Frost-proof drain fitting

Abstract

A frost-proof outlet fitting with a mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water, comprising a valve body (30) which forms a valve seat (32), an outlet body (60) and an intermediate spindle (40) which is received in an intermediate pipe (50) which connects the outlet body (60) to the valve body (30), and which positions a valve body (41) arranged within the valve body (30) relative to the valve seat (32), and to which an actuating device (120) is assigned on the side associated with the outlet body (30), the actuating device being configured to move the intermediate spindle (40) translationally in a first mode and rotationally in a second mode, wherein the actuating device (120) is configured to initiate the first mode independently of the second mode.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a frost-proof outlet fitting comprising a valve housing forming a valve seat, an outlet housing, and an intermediate spindle housed in an intermediate tube connecting the outlet housing to the valve housing. The intermediate spindle positions a valve body arranged within the valve housing relative to the valve seat. An actuating device is associated with the side of the intermediate spindle associated with the outlet housing.

[0002] Such a frost-proof outlet fitting is known, for example, from DE 10 2008 009 081 A1, EP 1 122 476, EP 2 479 462 A2 or DE 200 01 883 U1, DE 298 20 782 U1 or DE 20 2015 006 027 U1.

[0003] The present invention is based on the problem of providing a frost-proof outlet fitting of the type mentioned above, which has a higher usability than known frost-proof outlet fittings.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a specially adapted actuating device. The actuating device is adapted such that the intermediate spindle can be moved translationally by the actuating device in a first mode and rotated, i.e., moved radially, in a second mode. The actuating device is adapted such that the first mode can be initiated by the actuating device independently of the second mode.

[0005] In contrast to previous solutions, in which the intermediate spindle was either only axially adjustable or only rotatable, allowing the valve body to either axially position itself against the valve seat or to rotate the valve body relative to the valve seat, thus opening and closing the valve, the solution according to the invention allows for a more advanced mode in which the intermediate spindle is also rotated by the actuating device, independently of the translational movement. This makes it possible to initiate a rotary movement at the free end of the intermediate spindle and in the area of ​​the valve housing, creating a possibility that goes beyond simply shutting off the valve.For example, the relative rotational movement can bring another supply branch for the fluid to be discharged from the outlet fitting into communication with the outlet fitting, allowing one or the other fluid to be discharged from the outlet fitting as desired. To decouple the translational movement of the intermediate spindle for shutting off the valve in the first mode from the rotational movement in the second mode, the intermediate spindle can be connected to another shaft at its end near the valve housing, in a rotationally fixed manner but movable in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate spindle. This shaft alone thus mediates the rotational movement.

[0006] The frost-proof fitting according to the invention usually follows a design in which the frost-proof outlet fitting can be adapted to different wall thicknesses. This is because with the frost-proof outlet fitting, the valve housing and the valve seat are arranged on the warm side, i.e. inside the building or at least assigned to this interior, whereas the outlet housing is exposed on the outside of the building. The intermediate spindle and the intermediate pipe form an annular space which is emptied when the fitting is shut off. This prevents the outlet fitting on the cold side of the outlet fitting from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. The intermediate pipe and also the intermediate spindle are each preferably designed in such a way that they can be easily cut to length as semi-finished products and adapted for connection to adjacent assemblies with only a few machining steps.The intermediate pipe is typically a semi-finished product that can be easily cut to length and sealed to the valve housing on the one hand and the outlet housing on the other by threading, soldering, or gluing. The connection between the intermediate pipe and the outlet housing is preferably manufactured in the factory using, for example, one of the previously mentioned processes. Adaptation to the variable wall thickness of the building is preferably achieved by cutting the intermediate pipe to length. The intermediate pipe preferably has an external thread, making the connection to the outlet housing easy to establish on site. In this case, the outlet housing has a conical internal thread, which then allows a thread-sealing connection.

[0007] The same applies to the intermediate spindle, which, for example, only needs to have an external thread on at least one side, usually on the outlet housing side, in order to be operatively connected to the actuating device. However, the intermediate spindle can also have any other external geometry without a thread, which preferably allows for a clamping connection with the actuating device. The intermediate spindle then preferably has a round outer contour or a polygonal outer contour.

[0008] The intermediate spindle typically passes through at least the intermediate tube, and usually also completely or partially through the outlet housing, where it is operatively connected to a spindle nut, which converts a rotational movement of the actuating device into a translational movement of the intermediate spindle. Within the scope of the present invention, such a spindle nut generally mediates an axial movement of the intermediate spindle alone.

[0009] According to a preferred development of the present invention, the intermediate spindle is connected to a mixing head in the region of its end associated with the valve housing. This mixing head can be used to adjust a mixing ratio of different media with flow outlets for the respective media. The corresponding flow outlets are part of a connecting housing, to which the intermediate pipe and the intermediate spindle can be sealingly connected, usually with the valve housing interposed. The connecting housing can be part of the outlet fitting according to the invention. To decouple the axial displacement of the intermediate spindle for closing and opening the fitting with components of the mixing head fixed in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate spindle, the mixing head is preferably connected to the intermediate spindle in a rotationally fixed manner but displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate spindle.The mixing head is usually fixed axially, the intermediate spindle is axially movable.

[0010] The connection housing has connections for at least two different media, usually hot water and cold water, which branch off from the connection housing in a radial direction relative to the axis of the intermediate pipe or intermediate spindle. The flow outlets for the various media are located on one end face. The mixing head interacts with these. The mixing head can be designed like an orifice plate and can expose at least one of the flow outlets while simultaneously blocking the other of the flow outlets so that medium can only be drawn from one of the flow outlets. The design is preferably such that the other of the flow outlets is also left exposed, whereas one of the flow outlets is blocked so that medium can only be drawn from the other of the flow outlets.To adjust the mixing ratio, several flow outlets can be exposed simultaneously. The overlap of the respective flow outlets can be changed by adjusting the mixing head, thus allowing the mixing ratio to be adjusted. Two or more flow outlets can be provided.

[0011] The flow outlets are usually located within a connection collar formed by the connection housing, which can be or is connected to the valve housing in a sealing manner.

[0012] Conveniently, the mixing head is located at a free end of the intermediate spindle. The valve body is located between the mixing head and the outlet housing. This allows the mixing head to be placed axially against the connection housing and interact with the flow outlets with its front face to adjust the mixing ratio.

[0013] The valve housing preferably has a connecting sleeve, which forms the valve seat through an annular surface facing the outlet housing. In this preferred embodiment, the outlet fitting is closed off in a conventional manner by axially engaging the valve body against the valve seat during a feed movement toward the valve housing. The end of the connecting sleeve facing away from the outlet housing is adapted for a sealed connection to the aforementioned connecting housing.

[0014] The connecting sleeve typically has a bore facing the valve housing, into which the intermediate pipe can be inserted and connected in a sealed manner. The connection can be made, for example, using a conventional screw, adhesive, or soldered joint. The length of at least the intermediate pipe can be adjusted to the wall thickness specified on site at this connection or at the opposite outer end.

[0015] The connection sleeve is preferably connected via the aforementioned connection collar of the connection housing. Here, too, the connection sleeve can be soldered, screwed, or glued to the connection collar.

[0016] Preferably, the end of the intermediate spindle associated with the valve housing is exposed within the valve housing and is non-rotatably connected to a mixing head shaft, which is rotatably mounted in a mixing head housing and rotates the mixing head. This configuration offers the possibility of providing the mixing head as part of a pre-assembled mixer tap and connecting it as a pre-assembled component to the connection housing on the one hand and the intermediate spindle on the other.

[0017] The mixing head housing is usually screwed directly into a mounting socket, which is circumferentially surrounded by the connection collar and formed by the connection housing.

[0018] The following preferred developments are proposed at the opposite end of the intermediate spindle: The outlet-side end of the intermediate spindle is then fixedly connected to an actuating body which can be driven translationally and rotationally via the actuating device. Preferably, the actuating body is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to an actuating lever which is operatively connected to the actuating device. The actuating body is thus driven rotationally directly by the actuating device. For the axial position of the intermediate spindle for opening and closing the outlet fitting, a spindle nut is provided in a conventional manner. This spindle nut is preferably fixed axially relative to the aforementioned actuating body, but is freely rotatably coupled to it. The spindle nut is usually located on a side of the actuating body facing away from the intermediate spindle.For example, a regulating spindle, which is usually directly connected to the actuating device in a rotationally fixed manner and threadedly engaged with the spindle nut, can be designed to be relatively short. It goes without saying that the spindle nut is held in a rotationally fixed manner in an upper housing, so that the rotation of the regulating spindle leads to a translational movement of the intermediate spindle.

[0019] The frost-proof outlet fitting is preferably operated manually. The actuating device has at least one handle for this purpose. Preferably, at least one first handle is provided, the rotary movement of which can open and close the fitting. In other words, this first handle initiates the first mode for the translational movement of the intermediate spindle.

[0020] Preferably, a second handle is also provided, the pivoting movement of which is associated with the second mode. The two handles are preferably freely rotatable relative to each other, at least to the extent required for the radial pivoting movement of the two handles and the second mode. The two handles are usually axially fixed relative to each other, preferably by a direct positive fit between the two handles.

[0021] The outer peripheral surfaces of the two handles preferably merge seamlessly into one another. This gives the user the perception of a single, unified control element in the form of a rotary handle.

[0022] If two handles are provided, the outer handle is usually assigned to the first mode and forms the first handle of the corresponding further development. The second handle is located between the first handle and the outlet housing. The user can therefore firmly grip the first handle in a conventional manner to open and close the fitting, whereas, for example, the mixing ratio of the different media is adjusted by pivoting a circumferential surface provided by the second handle and which, after installation of the outlet fitting, is located between the first handle and the wall over which the outlet housing projects.

[0023] Preferably, the actuating device is mounted at least partially rotatably on a free cylindrical end of a valve upper part on the actuating side, which is adapted to convert a rotary movement of the actuating device into a translatory movement of the intermediate spindle in the first mode.

[0024] Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment; Fig. 3 is the Fig. 2 drawn detail III in an enlarged view; Fig. 4 in Fig. 2 drawn detail IV in an enlarged view; Fig. 5 a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment in a position changed by the second mode; Fig. 6 the Fig. 5drawn detail VI in enlarged view; Fig. 7 in Fig. 5 drawn detail VII in an enlarged view; Fig. 8 a representation according to Figure 3 in the amended position according to Figure 5 ; Fig. 9 a representation according to Figure 4 in the amended position according to Figure 5 and Fig. 10 a representation according to Figure 6 with the connection fitting open.

[0025] The Figure 1The exploded view of an exemplary embodiment shown shows the following assemblies or components from left to right: Reference number 10 designates a connection housing which is partially designed to accommodate a mixer tap 20 which is accommodated in a valve housing 30 and is arranged at one end of an intermediate spindle 40 which extends predominantly coaxially to and in an intermediate pipe 50 which, on the side opposite the valve housing 30, is connected to an outlet housing 60 in which an adjusting body 70 is partially accommodated which is fixed axially relative to a spindle nut 80 which is rotatable relative to the adjusting body 70. A regulating spindle 90 is threadedly engaged in this spindle nut 80.Reference numeral 100 denotes an adjusting lever which is at least partially received in a valve upper part 110, on the free cylindrical end of which an actuating device 120 is at least partially rotatably mounted.

[0026] The connection housing 10 has tubular connections 11, in this case for the connection of PWH and PWC (hot drinking water and cold drinking water).

[0027] For example, the Figures 2, 3 and 5As can be seen from the drawing, a connection collar 13 and a fastening nozzle 14 protrude from a substantially circular base 12 of the connection housing 10. In the drawing, D generally denotes flow passages, including the flow passages D, which are recessed in the fastening nozzle 14. The connection housing 10 has flow outlets 15 aligned with the intermediate pipe 50. A sealing disk 16 bears against an end face of the connection housing 10 forming these flow outlets 15. On the opposite side, an orifice plate 21 of a mixing head 22 bears against the sealing disk 16. The orifice plate 21 has an orifice opening 23 and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a mixing head shaft 24, which is guided in a sealed manner through a mixing head housing 25 and is connected in a rotationally fixed and axially fixed manner to the intermediate spindle 40 on the side opposite the orifice plate 21.The mixing head housing 25 is, in turn, firmly screwed to the mounting socket 14 and sealed against it. The intermediate spindle 40 has a mixing head shaft receptacle 43 at its end facing the mixing head 22, in which the associated end of the mixing head shaft 24 is held in a rotationally fixed manner, yet movable in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate spindle 40.

[0028] For example Figure 5 As illustrated, an annular space is created between a connecting sleeve 31 of the valve housing 30 and the fastening nozzle 14, through which the water can flow.

[0029] As in particular Figure 5As illustrated, the free end of the intermediate spindle 40, associated with the valve housing 30, is located within the connecting sleeve 31. Between the connecting sleeve 31 and the end of the valve housing 30 facing the outlet housing 60, the latter tapers conically on the inside to form a valve seat 32. The valve seat 32 is formed by an annular surface of the valve housing 30 facing the outlet housing 60.

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates the sealing arrangement of a valve body designated by reference numeral 41, through which the intermediate spindle 40 passes in a sealing manner. The intermediate spindle 40 is fixed at least in the axial direction relative to the valve body 41 by an arrangement 42 of a retaining ring and stuffing box seal and is axially sealed relative to the intermediate spindle 40.

[0031] The intermediate pipe 50 is sealed into a cylindrical receptacle 33 of the valve housing 30. In a conventional manner, an annular space for the flow from the connection housing 10 to the overflow housing 60 is formed between the intermediate pipe 50 and the intermediate spindle 40. The intermediate pipe 50 surrounds the intermediate spindle 40 as a hollow cylindrical component. The end of the intermediate pipe 50 opposite the valve housing 30 is connected to the outlet housing 60, which forms an outlet opening 61 (only schematically indicated), in the connection of which a backflow preventer or a nozzle for a hose connection can be located. In this respect, reference can be made to the prior art mentioned at the beginning of the description, which describes various solutions in this regard that can also be used in the outlet fitting according to the invention.

[0032] Likewise, the outlet housing 60 or intermediate pipe 50 on the one hand or the valve housing 30 on the other hand can be provided with a flange which enables the fastening of the outlet fitting 60 relative to the masonry which is penetrated by the intermediate pipe 50 and the intermediate spindle 40.

[0033] As in particular the Figures 5 and 7To mediate the flow of fluid, the end of the intermediate spindle 40 associated with the outlet housing 60 is fixedly connected to the actuating body 70. The connection is non-rotatable and axially fixed. The actuating body 70 has an actuating nozzle 71 projecting toward the actuating device 120 and having a non-rotationally symmetrical outer circumferential surface. Specifically, two flattened contact areas 72 are provided for the corresponding mating surfaces in a driver eye 101 of the adjusting lever 100. As a result, the adjusting lever 100 is non-rotatably connected to the actuating body 70.The contact area 72 has a sufficient length so that a lever arm 102 of the adjusting lever 100, which protrudes from the driver eye 101, is held in a partially circumferential slot 111 of the upper part 110, but the actuating body 70 can nevertheless be axially displaced through the driver eye 101 relative to an upper part housing of the valve upper part 110, designated by reference numeral 112, for closing and opening the valve. The slot 111 is recessed in a free connecting piece 113 of the upper part housing, which protrudes in the direction of the actuating device.

[0034] For this purpose, the spindle nut 80 is axially secured by a snap ring 81 in a groove 73 at the free end of the actuating sleeve 71. The actuating sleeve 71 has a bore 74 adapted to freely receive the actuating end 91 of the regulating spindle 90. The spindle nut 80 is axially displaceable but non-rotatably received in the upper housing 110.

[0035] In particular, the Figures 5 and 7reveal the axial fixation of the regulating spindle 90 relative to the upper part housing 112. The free end 92 of the regulating spindle 90, which projects beyond the valve upper part 110, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a first handle 121 of the actuating device 120. The actuating device 120 further comprises a second handle 122, which is axially fixed relative to the first handle 121, but is also freely movable in rotation, at least to the extent that it allows the rotational movement of the adjusting lever 100 in the slot 111, which is partially recessed in the valve upper part 112.

[0036] The second handle 122 forms a receptacle 123 adapted for the play-free reception of the adjusting lever 100. This receptacle is circumferentially covered by an outer circumferential surface 124 of the second handle 122, but is open toward the outlet housing 60. Thus, the actuating device 120 can be pushed axially onto the regulating spindle 90 in order to fix it axially relative to the first handle 121 and to position the central bore of the second handle 122 with minimal play over the free connecting piece 113 of the upper housing 112. The connecting piece 113 also serves to support the pivoting movement of the second handle 122.

[0037] For example Figure 7As illustrated, the outer peripheral surface 124 of the second handle 122 merges seamlessly into the outer peripheral surface 125 of the first handle 121, so that the user has the haptic impression of a uniform actuating device 120 with two different functional areas 121; 122.

[0038] To operate the first mode, the first handle 121 is manually rotated. In a manner known per se, this rotational movement is converted via the valve upper part 110 and the spindle nut 80 into a translational movement of the intermediate spindle 40, which moves the valve body 41 relative to the valve seat 32 to open or close the valve. A comparison of the Figures 6 and 10 also shows the resulting relative movement between the mixing head shaft 24 and the intermediate spindle 40 in the longitudinal direction of the same within the mixing head shaft holder 43. In the closed position according to Figure 6the free end of the mixing head shaft 24 is close to the closed end of the mixing head shaft holder 43, whereas with the outlet fitting open and according to Figure 10 the free end of the mixing head shaft 24 is displaced toward the mixing head 43. Due to the fixing of the mixing head 40 to the connection housing 10, the mixing head shaft 24 remains stationary in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate spindle 40, whereas the intermediate spindle 40 moves in its longitudinal direction together with the valve body 41 and relative to the valve seat 32 to open or close the outlet fitting.

[0039] The different positions of the lever arm 102 and the aperture disc 21 in the Figures 2 to 4 on the one hand and the Figures 5 , 8 and 9on the other hand, result from operation in the second mode. In the second mode, the second handle 122 is pivoted. This takes the lever arm 102 of the adjusting lever 100 with it. Due to the rotationally locked connection between the adjusting lever 100 and the adjusting body 70, the latter is pivoted accordingly. The intermediate spindle 40, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the adjusting body 70, is also pivoted. As a result, the orifice plate 21, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the intermediate spindle 40 via the mixing head shaft 24, is pivoted. The overlap between the openings in the sealing plate 16 and the orifice opening 23 of the orifice plate 21 changes, whereby the mixing ratio between the fluid flows for the hot and cold drinking water that can be introduced through the two flow inlets 15 is changed. Depending on the position of the orifice plate 21, the orifice opening 23 can be connected to only one of the flow inlets (cf. Figure 8) 15 or with both (cf. Figure 3 ) of the flow inlets 15 are brought into overlap. In the second mode, the mixing ratio can be adjusted by pivoting the second handle 122. The first handle 121 can remain stationary. List of reference symbols

[0040] 10Connection housing 11Connection 12Base 13Connection collar 14Mounting nozzle 15Flow outlets 16Sealing disc 20Mixing tap 21Orifice plate 22Mixing head 23Orifice opening 24Mixing head shaft 25Mixing head housing 30Valve housing 31Connecting sleeve 32Valve seat 33Receptacle 40Intermediate spindle 41Valve body 42Arrangement of retaining rings and stuffing box seal 43Mixing head shaft receptacle 50Intermediate pipe 60Outlet housing 61Outlet opening 70Adjusting body 71Actuating nozzle 72Contact area 73Groove 74Bore 80Spindle nut 81Retaining ring 90Regulating spindle 91Actuating end 92Free end 100Adjusting lever 101Drive eye 102Lever arm 110Valve top 111Slot 112Bonnet housing 113Connector 120Actuator 121First handle 122Second handle 123Receptacle 124Outer peripheral surface 125Outer peripheral surface D Flow passages

Claims

1. Frost-proof outlet fitting with a valve housing (30) which forms a valve seat (32), an outlet housing (60) and an intermediate spindle (40) which is accommodated in an intermediate tube (50) which connects the outlet housing (60) to the valve housing (30), which positions a valve body (41) arranged within the valve housing (30) relative to the valve seat (32) and which is assigned an actuating device (120) on the side assigned to the outlet housing (30), characterized in that the actuating device (120) is adapted to move the intermediate spindle (40) translationally in a first mode and to move it rotationally in a second mode, wherein the actuating device (120) is adapted to initiate the first mode independently of the second mode.

2. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe intermediate spindle (40) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a mixing head (22) in the region of its end associated with the valve housing (30), which mixing head can be connected to flow outlets (15) for the respective media, which are recessed in a connecting housing (10), in order to adjust a mixing ratio of different media.

3. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to claim 2, characterized in that the mixing head (22) is arranged at a free end of the intermediate spindle (40) and the valve body (41) is arranged between the mixing head (22) and the outlet housing (60).

4. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the mixing head (22) and the intermediate spindle (40) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner, but are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other.

5. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe valve housing (41) forms a connecting sleeve (31) which, through an annular surface directed towards the outlet housing (30), defines the valve seat (32) and, at its end facing away from the outlet housing (30), is adapted for sealing connection to a connection housing (10).

6. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to claim 5, characterized in that the end of the intermediate spindle (40) associated with the valve housing (30) is exposed within the connecting sleeve (31) and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a mixing head shaft (24) which is rotatably mounted in a mixing head housing (25) and which rotates the mixing head (22).

7. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate spindle (40) is firmly connected at its outlet-side end to an actuating body (70) which can be driven translationally and rotationally via the actuating device (120).

8. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe actuating body (70) is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to an actuating lever which is rotationally operatively connected to the actuating device (120).

9. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a spindle nut (80) which is provided on a side of an adjusting body (70) connected to the intermediate spindle (40) facing away from the intermediate spindle (40) and is axially fixed and freely rotatably coupled to the adjusting body (70).

10. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (120) has a first and a second handle (121; 122) which are freely rotatable relative to one another and axially fixed, wherein the outer circumferential surfaces (124; 125) of the two rotary handles (121; 122) merge seamlessly into one another.

11. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe first handle (121) is adapted to operate the first mode and the second handle (122) is adapted to operate the second mode, and that the second handle (122) is arranged between the first handle (121) and the outlet housing (60).

12. Frost-proof outlet fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (120) is mounted at least partially rotatably on a free cylindrical end (92) of a valve upper part (110) on the actuating side, which is adapted to convert a rotary movement of the actuating device (120) into a translatory movement of the intermediate spindle (40) in the first mode.

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