WO2009069157A1

WO2009069157A1 - Tap

Info

Publication number: WO2009069157A1
Application number: PCT/IT2007/000825
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gyozo Baki
Original assignee: Crs S.P.A.
Priority date: 2007-11-27
Filing date: 2007-11-27
Publication date: 2009-06-04
Also published as: EP2217840A1

Abstract

A tap (4) comprising a tap body (8) provided with a seating space (12) inside the body (8), a water intercepting element (16), a tap pipe (28) having a dispensing outlet (32) and a coupling end (36) suitable for being connected to said tap body (8). The tap pipe (28) is mechanically separate from the tap body (8) and is removably associable to the tap body (8); moreover, the tap pipe (28) comprises a coupling end (36) having a fitting portion (48) at least partly insertable in a seat (52) of the tap body (8) so as to be in fluid connection with the water intercepting element (16). Advantageously, the tap (4) comprises removable coupling means (40), arranged inside the tap body (8), and suitable for interfacing with the fitting portion (48) inside the tap body (8) so as to lock the pipe (28) on the tap body (8).

Description

"Tap" DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tap, and in particular a tap comprising multiple parts made separately and then assembled to one another. [0002] Tap made up of multiple parts, and in particular taps comprising at least one internal body subsequently coated with an external enclosure, are known in the art. [0003] The taps of the prior art typically envisage the construction of the body and of the tap pipe separately, afterwards such components are assembled and integrally fixed to one another by welding or gluing. Finally, the taps are at least partly coated with external enclosures, for example of metal.

[0004] Prior art taps exhibit some disadvantages. For example, they are definitely expensive to assemble and do not allow the possibility of replacing single parts of the tap body for example for replacing them with new parts or for making aesthetic customisations of the tap itself. [0005] The problem of the present invention is to provide a tap which should solve the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the prior art. [0006] Such disadvantages and limits are solved by a tap in accordance with claim 1. [0007] Other embodiments of the tap according to the invention are described in the subsequent claims.

[0008] Further features and the advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein: [0009] figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a tap according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0010] figure 2 shows a cutaway view of the tap of figure 1 , in an assembled configuration;

[0011] figure 3 shows views according to different angles of a component of the tap of figure 1 ; [0012] figure 4 shows views according to different angles of a further component of the tap of figure 1.

[0013] Elements or parts of elements in common between the embodiments described below are referred to with the same reference numerals.

[0014] With reference to the above figures, reference numeral 4 globally denotes a tap according to the present invention. Tap 1 comprises a tap body 8 that delimits a seating space 12 inside body 8.

[0015] Tap 4 further comprises a water intercepting element 16, in fluid connection with at least one water outlet for the tap and at least partly seated in said seating space 12. For example, the water intercepting element 16 comprises a mixing cartridge connected to water feeding pipes 20, passing through the tap body 8.

Preferably, the feeding pipes 20 are removably associable to the cartridge so as to allow a quick assembly and/or removal.

[0016] Tap 4 comprises a tap pipe 28 having a dispensing outlet 32 and a coupling end 36 suitable for being connected to said tap body 8. [0017] Advantageously, the tap pipe 28 is mechanically separate from the tap body

8 and is removably associable to the tap body 28; in other words, pipe 28 is made separately from the body and is then associated to the body by removable coupling means 40, so as to allow the removal and the replacement of pipe 28 without any destructive operation. [0018] The coupling end 36, opposite said dispensing outlet 32, comprises a fitting portion 48 at least partly insertable in a seat 52 of the tap body 8 so as to be in fluid connection with the water intercepting element 16, for example by a feeding duct 50. [0019] Advantageously, tap 4 comprises removable coupling means 40, arranged inside the tap body 8, and suitable for interfacing with the fitting portion 48 of pipe 28 inside the tap body 8 so as to lock pipe 28 on the tap body 8.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the tap body 8 comprises a fitting block 56 that encloses said seat 52 and, according to an embodiment, said feeding duct 50. Seat 52 is in fluid connection with the water intercepting element 16. [0021] The fitting block 56 for example comprises a fitting wall 60 that constitutes an abutment and support element for the water intercepting means 16.

[0022] Preferably, the fitting block 56 comprises a shoulder 64 suitable for making a stop in the introduction of pipe 28 into body 8.

[0023] The coupling end 36 comprises at least one locking seat 68 suitable for receiving, preferably joint-wise, said removable coupling means 40. [0024] According to a further embodiment, the locking seat 68 is made by at least one slot 72 arranged on a side wall of the coupling end 36. Preferably, the coupling end 36 comprises a pair of slots 72 diametrically opposite one another. Preferably, the slots do not lead into the internal delivery channel of the pipe, so that the coupling means 40 are not influenced by the water dispensed by pipe 28. [0025] Preferably, the coupling end 36 comprises a sealing element 76, such as for example an O-ring of polymeric material suitable for ensuring the fluid seal between the coupling end 36 of pipe 28 and the tap body 8.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the removable coupling means 40 are inserted in special through holes 80 of the fitting block 56 so as to intercept the fitting portion 48 of pipe 28 preventing the removal of pipe 28 from the tap body 8. [0027] According to an embodiment, the removable coupling means 40 comprise at least one fork element 84 suitable for being inserted joint-wise between the tap body 8 and the fitting portion 48.

[0028] The fork element 84 comprises a pair of branches 86, suitable for being at least partly inserted in holes 80 of the fitting block 56, said branches 86 being connected by a crosspiece 88 accessible from the interior of body 8 for allowing the gripping of the removable coupling means 40 also following the insertion of the fork element 84 in the relevant holes 80.

[0029] In other words, crosspiece 88 can be gripped for example with pliers for allowing easy extraction and consequent removal of the pipe. The crosspiece may be replaced by any means suitable for allowing the gripping and extraction of the removable coupling means 40, such as for example an eyebolt or a tooth.

[0030] Preferably, the intercepting element 16 is arranged abutted against the fitting wall 60 of the fitting block 56 so as to lock the removable coupling means 40 in the seat, in an assembled configuration of the tap.

[0031] Preferably, tap 4 comprises a first coating element 92 of body 8 suitable for' being removably fitted around the tap body 8.

[0032] Preferably, the first coating element 92 comprises at least one opening 96 suitable for overlapping relative to said seat 52 of the tap body 8 so as to allow the introduction of pipe 28.

[0033] According to an embodiment, tap 4 comprises a ring nut 100 suitable for locking the intercepting means 16 on body 8, in abutment against said wall 60 of the fitting block 60.

[0034] Preferably, ring nut 100, in an assembled configuration on body 8, locks the first coating element 92 into the seat, directly interfacing on a side edge 102 of the first coating element 92 or by the interposition of a cover 104.

[0035] Preferably, tap 4 comprises a second coating element 108 of pipe 28, removably associable to pipe 28.

[0036] For example, the second coating element 108 is associated to pipe 28 by snap-wise coupling means 110.

[0037] For example, the snap-wise coupling means 110 comprise at least one elastic tooth 112 and a relative seat 114 suitable for constraining the second coating element 108 to pipe 28 relative to an axial movement, directed in parallel to a prevailing extension axis X-X of the pipe, and to a movement of rotation relative to the same axis X-X. Tooth 112 and seat 114 may be associated to pipe 28 and to the coating element or vice versa.

[0038] Preferably, the second coating element 108 comprises an aerator for the water flow to be dispensed.

[0039] Preferably, at least one between the tap body 8 and pipe 28 are made of a food grade plastic material.

[0040] Preferably, at least one between the first and the second coating element 92,

108 is made of a metal material.

[0041] As can be understood from the description, the tap according to the invention allows overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. [0042] In particular, the tap allows assembling the various components in a quick, inexpensive and reversible manner. In other words, it is possible to remove the single parts of the tap according to quick and above all, non destructive operations.

In fact, the various elements are assembled reversibly, that is, removably, without any use of permanent connecting means such as welding or gluing. [0043] Moreover, it is possible to make the body and the pipe of plastic materials and externally coat them, for example with metal materials.

[0044] In this way, the water never contacts the metal parts. Advantageously, the plastic components and the cartridge are made of materials approved for drinking water, so as to not be subject to risks of release of metals in the water. In this way it is possible to use coating elements of any metal material, for example even of

'Zn+AI+Mg' that should not be used in direct contact with drinking water.

[0045] The tap body configuration allows removing the various components in a quick and easy manner without having to perform any destructive operations. In fact, the tap exhibits no welded or glued parts. [0046] Advantageously, the tap according to the present invention allows reducing the production and assembly cost and times.

[0047] In fact, it is possible to obtain the plastic parts by moulding so as to eliminate mechanical processing on the metal parts of the prior art.

[0048] Moreover, the gluing and/or welding operations between the tap pipe and the tap body are eliminated.

[0049] Advantageously, it is possible to replace single parts of the tap subsequent to wear or to change the tap appearance, for example replacing the coating parts.

[0050] A man skilled in the art may make several changes and adjustments to the taps described above in order to meet specific and incidental needs, all falling within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. Tap (4) comprising

- a tap body (8) provided with a seating space (12) inside the body (8),

- a water intercepting element (16), in fluid connection with at least one water outlet for the tap, said intercepting element (16) being at least partly seated in said seating space (12),

- a tap pipe (28) having a dispensing outlet (32) and a coupling end (36) suitable for being connected to said tap body (8), characterised in that - the tap pipe (28) is mechanically separate from the tap body (8) and is removably associable to the tap body (8),

- the tap pipe (28) comprises a coupling end (36), opposite said dispensing outlet (32), the coupling end (36) having a fitting portion (48) at least partly insertable in a seat (52) of the tap body (8) so as to be in fluid connection with the water intercepting element (16),

- tap (4) comprises removable coupling means (40), arranged inside the tap body (8), and suitable for interfacing with the fitting portion (48) inside the tap body (8) so as to lock the pipe (28) on the tap body (8).

2. Tap (4) according to claim 1 , wherein the tap body (8) comprises a fitting block (56) that encloses the seat (52) suitable for receiving the coupling end (36) of the pipe (28), said seat (52) being in fluid connection with the water intercepting element (16).

3. Tap (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said lock (56) comprises a fitting wall (60) that constitutes an abutment and support element for the water intercepting element (16).

4. Tap (4) according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the fitting block (56) comprises a shoulder (64) suitable for making a stop in the introduction of pipe (28) into the body (8).

5. Tap (4) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the coupling end (36) comprises at least one locking seat (68) suitable for receiving joint-wise said removable coupling means (40).

6. Tap (4) according to claim 5, wherein said locking seat stop (68) is made by at least one slot 872) arranged on a side wall of the coupling end (36).

7. Tap (4) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the coupling end (36) comprises a sealing element (76) suitable for ensuring fluid seal between the coupling end (36) of the pipe (28) and the tap body (8).

8. Tap according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the removable coupling means (40) are inserted in special through holes (80) of the fitting block (56) so as to intercept the fitting portion (48) preventing the removal of the pipe (28) from the tap body (8).

9. Tap (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said removable coupling means (40) comprise at least one fork element (84) suitable for being inserted joint-wise between the tap body (8) and the fitting portion (48).

10. Tap (4) according to claim 9, wherein the fork element (84) comprises a pair of branches (86), at least partly inserted in holes (80) of the fitting block (56), said branches (86) being connected by a crosspiece (88) accessible from the interior of the tap body (8) for allowing the gripping of the removable coupling means (40).

11. Tap (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said intercepting element (16) is arranged abutted against a fitting wall (60) of the fitting block (56) so as to lock the removable coupling means (40) in the seat, in an assembled configuration of the tap.

12. Tap (4) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said tap (4) comprises a first coating element (92) suitable for being removably fitted around the tap body (8).

13. Tap (4) according to claim 12, wherein said first coating element (92) comprises at least one opening (96) suitable for overlapping relative to a seat (52) of the tap body (8) so as to allow the introduction of the pipe (28).

14. Tap (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 13, comprising a ring nut (100) suitable for locking the intercepting means (40) on the body (8), in abutment against said fitting wall (60) of the fitting block (60).

15. Tap (4) according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a second coating element (108) of the pipe (28), removably associable to the pipe (28) according to a snap-wise coupling.

16. Tap (4) according to claim 15, wherein the second coating element (108) of the pipe (28) is associated to the pipe (28) by snap-wise coupling means.

17. Tap (4) according to claim 16, wherein said snap-wise coupling means (110) comprise at least one elastic tooth (112) and a relative seat (114) suitable for constraining the second coating element (108) to the pipe (28) relative to an axial movement, directed in parallel to a prevailing extension axis (X-X) of the pipe, and relative to a movement of rotation about said axis (X-X).

18. Tap (4) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said second coating element (108) comprises an aerator (116) for the water flow to be dispensed.

19. Tap (4) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said body and/or said pipe are made of a food grade plastic material.

20. Tap (4) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one between the body (8) and the pipe (28) is associated to a first and/or a second coating element (92, 108) made of metal material.