Copper-zinc alloy for a sanitary fitting, use of a copper-zinc alloy for production of a sanitary fitting, and sanitary fitting

Abstract

The invention relates to a copper-zinc alloy for a sanitary fitting (1), the alloy elements of which have the following proportions by mass: - 58.0% - 63.9% copper (Cu); - 0.3% - 0.9% aluminium (Al); - > 0.1% - 0.45% tin (Sn); - 0.0% - 0.3% iron (Fe); - 0.0% - 0.1% lead (Pb); - 0.0% - 0.1% nickel (Ni); - 0.0% - 0.02% other alloy elements; and - zinc (Zn) as the balance. The invention additionally relates to a use of the copper-zinc alloy for production of a sanitary fitting (1) and to a sanitary fitting (1), wherein the housing (2) of the fitting consists at least partly of the copper-zinc alloy.

Description

[0001] Grohe AG

[0002] P24-0209W001

[0003] - 1 -

[0004] Copper-zinc alloy for a sanitary fitting, use of a copper-zinc alloy for the manufacture of a sanitary fitting and sanitary fitting

[0005] The present invention relates to a copper-zinc alloy (or brass alloy) for a sanitary fitting, the use of a copper-zinc alloy for the manufacture of a sanitary fitting, and a sanitary fitting itself. Sanitary fittings serve to provide a liquid on demand, for example, at showers, bathtubs, sinks, or washbasins.

[0006] Various requirements must be considered when manufacturing components for sanitary fittings. In particular, the material must be suitable for the production of the components. This can relate to good castability or demoldability and / or good machinability if the components need to be post-processed using machining methods.

[0007] Furthermore, it should be taken into account that the components are used for drinking water supply, for which there are different legal requirements worldwide, which are intended to ensure the continuous use of the components without contamination of the drinking water.

[0008] Another requirement is that the various components of the sanitary fitting can be recycled together as much as possible. For this purpose, it is considered advantageous for a copper-zinc alloy to have the lowest possible silicon (Si) content. This ensures that the alloy can be mixed with standard brass alloys during the manufacturing process and thus recycled.

[0009] This shows that when selecting a suitable material for sanitary fitting components, a multitude of different objectives exist, some of which are also in conflict with each other. Grohe AG

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[0012] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a copper-zinc alloy that meets the aforementioned requirements to a particularly high degree, especially with regard to its suitability for drinking water. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a method for using a copper-zinc alloy to manufacture a sanitary fitting, wherein the copper-zinc alloy meets the aforementioned requirements to a particularly high degree, especially with regard to its suitability for drinking water. Finally, the invention aims to provide a sanitary fitting with a component that consists, at least partially, of a copper-zinc alloy that meets the aforementioned requirements to a particularly high degree, especially with regard to its suitability for drinking water.

[0013] These problems are solved with a copper-zinc alloy, an application, and a sanitary shower head according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0014] This is achieved using a copper-zinc alloy for a sanitary fitting, whose alloying elements have the following mass fractions:

[0015] - 58.0% - 63.9% copper (Cu);

[0016] - 0.3% - 0.9% aluminum (AI);

[0017] - >0.1% - 0.45% tin (Sn);

[0018] - 0.0% - 0.3% Iron (Fe);

[0019] - 0.0% - 0.1% lead (Pb);

[0020] - 0.0% - 0.1% nickel (Ni); Grohe AG

[0021] P24-0209W001

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[0023] - 0.0% - 0.02% other alloying elements; and

[0024] - Residual zinc (Zn).

[0025] Sanitary fittings primarily serve to provide water or mixed water as needed at a sink, washbasin, bathtub, or shower. The copper-zinc alloy is particularly suitable for manufacturing a component of the sanitary fitting. This component can be a water-carrying component, such as a fitting body. The fitting body can be at least partially tubular. It can be mounted on a support, such as a countertop, wall, sink, washbasin, bathtub, or shower. The fitting body can have a (protruding or branching) spout that is rigidly or movably connected to it. The spout can be at least partially tubular and / or has at least one outlet.The at least one outlet opening can, for example, be designed as a jet former or aerator, or include one.

[0026] The copper-zinc alloy is primarily a casting alloy. It is not a forging or wrought alloy. The copper (Cu) mass fraction, at 58.0%–63.9% (for example, approximately 59.0%), is low compared to known alloys. Furthermore, this copper (Cu) mass fraction of 58.0%–63.9% represents an optimal compromise between corrosion resistance and castability.

[0027] The mass fraction of aluminum (Al) can be, for example, approximately 0.7%. Aluminum increases the strength of the alpha and beta phases, particularly through solid solution hardening, without significantly affecting hot formability. Furthermore, it improves resistance to erosion corrosion as well as tarnish and weathering resistance. Aluminum also increases strength and, especially in castings, contributes to high durability. (Grohe AG)

[0028] P24-0209W001

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[0030] To achieve surface quality, aluminum showed a negative effect on dezincification resistance in test series. The relatively low mass fraction of aluminum results in a lower proportion of the less acid-resistant beta brass. The reduced beta brass solid solution fraction is better distributed in an island-like, isolated manner within the dezincification-resistant alpha brass matrix. With an aluminum (Al) mass fraction of less than 0.3%, there is a risk of corrosion, especially in more aggressive water conditions.

[0031] A tin (Sn) content greater than 0.1% up to 0.45% by mass (for example, approximately 0.14%) increases corrosion resistance, particularly in single-phase (alpha) copper-zinc alloys, through the formation of a protective layer and improves strength and / or sliding properties. The upper limit of 0.45% was set because no positive effects on corrosion resistance could be observed above this level.

[0032] The mass fraction of iron (Fe) of 0.0%–0.3% (for example, approximately 0.15%) can, in particular, promote grain refinement through primarily precipitated iron crystals and thus improve the mechanical properties of the component. The mass fraction of iron (Fe) can be 0.0% or >0.0%, especially >0.0% to 0.3%. In test series, iron has a positive effect on dezincification resistance. This can be explained by the proven grain-refining effect. Grain refinement causes the iron content of the less acid-resistant beta brass in the brass to be finely and in a fragmented, isolated manner within the dezincification-resistant alpha brass matrix. The upper limit of 0.3% was set because higher iron values ​​can cause the formation of hard inclusions. This is due to the relatively high melting point of iron. Hard inclusions lead to surface defects, which are undesirable in sanitary fittings. Grohe AG

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[0035] The mass fraction of lead (Pb) is very low, at 0.0%–0.1% (for example, approximately 0.07%). This largely or even completely prevents lead contamination of the water. In particular, increased lead release from new sanitary fittings (for example, during the first 6–12 weeks of use) can be prevented. This increased lead release would otherwise occur due to lead accumulation on the surface of the material, especially from mechanical processing, because the lead content is too low to effectively affect the mechanical processing. The mass fraction of lead (Pb) can be 0.0% or >0.0%, specifically >0.0%–0.1% or >0.0%–<0.1%. The copper-zinc alloy contains a negligible mass fraction of silicon (Si) (<0.02%).

[0036] The nickel content is 0.0%–0.1% by mass, preferably less than 0.05%. This increases corrosion resistance. The nickel content can be 0.0% by mass. Due to the low nickel content, no nickel is released into the water from the material. Nickel release, which can generally occur in a completely unpredictable way, is effectively prevented, as are the effects of nickel leachate and thus potential contact reactions between humans and an exposed copper-zinc alloy.

[0037] The mass fraction of other alloying elements in the copper-zinc alloy is 0.0% to 0.02%. This can mean, in particular, that the total mass fraction of all other alloying elements (especially those mentioned here) is a maximum of 0.02%. The mass fraction of other alloying elements can be 0.0%.

[0038] Since the alloy contains few additives, its polishability is good, which is important for subsequent coating.

[0039] The copper-zinc alloy can, for example, contain alloying elements with the following mass fractions:

[0040] 59.0% copper (Cu); Grohe AG

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[0043] - 0.7% aluminum (Al);

[0044] - 0.14% tin (Sn);

[0045] - 0.15% iron (Fe);

[0046] - 0.07% lead (Pb);

[0047] - <0.05% Nickel (Ni);

[0048] - 0.0% - 0.02% other alloying elements; and

[0049] - Residual zinc (Zn).

[0050] The mass fraction of lead (Pb) can be <0.1%, preferably <0.09%, and particularly preferably <0.08%. For example, the mass fraction of lead (Pb) can be 0.0% or >0%, particularly >0% to <0.0005%. Such a low lead content can lead, in particular, to healthier drinking water and / or prevent lead accumulation at grain boundaries or freely accessible surfaces. At the same time, machining remains possible.

[0051] The mass fraction of tin (Sn) can be >0.1% - <0.2%, preferably 0.17% - 0.19%, and particularly preferably (essentially) 0.18%. This ensures good crack inhibition and corrosion resistance, although higher amounts do not lead to further improvement. Crack inhibition and corrosion resistance reach a maximum at a mass fraction of tin (Sn) of 0.18%.

[0052] The copper-zinc alloy may contain silicon (Si) as a secondary alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.01%. The mass fraction of silicon (Si) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to 0.01% or 0.001% to 0.01%. Higher mass fractions of silicon (Si) may increase the risk of cracking in the field and the formation of solid solutions, which can prevent or hinder machining. Grohe AG

[0053] P24-0209W001

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[0055] The copper-zinc alloy may contain manganese (Mn) as a further alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.02%, preferably 0.0% to <0.01%. The mass fraction of manganese (Mn) may, for example, be 0.0% to 0.009%. The mass fraction of manganese (Mn) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to <0.01% or >0.0% to 0.009%.

[0056] The copper-zinc alloy may contain chromium (Cr) as a secondary alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.005%. The mass fraction of chromium (Cr) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to 0.005%.

[0057] The copper-zinc alloy may contain bismuth (Bi) as a further alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.005%, preferably >0.0% to 0.005%. The mass fraction of bismuth (Bi) may, for example, be 0.0001% to 0.005%. Higher mass fractions of bismuth (Bi) may increase the risk of cracking in the field and the formation of solid solutions, which may prevent or hinder machining.

[0058] The copper-zinc alloy may contain phosphorus (P) as a secondary alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.01%. The mass fraction of phosphorus (P) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to 0.01%. For example, the mass fraction of phosphorus (P) may be 0.0% to <0.005% or >0.0% to <0.005%.

[0059] The copper-zinc alloy may contain magnesium (Mg) as a secondary alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.02%. The mass fraction of magnesium (Mg) may, for example, be greater than 0.0% to 0.02%.

[0060] The copper-zinc alloy may contain antimony (Sb) as a secondary alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.01%. The mass fraction of antimony (Sb) may, for example, be 0.0% to <0.005%. The mass fraction of antimony (Sb) may, for example, be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to <0.005%. Grohe AG

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[0063] The copper-zinc alloy may contain arsenic (As) as a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.01%, preferably 0.0% to <0.005%. The mass fraction of arsenic (As) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to 0.01% or >0.0% to <0.005%.

[0064] If the mass fraction of antimony (Sb) and / or arsenic (As) is outside the specified ranges, the increased corrosion resistance typically associated with antimony (Sb) and / or arsenic (As) only occurs in conjunction with a higher copper content, which would significantly increase the cost of the alloy. With a copper (Cu) mass fraction of 58.0%–63.9% and the addition of higher mass fractions of arsenic (As) and / or antimony (Sb), there is a risk that the arsenic (As) and / or antimony (Sb) will not be completely incorporated into the matrix, resulting in solid solution formation. Arsenic (As) and / or antimony (Sb) could then be released into the water.

[0065] The copper-zinc alloy may contain sulfur (S) as a secondary alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.02%. The mass fraction of sulfur (S) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to 0.02%.

[0066] The copper-zinc alloy may contain indium (In) as a secondary alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to 0.005%. The mass fraction of indium (In) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to 0.005%.

[0067] The copper-zinc alloy may contain cobalt (Co) as an alloying element in a mass fraction of 0.0% to <0.005%, preferably 0.0% to 0.004%. The mass fraction of cobalt (Co) may be 0.0% or >0.0%, in particular >0.0% to <0.005% or >0.0% to 0.004%. This results in good castability of the alloy. Grohe AG

[0068] P24-0209W001

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[0070] Following a further aspect, the use of a copper-zinc alloy specified here for the manufacture of a sanitary fitting is proposed. In particular, the use of a copper-zinc alloy specified here for the manufacture of a component of the sanitary fitting, especially a water-bearing one, is proposed. This component could be, in particular, the fitting body.

[0071] The component or valve body can be cast, in particular, from the copper-zinc alloy.

[0072] Following a further aspect, a sanitary fitting is proposed which includes a component that consists at least partially of a copper-zinc alloy proposed here. This component is, in particular, the fitting body.

[0073] The sanitary fitting can include a mixing valve for mixing cold and hot water to produce mixed water at a desired temperature. The mixing valve can be, for example, a thermostatic mixer or a thermostatic mixing cartridge. The hot water temperature can be, in particular, a maximum of 90 °C, preferably 25 °C to 90 °C, and more preferably 55 °C to 65 °C, and / or the cold water temperature can be, in particular, a maximum of 25 °C, preferably 1 °C to 25 °C, and more preferably 5 °C to 20 °C. The mixing valve can be at least partially integrated into the fitting body.

[0074] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figure. It should be noted that the figure shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, but that the invention is not limited to this embodiment. It shows, by way of example and schematically:

[0075] Fig. 1: A sanitary fitting. Grohe AG

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[0078] Fig. 1 shows a sanitary fitting 1 in a perspective view. The sanitary fitting 1 comprises a component 2 in the form of a fitting body. The component 2 has a spout 3 with a discharge opening 4 through which mixed water can be discharged into an environment 5 of the sanitary fitting 1. The sanitary fitting 1 includes an actuating element 6 in the form of an actuating lever, by means of which a discharge quantity and a temperature of the mixed water can be adjusted. The component 2 consists of a copper-zinc alloy described herein.

[0079] The sanitary fitting 1 or component 2 has a high suitability for drinking water.

[0080] Grohe AG

[0081] P24-0209W001

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[0083] Reference symbol list

[0084] 1 sanitary fitting

[0085] 2 Component 3 Outlet

[0086] 4 Outlet opening

[0087] 5 Environment

[0088] 6 Actuating element

Claims

Grohe AG P24-0209W001 - 12 - Patent claims 1. Copper-zinc alloy for a sanitary fitting (1) whose alloying elements have the following mass fractions: - 58.0% - 63.9% copper (Cu); - 0.3% - 0.9% aluminum (AI); - >0.1% - 0.45% tin (Sn); - 0.0% - 0.3% Iron (Fe); - 0.0% - 0.1% lead (Pb); - 0.0% - 0.1% Nickel (Ni); - 0.0% - 0.02% other alloying elements; and - Residual zinc (Zn).

2. Copper-zinc alloy according to claim 1, wherein the mass fraction of lead (Pb) is <0.1%.

3. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mass fraction of tin (Sn) is >0.1% - <0.2%.

4. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.01% silicon (Si) as other alloying elements.

5. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.02% Manganese (Mn) as other alloying elements.

6. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.005% Chromium (Cr) as other alloying elements. Grohe AG P24-0209W001 - 13 - 7. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.005% Bismuth (Bi) as another alloying element.

8. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.01% Phosphorus (P) as other alloying element.

9. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.02% Magnesium (Mg) as other alloying elements.

10. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.01% Antimony (Sb) as another alloying element.

11. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.01% Arsenic (As) as other alloying elements.

12. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.02% Sulfur (S) as other alloying element.

13. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0% - 0.005% Indium (In) as other alloying elements.

14. Copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - 0.0 % - <0.005 % Cobalt (Co) as other alloying element.

15. Use of a copper-zinc alloy according to one of the preceding claims for the manufacture of a sanitary fitting (1). Grohe AG P24-0209W001 - 14 - 16. Sanitary fitting (1) comprising a component (2) which consists at least partially of a copper-zinc alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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