SANITARY INSERT

Abstract

A sanitary insert part includes a housing having a downstream side and an upstream side, the downstream side having an outlet structure formed thereon, an upstream screen, is arranged on the upstream side, and is snap-fitted to the outlet structure via a connecting element which runs through an interior space of the housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sanitary insert part, having a housing, on whose downstream side an outlet structure is formed, and having an upstream screen, which is arranged on an upstream side.

BACKGROUND

Insert parts of said type are known and are introduced for example into a fitting outlet in order to obtain a desired jet quality and/or throughflow quantity per unit time. A non-exhaustive list of jet qualities comprises for example: aerated jet, arrangement of individual jets, non-round jet cross section. By means of a flow regulator, it is possible to set - within a working range - a pressure-independent throughflow quantity per unit time. It is also known to design insert parts with a specific switching behavior, for example according to a water temperature. It is also known to equip sanitary insert parts with apparatuses for changeover between different jet qualities and/or throughflow rates.

Insert parts of said type are commonly composed of a pot-shaped housing and internal parts which realize the respective functionality. Said parts are therefore also referred to as functional units. In this case, the housing and the parts are commonly designed in such a way that the parts are held at their respective periphery by means of a snap-action connection.

The invention is based on the object of simplifying the structural design of a sanitary insert part.

SUMMARY

To achieve the stated object, the features of the appended claims are provided. In particular, to achieve the stated object, it is thus proposed according to the invention, in the case of a sanitary insert part of the type mentioned in the introduction, that the upstream screen is snap-fitted to the outlet structure via a connecting element which runs through an interior space of the housing. It is thus possible to dispense with fastening of internal parts at their periphery. The structural design is thereby simplified. This may be used for example to provide, with constant outer dimensions, a larger clear inner diameter for the water flow, since there is no need for radial structural space to be reserved for peripheral fastening. The arrangement of the connecting element in the interior space – that is to say for example spaced apart from an inner wall of the housing - results in the connecting element being relocated to the non-critical area of the jet interior. It is thus possible for disturbing influences on a jet shape and/or other jet quality to be reduced.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that, in the interior space of the housing, there is arranged a functional unit through which the connecting element is inserted. It is thus possible for the connecting element to additionally be usable for orientation of the functional unit.

In this case, it may be provided that, in the interior space of the housing, there is arranged a jet splitter through which the connecting element is inserted. It is thus possible for lateral stabilization of the connecting element to be achieved. It is also possible for lateral fixing of the jet splitter to be achieved.

The jet splitter may be designed for example as a diffuser with a diffuser ring or as a splitter plate.

Alternatively, or additionally, it may be provided that, in the interior space of the housing, there is arranged at least one diversion insert through which the connecting element is inserted. The diversion insert may be configured for example for diverting waterjets exiting a jet splitter. It is thus possible for support of functional units arranged further upstream, for example the jet splitter, to be achieved.

Alternatively, or additionally, it may be provided that, in the interior space of the housing, there is arranged at least one screen insert through which the connecting element is inserted. It is thus possible for the at least one screen insert to be laterally fixed and for the connecting element to be laterally supported.

It is particularly expedient if the jet splitter and the at least one screen insert are inserted through the connecting element. It is thereby possible for a compact, particularly stable arrangement to be achieved.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that, on the connecting element, there is formed at least one shoulder against which at least one functional unit, in particular the at least one functional unit already mentioned, is supported. Consequently, a water pressure that results from the fact that the functional unit, that is to say for example the jet splitter already mentioned and/or the at least one screen insert already mentioned and/or the diversion unit already mentioned, constitutes a flow obstacle is able to be accommodated. The arrangement of the connecting element in the interior space of the housing can result in a more favorable introduction of force that the hitherto conventional support at the periphery.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that a functional unit, for example the functional unit already mentioned, is snap-fitted to the connecting element. Additional axial securing is thus possible. This can further improve holding-together of the components in the axial direction.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that a snap-fit interface is formed at the upstream screen. The snap-action connection is thus able to be produced while being checked visually.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that a snap-fit interface is formed at the outlet structure. It is thus the case that the housing, with the outlet structure, is easily able to be formed, in particular able to be demolded.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that a snap-fit interface is formed in the connecting element. It is thus possible for the interface that brings about the snap-fitting between upstream screen and outlet structure to be relocated to any suitable position. This may occur for example according to requirements of an injection-molding tool and/or of mechanical stability. It is also possible to reinforce, or to arrest, a snap-action connection by way of a plugged-on part, for example a jet splitter and/or a screen insert, in this way.

In further exemplary embodiments, there may also be formed multiple interfaces, for example at the upstream screen and at the outlet structure, at the upstream screen and in the connecting element, in the connecting element and at the outlet structure, or at all three positions. The invention makes it possible - for example also with a series of sanitary insert parts with matching housings, upstream screens and/or outlet structures and with mutually different connecting elements - for different interfaces to be realized in a simple manner.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the upstream screen is plugged onto the connecting element. It is thus possible for an interface which is particularly simple to produce and/or handle to be formed.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the connecting element is plugged into a receiving part on the outlet structure. Additional apertures in the outlet structure are thus able to be avoided.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the housing, at least below a jet splitter, in particular the jet splitter already mentioned, in the interior space, is formed in an undercut-free manner. It is thus possible, at least below the jet splitter, for an easily demoldable housing design to be achieved.

Preferably, the housing, in the interior space, is formed in an undercut-free manner, for example stepped, over its entire axial length. It is thus possible to dispense completely with peripheral snap-action connections. Moreover, or alternatively, it is thus possible for peripheral support of the inner functional assemblies to be achieved.

For example, it may be provided that the housing, at least below the jet splitter, has a cylindrical inner contour. In this case, it is advantageous that diameter constrictions in the interior space are avoidable.

Preferably, the housing, in the interior space, is formed with a cylindrical inner contour over its entire axial length. A housing able to be used universally for different functional groups is thus able to be provided.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the connecting element is in the form of a holding pin. It is thus possible for impairment of the water jet by the connecting element to be kept low.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the connecting element is arranged on a longitudinal central axis of the housing. It is thus possible to achieve a symmetrical arrangement in which the connecting element remains concealed in the best possible manner from all viewing directions.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the outlet structure is formed on the housing. It is thus possible for a stable and/or tight support of the outlet structure and the connecting element to be achieved.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the upstream screen is supported at its outer periphery against the housing. It is thus possible for stabilization of the insert part, for example – by way of an axial support – against coming apart in the axial direction or – by way of a radial support – against lateral sliding, to be achieved.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the housing is of single-part form. A structurally particularly simple housing is thus able to be used, in particular if it is formed in an undercut-free manner or is even of cylindrical form.

In an advantageous configuration, it may be provided that the housing is received by a screw sleeve. It is thus possible for different types of mounting to be realized without the housing having to be adapted.

In this case, it may be provided that the screw sleeve forms, and/or delimits, at least one aeration channel between itself and the housing. It is thus possible for jet forms aerated in a simple manner to be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments, but is not restricted to said exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments emerge from combination of the features of individual or multiple claims among one another and/or with individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiments.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a sanitary insert part according to the invention in a three-dimensional oblique view of the inflow side,

FIG. 2 shows the sanitary insert part from FIG. 1 in an axial section,

FIG. 3 shows the sanitary insert part as per FIG. 1 in an exploded illustration of the inflow side (on the left) and of the outflow side (on the right),

FIG. 4 shows the sanitary insert part as per FIG. 1 in the axial section in an installation situation,

FIG. 5 shows a further sanitary insert part according to the invention in an axial section,

FIG. 6 shows the sanitary insert part from FIG. 5 in an exploded illustration with a view of the inflow side,

FIG. 7 shows a further sanitary insert part in an axial section, and

FIG. 8 shows a further sanitary insert part in an axial section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described together below.

A sanitary insert part (denoted as a whole by 1) has a housing 2. The housing 2 may in this case be of – as illustrated – single-part or multi-part form.

An outlet structure 4 is formed on a downstream side 3 and, in a manner known per se, forms an exiting water jet.

An upstream screen 5 is arranged on the upstream opposite side 6 of the sanitary insert part 1.

The housing 2 delimits an interior space 7. A connecting element 8 is provided so as to run through the free interior space 7 completely and connects the outlet structure 4 to the upstream screen 5.

By way of the connecting element 8, the upstream screen 5 is snap-fitted to the outlet structure 4 in a manner to be described in more detail.

Multiple functional units 9 are arranged in the interior space 7 of the housing 2.

The connecting element 8 is inserted through each functional unit 9.

In the exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that a functional unit 9 which is arranged directly after the upstream screen 5 is in the form of a jet splitter 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, the jet splitter 10 is designed as a splitter plate. In further exemplary embodiments, the jet splitter 10 may also be designed as a diffuser with a diffuser ring.

In further exemplary embodiments, it is possible for there to be arranged upstream of the jet splitter 10 for example also at least one flow regulator for setting a pressure-independent throughflow.

In the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 1 to 4, there is a further functional unit 9 in the form of a diversion insert 11 downstream of the jet splitter 10.

It can be clearly seen in FIG. 2 that the diversion insert 11 is shaped inward in such a way that an exiting jet from the jet splitter 10 is diverted radial inward in order for thorough mixing to be achieved below the jet splitter 10.

In further exemplary embodiments, it is additionally or alternatively possible for screen inserts known per se also to be arranged in the interior space 7.

In the exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 1-4, a mechanical interface 12, which produces the snap-action connection, is formed at the upstream screen 5 and the corresponding end of the connecting element 8.

The opposite end of the connecting element 8 is formed integrally on the outlet structure 4.

Consequently, for producing the snap-action connection, the upstream screen 5 is plugged onto the connecting element 8. On the connecting element 8, there is formed a thickening 13 which interacts with radial slits 14 in the upstream screen 5 so as to produce the snap-action connection.

FIG. 3 clearly shows that the housing 2 has an undercut-free, cylindrical inner contour 15.

The functional units 9 are thus supported axially against the outlet structure 4.

It can be seen that the connecting element 8 is in the form of a holding pin 16 which is arranged centrally on a longitudinal central axis 17 of the housing 2.

In the sectional illustration in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the outlet structure 4 is formed on the housing 2 and is thus connected integrally thereto.

The upstream screen 5 is supported at its outer periphery 20 against the housing 2 via an encircling sealing ring 18. The upstream screen 5 is moreover supported at its outer periphery 20 against the outlet structure 4, and thus likewise against the housing 2, via the functional units 9 and the mentioned sealing ring 18.

On the jet splitter 10, there is formed a support sleeve 19 via which the upstream screen 5 is supported centrally.

In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 2 is introduced into a screw sleeve 21.

The screw sleeve 21, as a screw-in sleeve, has, in a manner known per se, an outer thread 22, which – as FIG. 4 shows – can be screwed to a fitting outlet 23. In this case, the sealing ring 18 can affect sealing.

In further exemplary embodiments, the outer thread 22 may be formed directly on the housing 2. It is also possible for an inner thread to be formed on the housing 2 or on a screw sleeve 21 (screw-on sleeve) in order for a screw connection to a fitting outlet 23 to be produced. In further exemplary embodiments, other connections, for example snap-action and/or bayonet connections, are provided.

The housing 2 has, in a manner known per se, aeration windows 24 which lead to the outside via an aeration channel 25 between the housing 2 and the screw thread 21.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Functional units and components which are identical or similar in terms of function and/or construction to the previous exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and are not described separately again. The statements in relation to FIGS. 1-4 therefore apply correspondingly to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The exemplary embodiment as per FIGS. 5 and 6 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiment in that the interface 12 is formed not at the upstream screen 5, but in the connecting element 8.

One part of the connecting element 8 is consequently formed on the outlet structure 4, and a second part of the connecting element 8 is by contrast formed on the upstream screen 5.

FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Again, functional units and components which are identical or similar in terms of function and/or construction to the previous exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and are not described separately again. The statements in relation to the preceding exemplary embodiments therefore apply correspondingly to FIG. 7.

The exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 7 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments in that the mechanical interface 12 is formed at the outlet structure 4. In this case, the connecting element 8, which may be formed integrally on the upstream screen 5, is thus snap-fitted to the outlet structure 4 via a thickening 13.

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Again, functional units and components which are identical or similar in terms of function and/or construction to the previous exemplary embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs and are not described separately again, the statements in relation to FIGS. 1 to 7 therefore applying correspondingly to FIG. 8.

The exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 8 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments in that the connecting element 8 does not have a substantially constant diameter, but rather a shoulder 26 is formed at the height of a functional unit 9, on which shoulder the functional unit 9 – here the jet splitter 10 – is supported centrally.

For the sanitary part 1, it is thus proposed for a connecting element 8 to be arranged into an interior space 7 of a housing 2 spaced apart therefrom and to be used for snap-fitting of an inflow-side upstream screen 5 to an outflow-side outlet structure 4.

List of reference signs
1  Sanitary insert part
2  Housing
3  Downstream side
4  Outlet structure
5  Upstream screen
6  Upstream side
7  Interior space of the housing
8  Connecting element
9  Functional unit
10 Jet splitter
11 Diversion insert
12 Interface
13 Thickening
14 Radial slit
15 Inner contour
16 Holding pin
17 Longitudinal central axis
18 Sealing ring
19 Support sleeve
20 Outer periphery
21 Screw sleeve
22 Outer thread
23 Fitting outlet
24 Aeration window
25 Aeration channel
26 Shoulder

Claims

1. A sanitary insert part (1), comprising a housing (2) having a downstream side (3) and an upstream side (6), the downstream side (3) having an outlet structure (4) formed thereon, an upstream screen (5), is arranged on the upstream side (6), wherein the upstream screen (5) is snap-fitted to the outlet structure (4) via a connecting element (8) which runs through an interior space (7) of the housing (2).

2. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior space (7) of the housing (2) at least one functional unit (9), arranged therein through which the connecting element (8) is inserted.

3. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one shoulder (26) is formed on the connecting element (8) against which a functional unit (9) is supported.

4. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one functional unit (9) is snap-fitted to the connecting element (8).

5. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a snap-fit interface (12) is at least one of: formed at the upstream screen (5), formed at the outlet structure (4) or formed in the connecting element (8).

6. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upstream screen (5) is plugged onto the connecting element (8).

7. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (8) is plugged into a receiving part on the outlet structure (4).

8. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one functional element is a jet splitter (10) and wherein the housing (2), at least below the jet splitter (10), in the interior space (7), is formed in an undercut-free and has a cylindrical inner contour (15).

9. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (8) is in the form of a holding pin (16).

10. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (8) is arranged on a longitudinal central axis (17) of the housing (2).

11. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet structure (4) is formed on the housing (2).

12. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upstream screen (5) is supported at its outer periphery (20) against the housing (2).

13. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (2) is of single-part form.

14. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (2) is received by a screw sleeve (21), in particular for forming at least one aeration channel (25).

15. The sanitary insert part (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the functional unit (9) is at least one of: a jet splitter (10), a diversion unit (11) or at least one screen insert.