Valve unit for use in a sanitary fitting

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve unit for use in a sanitary fitting (100) with an outlet valve (2) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), the inlet (3) of which can be connected to a fluid supply and the outlet (4) of which is designed as a fitting outlet, so that the outlet valve (2) has a second outlet (5) for flushing the valve unit (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve unit for use in a sanitary fitting with an outlet valve having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of which can be connected to a fluid supply and the outlet of which is designed as a fitting outlet. The invention further relates to a sanitary fitting with such a valve unit.

[0002] In the field of plumbing, various types of plumbing fixtures are used to provide domestic water, for example, in a bathroom or kitchen. Inside these fixtures, an outlet valve is located that can be operated from the outside to draw domestic water through the fixture. The inlet of the outlet valve is connected to a fresh water supply. The outlet of the outlet valve is connected to the fixture outlet, usually located at the top of the fixture.

[0003] In simple sanitary fittings, the outlet valve is located near the base of the sanitary fitting, for example, near a washbasin. The outlet valve can be operated using a control element on the sanitary fitting, and the fluid can be drawn off via the fitting outlet, which is usually located a certain distance from the outlet valve. For this purpose, the outlet valve of the sanitary fitting, which is located in the base of the sanitary fitting, is connected to the fitting outlet, which is located at the opposite, free end of the sanitary fitting, via a hose or pipe connection that bridges the distance between the outlet valve and the fitting outlet.

[0004] DE 10 2016 108 045 A1 discloses a valve unit for use in a sanitary fitting whose outlet valve is not located in the base of the sanitary fitting. In the valve unit described therein, the inlet of the valve unit can be connected to a fluid supply in the usual way, but the outlet of the outlet valve is designed as a fitting outlet. The outlet of the outlet valve is located at the free end of the sanitary fitting and forms its fitting outlet, which allows for the design of more compact fittings overall. For this reason, the valve units described in DE 10 2016 108 045 A1 have proven very successful for use in various sanitary fittings. Under certain conditions, however, it can happen that after water has been drawn off via the outlet of the outlet valve designed as a fitting outlet, a comparatively large amount of fluid stagnates in the sanitary fitting for extended periods of time.This can lead to hygiene problems under unfavorable circumstances, particularly in the case of valve units that are only rarely operated, for example when used in hotel bathrooms or similar.

[0005] To counter this problem, technical regulations such as DIN EN 806, DIN 1988, DVGW W551 or VDI 6023 stipulate certain rules for maintaining drinking water hygiene. For an operation that guarantees drinking water hygiene, these regulations require a complete water change within a change interval of 72 hours. To meet these requirements, the corresponding sanitary fittings are operated in practice from time to time according to this interval specification in order to avoid excessive stagnation times of the service water in the sanitary fitting and to flush it with fresh water in accordance with the specifications. However, this entails a comparatively large amount of work, not only becauseMany sanitary fittings have to be operated manually at certain intervals, but also because the water drawn off during operation flows into a washbasin, for example, the surface of which then has to be cleaned again to avoid limescale stains or the like.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a valve unit for use in a sanitary fitting which can be operated perfectly with little effort from a hygienic point of view even in the event of prolonged non-use.

[0007] This object is achieved in a valve unit of the type mentioned above by the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims which refer back to this claim.

[0008] The outlet valve has a second outlet for flushing the valve unit. The valve unit can be flushed with fresh water at regular intervals via the second outlet of the outlet valve. The water flowing through the faucet during flushing can be fed directly into the wastewater system, for example, into the siphon of a washbasin, via the second outlet. Unlike when water is drawn via the first outlet, the water does not flow into the washbasin, which means it does not need to be cleaned after each flush. Furthermore, an ongoing flush is barely noticeable because the valve unit is flushed without any externally visible flow.

[0009] An advantageous embodiment in this context provides for the outlet valve to have a valve housing on which the inlet and / or the first outlet and / or the second outlet are arranged. The arrangement of the corresponding elements results in a space-saving design requiring few components and thus being easy to install.

[0010] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the outlet is designed to be at least partially insertable into a dispensing opening of the sanitary fitting. By inserting the outlet into the dispensing opening of the sanitary fitting, the valve unit can be mounted on the sanitary fitting in a simple and reliable manner.

[0011] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the outlet has a jet regulator, in particular a heated jet regulator, and / or a jet shaper. The properties of the withdrawn fluid or service water can be influenced in a way that is perceptible to the user via the jet regulator and / or the jet shaper. For example, air components can be introduced into the withdrawn fluid jet via the jet regulator, whereby the fluid jet appears softer overall to the user. Since the outlet has a jet regulator and / or a jet shaper, a compact design is also achieved. It is not necessary to introduce the jet regulator and / or the jet shaper as a separate component into the fluid path and to fluidically connect them to the outlet valve, e.g. via hose connections.

[0012] A further assembly-friendly embodiment of the invention provides that the outlet has a retaining ring that can be screwed to the valve housing to lock the outlet valve to the plumbing fixture. The valve housing can be inserted into the discharge opening of the plumbing fixture from the inside. The retaining ring, which can be screwed onto the outlet from outside the plumbing fixture, ensures reliable fixation of the valve unit to the plumbing fixture.

[0013] A further advantageous embodiment provides for the outlet valve to be designed as a self-actuated servo solenoid valve or as a manually operated valve. Designing the outlet valve as a self-actuated servo solenoid valve allows for contactless water withdrawal, for example, via a sensor that detects a hand in the area below the faucet outlet and, upon detection, initiates a signal to release the fluid. Alternatively, a manually operated valve can also serve as the outlet valve. This can be a direct-switching valve. The use of self-actuated servo solenoid valves has proven particularly successful in public areas, hotels, or similar applications.

[0014] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the outlet valve has a diaphragm movable relative to a main valve seat. The diaphragm can serve as the closing element of the outlet valve. By changing the pressure conditions above and below the diaphragm, the diaphragm can be lifted from the main valve seat in an energy-saving manner, controlled by the pressure of the fluid present at the inlet of the outlet valve, and open the outlet valve, or it can be pressed against the main valve seat and close the outlet valve.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment from both a design and assembly point of view provides that the diaphragm is attached to the valve housing via a cover and / or that the main valve seat is molded integrally onto the valve housing. By attaching the diaphragm via a cover, the diaphragm can be mounted to the valve housing at the same time as the cover is attached to the valve housing. No separate assembly step is required to attach the diaphragm. The one-piece molding of the main valve seat to the valve housing results in a design that requires few components. The main valve seat, which is molded integrally onto the valve housing, is part of the valve housing and can be provided during manufacture of the valve housing without any additional steps. This results in manufacturing advantages.

[0016] In this context, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the inlet is connected to the outlet via the main valve seat of the outlet valve and to the second outlet via a valve chamber in the manner of a bypass. By connecting the inlet to the first outlet via the main valve seat of the outlet valve, fluid can be withdrawn via the valve unit. By connecting the inlet to the second outlet via the valve chamber in the manner of a bypass, a flushing process can be initiated if necessary, during which the inlet, the valve chamber, and the outlet of the valve unit are flushed. Almost the entire valve unit is flushed in the process.

[0017] A structurally advantageous, compact design provides for the inlet and outlet to be arranged essentially parallel to each other and for fluid to flow through in opposite directions. Furthermore, the essentially parallel arrangement can also result in manufacturing advantages.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment provides for the outlet to extend at an angle, particularly at a right angle, relative to the inlet and / or outlet. This results in a favorable design for many common sanitary fittings.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the second outlet is connected to a flush valve. By opening the flush valve, a flushing process can be initiated via the second outlet. When the flush valve is closed, service water can be drawn off via the first outlet of the outlet valve.

[0020] With regard to the flush valve, a further advantageous embodiment provides for the flush valve to be designed as a self-actuated servo solenoid valve or as a manually actuated valve. In order to be able to flush several valve units simultaneously, for example in a hotel, a flush valve design as a self-actuated servo solenoid valve is advantageous. Multiple valve units, a group of valve units, or even individual valve units can be flushed via an electrical pulse. The flush valve can be actuated from a central control unit. Another option is to store fixed flushing intervals in the electronics connected to the flush valve.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the valve unit provides that in a withdrawal position the outlet valve is open and the flush valve is closed, and that in a flushing position the outlet valve is closed and the flush valve is open. The different valve positions result in different water paths. In the withdrawal position, fluid can be withdrawn via the outlet valve and used, for example, for washing hands. In the flushing position, no fluid escapes via the first outlet of the outlet valve. Instead, in the flushing position, fluid is flushed through the valve unit via the second outlet and the flush valve and fed directly into the sewage system. The flushing process is not visible from the outside.

[0022] Finally, it is proposed that a sanitary fitting of the type mentioned above comprise a valve unit with one or more of the features described above. This results in the advantages described in connection with the valve unit.

[0023] Further details and advantages of a valve unit according to the invention and of a sanitary fitting equipped with such a valve unit will be explained below with the aid of the attached drawings of an exemplary embodiment. In these drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a valve unit according to the invention, Fig. 2 a part of a sanitary fitting with a valve unit inserted therein according to the illustration in Fig. 1 in a side, partially sectioned view, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the outlet valve of the valve unit as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a side, partially sectioned view of the exhaust valve as shown in Fig. 3 along a first sectional plane, and Fig. 5 shows a further sectional view of the exhaust valve as shown in Fig. 3 in another cutting plane.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a valve unit 1. The valve unit 1 can be arranged as shown in Fig. 2 be used in a sanitary fitting 100. In the Fig. 2 The sanitary fitting 100 shown is a washbasin fitting. However, the valve unit 1 can also be used in other fittings, such as shower fittings, shower heads, kitchen fittings, or similar fittings.

[0025] The valve unit 1 comprises an outlet valve 2 as an essential element. The outlet valve 2 has an inlet 3 connected to a fluid supply. For the removal of fluid via the outlet valve 2, the outlet valve also has a first outlet 4. While the inlet 3 of the outlet valve 2 can be connected to a fresh water-carrying fluid line 13 via a connecting element 3.1, no additional element for connection to another fluid system is provided on the outlet 4. Rather, the first outlet 4 is designed as a fitting outlet of the sanitary fitting 100.

[0026] The outlet valve 2 is a self-actuated servo solenoid valve. The outlet valve 2 has, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 5a valve housing 6 open on one side, a valve cover 11 closing the valve housing 6 and a pilot control unit 15 which is connected to the valve housing 6 and whose function is described in more detail below.

[0027] The inlet 3 has a tubular geometry. Water can be drawn from the sanitary fitting 100 via the outlet 4, which is designed as a fitting outlet. As can be seen from the flow paths shown, the water is redirected in the outlet valve 2 so that the inflow direction E and the outflow direction A are angled relative to each other. In the illustrated example, the angle is 90 degrees.

[0028] Between the inlet 3 and the first outlet 4, an annular main valve seat 9 and a diaphragm 10, which is movable relative to the main valve seat 9 and serves as a closing element, are arranged. When the diaphragm 10 rests on the main valve seat 9, it seals the main valve seat 9 in such a way that no water can flow between the main valve seat 9 and the diaphragm 10. When the diaphragm 10 rests on the main valve seat 9, the outlet valve 2 is thus in its closed position and no water can flow from the inlet 3 to the outlet 4. This position is in Fig. 4 shown.

[0029] To release the water flow and open the outlet valve 2, the diaphragm 10 must be lifted from the main valve seat 9, after which the water flowing into the outlet valve 2 via the inlet 3 can flow between the diaphragm 10 and the main valve seat 9 to the first outlet 4. Since the outlet valve 2 is a self-medium-actuated valve, the diaphragm 10 cannot be moved directly back and forth between the closed position and the open position. The pilot control unit 15 is provided to control the diaphragm 10. When the service water flows into the inlet 3, it can enter a pressure chamber 17 arranged above the diaphragm 10 through a pilot control channel 16 extending through the diaphragm 10 from the inlet 2. The water pressure in the pressure chamber 17 automatically presses the membrane 10 onto the main valve seat 9 and no additional holding force is required to hold the membrane 10 on the main valve seat.

[0030] The pressure chamber 17 is connected to the pilot control unit 15 via a pilot control channel (not shown in the figures), wherein the pilot control channel can extend through the valve housing 6 and / or the valve cover 11. The pilot control channel is connected to a pressure relief line 16, which is also arranged in the valve housing 1 and opens into the outlet 4. The pilot control unit 15 has a pilot control element (not shown in the figures) in the form of a plunger, via which the connection between the pilot control channel connected to the pressure chamber 17 and the pressure relief line 16 connected to the outlet 4 can be selectively opened or closed. The pilot control element can be actively controlled or moved by electromagnetic actuation.

[0031] For power supply and activation, the pilot control unit 15 is connected to a connection 15.1. For example, a proximity sensor, which can also be integrated into the sanitary fitting 100, can be connected to the outlet valve 2 via connection 15.1. If the proximity sensor detects, for example, that a person is placing their hands under the fitting outlet 4, the outlet valve 2 can be opened for a predetermined time, thus dispensing a predefined amount of water.

[0032] In order to open the outlet valve 2 accordingly, the pilot control element is moved in the direction of a pilot control axis so that the flow path from the pilot control channel to the pressure relief line 16 is opened. The water can then flow from the pressure chamber 17 arranged above the diaphragm 10 through the pilot control channel and the pressure relief line 16 into the outlet 4. The corresponding channels thus essentially form a bypass around the diaphragm 10. The water outflow changes the pressure conditions within the outlet valve 2. The pressure in the pressure chamber 17 drops, which then leads to the diaphragm 10 being automatically lifted from the main valve seat 9 by the pressure present in the inlet 3. In order to close the outlet valve 2 again, the pilot control element is moved back in the opposite direction so that it then prevents water from flowing into the pressure relief line 16.This causes a pressure build-up in the pressure chamber 17, which causes the diaphragm 10 to be pressed downwards onto the main valve seat 9.

[0033] A significant advantage of this indirect and medium-driven actuation of the diaphragm 10 serving as the closing element is that only very low actuating forces are required to move the pilot control element, whereas a direct actuation of the main closing element would require significantly greater force and therefore also energy expenditure.

[0034] As the representation in Fig. 2As can be further seen, the first outlet 4, designed as a fitting outlet, is inserted into a removal opening 101 of the sanitary fitting 100 and serves there to discharge the fluid from the sanitary fitting 100. To assemble the valve unit 1 within the sanitary fitting 100, the first outlet 4 is inserted from within the sanitary fitting 100 into the removal opening 101. The outlet valve 2 is locked in the removal opening 101 by means of a retaining ring 8, and the valve unit 1 is fixed within the sanitary fitting 100. The retaining ring 8 and the outlet valve 2 can have corresponding threads.

[0035] Due to the design of the valve unit 2, in which the first outlet 4 also forms the fitting outlet for the sanitary fitting 100, a compact design of the valve unit 1 results, which makes it possible to arrange the outlet valve 2 in the immediate vicinity of the removal opening 101 within the sanitary fitting 100.

[0036] As the representation in Fig. 4 As can be further seen, the outlet 4 has a jet regulator 7. With such a jet regulator 7, sometimes also referred to as a bubbler or mixing nozzle, the properties of the water jet drawn through the outlet 4 can be influenced.

[0037] In addition to the first outlet 4, which is designed as a fitting outlet, the outlet valve 2 has a second outlet 5. The first outlet 4 and the second outlet 5 are arranged and designed such that the fluid flows through either one or the other of the outlets 4, 5. The second outlet 5 serves to flush the outlet valve 2 and can be connected to a downstream wastewater system. For this purpose, the outlet 5 has a connection 5.1. The connection 5.1 is designed analogously to the connection 3.1 of the inlet 3 of the outlet valve 2, see also Fig. 5 .

[0038] In order to change the water paths within the outlet valve 2 as needed and to switch between a withdrawal path and a flushing path, the outlet 5 is connected to a flushing valve 20. The outlet valve 2 and the flushing valve 20 are parts of the valve unit 1 and are connected to each other via a fluid line 14.

[0039] When the flush valve 20 is closed, fluid can be withdrawn along the outflow direction A by actuating the outlet valve 2 via the outlet 4 of the outlet valve 2, which is designed as a fitting outlet, for example to initiate a hand wash. To avoid prolonged stagnation of service water within the valve unit 1, a flushing process can be initiated by opening the flush valve 20 when the outlet valve 2 is closed. As shown in Fig. 5As shown, for example, in this case, the fluid flows through the inlet 3 along the inflow direction E into the outlet valve 2 and exits it via the second outlet 5, designed as a flushing outlet, along the flushing direction S. The inlet 3 and the outlet 5 are arranged parallel to each other. The inflow direction E is opposite to the flushing direction S.

[0040] According to the presentation in Fig. 4 The inlet 3 and the second outlet 5 are connected to each other via the valve chamber 12 of the outlet valve 2, so that when the outlet valve 2 is flushed, its valve chamber 12 is also flushed. This allows the outlet valve to be flushed almost completely, which is very advantageous from a hygiene perspective.

[0041] Fig. 4 In conjunction with the other Figs. 3 and 5It can also be seen that the valve housing 6 is integrally connected to both the first outlet 4 and the second outlet 5. Another integral component of the valve housing 6 is the first outlet 4. The main valve seat 9 of the outlet valve 2 is also integrally formed on the valve housing 6.

[0042] The outlet valve 2 and the flush valve 20 are both self-actuated servo solenoid valves. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the outlet valve 2 and / or the flush valve 20 to be manually actuated valves. Configuring the flush valve 20 as a self-actuated servo solenoid valve offers not only energy-saving advantages but also the advantage that, for example, in a hotel environment, numerous valve units 1 can be flushed in a targeted manner from a central control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the valve units 1 can have electronics in which specific flushing intervals are stored. The associated effort to maintain drinking water hygiene is thus minimal, even with a large number of valve units 1.

[0043] The arrangement of the flush valve 20 can, if the structural conditions within the sanitary fitting 100 permit this, be inside the sanitary fitting 100 or outside the sanitary fitting 100. For example, an arrangement in the area inside a washbasin or similar would be conceivable.

[0044] The valve unit 1 described above and the associated sanitary fitting 100 are characterized by a compact design and simultaneously improved hygiene conditions due to the good flushability of the valve unit 1. Flushing intervals to maintain drinking water hygiene, as required, for example, in technical regulations, can be implemented without major effort. Reference symbol:

[0045] 1Valve unit 2Outlet valve 3Inlet 3.1Connection 4Outlet 5Outlet 5.1Connection 6Valve housing 7Aerator 8Retaining ring 9Main valve seat 10Diaphragm 11Cover 12Valve chamber 13Fluid line 14Fluid line 15Pilot unit 15.1Connection 16Pressure relief line 17Pressure chamber 20Flush valve 100Sanitary fitting 101Tap opening EInflow direction AOutflow direction SFlushing direction

Claims

1. Valve unit for use in a sanitary fitting (100) with an outlet valve (2) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), the inlet (3) of which can be connected to a fluid supply and the outlet (4) of which is designed as a fitting outlet, characterized by that the outlet valve (2) has a second outlet (5) for rinsing the valve unit (1).

2. Valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet valve (2) has a valve housing (6) on which the inlet (3) and / or the outlet (4) and / or the outlet (5) are arranged.

3. Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (4) is designed to be at least partially insertable into a removal opening (101) of the sanitary fitting (100).

4. Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (4) has a jet regulator (7), in particular a heated jet regulator (7), and / or a jet former.

5. Valve unit according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the outlet (4) has a retaining ring (8) which can be screwed to the valve housing (6) for locking the outlet valve (2) on the sanitary fitting (100).

6. Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet valve (2) is designed as a servo solenoid valve actuated by its own medium or as a manually actuated valve.

7. Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet valve (2) has a membrane (10) movable relative to a main valve seat (9).

8. Valve unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the membrane (10) is fastened to the valve housing (6) via a cover (11) and / or that the main valve seat (9) is formed integrally on the valve housing (6).

9. Valve unit according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in thatthe inlet (3) is connected to the outlet (4) via the main valve seat (9) of the outlet valve (2) and to the second outlet (5) via a valve chamber (12) in the manner of a bypass.

10. Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet (3) and the outlet (5) are arranged substantially parallel to each other and fluid can flow through them in opposite directions.

11. Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (4) extends at an angle, in particular at a right angle, relative to the inlet (3) and / or the outlet (5).

12. Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second outlet (5) is connected to a flushing valve (20).

13. Valve unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the flushing valve (20) is designed as a servo solenoid valve actuated by its own medium or as a manually actuated valve.

14. Valve unit according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that in a removal position the outlet valve (2) is open and the flushing valve (20) is closed and that in a flushing position the outlet valve (2) is closed and the flushing valve (20) is open.

15. Sanitary fitting characterized by a valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images