DE102019106164A1 - A sanitary fitting for dispensing water - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanitary fitting for dispensing water, comprising a base body, a base area which is designed to be non-rotatably mounted on a stationary object of a sanitary fitting, and a water outlet segment for dispensing water from the sanitary fitting. The water outlet segment can be displaced between at least two positions with respect to the base area. The sanitary fitting additionally comprises a water release device which comprises a valve in order to allow or prevent the release of water from the water outlet segment. The water release device is configured to prevent the release of water from the water outlet segment when the water outlet segment is in a first position and to allow the release of water from the water outlet segment when the water outlet segment is in a second position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a sanitary fitting for dispensing water.

Description of the prior art

Plumbing fixtures are widely used in plumbing installations to allow users to dispense water. The sanitary fittings are mounted on a wash basin or a wall or on other stationary objects that are arranged in the vicinity of the sanitary installation and so protrude from the mounting surface.

Although the sanitary fittings assembled in the manner described above fulfill their primary function of discharging water, protruding sanitary fittings impede the movements of the user in the vicinity of the sanitary installation and thereby reduce the space available to the user in the vicinity of the sanitary installation.

In addition, while plumbing fixtures are often viewed as purely functional objects for dispensing water, they are often aesthetically designed to present a visual object of interest.

It is therefore desirable to improve the plumbing fixture so that it is less obtrusive and has a better appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved sanitary fitting for dispensing water, which can in particular enable an aesthetically more appealing and space-saving design without impairing functionality.

1. a) einen Grundkörper;
2. b) einen Basisbereich, der dazu eingerichtet ist, an einem stationären Objekt einer sanitären Einrichtung drehfest montiert zu werden;
3. c) ein Wasserauslasssegment zum Abgeben von Wasser aus der Sanitärarmatur, wobei das Wasserauslasssegment zwischen mindestens zwei Positionen in Bezug auf den Basisbereich versetzbar ist; und
4. d) eine Wasserfreigabevorrichtung, die ein Ventil umfasst, um die Freigabe von Wasser aus dem Wasserauslasssegment zuzulassen oder zu verhindern,

This object is achieved by a sanitary fitting for dispensing water, comprising:

1. a) a base body;
2. b) a base area which is designed to be non-rotatably mounted on a stationary object of a sanitary facility;
3. c) a water outlet segment for dispensing water from the sanitary fitting, the water outlet segment being displaceable between at least two positions with respect to the base area; and
4. d) a water release device comprising a valve to allow or prevent the release of water from the water outlet segment,

The water release device is configured to prevent the release of water from the water outlet segment when the water outlet segment is in a first position and to allow the release of water from the water outlet segment when the water outlet segment is in a second position.

By providing the water outlet segment with at least one degree of freedom between at least two positions, it is possible to stow the water outlet segment in a more retracted position when no water discharge is desired. This gives the user more space when the plumbing fixture is not in use. In addition, a tidy and more attractive visual impression of the sanitary installation is provided.

The first position represents the stowed position or a standby position. In this position the water outlet segment is normally retracted away from a sink or other means for collecting or disposing of the water. Since the water cannot be collected and drained, it is not desirable to dispense water in this position.

According to the invention, the water release device therefore offers the function of preventing the release of water from the water outlet segment when the water outlet segment is in the first position. This prevents water from being released in the first position if, for example, a user inadvertently triggers a water release control element on the sanitary fitting or does not know the ergonomics of the sanitary fitting.

The second position represents the functional or “active” state of the sanitary fitting in which the water is to be released. In this position, the water outlet segment is positioned in the vicinity of a water drain. Any water released from the plumbing fixture in this condition would be caught by the drain, so there is no safety requirement that prevents the release of water when a user tries to dispense water. Therefore, the valve of the water release device does not prevent the water outlet segment from releasing water in the second position.

However, positioning the water outlet segment in the second position does not solve the problem necessarily the release of water. Additional elements, such as additional valves, can prevent the release of water from the water outlet segment, even if the water outlet segment is in the second position.

The stationary object of a sanitary facility, the base area being set up to be mounted on the stationary object, can in particular be a wall or a wash basin. The object is stationary in that the object is normally not moved. However, this does not mean that the object cannot be moved, since the stationary object can also be a sub-floor or a piece of furniture which, if desired, e.g. with the help of wheels, can be moved.

The valve of the water release device is advantageously an electrically operated valve and the water release device comprises a position sensor which is configured to detect the position of the water outlet segment and to work together with the electrically operated valve to prevent the release of water when the first position is detected and allow the release of water when the second position is detected.

The position sensor detects the position of the water outlet segment and can communicate with a control unit. The control unit can then send signals to the electrically operated valve to open and / or close an opening of the valve in order to permit or prevent the release of water.

Alternatively, the valve of the water release device can be triggered mechanically when the water outlet segment is displaced, e.g. Via a mechanical coupling between the water outlet segment and the valve of the water release device.

The position sensor is advantageously an inclination measuring device that detects the inclination of the water outlet segment. A slope is defined as the angle between the water outlet segment and a horizontal plane. Depending on the inclination of the water outlet segment, the water release device allows or prevents the release of water. The slope is determined to be zero when the water outlet segment is parallel to the horizontal plane.

The second position, in which the release of water is permitted, is advantageously determined as the horizontal position of the water outlet segment without inclination, since in this position the water outlet opening of the water outlet segment is directed towards the water drain. However, it is also possible that the water outlet segment is constructed in such a way that the outlet opening is directed towards the drain when the water outlet segment is not in the horizontal, but e.g. is in a vertical position. In this case, the vertical position of the water outlet segment would be determined as the second position.

In general, the second position is determined as the position in which the water outlet opening and thus the discharged water flow is directed essentially vertically downwards and onto a water collection or water drainage means.

The second position can be determined as having an inclination within + -30 ° with respect to the horizontal position, in particular within + - 20 °, in particular within + -10 °, in particular within + -5 °.

Alternatively, the position sensor can also be an electrical contact that detects the first and / or the second position by making contact and generating a signal when in the first and / or the second position.

The water outlet segment can advantageously be moved between the first position and the second position by offsetting the water outlet segment relative to the base body.

Alternatively, the water outlet segment together with the base body can be offset relative to the base area.

The base body advantageously comprises a flexible section which is connected to the water outlet segment, via which flexible section the water outlet segment can be displaced in at least one direction by bending the flexible section.

Alternatively, the water outlet segment can be connected to the base body via a hinge or joint element, via which hinge or joint element the water outlet segment can be displaced relative to the base body.

The flexible section can be set up in such a way that, when the flexible section is bent by a user, plastic deformation of the material of the flexible section is brought about. This makes it possible for the user to change the shape and / or the orientation of the flexible section relative to the water outlet segment, the base body and the base area in such a way that the change in the shape and / or the orientation of the ends of the flexible section persists as long as until another change is made by the user. This enables the user to have the To move the water outlet segment into a position in which it remains without having to manually hold the water outlet segment in this position.

The offsetting of the water outlet segment advantageously includes a rotation of the water outlet segment and of the base body with respect to the base region about an essentially vertical axis x.

It is therefore possible to move the water outlet segment between the first and second positions by rotating the water outlet segment and the main body.

This allows for easy and effective movement to stow the water outlet segment out of the way.

It is advantageous if the offset between the first and the second position is a combination of a rotation of the water outlet segment and the base body about a vertical axis x and a movement of the water outlet segment relative to the base area.

The rotation between a first rotary position and a second rotary position can switch the sanitary fitting, as described above, between an active mode and a standby mode. The rotation in addition to the movement of the water outlet segment relative to the base area improves the stowability of the sanitary fitting and the aesthetics of the sanitary fitting further.

1. a) die Freigabe von Wasser zu verhindern, wenn die erste Position erfasst wird, und die Freigabe von Wasser zuzulassen, wenn die zweite Position erfasst wird, und/oder
2. b) die Sanitärarmatur von einem Standby-Modus in der ersten Position in einen aktiven Modus in der zweiten Position zu schalten.

The water release device advantageously comprises a rotary position sensor which is set up to detect a rotation of the base body in relation to the base region and

1. a) to prevent the release of water when the first position is detected and to allow the release of water when the second position is detected, and / or
2. b) to switch the sanitary fitting from a standby mode in the first position to an active mode in the second position.

The standby mode can be a mode in which the user can easily recognize visually that the sanitary fitting is inactive without knowing the specific ergonomics of the controls of the sanitary fitting. The active mode can e.g. can be characterized by decorative lighting and / or lighting up of optical control elements. In the inactive standby mode, however, the decorative lights and the lighting can be switched off, which visually signals to the user that the sanitary fitting is not active.

The standby mode reduces the energy consumption of the sanitary fitting and can represent an additional safety measure in that the user must first "activate" the sanitary fitting by turning the fitting before water can be dispensed.

The rotary position sensor can be a single sensor that detects more than one rotary position of the base body. However, it can also be an electromechanical switch that is contacted when the base body is rotated into a certain position. In the latter case, only one position can be detected by the switch. However, by using more than one mechanical switch, it is also possible to detect a large number of positions with the aid of electromechanical switches.

In the first position of the water outlet segment, at least one area of the base body and the water outlet segment advantageously form an essentially closed loop shape. It is uncommon for elements of a plumbing fixture to form a closed loop, thus creating an unusual visual object of interest. Such a closed loop shape is made possible with a water release safety mechanism according to the invention described above.

The sanitary fitting also advantageously comprises an operating element with which the volume flow and / or the temperature of the water to be released from the sanitary fitting can be controlled by a user.

The operating element is advantageously a touch element, e.g. a capacitive sensor that the user can select by simply touching and / or sliding over the touch element with at least one area of his hand, e.g. one finger, operated. The operating element can also be a switch, a dial or a button that can be turned or moved manually by the user.

The operating element is advantageously arranged on the water outlet segment in the user's field of vision. However, it is possible to arrange the control element in a different area of the sanitary fitting, e.g. on the main body.

The control element is advantageously set up in such a way that the water temperature and / or the volume flow is set by sliding the user's finger over at least one area of the control element, this movement increasing or reducing the water temperature and / or the volume flow over the surface of the control element.

The control of the water temperature and / or the volume flow on the operating element can be distinguished from one another in that the water temperature is controlled by sliding a finger in a direction that differs from the direction in which a finger slides to control the volume flow.

It is also possible to combine the control of water temperature and volume flow by adjusting the volume flow of the hot water with an operating movement, e.g. sliding a finger over a surface of the control element, and the volume flow of the cold water can be controlled by another operating movement.

Figure list

• 1 shows a side view of the sanitary fitting according to the invention with the water outlet segment in a first and a second position;
• 2 shows a further side view of the sanitary fitting from 1 ; and
• 3 shows a top view of the sanitary fitting from 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a sanitary fitting 10 with a base body 12 , a water outlet segment 14th and a base area 16 . The base area 16 consists of an aperture 18th and an assembly area 20th over which the base area 16 at a sink 44 (see. 3 ), a wall or another stationary object of a sanitary facility with in 1 fastening means, not shown, such as a screw and a corresponding nut, can be mounted.

The basic body 12 includes a lower area 22nd that rotates with the base area 16 connected, an upper area 24 and a flexible section 26th . The upper area 24 is U-shaped and provides two ways for the water to be dispensed from the sanitary fitting 10 to disposal. The main path leads to the water outlet segment 14th that is about the flexible section 26th with the upper area 24 of the main body 12 connected is. The water comes out of an outlet opening 28 submitted.

The upper area 24 also provides a path to a second water outlet segment 30th available via one in the upper area 24 arranged hose detachable with the base body 12 connected is. The user can use the second water outlet segment 30th grab and from the base body 12 lose weight. The water can come from the second water outlet segment 30th by a control element 32 that the user can activate by touching or pressing. This can be one in the upper area 24 Trigger arranged diverters, for example by pressure activation, as is known from the prior art.

The sanitary fitting 10 further comprises a water release device having a position sensor 34 and a rotation sensor 36 includes that with one attached to the sensors 34 and 36 connected control unit 37 communicate. The control unit 37 sends signals to a valve via a connection 38 to control the release of water from the water outlet segment 14th depending on the position of the water outlet segment 14th from the position sensor 34 and from the rotation sensor 36 is detected, to allow or to prevent.

The dashed lines in 1 set the water outlet segment 14th in a substantially vertical position, which corresponds to an inactive first position A. The water outlet segment 14th can be moved from the first position A to an active second position B in a direction D by the flexible section 26th is bent. A position sensor configured as an inclinometer 34 is inside the water outlet segment 14th arranged and detects whether the water outlet segment 14th is in position A or B.

When the water outlet segment 14th is in position A, the position sensor detects 34 a slope that deviates significantly from a horizontal position. The position sensor 34 therefore prevents the release of water through the valve 38 .

When the water outlet segment 14th is in position B, the position sensor detects 34 no slope that deviates significantly from a horizontal position. The position sensor 34 therefore allows the release of water through the valve 38 to.

In addition, the water outlet segments 14th , 30th and the main body 12 can also be rotated about a vertical axis x by a rotation R between positions A 'and B'. The base area 16 remains stationary during rotation. This rotation can correspond to switching the sanitary fitting between a “standby” mode and an “active” mode. As in 3 can be seen, this rotary movement brings the water outlet segment to a stop above a water drain 46 of the sink 44 in position B '.

The rotation sensor 36 that is near the base body 12 and the base area 16 is arranged, detects the rotation of the base body 12 . When the basic body 12 is in position A ', the rotation sensor prevents 36 the release of water through a valve 38 .

When the basic body 12 and the water outlet segment 14th are in position B ', the rotation sensor prevents 36 not releasing the water through the valve 38 . Is the water outlet segment 14th in this case, however, in position A, the position sensor prevents 34 the release of water from the water outlet segment 14th .

So that water from the valve 38 can be released, must therefore the base body 12 and the water outlet segment 14th in the rotary position B 'and the water outlet segment 14th also be in position B. Otherwise the position sensor will 34 and / or the rotation sensor 36 prevent the release of water.

The sanitary fitting 10 can also include further valves or other water flow-limiting elements that are controlled by an operating element 42 that is on the surface of the water outlet segment 14th arranged and also with the control unit 37 connected can be controlled. Using the control element 42 the volume flow and / or the temperature of the water to be released can be set by a user.

Alternatively, the control element 42 on an area of the base body 12 be arranged.

2 shows a side view of the sanitary fitting 10 out 1 . The water outlet segment is also shown in the first position A, in which the release of water is prevented, and in the second position in which the release of water is permitted.

3 shows a top view of the sanitary fitting 10 out 1 . Besides the 2 and 3 is also a sink 44 with a water drain 46 shown. With the help of the rotation R about the axis x from position A 'to position B', the water outlet segment becomes 14th from a stowed position to a position above the water drain 46 of the sink 44 emotional. The water can come from the water outlet segment 14th released and from the water drain 46 are collected in position B '. The "standby" position A 'of the water outlet segment 14th is in 3 shown with dashed lines.

Claims (9)

A sanitary fitting (10) for dispensing water, comprising: a) a base body (12); b) a base area (16) which is designed to be non-rotatably mounted on a stationary object of a sanitary facility; c) a water outlet segment (14) for dispensing water from the sanitary fitting (10), the water outlet segment (14) being displaceable between at least two positions (A; A ', B; B') with respect to the base region (16); and d) a water release device comprising a valve (38) to allow or prevent the release of water from the water outlet segment (14), the water release device being configured to prevent the release of water from the water outlet segment (14) when the water outlet segment (14) is in a first position (A; A ') and to allow the release of water from the water outlet segment (14) when the water outlet segment (14) is in a second position (B; B'). The sanitary fitting (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the valve (38) of the water release device is an electrically operated valve and the water release device comprises a position sensor (34) which is set up to detect the position of the water outlet segment (14) and to work together with the electrically operated valve to prevent the release of water when the first position (A; A ') is detected and to allow the release of water when the second position (B; B') is detected. The sanitary fitting (10) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the position sensor (34) is an inclinometer which detects the inclination of the water outlet segment (14). The sanitary fitting (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water outlet segment (14) can be moved between the first position (A) and the second position (B) by offsetting the water outlet segment (14) relative to the base body (12). The sanitary fitting (10) after Claim 4 , wherein the base body (12) comprises a flexible section (26) which is connected to the water outlet segment (14), via which flexible section (26) the water outlet segment (14) can be displaced in at least one direction by bending the flexible section (26) is. The sanitary fitting (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement of the water outlet segment (14) results in a rotation of the water outlet segment (14) and the base body (12) in relation to the base region (16) about a substantially vertical axis x includes. The sanitary fitting (10) after Claim 6 , wherein the water release device comprises a rotary position sensor (36) which is configured to detect a rotation of the base body (12) in relation to the base region (16) and a) to prevent the release of water when the first position (A ' ) is detected, and to allow the release of water when the second position (B ') is detected, and / or b) the sanitary fitting (10) from a standby mode in the first position (A') to an active mode in the second position (B '). The sanitary fitting (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first position (A) of the water outlet segment (14) at least one area of the base body (12) and the water outlet segment (14) form an essentially closed loop shape. The sanitary fitting (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sanitary fitting (10) further comprises an operating element (42) with which the volume flow and / or the temperature of the water to be released from the sanitary fitting (10) is controlled by a user can be.

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