Pulsation element for a shower, and shower for a sanitary fitting

Abstract

The invention relates to a pulsation element (1) for a shower (2), at least comprising: • a housing (3) having a liquid inlet (4) and a liquid outlet (5); and • a fluidic oscillator (6) having a liquid inflow point (7) which is connected to the liquid inlet (4), a first liquid outflow point (8) which is connected to the liquid outlet (5), and a second liquid outflow point (9) which is connected to a dynamic pressure device (10) for building up a dynamic pressure in the second liquid outflow point (9).

Description

[0001] Grohe AG

[0002] P24-0341W001

[0003] - 1 -

[0004] Pulsation element for a shower head and shower head for a sanitary fitting

[0005] The present invention relates to a pulsation element for a shower head and a shower head for a sanitary fitting. Sanitary fittings serve, in particular, to provide liquids, especially water, on demand at sinks, washbasins, showers, or bathtubs. They are intended to ensure a pleasant spray pattern that supports both user comfort and cleaning efficiency.

[0006] Shower heads for sanitary fittings can be designed, for example, as overhead showers, hand showers, and / or side showers, and / or serve to distribute the liquid dispensed by the sanitary fitting over a large area. Furthermore, shower heads are known with which the liquid can be dispensed in at least one type of spray pattern, for example, in the form of rain jets, solid jets, massage jets, or aerated jets, using at least one jet former.

[0007] Showerheads face the challenge of generating a sufficiently strong and clearly perceptible water jet while simultaneously reducing water consumption. At the same time, there is a need for solutions that are not only simple and cost-effective in design, but also flexible enough to be integrated into existing sanitary facilities or shower installations, or suitable as a retrofit option.

[0008] One problem with conventional showerheads is that liquid tends to accumulate in cavities, which can lead to stagnant water. Especially when combined with residual heat from previous uses, this promotes the growth of harmful germs and bacteria. This problem negatively impacts both hygiene and the usability of the showerheads. Grohe AG

[0009] P24-0341W001

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] 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 pulsation element for a shower head with which the liquid consumption of the shower head can be reduced and which has low component complexity. Furthermore, a shower head with a pulsation element is to be provided with which the liquid consumption can be reduced and which has low component complexity.

[0012] These problems are solved with a pulsation element and a 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 dependent 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.

[0013] This is achieved through a pulsation element for a shower head, which has at least the following features:

[0014] - a housing with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; and

[0015] - a fluidic oscillator with a fluid inlet connected to the fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet connected to the fluid outlet, and a second fluid outlet connected to a dynamic pressure device for building up dynamic pressure in the second fluid outlet

[0016] The shower head can be connected to a sanitary fitting. The shower head can be a sanitary shower head. Sanitary fittings serve primarily to provide liquids, especially water, as needed at sinks, washbasins, showers, and / or bathtubs. Cold water at a specific temperature and hot water at a specific temperature can be supplied to the sanitary fitting, as determined by the fitting itself, for example, by Grohe AG.

[0017] P24-0341W001

[0018] - 3 - can be mixed to form mixed water with a desired temperature by means of a mixing valve or a thermostatic mixing cartridge. The cold water temperature is particularly a maximum of 25 °C (Celsius), preferably 1 °C to 25 °C, particularly preferably 5 °C to 20 °C, and / or the hot water temperature is particularly a maximum of 90 °C, preferably 25 °C to 90 °C, particularly preferably 55 °C to 65 °C. The mixed water can then be supplied to the shower, for example, via a liquid supply line. The liquid supply line can be designed at least partially as a pipe and / or hose. The shower can be, for example, a rain shower, hand shower, or side shower. The shower can be attached to or mounted on a support, such as a wall, a building wall, a ceiling, or a building ceiling. The shower can be movable by a user.

[0019] The pulsation element is a device that can be arranged in a liquid path and / or by which a periodic change in the liquid pressure or flow velocity can be generated. In particular, the pulsation element is a device configured to generate a periodic change in the liquid pressure or flow velocity within a liquid path. The pulsation element enables pulsed dispensing of the liquid through the shower head and / or reduces the shower head's liquid consumption. Specifically, the pulsation element is configured to enable pulsed dispensing of the liquid through the shower head and / or to reduce the shower head's liquid consumption.

[0020] The pulsation element has a housing with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The housing can be made at least partially of plastic and / or metal, such as brass. The housing can, for example, be an injection-molded part. The housing can, for example, be cylindrical. The housing can extend along a longitudinal axis, particularly a straight one, from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end. Grohe AG

[0021] P24-0341W001

[0022] - 4 - extend towards the end. The housing can have a housing length of, for example, 50 mm [millimeters] to 150 mm (especially parallel to the longitudinal axis) and / or a housing diameter of, for example, 20 mm to 80 mm (especially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis).

[0023] The liquid inlet can be located at the first longitudinal end of the housing. The liquid can be supplied to the pulsation element or the housing via the liquid inlet. The liquid inlet can, for example, be designed as a (first) connection device. The liquid inlet can be connected to, or be connected to, the liquid supply line or a liquid channel of the shower head. The liquid inlet can have a (first) sealing surface, particularly an annular one, which ensures a liquid-tight connection between the liquid supply line and the pulsation element or the housing.

[0024] The liquid outlet can be located at the second longitudinal end of the housing. The liquid can be dispensed from the pulsation element via the liquid outlet, particularly to the shower head. The liquid outlet can, for example, be designed as a (second) connection device. The liquid outlet can, for example, be connected to or be connected to a shower head inlet of the shower head. The liquid outlet can have a (second) sealing surface, particularly annular, which ensures a liquid-tight connection between the shower head and the pulsation element or the housing.

[0025] The pulsation element comprises a fluidic oscillator with a fluid inlet connected to the fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet connected to the fluid outlet, and a second fluid outlet connected to a pressure equalization device for generating pressure in the second fluid outlet. Fluid can be supplied to the fluidic oscillator from the housing's fluid inlet via the fluid inlet. Grohe AG can...

[0026] P24-0341W001

[0027] - 5 - a feed channel leads to the liquid inlet. The fluidic oscillator is specifically arranged and / or formed within the housing.

[0028] The fluidic oscillator is a technical device that operates based on fluid dynamics, specifically the principle of flow instability. The fluidic oscillator can exhibit a flow geometry that generates unstable flows, leading to oscillations. Through the fluidic oscillator, or rather, through the flow geometry, the fluid supplied via the inlet can be directed as an oscillating or (periodically) vibrating flow, alternately to the first and second outlets. This oscillating or vibrating flow causes a periodic redistribution of the fluid between the first and second outlets. Specifically, this can mean that the flow of fluid into one of the two outlets increases and decreases, while the flow through the other outlet increases and decreases (in the opposite direction).

[0029] The flow geometry of the fluidic oscillator can include a central main flow channel through which the fluid flows, or can flow, from the fluid inlet towards the fluid outlets. The main flow channel can have an increasing cross-sectional area (in one direction of fluid flow through the main flow channel), allowing the fluid to be distributed to the downstream flow channels. A first and a second feedback channel can branch off from the main flow channel. The feedback channels can be designed such that a portion of the flowing fluid from the main flow channel can be returned to an upstream region of the main flow channel (in the direction of fluid flow within the main flow channel). This feedback, or return of a portion of the fluid, causes the fluid flow to oscillate between the two fluid outlets. Grohe AG

[0030] P24-0341W001

[0031] - 6 -

[0032] The first and / or second liquid outlets can be designed as liquid channels within the housing. The first liquid outlet is connected to the liquid outlet. This can mean that the first liquid outlet leads to the liquid outlet. The second liquid outlet is connected to the backpressure device. The second liquid outlet is not, in particular, connected to the liquid outlet. The liquid flowing into the second liquid outlet cannot be supplied to the shower head or a spray pattern of the shower head (via the second liquid outlet). The backpressure device can, for example, be located at least partially within the housing and / or in the second liquid outlet. When the liquid flow oscillates in the second liquid outlet, the backpressure device slows the flow, thereby creating backpressure.This back pressure causes the liquid flow in the first liquid outlet to decrease briefly. As the liquid flow returns to the first liquid outlet, the back pressure in the second liquid outlet dissipates, allowing the liquid to flow freely again into the first liquid outlet and to the liquid outlet. The liquid can be discharged as a pulsed jet from the first liquid outlet. The first liquid outlet is permanently open, or always connected to the liquid outlet of the housing. The first liquid outlet is permanently open, while back pressure can be generated at the second liquid outlet by the back pressure device. This back pressure can be built up with inertia by the back pressure device.Inertia refers to the delay with which the stagnation pressure builds up in the second liquid outlet as the liquid flows in. This must not happen instantaneously, as a small but sufficient amount of liquid must be able to flow into the second liquid outlet to establish a pulsating flow in the first liquid outlet. Grohe AG.

[0033] P24-0341W001

[0034] - 7 -

[0035] The fluidic oscillator has no moving mechanical parts (relative to the pulsation element and / or the housing) and / or no electrical components. The fluidic oscillator can, in particular, be a fluidic feedback oscillator. The pulsation element reduces fluid consumption and has low component complexity.

[0036] The backpressure device can include a cavity. The cavity is connected to the second fluid outlet of the fluidic oscillator (fluid-conducting). The cavity is, in particular, a hollow space or receiving chamber for the fluid. The cavity can have a receiving volume for the fluid of, for example, 50 ml [millimeters] to 200 ml. The cavity serves as a buffer for the fluid and ensures the delays in the build-up of backpressure. The dimensions and shape of the cavity can be adapted to the specific requirements of the pulsation element to ensure optimal functionality.

[0037] The cavity can be arranged or formed within the housing. This can mean that a housing wall at least partially defines the cavity.

[0038] The cavity can at least partially surround the fluidic oscillator. In particular, the cavity can surround the fluidic oscillator in a ring-like fashion.

[0039] The backpressure device may include a drain valve that opens when depressurized, allowing the liquid to flow out of the cavity. The drain valve is part of the backpressure device and serves to remove the liquid from the cavity when backpressure is no longer required. The drain valve is designed to open when depressurized and discharge the liquid in a controlled manner into the environment, while remaining closed when pressurized to maintain the backpressure within the cavity. Grohe AG

[0040] P24-0341W001

[0041] - 8 -

[0042] The drain valve can, for example, be a self-opening valve. Such a valve opens automatically as soon as the back pressure in the cavity drops below a certain threshold, allowing any remaining liquid to drain from the cavity. This effectively prevents the formation of stagnant water.

[0043] The drain valve can be a poppet valve. This type of valve has a disc-shaped closure element that is held closed by a spring as long as a certain back pressure is present in the cavity. Once the back pressure in the cavity falls below the threshold, the spring releases the closure element, allowing the drain valve to open and liquid to escape from the cavity. The poppet valve is characterized by its compact design, robustness, and reliability.

[0044] The drain valve is designed to allow for rapid and complete emptying of the cavity when the back pressure within the cavity falls below the threshold value. This helps ensure hygienic conditions, as the liquid does not stagnate in the cavity, thus minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. Simultaneously, the drain valve ensures that the necessary back pressure is maintained within the cavity during operation of the pulsation element by reliably closing above the threshold value.

[0045] The drain valve can be located in a housing wall. This position allows for efficient drainage of fluid from the cavity to the environment when the drain valve opens under depressurization. Integrating the drain valve into the housing wall keeps the pulsation element design compact and eliminates the need for additional components or external lines. This simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the pulsation element while maintaining the reliability and functionality of the drain valve. Grohe AG

[0046] P24-0341W001

[0047] - 9 -

[0048] The backpressure device may include a diaphragm. The diaphragm is designed to flex and expand under the influence of inflowing fluid, thereby generating backpressure in the second fluid outlet. The diaphragm may be made, at least partially, of an elastic material such as silicone, rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer. After each oscillation cycle of the fluidic oscillator, the diaphragm can return to its initial position, thus reducing the backpressure in the second fluid outlet as soon as the fluid flow oscillates into the first fluid outlet. The diaphragm may be located on the fluidic oscillator or on an oscillator housing of the fluidic oscillator. The diaphragm may be located within the second fluid outlet. The diaphragm may have a circular base.

[0049] The deflection of the diaphragm achieves a controlled deceleration of the fluid flow in the second fluid outlet. This allows for the development of a flexible and stable dynamic pressure, which has a positive effect on the oscillation frequency and dynamics of the fluidic oscillator. At the same time, the diaphragm remains mechanically simple and reliable, as it requires no moving parts or additional mechanical devices.

[0050] The use of a membrane in the pulsation device offers the advantage that no cavities are required where liquid could accumulate. This effectively prevents the formation of stagnant water, promoting hygienic conditions. The membrane thus not only contributes to the functionality of the pulsation element but also increases its user-friendliness and hygiene standards.

[0051] The membrane can be located within the housing. This arrangement ensures a compact and protected integration of the membrane into the pulsation element.

[0052] Following another aspect, a shower head for a sanitary fitting is proposed that has at least the following features: Grohe AG

[0053] P24-0341W001

[0054] - 10 -

[0055] - a shower housing with a shower inlet and at least one spray pattern; and

[0056] - a pulsation element described here.

[0057] The shower housing can be made at least partially of metal and / or plastic. The pulsation element can be connected to the shower inlet. This allows the shower to be retrofitted with the pulsation element. Alternatively, the pulsation element can be located within or integrated into the shower housing. The liquid can be supplied to the shower via the shower inlet of the shower housing. The shower housing has at least one spray pattern. The spray pattern is preferably located within and / or attached to the shower housing. The spray pattern is connected (in a liquid-conducting manner) to the shower inlet. After flowing through the pulsation element, the liquid can be discharged into the surroundings via the spray pattern. The spray pattern can be designed as an aerator. Alternatively, the spray pattern can comprise at least one or a plurality of nozzles.The fluid can be emitted into the environment via the jet generator, for example in the form of rain jets, massage jets, or pearl jets. The fluid can be emitted in pulsed mode via the jet generator.

[0058] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but that the invention is not limited to these. The figures show, by way of example and schematically:

[0059] Fig. 1: a shower head with a first variant of a pulsation element in a side view;

[0060] Fig. 2: the first variant of the pulsation element in a perspective view;

[0061] Fig. 3: A first variant of a fluidic oscillator of the first variant of the pulsation element in a longitudinal section; Grohe AG

[0062] P24-0341W001

[0063] - 11 -

[0064] Fig. 4: a second variant of a fluidic oscillator for a second variant of the pulsation element in a perspective longitudinal section; and

[0065] Fig. 5: the second variant of the fluidic oscillator in a sectional view.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a shower head 2 with a first variant of a pulsation element 1. The shower head 2 is a hand shower. The shower head 2 has a shower housing 15 with a shower inlet 16 for a liquid and a spray former 17 with a plurality of nozzles 18 for delivering the liquid to an environment 19 of the shower head 2. The pulsation element 1 comprises a housing 3 with a liquid inlet 4 and a liquid outlet 5. A liquid supply line (not shown) can be connected to the liquid inlet 4, through which liquid from a sanitary fitting (also not shown) can be supplied to the pulsation element 1. The pulsation element 1 is connected to the shower inlet 16 of the shower head 2 via its liquid outlet 5.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows the first variant of the pulsation element 1 in a perspective view. The housing 3 is cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis 21 from a first longitudinal end 22 to a second longitudinal end 23. A first variant of a fluidic oscillator 6 is arranged in the housing 3. The fluidic oscillator 6 has a fluid inlet 7, which is connected to the fluid inlet 4 via an inlet channel 20, so that the fluid can be supplied from the fluid inlet 4 to the fluidic oscillator 6. The fluid inlet 4 is formed at the first longitudinal end 22 of the pulsation element 1 or the housing 3.

[0068] The fluidic oscillator 6 has a first fluid outlet 8 and a second fluid outlet 9, both shown in Fig. 3. The fluidic oscillator 6 is connected to the fluid outlet 5 via the first fluid outlet 8. Grohe AG

[0069] P24-0341W001

[0070] - 12 - is formed at the second longitudinal end 23 of the pulsation element 1 or the housing 3. The fluidic oscillator 6 is connected via the second fluid outlet 9 to a back pressure device 10, which in the first variant of the pulsation element 1 has a cavity 11 and a drain valve 12. The cavity 11 extends within the housing 3 along the longitudinal axis 21 in an annular shape around the fluidic oscillator 6. The drain valve 12 is arranged in a housing wall 13 of the housing 3 and connects the cavity 11 to the environment 19.

[0071] Fig. 3 shows the first variant of the fluidic oscillator 6 in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis 21. The fluidic oscillator 6 has an oscillator housing 24 in which a flow geometry 25 is formed. The flow geometry 25 has a central main flow channel 26 to which the fluid can be supplied from the fluid inlet 7. A flow cross-section 27 of the main flow channel 26 increases in the direction of the first fluid outlet 8 and the second fluid outlet 9. The flow geometry 25 has a first feedback channel 28 and a second feedback channel 29, through which a portion of the fluid flowing through the main flow channel 26 can be returned to the main flow channel 26. This creates a feedback effect that occurs when the fluid flows through the fluidic oscillator 6.The flow geometry 25 generates a fluid flow that oscillates periodically back and forth between the first fluid outlet 8 and the second fluid outlet 9.

[0072] The first liquid outlet 8 is permanently open or continuous and connects the flow geometry 25 to the liquid outlet 5. The second liquid outlet 9 connects the flow geometry 25 to the pressure equalization device 10 shown in Fig. 2, or to the cavity 11. When the liquid flow oscillates into the second liquid outlet 9, or when the liquid flows into the second liquid outlet 9, the pressure equalization device 10 generates pressure, causing a brief drop in the liquid pressure or flow rate in the first liquid outlet 8. The pressure equalization device 10 builds up pressure with a delay as the cavity 11 fills with liquid, or after the cavity has been filled with Grohe AG

[0073] P24-0341W001

[0074] - 13 - is filled with liquid. The drain valve 12 shown in Fig. 2 closes when the back pressure builds up in the cavity 11, so that no liquid can flow from the cavity 11 into the environment 19 via the drain valve 12.

[0075] As the liquid flow oscillates back into the first liquid outlet 8, the liquid pressure and flow in the first liquid outlet 8 build up again, and the dynamic pressure in the cavity 11 decreases. This creates alternating high and low liquid pressures in the first liquid outlet 8, corresponding to the oscillation frequency of the fluidic oscillator 6 and the oscillation frequency of the liquid in the flow geometry 25. As a result, the liquid can be discharged, or is discharged, as a pulsed jet of liquid through the liquid outlet 5. When the dynamic pressure decreases, the drain valve 12 shown in Fig. 2 opens, allowing the liquid to flow from the cavity 11 into the surrounding environment 19 via the drain valve 12.

[0076] Fig. 4 shows a second variant of the fluidic oscillator 6 for a second variant of the pulsation element 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in a longitudinal section. The second variant of the fluidic oscillator 6 differs from the first variant of the oscillator 6 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 only in that the second fluid outlet 9 shown in Fig. 5 leads to a backpressure device 10 in the form of a diaphragm 14. The diaphragm 14 is attached to the oscillator housing 24 and closes the second fluid outlet 9. Therefore, a backpressure device 10 with a cavity 11 and a drain valve 12 does not need to be provided in the housing 3 of the pulsation element 1 shown in Fig. 2.

[0077] Fig. 5 shows the second variant of the fluidic oscillator 6 in a sectional view along the section plane VV shown in Fig. 4. The fluid can flow into the flow geometry 25 via the fluid inlet 7 and, through the feedback effect between the first fluid, Grohe AG

[0078] P24-0341W001

[0079] - 14 - the fluid outlet 8 and the second fluid outlet 9 oscillate (see Fig. 3). When the fluid flow oscillates into the second fluid outlet 9, or when the fluid flows into the second fluid outlet 9, the pressure equalization device 10, in the form of the diaphragm 14, generates the pressure equalization, causing the fluid pressure or the fluid flow in the first fluid outlet 8 to drop briefly. The pressure equalization device 10 builds up the pressure equalization with a delay, as the diaphragm 14 expands due to the inflowing fluid.

[0080] When the liquid flow oscillates back into the first liquid outlet 8, or when the liquid flows back into the first liquid outlet 8, the liquid pressure or flow in the first liquid outlet 8 builds up again, and the dynamic pressure in the second liquid outlet 9 decreases again, causing the diaphragm 14 to relax and return to its initial position. When the liquid flow oscillates back into the second liquid outlet 9, or when the liquid flows back into the second liquid outlet 9, the liquid can deflect the diaphragm 14 again. This allows enough liquid to flow into the second liquid outlet 9 so that the fluidic oscillator 6 can generate a liquid flow oscillating between the first liquid outlet 8 and the second liquid outlet 9.

[0081] The present invention reduces the liquid consumption of shower head 2. Furthermore, the invention is characterized by low component complexity.

[0082] Grohe AG

[0083] P24-0341W001

[0084] - 15 -

[0085] Reference symbol list

[0086] 1 Pulsation element

[0087] 2 shower heads

[0088] 3 cases

[0089] 4. Liquid inlet

[0090] 5. Liquid outlet

[0091] 6 fluidic oscillator

[0092] 7 Liquid inlet

[0093] 8 first fluid discharge

[0094] 9 second fluid discharge

[0095] 10 Back pressure device

[0096] 11 Cavity

[0097] 12 Drain valve

[0098] 13 Housing wall

[0099] 14 Membran

[0100] 15 shower housings

[0101] 16 Shower inlet

[0102] 17 beam formers

[0103] 18 nozzle

[0104] 19 surroundings

[0105] 20 Inlet channel

[0106] 21 Longitudinal axis

[0107] 22 first longitudinal end

[0108] 23 second longitudinal end

[0109] 24 oscillator housings

[0110] 25 Flow geometry

[0111] 26 Main flow channel Grohe AG

[0112] P24-0341W001

[0113] - 16 -7 Flow cross-section 8 First feedback channel 9 Second feedback channel

Claims

Grohe AG P24-0341W001 - 17 - Patent claims 1. Pulsation element (1) for a shower (2), at least comprising: - a housing (3) with a liquid inlet (4) and a liquid outlet (5); and - a fluidic oscillator (6) with a fluid inlet (7) connected to the fluid inlet (4), a first fluid outlet (8) connected to the fluid outlet (5), and a second fluid outlet (9) connected to a dynamic pressure device (10) for building up dynamic pressure in the second fluid outlet (9).

2. Pulsation element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic pressure device (10) comprises a cavity (11).

3. Pulsation element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the cavity (11) is arranged in the housing (3).

4. Pulsation element (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cavity (11) at least partially surrounds the fluidic oscillator (6).

5. Pulsation element (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pressure device (10) comprises a drain valve (12) which opens in the unpressurized state so that liquid can flow out of the cavity (11).

6. Pulsation element (1) according to claim 5, wherein the drain valve (12) is arranged in a housing wall (13) of the housing (3).

7. Pulsation element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic pressure device (10) comprises a membrane (14). Grohe AG P24-0341W001 - 18 - 8. Pulsation element (1) according to claim 7, wherein the membrane (14) is arranged in the housing (3).

9. Shower head (2) for a sanitary fitting, comprising at least: - a shower housing (15) with a shower inlet (16) and at least one spray former (17); and - a pulsation element (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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