Sanitary drain unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary drain unit (1) comprising a thread (2) and a gripping surface (3). According to the invention, the thread (2) is at least partly made of a hard component (4), and the gripping surface (3) is made of a soft component.

Description

[0001] Sanitary outlet unit

[0002] The invention relates to a sanitary outlet unit with a thread and a gripping surface.

[0003] The invention further relates to a sanitary fitting with a sanitary outlet unit.

[0004] The invention further relates to the use of a soft component for forming a gripping surface on a sanitary outlet unit.

[0005] Sanitary outlet units of the type mentioned above are used at the water outlet of sanitary fittings and are used to shape the water jet flowing through the sanitary fitting into the desired form. The outlet units can be designed to shape the water jet, for example using a jet regulator. The outlet units can also be designed to aerate the water jet, for example using a splitter unit, and / or to limit or reduce the flow rate. The basic structure of a sanitary outlet unit is known from practice. The outlet units can therefore have further components, for example housings, threads, seals and components that shape the water jet, such as perforated plates, diffusers and outlet structures.The shaping of the water jet can be understood in particular as the determination of its diameter and / or its spatial orientation and / or its quality, for example aerated or non-aerated.

[0006] The assembly of sanitary outlet units of the type mentioned above usually requires screwing, for example - in the case of a formed external thread - screwing in or - in the case of a formed internal thread -

[0007] Screw the outlet unit onto the water outlet of a sanitary fitting using a tool. For this purpose, the outlet units can be shaped so that they can interact with a specific tool to allow screwing in. Screwing and / or unscrewing without tools is generally difficult, for example, with high breakaway torques due to limescale deposits or in cases of limited accessibility.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to improve the performance characteristics of sanitary outlet units.

[0009] To achieve the stated object, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, to achieve the stated object, in sanitary outlet units of the type described above, the invention proposes that the thread be formed at least partially from a hard component and the gripping surface from a soft component.

[0010] The gripping surface can thus be used to screw the outlet unit into the water outlet of a sanitary fitting. A user can grasp or hold the gripping surface with their hands or fingers. A rotary movement of the sanitary outlet unit can be driven via the gripping surface. A specific tool is unnecessary.

[0011] A component can be understood, for example, as the material from which the respective parts formed from the respective component are made. The component as a material can, for example, have a certain shape, for example that of a thread. The component can therefore be understood, for example, as a component or part of a component. A component can, in particular, be understood as a mixture component of a material. The hard component can, for example, be a metal, an alloy and / or a plastic. The soft component can, for example, be a plastic and / or rubber which has a lower hardness, in particular Shore hardness, than the material of the hard component.

[0012] The gripping surface can in particular be provided on the outer circumference of the sanitary outlet unit. The gripping surface can in particular be arranged in such a way that it can be grasped when the sanitary outlet unit is in use, preferably when it is screwed into the outlet of a sanitary fitting. This prevents damage resulting from improper use of unsuitable tools. The soft design of the gripping surface makes it easier for the user to find it using their fingers without visual inspection and enables intuitively graspable correct assembly and / or disassembly of the outlet unit. In addition, the gripping surface can give way when screwing in and allow a firmer hold with the user's fingers.Compared to a gripping surface made of a hard component, the soft design of the gripping surface can enable additional force and / or torque transmission, allowing the sanitary fitting to be screwed in firmly without tools. Furthermore, soft materials can achieve higher friction coefficients, which facilitates manual assembly.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the hard component is connected to the soft component in a material-locking and / or form-locking manner. The different degrees of use of a form-locking and

[0014] The material connection allows for optimal material selection for the hard and soft components in terms of mechanics, durability, and approvals, particularly without having to make excessive compromises when connecting the two components. For example, material combinations that do not allow for a sufficiently material-tight connection can be used by additionally creating a form fit, and vice versa.

[0015] This eliminates the need to assemble the outlet unit from the hard and soft components before screwing it in. This simplifies assembly. It also ensures that the force exerted on the soft component via the gripping surface is transferred to the hard component.

[0016] In addition, it can be provided that a section of one component penetrates the other component.

[0017] This ensures a particularly strong connection between the hard and soft components. Furthermore, other shapes of hard and / or soft components can be realized without compromising the stability of the connection between the components.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the gripping surface can be firmly connected to the thread. Thus, the screwing and / or unscrewing movement of the sanitary outlet unit can be driven via the gripping surface.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the soft component can form a sealing element. Thus, a separate sealing element can be dispensed with. The outlet unit can consist of fewer individual parts, which simplifies manufacture and / or assembly.

[0020] In addition, it can be provided that the sealing element preferably projects beyond the hard component in the radial direction.

[0021] This allows the hard component to be sealed on the outside. It is therefore possible for the soft component to be crushed between the hard component and the sanitary fitting when the outlet unit is screwed in. This creates a particularly tight seal. It can, for example, ensure that the thread is sealed on both sides, thus protecting the thread from deposits such as limescale. This allows the unit to be easily dismantled, even after extended periods of use under harsh operating conditions.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the soft component forms at least two sealing elements.

[0023] This can increase the sealing effect. The sealing elements can, for example, be arranged in the thread in such a way that one thread turn is optimally sealed. For example, in multi-start threads, one sealing element can be provided for each thread turn.

[0024] Additionally, it can be provided that two sealing elements are located opposite each other. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the sealing elements are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0025] Thus, when screwed in, they resemble the

[0026] The resulting pressing forces are absorbed by the outlet unit. This minimizes or prevents the outlet unit from tipping over during screwing. The risk of water penetrating the thread and the subsequent deposition of inorganic salts such as lime can be reduced or avoided. This reduces or prevents the risk of the outlet unit becoming impossible to remove due to the deposits mentioned.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the sealing element can be designed to be circumferential. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element can be designed to at least partially cover the thread.

[0028] In this way, a sealing effect can be achieved over the entire circumferential area of ​​the outlet unit. The sealing effect can extend to parts of the thread. The sealing effect can also be used at a distance from the thread. The overlap of the thread with the sealing element can be used for a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection of the hard and soft components. The sealing element can extend, for example, in the axial and / or radial direction. The sealing element can also be designed at a distance from the thread, below or above the thread. The sealing element can also be designed on the thread.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the sealing element is limited to a circumferential section.

[0030] The sealing effect can therefore be used selectively at different locations depending on the design of the outlet unit. If the sealing element is designed in a thread, restricting the sealing element can achieve a sufficient sealing effect. This makes material savings possible. In an advantageous design, it can be provided that a surface area of ​​the outlet unit in which water droplets or water deposits can collect is provided with a water-repellent (soft and / or hard) component. This makes it possible to avoid or reduce limescale deposits. The water-repellent component can, for example, be a hydrophobic, in particular fluorinated, polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The water-repellent component can, for example, be designed as a coating on another (soft and / or hard) component.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the soft component comprises a run-out structure.

[0032] This allows the water jet to be advantageously shaped. A separate component with an outlet structure may be dispensed with. The sealing element and outlet structure can be constructed as a single piece. The outlet structure can thus be formed from a soft material. This allows limescale residue to be removed from the outlet structure by deforming it with the fingers.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the hard component has a channel in its interior which contains at least a portion of the soft component.

[0034] This increases the strength of the connection between the hard and soft components. It is also possible to simplify production by first producing the hard component in a mold and then adding the soft component to the same mold. For example, this makes it possible to connect several sections of the soft component presented on the outside of the hard component to one another on the inside. This allows for an advantageous visual design. Furthermore, the stability of the connection between the sections of the soft component presented on the outside and the hard component, which may be located behind the soft component, for example, can be increased.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the hard component reinforces at least a portion of the soft component.

[0036] This allows the strength of sections of the soft component to be adjusted depending on the design of the hard and soft components. For example, it is possible to reinforce the gripping surface relative to the sealing elements. This allows for favorable haptics and force transmission during screwing.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the soft component is arranged in a surface region on the hard component, wherein height differences of a profile of the hard component are changed, in particular enlarged or reduced, by the soft component. This makes it possible, for example, to combine smooth surfaces with easily graspable profiles. In this way, hard and / or soft zones can be formed at different points, which can be recognized and / or felt on the component surface. Height differences of a profile can be understood here as differences in the radial extent of a component with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the sanitary outlet unit. For example, a component in a polar coordinate system whose pole is the longitudinal center axis of the sanitary outlet unit can have an inner surface which has the same radius for all polar angles.Alternatively or additionally, the component may have an outer surface which lies at different radii for different polar angles, so that the component has different extensions in the radial direction.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, a jet regulator cartridge can be inserted into a fastening sleeve carrying the thread and / or the gripping surface. Thus, the nozzle of a jet regulator can be designed with a hard and a soft component.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the thread can be arranged axially between the gripping surface and the sealing element(s), in particular, the soft component at least partially forming the sealing element and the gripping surface. Thus, a mouthpiece with a seal can be formed in one piece.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the independent claim directed to a sanitary fitting are provided according to the invention to achieve the stated object.

[0041] In particular, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, it is proposed according to the invention for sanitary fittings of the type described at the outset to be equipped with a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention.

[0042] Thus, the described advantages of sanitary outlet units according to the invention can be used with sanitary fittings.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, to achieve the stated object, the invention provides the features of the independent claim directed to the use of a soft component for forming a gripping surface on a sanitary outlet unit. In particular, to achieve the stated object, for uses of the type described above, the invention proposes that by holding onto the gripping surface and rotating the sanitary outlet unit, the sanitary outlet unit can be screwed in and / or out of a sanitary fitting.

[0044] Thus, the described advantages of a gripping surface formed on a soft component can be utilized in sanitary outlet units. This eliminates the need for a separate tool for assembling the outlet unit.

[0045] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiment.

[0046] It shows :

[0047] Figure 1 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a perspective view with an enlarged view of a sealing element,

[0048] Figure 2 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a side view with an enlarged view of a sealing element,

[0049] Figure 3 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in the state of use in a partial sectional view with an enlarged representation of a sealing element,

[0050] Figure 4 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a side view with an enlarged view of a sealing element, Figure 5 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in the state of use in a partial sectional view with an enlarged view of a sealing element,

[0051] Figure 6 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a side view with an enlarged view of a sealing element,

[0052] Figure 7 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in the state of use in a partial sectional view with an enlarged representation of a sealing element,

[0053] Figure 8 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a perspective view,

[0054] Figure 9 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a partial sectional view,

[0055] Figure 10 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a perspective view from below,

[0056] Figure 11 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a perspective, partially sectional view from above,

[0057] Figure 12 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a perspective, partially sectional view,

[0058] Figure 13 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a perspective, partially sectional view, Figure 14 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in a perspective, partially sectional view from below,

[0059] Figure 15 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in the state of use in a perspective, partially sectional view,

[0060] Figure 16 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in the state of use in a partial sectional view,

[0061] Figure 17 shows a sanitary outlet unit according to the invention in the state of use in a perspective, partially sectional view.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention with a thread 2 and a gripping surface 3, wherein the thread 2 is formed from a hard component 4 and the gripping surface 3 is formed from a soft component 5. The hard component 4 is materially and positively connected to the soft component 5. A section 6 of the soft component 5 penetrates the hard component 4. Furthermore, the soft component 5 forms a sealing element 7 which projects beyond the hard component 4 in the radial direction 8 and is shown in an enlarged view. The sealing element is also limited to a circumferential section 9. Furthermore, an attachment sieve 10 can be seen which is inserted into the sanitary outlet unit 1.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a side view of a sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention. It can be seen in particular that a further sealing element 11 is formed. Both sealing elements 7, 11 are located opposite one another. An enlarged view shows that the sealing element 7, like the sealing element 11, projects beyond the hard component 4 in the radial direction 8.

[0064] Figure 3 shows a sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention in the use state in a partial sectional view. The sanitary outlet unit 1 is screwed into the water outlet 12 of a sanitary fitting 13. The sectional view shows an attachment sieve 10 and ribs 14 of a jet regulator cartridge 24. The jet regulator cartridge 24 is inserted into a fastening sleeve 25. Furthermore, a sealing element 7 is formed, which is shown in an enlarged view. The sealing element 7 projects in the radial direction 8 beyond the hard component 4 and the thread 2 interacts with the fitting thread 15 such that the sealing element 7 seals the thread 16. It can be seen that a section 6 of the soft component 5 penetrates the hard component 4 in order to form the sealing element 7. The hard component 4 also has in its interior a channel 17 (see also Fig. 11) which contains a section 18 of the soft component 5.The hard component 4 also reinforces the soft component 5 in a section 19 in the area of ​​the gripping surface 3. Furthermore, a separate sealing ring 20 is visible.

[0065] Figure 4 shows a further sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention in a side view. Components and functional units which are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The statements relating to Figures 1 to 3 therefore apply accordingly to Figures 4 and 5. Here the sealing element 7 is designed to be circumferential and partially covers the thread 2. The sealing element 7 is shown in an enlarged detail. Figure 5 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figure 4 in the use state in a partial sectional view. This exemplary embodiment differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3 in that the sealing element 7 is designed to be circumferential and partially covers the thread 2. This is shown in an enlarged view.The illustration shows how the fitting thread 15 penetrates into the circumferential sealing element 7 and thus seals it.

[0066] Figure 6 shows a further sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention in a side view. Components and functional units that are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The statements relating to Figures 1 to 5 therefore apply accordingly to Figures 6 and 7. This exemplary embodiment differs from that shown in Figure 4 in that it has a narrower sealing element 7, which is shown in an enlarged scale.

[0067] Figure 7 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figure 6 in use, in a partial sectional view. An enlarged view shows that the sealing element 7 is spaced from the thread 2 and does not cover it.

[0068] Figure 8 shows a further sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. Components and functional units which are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The statements relating to Figures 1 to 7 therefore apply accordingly to Figures 8 and 9. In this exemplary embodiment, the soft component 5 is designed at a distance from the thread 2. The soft component 5 has recesses 21 for correspondingly arranged ventilation slots 22 in the hard component 4. These can serve to ventilate the water jet.

[0069] Figure 9 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figure 8 in a partial sectional view. It is particularly shown that a section 6 of the soft component 5 penetrates the hard component 4 and that a channel 17 is formed inside the hard component 4, which channel contains a section 18 of the soft component 5.

[0070] Figure 10 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figures 8 and 9 in a perspective view from below. In this exemplary embodiment, the soft component 5 comprises an outlet structure 23. Furthermore, recesses 21 are formed in the soft component 5 and ventilation slots 22 in the hard component 4, which correspond to one another. Here, for example, it is also visible that a surface area 26 of the outlet unit 1, in which water droplets or water deposits can collect, is provided with a water-repellent, in this case soft, component 5.

[0071] Figure 11 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figures 8 to 10 in a perspective, partially sectional view from above. In particular, it is shown that the soft component 5 is spaced from the thread 2 and the hard component 4 reinforces the soft component in the region of the gripping surface 3.

[0072] Figure 12 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figures 8 to 11 in a perspective, partially sectional view.

[0073] In particular, the soft component 5 (narrowly squared) in this embodiment includes a run-out structure 23 and is spaced apart from the thread 2. The hard component 4 is shown with a wide squared pattern.

[0074] Figure 13 shows a further sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention in a perspective, partial sectional view. Components and functional units which are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The statements relating to Figures 1 to 12 therefore apply accordingly to Figure 13. Here it is shown in particular that the gripping surface 5, a sealing element 7 located in the thread 2 formed from the hard component 4 and an inflow-side sealing element 11 are formed in one piece from the soft component 5. A separate sealing ring 20 (cf. Figure 7) is therefore unnecessary. It can be said that the sealing element 7 connects the gripping surface 5 to the sealing element 11 which is axially spaced from it.The gripping surface 3 of the soft component 5 is shown in section such that the ribs 27 of the hard component 4 located beneath it are visible. Depending on the dimensions and arrangement of the gripping surface 3 and the ribs 27, different haptic impressions can be created.

[0075] Figure 14 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figure 13 in a perspective, partially sectional view seen from below.

[0076] Figure 15 shows a further sanitary outlet unit 1 according to the invention in the use state in a perspective, partially sectional view. Components and functional units which are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The statements relating to Figures 1 to 14 therefore apply accordingly to Figure 15. In this case, the thread 2 of the sanitary outlet unit 1 is an internal thread and the fitting thread 15 is an external thread. The soft component 5 extends circumferentially and externally around the hard component 4. The gripping surface 3 is formed over almost the entire axial dimension of the soft component 5 and has additional knobs 29 for varying the haptic impression.The hard component 4 forms a fastening sleeve 25 for a jet regulator cartridge 24, the outlet structure 23 and ventilation window 28 of which are visible.

[0077] Figure 16 shows the sanitary outlet unit from Figures 13 and 14 in the state of use with the jet regulator cartridge 24 inserted in a partial sectional view.

[0078] Figure 17 shows the sanitary outlet unit 1 from Figure 16 in a perspective, partially sectional view. The sanitary outlet unit 1 and the sanitary fitting 13 are sectioned in such a way that it is visible how the hard component 4 (left) and the soft component 5 (right) can each form the thread 2. Not shown in section is the jet regulator cartridge 24 inserted into a fastening sleeve 25 of the sanitary outlet unit 1. An outlet structure 23 is visible through its ventilation window 28.

[0079] Depending on the material selection of the hard component 4 or the soft component 5, the sanitary outlet unit 1 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding and / or dipping.

[0080] It is therefore proposed that in a sanitary outlet unit 1 with a thread 2 and a gripping surface 3, the thread 2 is formed at least partially from a hard component 4 and the gripping surface 3 from a soft component 5.

[0081] List of reference symbols

[0082] 1 sanitary outlet unit

[0083] 2 threads

[0084] 3 Gripping surface

[0085] 4 hard component

[0086] 5 soft component

[0087] Section 6

[0088] 7 Sealing element

[0089] 8 radial direction

[0090] 9 Circumferential section

[0091] 10 front sieve

[0092] 11 Sealing element

[0093] 12 Water outlet

[0094] 13 Sanitary fittings

[0095] 14 rib

[0096] 15 fitting threads

[0097] 16 threads

[0098] 17 Channel

[0099] Section 18

[0100] Section 19

[0101] 20 sealing ring

[0102] 21 recess

[0103] 22 Ventilation slot

[0104] 23 Outlet structure

[0105] 24 aerator cartridge

[0106] 25 Mounting sleeve

[0107] 26 Surface area

[0108] 27 rib

[0109] 28 ventilation windows

[0110] 29 studs

Claims

Claims: Sanitary outlet unit (1) with a thread (2) and a gripping surface (3), characterized in that the thread (2) is formed at least partially from a hard component (4) and the gripping surface (3) is formed at least partially from a soft component (5). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hard component (4) is materially and / or positively connected to the soft component (5), in particular wherein a section (6) of one component (4, 5) penetrates the other component (5, 4). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping surface (3) is firmly connected to the thread (2).Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soft component (5) forms a sealing element (7, 11), in particular wherein the sealing element (7, 11) preferably projects in the radial direction (8) beyond the hard component (4). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soft component (5) forms at least two sealing elements (7, 11), in particular wherein two sealing elements (7, 11) are opposite each other and / or wherein the sealing elements (7, 11) are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction. Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Claims, characterized in that the sealing element (7, 11) is designed to be circumferential and / or to at least partially cover the thread (2). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (7, 11) is limited to a circumferential section (9). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a surface area (26) of the outlet unit (1), in which water droplets or water deposits can collect, is provided with a water-repellent (soft and / or hard) component (4, 5). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soft component (5) comprises an outlet structure (23). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hard component (4) has a channel (17) in its interior, which contains at least one section (18) of the soft component (5). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hard component (4) reinforces at least one section (19) of the soft component (5).Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soft component is arranged in a surface area on the hard component, wherein height differences of a profile of the hard component are modified, in particular increased or decreased, by the soft component. Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Claims, characterized in that an aerator cartridge (24) is inserted into a mounting sleeve (25) which carries the thread (2) and / or the gripping surface (3). Sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thread (2) is arranged axially between the gripping surface (3) and the sealing element (7, 11), in particular wherein the soft component (5) at least partially forms the sealing element (7, 11) and the gripping surface (3). Sanitary fitting (13) with a sanitary outlet unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims.Use of a soft component (5) to form a gripping surface (3) on a sanitary outlet unit (1), in particular according to the preamble of claim 1 or one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that by holding the gripping surface (3) and rotating the sanitary outlet unit (1) it is possible to screw the sanitary outlet unit (1) in and / or out of a sanitary fitting (13).

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