Sprayer unit, outlet with sprayer unit, and method for operating sprayer unit

Abstract

A sprayer unit (11) is designed for use at outlets, particularly in showerheads or faucets, for distributing liquids, especially water or aqueous mixtures. The sprayer unit (11) comprises a set of sprayers (10). Each sprayer (10) is equipped with a set of nozzles (12) that create a collidered jet of liquid, thereby producing a spray of liquid droplets. Each sprayer (10) is equipped with an associated spray shaping device (84) for guiding the spray, the spray shaping device (84) being a cavity through which the spray passes before leaving the sprayer unit (11). The number of sprayers (10) in the sprayer set is at least 3. The sprayer (10) of the sprayer set may be formed as a single part or assembled from two or more separate parts.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sprayer unit for use at an outlet, for spraying a liquid such as water or an aqueous mixture, for example in cleaning equipment of the type used in the field of domestic plumbing installations. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (Methven) discloses a shower head having a plurality of nozzle pairs, each nozzle pair generating colliding water jets for the purpose of producing a water spray. It is assumed that the shower head operates well over a pressure range of 25 to 1000 kPa, that is, from 0.25 bar to 10 bar. However, there is no disclosure of what physical dimensions correspond to a particular pressure or pressure range. The outlet diameter of the nozzles is between 0.8 millimeters and 1 millimeter. The nozzles are formed between two plates arranged opposite each other. The nozzles are oriented to have a groove angle between 40° and 140°. The nozzles of a nozzle pair are arranged to collide with 20% to 80% overlap, that is, they are designed to be misaligned. In view of the nozzle dimensions and the number of nozzles, the total flow rate is relatively large.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a spray head with colliding water jets produced by four holes inclined at an angle of 45° in a flat plate. The thickness of the plate is 1 to 5 mm. The diameter of the holes is said to be smaller than 12 mm for the nozzle.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an aerator with colliding water jets that includes a flow guide element after the point of collision.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses an outlet for a shower or faucet in which water is distributed through an impinging jet at a low flow rate and high pressure, usually above 10 bar. In contrast to Patent Document 1 mentioned above, only one or two nozzle pairs are sufficient for the outlet in the showerhead. A good washing experience, i.e., sufficient water flow and a good rinsing sensation despite the low flow rate, is obtained by atomizing water using an impinging jet, which is a result of the high pressure.

[0006] Patent Document 5 discloses, for example, a cartridge for generating a spray of a liquid such as water or an aqueous mixture from an impinging jet, in embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 and Figures 20 to 23. Such a cartridge may be an integrated unit for atomizing and spraying such a liquid aqueous mixture using an impinging jet of liquid under high pressure.

[0007] Patent document 6 discloses a cartridge for use in a shower head or faucet, comprising a set of at least two nozzles configured to create a swirl of liquid, thereby producing a spray of liquid droplets, and a spray shaper for guiding the spray. The spray shaper may have the form of a hollow cylinder. The nozzle diameter is disclosed to be 0.8 mm to 1.5 or 2 mm, preferably about 1.3 mm. The angle between the longitudinal axes of the nozzle is 90° ± 20°. The distance between the point of impact of the jet and the front (approximately equal to the length of the spray shaper) is greater than 14, 17, or 20 millimeters, and especially less than 30, 25, or 22 millimeters. The maximum distance between the rear end and front end of the spray former is greater than 18, 21, or 24 millimeters, and especially less than 33, 28, or 25 millimeters. The inner diameter of the spray molding device is 10 to 18 millimeters, preferably 14 millimeters.

[0008] Patent Document 6 discloses the operating principles for generating a liquid spray by impinging jets and for forming the spray using a spray shaping device, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0009] The effects of such a spray, generated using an impinging jet, include good wetting and rinsing of surfaces due to the presence of small droplets, as well as a comfortable cleaning experience in the case of showers or faucets. These effects are combined with reduced water usage.

[0010] Such effects need to be achieved in order to operate under a wider range of conditions, and / or to increase the versatility of sprayers using impinging jets, and / or to increase water conservation compared to existing outlets.

[0011] The following terms shall be used: An outlet comprises one or more sprayers. A sprayer comprises a nozzle set having, for example, two or more nozzles for creating a jet of impinging water. In contrast to sprayers commonly used in showers, a sprayer produces a flow of a mixture of air and fine water droplets, rather than macroscopic droplets. An outlet may be part of a faucet, or a shower head attached to a handle, or a shower head fixedly installed in a pipe in a wall or at the end of a sink. Thus, an outlet is a unit that can be transported, operated, and installed as a single unit, as opposed to a shower system. A shower system may comprise two or more shower heads, for example located on the upper and inside of the side walls of a shower cabin, with additional piping providing pressurized water to the shower heads. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2004 / 101163A1 [Patent Document 2] Belgian Patent No. 514104A [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 2744738 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 8458826 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2011 / 054120A1 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2019 / 233958A1 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] A possible object of the present invention is to provide a sprayer unit with a wider range of applications in terms of its range of applications and / or operating conditions and / or water conservation, and a corresponding outlet equipped with a sprayer, particularly for use in cleaning devices in household plumbing systems or portable shower or handwashing units. A further possible object is to provide a method for operating the sprayer unit. A further possible object is to provide a sprayer unit with improved acoustic characteristics, particularly one that generates less noise.

[0014] At least some of these objectives are achieved by the sprayer unit, and an outlet comprising the sprayer, as well as a method for operating the sprayer unit, and an aerator unit, according to the corresponding claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] According to a first aspect, a sprayer unit, a method for operating the sprayer unit, and an outlet comprising the sprayer unit are provided. They enable the production of a finely atomized spray, in particular, even at low pressures.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerator unit for use at an outlet. They enable a finely atomized spray to be generated at a water tap or similar outlet.

[0017] According to a third aspect, there is provided a sprayer unit having improved acoustic properties compared to existing sprayers that use impinging liquid jets.

[0018] In an aerator unit as described for the second aspect, a sprayer unit having the parameters described for the first aspect may be used.

[0019] A sprayer unit having the parameters as described for the first and second aspects may be used in combination with a laterally wider section as described for the third aspect.

[0020] The sprayer unit according to the first aspect is designed for use at an outlet, in particular at a shower head or a tap, for dispensing a liquid, in particular water or an aqueous mixture. The sprayer unit comprises a set of sprayers, - each sprayer comprises a set of at least two, in particular exactly two, nozzles configured to produce impinging jets of liquid, thereby producing a spray of liquid droplets, - the number of sprayers in the set of sprayers is at least three, - the sprayers of the set of sprayers are formed as a single part or assembled from two or more separate parts.

[0021] In an embodiment, some or preferably all sprayers are provided with an associated spray shaper for guiding the spray, the spray shaper being a cavity through which the spray passes before exiting the sprayer unit. Therefore, there is preferably a one-to-one correspondence between sprayers and spray shapers. Typically, the cavity is empty, that is, it is free of internal obstructions that would otherwise affect the spray, except for the peripheral lateral walls for shaping said spray.

[0022] A nozzle has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the jet produced by the nozzle. The set of nozzles produces a spray having a longitudinal axis which is the main direction of the spray, also referred to as the spray axis. This is also typically the axis that bisects the nozzle axis, and is also referred to as the longitudinal axis of the sprayer. Typically, the spray shaper is arranged with its longitudinal axis, which is also normally its axis of symmetry, to coincide with the spray axis and thus the longitudinal axis of the sprayer. A complete sprayer unit has a main longitudinal axis, which is the longitudinal axis of the combined spray produced by all the sprayers of the sprayer unit. All the longitudinal axes of the sprayers may be parallel to the main longitudinal axis, or at least some of them may be at an angle relative to the main longitudinal axis.

[0023] In an embodiment, the sprayers of the set of sprayers are not formed as a single piece. That is, they are formed or assembled from two or more separate parts. In this case, they may be non-separably attached to each other, for example, by welding or bonding. Alternatively, they may be separably attached to each other, that is, designed to be disassembled and reassembled. In other words, the sprayer unit is not formed as a single piece.

[0024] Compared to known sprayers at the outlet, the number of sprayers is relatively large and the dimensions of individual sprayers are much smaller. This enables several advantages compared to known sprayers.

[0025] Sprayers can be operated at lower pressures, for example, around 1 bar or even less. The flow rate per sprayer will be lower, but a combination of multiple sprayers will achieve the required total flow rate.

[0026] This ability to operate at lower pressures allows for the design and manufacturing processes of sprayer units operating at specific pressures, such as approximately 1 bar, to be optimized for mass production. The sprayer unit can then be used over a wide range of pressures by combining it with a pressure-reducing element.

[0027] To mimic the feel of a conventional shower while retaining the water-saving advantages of a swirl jet, the flow may be split across multiple sprayers.

[0028] Furthermore, individual sprayers can be made smaller, and in particular, their spray shaping units can be made shorter, so the overall thickness of the sprayer unit can be smaller than that of existing solutions. This gives more freedom when designing outlets, such as shower heads.

[0029] The typical shape of the sprayer unit may be a flat plate shape, preferably having parallel front and back surfaces. The sprayer is configured to guide liquid from the side with the back surface through the sprayer unit to the side with the front surface.

[0030] In the embodiment, the sprayer unit has a folded plate shape, preferably with parallel front and back surfaces. In the embodiment, one of the front and back surfaces of the plate is flat, and the other has a convex or concave shape.

[0031] Depending on the requirements of a specific purpose, the characteristics of a sprayer unit can be adjusted by changing the number of sprayers and their individual characteristics. Designs using multiple small sprayers rather than a single sprayer allow for greater variability in the characteristics of the combined set of sprayers implemented by the sprayer unit. For example, sprayers can be optimized for a given water pressure, and the number of sprayers can be selected according to the desired total flow rate.

[0032] In this embodiment, the number of sprayers in the sprayer set is at least 5, particularly at least 10, and particularly at least 15.

[0033] This makes it possible to achieve the required coupled flow rate for the sprayer unit.

[0034] In this embodiment, the diameter of the sprayer unit is less than 15 centimeters, particularly less than 10 centimeters, particularly less than 5 centimeters, and particularly less than 3 centimeters.

[0035] This makes it possible to realize a relatively small sprayer unit equipped with multiple sprayers. This, in turn, makes it possible to perform comfortable spraying at high flow rates within a small unit with fewer design constraints on the outlet in which it is installed.

[0036] In embodiments, the sprayer of a set of sprayers is formed as a single part, particularly as a single part of a plastic material. In other words, the sprayer unit is formed as a single part. Such a single part may comprise several components that are molded together. In embodiments, the part comprises or is formed from a metal material.

[0037] This allows them to be mass-produced by simple means. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to assemble multiple sprayers that will be used in the outlet. The nozzles can be molded during the process of molding the sprayer unit, or they can be created later within a pre-molded sprayer unit.

[0038] In this embodiment, multiple sprayers have the same dimensions. This ensures that they have the same spray characteristics and equal distribution of liquid across the multiple sprayers.

[0039] In this embodiment, multiple sprayers are directed in the same direction. This allows the combined spray to be focused in a given direction. This is useful, for example, in professional hair care applications where the combined spray should be focused on the customer's scalp and splashing onto other areas should be avoided.

[0040] In the embodiment, in each of the sprayers, the inner surface of the dome-shaped structure has a smaller diameter than the spray shaping device, and the nozzle of the sprayer is positioned within the dome-shaped structure that covers the spray shaping device of the sprayer, and more specifically, the inner surface of the dome-shaped structure has a diameter smaller than 80% of the diameter of the spray shaping device.

[0041] In each of the embodiments, the distance between the point where the jet impacts and the outlet opening of the spray shaper, i.e., this distance which should be called the length Ls of the spray shaper, is between 3 millimeters and 20 millimeters, particularly between 3 millimeters and 10 millimeters, particularly between 3 millimeters and 7 millimeters, and particularly between 4 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

[0042] In the embodiment, within each of the sprayers, the inner diameter Ds of the spray shaping device is between 1.5 mm and 14 mm, particularly between 2 mm and 8 mm, and particularly between 2 mm and 4 mm.

[0043] The aspect ratio between the length and inner diameter of a spray shaping device can be relatively large, for example, with the length being twice, or even longer than, the inner diameter. Such a large aspect ratio results in a relatively focused spray, as opposed to a rapidly spreading spray. This is particularly advantageous in professional hair care applications. Experiments have shown that in such applications, splashing of droplets from the scalp and hair is less than when using a less focused and larger sprayer.

[0044] Since the absolute dimensions of individual spray shapers can be selected to be relatively small, the aspect ratio can be achieved using relatively short spray shapers, and therefore the overall sprayer and sprayer unit. The required total flow rate is achieved by a combination of multiple sprayers.

[0045] Because the absolute dimensions of each spray shaper are relatively small, the distance from the nozzle exit to the point of impact of the impinging jets is shorter. This makes it easier to align the jets to impact precisely, and therefore allows for smaller manufacturing tolerances.

[0046] In the embodiment, within each sprayer, the nozzle diameter D2 is between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm.

[0047] In the embodiment, the nozzle shape is such that it can be obtained using a liquid supplied to the sprayer unit at a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar or 2 bar or 3 bar, particularly at least about 1 bar, and at a flow rate between 0.1 liters and 0.4 liters per minute in each sprayer. In the embodiment, the number of sprayers is such that, given this pressure, the total flow rate is between 1 liter and 10 liters per minute, particularly between 3 liters and 6 liters per minute, particularly at least about 4 liters per minute.

[0048] In the embodiment, within each sprayer, the half-angle α between impinging jets is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, particularly between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, and particularly between 25 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0049] Such a relatively small angle has the effect of directing the spray generated by the impinging jet forward in the direction of the spray shaper's outlet. This results in better efficiency in droplet formation compared to larger angles.

[0050] In the embodiments, within each sprayer, the ratio of the length to the diameter of the spray shaping device, i.e., the aspect ratio, is between 10:7 and 2:1. Preferably, it is at least approximately 2:1.

[0051] In the embodiment, the number of nozzles in each sprayer is between two and five. In particular, it is two or four.

[0052] In this embodiment, the nozzles are directed so that the water jets overlap each other as well as possible, i.e., with 100% overlap. This maximizes the efficiency of generating the spray by the impinging jets.

[0053] In this embodiment, regardless of the number and configuration of the sprayers, the sprayers have the following parameters. The nozzle diameter is between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably 0.6 mm. The half-angle between the nozzles is between 25° and 45°, preferably 35°. The diameter of the spray molding device is between 2 mm and 3 mm, preferably 2.5 mm. The length of the spray molding device is between 4 mm and 6 mm, preferably 5 mm.

[0054] Typically, these parameters are for sprayers with exactly two nozzles.

[0055] In this embodiment, these parameters are for a sprayer having exactly four nozzles.

[0056] In the embodiment, The number of sprayers in a set of sprayers is between 15 and 25, specifically 17. The diameter D of the sprayer unit is between 25mm and 35mm, and specifically 33mm.

[0057] In the embodiment, The number of sprayers in a set of sprayers is between 40 and 80, particularly between 50 and 70, and especially 60. The diameter D of the sprayer unit is between 120mm and 200mm, particularly between 140mm and 160mm.

[0058] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit is free from solid portions that would affect the spray after the point of impact of the impinging jet.

[0059] In "after the point where the impinging jets collide," it is understood that "after" is intended to refer to the direction of the liquid flow.

[0060] Therefore, the sprayer unit does not include a spray shaping device. In contrast to embodiments with a spray shaping device, in embodiments without a spray shaping device, the directionality of the spray can be achieved by a relatively small half-angle, which leads to a greater force of the spray in the axial direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit has at least one of the following parameters. • The diameter D of the sprayer unit is between 10mm and 50mm, especially between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 25mm and 35mm. • Number of sprayers in the sprayer unit: between 5 and 30, especially between 10 and 20.

[0062] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit has at least one of the following parameters. • The diameter D of the sprayer unit is between 5mm and 200mm, especially between 10mm and 100mm, especially between 25mm and 50mm. • Number of sprayers in the sprayer unit: between 3 and 50, especially between 5 and 30, especially between 10 and 20.

[0063] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit has at least one of the following parameters. • The nozzle diameter D2 of the sprayer is between 0.4mm and 1mm, especially between 0.6mm and 0.8mm. • Half-angle α between nozzles: between 5° and 55°, especially between 15° and 35°, especially at least about 25°.

[0064] In the embodiment, at least the sprayers in the peripheral part of the sprayer unit are angled with an offset angle β with respect to the main longitudinal axis of the sprayer unit such that the longitudinal axes of these sprayers are offset from the main longitudinal axis. In detail, the offset angle β is between 2° or 4° and 10°, particularly between 5° and 7°, and especially at least about 6°.

[0065] Having angled sprayers without spray molding equipment makes it easier for them to manufacture than would be the case if angled spray molding equipment existed.

[0066] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit comprises a plurality of sprayers arranged to form a ring of sprayers, and the nozzles of each sprayer are so close together that recesses into which they connect join to form a circular groove within the front surface of the sprayer unit.

[0067] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit has at least one of the following parameters. • The diameter D of the sprayer unit is between 10mm and 50mm, especially between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 25mm and 35mm. • Number of sprayers in the sprayer unit: between 5 and 30, especially between 10 and 20. • Sprayer ring diameter: between 10mm and 25mm, especially between 12mm and 20mm, especially between 14mm and 18mm.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit has at least one of the following parameters. • The nozzle diameter D2 of the sprayer is between 0.2mm and 0.8mm, especially between 0.4mm and 0.6mm. • Half-angle α between nozzles: between 15° and 50°, especially between 30° and 40°, especially at least about 35°.

[0069] A method according to a first aspect is for operating a sprayer unit to distribute a liquid, particularly water or an aqueous mixture. The method comprises the step of supplying a liquid to a sprayer unit at a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar or 2 bar or 3 bar, particularly at least about 1 bar, and at a flow rate between 0.1 liters and 0.4 liters per minute in each sprayer. In particular, the flow rate may be at least about 0.1 liters per minute at a pressure of 0.5 bar.

[0070] In the embodiment, for each sprayer, the spray shaping device ends with a flow guide edge at the outer end of the spray shaping device, opposite the rear end of the spray shaping device, forming an acute angle between the inner surface of the spray shaping device and an adjacent intermediate surface, particularly an angle less than 85°, less than 80°, or less than 75°.

[0071] A method for operating a sprayer unit at an outlet, such as a showerhead or faucet, for distributing a liquid, particularly water or an aqueous mixture, comprises the step of supplying the liquid to the sprayer unit at a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar or 2 bar or 3 bar, particularly at least about 1 bar, and at a flow rate between 0.1 liters and 0.4 liters per minute in each sprayer. The total flow rate to the sprayer unit may be between 1.5 liters and 6 liters per minute. In a typical embodiment, at a pressure of 1 bar, the total flow rate is between 3 liters and 6 liters per minute, particularly at least about 4 liters per minute.

[0072] In one embodiment, the method comprises delivering water to an outlet at a pressure greater than 1 bar, reducing the pressure using a pressure reducer to a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar or 2 bar or 3 bar, particularly to at least about 1 bar, and distributing the water through a sprayer unit at a flow rate between 1.5 liters and 6 liters per minute.

[0073] An outlet, particularly a showerhead or faucet, comprising a sprayer unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising an outlet body having a conduit extending from an outlet supply section to a sprayer unit connecting section to which the sprayer unit is attached.

[0074] In the embodiment, the outlet comprises at least two sprayer units, each having a set of sprayers, and each sprayer unit has at least one of the following parameters. • The diameter D of the sprayer unit is between 10mm and 50mm, especially between 15mm and 35mm, especially between 20mm and 30mm. • Number of sprayers in the sprayer unit: Between 3 and 20, especially between 4 and 10.

[0075] Such a configuration allows for the improvement of existing showerheads or showerhead designs with minimal modifications to their design. Furthermore, the use of multiple sprayer units allows for the implementation of the desired total number of sprayers while avoiding the forces that would arise from the water pressure acting on a single, larger sprayer unit with the same total number of sprayers. Moreover, it enables the mass production of such smaller sprayer units with high precision and their use for various different designs.

[0076] In the embodiment, each sprayer unit has at least one of the following parameters. • Nozzle diameter D2: Between 0.2mm and 0.8mm, especially between 0.4mm and 0.5mm, • Half-angle α between nozzles: between 15° and 50°, especially between 25° and 35°, especially at least about 30°.

[0077] In the embodiment, the sprayer units have different parameters. For example, a central sprayer unit may have different parameters than the peripheral sprayer units. In the embodiment, water is supplied to separate sprayer units by associated conduits of an internal water distribution system, each with an outlet. In the embodiment, one or more of such conduits can be turned on and off, allowing for the selective use of one or more, but not all, of the sprayer units at the same time.

[0078] In embodiments, the sprayer unit comprises mounting elements, particularly external or internal threads, for attaching it to a water outlet, in particular a faucet or shower head. This makes it possible to provide a unit that can be used to replace an existing faucet or faucet aerator. The unit may further comprise a base for a flow limiter or pressure reducer, i.e., a space within the unit shaped to receive a pressure reducer. In embodiments, the pressure reducer exists as part of the sprayer unit. The pressure reducer reduces the supply pressure to the standard operating pressure of the sprayer unit. As a result, the flow rate through the sprayer unit is largely independent of the supply pressure.

[0079] In the embodiment, the sprayer unit includes a macrospray shaper configured to shape the combined spray of the sprayer unit. That is, the combined spray is guided and shaped by a cavity which should be called a macrospray shaper. The macrospray shaper may be a cylindrical volume or another shape which confines and / or guides the spray generated by the impinging jet. This makes it possible to shape the combined spray as a whole. Typically, the cavity is empty, i.e., free from internal obstructions which would otherwise affect the spray, except for the peripheral lateral walls that define the cavity.

[0080] The outlet may be a showerhead or a faucet. The outlet comprises an outlet body having a sprayer unit and a conduit leading from the outlet supply section to the sprayer unit connecting section to which the sprayer unit is mounted.

[0081] A second embodiment of the aerator unit is for use at an outlet, particularly in a showerhead or faucet, for distributing a liquid, especially water or an aqueous mixture, and comprises one or more sprayers. Each sprayer comprises a set of at least two, in particular strictly two, nozzles configured to create a colliding jet of liquid, thereby producing a spray of liquid droplets.

[0082] In this embodiment, the aerator unit includes a base for the gasket.

[0083] In one embodiment, the aerator unit includes a pressure reducer for reducing the supply pressure to the standard operating pressure of one or more sprayers.

[0084] In the embodiment, the aerator unit includes mounting elements, particularly external or internal threads, for attaching it to a water outlet, in particular a faucet or shower head.

[0085] In the embodiment, the aerator unit is designed to be used as an insert within a sleeve, which includes mounting elements, particularly external or internal threads, for attaching it to a water outlet, in particular a faucet or shower head.

[0086] In this embodiment, the aerator unit comprises a set of sprayers, the number of sprayers in the set being between 2 and 15, particularly between 5 and 9, and particularly 7.

[0087] In the embodiment, the aerator unit has one or more of the following parameters. • Diameter D: Between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 15mm and 25mm, especially between 18mm and 22mm, • Nozzle diameter D2: Between 0.3mm and 1.2mm, especially between 0.5mm and 0.6mm. • Half-angle between nozzles: between 10° and 90°, especially between 15° and 35°, especially at least about 25°.

[0088] In the embodiment, each sprayer in the set of sprayers of the aerator unit has an associated spray shaping device with one or more of the following dimensions: • Spray molding length Ls: 3.5~4.5mm • Spray molding machine diameter Ds: 3.0~4.0mm, • Length / diameter ratio: 0.8~1.5mm.

[0089] In this embodiment, the aerator unit includes a macrospray shaper configured to shape the combined spray of the sprayer of the sprayer unit.

[0090] In the embodiment, the parameters of the macrospray shaping machine are one or more of the following: • Macro spray shaper length Lms: between 5mm and 35mm, especially between 10mm and 20mm, especially at least about 15mm. • Macro spray shaping machine inner diameter Dms: between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 15mm and 25mm, especially between 18mm and 20mm, • Macro spray shaper length / diameter ratio: between 1:2 and 2:1, preferably at least approximately 4:5.

[0091] A sprayer unit according to a third embodiment is for use at an outlet, particularly in a showerhead or faucet, for distributing a liquid, in particular water or an aqueous mixture, and comprises at least one sprayer, • At least one sprayer comprises a set of at least two, in particular strictly two, nozzles configured to create a collidered jet of liquid, thereby producing a spray of liquid droplets. • At least one sprayer is equipped with an associated spray shaper for guiding the spray, the spray shaper being a cavity through which the spray passes before leaving the sprayer unit. At least one sprayer is characterized by having a laterally wider section through which the spray of droplets created by the impinging jet of liquid passes before passing through the spray shaping device, the average radius of the laterally wider section being greater than the average radius of the spray shaping device.

[0092] This has the effect of reducing noise produced by the impinging jet and the spray generated by the impinging jet. In embodiments, it has been empirically shown that noise within the range a person can hear can be reduced by between 1 dBA and 5 dBA.

[0093] In this embodiment, the average radius of the wider lateral section is greater than 120% of the average radius of the spray shaper, particularly greater than 150%, and particularly greater than 180%.

[0094] In the embodiment, the length of the wider section in the lateral direction is between 0.5 mm and a length equal to the length of the spray shaper. Especially between 1mm and 20mm, Especially between 2mm and 15mm, Especially between 2mm and 10mm, It's particularly noticeable between 2mm and 5mm.

[0095] The length of the wider section in the lateral direction, and the length of the spray shaping device, are measured along the direction of spraying, corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer.

[0096] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit comprises at least two sprayers, each having a related laterally wider section, the laterally wider sections of the at least two sprayers being in fluid communication with one another.

[0097] In this embodiment, the sprayer unit comprises at least three sprayers, and the laterally wider section of the at least three sprayers is realized by a shared cavity located between the nozzle set body and the spray shaping units of the at least three sprayers.

[0098] In the embodiment, the shared cavity has an essentially cylindrical shape.

[0099] In the embodiment, the shared cavity has an essentially annular shape.

[0100] In other words, the shared cavity has a ring-like shape, connecting a set of sprayers arranged around the ring. It has been empirically shown that for the same arrangement of sprayers around a ring, such annular cavities can produce significantly less noise compared to cylindrical cavities.

[0101] In this embodiment, at least three sprayers are arranged along the perimeter of a common circle.

[0102] In this embodiment, one or more of the laterally wider sections are positioned between the first plate and the second plate, and the sprayer unit comprises a first plate having a nozzle set body and at least two sprayer nozzles, and a second plate having a spray shaping device. In detail, the first plate and the second plate are bonded together in a way that makes them inseparable.

[0103] The first plate 11a and the second plate 11b can be bonded together, for example, by adhesive or welding, particularly by ultrasonic welding of plastic materials.

[0104] The present invention is primarily described in the context of spraying water or aqueous mixtures at outlets such as faucets or showerheads. However, the present invention is not limited to use at such outlets, nor is it limited to dispensing or spraying water or aqueous mixtures.

[0105] Further embodiments are evident from the dependent claims.

[0106] The subject matter of the present invention will be described in more detail in the following text with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which schematically show the following. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0107] [Figure 1a] This is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a sprayer unit. [Figure 1b] This is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a sprayer unit. [Figure 1c] This is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a sprayer unit. [Figure 1d] This is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a sprayer unit. [Figure 1e] This is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a sprayer unit. [Figure 1f] This is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a sprayer unit. [Figure 1g] This is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a sprayer unit. [Figure 2a] This is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 2b] This is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 2c] This is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 2d] This is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the dimensions of the nozzle. [Figure 4a] This figure shows a third embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 4b] This figure shows a third embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 5a] This figure shows a fourth embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 5b] This figure shows a fourth embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the outlet with the sprayer unit. [Figure 8a] This is a diagram showing the sixth embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 8b] This is a diagram showing the sixth embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 9a] This is a diagram showing the seventh embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 9b] This is a diagram showing the seventh embodiment of the sprayer unit. [Figure 10a] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 10b] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 10c] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 11a] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 11b] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 11c] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 12a] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 12b] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 12c] This is a diagram showing an aerator unit. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the details of a sprayer without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the details of a sprayer with a short spray shaper. [Figure 15a] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 15b] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 15c] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 15d] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 15e] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 15f] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 16a] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 16b] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 16c] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 16d] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 16e] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 16f] This figure shows a sprayer unit without a spray molding attachment. [Figure 17a] This diagram shows an outlet with multiple sprayer units and corresponding sprayer units. [Figure 17b] This diagram shows an outlet with multiple sprayer units and corresponding sprayer units. [Figure 17c] This diagram shows an outlet with multiple sprayer units and corresponding sprayer units. [Figure 17d] This diagram shows an outlet with multiple sprayer units and corresponding sprayer units. [Figure 17e] This diagram shows an outlet with multiple sprayer units and corresponding sprayer units. [Figure 18a] This figure shows a sprayer unit having a sprayer with a wider lateral section in front of the spray shaping machine. [Figure 18b] This figure shows a sprayer unit having a sprayer with a wider lateral section in front of the spray shaping machine. [Figure 18c] This figure shows a sprayer unit having a sprayer with a wider lateral section in front of the spray shaping machine. [Figure 18d] This figure shows a sprayer unit having a sprayer with a wider lateral section in front of the spray shaping machine. [Figure 18e] This figure shows a sprayer unit having a sprayer with a wider lateral section in front of the spray shaping machine. [Figure 19] This figure shows their transformed forms. [Figure 20a]This figure shows a single sprayer with a wider section in the lateral direction. [Figure 20b] This figure shows a single sprayer with a wider section in the lateral direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0108] In principle, identical or functionally identical parts in a diagram are given the same reference symbol.

[0109] Figures 1a to 1g show a first embodiment of the sprayer unit 11 in various diagrams and cross-sectional views. The sprayer unit 11 can be used as an outlet for a shower head, faucet, or other type of liquid dispenser. The sprayer unit 11 comprises several individual sprayers 10, typically molded in a single body made of molded plastic. In other embodiments, the sprayers 10 are molded in a single body made of metal.

[0110] The sprayer unit 11 has a generally cylindrical shape, with a generally circular front surface 88 and a generally circular back surface 89.

[0111] Within each sprayer 10, the impinging jet produces a spray that is guided and shaped by a cavity which should be called a spray shaper 84. The spray shaper 84 may be a cylindrical volume. At the outer end of the spray shaper 84, it terminates in a flow guide edge 86. Viewed in a longitudinal cross-sectional view, the flow guide edge 86 has an acute angle Phi1 with respect to the front surface 88. This prevents the spray from adhering to the surface of the spray shaper 84 as it moves toward the front surface 88.

[0112] Figure 1a shows a perspective view of the sprayer unit 11 from the inlet side. Each of the schematically dome-shaped nozzle set bodies 9, having an inlet to the nozzle 12, is part of an individual sprayer 10. The nozzle set bodies 9 protrude from the back surface 89 of the sprayer unit 11. Figure 1b shows a view toward the inlet side. Figure 1c shows a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 1b. Figure 1c includes a cross-sectional view through the individual sprayers 10, each having an associated nozzle set body 9 with a nozzle 12 and a spray shaper 84, which ends in a circular flow guide edge 86. The length Ls and diameter Ds of the spray shaper 84 are shown. Figure 1d shows a perspective view of the sprayer unit 11 from the outlet side, with a partial view into the spray shaper 84, which ends with the flow guide edge 86. Figure 1e shows a view toward the outlet side, including a view into the spray shaper 84 where the outlet of the nozzle 12 is visible. Diameter D is the overall diameter of the sprayer unit 11. Figure 1f shows a side view of the sprayer unit 11. Figure 1g shows a detailed enlarged view from the cross-sectional view of Figure 1c, showing the nozzle 12 formed within the nozzle set body 9. The nozzle can be formed together with the nozzle set body 9 when the sprayer unit 11 is formed, or it can be formed later by a subtractive process, for example, by perforation. The longitudinal axis of the nozzle 12 is shown by a dashed line. The half-angle between the longitudinal axes is shown as α (alpha). The inner surface of the nozzle set body 9 has at least a roughly semi-dome shape. The diameter of this semi-dome is smaller than the inner diameter D of the spray former 84. This allows the point of impact, defined by the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 12, to be at the front of the spray former 84, while the nozzle 12 has some minimum length required to create a liquid jet. Moving the nozzle 12 outward would increase the thickness of the sprayer 10 and the sprayer unit 11, which is undesirable.

[0113] The sprayer unit 11 in Figure 1 has the following parameters. ·Diameter D: 22mm • Number of spray bottles: 12 • Nozzle diameter D2: 0.6mm • Half-angle between nozzles: 35° • Spray shaper length Ls: 5mm • Spray molding diameter Ds: 2.5mm

[0114] Figures 2a to 2d show a sprayer unit 11 having the same elements as the previously mentioned drawings and the following parameters. ·Diameter D:33mm • Number of spray bottles: 17 • Nozzle diameter D2: 0.6mm • Half-angle between nozzles: 35° • Spray shaper length Ls: 5mm • Spray molding diameter Ds: 2.5mm

[0115] Figure 3 schematically shows the main parameters representing the shape of the nozzle 12. The nozzle 12 is formed within the nozzle set body 9 of the sprayer 10 of the sprayer unit 11, as described herein.

[0116] The nozzle 12 is positioned within the nozzle set body 9 so that a liquid, usually water or an aqueous mixture, flows from the inlet 1 through the focusing section 2, the throat 3, and the outlet 6 (in this order). After exiting the outlet 6, the liquid can flow as a first jet of liquid into a recess that forms the rear end 85 of the spray shaping unit 84. There the liquid can collide with a second jet of liquid, forming a spray.

[0117] Within the focusing section 2, the nozzle diameter is reduced from a first diameter D1 to a second diameter D2. The surface can exhibit a smooth, rounded transition between the focusing section 2 and the throat 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface within the focusing section 2 in the radial cross-sectional view follows a quadrant, at least substantially, smoothly progressing to the outer surface of the nozzle set body 9 on one side and smoothly to the throat 3 on the other side. The focusing section 2 has a first length L1. The throat 3 has a second length L2. The total length of the nozzle is the sum of L1 and L2. The total length is at least 1.5 times D2, and typically twice D2.

[0118] The diameter D2 in the throat 3 (commonly referred to as the nozzle diameter or hydraulic diameter) corresponds to the diameter of the water jet after it leaves the nozzle 12 under ideal conditions, i.e., with laminar flow and without diversion of the liquid after it leaves the discontinuity 5 and nozzle outlet 6, for example, due to adhesion. Typical values ​​for D2 are between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm.

[0119] The nozzle set body 9 is typically manufactured from the same plastic material as the entire sprayer unit 11.

[0120] Figures 4a and 4b show a sprayer unit 11 having the same elements as the previously mentioned drawings and the following parameters. ·Diameter D:33mm • Number of spray bottles: 24 • Nozzle diameter D2: 0.5mm • Half-angle between nozzles: 35° • Spray shaper length Ls: 5mm • Spray molding diameter Ds: 2.5mm

[0121] The shape of the nozzle 12 differs from the previously described embodiment in that the focusing section 2 has an inner end cone shape that extends from the outer surface of the nozzle set body 9 to the throat 3 of the nozzle 12.

[0122] Using a conical shape results in a greater pressure drop at the nozzle compared to the smooth, rounded transition of the previously described embodiment. This also reduces the flow rate through the nozzle. Conversely, a smooth, rounded focusing section 2 allows for a smaller pressure drop and a larger flow rate. The desired flow rate can be achieved at a lower pressure compared to a nozzle with a conical focusing section 2. For all embodiments, it is a fact that they can be realized using a different type of focusing section 2 than that shown in the respective figures.

[0123] Figures 5a and 5b show a sprayer unit 11 having the same elements as the previously mentioned drawings and the following parameters. ·Diameter D: 50mm • Number of spray bottles: 39 • Nozzle diameter D2: 0.6mm • Half-angle between nozzles: 35° • Spray shaper length Ls: 5mm • Spray molding diameter Ds: 2.5mm

[0124] Figure 6 shows a sprayer unit 11 having the same elements as the previously described drawings, except that each sprayer 10 has a nozzle set body which is not dome-shaped but forms a flat surface which is part of the flat back surface 89 of the sprayer unit 11. This allows for a simpler manufacturing process compared to the previously described embodiments. The nozzle 12 may include a focusing section 2 as shown for the other embodiments.

[0125] Further embodiments of the sprayer unit 11 and their parameter values ​​are as follows:

[0126] [Table 1]

[0127] The table shows that increasing the number of sprayers 10 can reduce the nozzle diameter in order to reduce the combined flow rate, which would normally increase linearly with the number of sprayers 10.

[0128] Figure 7 shows an outlet 7 for use with the sprayer unit 11 as described above. Outlet 7 comprises an outlet body 73 having a conduit 75 that runs from an outlet supply section 71b having an outlet supply connector 71 to a sprayer unit connecting section 72b to which the sprayer unit 11 is attached. The connection is not shown in detail and may be made by screwing, snap-fitting, gluing, welding, etc. A pressure reducer 76 (shown only schematically) may be present. The pressure reducer 76 reduces the pressure in the supply section 71b to the standard operating pressure of the sprayer unit 11. As a result, the flow rate through the sprayer unit 11 is largely independent of the pressure in the supply section 71b.

[0129] Figures 8-8b and 9-9b show embodiments of sprayer units 11 that can be used at outlets where the combined spray covers a larger area. When used as an outlet as a showerhead, such a configuration may be called a rain shower. In both embodiments, the number of sprayers 10 is between 50 and 70, particularly 60. Each individual sprayer 10 may have the same dimensions and nozzle shape as described above for the previous embodiments. The nozzle diameter in a sprayer 10 may be at the lower end of the disclosed range, for example, 0.4 mm, in order to keep the combined flow lower. The combined flow through 60 sprayers 10 may be between 6 liters per minute, particularly at a pressure of 0.5 bar. Thus, each sprayer 10 may have a flow rate of 0.1 liters per minute at a pressure of 0.5 bar.

[0130] The maximum diameter of the sprayer unit 11 in the two embodiments may be 160 mm. The sprayer 10 is positioned within a circular area having a diameter smaller than 140 mm. In the embodiments of Figures 8a and 8b, the sprayer 10 is positioned along the perimeter of this circular area. In the embodiments of Figures 9a and 9b, the sprayer 10 is extended across this area.

[0131] Figures 10a to 12c show embodiments of a sprayer unit 11 integrated with further elements to form a unit that can replace an existing faucet aerator. Such a unit, which should be called an aerator unit 20, may comprise a mounting element having an external or internal thread 13, and a base 14 for a gasket. It may further comprise a base 15 for a pressure reducer or sieve. The aerator unit 20 may comprise a macro spray shaper 16. The macro spray shaper 16 shapes the spray produced by the aerator unit 20 as a whole. Thus, the aerator unit 20 forms an integrated unit comprising the mounting element and one or more sprayers 10.

[0132] Figures 10a to 10c show one embodiment in which the spray generated by the aerator unit 20 is produced by a single sprayer 10. That is, there is a single set of nozzles 12 that create an impinging jet.

[0133] The set of nozzles 12 can comprise two, three, four, five, or six nozzles 12 that create jets that collide at the same point. One group of peripheral nozzles 12a may be positioned along their axes at essentially the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer 10. All of these peripheral nozzles 12a may have the same diameter. In embodiments, a further central nozzle 12b is present. The central nozzle 12b is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the sprayer 10. The diameter of the central nozzle 12b may be the same as the diameter of the peripheral nozzles 12a. In embodiments, the diameter of the central nozzle 12b is less than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50% of the diameter of the peripheral nozzles 12a. In embodiments, the diameter of the central nozzle 12b is greater than 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, or 150% of the diameter of the peripheral nozzles 12a. This difference in diameter has been found to reduce the noise generated by the colliding jets.

[0134] In the embodiment, the aerator unit 20 shown in Figures 10a to 10c has the following parameters. • Diameter of peripheral nozzle 12a: between 0.6 mm and 1 mm, especially between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm, especially at least about 0.8 mm. • Diameter of central nozzle 12b: between 55% and 95% of the diameter of peripheral nozzle 12a, particularly between 65% and 85%, and especially at least about 75%. • Half-angle between peripheral nozzles: between 60° and 100°, especially between 70° and 90°, especially at least about 80°. • Macro spray shaper length Lms: between 5mm and 35mm, especially between 10mm and 20mm, especially at least about 15mm. • Macro spray shaping device inner diameter Dms: between 10mm and 20mm, especially between 12mm and 17mm, especially between 13mm and 14mm.

[0135] Figures 11a to 11c show one embodiment in which the spray generated by the aerator unit 20 is produced by a plurality of sprayers 10, each sprayer 10 having its own associated spray shaping device 84.

[0136] Figures 12a to 12c show one embodiment in which the spray generated by the aerator unit 20 is produced by multiple sprayers 10, and a single macro spray shaping unit 16 shapes the combined spray from the multiple sprayers 10.

[0137] In the embodiment, the aerator unit 20 shown in Figures 11a to 11c and Figures 12a to 12c has the following parameters. • Diameter D: Between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 15mm and 25mm, and especially between 18mm and 22mm. • Number of sprayers: Somewhere between 2 and 15, especially between 5 and 9, especially 7. • Nozzle diameter D2: Between 0.3mm and 1.2mm, especially between 0.5mm and 0.6mm. • Half-angle between nozzles: between 10° and 90°, especially between 15° and 35°, especially at least about 25°.

[0138] In the embodiment, the sprayer 10 of the aerator unit 20 shown in Figures 11a to 11c has an associated (micro)spray shaping device 84 having the following dimensions. • Spray molding length Ls: between 1mm and 4mm, • Spray molding device diameter (inner diameter) Ds: between 0.5mm and 4mm, • Length / diameter ratio: Between 0.5 and 2.

[0139] In the embodiment, the sprayer 10 of the aerator unit 20 shown in Figures 12a to 12c does not have associated (micro)spray shaping elements 84. That is, after the point of impact of the jet, each spray of the sprayer 10 is not constrained by the individual spray shaping elements 84 of the sprayer 10. This is shown in Figure 13.

[0140] In the embodiment, the sprayer 10 of the aerator unit 20 shown in Figures 12a to 12c has a relatively short (micro) spray shaping device 84. In the embodiment, the spray shaping device length Ls is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. This is shown in Figure 14. Their inner diameters may be between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0141] In the embodiment, the macrospray shaping device 16 of the aerator unit 20 shown in Figures 12a to 12c has the following parameters. • Macro spray shaper length Lms: between 5mm and 35mm, especially between 10mm and 20mm, especially at least about 15mm. • Macro spray shaping device inner diameter Dms: between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 15mm and 25mm, especially between 18mm and 20mm. • Macro spray shaper length / diameter ratio: between 1:2 and 2:1, preferably at least approximately 4:5.

[0142] As in all embodiments, the number of nozzles in each sprayer can be between two and five. In particular, it can be two or four.

[0143] Figures 15a to 15f show the sprayer unit 11 without a spray shaping device in various diagrams. Figure 15d is a cross-sectional view in plan AA shown in Figure 15c. Figure 15e is a detailed view of a part of Figure 15d. Figure 15f is the same view with dimensions.

[0144] The arrangement of the sprayers 10 in the plane of the sprayer unit 11 may be as shown in any of the embodiments in Figures 1 to 9, provided that there is no spray shaping device. The point of impact of the jet, defined by the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the nozzles 12, is approximately near or in front of the front surface 88. The spray produced by the impacting jet does not interact with the solid body which is part of the sprayer unit 11, as would be the case if a spray shaping device 84 were present. In each sprayer 10, the nozzles 12 are positioned within a nozzle set body 9 which forms at least approximately part of the dome, with the inner surface 91 of the dome facing the direction of the spray and the outer surface 92 of the dome facing the opposite direction, i.e., the same direction as the back surface 89.

[0145] The spray generated by the sprayer 10 combines to form a combined spray of the sprayer unit 11. To achieve a wider combined spray shape, the multiple sprayers are not oriented in the same direction. Instead, at least the sprayers 10 around the periphery of the sprayer unit 11 are angled with respect to the main longitudinal axis of the sprayer unit 11 by an offset angle β of the longitudinal axis of each sprayer 10, such that the longitudinal axes of these sprayers deviate from the main longitudinal axis.

[0146] In the embodiment, the sprayer unit 11 shown in Figures 15a to 15f has one or more of the following parameters. • Diameter D: Between 10mm and 50mm, especially between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 25mm and 35mm. • Number of sprayers: Between 5 and 30, especially between 10 and 20.

[0147] In the embodiment, the sprayer 10 shown in Figures 15a to 15f has one or more of the following parameters. • Nozzle diameter D2: Between 0.4mm and 1mm, especially between 0.6mm and 0.8mm. • Half-angle α between nozzles: between 5° and 55°, especially between 15° and 35°, especially at least about 25°. • Peripheral nozzle offset angle β: between 2° or 4° and 10°, especially between 5° and 7°, especially at least about 6°.

[0148] The diameter of the inner surface 91 of the dome may be approximately 3 mm. The diameter of the outer surface 92 of the dome may be approximately 5 mm. The radius of the transition surface in the focusing section 2 between the outer surface 92 of the dome and the throat 3 of each nozzle 12 may be approximately 0.4 mm.

[0149] Figures 16a to 16f show the sprayer unit 11 without a spray shaping device in various diagrams. Figure 16d is a cross-sectional view in plan AA shown in Figure 16c. Figure 16e is a detailed view of the portion shown in Figure 16d. Figure 16f is the same view with dimensions.

[0150] Multiple sprayers 10 are arranged along the perimeter of the circle. The sprayers 10 can be close enough to each other that their dome surfaces 91 overlap. In this case, a continuous groove is formed along the perimeter of the circle, as can be seen in the detailed view of Figure 16e.

[0151] The spray generated by the sprayer 10 combines to form a combined spray of the sprayer unit 11. To achieve a combined spray of a wider shape, the multiple sprayers are angled at an offset angle β with respect to the main longitudinal axis of the sprayer unit 11, such that the longitudinal axes of these sprayers are offset from the main longitudinal axis. The continuous grooves also make the sprayer unit easier to manufacture.

[0152] In the embodiment, the sprayer unit 11 shown in Figures 16a to 16f has one or more of the following parameters. • Diameter D: Between 10mm and 50mm, especially between 10mm and 30mm, especially between 25mm and 35mm. • Number of sprayers: Between 5 and 30, especially between 10 and 20. • The diameter of the ring for sprayer 10: between 10mm and 25mm, especially between 12mm and 20mm, and especially between 14mm and 18mm.

[0153] In the embodiment, the sprayer 10 shown in Figures 16a to 16f has one or more of the following parameters. • Nozzle diameter D2: Between 0.2mm and 0.8mm, especially between 0.4mm and 0.6mm. • Half-angle α between nozzles: between 15° and 50°, especially between 30° and 40°, especially at least about 35°. • Nozzle offset angle β: between 2° or 4° and 10°, especially between 5° and 7°, especially at least about 6°.

[0154] The diameter of the inner surface 91 of the dome may be approximately 3 mm. The diameter of the outer surface 92 of the dome may be approximately 5 mm. The radius of the transition surface in the focusing section 2 between the outer surface 92 of the dome and the throat 3 of each nozzle 12 may be approximately 0.4 mm.

[0155] Figures 17a to 17e show, in Figure 17e, an outlet 7 having multiple sprayer units 11, and the corresponding sprayer units in Figures 17a to 17b, along with details of the nozzles in Figure 17c and their dimensions in Figure 17d. The outlet 7 comprises an outlet body 73 which can be used as a handle, along with a conduit leading from an outlet supply section 71b having an outlet supply connector to a sprayer unit connecting section 72b or to the shower head. The shower head comprises two or more sprayer units 11, each having a set of sprayers 10. The sprayer units 11 can be attached to the shower head by, for example, screwing, snap-fitting, gluing, welding, etc.

[0156] In the embodiment, the sprayer unit 11 shown in Figures 17a to 17e has one or more of the following parameters. • Diameter D: Between 10mm and 50mm, especially between 15mm and 35mm, especially between 20mm and 30mm. • Number of sprayers: Between 3 and 20, especially between 4 and 10.

[0157] In the embodiment, the sprayer 10 shown in Figures 17a to 17e has one or more of the following parameters. • Nozzle diameter D2: Between 0.2mm and 0.8mm, especially between 0.4mm and 0.5mm. • Half-angle α between nozzles: between 15° and 50°, especially between 25° and 35°, especially at least about 30°.

[0158] The radius Rt of the transition between the inner surface 91 and the front surface 88 of the dome can be approximately 0.75 mm.

[0159] Figures 18a to 18e show a sprayer unit 11 having a sprayer with a wider lateral section 30 in front of the spray shaping machine.

[0160] The arrangement of the sprayer 10 in the plane of the sprayer unit 11 may be as shown in any of the embodiments in Figures 1 to 9. However, following the point of impact of the jet (when viewed along the direction of flow), defined by the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the nozzle 12, there is a laterally wider section 30. This laterally wider section 30 is wider than the subsequent spray shaper. Some of the acoustic energy generated by the impact of the jet is absorbed or dissipated in the laterally wider section 30. As a result, the noise generated by the sprayer 10 is reduced.

[0161] Such laterally wider sections 30 can exist separately within each of the sprayers 10. Alternatively, the laterally wider sections 30 of two or more sprayers 10 may overlap, forming a shared hollow space within the sprayer unit 11. Figure 18d, with details in Figure 18e, shows one embodiment in which a ring of sprayers 10 exists. A cylindrical laterally wider section 30 exists along with the sprayers 10 in the periphery of the laterally wider section 30. In embodiments not shown, additional sprayers 10 exist not only in the periphery but also within the region of the laterally wider section 30. Figure 19 shows one embodiment in which the annular laterally wider section 30 runs only along the circle on which the sprayers 10 are placed, rather than covering the entire surface of the sprayer unit 11. Surprisingly, this configuration has better acoustic properties than the configurations in Figures 18d-18e.

[0162] Figure 19 also shows a possible structure for manufacturing a sprayer unit 11, namely by combining a first plate 11a with a nozzle set body 9 and a second plate 11b having a spray shaper 84, which are joined at the contact surface 11c, with a laterally wider section 30 defined by recesses in the first plate 11a and / or the second plate 11b.

[0163] Figures 20a and 20b show a sprayer unit 11 comprising a single sprayer 10 with a wider section in the transverse direction. Two parts 11a and a second plate 11b, with a wider section 30 in the transverse direction formed between them, are joined by a screw joint. In other embodiments, they may be joined by adhesive or welding.

[0164] Although the present invention has been described in these embodiments, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and can be embodied and practiced in various other ways within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0165] 1 entrance 2 Focusing Section 3. Throat 5. Discontinuity 6 exit 7 Exit 9 Nozzle Set Main Unit 10 Sprayers 11. Sprayer unit 11a First board 11b Second board 11c Contact surface 12 nozzles 12a Peripheral nozzle 12b Central nozzle 13 External or internal threads 14 Pedestal 15 Pedestal 16 Macro spray shaping machine 20 Aerator Units 30 Wider sections in the horizontal direction 71 Outlet supply connector 71b Outlet supply section 72b Sprayer unit connecting section 73 Exit body 75 Conduit 76 Pressure reducer 84 Spray Shaping Machine 85 Rear end of spray shaping device 86 Flow guide edge 88 Front 89 Back side 91 Dome interior 92 Dome exterior

Claims

1. A sprayer unit (11) for distributing liquids, particularly water or aqueous mixtures, particularly for use at the outlet of a showerhead or faucet, comprising a set of sprayers (10), Each sprayer (10) comprises a set of at least two, in particular strictly two, nozzles (12) configured to create a colliding jet of the liquid, thereby producing a spray of droplets of the liquid. The number of sprayers (10) in the set of sprayers is at least two, and in particular at least three. The sprayer (10) of the sprayer set is formed as a single part or assembled from two or more separate parts. Sprayer unit (11).

2. The sprayer unit (11) according to claim 1, wherein each sprayer (10) comprises an associated spray shaping device (84) for guiding the spray, the spray shaping device (84) being a cavity through which the spray passes before leaving the sprayer unit (11).

3. The sprayer unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of sprayers (10) in the set of sprayers is at least 5, in particular at least 10, and in particular at least 15.

4. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diameter of the sprayer unit (11) is less than 15 centimeters, more particularly less than 10 centimeters, more particularly less than 5 centimeters, and more particularly less than 3 centimeters.

5. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sprayer (10) of the set of sprayers is formed as a single part, particularly comprising a single component or two or more components molded together, and in particular at least one component is made of a plastic or metal material.

6. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of the sprayers (10) have the same dimensions.

7. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein multiple sprayers (10) are directed in the same direction.

8. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in each of the sprayers (10), the inner surface of the dome-shaped structure has a smaller diameter than the spray shaping device (84), the nozzle (12) of the sprayer (10) is positioned within the dome-shaped structure that covers the spray shaping device (84) of the sprayer (10), and in particular, the inner surface of the dome-shaped structure has a diameter of less than 80% of the diameter of the spray shaping device (84).

9. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in each of the sprayers (10), the distance between the point where the jet collides and the outlet opening of the spray shaping device (84), i.e., this distance which should be called the length (Ls) of the spray shaping device, is between 3 millimeters and 20 millimeters, particularly between 3 millimeters and 10 millimeters, particularly between 3 millimeters and 7 millimeters, and particularly between 4 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

10. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in each of the sprayers (10), the inner diameter (Ds) of the spray shaping device (84) is between 1.5 mm and 14 mm, particularly between 2 mm and 8 mm, and particularly between 2 mm and 4 mm.

11. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in each of the sprayers (10), the diameter (D2) of the nozzle is between 0.3 millimeters and 1.2 millimeters, particularly between 0.5 millimeters and 0.6 millimeters.

12. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in each of the sprayers (10), the half-angle (α) between the impinging jets is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, particularly between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, and particularly between 25 degrees and 30 degrees.

13. The sprayer (10) has the following parameters, namely, The diameter of the nozzle is between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably 0.6 mm. The half-angle between the nozzles (12) is between 25° and 45°, preferably 35°. The diameter of the spray molding device (84) is between 2 mm and 3 mm, preferably 2.5 mm. The length of the spray shaping device (84) is between 4 mm and 6 mm, preferably 5 mm. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The number of sprayers (10) in the aforementioned set of sprayers is between 15 and 25, particularly 17, and the diameter (D) of the sprayer unit (11) is between 25 mm and 35 mm, particularly 33 mm. Alternatively, the number of sprayers (10) in the set of sprayers is between 40 and 80, particularly between 50 and 70, particularly between 60, and the diameter (D) of the sprayer unit (11) is between 120 mm and 200 mm, particularly between 140 mm and 160 mm. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a water outlet, a mounting element (13) for attachment to a faucet or shower head, in particular an external thread or an internal thread.

16. The sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a macro spray shaping device (16) configured to shape the combined spray of a plurality of sprayers (10) of the sprayer unit (11).

17. The parameters of the macro spray shaping device (16) are one or more of the following, namely: Macro spray shaping device length Lms between 5 mm and 35 mm, especially between 10 mm and 20 mm, especially at least about 15 mm, The inner diameter Dms of the macro spray molder is between 10 mm and 30 mm, especially between 15 mm and 25 mm, especially between 18 mm and 20 mm. The macro spray shaper length / diameter ratio is between 1:2 and 2:1, preferably at least approximately 4:

5. The sprayer unit (11) according to claim 16.

18. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 8, 11 to 12, or 14 to 15, wherein the sprayer unit (11) has no solid portion beyond the point where the impinging jet impacts the spray.

19. The following parameters, namely, The diameter D of the sprayer unit (11) is between 10 mm and 50 mm, particularly between 10 mm and 30 mm, particularly between 25 mm and 35 mm, The number of sprayers (10) in the sprayer unit (11) is between 5 and 30, and especially between 10 and 20. The sprayer unit (11) according to claim 18, having at least one of the above.

20. The following parameters, namely, The nozzle diameter D2 of the sprayer (10) is between 0.4 mm and 1 mm, particularly between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm. The half-angle α between the nozzles (12) is between 5° and 55°, especially between 15° and 35°, especially at least about 25°. A sprayer unit (11) according to claim 18 or 19, having at least one of the above.

21. At least the sprayers (10) in the peripheral part of the sprayer unit (11) are angled with an offset angle β with respect to the main longitudinal axis of the sprayer unit (11) such that the longitudinal axes of these sprayers are offset from the main longitudinal axis. In particular, the offset angle β is between 2° or 4° and 10°, especially between 5° and 7°, and especially at least about 6°. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. A sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 21, comprising a plurality of sprayers (10) arranged to form a ring of sprayers (10), wherein the plurality of sprayers are close to each other and the recesses into which the nozzles (12) of each sprayer (10) are guided are joined together to form a circular groove on the front surface (88) of the sprayer unit (11).

23. The following parameters, namely, The diameter D of the sprayer unit (11) is between 10 mm and 50 mm, particularly between 10 mm and 30 mm, particularly between 25 mm and 35 mm, The number of sprayers in the sprayer unit (11) is between 5 and 30, particularly between 10 and 20. The diameter of the ring of the sprayer (10) is between 10 mm and 25 mm, particularly between 12 mm and 20 mm, particularly between 14 mm and 18 mm, The sprayer unit (11) according to claim 22, having at least one of the above.

24. The following parameters, namely, The nozzle diameter D2 of the sprayer (10) is between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, particularly between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm. The half-angle α between the nozzles is between 15° and 50°, especially between 30° and 40°, especially at least about 35°. A sprayer unit (11) according to claim 22 or 23, having at least one of the following.

25. A method for operating a sprayer unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising the step of providing the liquid to the sprayer unit (11) at a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar or 2 bar or 3 bar, particularly at least about 1 bar, and at a flow rate between 0.1 liters and 0.4 liters per minute in each sprayer (10), particularly with a flow rate in each sprayer (10) of at least about 0.1 liters per minute at a pressure of 0.5 bar.

26. An outlet (7), particularly a shower head or faucet, comprising an outlet body (73) having a conduit (75) leading from an outlet supply section (71b) to a spray unit connecting section (72b) to which the spray unit (11) is attached, the spray unit (11) is fitted, the spray unit (11) comprising an outlet (7), particularly a shower head or faucet.

27. The system comprises at least two sprayer units (11), each having a set of sprayers (10), and each of the sprayer units (11) has the following parameters, namely, The diameter D of the sprayer unit (11) is between 10 mm and 50 mm, particularly between 15 mm and 35 mm, particularly between 20 mm and 30 mm, The number of sprayers in the sprayer unit (11) is between 3 and 20, particularly between 4 and 10. The outlet (7) according to claim 26, having at least one of the above.

28. Each of the sprayer units (11) has the following parameters, namely, When the nozzle diameter D2 is between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, especially between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm, The half-angle α between the nozzles is between 15° and 50°, especially between 25° and 35°, especially at least about 30°. The outlet (7) according to claim 26 or 27, having at least one of the following.

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