THERMOSTATIC VALVE OPERATING KNOB DEVICE AND WALL MOUNTING DEVICE

Abstract

1. Operating handle device for a thermostatic valve and wall-mounted device. 2.1. The invention relates to an operating handle device for a thermostatic valve, wherein the operating handle device comprises a base body (1) and a handle unit (2) that is held on the base body and is axially displaceable relative thereto between a rest position and a first operating position, and rotatably movable in the first operating position. The invention further relates to a sanitary wall-mounted device comprising the operating handle device. 2.2.The operating handle device according to the invention has a second operating position (B2) into which the handle unit is axially displaceable from the first operating position and in which the handle unit is rotatable, and a movement guide (3) which only enables the axial displacement of the handle unit from the first operating position into the second operating position when the handle unit is in a predetermined release rotational position, and which locks the handle unit against rotation when it is axially located between the first operating position and the second operating position. 2.3. Use, for example, for sanitary facilities in shower rooms and bathrooms. 3. Fig. 8.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating handle device for a thermostatic valve, wherein the operating handle device comprises a base body and a handle unit that is held on the base body and axially displaceable relative thereto between a rest position and a first operating position, and rotatably movable in the first operating position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sanitary wall-mounted device with a wall-mountable receiving housing in which the operating handle device is arranged.

[0002] Operating handle devices for thermostatic valves are known in various designs and serve to allow a user to operate the thermostatic valve by actuating the handle unit accessible for this purpose in order to adjust one or more variable valve parameters of the thermostatic valve, such as, in particular, the temperature of a fluid delivered by the thermostatic valve or the mixing ratio of a colder and a warmer fluid, which are fed separately to the thermostatic valve and mixed by the thermostatic valve. In sanitary applications, the thermostatic valve is typically used to provide mixed water at a desired temperature from separately supplied cold water and hot water.

[0003] In operating handle devices of the type considered here and mentioned at the outset, the handle unit is arranged on the base body so as to be axially displaceable between the rest position and the operating position, whereby the user can operate the thermostatic valve via the rotational mobility of the handle unit in the operating position, i.e. can set the relevant valve parameter(s).

[0004] The rest position of the handle unit can, in particular, be a starting position of the operating handle device for controlling the thermostatic valve, preferably a position in which the handle unit is not accessible to the user for operation, e.g., by the handle unit being recessed into a user interface, and / or in which the handle unit, even if accessible, cannot execute a functionally active rotary movement, i.e., a rotary movement that influences the valve state of the thermostatic valve. Specifically, in the rest position, the handle unit can be arranged flush with the outside of a corresponding user interface and thus not accessible to the user for execution of the rotary movement.

[0005] Operating handle devices of the type in which, as mentioned above, the handle unit, in the rest position, is preferably arranged flush with the outside of a corresponding operating surface and is not accessible to the user for rotational movement, are common, for example, in cooking appliances such as ovens; see laid-open specifications EP 2 835 711 A1, EP 3 647 462 A1 and EP 2 410 547 A1. Furthermore, such operating handle devices are also used in sanitary applications for user operation of thermostatic valves; see utility model DE 20 2023 101 160 U1 and laid-open specification WO 2010 / 038033 A2.Typically, the handle unit in these operating handle devices can be moved by the user by axially pressing it from the rest position into a slightly further axially retracted position, from which it then automatically extends axially into the operating position by spring preload after it has been released by the user, whereby in the operating position it protrudes from the operating surface for the user to carry out the operating rotary movement.

[0006] In another type of operating handle device of the type mentioned above, the axial displaceability of the handle unit between the rest position and the operating position serves not only to move the handle unit between an inactive state in the rest position and an active operating state in the operating position, but also to simultaneously execute an associated valve control function, for example, an on / off switching function for a thermostatic valve. An operating device of this type is disclosed, for example, in published patent application EP 3 499 103 A1.

[0007] The invention is based on the technical problem of providing an operating handle device of the type mentioned at the outset, which offers further advantages over the above-mentioned prior art, in particular with regard to functionality, design aspects and / or manufacturing costs, as well as a sanitary wall-mounted device with such an operating handle device.

[0008] The invention solves this problem by providing an operating handle device having the features of claim 1 and a sanitary wall-mounted device having the features of claim 9. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, the wording of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the description. This includes, in particular, all embodiments of the invention resulting from the combinations of features defined by the references in the subclaims.

[0009] The operating handle device according to the invention has a second operating position into which the handle unit is axially displaceable from the first operating position and in which the handle unit is rotatable, and a movement guide which only releases the axial displacement of the handle unit from the first operating position into the second operating position when the handle unit is in a predetermined release rotational position, and which locks the handle unit against rotation when it is axially between the first operating position and the second operating position.

[0010] According to the invention, the second operating position thus forms a further, second operating level for the handle unit, in which the handle unit is rotatable and can thus be used for corresponding adjustment of the thermostatic valve, in addition to the first operating level provided by the first operating position. This allows the functionality of the operating handle device to be expanded as needed.

[0011] Due to this property, the operating handle device according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously to provide a known anti-scalding function for the thermostatic valve with comparatively low manufacturing effort and / or in a manner that is favorable in terms of design. In conventional thermostatic valves, this anti-scalding function is typically implemented by providing an end stop for the rotary movement of a correspondingly configured handle unit. This end stop corresponds to a maximum temperature specified for anti-scalding purposes and can be overridden by pressing a release button located on the handle unit.However, this requires the additional provision of such an unlocking mechanism, and the unlocking button, which must be accessible to the user and is typically located on the outer circumference of a sleeve-shaped operating handle part, limits the design flexibility for the handle unit. In the operating handle device according to the invention, however, such scalding protection and its overcoming can advantageously be realized in that one of the two operating positions, e.g., the first operating position, serves to adjust the valve in the temperature range below the maximum temperature specified for the scalding protection, while the other, e.g., the second, operating position serves to adjust the valve in the temperature range above this maximum temperature.

[0012] Since the movement guide only enables the axial displacement of the handle unit from the first to the second operating position when the handle unit is in the predetermined release rotational position, this prevents the handle unit from accidentally moving into the second operating position when it is operated, i.e. rotated, in the first operating position. Likewise, by locking the handle unit against rotation when it is axially between the first and second operating positions, the movement guide prevents the handle unit from accidentally rotating and thereby possibly causing an undesired valve function when the handle unit is moved from the first to the second operating position or vice versa from the second to the first operating position.The motion guide thus reliably separates the axial movement of the handle unit from the first to the second operating position, as well as from the second to the first operating position, from the respective rotational movement of the handle unit in the first and second operating positions, respectively. The motion guide is comparatively simple to implement and can be provided without the conventional, design-limiting release button.

[0013] To connect the thermostatic valve to be operated or controlled by the user with the aid of the operating handle device according to the invention, a connecting or coupling element of the thermostatic valve is coupled to the handle unit in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner in a conventional manner. After that, the user can carry out the intended valve adjustment function by turning the handle unit into the first or second operating position. The connecting or coupling element can, for example, be a connecting stub of a control shaft of the thermostatic valve that protrudes from a valve cartridge that functions as the valve housing. The base body of the operating handle device can, for example, be connected to or fixed to the valve cartridge or another stationary component of the thermostatic valve.Alternatively, the base body of the operating handle device can be attached to another component which in turn is connected to a stationary component of the thermostatic valve, such as a valve cartridge thereof.

[0014] The respective rotational mobility of the handle unit in the first and second operating positions, as provided in the operating handle device according to the invention, can also be used, if required, to adjust different valve parameters of the thermostatic valve, such as for an on / off switching function on the one hand and a fluid mixing function or fluid temperature adjustment function on the other hand.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, the handle unit in the first operating position is rotatably movable to a limited extent between a first and a second rotational end position, with the second rotational end position being the release rotational position. In this embodiment, the operating handle device thus enables a limited adjustment of an associated valve parameter on both sides with the handle unit in the first operating position, and the handle unit can be axially displaced into the second operating position when it is in the respective rotational end position of the first operating position.

[0016] This design is therefore particularly advantageous for providing the aforementioned anti-scalding function. Normal temperature adjustment up to the maximum temperature of the anti-scalding function is achieved with the handle unit in the first operating position, with the maximum temperature being defined by the second rotational end position. The anti-scalding function can be easily overridden by axially shifting the handle unit to the second operating position. The temperature setting for the corresponding increased temperature range is then achieved with the handle unit by turning it in the second operating position.

[0017] In alternative designs, the handle unit can rotate freely in the first operating position without any rotation angle limitation. In this case, any predefined rotation position of the handle unit in the first operating position can serve as the release rotation position for axially moving the handle unit from the first to the second operating position.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the handle unit in the second operating position can be further rotated from the release rotational position in the direction of rotation from the first to the second end position of the first operating position. This measure promotes intuitive operation of the handle unit in that the handle unit, after it has been rotated in the first operating position to the second end position and thus to the release rotational position, can be further rotated in the same direction of rotation in the second operating position after being axially moved into the second operating position. This corresponds to the further rotation of the handle unit in the aforementioned conventional thermostatic valve with scalding protection after actuating the release button. In alternative embodiments, the handle unit or the movement guide is configured such that the handle unit in the second operating position can be rotated in the opposite direction of rotation from the release rotational position, i.e.opposite to the direction of rotation from the first to the second end position, if this proves to be appropriate for corresponding applications.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the first operating position is located axially between the rest position and the second operating position. This represents an optimal sequence of these three different axial positions of the handle unit for many applications. The axial displacement of the handle unit from the first to the second operating position in this case occurs in the same axial forward or backward direction as the axial displacement from the rest position to the first operating position. In alternative embodiments, the rest position is located axially between the first and second operating positions, or the second operating position is located axially between the rest position and the first operating position, if this is expedient for corresponding applications.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, the handle unit comprises a handle body and an intermediate body. The handle body is rotationally coupled to the intermediate body and is guided for axial movement by a first guide slot on the intermediate body between a handle rest position corresponding to the rest position of the handle unit and a handle operating position corresponding to the first and second operating positions of the handle unit. The intermediate body is guided for rotation in the first and second operating positions by a second guide slot on the base body and is guided for axial movement in the release rotation position between the first operating position and the second operating position.

[0021] This represents a multi-part design of the handle unit that is advantageous from a structural and functional point of view, whereby this configuration is able to optimally fulfill the movement kinematics intended for the handle unit with regard to its rotational mobility in the first and second operating position as well as its axial displaceability between the rest position and the first and second operating position. The first slotted guide allows the handle body and thus the handle unit to be displaced axially relative to the intermediate body between the rest position on the one hand and the first and second operating position on the other. The second slotted guide allows the intermediate body and thus the handle unit, when the latter is in the release rotational position, to be displaced axially relative to the base body between the first and second operating position.In addition, the first guide rail ensures, through the rotary coupling, that the intermediate body rotates with the handle body when the handle body is rotated by the user to execute the rotary movement of the handle unit. At the same time, the second guide rail enables the intermediate body to rotate relative to the base body. The first and second guide rails thus represent advantageous variants of the movement guide of the operating handle device.

[0022] In this case, the aforementioned connecting or coupling element of the thermostatic valve is coupled to the intermediate body in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner, after which the user can perform the intended valve adjustment function by rotating the handle body in the first or second operating position of the handle unit. The rotation of the handle body is transferred to a corresponding rotation of the rotationally fixed intermediate body and thus to the connecting or coupling element of the thermostatic valve, which is rotationally fixed to it.

[0023] In alternative embodiments, the handle unit can be designed in one piece and can be arranged or held in a suitable manner on the base body of the operating handle device in an axially movable and rotatable manner by one or more guide rails or by the movement guide in the required manner.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the handle body and the intermediate body have telescopically interlocking sleeve parts. The first link guide includes a link groove on the sleeve part of the intermediate body and a link cam guided in the link groove on the sleeve part of the handle body. This represents an advantageously simple implementation for the handle body, the intermediate body and the first link guide for fulfilling the functions required of them. The link groove of the first link guide can, for example, form a curved path with a heart-shaped curve. It is understood that the first link guide can, if required, have one or more additional link grooves and associated link cams, preferably distributed around the sleeve circumference of the relevant sleeve part, which can increase the stability of the movement of the handle body relative to the intermediate body guided thereby.Alternatively, the handle body and the intermediate body may be realized in a different configuration suitable for fulfilling the required functionality, as will be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the base body has a sleeve section surrounding the intermediate body, and the second link guide includes a link groove on the sleeve section of the base body and a link cam guided in this groove and projecting radially from the intermediate body. This design also offers design advantages and enables reliable fulfillment of the required movement processes of the intermediate body as well as the guiding function of the second link guide. It is also understood here that the second link guide can, if necessary, have one or more additional link grooves and associated link cams to increase the stability of the movement guided thereby, preferably again in a circumferentially distributed arrangement.Alternatively, another configuration for the base body and the intermediate body can be used which fulfills the required functions, for example a configuration in which the intermediate body has a sleeve section surrounding the base body and the second slotted guide is implemented in a similar manner as stated above.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, the grip body is axially preloaded relative to the intermediate body from its rest position toward its operating position by a grip body preload spring. This allows the grip body to automatically move axially into its operating position after it has been moved from its rest position by the user. In alternative embodiments, this preload spring is omitted or replaced by an opposing preload spring. In these cases, the user actively moves the grip body axially, i.e., with force, into the operating position.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the intermediate body is axially prestressed relative to the base body from the second operating position towards the first operating position by an intermediate body prestressing spring. This measure enables the intermediate body to move automatically axially from the second to the first operating position when this movement is released by the handle unit being in the released rotational position. In this case, the axial displacement of the intermediate body from the first to the second operating position of the handle unit is carried out actively by the user, i.e. with the application of force, overcoming the prestressing force of the intermediate body prestressing spring. In alternative embodiments, the intermediate body prestressing spring is omitted or replaced by a prestressing spring with the opposite prestressing effect, in which case the intermediate body is then actively moved axially from the second to the first operating position by the user via the handle body and with the application of force.

[0028] In advantageous implementations, the intermediate body preload spring is supported on the intermediate body via a sliding surface so that when the intermediate body rotates during operating movements of the handle unit in the first or second operating position, it does not transmit any significant rotational forces to this preload spring at its support point on the intermediate body, which avoids undesirable torsional loads for the intermediate body preload spring. The sliding surface can be provided, for example, by a disc-shaped sliding element via which the intermediate body preload spring is supported against the intermediate body and which is preferably held in a rotationally fixed but axially movable manner on the base body. For this purpose, the sliding element can be guided, for example, via an associated link guide with one or more link cams on the sliding element and one or more corresponding link grooves on the base body.

[0029] The sanitary wall-mounted device according to the invention comprises a wall-mountable receiving housing with a front housing cover and the operating handle device according to the invention, which is arranged in the receiving housing and serves to actuate an adjustment unit of a thermostatic valve. The handle unit extends through an opening in the housing cover. The axial direction of movement of the handle unit runs perpendicular to the plane of the housing cover. The receiving housing does not necessarily have to be completely closed or sealed at the front and back. For example, the receiving housing can be a type of frame-shaped wall mounting bracket with an at least partially open back. In corresponding designs, the housing cover only covers part of the front of the receiving housing, in which the handle unit is located.

[0030] This represents a functionally and design-wise advantageous use of the operating handle device according to the invention as a component of a sanitary wall-mounted device. The user can manipulate the handle unit of the operating handle device via the opening in the housing cover of the wall-mountable receptacle housing of the wall-mounted device. Due to the perpendicular course of the axial movement direction of the handle unit to the plane of the housing cover, the handle unit assumes different axial positions relative to the housing cover in the rest position as well as in the first and second operating positions.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, the handle unit is arranged essentially flush with the housing cover in the rest position, i.e. one end face of the handle unit is flush with a surrounding surface of the housing cover. When the handle unit is in its first or second operating position, it protrudes from the housing cover. This represents an advantageous implementation for the relative axial position of the handle unit in relation to the housing cover. In the rest position, the handle unit is flush with the outside of the housing cover, which may be desirable from a design perspective. In both operating positions, the handle unit protrudes axially from the housing cover and can therefore be securely gripped by the user and rotated to effect the respective rotary movement.

[0032] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. These and other embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an operating handle device with a base body and a handle unit in a rest position for a thermostatic valve, Fig. 2 a side view of the operating handle device, Fig. 3 the side view of Fig. 2 with the handle unit in a first operating position, Fig. 4 the side view of Fig. 2 with the handle unit in a second operating position, Fig. 5 a longitudinal sectional view of the operating handle device in a first longitudinal plane with the handle unit in the rest position, Fig. 6 a longitudinal sectional view of the operating handle device in a second longitudinal plane perpendicular to the first, Fig. 7 the longitudinal sectional view of Fig. 5 with the handle unit in the first operating position, Fig. 8 the longitudinal section of Fig. 5with the handle unit in the second operating position, Fig. 9 an inside view of a half-shell of a two-shell version of the base body, Fig. 10 a side view of an intermediate body of the handle unit and Fig. 11 a perspective view of a sanitary wall-mounted device with an operating handle device according to the Figures 1 to 10 .

[0033] As illustrated in the figures using an exemplary embodiment, the operating handle device according to the invention comprises a base body 1 and a handle unit 2, which is held on the base body 1 and can be moved relative to it between a rest position RS, see the Fig. 1, 2 , 5 and 6 , and a first operating position B1, see the Fig. 3 and 7 , axially displaceable and rotatable in the first operating position B1. Starting from the first operating position B1, the handle unit 2 is axially displaceable into a second operating position B2, see the Fig. 4 and 8, whereby the handle unit 2 is also rotatably movable in the second operating position B2. A motion guide 3 only enables the axial displacement of the handle unit 2 from the first operating position B1 to the second operating position B2 when the handle unit 2 is in a predetermined release rotational position DF. The motion guide 3 locks the handle unit 2 against rotation when the handle unit 2 is axially located between the first operating position B1 and the second operating position B2.

[0034] Thus, the handle unit 2 can be axially displaced between the two operating positions B1, B2 without accidentally twisting and thereby causing an unintentional valve adjustment, and the handle unit 2 can be rotated in each of the two operating positions B1, B2, which can be used for a corresponding valve operating function or valve adjustment function of a thermostatic valve to be coupled to the operating handle device. The handle unit 2 can be moved from its rest position RS into its first operating position B1 by axial displacement. The rest position RS can, for example, be a pure storage position in which the handle unit 2 cannot execute any rotary movement that could influence the valve.Depending on requirements and application, the axial displacement of the handle unit 2 from the rest position RS to the first operating position B1 or vice versa from the first operating position B1 to the rest position RS can additionally be configured to fulfill an associated valve adjustment function.

[0035] In advantageous embodiments, the handle unit 2, as in the example shown, is in the first operating position B1 between a first rotary end position D1 and a second rotary end position D2, in Fig. 9by corresponding end regions or end stops of the movement guide 3, limited rotational movement, wherein the second rotational end position D2 represents the release rotational position DF. In other words, the handle unit 2 can be rotated over a limited rotational angle range in this case. In the case of a thermostatic valve with an anti-scalding function, this can be used, for example, to set the temperature for the thermostatic valve between a minimum temperature, typically the temperature of a supplied cold fluid, and a maximum anti-scalding temperature that lies below the maximum possible temperature, the latter typically being determined by the temperature of a supplied hot fluid.In the second rotational end position D2, the handle unit 2 can be axially displaced from its first operating position B1 to its second operating position B2, if necessary, and the user can then rotate the handle unit 2 in the second operating plane defined by the second operating position B2, which is axially spaced from the first operating plane represented by the first operating position B1. In the case of the thermostatic valve with anti-scalding function, the rotational mobility of the handle unit 2 in the second operating position B2 can be used to set the temperature of the fluid delivered by the thermostatic valve to a desired value between the maximum anti-scalding temperature and the maximum possible temperature defined by the hot fluid.

[0036] In corresponding implementations, the handle unit 2, as in the example shown, can be rotated further in the second operating position B2 from the release rotational position DF in the direction of rotation from the first rotational end position D1 to the second rotational end position D2 of the first operating position B1. As a result of this measure, the effective direction of the rotational movement of the handle unit 2 in the second operating position B2 on the valve parameter influenced thereby can correspond to the effective direction of the rotational movement of the handle unit 2 in the first operating position B1 on the setting of the valve parameter assigned to this rotational movement, wherein the valve parameter influenced by the rotational movement of the handle unit 2 in the first operating position B1 can be the same or a different valve parameter that is set by the rotational movement of the handle unit 2 in the second operating position B2.In alternative embodiments, it can be provided that the handle unit 2 can be rotated in the second operating position B2 from the release rotational position DF in the opposite direction of rotation to the first operating position B1, quasi as a reverse rotation of the forward rotation in the first operating position B1 in the direction of the second rotational end position D2.

[0037] In corresponding embodiments, the first operating position B1, as in the example shown, is located axially between the rest position RS and the second operating position B2. Specifically, as in the example shown, the rest position RS can be a position that is axially retracted or pressed in furthest in the direction of the base body 1, and the second operating position B2 can be a position of the handle unit 2 that is extended or protruded furthest in relation to the base body 1. This clarifies a comparative analysis of the Fig. 2 to 4 .

[0038] In advantageous embodiments, the handle unit 2, as in the example shown, has a handle body 4 and an intermediate body 5. The handle body 4 is rotationally coupled to the intermediate body 5, ie the intermediate body 5 rotates with the handle body 4 when it is rotated. In addition, the handle body 4 is guided by a first guide 6, see in particular the Fig. 5 , 7 , 8 and 10 , on the intermediate body 5 between a handle rest position GR corresponding to the rest position RS of the handle unit 2, see the Figs. 5 and 6 , and a handle operating position GB corresponding to the first and second operating positions B1, B2 of the handle unit 2, see the Figs. 7 and 8 , guided axially movable.

[0039] The intermediate body 5 is guided by a second link guide 7 on the base body 1 in the first and second operating positions B1, B2 and in the release rotational position DF is guided axially movable between the first operating position B1 and the second operating position B2.

[0040] The first and second link guides 6, 7 thus form the components of the motion guide 3 for this configuration of the handle unit 2 with handle body 4 and intermediate body 5 in order to fulfill the guide functions required by the motion guide 3 for the handle unit 2.

[0041] In corresponding implementations, the handle body 4 and the intermediate body 5, as in the example shown, have telescopically interlocking sleeve parts 4a, 5a, see in particular the Fig. 5 to 8 and 10, wherein the first link guide 6 comprises a link groove 6a on the sleeve part 5a of the intermediate body 5 and a link cam 6b guided in the link groove 6a on the sleeve part 4a of the handle body 4. Depending on requirements, several link grooves 6a and link cams 6b can be provided for the first link guide 6. In the example shown, the first link guide 6 comprises two link grooves 6a and associated link cams 6b offset from one another by 180° in the circumferential direction.

[0042] In the example shown, the link groove 6a contains, as can be seen from Fig. 10As can be seen, two spaced-apart, parallel track sections 6a 1 , 6a 2 extend obliquely in the axial direction and circumferential direction, which open into or out of a holding section 6a 3 in an axially inward direction. The holding section 6a 3 defines a stable track point for the link cam 6b engaging in the link groove 6a. When the link cam 6b is located in this holding section 6a 3 , this represents the rest position RS of the handle unit 2.By slightly axially pressing in the handle body 4 relative to the intermediate body 5, the link cam 6b can be guided out of the holding section 6a 3 and reaches the track section 6a 2 , whereby the handle body 4 can move axially relative to the intermediate body 5 in order to move the handle unit 2 from the rest position RS into the first operating position B1, for which purpose the handle body 4 is displaced axially on the intermediate body 5 from its handle rest position GR, which is defined by the positioning of the link cam 6b on the holding section 6a 3, into its handle operating position GB.

[0043] In corresponding embodiments, the base body 1, as in the example shown, has a sleeve section 1a surrounding the intermediate body 5. The second link guide 7 comprises a link groove 7a on the sleeve section 1a of the base body 1 and a link cam 7b guided in this groove and projecting radially from the intermediate body 5, see in particular the Fig. 5 to 9. It is understood that the second guide rail 7 may have one or more additional guide grooves 7a and one or more associated additional guide cams 7b as required. In the example shown, the base body 1 is formed in a sleeve-like manner from two sleeve half-shells, wherein Fig. 9 shows a top view of the inside of one of the two half shells.

[0044] As particularly in Fig. 9As can be seen, the respective link groove 7a contains two groove sections 7a 1 , 7a 2 , each formed on the inside of the sleeve section 1a of the base body 1, each running in the circumferential direction, which are axially spaced from one another and each extend over a circumferential angle of slightly less than 360°. In the circumferential angular range in which the release rotational position DF lies, the link groove 7a additionally has an axial groove section 7a 3 , which connects the two circumferentially running and axially spaced-from-one-another groove sections 7a 1 , 7a 2 with one another.As a result, the link groove 7a provides a link path for the link cam 7b, which comprises the groove section 7a 1 in the circumferential direction for the rotation of the intermediate body 5 and thus of the handle unit 2 relative to the base body 1 in the first operating position B1, the groove section 7a 2 axially offset from the groove section 7a 1, also in the circumferential direction, for the rotation of the intermediate body 5 and thus of the handle unit 2 in the second operating position B2 relative to the base body 1, and the axial groove section 7a 3 in the axial direction between the two groove sections 7a 1, 7a 2 for the axial displacement of the intermediate body 5 and thus of the handle unit 2 between the first operating position B1 and the second operating position B2 relative to the base body 1, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 symbolized by an associated double arrow DP, which symbolizes the movement of the cam 7b.

[0045] In corresponding embodiments, as in the example shown, the respective link cam 6b of the first link guide 6 is formed by a radially inwardly bent end region of a wire clamp 13, which is held with its other end region on an end face of the cup-shaped handle body 4 and extends with a central region axially along the inside of the handle body 4, as can be seen from Fig. 5 to recognize.

[0046] In corresponding implementations, the handle body 4, as in the example shown, is pre-tensioned axially relative to the intermediate body 5 by a handle body pre-tensioning spring 11 from its handle rest position GR towards its handle operating position GB, as can be seen from the Fig. 5 to 8visible. In the example shown, this preload spring 11 is accommodated in a front-end recess of the intermediate body 5 and is designed as a helical compression spring, which is supported on the one hand on the intermediate body 5 and on the other hand on the front surface of the cup-shaped handle body 4.

[0047] In corresponding embodiments, the intermediate body 5, as in the example shown, is pre-tensioned axially relative to the base body 1 by an intermediate body pre-tensioning spring 12 from the second operating position B2 towards the first operating position B1. Fig. 5 to 7 show the preload spring 12 in its more relaxed state, Fig. 8shows the preload spring 12 in its more tensioned state when the user moves the intermediate body 5 from the first operating position B1 to the second operating position B2 against the force of the preload spring 12. In the example shown, the intermediate body preload spring 12 is formed by a helical compression spring, which is supported on the one hand on the intermediate body 5 and on the other hand on the base body 1.

[0048] In advantageous implementations, the intermediate body preload spring 12 is supported on the intermediate body 5 via a sliding surface 14, which is provided by a disc-shaped sliding element 15, see the Fig. 5 to 8. The support of this preload spring 12 against the additional body 5 via the sliding surface 14 has the effect that the intermediate body 5 can rotate without transmitting an excessive rotational load or torsional load to the preload spring 12, since the intermediate body 5 can slide along the sliding surface 14 of the sliding element 15, while the sliding element 15 and the end face of the preload spring 12 contacting it remain rotationally fixed on the base body 1. For this purpose, the sliding element 15 is held or guided in a rotationally fixed but axially movable manner on the base body 1, e.g., as shown, by a radial guide extension 15a formed on the sliding element 15, which engages in an associated axial groove 16 on the base body 1.In this way, the sliding element 15 remains securely held on the base body 1 when the intermediate body 5 rotates and slides along the sliding surface 14 of the sliding element 15. This consequently avoids undesirable torsional loading of the intermediate body preload spring 12 when the handle unit 2 executes its rotational movement in the first or second operating position B1, B2, in which the intermediate body 5 rotates accordingly. On the other hand, the sliding element 15 can follow the axial movement of the intermediate body 5 when it is axially displaced between the first and second operating positions B1, B2.

[0049] In corresponding versions, the intermediate body 5, as in the version shown, see the Fig. 5 to 8, in its hollow interior a polygonal receptacle 17, e.g., a hexagonal receptacle, in which a connecting element or coupling element with a corresponding polygonal cross-section of the thermostatic valve to be operated via the operating handle device can be received in a rotationally fixed manner. This coupling element can, for example, be a corresponding connecting stub of a control shaft of the thermostatic valve, wherein the control shaft protrudes with this connecting stub from a valve cartridge that forms a housing for the thermostatic valve. Such thermostatic valves are known per se to those skilled in the art and therefore require no further explanation here.

[0050] Accordingly, the invention also includes a thermostatic valve arrangement comprising a thermostatic valve with a valve part for temperature regulation of a fluid flow to be controlled by the thermostatic valve and an operating handle device according to the invention for actuating the valve part.

[0051] Fig. 11 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the sanitary wall-mounted device according to the invention, with only its components of interest here. As can be seen therefrom, the wall-mounted device comprises a wall-mountable receiving housing 8 with a front housing cover 9 and an operating handle device according to the invention arranged in the receiving housing 8 for actuating a conventional thermostatic valve (not shown in detail here). The handle unit 2 of the operating handle device extends through an opening 10 in the housing cover 9, wherein the axial direction of movement of the handle unit 2 is perpendicular to the plane of the housing cover 9.

[0052] In the example shown, the housing cover 9 includes a plurality of openings 10, two of which are each occupied by an operating handle device according to the invention. Fig. 11The lower operating handle device according to the invention is shown with the handle unit 2 in its first operating position B1, in which the handle unit 2 projects axially forward beyond the housing cover 9 so that it can be comfortably gripped by the user in order to carry out a valve-controlling rotary movement. A second operating handle device according to the invention, located above it, is shown with the handle unit 2 in its rest position RS, i.e. the handle body 4 is in its rest position GR. Instead of one of the two operating handle devices according to the invention, a different valve operating device can be provided in corresponding designs, for example a conventional operating handle device or operating button device for a shut-off valve or a flow control valve. Furthermore, in the example shown, three conventional operating button devices 18 are accommodated in associated openings 10 in the receiving housing 8, flush with the outside of the housing cover 9.

[0053] In advantageous embodiments, the handle unit 2, as in the example shown, is arranged essentially flush with the housing cover 9 in the rest position RS, while it protrudes axially from the housing cover 9 in its first and second operating positions B1, B2. In the rest position RS, the handle unit 2 is therefore recessed in the housing cover 9 and is not accessible to the user for performing a rotating movement. On the other hand, the user can easily grip and rotate the handle unit 2 in the first operating position B1 and in the second operating position B2, for which purpose the handle unit 2 protrudes sufficiently far forward beyond the housing cover 9 in these operating positions B1, B2.

[0054] In order to move the handle unit 2 from the rest position RS into the first operating position B1, the user presses the handle unit 2 like a push button, more precisely on the end face of the cup-shaped handle body 4, and displaces it axially slightly into the housing cover 9, whereby the respective link cam 6b comes out of the holding section 6a 3 of the associated link groove 6a, after which the handle unit 2 automatically moves axially into the first operating position B1 under the action of the handle body pretensioning spring 11.

[0055] If the user wishes to move the handle unit 2 into the second operating position B2, they pull the handle unit 2 axially further forward, counter to the intermediate body preload spring 12, out of the housing cover 9. To do this, as explained, the handle unit 2 must first have been rotated into the release rotational position DF. The user can then rotate the handle unit 2 into the second operating position B2, whereby a snapping back into the first operating position B1 is blocked as long as the rotational position of the handle unit 2 does not correspond to the release rotational position DF.

[0056] Only when the handle unit 2 has been rotated back into the release rotation position DF in the second operating position B2 can the handle unit 2 automatically move axially back into the first operating position B1 under the action of the intermediate body preload spring 12.

[0057] If the user wants to move the handle unit 2 from the first operating position B1 into the rest position RS, he presses axially on the handle unit 2 or the handle body 4 against the preload force of the handle body preload spring 11 until the handle unit 2 has reached the rest position RS and is held there by the corresponding design of the first link guide 6, as explained above, in that the respective link cam 6b enters the associated holding section 6a 3.

[0058] In corresponding embodiments, the receiving housing 8, as in the example shown, has a recess 19, which is left free by the housing cover 9 and can be used, for example, for storing objects. The recess 19 can be closed at the rear, as shown, or alternatively, be completely open at the rear or partially open at the rear.

[0059] In corresponding embodiments, the sanitary wall-mounted device, as in the example shown, comprises a hand shower with a hand shower body 20, which is removably received in an associated further opening 10 of the housing cover 9 in the receiving housing 8, wherein the hand shower body 20, in the shown rest or storage position, is flush with the adjacent surface of the housing cover 9. Thus, the hand shower body 20, the respective operating handle device 2 according to the invention and the optional conventional operating devices 18 are received in the receiving housing 8 in such a way that they are flush with the outside, i.e. aligned, with the surrounding area of ​​the housing cover 9, which in this case functions as a type of cover rosette.

[0060] As the illustrated and further embodiments explained above make clear, the invention advantageously provides an operating handle device for a thermostatic valve, which offers particular advantages with regard to functionality and design aspects as well as low manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the invention provides a sanitary wall-mounted device equipped with one or more operating handle devices according to the invention. Although the invention has been explained primarily in connection with sanitary thermostatic valves, it is understood that the operating handle device according to the invention can be used equally well for thermostatic valves in non-sanitary applications.

Claims

1. Operating handle device for a thermostatic valve, comprising - a base body (1) and - a handle unit (2) which is held on the base body (1) and is axially displaceable relative thereto between a rest position (RS) and a first operating position (B1) and is rotatably movable in the first operating position (B1), characterized by - a second operating position (B2) into which the handle unit (2) is axially displaceable starting from the first operating position (B1) and in which the handle unit (2) is rotatable, and - a movement guide (3) which only releases the axial displacement of the handle unit (2) from the first operating position (B1) into the second operating position (B2) when the handle unit (2) is in a predetermined release rotational position (DF), and which locks the handle unit (2) against rotation when it is axially between the first operating position (B1) and the second operating position (B2).

2. Operating handle device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the handle unit (2) in the first operating position (B1) is rotatably movable to a limited extent between a first and a second rotational end position (D1, D2) and the second rotational end position (D2) is the release rotational position (DF).

3. Operating handle device according to claim 2, further characterized in that the handle unit (2) in the second operating position (B2) can be rotated further from the release rotational position (DF) in the direction of a rotational direction from the first to the second rotational end position (D1, D2) of the first operating position (B1).

4. Operating handle device according to one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized in that the first operating position (B1) is located axially between the rest position (RS) and the second operating position (B2).

5. Operating handle device according to one of claims 1 to 4, further characterized in thatthe handle unit (2) has a handle body (4) and an intermediate body (5), wherein the handle body (4) is rotationally coupled to the intermediate body (5) and is guided axially movably by a first slotted guide (6) on the intermediate body (5) between a handle rest position (GR) corresponding to the rest position (RS) of the handle unit (2) and a handle operating position (GB) corresponding to the first and second operating positions (B1, B2) of the handle unit (2), and wherein the intermediate body (5) is guided rotationally movably in the first and second operating positions (B1, B2) by a second slotted guide (7) on the base body (1) and is guided axially movably between the first operating position (B1) and the second operating position (B2) in the release rotational position (DF).

6. Operating handle device according to claim 5, further characterized in thatthe handle body (4) and the intermediate body (5) have telescopically interlocking sleeve parts (4a, 5a) and the first link guide (6) comprises a link groove (6a) on the sleeve part (5a) of the intermediate body (5) and a link cam (6b) guided in the link groove (6a) on the sleeve part (4a) of the handle body (4).

7. Operating handle device according to claim 5 or 6, further characterized in that the base body (1) has a sleeve section (1a) surrounding the intermediate body (5) and the second link guide (7) comprises a link groove (7a) on the sleeve section (1a) of the base body (1) and a link cam (7b) guided in this groove and projecting radially from the intermediate body (5).

8. Operating handle device according to one of claims 1 to 7, further characterized in thatthe handle body (4) is prestressed axially from its handle rest position (GR) in the direction of its handle operating position (GB) relative to the intermediate body (5) by a handle body prestressing spring (11) and / or the intermediate body (5) is prestressed axially from the second operating position (B2) in the direction of the first operating position (B1) relative to the base body (1) by an intermediate body prestressing spring (12).

9. Sanitary wall-mounted device with - a wall-mounted receiving housing (8) with a front housing cover (9) and - an operating handle device according to one of claims 1 to 8 arranged in the receiving housing (8) for actuating an adjustment unit of a thermostatic valve, - wherein the handle unit (2) extends through an opening (10) in the housing cover (9) and the axial direction of movement of the handle unit (2) is perpendicular to the plane of the housing cover (9).

10. Sanitary wall-mounted device according to claim 10, wherein the handle unit (2) is arranged substantially flush with the housing cover (9) in the rest position (RS) and protrudes from the housing cover (9) in its first and second operating positions (B1, B2).