FLOW-RATE LIMITING DEVICE FOR MIXERS

Abstract: A flow-rate limiting device (1) specifically designed for mixers, is operatively coupled to control means controlling a mixing valve, and comprises an outer body (6), holding therein a longitudinally sliding shaft (7), said sliding shaft being counter-biassed by sealing means (9) arranged thereon and abutting against a portion of the inner surface of said outer body in order to adjust the water flow controlled by said control means.

Description: DESCRIPTION FLOW-RATE LIMITING DEVICE FOR MIXERS Technical Field The present invention relates to a flow- rate limiting device, which has been specifically designed for application to mixers. Background Art Conventional mixers or mixing valves, usually including ceramics discs, are broadly used in modern sanitary systems . Actually, old fashioned faucets are increasingly replaced by the above mentioned mixers, both because a reduced maintenance required by these mixers, and because a more accurate hot and cold water mixing afforded thereby. In the above mentioned conventional prior mixers, a suitably contoured lever operates, as it is turned on a vertical plane, a control rod allowing the water to pass therethrough. A further rotary displacement of the mentioned lever on the horizontal plane allows to adjust the water temperature, by suitably mixing cold and hot water. While the above disclosed prior mixers operate rather satisfactorily, they, however, have the following drawbacks. The water consume is excessive, and greater than that which would be actually required, since the mentioned outer control lever frequently generates an excessively broad translation displacement of the control rod, because of a comparatively great force applied by the user, thereby generating an excessively great water flow-rate not modified by the user in operation. Accordingly, the above prior mixers frequently cause an excessive consume of hot water, and, accordingly, of power, in consequence of the excessive water flow-rate, as above disclosed. This will in turn cause a great cost and water waste. Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art mixers or mixing valves . Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide a flow-rate limiting device, specifically designed for mixers, which is very simple construction-wise, may be easily used on prior mixers without requiring substantial modifications of the latter, and which, moreover, is very inexpensive. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a flow-rate limiting device which can be easily applied or removed by a user, even on already installed mixers. According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, have been achieved by a flow- rate limiting, device, specifically designed for mixers, to be operatively coupled to control means for controlling a mixing valve, and comprising an outer body, holding therein a longitudinally sliding shaft, said sliding shaft being counterbiassed by sealing means arranged thereon and abutting against a portion of the inner surface of said outer body in order to adjust the water flow controlled by said control means . The flow-rate limiting device, specifically designed for mixers, according to the invention, is characterized by the characterizing features disclosed in Claim 1. The subject flow-rate limiting device, specifically designed for mixers, provides the following advantages. The mixed water outlet can be controlled or adjusted very accurately, and at a well controlled flow-rate. Actually, the water consumes will be only that required for meeting the user requirements, and the maximum flow-rate can be achieved only by an intentional command by the user and it cannot be achieved accidentally. Accordingly, the user, by installing the flow-rate limiting device according to the invention, will achieve a very great saving of water and power. Moreover, the subject flow- rate limiting device can be easily made in a great series production by using available apparatus, at a very low cost . Brief Description of the Drawings Further characteristics, advantages and constructional details of the flow-rate limiting device, specifically designed for mixers, according to the invention, will become more apparent hereinafter from the following disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example, a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings : Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mixer assembly including the flow-rate limiting device according to the invention, in a closure condition thereof; Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectioned view of the mixing assembly shown in Figure 1 , at a minimum-opening condition; Figure 3 is a further vertical cross- sectional view of the mixing assembly shown in Figure 1, under a maximum-opening condition; and Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outer body of the flow-rate limiting device according to the invention. Ways of Carrying Out the Invention With reference to the number references of the above disclosed figures, the flow-rate limiting device 1, specifically designed for mixers, according to the present invention, comprises an outer body 6 housing therein a longitudinally sliding shaft 7, which extends for a substantial portion of said outer body 6. The device 1 is advantageously provided for arrangement inside a mixing assembly 2, or mixing valve, of the ceramics disc type. More specifically, said device 1 is arranged inside a throughgoing hole 5 provided through a control rod 4 pertaining to the mixer 2 and being operatively coupled to an outer control lever 3. The control rod 4, to be operated by the user through the lever 3, will allow, in a per se known manner, the assembly 2 to properly operate, and, in particular, by switching on and off the water flow and allowing to properly adjust the temperature thereof . Inside the body of the mixer 2 an abutment ring 14 is arranged at a position slightly lower than that of the hole 5 provided through the rod 4, as said rod is assembled on the mixer 2. The above mentioned outer body 6 is provided, through a substantial portion of the length thereof, with a cylindric portion 15 delimited, at one end thereof, by a step 11 and, at the other end thereof, by a further step 16 leading to a safety boss 10. The latter is provided for preventing the shaft 7 from being accidentally disengaged from the outer body 6 of the device 1 in operation. The shaft 7 is moreover provided, approximatively at a middle central portion thereof, with a recess 8 defined by a pair of circular ridges and provided for housing therein an O-ring 9, made of rubber or any other suitable like elastomeric material, which, upon introducing the shaft 7 into the outer body 6, will laterally abut against the inner wall of the cylindric portion 15. In this connection it should be apparent that the configuration and size of the several elements constituting the subject flow-rate limiting device, specifically designed for mixers, can be varied depending on the contingent requirements, without departing from the inventive scope. The operation of the device 1 according to the invention, inside the mixer assembly 2, can be easily deduced from the above disclosure. Actually, at a closing condition thereof, the control lever 3 of the mixer 2 will have a horizontal arrangement, and, accordingly, the control rod 4 coupled to said lever will have a slanted attitude, whereas the shaft 7 of the device 1 will have an end thereof projecting from the outer body 6 and abutting with the abutment ring 14 at an abutment point 12. The other end of the shaft 7 will also project from the outer body 6, but it will be not engaged by any elements. At a minimum-opening position, the lever 3 will be slightly raised on the vertical plane, the control rod 4 assuming a substantially vertical position and the disengaged end of the shaft 7 will abut against the abutment ring 14 at an abutment point 13, whereas the previously engaged end will be free of any contacts. in particular, as, at the point 13, the shaft 7 contacts the abutment ring 14, the control rod will assume a position allowing a minimum flow- rate water flow. Simultaneously, the O-ring 9, by friction contacting the inner walls of the outer body 6, will prevent any accidental swinging movement of the control rod 4, thereby preventing an increase of the water flow as the user operates the lever 3 for opening the mixing valve . For increasing the outlet water flow rate, on the other hand, the user must further rotate upwardly the lever 3 to turn the control rod 4. This movement, however, is hindered by the shaft 7 of the device 1, since the end thereof contacting the abutment point 13 of the abutment ring 14 will be further pressed thereby tending to displace the shaft 7 inside the outer body 6, in a direction opposite to that of the control rod 4, this movement being however hindered by the friction forces generated between the mentioned O-ring 9 and the step 16 of the outer body 6. Beyond a set displacement of the shaft 7, the mentioned O-ring 9 will contact the step 16, and will be resiliently deformed to pass said step, thereby providing a maximum opening of the mixer assembly 2.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A flow-rate limiting device specifically designed for mixers, characterized in that said device is operatively coupled to control means for controlling a mixing valve (2) , said device comprising an outer body (6) holding therein a longitudinally sliding shaft (7) , said sliding shaft being counterbiassed by sealing means arranged thereon and abutting against a portion of the inner surface of said outer body (6) in order to adjust the water flow controlled by said control means. 2. A flow-rate limiting device specifically designed for mixers, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said control means comprise a control rod (4) operatively coupled to a control outer lever (3) and provided with a throughgoing hole (5) for housing therein said device (1) . 3. A flow-rate limiting device specifically designed for mixers, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the body of said mixing valve (2) comprises an abutment ring (14) alternatively engaging the ends of said shaft (7) as the control rod (4) is swingably operated for opening and closing said mixer. 4. A flow-rate limiting device specifically designed for mixers, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer body (6) comprises a cylindric portion (15) delimited, at one end thereof, by a step (11) and, at the other end thereof, by a further step (16) , leading to a safety boss (10) . 5. A flow-rate limiting device specifically designed for mixers, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shaft (7) comprises a recess (8) therein for housing said sealing means. 6. A flow-rate limiting device specifically designed for mixers, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealing means comprise an O-ring (9) made of rubber or other suitable elastomeric material. 7. A flow-rate limiting device specifically designed for mixers, characterized in that said device comprises a plurality of specifically designed, arranged and associated elements, and substantially as broadly disclosed and illustrated and for the intended aim and objects.

Inventors: SOLDI BARBARA, SOLDI, BARBARA
Applicants: SOLDI BARBARA, SOLDI, BARBARA
Application year: 1998
Main classification: F16K31
IPC codes: F16K31