Component of fountain and fountain having such component

Abstract

The present invention relates to a component (4) for a fountain (2) for producing an illuminated water spray pattern, the component being particularly suitable for horizontal installation. The component comprises a lighting unit fixedly arranged in a housing (8) and a water channel (12) particularly centrally passing through the housing (8), which at least partially has a circular cross section. The present invention proposes that in at least one longitudinal section of the water channel (12), the component (4) has at least one protrusion (18) extending toward the longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12) and serving as part of a nozzle receiving part, so that the water channel (12) at least partially does not have a circular cross section in the longitudinal section provided with the protrusion (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fountain component for generating an illuminated water jet, wherein the component is particularly suitable for horizontal installation, for example in a floor covering. The component has a lighting unit fixedly arranged in a housing and a water channel, particularly centrally extending through the housing, which water channel has a circular cross section at least in some areas. The invention also relates to a fountain having such a component and a nozzle fitting for generating a water jet, which is embedded in the component. Background Art

[0002] Fountains of this type are used in private and public spaces to decorate gardens or squares. Depending on the water nozzles used, various water spray patterns can be produced, wherein the water discharged from the fountain has different characteristics such as height, opening angle and / or discharge vector, wherein the water interacts with the light of the lighting unit in different ways. For private areas, fountains with replaceable water nozzles are known, which are in the form of pluggable nozzle attachments, wherein the nozzle attachment is clamped onto one end of the water channel. However, such nozzle attachments are also easy to disassemble again, are not resistant to vandalism, and are not suitable for easily accessible parts of private gardens or public spaces. Therefore, nozzles are usually used as fixed components of the fountain in these places. Therefore, in order to change the water spray pattern, it is necessary to dismantle and replace the entire fountain. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a fountain or a component for a fountain, based on which various nozzle accessories can be used, thereby achieving a high variability of the water spray pattern, and wherein the nozzle accessories are not too easy to disassemble. The object of the present invention is also to provide a fountain or a component for a fountain suitable for private areas, wherein non-professionals can also install the nozzle accessories easily and matching.

[0004] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above object is a fountain component according to claim 1 and a fountain according to claim 9. Another solution of the present invention to achieve the above object is a fountain according to claim 11.

[0005] At least in one longitudinal section of the water channel, the fountain component of the present invention has at least one protrusion extending toward the longitudinal center axis of the water channel and serving as a part of the nozzle receiving part, so that in the longitudinal section provided with the protrusion, the water channel at least partially does not have a circular cross-section. A nozzle receiving part is thereby provided for the nozzle accessory to be embedded in a matching manner in a simple manner. To this end, in particular, the nozzle accessory is engaged with the protrusion in a form-fitting manner in the installed position, thereby preventing the nozzle accessory from twisting around the longitudinal center axis of the water channel. In this way, it is possible to give a specific orientation of the water nozzle around the center axis of the water channel at least structurally, for example, when it is desired that water be released relative to the component in a defined direction. This ensures that even non-professionals can correctly install the fountain. The full-circle thread does not have the protrusions mentioned here. Therefore, the longitudinal section of the water channel with the full-circle thread is also understood to be circular.

[0006] Preferably, the projection is formed integrally with the housing. The housing is in particular an insertable housing which, when the component is inserted, is mainly embedded in an insert receptacle, such as a recess, in the floor covering.

[0007] According to another preferred technical solution of the present invention, the protrusion has an inner contour, which is at least partially adjacent to a plane, and the plane extends parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the water channel from at least one perspective transverse to the longitudinal center axis of the water channel. In this way, the nozzle accessory to be engaged in a form-fitting manner can be simply matched with the component. For this purpose, it is only necessary to provide a recess with a flat surface on the nozzle accessory, which abuts against the inner contour of the protrusion in the installed position. With the help of the inner contour constructed in this way, a reliable guide contour is also provided for the nozzle accessory during the process of inserting the component.

[0008] In another preferred technical solution of the present invention, the protrusion has a docking surface extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis of the water channel or extending toward the longitudinal center axis. Such a docking surface forms a stop for the nozzle fitting of the embedded component, so that the nozzle fitting can be accurately positioned along the center axis of the water channel. In particular, this prevents the nozzle fitting embedded from the bottom from being removed from the top.

[0009] Preferably, the abutment surface adjoins the inner contour and forms a shoulder there, thereby achieving a particularly compact design of the component. Particularly preferably, the abutment surface extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis of the water channel and adjoins the inner contour, since the nozzle fitting to be engaged with the projection in a form-fitting manner is particularly easy to manufacture. For this purpose, it is only necessary to provide a recess comprising two planar surfaces extending perpendicularly to each other on the nozzle fitting, wherein in the installed position of the nozzle fitting, one surface of the recess rests on the inner contour and on the abutment surface.

[0010] In another preferred technical solution of the present invention, at least a part of the thread is provided in the protrusion. This provides another indirect or direct fixing method for the nozzle accessory. For example, the nozzle accessory can be screwed directly into the thread located in the protrusion from above. As an alternative, the nozzle accessory can be embedded in the component from above and fixed by means of an upper locking element screwed into the thread. In particular, a thread section is placed in the inner wall of the protrusion. In this way, the protrusion constructed in this way realizes at least two functions: on the one hand, the protrusion prevents the nozzle accessory embedded in the component from twisting around the central axis of the water channel through its inner contour, and on the other hand, the protrusion provides another indirect or direct fixing method for the nozzle accessory.

[0011] In a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the protrusion is adjacent to an end of the portion of the water channel extending in the housing that faces the top side of the light exit side of the housing. In this way, the position of the protrusion in the water channel can be well identified from the top side of the housing, so that the nozzle element suitable for form-fitting engagement with the protrusion can be inserted. In particular, in combination with the thread located in the protrusion, the protrusion located in this position can be optimally accessed from above, thereby indirectly or directly fixing the nozzle accessory.

[0012] The projection(s) are preferably designed such that in the longitudinal section of the water channel in which the projections are provided, they interrupt the otherwise circular cross section of the water channel. Since the nozzle fitting for close contact in the water channel preferably has an overall circular cross section, the nozzle fitting of the embedded component can be positioned in the water channel in a matching, in particular form-fitting manner without difficulty. In particular in combination with the thread located in the projection, the otherwise circular cross section of the water channel makes it easier to screw the nozzle fitting or the locking element into the thread.

[0013] Preferably, at least two, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four projections are provided. In particular in the case of symmetrical nozzles, this allows the construction to define several orientation positions around the central axis of the water channel. Thus, for example in the case of a slot nozzle, it is not important whether it is installed in a specific orientation position or twisted by 180°. In addition, in the case of the thread in the projection, several thread segments are provided around the central axis of the water channel to improve the fixing of the nozzle fitting.

[0014] According to another preferred technical solution of the present invention, the component has an electrical connector for at least the lighting unit on the bottom side of the top side of the light-emitting side facing away from the housing, especially on the installation side of the housing, and the lighting unit has a distance from the water channel measured perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the water channel, and the distance is at least equal to half of the radius of the lower water channel, preferably at least equal to 2 / 3 of the radius of the lower water channel, and particularly preferably at least equal to the radius of the lower water channel. Since the electrical connector is spaced a certain distance from the water channel, the power supply or data transmission cable that may be connected to the connector will not cause an obstruction during the embedding and fixing process of the nozzle accessory. The lower water channel radius is the radius of the part of the water channel extending in the housing at the end facing the bottom side of the housing.

[0015] Overall, the component according to the invention provides a nozzle receptacle that can be used in a very versatile manner and that, on the one hand, constitutes a stop and orientation aid, in particular for nozzle fittings that can be inserted from below, and, on the other hand, provides an indirect or direct fastening method for nozzle fittings that can be screwed in or inserted from above. Furthermore, by combining the aforementioned functions in one and the same component, namely the projection, a particularly compact design of the fountain can be achieved.

[0016] The objects mentioned at the outset are also achieved by a fountain for producing an illuminated water spray pattern according to claim 9. This fountain has a component according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a plug-in nozzle fitting which is inserted from the bottom side of the housing and is fixed to the housing by means of a lower locking element. The lower locking element is in particular designed as a locking ring. Preferably, the lower locking element for fixing the plug-in nozzle fitting is screwed into a thread of the water channel, which thread is located below the plug-in nozzle fitting in the installed position of the plug-in nozzle fitting. As an alternative, the lower locking element can be designed, for example, as a retaining ring.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plug-in nozzle fitting has at least one recess which can engage in a positive-locking manner with the projection of the component in the installed position, thereby preventing the nozzle fitting from twisting about the longitudinal center axis of the water channel.

[0018] Furthermore, the object stated at the outset is also achieved by a fountain for producing an illuminated water spray pattern according to claim 11. This fountain comprises a component according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an embedded nozzle fitting which is embedded in the component from the top side of the housing. In particular in combination with a thread provided in the projection, the embedded nozzle fitting is preferably designed as a screw-in nozzle fitting which is screwed into the thread of the projection.

[0019] In a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the embedded nozzle accessory is fixed on the housing by means of an upper locking element. In particular, when combined with a thread provided in the protrusion, the upper locking element constructed as a locking ring is screwed into the thread of the protrusion.

[0020] It is clearly pointed out here that the above technical solutions of the present invention can be combined with the subject matter of any one of claims 1, 9 or 11 independently or in any technically feasible combination. For more variants and technical solutions of the present invention, please refer to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For more advantages and details, please refer to the embodiments described below.

[0022] Figure 1 The fountain of the present invention is shown with an embedded plug-in nozzle fitting.

[0023] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Plug-in nozzle accessories for fountains,

[0024] Figure 3 For Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a detail of the fountain of the present invention is shown,

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fountain of the present invention,

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another component of the present invention,

[0027] Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of another fountain including an embedded nozzle accessory according to the present invention.

[0028] Whenever advantageous, identical or similarly acting parts are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The various technical features of the embodiments described below may also be combined with the foregoing embodiments, with the independent claims, and with possible other claims to form the subject matter of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1 The fountain 2 of the present invention is shown, which comprises a plug-in nozzle fitting 6 embedded in a component 4. The component 4 has a lighting unit which is fixedly arranged in a housing 8 and consists of several LED groups 10, wherein the light emitting side of the component 4 is its top side 14. Figure 3It can be seen that the component 4 is penetrated in the middle by the water channel 12. In a longitudinal section of the water channel 12 facing the top side 14, the component 4 has four projections 18 that extend toward the longitudinal center axis A of the water channel 12. In the remaining section, the water channel 12 has a circular cross section, wherein the cross section of the longitudinal section including the circumferentially continuous thread is also understood to be circular. The projection 18 adjacent to the upper end 16 of the part of the water channel 12 extending in the housing 8 forms part of the nozzle receptacle for the plug-in nozzle fitting 6 inserted from the bottom side 15 of the housing 8.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Detail of the plug-in nozzle fitting 6 of the fountain 2 in FIG. The plug-in nozzle fitting 6 has a cylindrical basic shape and has four notches 22 at its end facing the nozzle outlet 20, the notches being arranged as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the installed position shown, there is a positive engagement with the projection 18 of the component 4. The positive engagement achieved in this way prevents the plug-in nozzle fitting 6 from twisting about the longitudinal center axis A of the water channel 12. In addition, the plug-in nozzle fitting 6 has a groove 24 on its side for accommodating an annular seal.

[0032] Figure 3 Only the core housing 8a is shown, which is based on Figure 1 The projections 18 extending toward the longitudinal center axis A of the water channel 12 are integrally formed with the core housing 8a and extend relative to the circularly extending circumferential section 12a of the water channel 12. Each projection 18 has an inner contour 26, which is adjacent to a plane E, E', which extends parallel to the longitudinal center axis A from at least one perspective transverse to the longitudinal center axis A. Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 18 located to the left of the longitudinal center axis A is adjacent to the first plane E, while the protrusion 18 located to the right of the longitudinal center axis A is adjacent to the second plane E'. In this illustration or in this viewing angle, the first plane E and the second plane E' both extend parallel to the longitudinal center axis A. The protrusion 18 located centrally behind the longitudinal center axis A in this illustration is adjacent to another plane parallel to the drawing plane.

[0033] Each of the projections 18 also has a butt surface 28 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis A. These butt surfaces 28 form a stop for the plug-in nozzle fitting 6. In the installed position, the lower shoulder 22a ( Figure 2 ) abuts against the docking surface 28. This prevents the plug-in nozzle accessory 6 from falling out or being removed from the top.

[0034] Figure 4The housing 8 of the component 4, which is composed of a core housing 8a, a housing cover 8b and a glazing 8c, is shown, into which the plug-in nozzle fitting 6 is inserted. The plug-in nozzle fitting 6 is fixed to the housing 8 by means of a lower locking element 30, here in the form of a locking ring which can be screwed into a lower thread 31 of the water channel 12.

[0035] Figure 4 Also shown is an electrical connection 32 located on the bottom side 15 of the housing 8 at a distance D from the water channel 12 , wherein D is slightly larger than the lower radius R of the water channel 12 .

[0036] Figure 5 A core housing 8a of another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the projections 18 each form a part of a thread. A thread segment is inserted into the projection 18. The projection 18 here constitutes another fixing method for indirectly or directly fixing the embedded nozzle fitting 36 embedded in the component 4 from above, such as Figure 6 However, the projection 18 including the inner contour 26 is retained, so the plug-in nozzle fitting 6 inserted from below is still prevented from twisting and from falling out or being removed.

[0037] Figure 6 Another fountain 2 according to the invention is shown, which comprises an embedded nozzle fitting 36 inserted from above and fixed to the component by means of an upper locking element 38 screwed into the threaded section of the projection 18 (here in the form of a locking ring around which the embedded nozzle fitting 36 is locked).

Claims

1. A component (4) of a fountain (2) for producing an illuminated water spray pattern, comprising a lighting unit fixedly arranged in a housing (8) and a water channel (12) passing through the housing (8), the water channel having a circular cross section at least in some areas, characterized in that In at least one longitudinal section of the water channel (12), the component (4) has at least one protrusion (18) extending toward the longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12) and serving as a part of the nozzle receiving member, so that the water channel (12) does not have a circular cross-section at least partially in the longitudinal section provided with the protrusion (18), wherein, when viewed along the longitudinal center axis, the at least one protrusion has the shape of a circular arc segment.

2. The component (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The projection (18) has an inner contour (26) which adjoins a plane (E, E') which extends parallel to the longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12) when viewed from at least one perspective transverse to the longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12).

3. The component (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The protrusion (18) has a contact surface (28) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12) or extending toward the longitudinal center axis (A).

4. The component (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a portion of a thread is provided in the projection (18).

5. The component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protrusion (18) is adjacent to the upper end (16) of the portion of the water channel (12) extending in the housing (8), and the upper end faces the top side (14) of the housing (8) on the light-emitting side.

6. A component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The projection (18) interrupts the remaining circular cross section of the water channel (12) in the longitudinal section of the water channel (12) in which the projection is provided.

7. A component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least two protrusions (18).

8. The component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The component (4) has, on the bottom side (15) of the top side (14) on the light-emitting side facing away from the housing (8), at least an electrical connector (32) for the lighting unit, the electrical connector being spaced from the water channel (12) by a distance measured perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12), the distance being at least equal to half the radius (R) of the lower water channel.

9. A component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The component (4) is used to be installed horizontally so that the longitudinal center axis is vertical.

10. The component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The water channel (12) passes centrally through the housing (8).

11. The component (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that The component (4) has a butt joint surface (28) adjoining the inner contour (26), wherein the butt joint surface (28) extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12) or extends toward the longitudinal center axis (A).

12. The component (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that At least a portion of a thread is provided in the projection (18), and the component (4) has a thread section which is embedded in an inner contour (26) of the projection (18).

13. A component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Features At least three protrusions (18).

14. A component (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Features At least four protrusions (18).

15. The component (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that The bottom side (15) is the loading side.

16. The component (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that The distance is equal to 2 / 3 of the radius (R) of the lower water channel.

17. The component (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that The distance is equal to the radius (R) of the lower water channel.

18. A fountain (2) for producing an illuminated water spray pattern, comprising a component (4) as described in any one of claims 1 to 17 and an insertable nozzle fitting (6) embedded in the component (4) from the bottom side (15) of the housing (8) and fixed to the housing (8) by means of a lower locking element (30).

19. The fountain (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that The plug-in nozzle fitting (6) has at least one recess (22) which can engage in a form-fitting manner with a projection (18) of the component (4) in the installed position, thereby preventing the nozzle fitting from twisting about a longitudinal center axis (A) of the water channel (12).

20. A fountain (2) for producing an illuminated water spray pattern, comprising a component (4) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that A recessed nozzle fitting (36) is recessed into the component (4) from the top side (14) of the housing (8).

21. The fountain (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that The embedded nozzle fitting (36) is fixed on the housing (8) by means of an upper locking element (38).

22. The fountain (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that With a component (4) according to claim 4, the insert nozzle fitting (36) is fastened to the housing (8) by means of an upper locking element (38) which is screwed into a thread of the projection (18).

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