Beam controller

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerator (101) with an aerator housing (1) that can be inserted into a water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting and encloses a housing interior in which a jet splitter (2) with splitter openings (3) is provided, which divide the flowing water into a plurality of individual jets, and with a flow straightener (5) forming the outlet end face (A) of the aerator (101), which has a plurality of outlet openings (6), wherein a jet regulating device (4) is provided in the housing interior in the flow path between the jet splitter (2) and the flow straightener (5), which has regulating ribs (7) oriented transversely to the flow direction of the flowing water, characterized in that the flow straightener (5) and the jet regulating device (4) are integrally connected to one another.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an aerator with an aerator housing that can be inserted into a water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting and encloses a housing interior in which a jet breaker with breaker openings is provided, which divide the flowing water into a plurality of individual jets, and with a flow straightener forming the outlet front face of the aerator, which has a plurality of outlet openings, wherein a jet regulating device is provided in the housing interior in the flow path between the jet breaker and the flow straightener, which has regulating ribs oriented transversely to the flow direction of the flowing water.

[0002] From DE 196 47 798 A1, a flow regulator is known that can be mounted on the water outlet of a sanitary fitting to shape the outflowing water into a homogeneous, non-splashing, and optionally gently aerated stream. To enable mounting the known flow regulator on the water outlet of a sanitary fitting, it is designed as an insert cartridge. The cartridge-shaped flow regulator housing, manufactured as an injection-molded plastic part, can be inserted into a sleeve-shaped outlet nozzle. This outlet nozzle has an external or internal thread that can be screwed onto a mating thread on the water outlet of the sanitary fitting. The screw connection provided between the outlet nozzle and the water outlet necessitates a round cross-section for both the outlet nozzle and the flow regulator housing inserted therein.Inside the aerator housing, a jet splitter with multiple spaced-apart splitter openings is provided. These openings divide the water flowing in the water pipe into a corresponding number of individual jets. At the outlet face of the known aerator, a flow straightener is provided, which has a multitude of outlet openings to shape the individual jets, which are swirled inside the housing and optionally mixed with ambient air, into a homogeneous outgoing water jet. To further swirl, slow down, and optionally mix the individual jets with ambient air inside the housing, a jet regulating device is provided in the flow path between the jet splitter and the flow straightener. This device has regulating ridges oriented transversely to the flow direction of the water.In the previously known aerator, both the flow straightener forming the outlet face of the aerator and the flow regulating device are formed by mesh screens made of a metal lattice. While the mesh openings of the mesh screen forming the flow straightener form the outlet openings, the interwoven metal wires of the mesh screens forming the flow regulating device form its regulating bars. These mesh screens are inserted from the outlet face into the interior of the aerator housing before the outlet-side rim of the aerator housing is then bent inwards by thermal action on the plastic material used for the aerator housing, such that these mesh screens are permanently held in the aerator housing.

[0003] From EP 0 931 199 B1, an aerator is already known which has an inflow-side jet breakup device and an outflow-side flow straightener in its aerator housing, wherein a jet regulating device is provided in the flow path between the jet breakup device and the flow straightener. The jet regulating device of this previously known aerator also has pin- or rib-shaped impact elements, wherein the pins or ribs serving as impact elements either project from the inside of at least one circumferential segment of the aerator housing and are integrally connected to it, or project at right angles over a flat side of a retaining part that can be inserted into the sleeve-shaped aerator housing by bending it. However, this previously known aerator involves considerable effort in design and manufacture.

[0004] The task is therefore to create an aerator of the type mentioned at the beginning, whose components can be manufactured as simply as possible, even with a comparatively complex design of the aerator.

[0005] The solution to this problem according to the invention, in the case of the aerator of the type mentioned at the outset, consists in particular in the fact that the flow straightener and the jet regulating device can be inserted into the aerator housing from the downstream side of the aerator, that the jet regulating device has at least one inner wall to which the regulating ribs are formed on a flat side, and that the flow straightener and / or the jet regulating device can be fixed in the aerator housing by means of a positive or frictional fit.

[0006] The aerator according to the invention comprises an aerator housing that can be inserted into the water outlet of a sanitary fitting to shape the emerging water into a homogeneous, non-splashing, and optionally also gently aerated water jet. The aerator housing of the aerator according to the invention encloses an interior space in which a jet splitter with splitting openings is provided. In these splitting openings, the flowing water is divided into a plurality of individual jets. These individual jets are further slowed and divided inside the aerator housing in a subsequent jet regulating device before the water flowing through is recombined in a subsequent flow straightener to form a soft, homogeneous overall jet. The flow straightener, which has a plurality of outlet openings, forms the outlet face of the aerator.In the flow path between the jet separator and this flow straightener, the jet regulating device is provided inside the housing. This device has regulating ribs oriented transversely to the flow direction of the water. The flow straightener and the jet regulating device can be inserted into the aerator housing from the downstream side of the aerator. To keep the regulating ribs in the flow path transversely to the flow direction of the water, the jet regulating device has at least one inner wall to which the regulating ribs are integrally formed on a flat surface. The jet regulating ribs, with their at least one inner wall and the regulating ribs integrally formed thereon, can be manufactured, as can the aerator housing and the other components of the aerator according to the invention, in a simple manner as injection-molded parts, without the need for complex injection molds.The flow straightener and / or the jet control device is fixed in the jet control housing by means of a positive or frictional fit.

[0007] In a particularly advantageous and easily manufactured embodiment according to the invention, the flow straightener and / or the jet regulating device can be fixed in the aerator housing by means of a snap-fit ​​or detent connection. The positive locking formed by this snap-fit ​​or detent connection between the flow straightener and / or the jet regulating device on the one hand and the aerator housing on the other hand ensures a secure and robust connection of these components of the aerator according to the invention.

[0008] The aerator according to the invention can have a housing with a round cross-section and a similarly round jet outlet. However, a preferred embodiment is one in which the aerator is designed as a rectangular or flat aerator and / or has a non-round jet outlet with a greater longitudinal extent than its transverse extent.

[0009] In order to position the jet control device correctly inside the jet regulator housing, it is advantageous if at least one guide groove open towards the outlet end face of the jet regulator is provided on the inner circumference of the jet regulator housing, into which guide groove the at least one inner wall can be inserted with one of its narrow edges oriented in the insertion direction.

[0010] The simple installation of the aerator according to the invention is further facilitated if the aerator housing has a guide groove on opposite sides of an inner circumference, each open towards the outlet end face, and if the at least one inner wall, with its narrow edges oriented in the insertion direction, can be inserted into the guide grooves. In this embodiment, correct positioning of the inner wall with the regulating ribs molded onto it is ensured in a simple manner.

[0011] The adjusting ribs can be formed on one of the two flat sides of the at least one inner wall. However, a particularly simple embodiment in terms of construction and manufacture according to the invention provides that the adjusting ribs are formed on both flat sides of the at least one inner wall.

[0012] In order to shape the water flowing along the jet regulating device and its regulating ribs in the desired manner, it is advantageous if the regulating ribs are formed on at least one flat side of the at least one inner wall in planes oriented transversely to the flow direction and preferably spaced apart from each other.

[0013] The flowing water can be shaped particularly well in the successive rib planes of the jet regulating device if the regulating ribs arranged in a downstream plane are arranged 'with gaps' in line with the flow space provided between adjacent regulating ribs of a rib plane provided on the upstream side.

[0014] In order to rapidly slow down and further divide the individual jets coming from the jet splitter, it is advantageous if the regulating ribs of the first rib plane in the direction of flow each have an upstream impact surface and / or if these regulating ribs are rounded on their downstream side.

[0015] In order to subsequently reunite the water jets that have been slowed down and further divided in the jet regulating device, it is advantageous if the regulating ribs of the rib plane provided on the downstream side in the direction of flow have a greater longitudinal extent oriented in the direction of flow compared to the rib width and / or if these regulating ribs are rounded on their inflow and / or outflow side.

[0016] Particularly when the aerator according to the invention is designed as a rectangular or flat aerator, it can be advantageous if the regulating ribs of the rib plane provided on the downstream side in the flow direction have a longitudinal extension curved towards an adjacent transverse wall of the aerator housing. The flat jet formed in such a rectangular or flat aerator retains its shape even over a longer distance of the outflowing water if the water flowing through the aerator housing is also effectively directed into the edge regions of the flat jet flowing along the transverse walls of the aerator housing in the area of ​​the jet regulating device.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment according to the invention, in which the outflowing water also exits as a homogeneous flat jet over a longer distance and in which the water is well distributed over the entire jet cross-section, the curvature of adjacent regulating ribs is greater in the case of the outer regulating rib located closer to the adjacent transverse wall compared to the inner regulating rib.

[0018] A preferred embodiment according to the invention, in which the regulating webs of the jet regulating device are arranged in at least three web planes, provides that the regulating webs of a web plane arranged between the first web plane and the web plane located downstream in the flow direction have a rounded and preferably a circular web cross-section. In this web plane, the flowing water is further slowed down and divided without causing excessive turbulence of the water flow.

[0019] In order for the flow straightener provided at the outlet face to equalize and combine the outflowing water into a homogeneous overall jet without the flow straightener offering excessive flow resistance to the inflowing water, it is advantageous if the flow straightener has a grid structure of sets of intersecting straightener struts that define the outlet openings between them.

[0020] The water flowing through the flow straightener can be shaped particularly well if the straightener struts of the grid structure have a greater longitudinal extent oriented in the direction of flow compared to the strut width.

[0021] The formation of a homogeneous exit jet is favored if the rectifier ribs are arranged 'with gaps' in the extension of the flow space provided between the adjacent regulating ribs of the downstream rib plane.

[0022] A particularly simple embodiment, in which the jet separator can either be inserted into the jet regulator housing from the inflow side of the jet regulator up to a ring shoulder provided on the inner circumference of the housing or be integrally formed on the inner circumference of the jet regulator housing, provides that the jet separator is designed as a perforated plate which has the separator openings oriented in the direction of flow.

[0023] In order for the regulating ribs arranged in the first rib plane on the upstream side to perform their function particularly well, it is advantageous if the jet breaker in the jet regulator housing is arranged relative to the regulating ribs of the first rib plane on the upstream side in such a way that these regulating ribs are arranged in the direction of flow in line with the breaker openings.

[0024] To allow the individual jets exiting the jet separator to spread out unhindered and mix together in a mixing zone, it is advantageous if at least two rib-shaped spacers project from the inlet-side narrow edge of the inner wall or from the outlet side of the jet separator, keeping this inlet-side narrow edge at a distance from the jet separator. These rib-shaped spacers ensure sufficient distance between the outlet side of the jet separator on the one hand and the inner wall on the other, so that a mixing zone can form in this area within the interior of the jet regulator housing.

[0025] Preferred embodiments according to the invention provide that the flow straightener and the jet control device are integrally connected or form separate components of the jet control.

[0026] If these components are to be manufactured as separate parts and if these components are to be connected to each other when assembled in the aerator housing, it may be advantageous if the flow straighteners and aerator designed as separate parts are connectable to each other, and if, for this purpose, at least one plug-in pin, preferably at least two spaced-apart plug-in pins, protrudes / protrudes from one part, which can / can be inserted into an associated insertion opening on the other part.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, which significantly simplifies the construction and assembly, the plug(s) protrude from the downstream narrow edge of the inner wall and can be inserted into an associated insertion opening on the flow straightener.

[0028] The jet regulator can be permanently and, if necessary, irremovably mounted to the flow straightener by means of its inner wall, provided that the plug(s) can be inserted into the corresponding insertion opening until a cross-sectional expansion provided at the free end of the plug(s) protrudes beyond the flow straightener. This cross-sectional expansion, which, when the jet regulator is mounted, protrudes like a harpoon over the downstream side of the jet regulator, securely and firmly holds the flow straightener to the inner wall of the jet regulator.

[0029] It can be advantageous if the inner wall is divided into at least two wall sections with flat-sided molded ribs. These at least two sections are then inserted one after the other into the guide grooves on the inner circumference of the aerator housing until the inner wall formed by these wall sections is complete.

[0030] In a particularly simple embodiment according to the invention, the inner wall is divided into wall sections, each of which has at least one plane of regulating webs molded on it. In this embodiment, the regulating webs arranged in the individual web planes can be easily formed in different web cross-sections despite the comparatively small spacing.

[0031] It can be advantageous if at least one inner wall in the aerator housing is arranged in such a way that the distance of the inner wall to a first longitudinal wall of the aerator housing is greater than the distance to the second longitudinal wall.

[0032] To ensure that the water flowing through the aerator according to the invention is distributed evenly and effectively across the entire housing cross-section, even in such a design, it can be advantageous if the longitudinal axes of the separating openings of the aerator are aligned approximately with the center of the adjacent regulating rib. Thus, even if at least one inner wall is spaced differently from the longitudinal walls of the aerator housing on both sides, an even distribution of the flowing water across the entire housing cross-section is still guaranteed if the longitudinal axes of the separating openings of the aerator are aligned approximately with the center of the adjacent regulating rib, and if, if necessary, the separating openings arranged in spaced-apart rows are oriented obliquely to the longitudinal extent of the aerator housing in at least one of these rows.

[0033] It can be advantageous if the flow straightener and / or the jet regulating device is designed as a two-component or multi-component injection-molded part and / or is made of an elastomer plastic.

[0034] A preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that at least a partial area of ​​the rectifier bridges is made of an elastomeric plastic or has at least one surface made of an elastomeric plastic.

[0035] An advantageous embodiment according to the invention provides that the flow straightener has a grid structure consisting of a set of spaced-apart parallel first webs which intersect with at least one second web arranged perpendicular to the first webs, and that the first and second webs define the outlet openings of the flow straightener.

[0036] In order to ensure that the water guided through the aerator can be guided over almost the entire cross-section of the aerator housing, at least in the area of ​​the flow straightener, without a retaining ring surrounding and molded onto the flow straightener constricting this clear flow cross-section, it is advantageous if at least one of the first webs and preferably at least a plurality of the first webs of the flow straightener have free web ends on both sides and that the first webs with their free web ends can preferably be detachably locked in a locking groove on the inner circumference of the aerator housing.

[0037] In order to be able to arrange and mount the inner wall supporting the regulating webs in a functionally and correctly positioned manner in the interior of the aerator housing, without having to fear that the inner wall will tilt under the pressure of the flowing water, according to the invention at least one retaining fork and at least two spaced-apart retaining forks project from the side of the flow straightener facing the interior of the housing, in the fork opening of which the at least one inner wall of the aerator regulating device can be inserted.

[0038] This facilitates a tilt-proof hold of the inner wall and its regulating ribs, which are manufactured separately from the flow straightener, if the distance between the forks of the at least one holding fork that define the fork opening is adapted to the wall thickness of the inner wall assigned to the at least one holding fork and is dimensioned in such a way that the inner wall is held preferably perpendicular to the grid plane of the flow straightener defined by the grid structure, and in particular is tilt-proof.

[0039] Further developments according to the invention result from the claims in conjunction with the drawing and the following description of the figures.

[0040] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments.

[0041] It shows: Fig. 1 shows a flat aerator in a top view of its inlet-side housing end face, Fig. 2 shows the aerator made of Figure 1in a longitudinal section through section plane II-II according to Figure 1 , wherein it can be seen that a flow straightener and a jet regulating device can be inserted into the housing interior of the aerator housing from the outlet end face, and wherein the jet regulating device has an inner wall on which webs protrude on both sides, serving as impact elements, Fig. 3 the flow straightener and the jet regulating device of the in the Figures 1 and 2 The aerator shown in the figure is in perspective view, wherein the inner wall forming the jet regulating device, with the webs molded on both sides, is integrally connected to the flow straightener forming the outlet face of the aerator, Fig. 4 the aerator made of the Figures 1 to 3in an expanded perspective view of its components designed as injection-molded plastic parts, wherein these components are shown here in a perspective bottom view of the flat side of the aerator housing facing the user in the installed position of the aerator, Fig. 5 the components of the in the Figures 1 to 4 Fig. 6 shows a flat aerator in a perspective view from below, looking at the flat side of the aerator housing facing away from the user in the installed position; Fig. 7 shows an aerator also designed as a flat aerator in a top view of its inflow-side housing end face; Fig. 7 shows the aerator made of Figure 6 in a longitudinal section through section plane VII / VII according to Figure 6, whereby it can be seen that the components of the aerator inserted from the outlet end face and serving as flow straighteners and jet regulating devices are designed as separate components, Fig. 8 the components serving as flow straighteners and jet regulating devices of the in the Figures 6 and 7 The aerator shown in a disassembled view of individual parts, Fig. 9, the aerator from the Figures 6 to 8 in a splayed perspective bottom view of its components, Fig. 10, another aerator also designed here as a flat aerator, in a top view of its inflow-side end face, Fig. 11, the aerator made of Figure 10in a longitudinal section through section plane XI-XI, wherein the jet regulating device formed by an inner wall with regulating ribs molded on both sides, and the flow straightener forming the outlet end face and manufactured here as a two-component injection-molded part, are designed as separate components of the jet regulator, and wherein the plate-shaped flow straightener can be positively locked or snapped onto the inner circumference of the jet regulator housing in such a way that the jet regulating device inserted into the jet regulator housing is also secured there, Fig. 12 the flow straightener and the jet regulating device of the in the Figures 10 and 11 The aerator shown in a splayed perspective side view, Fig. 13, the flow straightener of the in the Figures 10 to 12 The aerator shown in a side view, Fig. 14, the flow straightener produced here as a two-component injection-molded part of the [unclear text] Figures 10 to 13aerator shown in a cross-section through section plane XIV-XIV in Figure 13 Fig. 15 shows a flat aerator in a top view of its inflow-side end face, Fig. 16 shows the aerator made of Figure 15 in a longitudinal section through section plane XVI-XVI according to Figure 15 , wherein the jet regulating device and the flow straightener, manufactured here as a two-component injection-molded part, are produced as separate plastic injection-molded parts and can be fixed to one another, Fig. 17 the flow straightener and the jet regulating device of the in the Figures 15 and 16 Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a single-part aerator before it is joined together, Fig. 18 shows a top view of its upstream end face, where the aerator shown here is also designed as a flat aerator, Fig. 19 shows the aerator made of Figure 18 in a longitudinal section through section plane XIX-XIX in Figure 18, wherein the inner wall of a jet regulating device can be seen, which is composed of three separately manufactured wall sections, Fig. 20 the three wall sections of the inner wall forming the jet regulating device of the in Figures 18 and 19 Fig. 21 shows the aerator with the webs molded on both sides, as well as the flow straightener forming the outlet face of the aerator, in a separated perspective view of individual parts; Fig. 22 shows an aerator designed as a flat aerator in a longitudinal section; Fig. 22 shows the aerator made of Figure 21 in a opposite Figure 21 longitudinal section rotated by 90° in section plane XXII-XXII according to Figure 21 , Fig. 23 the aerator from the Figures 21 and 22 in a detailed longitudinal section in which in Figure 22the circled section, wherein the longitudinally sectioned jet splitter is shown in the area of ​​two adjacent splitter openings, Fig. 24 a jet splitter also designed as a flat or rectangular jet splitter in a longitudinal section, and Fig. 25 the outlet end face of the in Figure 24 Flow straightener forming the jet regulator shown in a single perspective view.

[0042] In the Figures 1 to 25Figures 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, and 124 depict various versions of an aerator. Aerators 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, and 124 each have an aerator housing 1 that can be inserted into the water outlet of a sanitary fitting (not shown here) to shape the emerging water into a homogeneous, non-splashing, and optionally also gently aerated water jet. The aerator housing 1 encloses an interior space in which a jet splitter 2 with splitter openings 3 is provided. In the embodiments 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121 and 124 shown here, the plate-shaped jet splitter 2 with its splitter openings 3 is integrally formed on the inner circumference of the aerator housing 1. The flowing water is split into a multitude of individual jets in the splitter openings 3.These individual jets are further slowed and split inside the aerator housing 1 in a subsequent jet regulating device 4 before the water flowing through is recombined into a soft, homogeneous jet in a subsequent flow straightener 5. The flow straightener 5, which has a plurality of outlet openings 6, forms the outlet face A of the aerator 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, or 124. In the flow path between the jet splitter 2 and this flow straightener 5, the jet regulating device 4 is provided inside the housing. This device has regulating ribs 7 oriented transversely to the flow direction of the water. The flow straightener 5 and the jet regulating device 4 can be inserted into the aerator housing 1 from the outlet face A of the aerator.In order to keep the regulating ribs 7 in the flow path transverse to the direction of water flow, the jet regulating device 4 has at least one inner wall 8 to which the regulating ribs 7 are integrally formed on their flat sides. The jet regulating device 4, with its at least one inner wall 8 and the regulating ribs 7 integrally formed thereon, as well as the jet regulator housing 1 and the other components of the jet regulators 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124 shown here, can be easily manufactured as injection-molded parts, and in particular as plastic injection-molded parts, without the need for complex injection molds. The flow straightener 5 and the jet regulating device 4 are fixed to the inner circumference of the jet regulator housing 1 by means of a form-fit or frictional connection in such a way that these components 4, 5 do not unintentionally fall out of the jet regulator housing 1 even under the pressure of the flowing water.

[0043] In the Figures 2 , 7 , 11 , 16 , 19 , 21 and 24It can be seen that the aerators shown here have a pre-filter 9 on the inlet side of their aerator housing 1, which is designed to filter out any limescale and dirt particles that may be carried in the incoming water before they can impair the function of the aerator inside the housing. A flow regulator 10 can be arranged between the pre-filter 9 and the jet separator 2, which regulates the flow rate of the water flowing from the inlet side to the opposite outlet end face A of the aerator housing 1 to a defined maximum value, independent of the pressure. In the embodiments 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121 and 124 shown here, the aerator is designed as a rectangular or flat aerator and has a non-circular jet outlet that has a greater longitudinal extent than its transverse extent.In order to position the jet control device 4 correctly inside the jet control housing 1, the [missing information] is located on the inner circumference of the jet control housing. Figures 1 to 23 The aerators 101, 106, 110, 115, 118 and 121 shown are each provided with at least one guide groove 11 open towards the outlet end face A of the aerator, into which at least one inner wall 8 of the aerator regulating device 4 can be inserted with one of its narrow edges oriented in the insertion direction. To facilitate the simple assembly of the aerators shown in the Figures 1 to 23To further simplify the installation of the aerator shown, the aerator housing 1 of aerator versions 101, 106, 110, 115, 118 and 121 has a guide groove 11 on opposite sides of the inner circumference of the housing, open towards the outlet end face A, whereby the at least one inner wall 8, with its narrow edges oriented in the insertion direction, can be inserted into the guide grooves 11. In this way, correct positioning of the inner wall 8 with the regulating ribs 7 molded onto it is easily ensured.

[0044] For aerators 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121 and 124 according to the Figures 1 to 25The regulating ribs 7 are integrally formed on both sides of at least one inner wall 8. To shape the water flowing along the jet regulating device 4 and its regulating ribs 7 as desired, the regulating ribs 7 are integrally formed on at least one flat side of the at least one inner wall 8 in planes oriented transversely to the flow direction and preferably spaced apart from one another. To shape the water flowing through the jet regulator housing 1 particularly well in the successive rib planes of the jet regulating device 4, the regulating ribs 7 arranged in a downstream plane are staggered in a rib plane provided on the upstream side, extending from the flow space provided between adjacent regulating ribs.

[0045] In order to rapidly slow down and further divide the individual jets coming from the jet separator 2, the regulating webs 7 of the first web plane in the direction of flow each have an upstream impact surface 12 and are rounded on their downstream side.

[0046] In order to subsequently reunite the water jets that were slowed down and further divided in the jet regulating device 4, the regulating webs 7 of the web plane provided on the downstream side in the direction of flow have a greater longitudinal extent compared to the web width, oriented in the direction of flow, and are rounded on both their inflow and outflow sides.

[0047] In the aerator designs 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121 and 124 shown here, the regulating webs 7 of a middle web plane arranged between the first web plane and the web plane located downstream in the flow direction have a rounded and preferably a circular web cross-section. In this middle web plane, the flowing water is further slowed down and divided without causing excessive turbulence in the water flow.

[0048] In order for the flow straightener 5, provided at the outlet face A and designed here as a plate, to homogenize and combine the outflowing water into a single, homogeneous jet without the flow straightener 5 offering excessive flow resistance to the inflowing water, the flow straightener 5 of the jet regulators 101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121 and 124 shown here has a grid structure consisting of sets of intersecting straightener struts 13, which define the outlet openings 6 of the flow straightener 5. To shape the water flowing through the flow straightener 5 into a homogeneously outflowing jet band, the straightener struts 13 of the grid structure have a greater longitudinal extent, oriented in the direction of flow, compared to the strut width.

[0049] This promotes the formation of a homogeneous exit jet by arranging the rectifier webs 13 in a gap in the extension of the flow space provided between the adjacent regulating webs 7 of the downstream web plane.

[0050] In order to ensure that the regulating ribs 7 arranged in the first rib plane on the upstream side can perform their function particularly well, the jet breaker 2 in the jet regulator housing 1 is arranged relative to the regulating ribs 7 of the first rib plane on the upstream side such that these regulating ribs 7 are arranged in the direction of flow in the alignment of the breaker openings 3.

[0051] To allow the individual jets exiting the downstream side of the jet splitter 2 to spread out unhindered and mix together in a mixing zone, at least two rib-shaped spacers 14 are provided on the downstream side of the jet splitter or – as in this case – on the upstream narrow edge of the inner wall 8. These spacers keep this upstream narrow edge at a distance from the jet splitter 2. They ensure sufficient distance between the downstream side of the jet splitter 2 and the inner wall 8, allowing a mixing zone to form in this area within the housing of the jet regulator housing 1.

[0052] While during the in the Figures 1 to 5In the aerator design 101 shown, the flow straightener 5 and the jet regulating device 4 are integrally connected, while in the other aerator designs 106, 110, 115, 118, 121 and 124, the flow straightener 5 and the jet regulating device 4 form separate structural components or parts of these aerators.

[0053] During the Figures 15 to 17In the illustrated aerator design 115, the flow straighteners 5 and the jet regulating device 4, which are manufactured as separate components, can be connected to one another. For this purpose, at least two spaced-apart plug-in pins 15 are provided on one component, specifically on the inner wall 8 of the jet regulating device 4. Each of these pins can be inserted into a corresponding insertion opening 16 on the other component, specifically on the flow straightener 5. The plug-in pins 15 project from the downstream narrow edge of the inner wall 8 and can each be inserted into a corresponding insertion opening 16 on the flow straightener 5 until a cross-sectional expansion provided at the free end of the plug-in pins 15 projects beyond the flow straightener 5.This cross-sectional expansion, which protrudes like a harpoon over the outflow side of the aerator 115 when the aerator is mounted, securely and firmly holds the flow straightener 5 against the inner wall 8 of the aerator regulating device 4.

[0054] During the Figures 18 to 20 In the aerator design 118 shown, the inner wall 8 is divided into at least two, and here into three, wall sections 17, to which the regulating ribs 7 are integrally formed. The wall sections 17 are successively inserted into the guide grooves 11 on the inner circumference of the aerator housing 1 until the inner wall 8 formed by these wall sections 17 is created. A plane of regulating ribs 7 is integrally formed onto each of the wall sections 17. In the version shown in the Figures 18 to 20In the aerator design 118 shown, the regulating webs 7 arranged in the individual web planes can be well formed even in different web cross-sections despite the comparatively small distances.

[0055] At the in Figures 1 to 5 In the aerator design 101 shown, the plate-shaped flow straightener 5, with the inner wall 8 of the flow control device 4 integrally formed at a right angle to it, is inserted into the interior of the aerator housing 1 from the outflow side A of the aerator 101 until a detent projection provided on the outer circumference of the flow straightener 5 snaps into a complementary detent groove on the inner circumference of the aerator housing. This positive-locking connection of the flow straightener 5 to the inner circumference of the aerator housing 1 also secures the flow control device 4 integrally formed with the flow straightener 5 within the housing interior.

[0056] The jet regulating device 4 of the [unclear text] can also be [unclear text] in a similar way. Figures 15 to 17 The illustrated aerator design 115 is fixed in the interior of the aerator housing 1. If the aerator regulating device 4 is connected to the flow straightener 5, these components 4, 5 can be held securely and firmly in the aerator housing 1 if, additionally or instead, a latching or snap connection cooperating with the inner circumference of the aerator housing 1 is provided on the inner wall 8 of the aerator regulating device 4 and, in particular, on the narrow sides of this inner wall 8.

[0057] In the aerator versions 106, 110, 118, 121 and 124, the aerator regulating device 4 is first inserted into the aerator housing 1 from the outflow side, before the plate-shaped flow straightener 5 is then inserted into the aerator housing 1 and snapped or latched onto the inner circumference of the aerator housing 1 in such a way that the aerator regulating device 4 is also held securely and firmly in the interior of the aerator housing 1.

[0058] In order to ensure that the flat jet flowing from the aerator housing 1 is shaped with a sufficient quantity of water on both sides, even in its narrow edge areas, the following features are incorporated into the Figures 21 to 23In the aerator design 121 shown, the regulating webs 7 of the web plane provided on the downstream side in the direction of flow have a longitudinal extension curved towards an adjacent transverse wall 18 of the aerator housing 1, wherein this curvature of adjacent regulating webs 7 is greater in the case of the outer regulating web 7 which is arranged closer to the transverse wall 18 compared to the respective inner regulating web 7.

[0059] From a comparison of Figures 4 and 5It becomes clear that the aerators shown here, and in particular aerator design 101, have at least one slot-shaped ventilation opening 21 on only one of their longitudinal walls 19, and specifically only on the longitudinal wall 19 facing away from the user in the operating position. This opening leads into the mixing zone located below the jet breaker 2 in the direction of flow, allowing ambient air to flow into the interior of the aerator housing 1. For this purpose, the aerator housing 1 has a molded recess 20 on its outer circumference on the longitudinal wall 19 facing away from the user in the operating position. This recess extends from the outlet side A of the aerator housing to the ventilation opening 21.If the inner wall 8 is arranged approximately in the longitudinal center plane of the aerator housing 1, this results in the inner wall 8 having a greater distance from the longitudinal wall 19 facing the user in the operating position than from the longitudinal wall 19 facing away from the user in the operating position and having the ventilation opening 21. In order to ensure that the flowing water can nevertheless be distributed evenly across the cross-section of the aerator housing 1, the following applies: Figures 21 to 23In the aerator design 121 shown, the longitudinal axes of the separating openings 3 of the aerator 2 are aligned approximately with the midpoint of the adjacent regulating web 7. Although the regulating webs 7, which extend with their free web ends to the adjacent longitudinal wall 19, have different web lengths on the two sides of the inner wall 8, the flowing water is distributed evenly over the cross-section of the aerator housing 1 because the longitudinal axes of the separating openings 3 of the aerator 2 are each aligned approximately with the midpoint of the adjacent regulating web 7.

[0060] To counteract excessive calcification of the regulating ribs 7 and / or the straightening ribs 13, the flow straightener 5 and / or the jet regulating device 4 can be designed as a two-component or multi-component injection-molded part and, in particular, made of an elastomeric plastic 22. In the Figures 11 to 14and 15 to 17 In the illustrated embodiments, the flow straightener 5 is designed as a two-component injection-molded part, wherein a rigid, elastic plastic component 23, shown in the figures with fine dashed lines, forms a frame stiffening the flow straightener, while the water-wetted grid structure and / or the outer circumference of the flow straightener 5, which rests against the inner circumference of the housing, is made, at least superficially, of an elastomeric plastic 22, shown here with cross-hatching and appearing significantly lighter. A preferred embodiment is one in which at least a portion of the straightener webs 13 is made of an elastomeric plastic 22 or at least has a surface made of an elastomeric plastic 22.

[0061] In the Figures 24 and 25 is a modified further version 124 of a rectangular aerator in a longitudinal section (cf. Fig. 24) and in a perspective top view of its flow straightener 5 forming the outlet end face of this jet regulator 124 (cf. Fig. 25 ) shown. In Figure 25 It becomes clear that the flow straightener 5 of this jet regulator 124 has a lattice structure consisting of a set of spaced-apart parallel first straightener ribs 13, which intersect with at least one second straightener rib 13' and here with two spaced-apart second straightener ribs 13' at intersection nodes. At least a majority of the first straightener ribs 13 each have free rib ends 24 on both sides, which rib ends 24 are each formed as locking lugs. From a comprehensive view of the Figures 24 and 25It becomes clear that the flow straightener 5 of the aerator 124 can be detachably locked in a locking groove 25 arranged on the inner circumference of the aerator housing 1, preferably also of the aerator 124, with its free web ends 24. The first and second straightener webs 13, 13' define the outlet openings 6 of the downstream flow straightener 5 between themselves and, if applicable, also between themselves and the inner circumference wall of the aerator housing 1.

[0062] As a comparison of Figures 24 and 25 As can be seen, at least one retaining fork 26 and preferably at least two spaced-apart retaining forks 26 protrude from the side of the flow straightener 5 facing the interior of the aerator housing 1, in the fork opening 27 of which at least one inner wall 8 or at least one of the inner walls 8 of the aerator 4 can be inserted.

[0063] The spacing of the forks 28, 29 defining the fork opening 27 of the at least one retaining fork 26 is adapted to the wall thickness of the inner wall 8 associated with the at least one retaining fork 26 and is dimensioned such that the inner wall 8 is preferably held at right angles to the grid plane defined by the grid structure of the flow straightener, and in particular is held securely against tilting on this flow straightener 5. While the grid structure of the flow straightener is defined in the Figures 1 to 23 The flow regulators 101, 106, 110, 115, 118 and 121 shown are enclosed by a circumferential retaining ring, with which retaining ring the flow straightener can be engaged in a locking groove on the inner circumference of the flow regulator housing 1, is shown in the flow straightener 5 of the Figures 24 and 25The aerator 124 shown does without such a retaining ring, so that the entire cross-section of the aerator housing 1 is available to guide the flowing water without further constrictions. Reference symbol list

[0064] 1 Aerator housing 2 Aerator 3 Aerator openings 4 Aerator regulating device 5 Flow straightener 6 Outlet openings (of flow straightener 5) 7 Regulating ribs 8 Inner wall 9 Front screen 10 Flow regulator 11 Guide groove 12 Baffle surface 13, 13'Rectifier ribs 14 Spacer 15 Plug pin 16 Insertion opening 17 Wall sections 18 Transverse wall 19 Longitudinal wall 20 Molding 21 Ventilation opening 23 Elastomer plastic 24 Rib ends (of the in Figures 24 and 25 shown rectifier bridges 13) 25 locking groove 26 retaining fork 27 fork opening 28, 29 forks of the retaining fork 26 101 aerator according to the Figures 1 to 5 106 aerators according to the Figures 6 to 9 110 aerators according to the Figures 10 to 14 115 aerators according to the Figures 15 to 17118 aerators according to the Figures 18 to 20 121 aerators according to the Figures 21 to 23 124 aerators according to the Figures 24 to 25 Outlet end face of the aerator

Claims

1. Aerator (101) with an aerator housing (1) that can be inserted into a water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting and encloses a housing interior in which a jet splitter (2) with splitter openings (3) is provided, which divide the flowing water into a plurality of individual jets, and with a flow straightener (5) forming the outlet end face (A) of the aerator (101), which has a plurality of outlet openings (6), wherein a jet regulating device (4) is provided in the housing interior in the flow path between the jet splitter (2) and the flow straightener (5), which has regulating ribs (7) oriented transversely to the flow direction of the flowing water, characterized by the fact that the flow straightener (5) and the jet regulating device (4) are integrally connected.

2. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) with an aerator housing (1) that can be inserted into a water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting and encloses an interior housing space in which a jet splitter (2) with splitter openings (3) is provided, which divide the flowing water into a plurality of individual jets, and with a flow straightener (5) forming the outlet end face (A) of the aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124), which has a plurality of outlet openings (6), wherein a jet regulating device (4) is provided in the interior housing space in the flow path between the jet splitter (2) and the flow straightener (5), which has regulating ribs (7) oriented transversely to the flow direction of the flowing water. has, wherein the flow straightener (5) and the jet regulating device (4) can be inserted into the jet regulator housing (1) from the outflow side (A) of the jet regulator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124),wherein the jet regulating device (4) has at least one inner wall (8) to which the regulating ribs (7) are integrally formed on the flat side, and wherein the flow straightener (5) and / or the jet regulating device (4) can be fixed in the jet regulator housing (1) by means of a positive or frictional fit, , characterized by and that at least one retaining fork (26) projects from the side of the flow straightener (6) facing the interior of the housing, preferably at least two retaining forks (26) project from each other, in the fork opening (27) of which the at least one inner wall (8) of the jet regulating device (4) can be inserted.

3. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the regulating webs (7) to which at least one inner wall (8) is molded flat on both sides.

4. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact thatthe regulating webs (7) are formed on at least one flat side of the at least one inner wall (8) in planes oriented transversely to the flow direction and preferably spaced apart from each other.

5. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that The regulating webs (7) arranged in a downstream plane are arranged in a gap as an extension of the flow space provided between adjacent regulating webs (7) of a web plane provided on the upstream side.

6. Steel regulator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the regulating webs (7) of the first web plane in the direction of flow each have an upstream impact surface (12) and / or that these regulating webs (7) are rounded on their downstream side.

7. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatthe regulating webs (7) of the web plane provided on the downstream side in the direction of flow have a greater longitudinal extent oriented in the direction of flow compared to the web width and / or that these regulating webs (7) are rounded on their inflow and outflow sides.

8. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the regulating webs (7) of a web plane arranged between the first web plane and the web plane provided downstream in the direction of flow have a rounded and preferably a circular web cross-section.

9. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the flow straightener (5) has a grid structure of sets of intersecting straightener ribs (13) which define the outlet openings (6) between them.

10. Aerator (124) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe flow straightener (5) has a grid structure consisting of a group of spaced-apart parallel first straightener ribs (13) which intersect with at least one second straightener rib (13') arranged perpendicular to the first straightener ribs (13), and that the first and the second straightener ribs (13, 13') define the outlet openings (6) of the flow straightener (6), preferably wherein at least one of the first straightener ribs (13) and preferably at least a plurality of the first straightener ribs (13) of the flow straightener (6) each have free rib ends (24) on both sides, and the first straightener ribs (13) with their free rib ends (24) are preferably detachably lockable in a locking groove (25) on the inner circumference of the aerator housing (1).

11. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact thatThe rectifier webs (13) of the grid structure have a greater longitudinal extent oriented in the direction of flow compared to the web width.

12. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that the rectifier webs (13) are arranged in a gap as an extension of the flow space provided between the adjacent regulating webs (7) of the downstream web plane.

13. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that the jet separator (2) in the jet regulator housing (1) is arranged relative to the regulating ribs (7) of the upstream first rib plane such that these regulating ribs (7) are arranged in the direction of flow in the alignment of the separator openings (3).

14. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact thatthe longitudinal axes of the disassembly openings (3) of the beam disassembler (2) are aligned approximately with the center of the adjacent regulating web (7).

15. Aerator (124) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that The distance between the forks (28, 29) limiting the fork opening (27) of the at least one retaining fork (26) is adapted to the wall thickness of the inner wall (8) associated with the at least one retaining fork (26) and is dimensioned in such a way that the inner wall (8) is preferably held at right angles to the grid plane of the flow straightener (6) defined by the grid structure, in particular in a tilt-proof manner.

16. Aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an aerator housing (1) which (1) can be inserted into a water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting and encloses a housing interior in which a jet splitter (2) with splitter openings (3) is provided, which (3) divide the flowing water into a plurality of individual jets, and with a flow straightener (5) forming the outlet end face (A) of the aerator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124), which (5) has a plurality of outlet openings (6), wherein a jet regulating device (4) is provided in the housing interior in the flow path between the jet splitter (2) and the flow straightener (5), which (4) regulating bridges (7) oriented perpendicular to the direction of flow of the water passing through, characterized by the fact thatthe flow straightener (5) and the jet regulating device (4) can be inserted into the jet regulator housing (1) from the downstream side (A) of the jet regulator (101, 106, 110, 115, 118, 121, 124), that the jet regulating device (4) has at least one inner wall (8) to which the regulating ribs (7) are formed on the flat side, and that the flow straightener (5) and / or the jet regulating device (4) can be fixed in the jet regulator housing (1) by means of a positive or frictional fit.

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