Self-closing Technology

The success story of an innovative tap design for public / commercial use started in January 1932 when a patent was licensed to the German Franke subsidiary for the piston free self-closing principle. Under patent number 582884, the German Patent Office listed the “self-closing flushing valve … with … rod shaped stop …”. Behind these words lies the first piston-free, friction-free and low-wear self-closing valve. This principle remains a fundamental component of all Franke Aquarotter self closing taps to this day.

75 years after the first patent, Franke Aquarotter reasserted its leadership in tap technology. In 2007, the anti blocking system (ABS) integrated in the cartridge was patented throughout Europe. This ABS water saving function stops the flow of water if the tap is deliberately operated continuously with the aid of an additional piston control, preventing waste of water and unnecessary maintenance.

Self-closing taps generally open when a button is pressed and close again automatically after an adjustable time delay. In the piston-free self-closing element, the two valve chambers are separated by a low-wear rubber body instead of a piston. Two parts that slide into each other perform the piston function while the valve needle cleans the pressure compensation channel every time it is used. The flow time can be adjusted as required by turning the valve needle.