Valve having valve unit and key housing with actuation button

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (1) for a sanitary fitting, at least comprising: a valve unit (2) having a valve housing (3) and an inflow connection (4) and an outflow connection (5) for further conducting a fluid conveyed via the inflow connection (4), the inflow connection (4) and the outflow connection (5) being switchably connected to one another via the valve unit (2), the inflow connection (4) and the outflow connection (5) are fluidically separated from each other in a first position of the valve unit (2) and fluidically connected to each other in a second position; and a key housing (6) which is connected to the valve housing (3) and has an actuating button (7) for switching the valve unit (2), the actuating button (7) being held in the initial position (8) by means of a first holding mechanism (9); wherein, starting from the initial position (8), the second retaining means (12) of the valve unit (2) can be actuated by moving the actuation button (7) by a first distance (11) in the first axial direction (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a valve for a sanitary fitting, which is used to provide liquid as required, for example in a shower, bathtub, sink or pool. Background Art

[0002] Liquids can be conveyed to bathroom accessories, such as different jet formers of a shower head, for example, via (control) valves. With the help of jet formers, liquids can be delivered via bathroom accessories in different types of jets (e.g. full jet, rain jet, massage jet, etc.). Furthermore, liquids can also be conveyed to different liquid outlets of bathroom accessories via valves. For example, liquids can be conveyed in a targeted manner via valves to a bathtub spout and / or a hand shower head of a bathtub.

[0003] For example, EP 1 903 267 A1 discloses a valve by which only the volume flow can be adjusted and which can be closed and opened by means of a button.

[0004] Valves are known in which the volume flow is switched on and off by pressing a button and in which the volume flow can also be adjusted by an actuating button. In this case, the actuating button must be turned to adjust the volume flow. The actuating button travel between the initial position (valve closed) and the actuating position (valve open) is usually very short, so that the accessible length of the actuating button is not sufficient for correct operation by the user. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and in particular to provide a valve in which a sufficient accessible length is provided for a user to adjust the volume flow.

[0006] This object is achieved by a valve according to the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the valve are given in the dependent claims. It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features given in the claims are described and explained in more detail in the description, wherein further preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0007] A valve for sanitary fittings is proposed, the valve having at least:

[0008] a valve unit having a valve housing and an inlet connection and an outlet connection for conducting the fluid conveyed via the inlet connection, wherein the inlet connection and the outlet connection can be connected to one another in a switchable manner via the valve unit, wherein the inlet connection and the outlet connection are fluidically separated from one another in a first position of the valve unit and fluidically connected to one another in a second position; and

[0009] A key housing which is connected to the valve housing and has an actuation button for switching the valve unit, wherein the actuation button is held in an initial position (of the valve or the key housing) by a first holding mechanism.

[0010] Starting from this initial position, the second holding mechanism of the valve unit can be actuated by moving the actuation button by a first distance in the first axial direction, and the valve unit can be switched between the first position and the second position by the second holding mechanism. The first holding mechanism has a first spring and the second holding mechanism has a second spring, and the two springs are loaded with respect to the axial direction in the initial position and in the first position. By actuating the second holding mechanism, the second spring is at least partially unloaded, and thereby at least a part of the valve unit is moved by a second distance in the second axial direction, and thereby the valve unit is switched. By unloading the second spring, the first holding mechanism can be actuated, and thereby the first spring is at least partially unloaded, and thereby the actuation button is moved by a third distance in the second axial direction in the direction of the actuation position.

[0011] Therefore, in addition to the (second) holding mechanism of the valve unit that is usually present, a further (first) holding mechanism is proposed. These holding mechanisms each have a spring that is loaded in the initial position of the valve. When the operating button is operated, the spring is at least partially unloaded, wherein the operating button is moved in the second axial direction (first) by the second spring and (subsequently or subsequently also) by the first spring. By means of the additional first spring, the operating button can be moved as required (relatively) independently of the required stroke of the valve unit, so that a sufficient accessible length of the operating button can be provided for the user to adjust the volume flow and / or adjust the temperature.

[0012] For example, the valve is arranged in the bathroom fitting or can be connected to the bathroom fitting via a hose and / or a pipe. The bathroom fitting is used to provide liquid, in particular water, as required, in, for example, a shower, a bathtub, a sink or a basin. In particular, the valve can be arranged at least partially under the plaster or at least partially in the wall or in a bracket.

[0013] The valve (or valve unit) comprises a valve housing with at least one inflow (inflow connection), via which the valve can be connected to a liquid source, for example a public water supply network. A mixing valve or a mixing cartridge can be connected upstream of the at least one inflow, by means of which cold water with a cold water temperature can be mixed with hot water with a hot water temperature to form mixed water with a desired mixed water temperature. The cold water temperature is in particular a maximum of 25° C. (degrees Celsius), preferably 1° C. to 25° C., particularly preferably 5° C. to 20° C., and / or the hot water temperature is in particular a maximum of 90° C., preferably 25° C. to 90° C., particularly preferably 55° C. to 65° C. The valve housing can be constructed in multiple parts. In addition, the valve housing can be made at least partially of plastic and / or metal, for example brass.

[0014] In particular, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and / or the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0015] The first distance in particular represents a displacement of the operating button in a first axial direction. When the first distance is reached or exceeded, the second holding mechanism is triggered or opened (automatically or directly). In particular, the second holding mechanism is implemented in a known manner, wherein the movement in the first direction also causes a rotation of a part of the second holding mechanism, wherein, due to the rotation, the latching of the second holding mechanism is released and the second spring is at least partially unloaded. When the second spring is unloaded, parts of the valve unit and the operating button are moved in a second axial direction (opposite to the first direction).

[0016] When the actuation button is moved in the first direction, in particular the first spring is further loaded.

[0017] In particular, the part of the valve unit and the actuating button are moved by the second spring by a second distance in the second axial direction. The second distance is in particular greater than the first distance, so that the first holding device can be actuated by the combined spring forces of the (no longer locked) second spring and the first spring (i.e. after the first distance has been passed, the first distance is smaller than the second distance). After the second distance, the actuating button is then (further) moved, in particular "at least" or even preferably "only" in the second direction. In particular, the movement over the third distance is accomplished solely by the first spring force.

[0018] In particular, in the actuating position, the actuating button is displaced in the second axial direction by at least 10 millimeters, preferably at least 12 millimeters, particularly preferably at least 14 millimeters or even 15 millimeters relative to the initial position.

[0019] In particular, the first distance is approximately 5 mm, the second distance is approximately 7 mm, and the third distance is approximately 8 mm.

[0020] In particular, starting from the actuation position, the actuation button can be moved in the first axial direction at least by a third distance and a second distance, and in doing so the first spring and the second spring are loaded and the valve unit is transferred into the first position.

[0021] In particular, the first holding mechanism comprises a magnet and a metal disk, wherein the magnetic force between the magnet and the metal disk is greater than the load force of the first spring (present in the initial position).

[0022] In particular, the magnet is fastened to the operating button. Alternatively, however, a metal disk can also be fastened to the operating button.

[0023] In particular, the sum / combined force of the loading forces of the first spring and the second spring (in particular after the first distance when moving back in the second axial direction) is greater than the magnetic force.

[0024] In particular, the magnet is connected to the operating button, and the metal disk is received in the key housing in a form-locked manner at least with respect to the second axial direction by the stop portion, but can be moved in the axial direction. In the initial position, the metal disk contacts the magnet. The metal disk can be moved in the first axial direction (starting from the stop portion) by the operating button, wherein when the second holding mechanism is operated, the operating button and thus the metal disk can be moved in the second axial direction due to the unloading of the second spring. At this time, the metal disk can be stopped by the stop portion or stopped by the stop portion, thereby disconnecting the connection between the magnet and the metal disk, and the operating button can continue to move in the second axial direction.

[0025] The stop is particularly arranged on the button housing. In particular, the stop delimits a (annular) chamber relative to the second axial direction, wherein the metal plate can move in the axial direction within the chamber. In the initial position, the loaded first spring presses the operating button in the direction of the second direction. Thus, in the initial position, the operating button connected to the metal plate via the magnet is held by the stop.

[0026] In particular, the magnet and the metal plate can also be arranged interchangeably, ie the magnet is provided as a plate which is movable in the chamber, while the metal plate is connected to the actuating button.

[0027] In particular, starting from the operating position, the operating button can be moved at least a third distance and a second distance in the first axial direction, at which time the first spring and the second spring are loaded and the valve unit is transferred (back) to the first position. At this time (after the second and third distances), the magnet contacts the metal disk. After the operating button is subsequently moved in the opposite direction by the first distance, the metal disk may be stopped by the stopper or the metal disk (and thus the operating button) is stopped by the stopper.

[0028] In particular, the valve has a volume flow regulating unit for adjusting the volume flow of the fluid in the second position (i.e., when the valve is arranged in the second position). The volume flow regulating unit has a rotatable operating member, which is connected to the operating button via a connection structure that is positively locked with respect to the circumferential direction. The operating member is connected to the valve unit via a threaded sleeve, so that the operating element of the valve unit can be moved in the axial direction (especially in the form of a screw drive) by rotating the operating member to change the flow cross section between the inlet connector and the outlet connector.

[0029] In particular, the key housing has an opening at one end through which the actuation button can be actuated. The actuation button ends flush with the end in the initial position and protrudes in the actuation position in the axial direction relative to the end by at least 10 mm, preferably at least 12 mm, particularly preferably at least 14 mm or even 15 mm.

[0030] The projection ensures a sufficient accessible length for the user to adjust or regulate the volume flow by operating the button.

[0031] The button housing can be connected to the valve housing via a thread.

[0032] According to another aspect, a sanitary fitting is proposed, which comprises the valve proposed here. The same applies to a set consisting of a sanitary fitting and a valve.

[0033] For the sake of caution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", ...) are mainly (only) used to distinguish a plurality of similar objects, parameters or processes, i.e., in particular, do not necessarily specify a mutual dependency and / or sequence of these objects, parameters or processes. If a dependency and / or sequence is required, this is explicitly stated here or is obvious to a person skilled in the art when studying the specifically described design. If a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), a description of one of the components can also apply to all or part of a plurality of these components, but this is not mandatory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited to the embodiments mentioned. In particular, unless otherwise explicitly stated, some aspects can also be extracted from the facts explained in the figures and combined with other components and findings in this specification. In particular, it should be noted that the drawings and in particular the proportions shown are only schematic.

[0035] Figure 1 The valve 1 is shown in longitudinal section and has a volume flow control unit 23 and an actuation button 7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The valve 1 comprises a valve unit 2, which has a valve housing 3 and an inlet connection 4 and an outlet connection 5 for further conducting the fluid conveyed via the inlet connection 4, wherein the inlet connection 4 and the outlet connection 5 can be connected to each other in a switchable manner via the valve unit 2, wherein the inlet connection 4 and the outlet connection 5 are fluidically separated from each other in the first position of the valve unit 2 shown, and are fluidically connected to each other in a second position (not shown here). The valve 1 also comprises a key housing 6, which is connected to the valve housing 2 and has an actuation button 7 for switching the valve unit 2, wherein the actuation button 7 is held in an initial position 8 (of the valve 1 or the key housing 6) by a first holding mechanism 9. The key housing 6 is connected to the valve housing 3 via a thread 31.

[0037] Starting from this initial position 8 (the operating button 7 is arranged flush at the end 30 of the key housing 6), the second holding mechanism 12 of the valve unit 2 can be operated by moving the operating button 7 along the first axial direction 10 by a first distance 11, by which the valve unit 2 can be switched between the first position and the second position. The first holding mechanism 9 has a first spring 13 and the second holding mechanism 12 has a second spring 14, which are loaded in the initial position 8 and in the first position respectively with respect to the axial directions 10 and 16. By operating the second holding mechanism 12, the second spring 14 is at least partially unloaded, and thereby at least a part 15 of the valve unit 2 is moved along the second axial direction 16 by a second distance 17, and thereby the valve unit 2 is switched. By unloading the second spring 14, the first holding mechanism 9 can be operated, and thereby the first spring 13 is at least partially unloaded, and thereby the operating button 7 is moved along the second axial direction 16 toward the operating position 19 (in the first axial direction 19). Figure 1 It is pointed out that the operating button 7 has a third distance 18 of movement in the direction of the protrusion relative to the end 30.

[0038] Therefore, in addition to the (second) holding means 12 of the valve unit 2 which is usually present, a further (first) holding means 9 is provided. These holding means 9, 12 each have a spring 13, 14 which is loaded in the initial position 8 of the valve 1. When the operating button 7 is operated, the springs 13, 14 are at least partially relieved, wherein the operating button 7 is moved in the second axial direction 16 (first) by the second spring 14 and (subsequently or subsequently also) by the first spring 13. By means of the additional first spring 13, the operating button 7 can be moved as required (relatively) independently of the required stroke of the valve unit 2, so that a sufficient accessible length (protrusion) of the operating button 7 can be provided for the user to adjust the volume flow and / or regulate the temperature.

[0039] The first distance 11 represents the displacement of the actuating button 7 along the first axial direction 10. This first distance 11 is required to release the second retaining means 12. The second retaining means is implemented in a known manner, wherein the displacement along the first direction 10 also causes a rotation of a part of the second retaining means 12, wherein due to this rotation, the latching of the second retaining means 12 is released and the second spring 14 is at least partially relieved. When the second spring 14 is relieved, a part 15 of the valve unit 2 and the actuating button 7 are moved along the second axial direction 16 (opposite to the first direction 10).

[0040] When the operating button 7 moves along the first direction 10 , the first spring 13 is further loaded.

[0041] The part 15 of the valve unit 2 and the actuating button 7 are displaced by the second spring 14 in the second axial direction 16 by a second distance 17. The second distance 17 is greater than the first distance 11, so that the first holding device 9 can be actuated by the combined spring forces of the (no longer locked) second spring 14 and the first spring 13. After the second distance 17, only the actuating button 7 is then displaced further in the second direction 16. The movement over the third distance 18 is accomplished solely by the spring force of the first spring 13.

[0042] In the actuation position 19 , the actuation button 7 has been displaced by approximately 15 millimeters in the second axial direction 16 relative to the initial position 8 .

[0043] Starting from the actuation position 19 , the actuation button 7 can be displaced in the first axial direction 10 at least by the third distance 18 and the second distance 17 , and in doing so the first spring 13 and the second spring 14 are acted upon and the valve unit 2 is transferred into the first position.

[0044] The first holding means 9 comprises a magnet 20 and a metal disk 21, wherein the magnetic force between the magnet 20 and the metal disk 21 is greater than the load force of the first spring 13 present in the initial position 8. The magnet 20 is fastened to the actuation button 7.

[0045] The combined force of the loading force of the first spring 13 and the second spring 14 , ie after the second holding mechanism 12 has been actuated and after the first distance 11 has been travelled in the second axial direction 16 , ie when the magnet 20 contacts the stop 22 , is greater than the magnetic force.

[0046] The magnet 20 is connected to the operating button 7, and the metal disk 21 is received in the key housing 6 in a form-locked manner with respect to the second axial direction 16 via the stop 22, but can be moved along the first axial direction 10 (starting from the stop 22). In the initial position 8, the metal disk 21 contacts the magnet 20 and the stop 22. The metal disk 21 can be moved along the first axial direction 10 (starting from the stop 22) by the operating button 7, wherein when the second holding mechanism 12 is operated, the operating button 7 and thus the metal disk 21 can be moved (back) along the second axial direction 16 due to the unloading of the second spring 14. At this time, the metal disk 21 can be stopped by the stop 22 or blocked by the stop 22, thereby disconnecting the connection between the magnet 20 and the metal disk 21, and the operating button 7 can continue to move along the second axial direction 16.

[0047] The stop 22 is arranged on the button housing 6. The stop 22 delimits the (annular) chamber 32 with respect to the second axial direction 16, wherein the metal plate 21 can be moved in the axial directions 10, 16 in the chamber 32. In the initial position 8, the loaded first spring 13 presses the actuating button 7 in the direction of the second direction 16. Thus, in the initial position, the actuating button 7 connected to the metal plate 21 via the magnet 20 is held by the stop 22.

[0048] Starting from the actuation position 19, the actuation button 7 can be moved along the first axial direction 10 by the third distance 18 and the second distance 17, at which point the first spring 13 and the second spring 14 are loaded and the valve unit 2 is transferred (back) to the first position. At this point (after the second and third distances 17, 18 have been passed), the magnet 20 contacts the metal disk 21. After the actuation button 7 is subsequently moved in the opposite direction by the first distance 11, the metal disk 21 can be stopped by the stop 22 or the metal disk 21 (and thus the actuation button 7) is stopped by the stop 22. At this point, the second holding mechanism 12 is locked again in a known manner.

[0049] The valve 1 has a volume flow regulating unit 23 for adjusting the volume flow of the fluid in the second position (i.e., when the valve 1 is arranged in the second position). The volume flow regulating unit 23 has a rotatable operating member 24, which is connected to the operating button 7 via a connection structure 26 that is positively locked relative to the circumferential direction 25. The operating member 24 is connected to the valve unit 2 via a threaded sleeve 27, so that by rotating the operating member 24, an operating element 28 of the valve unit 2 can be moved along the axial direction 10, 16 (especially in the form of a screw drive) to change the flow cross section 29 between the inlet port 4 and the outlet port 5.

[0050] The key housing 6 has an opening 33 at one end 30 through which the actuating button 7 can be actuated. In the initial position 8 , the actuating button 7 ends flush with this end 30 and in the actuating position 19 protrudes by 15 millimeters in the axial direction 10 , 16 relative to this end 30 .

[0051] The protrusion ensures a sufficient accessible length for the user to adjust or regulate the volume flow by operating the button 7 .

[0052] List of Reference Numerals

[0053] 1 valve

[0054] 2 valve units

[0055] 3 valve housing

[0056] 4 Inflow joint

[0057] 5 Outflow connector

[0058] 6-button housing

[0059] 7 Operation buttons

[0060] 8 Initial Position

[0061] 9First holding mechanism

[0062] 10 First Direction

[0063] 11 First Distance

[0064] 12 Second holding mechanism

[0065] 13 First Spring

[0066] 14 Second Spring

[0067] 15 parts

[0068] 16 Second Direction

[0069] 17 Second Distance

[0070] 18 The Third Distance

[0071] 19 operating positions

[0072] 20 Magnets

[0073] 21 Metal Plate

[0074] 22 stopper

[0075] 23 Volume flow control unit

[0076] 24 operating parts

[0077] 25 Weekly

[0078] 26 connections

[0079] 27 thread sleeve

[0080] 28 operating elements

[0081] 29 Flow cross section

[0082] 30 end

[0083] 31 threads

[0084] 32 chambers

Claims

1. A valve (1) for bathroom accessories, the valve having at least: - a valve unit (2) having a valve housing (3) and an inlet connection (4) and an outlet connection (5) for conducting the fluid conveyed via the inlet connection (4), wherein: The inlet connection (4) and the outlet connection (5) can be connected to each other in a switchable manner via the valve unit (2), wherein the inlet connection (4) and the outlet connection (5) are fluidically separated from each other in a first position of the valve unit (2) and are fluidically connected to each other in a second position; and a button housing (6) which is connected to the valve housing (3) and has an actuating button (7) for switching the valve unit (2), wherein the actuating button (7) is held in an initial position (8) by a first holding mechanism (9); The invention relates to a valve unit (2) having a second holding mechanism (12) and a second holding mechanism. The valve unit (2) is operable to move the operating button (7) along the first axial direction (10) by a first distance (11) starting from the initial position (8). The valve unit (2) is operable to switch between the first position and the second position by the second holding mechanism. The first holding mechanism (9) has a first spring (13) and the second holding mechanism (12) has a second spring (14). The first spring and the second spring are respectively arranged in the initial position (8) and in the first position relative to the axial directions (10, 16). ) is loaded; wherein, by operating the second holding mechanism (12), the second spring (14) is at least partially unloaded and thereby at least a part (15) of the valve unit (2) is moved a second distance (17) along a second axial direction (16), thereby switching the valve unit (2); wherein, by unloading the second spring (14), the first holding mechanism (9) can be operated and thereby the first spring (13) is at least partially unloaded, thereby causing the operating button (7) to move a third distance (18) along the second axial direction (16) in the direction of the operating position (19).

2. The valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein: At least the third distance (18) is greater than the second distance (17), or the second distance (17) is greater than the first distance (11).

3. A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the actuating position (19), the actuating button (7) is displaced by at least 10 millimeters in the second axial direction (16) relative to the initial position (8).

4. A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Starting from the actuation position (19), the actuation button (7) can be moved in the first axial direction (10) by at least a third distance (18) and a second distance (17), at which time the first spring (13) and the second spring (14) are loaded and the valve unit (2) is transferred to the first position.

5. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first holding mechanism (9) comprises a magnet (20) and a metal disk (21), wherein the magnetic force between the magnet (20) and the metal disk (21) is greater than the loading force of the first spring (13).

6. The valve (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The combined force of the loading forces of the first spring (13) and the second spring (14) is greater than the magnetic force.

7. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 5 and 6, wherein: The magnet (20) is connected to the operating button (7), and the metal disk (21) is received in the key housing (6) in a manner that is positively locked at least relative to the second axial direction (16) but can be moved along the axial directions (10, 16) through a stop portion (22); wherein, in an initial position (8), the metal disk (21) contacts the magnet (20) and can be moved along the first axial direction (10) by the operating button (7); wherein, when the second holding mechanism (12) is operated, the operating button (7) and thus the metal disk (21) can be moved along the second axial direction (16) due to the unloading of the second spring (14), wherein at this time the metal disk (21) can be stopped by the stop portion (22), thereby disconnecting the connection between the magnet (20) and the metal disk (21), and the operating button (7) can continue to move along the second axial direction (16).

8. The valve (1) according to claim 7, wherein: Starting from the operating position (19), the operating button (7) can be moved at least a third distance (18) and a first distance (11) along the first axial direction (10), at which time the first spring (13) and the second spring (14) are loaded, and the valve unit (2) is transferred to the first position; wherein, at this time, the magnet (20) contacts the metal disk (21), and after the operating button (7) moves in the opposite direction by the first distance (11), the metal disk (21) can be stopped by the stopper (22).

9. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The valve (1) has a volume flow regulating unit (23) for adjusting the volume flow of a fluid in a second position; wherein the volume flow regulating unit (23) has a rotatable operating member (24), which is connected to an operating button (7) via a connection structure (26) that is positively locked relative to a circumferential direction (25), wherein the operating member (24) is connected to the valve unit (2) via a threaded sleeve (27), so that by rotating the operating member (24), an operating element (28) of the valve unit (2) can be moved in an axial direction (10, 16) to change a flow cross section (29) between an inlet connector (4) and an outlet connector (5).

10. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The key housing (6) has an opening (33) at one end (30), through which the operating button (7) can be operated; wherein the operating button (7) ends flush with the end (30) in the initial position (8) and protrudes at least 10 millimeters relative to the end (30) in the axial direction (10, 16) in the operating position (19).

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