Field of the invention

[0001 ] The invention relates to water saving device for water taps or showers

State of the art

[0002] Due to the ever-increasing price of water, there are water saving devices combined with so called perlators. The aim is to pass only the amount of water through the tap that is needed for an effective washing. This is mainly used In places where the user does not pay for water and has no incentive to save water. These are public buildings, hotels, hospitals, public sanitary facilities, etc. However, it can also be used very well at home, especially where children or other people are washing and have not developed economical water consumption habits or cannot adjust the water flow sensitively enough. They can then, e.g. with a lever tap, let conveniently run the water at full volume, but only a predetermined maximum flow rate will flow,

[0003] From utility model CZ 1 7735 U1 , a device is known wherein a basket having a permeable bottom with a small opening in the middle from which beam ribs extend and the wall is weakened at the top so that an inclined plane is formed between the bottom wail and the top wall. On this inclined plane the support ring abuts, which narrows obliquely at its bottom to form an outer inclined seating surface. The distribution element is pushed through the opening in the support ring by its convex collar, which Is provided with a small tooth on the upper disc, the convex collar being then arranged at the bottom of the basket, and the regulator is still seated on the support ring from above, which has a tubular projection upwards in the centre for the fitting of the screen pin, and around this tubular projection is a circular groove with a perforated bottom, the perforation being made of short grooves arranged in a circle, A rubber ring may be provided in the circular groove as a flow control by the regulator. All of the aforementioned elements are in a compact assembly and in the cavity of the basket. The entire basket is then placed in an end sleeve which is screwed onto the outlet of the 'water tap. The water flows through the groove in the regulator, then through the gaps in the circular toothing of the distributor element housed in the support ring, and at its convex collar the stream gains on a tubular hollow shape. In this way, the jet reaches the bottom of the basket, where it acquires pearling. [0004] The aim of the invention is to introduce a device of the above type, which, however, additionally allows multi-stage flow control without disassembling by simply manipulating the relevant mechanism from the bottom of the device.

Summary of the invention

[0005] The above mentioned deficiencies are eliminated by a device for water savings with an adjustable mechanism of flow regulation according to the invention, which is characterised by the fact that a permeable flexible bottom of the basket has an opening in the middle and in the opening is with its lower shank an adjustment regulator seated, which also has an upper shank, wherein the connecting neck of the distribution element is extended in length to at least 2,5 mm and an upper disc is provided with a toothing having a lower bevelling, whereas two opposing elongated teeth protrude from the circumference of the toothing, whereas the distribution element is protruded through an opening in the support ring and then extends outwards from the ring by its collar with central opening, whereas along the length of an outer wall of the support ring an outer groove is provided for insertion into two ribs on the inner circumference of the basket and along the length of the inner wall is an inner guide groove for guiding opposing elongated teeth on the toothing on the upper disc of the distribution element, whereas an inner inclined seating surface corresponds in shape and size to the lower bevelling.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment is the face of the collar smooth.

[0007] In another preferred embodiment is the collar either convex or straight.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment is the adjustment regulator cylindrical, wherein either the upper shank or the lower shank is provided with an external thread.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment is the opening in the basket provided with an internal thread.

[0010] in another preferred embodiment is the opening in the collar provided with an internal thread.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment has the upper shank with thread of the adjustment regulator a larger diameter than the lower shank, wherein the diameter of the opening with a thread in the collar has a corresponding diameter.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment is the opening provided with a threaded insert.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment is the adjustment regulator fixed in the opening or is an integral part of the flexible bottom of the basket. [0014] In another embodiment is the inclined seating surface of the support ring provided with notches around its circumference.

Brief description of drawings

[0015] The invention will be further illustrated by means of the drawings, where Fig. 1 is a view of the individual components the water saving device according to the prior art consists of, Fig. 2 is a schematic section of a device according to the invention in an assembly for accommodating into an end sleeve at the outlet of a water tap, Fig 3 is a exploded view of the individual components the water saving device according to the invention consist of, Fig.4 is a schematic section of a distribution element for water taps according to the invention, Fig.5 is a schematic section of a distribution element far showers, Fig, 6 is a schematic section of a device according to the invention in an assembled state, wherein the regulator is threaded at its lower section, when a minimum water flow is allowed, Fig.7 is a schematic section of a device according to the invention in an assembled state, when a maximum water flow is allowed, Fig.8 is a schematic section of a device according to the invention in an assembly for fitting into a connecting piece for showers, Fig. 9 is a view of the individual components the water saving device according to the invention for showers consists of, Fig. 10 is a schematic section of a device according to the invention in an assembled state for showers, wherein the regulator is threaded at its upper portion section, and when a minimum water flow Is allowed, Fig. 11 is a schematic section of a device according to the invention in the assembled state for showers, wherein the regulator is provided with a thread in its upper portion, namely when a maximum water flow is allowed, Fig, 12 is an alternative embodiment of the regulator with an enlarged threaded head, Fig. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the regulator of Fig. 12, wherein the central opening is provided with a threaded insert, Fig. 14 is a schematic section of the device according to the invention in the assembled state, wherein the regulator is made as a rigid part of the basket at a preset flow rate, Fig. 15 is a schematic section of the device according to the invention in the assembled state of Fig. 14, but in a situation where the water pressure is increased, the flexible bottom bulges slightly and allows reduction of the flow gap z. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of individual components, the water saving device 1 according to the prior art consists of. On the left, there are schematic sections of the individual components and on the right views of the respective components from above or below. The individual components will be described from the bottom up of the figure.

[0017] in Fig. 1 below the basket 5 is shown, into which the other components are inserted and which is the supporting element of the whole assembly. As can be seen on the right in the bottom view, the basket 5 has a permeable bottom 11 with a small opening 12 in the middle from which the beam ribs 12’ extend and the wall is weakened at the top so that an angled shoulder 15 is formed between the bottom wall and the top wall. The support ring 4 is seated on this inclined shoulder 15 and narrows diagonally at its lower part to form an outer inclined seating surface 14 which is seated on the inclined shoulder 15. On the left is a view of the support ring 4 also from below.

[0018] Through an opening in the support ring 4 a distribution element 3 is protruded through, which then projects with its convex collar 31 out of the ring 4, and as can be seen in the illustration on the right in the top view, the distribution element 3 is provided with a small toothing 9 on the upper disc 10, the convex collar 31 is then arranged in the assembly at the botom of the basket 5. An important structural element is the connecting neck 17 between the upper disc 10 and the convex collar 31 . In the prior art embodiment, the length H of the connecting neck 17 is about 1 ,5 mm. The neck 17 is therefore very' short.

[0019] From above, on the support ring 4 regulator 2 is placed 'which has a tubular protrusion 18 in the middle upwards for accommodating the pin 6 of a sieve 18" and around this tubular protrusion a circular groove 19 with a perforated bottom 7 is provide, the perforation 8 being made of short grooves arranged in a circle. This can be seen in the illustration in the view from the bottom right. One or two rubber rings 19' may be provided in the circular groove 19 as flow control by the regulator.

[0020] Fig. 2 then shows all of the components from Fig. 1 for the water saving device 1 in a compact assembly and in the cavity of the basket 5. The entire basket 5 is then placed in the unshown end sleeve, which is screwed onto the outlet of the water tap.

[0021] The water flows through the groove 19 in the regulator 2, or around the ribs 18 ^r on its circumference, and then through the perforated bottom 7, then through the gaps in the circular toothing 9 of the distribution element 3 housed in the support ring 4 to its inner inclined seating surface 21 and the stream acquires a tubular hollow shape at its convex collar 31. And here, a vacuum is created and, due to the aeration openings on the side of the basket, the stream of water creates a negative pressure, the stream of water forces air to mix with the water, thus creating an intense properiation. in the device described, the only way of regulating the flow rate was to insert one rubber ring 19 ^! into the groove 19 in the regulator 2 and, if the flow rate was to be further restricted, to insert another rubber ring. However, the end sleeve of the water tap is always necessary to be loosened when inserting the additional rubber ring.

[0022] More space has been devoted to this description, since the invention uses substantially all of the above components, but an additional very important component is added to enable the flow to be regulated, and design changes are made to some of the components to modify this known assembly to obtain the device, which will have further substantial improvements which will enable the flow to be regulated over a relatively large range without having to release the end sleeve of the water tap and the regulation can occur even when the water is flowing and the changing flow can be visually observed. These design modifications will change the functionality of the device while ensuring easy operation.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a view of the individual components, the water saving device according to the invention consists of. On the left, there are schematic sections of the individual components and on the right views of the respective components from above or below. The individual components will be described from the bottom up of the figure.

[0024] On bottom of Fig. 3 the basket 50 Is shown, into which the other components are inserted and which is the supporting element of the whole assembly. As seen on the far right in the top view, the basket 50 has a ribbed flexible permeable bottom 51 with ribs 53 and an opening 52 in the middle. The flexibility of the bottom 51 is due io the presence of the ribs, which lighten the mass of plastic on the bottom 51. The opening 52 is located in a reinforced ring 54 from which ribs 53 extend. In the figure on the far left, it can be seen that the wall is weakened at the top, sc that an inclined shoulder 56 is formed between the bottom rib 57 and the top wall 57'. However, the depth of the basket 50 is greater in a comparison with the prior art because the length of ribs 57 and wails 57’ are also longer and the oblique fitting 56 is arranged further away from the bottom 51. The length of the ribs 57 is longer because the hole 52 accommodates a regulator 40 provided with an external thread 16. In the figure on the right, which is a view inside the basket 50, it can be seen that the lower ribs 57 are four and are supplemented by two tong ribs 58 around the inner circumference of the basket 50. These are opposite to each other, and between them there are always two lower ribs 57 at regular intervals. The long ribs 58 serve as guides for grooves 66 made along the length of the outer wall 64 of the support ring 60. This alignment of the support ring 60 in the basket 50 is important because, again along the length of the inside wall 64, there is another guide groove 67 in which the toothing 34 of the distribution element 30 are guided by their opposing elongated teeth 38. This possibility of defined alignment between the basket 50, the support ring 60 and the distribution element 30 is important so that the relative orientation of the distribution element 30 and the regulator 40 does not have to be considered during assembly.

[0025] On the inclined shoulder 56 the support ring 60 is placed, which tapers obliquely at its lower part to form an outer Inclined seating surface 61 which seats on the inclined shoulder 56. Inside is then an inner inclined seating surface 62. On the mentioned seating surface 62 abuts with its toothing 34 and bevelling 34' respectively the upper disc 33 of the distribution element 30. The wall 64 above the inclined seating surfaces 61 and 62 is also longer than that of the support ring 4 according to the prior art. This is because the adjusting regulator 40 allows the distribution element 30 to be raised by at least 2,5 mm and therefore the wall 64 must be longer by this distance. On the left, there is a top view of the support ring 60.

[0026] Through the opening in the support ring 60 a distribution element 30 is protruded by Its convex collar 31 which then extends outwardly from the ring, and as can be seen in the illustration on the right in the top view, the distribution element 30 is provided on the upper disc 33 with a toothing 34 with a tower bevelling 34’, the convex collar 31 is then arranged in the assembly at lower portion of the basket 50. The central opening 39 is also visible. An important structural element is the connecting neck 32 between the upper disc 33 and the convex collar 31. In the embodiment according to the invention, the length H of the connecting neck 32 is about 2.5 mm. The connecting neck 32 is therefore relatively tong, at least 2.5 mm compared to 1.5 mm according to the prior art. The toothing 34 has a bevelling 34', in contrast to the prior art, as it is a further element regarding water flow control. In the basic position, the toothing 34 is supported by its bevelling 34’ on the inner inclined seating surface 62. When the distiribution element 30 is raised, the gap between the bevelling 34' of the toothing 34 and the inner inclined seating surface 62 increases. This will be apparent with respect to Fig, 10 and 11. The upper disc 33 is provided with a cavity 35 for improved water spreading,

[0027] From above on the support ring 60 the regulator 20 is placed, which has a tubular protrusion 18 In the centre upwards for accommodating the pin of the unshown sieve, and around this tubular protrusion a circular groove 19 with a perforated bottom 7 is provided, whereas perforations 8 are made of small openings arranged in a circle. This can be seen in the illustration in the view' from the bottom right. It is no longer necessary to store rubber rings 19’ in the circular groove 19, as is the case in the prior art, since the flow control is carried out at the contact points of the elements arranged below,

[0028] Inner collars 59 are arranged on the upper wails 57* and on the outside of the wail 64 a ring 65 is arranged at the bottom of the support ring 60. When the support ring 60 is pushed into the basket 50, the ring 65 is pushed through the collars 59 and thus the support ring 60 is secured against being pushed upwards out of the basket 50 by water pressure.

[0029] Fig, 4 shows a schematic section of the assembly of the basket 50, the distribution element 30 and the adjustment regulator 40. It can be seen how the upper shank 41 of the adjustment regulator 40, which is smooth, fits into the opening 39 in the lower face of the collar 31.

[0030] As indicated, adjustment regulator 40 is housed in the basket 50 and the distribution element 30 is arranged above it, the adjustment regulator 40 is rotatably seated in the basket 50 in a reinforced ring 54 in the central opening 52, which is provided with an internal thread 42, by its lower shank 43, which is also provided with a thread 16. As indicated by the lower arrow, the adjustment regulator 40 only rotates in both directions. And as indicated by the arrow above, the distribution element 30 in turn moves up and down, according to the sense of rotation of the adjustment regulator 40.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows the same iiustration for the shower variant. The distribution element 30 is not provided with a convex collar 31 , and this is because there is no need to create a perlation effect in the case of showers. A control slot 44 of adjustment regulator 40 is visible.

[0032] Fig. 6 then shows a schematic section of all the components of Fig, 3 in a compact assembly and In the cavity of the basket 50, in a minimum flow condition. The assembled basket 50 is then placed into an unshown end sleeve, which is screwed onto the outlet of the water tap. As indicated by the dashed route, water flows through the groove 19 and around the ribs 18' in the regulator 20, and then through the perforated bottom 7 through perforation 8. Water then falls on the upper disc 33 into the cavity 35, where it is curled, and the stream so curled flows between the teeth of the circular toothing 34 and around The bevelling 34’ and around the inner inclined seating surface 62 of the support ring 60, and falls on the convex collar 31 , where the stream acquires tubular hollow shape. There, too, air is drawn in through the suction openings 13, a perlation occurs, and the stream thus formed falls to the bottom 51 of the basket 50, and flows out through the gaps between ribs 53. There is only a small gap between the bevelling 34’ and the inner inclined seating surface 62 of the support ring 60.

|0O33] in the event that the water pressure from above is too great and pushes the distribution element 30 completely onto the inclined seating surface 62, the inclined seating surface 62 is provided with notches 63 around its circumference to ensure that at least sufficient water can flow between them.

[0034] Below the adjustment regulator 40 there is a schematic ilustration what options are available for the operator or user to adjust the flow rate. The adjustment regulator 40 is provided with adjustment lines on its bottom face and the corresponding bottom part of the basket 50 is provided with an arrow-shaped projection. This is used during installation to adjust the desired flow rate. In the indicated position the flow rate is the smallest. The adjustment lines can be spaced as desired depending on the pitch of the threads 42 and 16.

[0035] Obviously, In this embodiment, the opening 39 in the collar 31 is not necessary, in such case, the face of collar 31 will be smooth.

[0038] Fig. 7 then shows a schematic section of all the components of Fig. 3 in a compact assembly and in the cavity of the basket 50, in the maximum flow condition. Between the bevelling 34’ and the inner inclined seating surface 62 of the support ring 60 is the largest gap size z. It can be seen that the distributee element 30 has been raised by a dimension x, which corresponds to the lifting of the adjustment regulator 40 by screwing it upwards. This lift is allowed by the elongated connecting neck 32. It is also indicated that in the event of higher water pressure, the bottom of the basket 50 may bulge, thereby reducing the flow rate. The position of bulge 55 is indicated.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-section of a device according to the invention in an assembly for fitting into a shower connection piece, in a maximum flow condition, wherein the adjustment regulator 40 Is in an embodiment when it is provided with a thread 42 at the top, whereas the cavity of ths collar 31 is also threaded.

[0038] The assembled device according to the invention is housed in a shower connection fitting. The fitting is the aforementioned standard connecting metal piece 37, which has two outer and inner diameters. The larger upper diameter 2 has an internal thread 3 and the smaller lower diameter 4 has an external thread 5, to which the shower hose is then fitted. A seat 6 is formed between the parts of the connecting metal piece 37, on which the basket 50 is placed from above. This then accommodates all the parts of the device, that is, the adjustment regulator 40, the distribution element 30 and the upper regulator 20, and a sealing ring 68 sits on top of this assembly.

[0839] Fig. 9 is a view of the individual components a water saving device according to the invention for showers consists of. These are essentially the same, except that the regulator 20 is without projections and there is only one central circular opening 19”. The distribution element 30 in this embodiment has a straight collar 31.

[0040] Fig. ID is a schematic cross-section of a device according to the invention in an assembled state for a shower, wherein the adjustment regulator 40 is provided with a thread 16 in the region of the upper shank 41 , and wherein the opening 39 in the collar 31 is also provided with a thread 45. In this embodiment, the minimum flow is when the adjustment regulator 40 is screwed completely into the opening 39 in the collar 31.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-section of a device as in Fig. 10, but at maximum flow, and this is because the adjustment regulator 43 raises the distribution element 30 by screwing.

[0042] Fig. 12 Is an alternative design of the adjustment regulator 40 with an extended threaded head. This embodiment allows an enlarged opening 39 in the distribution element 30, as it is difficult to press a thread into such a small opening. This can be solved, for example, by the arrangement of Fig, 13, where an alternative embodiment of the adjustment regulator 40 of Fig. 12 is shown, with the opening 39 provided with a threaded insert 36, for example made of sheet metal or plastic material.

[0043] Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-section of a device according to the invention in its assembled state in its simplest embodiment, wherein the adjustment regulator 40 is either fixed in a thread in the basket 50, for example by gluing it into the opening 52, or is, as shown here, an integral part of the bottom of the basket 50. Thus, the position of the adjustment regulator 40 determines only one variant of the adjustment of a gap sized z, and that is at a predetermined flow rate,

[0044] Obviously, in this embodiment, the opening 39 in the collar 31 is not necessary. In that case, the face of collar 31 win be smooth.

[0045] However, Fig. 15 shows that even in this embodiment, some variation in the size of the gap z is possible, in a case, when the water pressure is increased, the flexible bottom 51 of the basket 50 allows seme bulge 55 due to the pressure of the distribution element 30 an the adjustment regulator 40, thereby allowing the flow gap z to be reduced. The bulge 55 of the flexible bottom 51 is also shown in Fig. 7.

[0048] The design of the collar 31 in Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 10 to 15 may be either convex or straight.

[0047] The bottom 51 is flexible and when high water pressure hits the upper disc 33, the entire distribution element 30 is forced down against the flexible bottom 51 causing it to bulge as indicated. At that point, the dimension z is also throttled and the flow rate is reduced. This is an effective measure especially in the case of multi-storey buildings, for example hotels, where the water pressure towards the higher floors is reduced. In the case of peak consumption times, e.g. in the morning when many guests shower and flush, without this throttling there would be insufficient pressure on the upper floors. And with the throttling, the water pressure is maintained at the normal level on the upper floors as well. [0048] In the event that the water pressure from above is too great and pushes the distributee element 30 completely onto the inclined seating surface 62, the inclined seating surface 62 is provided with notches 63 around its circumference to ensure that water can flow at least sufficiently between them.

[0049] By multi-stage regulation can also be secured that device reacts to changes in water pressure in the pipe. This occurs in situations where there is an immediate increase In consumption, i.e. when several points of consumption in the building are activated at the same time, or even in the case of a sudden drop in pressure in the supply pipe. At that moment, the movable part, i.e, the distributors element 30, reacts by closing or opening the gap at the lower bevelling 34’ depending on the water pressure, thereby ensuring the same amount of water at the outlet even if water pressure fluctuates. This lift or fall of the distribution element 30 is transmitted to the spacer formed as adjustment regulator 40, and this abuts on the ribbed flexible bottom 51 of the basket 50. [0050] With the described device, the flow rate can be regulated in several stages, in the presented case in five, in a very simple way, without necessity to remove the whole device from the water tap. It is, of course, possible to have a coarser regulation, e.g. in three or oven in two stages with a corresponding number of adjustment lines. Simply turn the adjustment regulator 40.

[0051] List at reference signs:

1 water saving device

2 regulator

3 distribution element

4 support ring

5 basket

6 seat

7 perforated bottom

8 perforations

9 toothing

10 upper disc

12 small opening

12' beam ribs

13 suction openings

14 seating surface

15 inclined shoulder

16 outer thread of the regulator

17 connecting neck

18 tubular protrusion

18' rib

18” sieve

19 circular groove

19' rubber ring

19” central circular opening

20 regulator

21 seating surface

30 distribution element convex colter connecting neck upper disc toothing 'bevelling cavity threaded insert connecting metal piece elongated tooth central opening adjustment regulator upper shank internal thread lower shank control slot collar internal thread basket flexible bottom opening beam ribs reinforced ring bulge inclined shoulder lower rib ' upper wail long rib colter support ring external inclined seating surface internal inclined seating surface notch wall ring 66 groove

67 guide groove

68 sealing ring

Industrial applicability

[0052] The device according to the invention can be used wherever there is a need to save water and, in particular, to regulate the required flow rate. It can also be advantageously installed, for example, in multi-storey buildings where there are different water pressures on the lower and upper floors. Thanks to the flexible bottom, there is no need to set a different flow rate on each floor, as all devices can be set to the same flow rate thanks to the above-mentioned throttling. This is therefore a self-regulating effect.

[0053] Faucets or lever water taps can be conveniently run at full capacity using the device, with only a predetermined maximum flow. The device prevents creation of timescale and saves water and energy for hot water production,