configured such that, when mounted on a shower column or washbasin wall or the like, said finishing cover element (13; 13B ) is installed in a retractable manner, and in which a top surface (T) of said finishing cover member (13A; 13B) is aligned, in said closed position (C), at the same level as a surface (S) of said shower column or washbasin wall or the like. Adjuster (1) according to claim 7, wherein said finishing cover member (13A; 13B) is provided with gripping elements (18A; 18B) configured to mate with retaining areas (14A; 14B) formed on said control member (6; 6A; 6B, 6C). Adjustment device (1) according to claim 2 or according to one of claims 3 to 8 when dependent on claim 2, in which said coupling part comprises a through opening (8A; 8B) configured to receive a fixing (15), such as a screw, intended to come into engagement in a fixing cavity (16) provided on said first actuating member (4). Adjustment device (1) according to claim 2 or according to one of claims 3 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, in which said engagement part comprises a profiled surface (9A; 9C) configured to engage with a corresponding profiled mating surface (17) provided on said second actuating member (5). An adjustment device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said contoured surface (9A; 9C) comprises raised and/or recessed elements configured to engage respective recessed and/or raised elements of said surface. profiled conjugate (17). Adjusting device (1) according to claim 11, wherein said raised and/or recessed elements comprise ribs and/or grooves which run parallel to said longitudinal axis (X). Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said means forming a cam (7) comprise a profiled edge (7) provided at one end (E) of the said second actuating member (5), and in which on said first actuating member (4) is formed a follower relief (19) configured to be in contact with said profiled edge (7) and to follow its contour, the rotation of said second actuating member (5) causing a displacement of said follower relief (19) and consequently an axial displacement of said first actuating member (4) along said longitudinal axis (X), so as to adjust the opening position (A) of said shutter means (3). Adjustment device (1) according to Claim 13, in which the said profiled edge (7) is configured in such a way that by rotating the said second actuating member (5) in the clockwise direction, the end-of-travel position in opening of said shutter means (3) approaches a drain port (40) for water, so as to reduce the rate of water flow out through a water passage section by (50) and, conversely, by rotating said second actuating member (5) counterclockwise, the end-of-travel position in opening of said obturator means (3) moves away from said emptying orifice (40 ) for water, so as to increase the rate of water flow out through said water flow passage section (50). Adjusting device (1) according to claim 14, in which there is provided a diaphragm-disc group (G) in which is defined an inlet port (39) for water and said drain port (40) for water, and wherein said sealing means (3) comprises a seal end (42) configured to seal, in said closed position (C), said drain port (40). Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said first actuating member (4) is defined by a first element (4') and by a second actuating element (4") which engage with each other by means of respective sawtooth shaped portions (20) configured to define a latching movement for said first actuating member (4) from said open position (A) to said closing (C) and vice versa. Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ring (25) for fixing to a wall of said water distribution unit. Adjusting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which is interposed between the said obturator means (3) and the said first actuating member (4) a transmission unit (21) of the magnetic type configured to transmit the movement said first actuating member (4) to said shutter means (3), wherein said transmission group (21) comprises means forming a magnet (30) cooperating as a metallic or ferromagnetic part (31) of said shutter means (3). Adjustment device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 17, in which, between the said obturator means (3) and the said first actuating member (4), there is interposed a transmission unit (22) of the mechanical type, configured to mechanically transmit an axial movement of said movement of the first actuating member (4) to said shutter means (3).