Valve for a sanitary fitting

Abstract

Sanitary fitting (19) with a flow regulator and at least one valve (1), the valve (1) having a fluid channel (2) through which a fluid can flow, with a fluid inlet (3) and a fluid outlet (4), wherein a throttle body (5) is arranged in the fluid channel (2), wherein the throttle body (5) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (8) between an open position (6) and a closed position (7), wherein the throttle body (5) has an inflow area (9) and an outflow area (10) in the open position (6), and wherein the throttle body (5) tapers in the outflow area (10) in the direction of an outflow edge (11), wherein the throttle body (5) has a cross-sectional area (12) orthogonal to the axis of rotation (8), and wherein the cross-sectional area (12) is teardrop-shaped.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for a sanitary fitting for shutting off or regulating the flow of a fluid through a fluid channel. The valve is particularly suitable for sanitary fittings for showers, bathtubs or washbasins.

[0002] Sanitary fittings such as mixing valves and thermostatic mixing valves are known from the prior art. The function of a mixing valve is, for example, to mix hot and cold water in a specific ratio to create a mixture with a desired and preset temperature. For this purpose, the mixing valve has at least one valve on a hot water inlet and / or a cold water inlet, which can be operated by a user via one or more handles. In contrast to a mixing valve, a thermostatic mixing valve uses a thermostat to provide a constant outlet temperature or mixture temperature, independent of the hot and cold water temperatures, as well as the hot and cold water pressure. For such sanitary fittings to function, at least one valve for hot water, cold water, and / or the mixture is typically required.Some of the known valves for sanitary fittings have the problem that they cause unwanted noises when shutting off or regulating the flow of hot water, cold water and / or mixed water, which can be disturbing to users and may falsely give the user the impression that the sanitary fitting is defective.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a valve for a sanitary fitting with which the shut-off or control of fluid flow can be carried out with particularly low noise. Furthermore, a sanitary fitting with a valve according to the invention is also to be provided, with which the shut-off or control of the fluid flow can be carried out with particularly low noise.

[0004] These problems are solved with a valve and a sanitary fitting according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0005] The valve according to the invention for a sanitary fitting has a fluid channel through which a fluid can flow, with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein a throttle body is arranged in the fluid channel, wherein the throttle body is rotatable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position, wherein the throttle body has an inflow area and an outflow area in the open position, and wherein the throttle body tapers in the outflow area towards an outflow edge.

[0006] The valve or shut-off valve proposed here for a sanitary fitting serves to shut off or regulate the flow of a fluid in a fluid channel and is particularly suitable for sanitary fittings for showers, bathtubs, and / or washbasins, such as a ball valve. The fluid is, in particular, water, especially hot water, cold water, and / or mixed water, where the mixed water consists of a mixture of hot and cold water. The hot water has a temperature preferably of 30°C to 60°C. The cold water has a temperature preferably of 1°C to 30°C. Furthermore, the mixed water has a temperature preferably of 1°C to 60°C.

[0007] The valve further comprises a fluid channel through which the fluid flows, with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid channel is made of metal or plastic and has a diameter of 5 mm to 50 mm. In most common applications, diameters between 10 mm and 20 mm can be used. A throttle element is arranged in and / or on the fluid channel, the throttle element being rotatable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position, and in particular representing a cross-sectional constriction of the fluid channel. The throttle element preferably has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, a width of preferably 1 mm to 30 mm, and a height of preferably 1 mm to 50 mm. Furthermore, the throttle element is made of metal and / or plastic and consists of a solid material or a hollow body.In its closed position, the throttle body blocks the fluid channel, preventing fluid flow. From the closed position, the throttle body can be rotated about its axis of rotation, preferably by 90°, to the open position. The axis of rotation is preferably perpendicular to a (central) second longitudinal axis of the fluid channel. Between the open and closed positions, the throttle body is in an intermediate position. In both the open and intermediate positions, the throttle body at least partially opens the fluid channel to allow fluid flow. In both the open and intermediate positions, a circumferential surface of the throttle body is at least partially or completely open to fluid flow.To adjust the throttle body between the open position and the closed position, the throttle body can be driven manually, in particular by a handle, or electrically.

[0008] The throttle body has an inflow region and an outflow region relative to the open position. The inflow region of the throttle body extends from a leading edge of the throttle body in the direction of a first longitudinal axis of the throttle body to a point on the first longitudinal axis where the throttle body reaches its maximum width perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The maximum width is preferably 1 mm to 20 mm. The leading edge of the throttle body is the region of the throttle body that the fluid first encounters when flowing through the fluid channel in the open position of the throttle body. The leading edge is preferably linear, particularly parallel to the axis of rotation.The outflow area of ​​the throttle body extends from an outflow edge of the throttle body in the direction of the first longitudinal axis of the throttle body to a point on the first longitudinal axis where the throttle body reaches its maximum width perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The outflow edge of the throttle body is the area of ​​the throttle body that the fluid last encounters when flowing through the fluid channel in the open position of the throttle body. The outflow edge is preferably linear, particularly parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0009] The throttle body tapers in the outflow region towards the outflow edge. This means, among other things, that the width of the throttle body decreases, particularly continuously, perpendicular to its first longitudinal axis in the outflow region towards the outflow edge. The taper reaches (approximately) 0 mm in the region of the outflow edge, so that the outflow edge is preferably sharp-edged. In particular, the throttle body has no axial symmetry about its first longitudinal and / or transverse axis. The taper of the throttle body in the outflow region towards the outflow edge advantageously prevents flow separation and fluid turbulence, thus avoiding unwanted noise generated by flow separation and fluid turbulence when rotating the throttle body between the open and closed positions.

[0010] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the throttle body has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and if this cross-sectional area is teardrop-shaped or trapezoidal. In this context, teardrop-shaped means that the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttle body has a two-dimensional teardrop-shaped outline. The teardrop-shaped outline is round or (partially) circular in the area of ​​the inflow of the throttle body and tapers to a point towards the outflow edge of the outflow area of ​​the throttle body.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous if two opposing surfaces of the throttle body are convex. Such a design is particularly advantageous for noise reduction in the case of a trapezoidal cross-sectional area of ​​the throttle body.

[0012] Preferably, the throttle body has at least one vane extending orthogonally to the axis of rotation. This vane preferably extends radially outwards from the circumferential surface of the throttle body and preferably has a (circular) outer contour, the center of which is preferably located on the axis of rotation of the throttle body. The diameter of the vane, orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the throttle body, is preferably 10 mm to 60 mm. In particular, the diameter of the vane is larger than the diameter of the fluid channel. In the case of multiple vanes, the vanes are preferably arranged parallel to one another and form flow paths for the fluid between them.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the throttle body has at least one hydraulic baffle, preferably designed as a serration. The use of such baffles can significantly reduce noise generated by the flowing fluid. The baffles can have various shapes, such as triangular, round, oval, or rectangular cross-sections. They can be arranged as individual baffles, for example, in the form of hemispheres, or as elongated profiles, with the fluid flowing at an angle of preferably 0° to 45°. The maximum height of the baffles above a blade is limited by the distance between two blades. Preferably, the height of the baffles is less than half the distance between two adjacent blades.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fluid inlet has at least a partial oval cross-section. The oval cross-section of the fluid inlet is preferably located in the fluid flow direction immediately upstream of the throttle body and preferably represents an oval cross-sectional constriction of the fluid inlet. In addition, the oval cross-section has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm parallel to the second longitudinal axis of the fluid channel, although shorter or longer lengths may be used depending on the application.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fluid inlet has at least a partially larger diameter than the fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has a first diameter of 5 mm to 50 mm. The fluid outlet has a second diameter of preferably 1 mm to 45 mm.

[0016] Following a further aspect of the invention, a sanitary fitting with a flow regulator and at least one valve according to the invention is also proposed. The flow regulator is, for example, a handle or an actuator with which the valve can be adjusted between the open and closed positions. Reference is made to the preceding description regarding the sanitary fitting and the valve.

[0017] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but that the invention is not limited to these. Identical components in the figures are designated with the same reference numerals. The figures schematically show:

[0018] Fig. 1: a sanitary fitting;

[0019] Fig. 2: a first embodiment of a valve;

[0020] Fig. 3: a cross-sectional area of ​​a throttle body of the valve according to Fig. 2;

[0021] Fig. 4: a second embodiment of a valve;

[0022] Fig. 5: a cross-sectional area of ​​a throttle body of the valve according to Fig. 4;

[0023] Fig. 6: a third embodiment of a valve;

[0024] Fig. 7: a fourth embodiment of a valve;

[0025] Fig. 8: a fifth embodiment of a valve with a throttle body in an open position; and

[0026] Fig. 9: the fifth embodiment of the valve according to the Fig. 8 with a throttle body in a closed position.

[0027] The Fig. 1 shows a sanitary fitting 19 with a temperature controller 20 for setting a mixed water temperature and a flow regulator 21for adjusting a in Fig. 1 valve not shown 1 , where the quantity regulator 21 in this embodiment it is designed as a handle.

[0028] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a valve. 1 for shutting off or regulating the flow of a fluid through a fluid channel 2 , which is at least partially characterized by the in Fig. 1 sanitary fitting shown 19 extends. The fluid channel 2 points in one direction of flow 22 of the fluid a fluid inlet 3 and a fluid drain 4 on. Between the fluid inlet 3 and the fluid flow 4 is a throttling device 5 at least partially in the fluid channel 2 arranged. The throttle body 5 is about an axis of rotation 8 between one in the Fig. 8 shown (fully) opened positions6 and one in the Fig. 9 shown (fully) closed positions 7 Adjustable. In the open position 6 a first longitudinal axis is aligned 28 of the throttling body 5 with a second longitudinal axis 30 of the fluid channel 2 In the closed position 8 is the first longitudinal axis 28 of the throttling body 5 perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 30 of the fluid channel 2 oriented. In the Fig. 2. The throttle body 5 in an intermediate position 32 shown. The throttle body 5 points perpendicular to the axis of rotation 8 a cross-sectional area 12 and furthermore a circumferential area 26 on, whereby the circumferential area 26 in the Fig. 8 shown open positions 6 of the throttling body 5completely surrounded by the fluid. The cross-sectional area 12 of the throttling body 5 In this embodiment, it has a teardrop-shaped form or a feature in the Fig. 3 teardrop-shaped outline shown 31 Furthermore, the throttle body has 5 a rounded inflow area 9 and a tapered outflow area 10 up. In the direction of flow. 22 of the fluid is located immediately in front of the throttle body 5 an oval entrance opening 23 with an oval cross-section 17 Furthermore, the fluid inlet 3 of the fluid channel 2 a first diameter 18 on, which is larger than a second diameter 27 of the fluid flow 4 of the fluid channel 2 .

[0029] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the cross-sectional area 12 of the in Fig. 2 shown throttle body5 in a top view. The cross-sectional area 12 has a longitudinal axis 28 and one perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 oriented transverse axis 29 on. The inflow area 9 extends from a leading edge 24 parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 up to a point where a width 25 the cross-sectional area 12 is maximum. The outflow area 10 extends from the outflow edge 11 parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 up to a point where the width 25 the cross-sectional area 12 is maximum. The inflow area 9 and the outflow area 10 In this embodiment, they extend over the entire length of the throttle body. 5 The cross-sectional area 12 or the outline 31 the cross-sectional area 12In this embodiment, it is shaped like a teardrop. In particular, the cross-sectional area 12 in the flow area 9 It is semicircular in shape and tapers in the outflow area. 10 in the direction of the outflow edge 11 .

[0030] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the valve. 1 in a sectional view. The second embodiment of the valve shown here. 1 differs from the one in Fig. 2 shown in the first embodiment, simply by the fact that the cross-sectional area 12 of the throttling body 5 is trapezoidal in shape. Since identical elements with identical reference numerals are used in all embodiments, the description of the Fig. 2 referred.

[0031] The Fig. 5 shows the cross-sectional area 12 of the throttling body 5 of the in Fig. 4 second embodiment of the valve shown 1 in a top view. The cross-sectional area 12 with their outline 31 In this embodiment, it is essentially trapezoidal in shape, with a first surface 13 of the inflow area 9 and a second area 14 of the outflow area 10 , which are opposite each other and are convex in shape. The inflow area 9 the cross-sectional area 12 extends from the leading edge 24 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 28 up to a point where the width 25 of the throttling body 5 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 and parallel to the transverse axis 29 is maximum. The outflow area 10 the cross-sectional area 12 extends from the outflow edge 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 28 up to a point where the width25 the cross-sectional area 12 is the maximum.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a valve. 1 in a sectional view, where the throttle body 5 six wings 15 exhibits, with the wings 15 starting from the perimeter area 26 relative to the axis of rotation 8 extend radially outwards.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the valve. 1 in a sectional view, with the wings 15 compared to the third embodiment of the valve 1 the Fig. 6 points 16 exhibit.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the valve. 1 with a throttle body 5 in a top view, wherein the throttle body 5 in this embodiment it is designed as a hollow body. Fig. 8 shows the throttle body 5 moreover, in an open position 6 , in which the first longitudinal axis 28 of the throttling body 5 with a second longitudinal axis 30 of the fluid channel 2 escapes. In the open position shown here. 6 of the throttling body 5 is the fluid channel 2 Permeable by a fluid.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 9 shows the fifth embodiment of the valve. 1 the Fig. 8 in a top view, wherein the throttle body 5 in a closed position 7 is located. The first longitudinal axis 28 of the throttling body 5 is in the closed position 7 essentially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis 30 of the fluid channel 2 oriented. In the closed position shown here. 7 of the throttling body 5is the fluid channel 2 Not permeable to the fluid.

[0036] The present invention makes it possible to shut off or control the flow of fluids in a fluid channel in a particularly quiet manner. Reference symbol list 1 valve 2 Fluid channel 3 Fluid inlet 4 Fluid drainage 5 throttle bodies 6 open positions 7 closed position 8 axis of rotation 9 Inflow area 10 Outflow area 11. Outflow edge 12 cross-sectional area 13 first area 14 second area 15 wings 16 points 17 Cross section 18 first diameter 19 Sanitary fittings 20 temperature controllers 21 Quantity regulators 22 Flow direction 23 Entrance opening 24 Leading edge 25 width 26 Circumferential area 27 second diameter 28 first longitudinal axis 29 transverse axis 30 second longitudinal axis 31 Outline 32 Intermediate position

Claims

[1] Valve ( 1 ) for a sanitary fitting ( 19 ), having a fluid channel through which a fluid can flow ( 2 ) with a fluid inlet ( 3 ) and a fluid drain ( 4 ), wherein in the fluid channel ( 2 ) a throttling device ( 5 ) is arranged, wherein the throttle body ( 5 ) between an open position ( 6 ) and a closed position ( 7 ) around an axis of rotation ( 8 ) is rotatable, wherein the throttle body ( 5 ) in the open position ( 6 ) an inflow area ( 9 ) and an outflow area ( 10 ) has and wherein the throttle body ( 5 ) in the outflow area ( 10 ) in the direction of a downdraft edge ( 11 ) rejuvenates. [2] Valve ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the throttle body ( 5 ) orthogonal to the axis of rotation ( 8 ) a cross-sectional area ( 12) has and wherein the cross-sectional area ( 12 ) is teardrop-shaped or trapezoidal. [3] Valve ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two opposing surfaces ( 13 , 14 ) of the throttle body ( 5 are convex. [4] Valve ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the throttle body ( 5 ) at least one wing ( 15 ) exhibits, which is orthogonal to the axis of rotation ( 8 ) extends. [5] Valve ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the throttle body ( 5 ) at least one hydraulic disturbance element ( 16 ) exhibits. [6] Valve ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid inlet ( 3 ) at least partially an oval cross-section ( 17 ) exhibits. [7] Valve ( 1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid inlet ( 3 ) at least partially a larger diameter ( 18 , 27 ) as the fluid flow ( 4 ) exhibits. [8] Sanitary fittings ( 19 ), having a quantity regulator ( 21 ) and at least one valve ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding patent claims.

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