DE102020128119A1 - Inlet device, tub body and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflow device for filling a tub body, in particular a sanitary tub, bathtub, shower tub and/or whirlpool tub, comprising a nozzle housing (11) which has a base (12) with at least one passage opening (13) for a fluid, one of one Fluid-flowable nozzle element (14) which can be moved axially between a closed position (S') and an open position (O'), which is arranged in the nozzle housing (11) and has a piston (15) at an axial end facing the base (12). has at least one extension (16), wherein the at least one extension (16) and the at least one through-opening (13) are each arranged in such a way that the at least one extension (16) in the closed position (S') of the nozzle element (14) at least is partially movable into the at least one through-opening (13) of the base (12).

Description

The invention relates to an inflow device for filling a tub body. The invention also relates to a tub body and a method.

As a rule, the tub bodies of sanitary tubs, in particular bathtubs, are usually equipped with inlet fittings installed outside of the sanitary tubs or in the side walls of the tubs. The outflow openings of these inlet fittings are therefore arranged above the tub floor.

With the inlet fittings, which are arranged above the sanitary tub, the incoming water is only insufficiently distributed. In particular, the hot water collects on the surface and the cold water collects on the bottom.

Although there are floor drains, for example from EP 2 108 750 B1 known, which are arranged in the tub floor. However, these have the disadvantage that they can clog or silt up due to limescale deposits or other impurities. It is therefore necessary with the known floor drain to be regularly cleaned and serviced.

Furthermore, the known floor drain also has a drain function in addition to a drain function. With the known floor drain, therefore, it is not possible to flush dirty bath water down the drain while water is being drawn into the tub. This means that when dirty bath water is drained, for example, dirt residues can remain in the body of the tub.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved inlet device in which the maintenance effort is reduced. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of specifying a tub body and a method for installing an inlet device.

• - die Einlaufvorrichtung durch den Gegenstand des Anspruchs 1,
• - den Wannenkörper durch den Gegenstand des Anspruchs 15 und
• - das Verfahren durch den Gegenstand des Anspruchs 20

gelöst.According to the invention, the task is facing

• - the inlet device by the subject matter of claim 1,
• - The tub body by the subject matter of claim 15 and
• - the method by the subject-matter of claim 20

solved.

Specifically, the task is solved by an inlet device for filling a tub body, in particular a sanitary tub, bathtub, shower tub and/or whirlpool tub. The inlet device comprises a nozzle housing, which has a base with at least one through-opening for a fluid, a nozzle element through which a fluid can flow and which can be moved axially between a closed position and an open position, which is arranged in the nozzle housing, and a piston at an axial end facing the base with at least one extension, wherein the at least one extension and the at least one through-opening are each arranged such that the at least one extension can be moved at least in sections into the at least one through-opening of the base when the nozzle element is in the closed position.

The mechanism described above can also be referred to as a pop-up mechanism.

The inlet device according to the invention is preferably used to fill a tub body.

In the open position, a fluid, in particular water, flows through the nozzle element. In the closed position, the fluid supply is at least partially interrupted or limited.

The through opening forms an inlet for the fluid into the nozzle housing. The floor can have several through openings. The through opening connects the nozzle element to a fluid supply. In an open position, the fluid flows through the passage opening to the nozzle element and through the nozzle element.

The piston is arranged on a lower axial end of the nozzle element when installed. In the closed position, the piston preferably rests on the floor. The piston preferably rests on the floor in a fluid-tight manner. Alternatively, it is possible that the fluid flow through the piston in the closed position is reduced compared to the fluid flow in the open position. In other words, in the closed position, the extensions reduce the cross section of the through holes. It is possible that in the closed position the fluid flow is not completely interrupted by the piston.

The projections extend towards the ground. In the closed position, the extensions extend at least in sections into the passage openings. It is possible for the extensions to extend through the entire through-opening.

The extensions, which move in and out of the through-openings with each transition from the closed to the open position and vice versa, prevent limescale or other impurities from permanently accumulating in the through-openings. Furthermore, by arranging the inlet device in the bottom of the tub body, a better distribution of the fluid is possible in terms of temperature and aesthetics. This also makes it possible to fill the tub body with little noise.

The inlet device according to the invention is intended to be arranged in the bottom of a tub body. However, an arrangement in a side wall of a tub body, for example as a massage nozzle, is not excluded.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the subclaims.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle element can be activated hydraulically, electrically and/or mechanically. Depending on the area of application, the appropriate method for activating the nozzle element can be selected.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the piston can be subjected to a fluid pressure through the at least one passage opening, so that the nozzle element moves from the closed position to the open position when a predefined fluid pressure is reached. In this embodiment, the nozzle element is activated hydraulically. In other words, the nozzle element can be activated purely by a predefined fluid pressure. This embodiment is structurally simple to implement and cost-effective.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the inlet device comprises an electric actuator which moves the nozzle element from the open position to the closed position and/or from the closed position to the open position. By using an electric actuator, the nozzle element can be activated independently of the fluid pressure. The electric actuator makes it possible to move the nozzle element steplessly. This means that several open positions can be realized in order to regulate the amount of incoming fluid.

A guide element, in particular a locking screw, is particularly preferably arranged in the nozzle housing, with a restoring element being arranged between the guide element and the piston in order to move the nozzle element from the open position into the closed position. The restoring element enables the nozzle element to move automatically into the closed position. The reset element can be used to adjust the amount of fluid pressure from which the nozzle element moves into the open position.

The restoring element preferably comprises an elastic element, in particular a spiral spring, an elastomer body or an elastic band, and/or magnets.

In a further preferred embodiment, the inlet device has several, in particular eight, through-openings and extensions, and the through-openings and the extensions are each arranged along a circular path. Multiple through-openings allow a larger flow rate of the fluid. Due to the particularly uniform distribution on a circular path, the through-openings can be arranged corresponding to the extensions.

It is advantageous if the at least one extension has a cylindrical, conical, rectangular, pyramidal, polygonal and/or spherical shape. Spherical here also includes partially spherical, in particular hemispherical, shapes. Alternatively, other shapes are possible. Analogous to the extension, different shapes are possible for the through-opening. Due to the different shapes of the extension, it can be adapted to the passage opening. The extension can be adapted to the through-opening in such a way that in the closed position the through-opening is closed partially or completely in a fluid-tight manner.

It is particularly advantageous if the nozzle housing can be adjusted, in particular telescopically, in the axial direction. This allows the nozzle housing to be adjusted to the bottom of the tub body. This is particularly advantageous for different tub bodies with different thicknesses.

In one embodiment, the nozzle housing has an external thread and is arranged in an inlet housing when installed, the inlet housing having an internal thread which interacts with the external thread of the nozzle housing, so that the nozzle housing can be telescoped. When installed, the position of the nozzle housing can be adjusted in the axial direction by a rotary movement.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the inlet device comprises a cover which is and/or can be connected to the nozzle element and, when installed, is flush with an inner surface of the tub body in the closed position of the nozzle element. The cover can form an aperture that is aesthetically pleasing cal distribution of the inflowing fluid allows. Furthermore, the cover enables the inlet device to be closed tightly.

The cover and the nozzle element are advantageously connected to one another by a connecting means. The connecting means can be formed in one piece with the cover and/or the nozzle element. The connecting means is preferably arranged coaxially in the nozzle housing

It is advantageous if the cover and/or the nozzle element can be rotated. A rotatable cover and/or a rotatable nozzle element enables an aesthetic distribution of the incoming fluid.

It is also advantageous if the nozzle housing and/or the nozzle element and/or the cover are formed from a metal, a thermoplastic and/or an elastomer. Enamelled sheet metal is conceivable, for example, as the metal. The material can be selected depending on the area of application, the tub body or the desired appearance.

A secondary aspect of the invention relates to a tub body, in particular a sanitary tub, a bathtub, a shower tub and/or a whirlpool tub, the tub body comprising at least one inlet device according to the invention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inlet device is arranged in the bottom of the tub body. The arrangement in the floor enables an even distribution of the inflowing fluid. In particular, bath water can be evenly mixed in this way.

The inlet device is preferably integrated into a system which comprises an overflow fitting and/or a drain fitting. The overflow fitting can prevent the tub body from overflowing. The drain fitting is preferably arranged separately from the inlet device in the tub body, as a result of which simultaneous inlet and outlet of the fluid is possible. Soiling can be washed away from the tub body.

In a further embodiment, the inlet device is connected by a flange, in particular an adhesive flange, to a lower outer surface of the tub body when installed. The flange enables the inlet device to be easily connected to the tub body. Furthermore, a flange enables a fluid-tight connection of the inlet device to the tub body. Alternatively, other means are possible. For example, the inlet device can be arranged, in particular inserted, flush in the tub body.

In a further embodiment, the inlet device has a nut for fixing an orientation of the inlet device on the tub body. With the nut, the inlet device can be permanently connected to the tub body in a simple manner and the alignment can be fixed.

A further subsidiary aspect of the invention is a method for assembling an inlet device of the type described above, in which a tub body with an opening is manufactured or provided, an inlet device is manufactured or provided, a flange is arranged on the inlet device, the inlet device from an outer surface inserting the tub body into the opening, connecting the flange to the outer surface of the tub body, aligning the inflow device in a desired direction, and fixing the inflow device in the aligned position by tightening a nut.

The invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Einlaufvorrichtung in der Schließposition;
• 2 einen Schnitt der Einlaufvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 3 eine perspektivische Einzelansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Einlaufvorrichtung;
• 4 einen Schnitt der Einlaufvorrichtung gemäß 3; und
• 5 einen Schnitt der Einlaufvorrichtung gemäß 1 in der Offenposition.

show:

• 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of an inlet device according to the invention in the closed position;
• 2 a section of the inlet device according to 1 ;
• 3 a perspective detail view of an embodiment of an inlet device according to the invention;
• 4 a section of the inlet device according to 3 ; and
• 5 a section of the inlet device according to 1 in the open position.

1 shows an inlet device 10 installed in a flat bottom of a tub body. It is possible for the inlet device to be arranged in a depression in the tub body.

The inlet device 10 is arranged in an opening 26 of the tub body. The opening 26 can, for example, be cut out of the tub body using a drill or a milling machine. Alternatively, it is possible to use the tub body to produce together with the opening in a manufacturing process, in particular to cast.

The inlet device 10 comprises an inlet housing 20 in which a nozzle housing 11 is arranged. The inlet housing 20 and the nozzle housing 11 are cylindrical. Embodiments in which the inlet housing 20 and the nozzle housing 11 have other shapes are conceivable.

The intake case 20 has two grooves on an outer peripheral surface of the intake case 20 extending along the entire circumference of the intake case 20 . A sealing ring is arranged in each of the grooves. The sealing rings are arranged in the radial direction between a flange 24 and the inlet housing 20 .

The flange 24 is annular. Other shapes, for example square or oval, are possible. The flange 24 is designed as an adhesive flange. The adhesive flange is connected to the outer surface A' of the tub body. Alternatively, other types of connection, for example screw connections, are possible. A thread is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the flange 24 .

A nut 25 is arranged around the flange 24 . The nut 25 has a further thread which engages the thread of the flange 24 . Instead of the nut 25, other fastening means are possible, for example a click ring.

The inlet housing 20 has centering cams 30 and securing cams 31 . When installed, the centering cams 30 are arranged above the sealing rings and the securing cams 31 are arranged below the sealing rings. The centering cams 30 are used to center the inlet housing 20 in the flange 24. Furthermore, the centering cams 30 are designed to secure the inlet housing 20 in a variably adjustable rotational orientation by applying the nut 25 with a tightening force. In the tightened state, the securing cams 31 interact with a counter-contour of the nut 25 in such a way that the nut 25 is secured against loosening. The securing cams 31 can be of wave-like design and are arranged on a surface of the inlet housing 20 which is directed downwards in the installed state. More precisely, the surface is arranged on a collar which forms a stop for the nut 25. A reverse arrangement of the locking cams 31, i.e. the arrangement of the locking cams 31 on the nut 25 is possible.

The fluid supply, in particular the water supply, is arranged on the lower surface 27 of the inlet housing when installed. The water supply includes a tube that is monolithically formed with the inlet housing 20 . The tube is a first tube 28. In the first tube 28, a second tube 29 is arranged. The first tube 28 has a throttle. A check valve is arranged in the second pipe 29 . The second tube 29 is connected to the first tube 28 by a press or push fitting with a locking clip. Other types of connection, such as sleeves, are possible.

In 2 it can be seen that the nozzle housing 11 is arranged coaxially in the inlet housing 20 . The nozzle housing 11 includes an external thread 19 which engages with an internal thread 21 of the inlet housing 20 . The nozzle housing 11 has a bottom 12 . In the installed state, the base 12 is arranged at the bottom. The bottom 12 includes eight through-openings 13. A different number of through-openings 13 is possible. The through-openings 13 are arranged on a circular path and are at the same distance from the respectively adjacent through-opening 13 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the passage openings are distributed uniformly on the circular path.

A nozzle element 14 is arranged in the nozzle housing 11 so that it can move axially. The nozzle element 14 is in 4 shown in detail. The nozzle element 14 has a through hole in the axial direction. The through hole can have a substantially constant diameter over the entire length or several different diameters. The nozzle element 14 has a thread at an upper axial end when installed, and a piston 15 at a lower axial end when installed.

The piston 15 forms a collar around the nozzle element 14. The piston 15 is designed in one piece, in particular monolithically, with the nozzle element 14. The piston 15 forms a fluid-tight seal with the inner walls of the nozzle housing 11 .

The piston 15 has extensions 16 which are arranged on a circular path. The extensions 16 extend against the direction of flow of the fluid. In other words, the extensions 16 extend towards the bottom 12. The extensions 16 are cone-shaped. The through openings 13 and the extensions 16 are designed and arranged to correspond to one another. This means that the extensions 16 extend into the through-openings 13 in the closed position S′. In a further embodiment, it is possible for the extensions 16 to extend into the through-openings 13 in sections. In other words, the extensions 16 can extend along the entire length of the through openings in the direction of movement of the nozzle member 14 extend or not. It is also possible for the extensions 16 to protrude on the side of the base 12 facing away from the nozzle element 14 . In 3 and 4 the extensions 16 in the through-openings 13 can be seen particularly well.

The inlet device 10 is in the 1 until 4 arranged in a closed position S'. This means that the extensions 16 of the piston extend into the through-openings 13 .

A guide element 17 is arranged in the nozzle housing 11 . The guide element 17 and the nozzle element 14 are arranged coaxially to the nozzle housing 11 . The guide element 17 is fixed in the nozzle housing 11 by a thread. The guide element 17 serves as a guide for the nozzle element 14.

A restoring element 18 is arranged between the guide element 17 and the piston 15 . The restoring element 18 is designed as a spiral spring. Other reset elements are possible.

A connecting means 23 is arranged, more precisely screwed, on the upper axial end of the nozzle element 14 when installed. The connecting means 23 is positively connected to a cover 22 .

The cover 22 includes a circular disc. Other shapes, for example square or oval, are possible for the cover 22 . The cover 22 is detachably connected to the connecting means 23 or to the nozzle element 14 . The cover 22 and the connecting means 23 can be moved with the nozzle element 14 in the axial direction. The cover 22 has openings in the circumferential direction, which are referred to as secondary nozzles. The secondary nozzles are delimited by the connecting means 23 .

5 shows the inlet device 10 in the open position O'. The arrows shown show the course of the fluid flow. In operation, the fluid, particularly water, flows through the second and first tubes 29, 28 and strikes the bottom 12 of the nozzle housing 11. The water applies fluid pressure to the piston 15 of the nozzle element 14. More precisely, the water exerts a fluid pressure on the projections 16 through the through openings 13 . When a predefined fluid pressure is reached, the nozzle element 14 moves away from the base 12 in the axial direction. As a result, the lid 22 is raised and water can flow into the tub body.

If the fluid pressure falls below the predefined value, the restoring force of the restoring element 18 moves the piston 15 into the closed position S′, more precisely in the direction of the bottom 12 . In order to move the nozzle element 14 in the axial direction, the fluid pressure must therefore be high enough to overcome the restoring force of the restoring element 18 . The reset element 18 can thus be used to set the fluid pressure from which the nozzle element 14 moves into the open position O′.

Alternatively, the nozzle element 14 can be activated, for example, by an electric actuator. The actuator can be activated by a switch, for example a pressure switch or a manually operated switch.

It is conceivable that the inlet device 10 has an illumination device which illuminates the inflowing fluid. This allows for better aesthetics. The lighting device can be switched on and off by fluid pressure or by conventional switches. The lighting device can be supplied with energy, for example, by a generator integrated into the inlet device.

After alignment, the inlet device 10 can be fixed in the desired position by the nut 25 . The centering cam 30 and the securing cam 31 prevent an unintentional loosening of the inlet device 10. The centering cam 30 and the securing cam 31 each represent resistances that prevent the nut 25 from rotating unintentionally.

The lid 22 enables a fluid-tight closure of the inner surface of the tub body in the closed position S′. In particular, it is possible to close the inlet device flush with the tub body. The lid serves as a screen that distributes the inflowing fluid at an angle of 360°.

The height of the inlet device can be adjusted by the external thread of the nozzle housing 11 and the internal thread of the inlet housing 20 . The nozzle housing 11 can be moved in the axial direction by turning as required. This means that the inlet device can be adjusted to the thickness of different tub bodies.

The extensions 16 are moved out and in again with each opening and closing of the gating device 10 . As a result, the through openings 13 are pierced again in each cycle. Deposits, in particular lime deposits and dirt, cannot settle permanently, but are at least partially removed every time the door is opened and closed solved. In other words, the passage openings 13 of the inlet device 10 are self-cleaning.

Reference List

10

inlet device

11

nozzle body

12

floor

13

passage opening

14

nozzle element

15

Pistons

16

extension

17

guide element

18

return element

19

external thread

20

intake housing

21

inner thread

22

lid

23

lanyard

24

flange

25

mother

26

opening

27

lower surface

28

first pipe

29

second pipe

30

centering cam

31

safety cam

O'

open position

S'

closed position

A'

outer surface

I'

Inner surface

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 2108750 B1 [0004]

Claims (20)

Inlet device for filling a tub body, in particular a sanitary tub, bathtub, shower tub and/or whirlpool tub, comprising: - a nozzle housing (11) which has a bottom (12) with at least one passage opening (13) for a fluid, - a nozzle element (14) through which a fluid can flow, between a closed position (S') and an open position (O'), which is arranged in the nozzle housing (11) and has a piston at an axial end facing the base (12). (15) with at least one extension (16) and, wherein the at least one extension (16) and the at least one through opening (13) are each arranged in such a way that the at least one extension (16) in the closed position (S') of the The nozzle element (14) can be moved at least in sections into the at least one through-opening (13) of the base (12). inlet device claim 1 characterized in that the nozzle element (14) can be activated hydraulically, electrically and/or mechanically. inlet device claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the piston (15) can be acted upon by a fluid pressure through the at least one passage opening (13), so that the nozzle element (14) moves from the closed position (S') into the open position (O') when a predefined fluid pressure is reached ) emotional. inlet device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the infeed device (10) comprises an electric actuator which moves the nozzle element (14) from the open position (O') to the closed position and/or from the closed position (S') to the open position (O'). Inlet device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide element (17), in particular a screw plug, is arranged in the nozzle housing (11), a restoring element (18) being arranged between the guide element (17) and the piston (15), to move the nozzle member (14) from the open position (O') to the closed position (S'). inlet device claim 5 , characterized in that the restoring element (18) comprises an elastic element, in particular a spiral spring, an elastomeric body or an elastic band, and/or magnets. Inlet device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet device (10) has several, in particular eight, through openings (13) and extensions (16) and the through openings (13) and the extensions (16) are each arranged along a circular path. Inlet device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one extension (16) has a cylindrical, conical, rectangular, pyramidal, polygonal and/or spherical shape. Inlet device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle housing (11) is adjustable, in particular telescopic, in the axial direction. inlet device claim 9 , characterized in that the nozzle housing (11) has an external thread (19) and is arranged in an inlet housing (20) when installed, the inlet housing (20) having an internal thread (21) which is connected to the external thread (19) of the Nozzle housing (11) interacts so that the nozzle housing (11) is telescopic. Inlet device according to one of the claims, characterized in that the inlet device (10) comprises a cover (22) which is and/or can be connected to the nozzle element (14) and which, when installed, is in the closed position (S') of the nozzle element (14 ) is flush with an inner surface (I') of the tub body. inlet device claim 11 , characterized in that the cover (22) and the nozzle element (14) are connected to one another by a connecting means (23). inlet device claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the cover (22) and/or the nozzle element (14) are rotatable. Inlet device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle housing (11) and/or the nozzle element (14) and/or the cover (22) are formed from a metal, a thermoplastic synthetic material and/or an elastomer. Tub body, in particular sanitary tub, bathtub, shower tub and/or whirlpool tub, characterized in that the tub body comprises at least one inlet device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. tub body after claim 15 , characterized in that the inlet device (10) is arranged in the bottom of the tub body. tub body after claim 15 or 16 , characterized in that the inlet device (10) is integrated into a system which comprises an overflow fitting and/or a drain fitting. Tub body according to one of Claims 15 until 17 , characterized in that the inlet device (10) is connected by a flange (24), in particular an adhesive flange, to a lower outer surface (A') of the tub body when installed. Tub body according to one of Claims 15 until 18 , characterized in that the inlet device (10) has a nut (25) for fixing an alignment of the inlet device (10) on the tub body. Method for assembling an inlet device according to one of Claims 1 until 14 In which a) a tub body with an opening (26) is produced or provided, b) an inlet device (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 14 is manufactured or provided, c) a flange (24) is arranged on the inlet device (10), d) the inlet device (10) is pushed into the opening (26) from an outer surface (A') of the tub body, e) the flange (24) is connected to the outer surface (A') of the tub body, f) the inlet device (10) is aligned in a desired direction and g) the inlet device (10) is fixed in the aligned position by tightening a nut (25).

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