EP4074903B1 - Sanitary insert unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sanitary insert unit with a functional unit providing a flow-through opening, which has an actuating element, which actuating element is arranged so as to be axially movable or adjustable into and out of the flow-through opening, wherein the actuating element is in drive connection with an actuating element which is arranged on the downstream side of the flow-through opening and can be actuated from the outside.

From the EP 2 536 886 B1 A sanitary insert unit of the type mentioned above is already known, which can be inserted into the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting. In order to be able to change the flow cross-section of the insert unit and/or the volume flow of the water flowing through it, the previously known insert unit has a functional unit that provides a flow opening, with an adjusting element arranged so as to be axially adjustable into and out of the flow opening. By axially adjusting the adjusting element, which can be actuated on an outflow side of the flow opening, the clear flow cross-section of the flow opening can be changed.

In an embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 28 to 34, EP 2 536 886 B1 The control element is axially movable but non-rotatably guided inside the housing. The control element has a threaded opening on its downstream end face, into which an externally handleable actuating element with an internal thread engages. This actuating element is supported at its end facing away from the control element on the outlet end face of the previously known insert unit, which is formed from a honeycomb structure. By unscrewing the actuating element from the threaded opening in the control element, the control element is The housing interior of the previously known insert unit can be moved against the flow direction, and the clear flow cross-section can be changed accordingly. However, by unscrewing the adjusting element and the actuating element, there is a risk that the detachably locked housing parts of the housing will also be forced apart, causing the previously known functional unit to fall apart.

The DE 94 146 86 U1 describes a device for triggering and interrupting the flow of water from a water outlet opening, with a housing which can be connected to the outlet opening and in which a valve seat, a sealing ring and a valve body are arranged which, as a result of the water pressure, lies tightly against the sealing ring, as well as an actuating member by means of which the valve body can be adjusted from its closed position to its open position and vice versa, and which has at least one operating position holding member or cooperates with such a member so that the actuating member can be held in its operating position, characterized in that the operating position holding member is formed from projections, recesses, control cams, lifting cams and working surfaces which are formed on the actuating member and/or on the housing and which are operatively connected to one another in the operating position of the actuating member.

The WO 2016/153409 A1 describes a flow restrictor for adjusting a maximum water flow at an outlet of a mixer tap, the flow restrictor comprising in the axial direction a seat provided along its circumference with an annular wall and having flow channels arranged inside and along the wall, an actuator rotatably arranged on the seat, a regulating device in the form of a body with a circumferential envelope surface facing the inside of the annular wall, wherein the actuator has means for moving the regulating device in the axial direction, and wherein an annular cavity is formed between walls formed by the envelope surface of the regulating device and the wall of the seat, wherein an O-ring is arranged in the annular cavity, wherein one of the walls of the annular cavity has open, axially extending grooves with a cross-sectional area increasing in the flow direction, wherein the O-ring is designed in its plane such that it slidably connects to the grooves and, upon rotation of the actuator, assumes one of predetermined positions in the axial direction along the grooves, and wherein this position corresponds to a maximum flow determined by a cross-sectional area for channels delimited by the O-ring and the walls of the grooves in the plane of the O-ring. US 7,017,837 B2 describes a water outlet switching device that can be easily miniaturized, easily assembled, and manufactured at low cost, and that prevents water leakage. The water outlet switching device comprises a foaming water generation and discharge device having a water inlet, an air/water mixing chamber facing the water inlet and capable of communicating with the water inlet, an air intake port capable of communicating with the air/water mixing chamber, and a foaming water outlet. The switching device also comprises a shower water discharge device having a shower water discharge port capable of communicating with the water inlet. The shower water discharge device is arranged around the air/water mixing chamber of the foaming water generation and discharge device. Further, a water outlet switching device for selectively switching between the foaming water discharge from the foaming water generation and discharge device and the foaming water discharge Shower water from the shower water outlet device. The shower water outlet opening of the shower water outlet device forms the air intake opening of the foam water generation and dispensing device.

The task is therefore to create a sanitary insert unit of the type mentioned above, which is characterized by a high level of functional reliability.

The object of the invention is achieved by an insert unit having the features of claim 1.

The insert unit according to the invention comprises a functional unit that provides a flow-through opening for the water flowing through the insert unit. An adjusting element is provided that is axially movable or adjustable to increase the flow resistance created by the flow-through opening into the flow-through opening and also to reduce the flow resistance out of the flow-through opening. The adjusting element of the functional unit providing the flow-through opening is drive-connected to an actuating element that is arranged on the downstream side of the flow-through opening and can be actuated from the outside. A sliding guide with at least one bevel is arranged in the drive connection between the actuating element and the adjusting element, which converts a rotational movement of the actuating element into an axial adjusting movement of the adjusting element.

Furthermore, the adjusting element is mounted on a housing part or insert part in an axially rotatable manner, wherein the adjusting element is arranged with the actuating element via a coupling pin and a coupling opening in a rotationally fixed but axially adjustable manner relative to one another.

The insert unit according to the invention is characterized by high functional reliability. By adjusting the externally operable actuating element, the amount of water flowing through the insert unit according to the invention can be limited or adjusted to an adjustable maximum value, independent of pressure.

A preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that the sliding guide formed between the adjusting element and the actuating element defines a closed guideway, so that the adjusting element returns to its starting position at the latest after one full rotation of the actuating element, in particular after half a rotation. With this embodiment, handling errors are reliably avoided because the adjusting element always returns to its starting position after one full rotation. The actuating element can be moved in both the one and the other direction of rotation without causing malfunctions of the insert unit according to the invention. Since operating errors are ruled out in this embodiment, the functional reliability of the insert unit according to the invention is further enhanced.

Operating errors can also be eliminated by the fact that the sliding guide is designed to be stop-free. With such a stop-free sliding guide, it is possible to rotate the actuating element more than 360°, with the adjusting element returning to its original position after at most one full rotation of the actuating element.

A finely dosed adjustment of the insertion unit according to the invention is facilitated if the sliding guide is designed to be step-free or jump-free.

In order to prevent the set water volume from being accidentally adjusted during operation of the insert unit according to the invention, it is advantageous if the slope of the starting bevel is dimensioned such that the sliding guide is self-locking.

A structurally simple and therefore preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that the run-on slope forms a section of a preferably circumferential guideway.

The adjusting element can be brought into the desired setting position with little effort if the sliding guide has at least one guide projection, preferably at least two guide projections, which run on the run-up slope.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the guide projection or a guide projection running along the run-on slope is connected to the adjusting element in a rotationally fixed, particularly rigid, manner. This guide projection can, for example, be integrally formed on the adjusting element.

In order to be able to convert a rotary movement on the actuating element into an axial actuating movement of the actuating element, it is advantageous if the actuating element is coupled to the actuating element in an axially movable and/or rotationally fixed manner, in particular is guided axially on the actuating element.

The design and manufacturing effort can be significantly reduced if the sliding guide forms a one-sided guide.

Since the sliding guide converts a rotary movement on the actuating element into an axial adjustment movement of the In order to implement the actuating element, it can be advantageous if the actuating element is pressed against the one-sided guide by an inflow water pressure.

A particularly simple embodiment according to the invention provides that the sliding guide is formed by a thread. The run-on slope can be formed by a thread pitch.

A preferred further development according to the invention provides that the sliding guide is formed by a screw connection between the actuating element and the adjusting element.

In order to further simplify the design and manufacturing effort, it can be advantageous if the actuating element is rigidly connected, in particular in one piece, to the adjusting element.

In order to regulate the amount of water flowing through per unit of time to an adjustable maximum value, a further development according to the invention provides that the functional unit is a flow rate regulator, and that a control profile of the flow rate regulator, which interacts with an elastic control body for flow rate control, is formed on the actuating element.

It is advantageous if the control element can be used to change the opening cross-section of the flow opening.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the functional unit is a throttle, wherein the actuating element sets an opening cross-section of the throttle.

The downstream part of the valve protruding over an outlet nozzle can also be used as an actuating element. insert unit according to the invention if the actuating element forms a gripping surface on an outer circumference of the insert part.

In order to form a homogeneous and non-splashing outlet jet in the insertion unit according to the invention, it is advantageous if the actuating element forms a sieve- or grid-shaped outlet structure, in particular radially within the or a gripping surface.

A particularly compact and functional embodiment according to the invention provides that the actuating element has a grid-, net-, or honeycomb-shaped outlet structure with a plurality of flow openings, which outlet structure follows a rotational movement of the actuating element. In this embodiment, the actuating element has an outlet structure that is grid-, net-, or honeycomb-shaped and has a plurality of flow openings. In these flow openings of the outlet structure, the water flowing through is formed into a homogeneous and non-splashing water jet. The outlet structure is connected to the actuating element and preferably formed integrally therewith in such a way that this outlet structure follows a rotational movement of the actuating element.

Unintentional adjustment of the insertion unit according to the invention is avoided if the or a guide track has plateau sections in which a rotation of the actuating element does not cause an axial adjustment of the adjusting element.

For the same reason, it may be advantageous if the or one guide track has at least one locking recess for at least one or the at least one guide projection, which is connected to the at least one guide projection a locking resistance is developed that prevents the actuating element from twisting.

Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the claims in conjunction with the description and the drawings. The invention is described in more detail below using preferred embodiments.

• Fig. 1 eine nicht erfindungsgemäße in einer teilweise aufgeschnittenen Perspektivdarstellung gezeigte sanitäre Einsetzeinheit, die eine Funktionseinheit aufweist, welche als verstellbare Drossel ausgebildet ist,
• Fig. 2 die am Wasserauslauf einer sanitären Auslaufarmatur montierbare nicht erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Draufsicht auf ihre Auslaufstirnseite,
• Fig. 3 eine nicht erfindungsgemäße ebenfalls in einer längsgeschnittenen Perspektivdarstellung gezeigte Einsetzeinheit, die eine als Drossel ausgebildete Funktionseinheit hat, wobei diese Funktionseinheit durch Verdrehen zweier relativ zueinander verdrehbarer Gehäuseteile verstellt werden kann,
• Fig. 4 einen im Gehäuseinneren der in Figur 3 gezeigten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Einsetzeinheit vorgesehenen Diffusor, der das anströmende Wasser in eine Vielzahl von Einzelstrahlen aufzuteilen hat, bevor diese Einzelstrahlen im Gehäuseinneren anschließend mit Umgebungsluft durchmischt werden können,
• Fig. 5 den Diffusor aus Figur 4 mit Blick auf seine zuströmseitige Stirnfläche, wobei der Diffusor eine zentrale Stellelement-Öffnung hat, die von der Führungsbahn einer Gleitführung umgrenzt ist,
• Fig. 6 die nicht erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus Figur 3 in einem Längsschnitt,
• Fig. 7 die nicht erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 3 und 6 in einem Querschnitt durch die in Figur 6 gezeigte Schnittebene VII-VII,
• Fig. 8 ein abströmseitiges Gehäuseteil des Gehäuses der in den Figuren 3, 6 und 7 gezeigten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Einsetzeinheit in einer, vom Stellelement auseinandergezogenen Darstellung,
• Fig. 9 das abströmseitige Gehäuseteil mit dem Stellelement in einer gegenüber Figur 8 gedrehten Perspektivdarstellung,
• Fig. 10 die nicht erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 3 und 6 in einer auseinandergezogenen Darstellung ihrer Bestandteile,
• Fig. 11 eine nicht erfindungsgemäße hier ebenfalls in einer aufgeschnittenen Perspektivdarstellung gezeigte Einsetzeinheit, welche Einsetzeinheit eine als Drossel ausgebildete Funktionseinheit hat, wobei diese Funktionseinheit eine Durchströmöffnung aufweist, deren lichter Öffnungsquerschnitt mittels einem in Figur 11 separat dargestellten Stellelement veränderbar ist,
• Fig. 12 das Stellelement der in Figur 11 gezeigten Funktionseinheit in einer Draufsicht auf die Zuströmseite,
• Fig. 13 das Stellelement aus Figur 12 in einem Längsschnitt durch Schnittebene XIII-XIII in Figur 14,
• Fig. 14 das Stellelement aus den Figuren 12 und 13 in einer Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 15 das Stellelement aus den Figuren 12 bis 14 in einer gegenüber Figur 14 um 90° gedrehten Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 16 eine erfindungsgemäße teilweise längsgeschnittene Einsetzeinheit, deren ein hier separat dargestelltes Stellelement aufweisende Funktionseinheit als Durchflussmengenregler ausgebildet ist,
• Fig. 17 die am Wasserauslauf einer sanitären Auslaufarmatur mit Hilfe eines Auslaufmundstücks montierte Einsetzeinheit aus Figur 16 mit Blick durch den teilweise aufgeschnitten dargestellten Wasserauslauf der sanitären Auslaufarmatur,
• Fig. 18 die am Wasserauslauf der sanitären Auslaufarmatur montierte Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 16 und 17, wobei hier auch die Einsetzeinheit selbst teilweise längsgeschnitten dargestellt ist,
• Fig. 19 die erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 16 bis 18 in einem gegenüber Figur 18 erweiterten Längsschnitt,
• Fig. 20 die erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 16 bis 19 in einem Längsschnitt,
• Fig. 21 die erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 16 bis 20 in einem Querschnitt durch Schnittebene XXI-XXI gemäß Figur 20,
• Fig. 22 die hier ebenfalls längsgeschnittene erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 16 bis 21 in einer gegenüber Figur 20 geänderten Stellposition ihres Stellelements,
• Fig. 23 die erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 16 bis 22 in einem Querschnitt durch Schnittebene XXIII-XXIII gemäß Figur 22,
• Fig. 24 eine nicht erfindungsgemäße teilweise längsgeschnittene Einsetzeinheit, deren als verstellbare Drossel ausgebildete Funktionseinheit ein Stellelement hat, welches Stellelement in der Einsetzeinheit drehfest, aber axial verschieblich geführt ist, wobei eine Drehbewegung an einem Betätigungselement mit Hilfe eines als Gleitführung dienenden Gewindes in eine axiale Stellbewegung des Stellelements umsetzbar ist,
• Fig. 25 die nicht erfindungsgemäße hier längsgeschnittene Einsetzeinheit aus Figur 24 in einer Offenstellung der als verstellbare Drossel ausgebildeten Funktionseinheit,
• Fig. 26 die nicht erfindungsgemäße längsgeschnittene Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 24 und 25 in einer demgegenüber im lichten Durchflussquerschnitt reduzierten Drosselstellung,
• Fig. 27 eine nicht erfindungsgemäße teilweise längsgeschnitten dargestellte Einsetzeinheit mit einer Funktionseinheit, die ein in der Einsetzeinheit drehfest, aber axial verschieblich geführtes Stellelement hat, welches Stellelement an seiner Abströmseite zumindest einen axial vorstehenden Gleitsteg hat, der auf der Führungsbahn einer am Betätigungselement umfangsseitig angeformten Gleitführung gleitet,
• Fig. 28 die nicht erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus Figur 27 in einem Detail-Längsschnitt im Bereich der zwischen dem Betätigungselement und dem Stellelement vorgesehenen Gleitführung,
• Fig. 29 die nicht erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 27 und 28 in einem Querschnitt,
• Fig. 30 die nicht erfindungsgemäße Einsetzeinheit aus den Figuren 27 bis 29 in einem Längsschnitt durch Schnittebene XXX-XXX gemäß Figur 29,
• Fig. 31 das als Betätigungselement dienende abströmseitige Gehäuseteil der in den Figuren 27 bis 30 nicht erfindungsgemäßen gezeigten Einsetzeinheit, zusammen mit dem Stellelement, in einer auseinandergezogenen und teilweise längsgeschnittenen Einzelteildarstellung und
• Fig. 32 eine nicht erfindungsgemäße gegenüber Figur 31 alternative Ausführung von Betätigungselement und Stellelement.

It shows:

• Fig. 1 a sanitary insert unit not according to the invention shown in a partially cut-away perspective view, which has a functional unit which is designed as an adjustable throttle,
• Fig. 2 the insert unit not according to the invention which can be mounted on the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting and which is made of Figure 1 in a perspective top view of its outlet face,
• Fig. 3 an insert unit not according to the invention, also shown in a longitudinal section perspective view, which has a functional unit designed as a throttle, wherein this functional unit can be adjusted by rotating two housing parts that can be rotated relative to each other,
• Fig. 4 one inside the housing of the Figure 3 shown insert unit not according to the invention, which has to divide the incoming water into a plurality of individual jets before these individual jets can then be mixed with ambient air inside the housing,
• Fig. 5 the diffuser Figure 4 with a view of its inflow-side front face, whereby the diffuser has a central control element opening, which is Guideway of a sliding guide is limited,
• Fig. 6 the insert unit not according to the invention Figure 3 in a longitudinal section,
• Fig. 7 the insert unit not according to the invention from the Figures 3 and 6 in a cross-section through the Figure 6 shown section plane VII-VII,
• Fig. 8 a downstream housing part of the housing of the Figures 3 , 6 and 7 shown insert unit not according to the invention in a view exploded from the adjusting element,
• Fig. 9 the downstream housing part with the control element in a position opposite Figure 8 rotated perspective view,
• Fig. 10 the insert unit not according to the invention from the Figures 3 and 6 in an exploded view of its components,
• Fig. 11 an insert unit not according to the invention, also shown here in a cut-away perspective view, which insert unit has a functional unit designed as a throttle, wherein this functional unit has a flow opening, the clear opening cross-section of which can be adjusted by means of a Figure 11 can be changed using the separately shown control element,
• Fig. 12 the control element of the Figure 11 shown functional unit in a plan view of the inflow side,
• Fig. 13 the control element Figure 12 in a longitudinal section through section plane XIII-XIII in Figure 14 ,
• Fig. 14 the control element from the Figures 12 and 13 in a side view,
• Fig. 15 the control element from the Figures 12 to 14 in a opposite Figure 14 side view rotated by 90°,
• Fig. 16 an insert unit according to the invention, partially sectioned longitudinally, the functional unit of which has a control element shown separately here and is designed as a flow rate regulator,
• Fig. 17 the insert unit mounted on the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting using an outlet nozzle made of Figure 16 with a view through the partially cut-away water outlet of the sanitary outlet fitting,
• Fig. 18 the insert unit mounted on the water outlet of the sanitary outlet fitting from the Figures 16 and 17 , where the insert unit itself is also shown partially sectioned lengthwise,
• Fig. 19 the insert unit according to the invention from the Figures 16 to 18 in a opposite Figure 18 extended longitudinal section,
• Fig. 20 the insert unit according to the invention from the Figures 16 to 19 in a longitudinal section,
• Fig. 21 the insert unit according to the invention from the Figures 16 to 20 in a cross section through section plane XXI-XXI according to Figure 20 ,
• Fig. 22 the insert unit according to the invention, also cut longitudinally here, from the Figures 16 to 21 in a opposite Figure 20 changed position of your control element,
• Fig. 23 the insert unit according to the invention from the Figures 16 to 22 in a cross section through section plane XXIII-XXIII according to Figure 22 ,
• Fig. 24 a partially longitudinally sectioned insert unit not according to the invention, the functional unit of which is designed as an adjustable throttle and has an adjusting element, which adjusting element is guided in the insert unit in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner, wherein a rotational movement on an actuating element can be converted into an axial adjusting movement of the adjusting element by means of a thread serving as a sliding guide,
• Fig. 25 the insert unit not according to the invention, here cut longitudinally, from Figure 24 in an open position of the functional unit designed as an adjustable throttle,
• Fig. 26 the longitudinally cut insert unit not according to the invention from the Figures 24 and 25 in a throttle position with a reduced flow cross-section,
• Fig. 27 a partially longitudinally sectioned insert unit not according to the invention, with a functional unit having an actuating element which is guided in the insert unit in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner, which actuating element has at least one axially projecting sliding web on its downstream side, which slides on the guide track of a sliding guide formed circumferentially on the actuating element,
• Fig. 28 the insert unit not according to the invention Figure 27 in a detailed longitudinal section in the area of the sliding guide provided between the actuating element and the adjusting element,
• Fig. 29 the insert unit not according to the invention from the Figures 27 and 28 in a cross-section,
• Fig. 30 the insert unit not according to the invention from the Figures 27 to 29 in a longitudinal section through section plane XXX-XXX according to Figure 29 ,
• Fig. 31 the downstream housing part serving as the actuating element of the Figures 27 to 30 not according to the invention shown insert unit, together with the adjusting element, in an exploded and partially longitudinally sectioned individual part view and
• Fig. 32 a non-inventive compared to Figure 31 alternative design of actuating element and adjusting element.

In the Figures 1 to 31 A sanitary insert unit is shown in the designs 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127. The sanitary insert unit 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 can be inserted into the water outlet 1 of a sanitary outlet fitting. The embodiments 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 shown here have a single-part or multi-part housing 2 that can be inserted into a sleeve-shaped outlet nozzle 3. This outlet nozzle 3 can be detachably mounted and, in particular, detachably screwed onto the water outlet 1 of the outlet fitting. In this case, an annular shoulder or an annular flange 4 is provided on the outer circumference of the housing 2, which rests on the inner circumference of the sleeve-shaped outlet mouthpiece 3 in the position of use of the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127 (cf. Figure 19 ). Of the illustrated embodiments 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127, only 116 is in accordance with the invention.

In the Figures 18 and 19 Based on the exemplary embodiment 116, it is shown by way of example that a thread 5 can be provided on the sleeve-shaped outlet nozzle 3, which thread can be screwed to a counter-thread 6 on the outlet-side end of a fitting body of the sanitary outlet fitting. At least one tool engagement surface 7 is provided on the outer circumference of the outlet nozzle 3, to which a turning tool, and in particular an open-end wrench used as a turning tool, can be applied.

Inside the housing 2 of the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 provide a functional unit that can be configured as a flow-limiting throttle (see insert units 101, 103, 111, 124, 127) or as a flow rate regulator that regulates the water volume flowing through per unit of time to a maximum value, independent of pressure (see insert unit 116). The functional units provided in insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 provide a flow opening 8 configured as an annular gap or control gap in the interior of housing 2. In this case, an adjusting element 9 on the downstream side of the flow-through opening 8 can be actuated in such a way that this adjusting element 9 can be axially adjusted to increase a flow resistance formed by the flow-through opening 8 into the flow-through opening 8 and to reduce this flow resistance out of the flow-through opening 8.

The adjusting element 9 is drive-connected to an actuating element 10, which is arranged on the downstream side of the flow opening 8 and can be actuated from the outside. A sliding guide 11 with at least one guide slope 12 is arranged in the drive connection between the actuating element 10 and the adjusting element 9, which converts a rotary movement on the actuating element 10 into an axial actuating movement of the adjusting element 9.

With the help of the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127 shown here, not only should the flowing water quantity be limited (insert units 101, 103, 111, 124 and 127) or regulated to a maximum value of the flow rate independently of pressure (cf. insert unit 116), - but in the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127 the outflowing water should also be formed into a homogeneous, non-splashing and, if necessary, also soft, pearly outflow jet.

For this purpose, the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127 have a jet splitter arranged on the downstream side of the flow opening 8, which divides the flowing water into a plurality of individual jets.

For this purpose, this jet splitter has a corresponding number of flow holes 13, in each of which an individual jet is formed. The jet splitter could be designed as a perforated plate arranged approximately transversely to the flow direction. In the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127, the jet splitter is designed as a diffuser 14, which has a deflection surface 15 that deflects the water flowing through the housing 2 approximately radially outward. This deflection surface is bordered by an annular wall 16 that is raised relative to the flow direction. The flow holes 13 of this jet splitter, which are preferably evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction, are provided in the annular wall 16.

The flow holes 13 open into an annular gap 17 that narrows in the flow direction and is formed between the diffuser 14, which serves as a jet splitter, and in particular its annular wall 16, on the one hand, and a diffuser ring 18 surrounding the diffuser 14, on the other hand. This diffuser ring 18 can be designed as a separate insertable part that can be inserted into the housing 2 and, in this case, is integrally formed on the inner circumference of the housing 2.

Since the annular gap 17 formed between diffuser 14 and diffuser ring 18 narrows at least in some areas in the flow direction and since the water flowing through there experiences an increase in speed in some areas, according to Bernoulli’s equation, a negative pressure is created on the downstream side of this annular gap, by means of which ambient air is forced into the can be sucked into the interior of the housing 2. So that this ambient air can flow into the housing 2, the housing 2 has one and preferably a plurality of ventilation openings 19 in the direction of flow of the water, preferably directly below the annular gap 17 and in particular below the diffuser ring 18, which ventilation openings 19 are designed as housing openings in the circumferential wall of the housing 2, in particular evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. The sucked-in ambient air is mixed with the water flowing through in the interior of the housing before the water, which has been swirled in this way and mixed with the ambient air, is formed into a soft, sparkling overall jet in a flow straightener 20 provided on the downstream side.

The flow straightener 20 can be a grid or mesh structure made up of webs that intersect at intersections, which webs define flow openings 21 between them. The flow straightener 20 can be formed from several such grid or mesh structures arranged at a short distance from one another. In the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 shown here, the flow straightener 20 is formed by only one such grid structure, which in this case has honeycomb-shaped flow openings 21. This grid structure is integrally formed on the housing 2 and forms its outlet end face. Preferably, directly below the flow straightener 20, a circumferential cross-sectionally narrowing housing constriction 22 is provided, which contributes to the homogenization of the escaping water and counteracts splashing of the escaping water jet.

The Figures 1 and 2 , 3 to 10 and 11 to 15 , 24 to 26 and 27 to 31 The insert units 101, 103, 111, 124 and 127 shown have a functional unit designed as a throttle in which the opening cross-section of the through-flow opening 8 can be changed with the adjusting element 9. While the adjusting element 9 of the insert units 101, 103, 124 and 127 widens in the flow direction at its inflow-side end face and is approximately conical or arrowhead-shaped here, the inflow-side end face region of the adjusting element 9 provided in the insert unit 111 has a substantially cylindrical outer contour in which depressions are formed which are open towards the cylinder circumference and the inflow side and taper towards the through-flow opening and are distributed at preferably uniform intervals over the circumference of the adjusting element 9.

The adjusting elements 9 of the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 interact with a plate 23 arranged upstream of the adjusting elements 9 on the inflow side, in which a preferably central adjusting element opening 24 is provided. In the insert units 101, 103, 124, and 127, the annular flow opening 8 is formed between the peripheral edge of the plate 23 surrounding the adjusting element opening 24 and the adjusting element 9. The annular flow opening 8 can be enlarged or reduced in its clear opening cross-section by axially adjusting the adjusting element 9. In the insertion unit 111, the peripheral edge of the plate 23 bordering the actuating element opening 24 interacts with different sized cross sections of the flow grooves 25 provided in the actuating element 9 depending on the axial relative position of the adjustable actuating element 9, so that here too the opening cross section of the flow opening 8 delimited by the flow grooves 25 can be more or less reduced or enlarged depending on the axial relative position of the actuating element 9.

In the insertion unit 101, the space provided between the actuating element 10 and the adjusting element 9 The sliding guide is formed by an external thread 26 arranged on the outer circumference of the actuating element 10 and a complementary counter-thread 27, which is formed in a threaded opening arranged centrally in the diffuser 14. The threads form a run-on bevel, which converts a rotary movement of the actuating element into an axial adjustment of the adjusting element 9, which is preferably connected integrally to the actuating element 10. At its end region facing away from the adjusting element 9, the actuating element 10 projects into a central actuating element opening 28 in the outlet-side grid structure. On the end face of the actuating element 10, a tool engagement surface 29, designed here as a hexagon socket, is provided, onto which a turning tool (not shown).

The housings 2 of the insertion units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127 have at least two housing parts 30, 31, which can be releasably connected to one another and preferably locked together. As shown in the Figures 18 and 19 As shown by way of example, the downstream housing part 30 projects at least with its downstream partial area beyond the outlet mouthpiece 3, so that here the actuating element 10 is formed by the outer circumference of the housing serving as a gripping surface.

On the inlet side of the outlet-side grid structure of the insert units 103, 111, and 116, which serves as a flow straightener 20, a non-circular coupling pin 32, with a roughly star-shaped cross-section, is formed. This coupling pin projects into a conforming coupling opening 33 on the adjacent end face of the actuating element 9. The actuating element 10 and the actuating element 9 are arranged in a rotationally fixed but axially adjustable manner relative to one another via the coupling pin 32 and the coupling opening 33. A rotational movement on the actuating element 10 is thus transmitted to the actuating element 9 via the coupling pin 32 and the coupling opening 33.

In the insertion units 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127, a rotational force exerted on the outer circumference of the housing part 30 serving as a gripping surface is transmitted to the actuating element 9. In order to rotate the downstream housing part 30 serving as the actuating element 10 relative to the upstream housing part 31, Figures 18 and 19 As can be seen, the annular flange 4 is clamped between the annular shoulder on the inner circumference of the sleeve-shaped outlet mouthpiece 3 and the opposite end face of the water outlet 1. While the inflow-side housing part 31, which is clamped in a rotationally fixed manner, cannot be rotated any further, the outflow-side housing part 30, in contrast, is held rotatably on the housing part 31.

From the Figures 3 , 6 , 11 , 16 , 18 to 20 , 22 , 24 to 26 , 27 and 30 It becomes clear that the actuating element 9 of the functional units 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127 passes through a preferably central through-opening 34 in the diffuser 14. Of the illustrated embodiments 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127, only 116 is in accordance with the invention.

The adjusting element 9 rests with a cross-sectionally enlarged partial area or with at least one guide projection 35 and preferably two guide projections 35 protruding on opposite sides of the adjusting element 9 on a sliding guide designed as a closed guide track 36, which is formed on the inflow side of the edge region of the diffuser 14 bordering the through-opening 34. This closed guide track 36 has at least one elevation 37 and at least one depression 38, which elevations 37 and depressions 38 are connected to one another via run-on bevels 12. The sliding guide 11 defines a closed guide track 36, so that the adjusting element 9 returns to its starting position at the latest after one full rotation, but in particular after half a rotation. A rotational movement of the adjusting element 9 is converted into an axial adjusting movement by the guide projections 35 sliding on the guide track 36. of the control element 9.

The sliding guide is designed here as a one-sided guide, in which the adjusting element 9 is pressed, in particular with its guide projections 35, onto the guide track 36. In the case of the insert units 101, 103 and 111 not according to the invention, the inflow water pressure presses the adjusting element 9 against the one-sided guide of the guide track 36. In contrast, the adjusting element 9 of the insert unit 116 is pressed against the guide of the guide track 36 by means of a compression spring 37, which compression spring 37 is arranged in an insertion opening 57 in the adjusting element 9 and is supported on the one hand on the adjusting element 9 and on the other hand on an inflow-side front sieve 39. The insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 have such an inflow-side pre-screen 39, which is designed to filter out the limescale and other dirt particles entrained in the water before these dirt particles can impair the function of the insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 inside the housing. Of the illustrated embodiments 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127, only 116 is in accordance with the invention. The guide track 36 has plateau sections 40 in which rotation of the actuating element 10 does not cause any axial displacement of the adjusting element 9. The depressions 38 in the guide track 36 are designed as a locking recess for the guide projections 35, which locking recess with the guide projections 35 develops a locking resistance acting against a rotation of the actuating element 9.

The functional unit provided in the insert unit 116 according to the invention is designed as a flow rate regulator, which is intended to regulate the water volume flowing through per unit of time, independent of pressure, to an adjustable maximum value. For this purpose, the control element 9 of the insert unit 116 has a control profile that has open depressions on the inflow side and on the circumference of the control element, which form a The control profile provided on the adjusting element 9 of the insert unit 116 interacts with an annular control body 40 made of elastic material, which, depending on the pressure of the incoming water, forms itself more or less strongly into the depressions of the control profile arranged on the adjusting element 9 and thus changes the flow opening 8 between the adjacent edge region of the plate and the control body 40 on the one hand and the adjusting element 9 on the other.

In Figure 10 It can be seen that the insert unit 103 not according to the invention has at least one anti-rotation projection 43 on the outer circumference of its diffuser 14, which engages in an anti-rotation recess 44 on the inner circumference of the diffuser ring 18. Since the diffuser ring 18, which is formed on the inflow-side housing part 31, is held in a rotationally fixed manner on the water outlet 1 of the sanitary outlet fitting, the diffuser 14 is also secured in a rotationally fixed manner when the outflow-side housing part 30 is rotated relative thereto.

In Figure 10 It can be seen that at least one snap tab 45 can be formed on the inflow-side housing part 31 and in particular the diffuser ring 18 formed integrally thereon, which interacts with at least one snap recess 46 on the inner circumference of the downstream housing part in the sense of a locking mechanism. The at least one snap tab 45 interacting with the snap recesses 46 gives the user a locking sensation when he rotates the downstream housing part. In order to increase and/or refine the locking sensation, a ball detent can be provided on the free tab end region of the snap tab 45, which interacts with a spherical recess in the snap recess 46. For the same purpose, however, it is also possible to provide a ball detent in the guide track 36 and in particular in the area of their elevations 37 and/or depressions 38, small depressions are provided in order to also provide a locking feeling when turning the lower housing part.

Since the flow opening forms a cross-sectional constriction and leads to an increase in the speed of the water flowing through, in order to reduce the flow speed in the area of the diffuser 14, flow obstacles 47 are arranged upstream of the flow holes 13 in the area of its deflection surface 15.

Even in the Figures 24 to 26 and 27 to 31 In the non-inventive insert units 124, 127 shown, the inflow-side housing part 31 is held in a rotationally fixed manner with its annular flange 4 on the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting, while the downstream housing part 30, in contrast, serves as an actuating element 10 that can be manually gripped on the outer housing circumference. As with the insert units 103, 111 and 116, the downstream housing part 30 serving as the actuating element 10 has an outlet structure forming the outlet end face of these insert units with a plurality of honeycomb-shaped flow openings 21, which outlet structure undergoes a rotational movement on this actuating element 10. Of the illustrated embodiments 101, 103, 111, 116, 124 and 127, only 116 is according to the invention.

The insert unit 124 not according to the invention has an actuating element 10, on whose outlet structure, designed as a flow straightener, a threaded pin 48 projects on the inflow side against the flow direction. This threaded pin 48 has an external thread that serves as a sliding guide for the actuating element 9. The actuating element 9 has a threaded opening 49 with an internal thread, into which internal thread the external thread of the threaded pin 48 is screwed. At least one guide projection 50 projects laterally on the actuating element 9, which is guided axially displaceably in an associated axial guide groove 51, which Guide groove 51 is provided in the diffuser 14 and is open towards the through opening 34 in the diffuser 14.

A rotary movement on the actuating element 10 is thus transmitted to the threaded pin 48. Since the adjusting element 9 of the insert unit 124 not according to the invention is guided in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner in the through-opening 34 of the diffuser 14, the rotary movement transmitted to the threaded pin 48 and its external thread serving as a sliding guide is converted into an axial adjusting movement of the adjusting element 9.

In a modified embodiment of the insert unit 124 not according to the invention, not shown here, the threaded pin 48 can instead also have an internal thread into which the adjusting element 9 is screwed with an external thread.

In the insert units 124 and 127 not according to the invention, the adjusting element 9 is guided in the through-opening 34 of the diffuser 14 in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner. A guide pin 52 protrudes from the outlet structure of the insert unit 127, on the circumference of which a sliding guide 11 designed as a slide track is formed. The guide pin 52 protrudes with its free pin end into a guide opening 53 provided on the end face of the adjusting element 9 facing the outlet structure. The actuating element 9 of the insert unit 127 not according to the invention has at least one sliding web 54 and - as here - preferably two sliding webs 54 arranged on opposite sides of the actuating element 9, which sliding webs 54 slide on the guide track of the rotating sliding guide 11 and the run-on slopes 12 provided in sections on the guide track, spaced from one another and arranged at different heights of the guide pin 53 during a rotary movement on the actuating element 10 in such a way that the actuating element 9 performs a corresponding actuating movement in axial direction. Small depressions 55 are formed along this guideway, into which the sliding web 54 can engage in such a way that the setting position of the adjusting element 9 is secured. Figures 29 and 30 It can be seen that the guide projections 50 projecting laterally on the adjusting element 9, which are each guided in a guide groove 51, guide the adjusting element 9 in the through-opening 34 of the diffuser 14 in a rotationally secured but axially displaceable manner.

In Figure 31 The sliding guide 11, which is located around the circumference of the guide pin 52, with one of the recesses 55 can be clearly seen. Figure 32 A modified embodiment is shown, not according to the invention, in which the guide track serving as a sliding guide is formed by the end edge of the adjusting element 9 facing the outlet structure, while a sliding web 56 is formed on the circumference of the guide pin 52. In this case, depressions 55 can also be provided in the guide track of the sliding guide provided on the end edge of the adjusting element 9, which interact as locking notches with the sliding web 56.

The insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 shown here form a jet aerator that forms the escaping water into a homogeneous, non-splashing, and soft water jet. These jet aerators incorporate a throttle (insert units 101, 103, 111, 124, 127 not according to the invention) or a flow rate regulator (unit 116 according to the invention), which limits the flowing water volume or regulates it to an adjustable maximum value, independent of pressure. The insert units 101, 103, 111, 116, 124, and 127 described here are characterized by high functional reliability, cost-effective manufacture, and high ease of use.

List of reference symbols

1

Water outlet

2

Housing

3

Outlet nozzle

4

Ring flange

5

thread

6

Counter thread

7

Tool contact surface

8

Flow opening

9

Actuator

10

Actuating element

11

Sliding guide

12

Run-on slope

13

flow holes

14

diffuser

15

Deflection surface

16

Ring wall

17

Annular gap

18

diffuser ring

19

ventilation opening

20

Flow straightener

21

Flow openings

22

Housing constriction

23

plate

24

Actuator opening

25

Flow groove

26

external thread

27

Counter thread

28

Actuator opening

29

Tool contact surface

30

downstream housing part

31

inflow-side housing part

32

coupling pin

33

Coupling opening

34

Access opening

35

leadership advantage

36

guideway

37

compression spring

38

depression

39

Front screen

40

Plateau section

41

Control body

43

Anti-rotation projection

44

Anti-rotation recess

45

Snap tab

46

Snap-in molding

47

Flow obstacles

48

threaded pin

49

threaded opening

50

leadership advantage

51

guide groove

52

guide pin

53

Guide opening

54

sliding bridge

55

depression

56

sliding bridge

57

Insertion opening

101

Insertion unit (according to the Figures 1 and 2 )

103

Insertion unit (according to the Figures 3 to 10 )

111

Insertion unit (according to the Figures 11 to 15 )

116

Insertion unit (according to the Figures 16 to 23 )

124

Insertion unit (according to the Figures 24 to 26 )

127

Insertion unit (according to the Figures 27 to 31 )

Claims (11)

1. Sanitary insert unit (116), having a functional unit providing a flow opening (8), which functional unit is designed as a flow rate regulator and has an control element (9) on which a control profile of the flow rate regulator is formed, which interacts with an elastic control body (40) for flow rate control, and which control element (9) is arranged so as to be axially movable or adjustable into and out of the flow opening (8), wherein the control element (9) is in drive connection with an actuating element (10), the actuating element (10) is arranged on the downstream side of the flow opening (8) and can be actuated from the outside, and wherein a slide guide (11) with at least guide bevel (12) is arranged in the drive connection between the actuating element (10) and the control element (9), which guide bevel converts a rotary movement of the actuating element (10) into an axial actuating movement of the control element (9), characterized in that the control element (9) is mounted in an axially rotatably displaceable manner on a housing part or insert part, and in that the control element (9) is arranged via a coupling pin (32) and a coupling opening (33) with the actuating element (10) in a rotationally fixed but axially adjustable manner relative to each other.
2. Sanitary insert unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide guide (11) defines a closed guideway (36) so that the control element (9) returns to its initial position at the latest after one full revolution of the actuating element (10), in particular after half a turn, and/or in that the slide guide (11) is designed without stops and/or in that the slide guide (11) is designed without steps or jumps and/or in that a pitch of the guide bevel (12) is dimensioned such that the slide guide (11) is self-locking and/or in that the slide guide (11) has at least one guide projection (35), preferably at least two guide projections (35), which run on the guide bevel (12) and/or in that the slide guide (11) forms a one-sided guide.
3. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the guide bevel (12) forms a section of a preferably circumferential guideway (36) and/or in that the guide bevel (12) is formed on a housing part or an insert part.
4. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide projection (35) running on the guide bevel (12) is connected to the control element (9) in a rotationally fixed, in particular rigid, manner.
5. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control element (9) is pressed against the one-sided guide by an inflowing water pressure and/or at least one pressure element.
6. Sanitary insert unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one pressure element is designed as a pressure spring (37).
7. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element (10) forms a gripping surface on an outer circumference of the insert unit (116) and/or in that the actuating element (10) forms a sieve-shaped or grid-shaped outlet structure, in particular radially within or a gripping surface.
8. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the functional unit is a flow rate regulator, and in that a control profile of the flow rate regulator is formed on the control element (9), which interacts with an elastic control body (40) for flow regulation, and/or in that the functional unit is a throttle, wherein the control element (9) adjusts an opening cross-section of the throttle.
9. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an opening cross-section of the flow opening (8) can be varied with the control element (9).
10. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the guideway or one of the guideways (36) has plateau sections (40) in which a rotation of the actuating element (10) does not cause axial adjustment of the control element (9).
11. Sanitary insert unit according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the guideway or one of the guideways (36) has at least one locking recess for at least one or the at least one guide projection (35), which develops a locking resistance with the at least one guide projection (35) against rotation of the control element (9).