WO2020084179A1

WO2020084179A1 - Auxiliary water-saving device

Info

Publication number: WO2020084179A1
Application number: PCT/ES2019/070711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joaquin LANZAS TORRES
Original assignee: Lanzas Torres Joaquin
Priority date: 2018-10-22
Filing date: 2019-10-18
Publication date: 2020-04-30
Also published as: ES2755786A1; ES2755786B2

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary water-saving device (1) for coupling to existing taps in homes, which comprises a main body (9) formed by a lever arm, a fixed-height adaptor (9.2), a hollow cylinder (9.1) that contains regulating means controlled by a screw (7.1) for regulating axial pressure and a screw (8.1) for blocking return tension; a clamp (3) that clamps the tap body, and a telescopic rod (4) attached to the handle of the tap by means of a clamp (2) that translates the movements of the tap handle to the regulating means, by means of a notch made in the centre of the hollow cylinder (9.1)

Description

AUXILIARY WATER ECONOMIZING DEVICE

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

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: - staggered opening, and -return to the closing position of good 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 awaken interest from the administration and society, thereby contributing to the use of natural resources, and not always inexhaustible.

One of the highest consumption of drinking water is generated in homes, both due to the number of existing taps, as well as the necessary use that is currently 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 ° A, from the usual consumption per installed tap, only with a modest investment and the installation of the proposed system.

In search of the current 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 from the outside. these benefits can be regulated. 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 nonexistent, perhaps because your choice involves having to acquire and / or replace the entire tap with the consequent economic investment and work to be done. Likewise, with regard to the provision of timed closing, only in some public places they are installed, but since their closing time is fixed, without the possibility of regulation, sometimes 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 benefits out of service, so that a certain form of use must be accepted without other possibilities than 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 common for the opening action to be carried out in its entirety, either by haste, habit, or even facilitated by the own loss of resistance of the tap motivated by a use, without possibility of correction. DESCRIPTION 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 by giving 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 being 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 closed or cut flow state, the speed of this action being able to be adjusted, 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, allow the device the option of taking the tap out of service without the need to be removed from the tap itself.

Another characteristic of the proposed investment is to cover and be adaptable 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 would comprise other complementary elements or components.

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

Likewise, given its operation in humid environments and contact with water, the device object of the invention, 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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that will be made below and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said 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 the return voltage system according to the preferred embodiment.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the regulation systems of the previous figure 3, as well as an enlarged and perspective detail of the option selector bushing that participates in said mechanism. Figures 5 and 6 show views, according to a preferred embodiment, of the device coupled to the tap in a resting or closed state, and open or in service respectively.

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

2. Fixing clamp to the tap control.

3. Clamp for fixing to the body of the tap control.

4. Telescopic rod.

5. Axis.

6. Docks.

7. Side cover of opening stations.

7.1 Axial pressure regulation screw.

7.2 Ball.

7.3 Clefts.

8. Side cover for adjusting the return voltage.

8.1. Return tension adjusting screw.

9. Lever arm body.

9.1. Hollow cylinder.

9.2. Body height adapter.

10. Cylinder and rotating ball.

eleven . function selector cap.

1 1 .1. Return selector pin.

1 1 .2 Opening degrees selector pin.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with 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, of a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary water saving device (1) assembled and disassembled respectively, it essentially comprises the following elements: A lever arm body (9) of which a transparent and hollow cylinder (9.1) forms a part, which houses inside the tension and adjustment elements of the different functions. An opening made in its upper surface of the hollow cylinder

(9.1) allows the telescopic rod (4), fixed to the tap control handle by means of the fixing clamp to the body of the tap control (3), to transfer the opening / closing movements to a bushing (1 1) and / or to an axis (5), through the corresponding pins, specifically through a return selector pin

(1 1 .1) and an opening degree selector pin (1 1 .2).

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 stem (4), being this 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 body of the lever arm (9) provides the device with counter tension by means of springs (6) and the bushing (1 1) generating the return force to close the tap, an action exerted by the point of support (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 lever arm body (9) or of a body height adapter (9.2) that is attached to the latter as an extension, allowing in all rotational movements to ensure contact with the body of the tap.

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:

- Means of fixing the opening stations;

The side cover of opening stations (7) is mounted on one of the sides of the hollow cylinder (9.1), moved by the shaft (5), and has a ball (7.2) on its inner face in order to cause it to fit in the slits (7.3) or holes located in the side wall of said hollow cylinder (9.1). The construction and shape of the housings will 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, for example by ramps in one of the ends of said housings or slits (7.3) that soften the return in the closing maneuvers.

Likewise, the cover would comprise a clutch-like axial pressure regulation screw (7.1) that allows adjusting the axial pressure exerted by said cover, consequently regulating 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 hollow cylinder (9.1), there is a lateral cover for adjusting the return tension (8), which includes a system for returning the tap to its closed position under a pre-established fixed time parameter, determined by the tendency of the spring or spring itself (6) towards its equilibrium position, therefore tending at all times to rotate the shaft (5) and therefore the telescopic rod (4) that is linked to the tap control, causing its displacement towards its closed position.

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 (6) fulfills the function of expanding the regulation range and making it possible to adjust the times reaction. The + - indications would appear on this cover, these indications coinciding with a greater or lesser response time of the tap. Once the desired tension has been set, the regulation cover would be blocked by a prisoner materialized in a return tension adjustment screw (8.1) located in the hollow cylinder (9.1).

- Selection of device features:

Figures 3 and 4 show a more detailed view and a cross section of the hollow cylinder (9.1), in its central part, the function selector sleeve (1 1) is externally embraced by one of the ends of the telescopic rod (4) and inside it wraps and houses the shaft (5) in its central part, allowing adjustment of the rotation of the elements it joins. When the return selector pins (1 1 .1) and opening degrees selector (1 1 .2) remain inserted, service position, the function selector bushing (1 1) and the shaft (5) receive the pendulum movement of the telescopic rod (4) putting into operation both features. If, on the other hand, it is desired not to use some of these features by simply lifting the pin in question, the movement of the telescopic rod is isolated. Since the depth of the return selector pin (1 1 .1) must reach the axis (5), through the wall of the function selector bushing (1 1), it has an opening that allows movement and 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.

In Figures 5 and 6, the device (1) is shown 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 assembled (figure 1) sol, in the absence of the fixing clamp to the tap control (2), the pins (return selector (1 1 .1) and degree of opening selector (1 1 .2) inserted ( initial service situation) it would proceed to its coupling in the chosen tap, inserting the device through the back of the control, this action would be carried out by exerting a slight push or pressure to introduce the fixing clamp to the body of the tap handle (3 ) to the body of the faucet, and secure it to the diameter of the faucet. Once the device has been positioned, the fixing clamp would be placed on the faucet knob (2) and it will be attached to the handle that controls the device, ready to be used.

Once the device is fixed to the tap, the effect and sensitivity of the opening degree or steps must be tested, as well as the speed and / or return of the knob from the open position to the closed position.

If the preset regulation of steps or opening levels, in terms of decreasing / increasing hardness or friction force, it is desired to modify, this would be done by means of the axial pressure regulation screw (7.1) located in the side cover. If, on the other hand, it is the return or closing voltage that you want to modify, it would be readjusted by means of the lateral cover for adjusting the return voltage (8), in accordance with the +/- signs that appear on said cover. , having previously released the return tension adjustment screw (8.1) and subsequent locking once adjusted. As for the adjustment of the lever arm body (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 body height adapter (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 alien key would be attached to allow the commented adjustments.

Claims

1 .- Device auxiliary water economizer (1) to be coupled to taps existing housing, comprising an arm lever body (9) for support on the back of the body of the tap to which the device is coupled, by means of a fulcrum materialized in a cylinder and a rotating ball (10), a body that has at its upper end a hollow cylinder (9.1) that houses inside it regulation means consisting of an axis (5) assisted by springs ( 6) and linked to said hollow cylinder (9.1), axis (5) to which a telescopic rod (4) provided with fixing clamps (2-3) is capable of being joined by means of a function selector bushing (1 1) to the body and arm of the tap actuation handle, telescopic rod (4) that is angularly movable with respect to the hollow cylinder (9.1) through a central opening made in said hollow cylinder (9.1), with the particularity that the axis (5) is v In one of its ends, it inserts through an axial adjusting screw (7.1) to one to a lateral cover (7) in which at least one ball (7.2) can be fitted into different grooves (7.3) located in the lateral wall. of the hollow cylinder (9.1) depending on the different steps or opening degrees foreseen for the tap, while at its other end the shaft (5) is finished off in a lateral cover for adjusting the return tension (8), whose ease of angular displacement with respect to the hollow cylinder (9.1) is adjustable by means of a return tension adjusting screw (8.1).

2 .- Auxiliary device water economizer (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm lever body (9) includes an adapter removably height (9.2) with different recesses for selective coupling of the cylinder and ball joint swivel (10) depending on the characteristics of the tap to which the device is attached.

3 .- Device auxiliary water economizer (1) according ^to claim 1, wherein the function selector sleeve (1 1) includes a selector return pin (1 1 1) and a pin opening degrees option (1 1 .2), for linking / unlinking the telescopic rod (4) to the return mechanisms and selection of degrees of opening associated with the axis (5).