EP1954893A2

EP1954893A2 - Washing device

Info

Publication number: EP1954893A2
Application number: EP06804885A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Elmar Mock; André Klopfenstein; Laurent Torriani
Original assignee: Creaholic SA
Current assignee: Creaholic SA
Priority date: 2005-11-29
Filing date: 2006-11-27
Publication date: 2008-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-27
Also published as: BRPI0619062A2; US8458826B2; EP2204507A2; CN102518181B; ES2346692T3; EP2210987A3; BRPI0619062B1; ZA200804290B; JP2009517203A; US9303394B2; PL1954893T3; WO2007062536A3; CN102587461A; JP2014097379A; EP2210987B1; CA2629565C; MY145378A; RU2439251C2; EP2204508B1; CN102518180A

Abstract

Washing device (10) has an outlet (1) for spraying liquids at a low through-flow rate with increased pressure. A conveying device (6) is used to increase the pressure of the liquid, above an operating pressure of the outlet, prior to spraying. A heating device (5) is used for heating the water or the mixture. An independent claim is included for the method for the operation of the washing device.

Description

WASHING DEVICE

The invention relates to the field of sprayers, in particular to a washing device and a method for operating a washing device according to the preamble of the corresponding independent claims.

STATE OF THE ART

Such a washing device is known, for example, from WO 2004/101163 A1. It describes a shower head in which water nozzles are arranged in pairs, so that the jets of two nozzles of a pair collide and thereby dissolve into droplets. Purpose of the device is to allow a pleasant shower experience at different operating pressures between 0.2 bar and 10 bar and also to reduce the water consumption compared to conventional shower heads. However, it should be prevented that, in addition to the water droplets, a mist of very fine droplets is formed. For this purpose, the colliding beams are preferably arranged so that they do not completely overlap each other.

Further, for example, from WO 98/07522 is known to install a heater in a shower head to heat water immediately before delivery through the shower. However, high heating capacities corresponding to the amount of water flowing through are required.

In the Product Guide "The Heatstore Aqua-Flow Pumped Electric Shower Handbook" of Heatstore Limited, Island Park, Bristow Broadway, Bristol

BSIl 9FB, downloaded from www.heatstore.co.uk on 7.11.2006, describes an electric shower. The shower is intended to be fed by a cistern, and therefore has a pump for pumping the water.

To heat the water a two-stage electric heater is provided, the heating power, depending on the model 8.5 kW / 7.8 kW or 9.5 kW / 8.7 kW.

The temperature of the discharged water is determined by varying the

Water flow rate set. This is a hand-operated control valve of

Pump downstream. The inlet pressure in front of the device may, probably to protect the

Pump should not be too high, so the unit must not be connected to a water supply network and must not be more than 10 m below the cistern. Both the heating power and the flow rate are thus relatively high.

DE 100 04 534 A1 describes a hydromassage nozzle for producing a pulsating water jet. For this purpose, the massage nozzle is controlled by pumps or valves accordingly. The massage nozzle is intended for operation in a pool of water such as a shower bath, whirlpool, swimming pool or exercise pool, so for operation under water, so that no atomization takes place.

BE 514 104 shows a spray head with atomization by colliding rays. A spray core has four or more 1 mm or 12 mm diameter inclined bores directed to a common focal point. A sieve acts as a dirt filter. However, an increase in pressure, for example by a pump, is not mentioned. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a washing device and a method for operating a washing device, respectively for providing washing water of the type mentioned, which allows a reduction in the consumption of energy and / or water over the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a washing device which can be installed with little effort, and especially in buildings or facilities with an existing water network and electrical network without substantial expansion of the networks can be installed.

A further object is to provide a washing device and a method for operating a washing device which have no susceptibility to the spread of pathogenic diseases.

These objects are achieved by a washing device and a method for operating a washing device with the features of the corresponding independent patent claims.

The washing device for dispensing water or a water-based mixture, in particular in the sanitary area, for example in a shower or a vanity, has at least one outlet for spraying liquids at low flow rate and under increased pressure, and at least one conveying device for increasing a liquid pressure before Spraying to an operating pressure of the outlet. If the washing device is connected to a water supply network, the operating pressure of the outlet is above the nominal pressure of the water supply network. This nominal pressure is typically around 2.5 bar. To protect the pipes, the pressure in domestic installations (depending on the regulations of the local water supply company) is limited to a maximum of 5 bar or 6 bar, for example.

The spraying of the liquid naturally occurs in a gaseous medium, with a washing device typically in the atmosphere or the ambient air in which the washing device is operated.

The sprayed liquid is usually water or a water-based mixture. The water can therefore be mixed with an additive such as soap or another cleaning or disinfecting agent. The mixture can come from all nozzles. It is also possible to supply the nozzles in each case with different liquids or liquid mixtures, for example a nozzle with water and the other with liquid soap, or one with water and one with disinfectant. In further embodiments of the invention, gaseous fluids are supplied by their own nozzles. A high pressure gas jet may also be used to atomize a jet of liquid. The gas jet may in particular be a steam jet.

The washing device can be used in addition to the sanitary area in the therapeutic, cosmetic and pharmaceutical field application. The admixed liquids may also contain cosmetic or medical active ingredients.

When used in other areas, additives such as water can be added to the water

Food, fertilizer, pesticides, etc., with a good atomization and thus an increase in the total surface area of atomized liquid takes place. In principle, other than water-based liquids can be sprayed with the same type of means, such as fuels in drives or heaters, or chemicals in process chemistry. Industrial applications of sputtering and sputtering devices for coating and impregnation are also possible.

Increasing the pressure makes it possible to spray the liquid in spite of the low flow rate, so that a pleasant washing or showering experience is created. In particular, tests have shown that in this way, even at unexpectedly low flow rates, the skin is completely wetted, and not the feeling arises that too little water is delivered. This sensation is due to the fact that the particle size of the water droplets compared to conventional showers is significantly reduced by the spraying or spraying with increased pressure and accordingly by narrow nozzles. As a result, the entire surface of the liquid droplets is substantially larger than the same amount of liquid for larger drops, and accordingly the effect of wetting the body is increased. At the same volume, for example, drops of 50 micrometers radius have a 20 times higher contact surface area than a drop of 1 mm radius.

This conveyor or pump is therefore preferably arranged as part of the washing device locally, in the vicinity of the outlet or a shower head, ie in a bathroom or as a built-in element of a mobile or stationary shower cubicle. In principle, a central pressure increase, for example, in a building for several shower facilities conceivable. Such a central pressure increase can be provided for the whole building, or it can be used several units for central pressure increase, for example, each one unit for a floor or each unit for a vertical supply line through several floors. This helps to keep pump noises away from users. Both Preferably used operating pressures of the outlet of 10 to 40 or 50 bar, in particular 15 to 25 bar, but existing lines in buildings are usually overwhelmed and would have to new pressure water pipes are laid. The pump is electrically driven, for example.

Conversely, when using decentralized pumps, it is also possible to use a plurality of pumps per washing device, in particular if different liquids are mixed in the washing device. Thus, a separate pump can be provided for each of the liquids, and the amount of this liquid can be controlled by controlling the respective pump. The mixture of liquids happens either before spraying or during spraying itself. For example, in order to cleanly spray, in the second case, the pumps may be coordinated, or there may be at least one pair of oppositely directed nozzles for each of the liquids, fed by the same pump. Thus, clean atomization takes place for each of the liquids, regardless of the exact delivery rate and jet velocity of the other liquid. The impact points of the plurality of nozzle pairs (corresponding to the plurality of liquids) may coincide or be spaced apart, for example, in the main spray direction.

Flow rate control may be accomplished by controlling the pump (s) or by mechanical control means at the outlet or in the supply line. Such a mechanical control means is e.g. a manually adjustable reducing valve.

Due to the low water consumption, the washing device is particularly suitable for installation in means of transport such as trains, airplanes, motorhomes, or other mobile devices such as mobile washing systems, etc. Other applications are for example in showers or car washes in public baths, in dishwashers or for watering plants. In a further embodiment of the invention, the pump or a means for generating pressure is operated manually. Thus, even without an external power supply, a pressure can first be manually generated in a pressure accumulator, and then a washing device can be used subsequently or else over a longer period of time. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous when combined with solar hot water production. This gives a completely autonomous washing unit with low water consumption. Preferably, the pressure accumulator is identical to a water reservoir and also has an irradiable surface for heating the water reservoir. The pressure can be stored by expansion of a flexible vessel and / or by compression of an air volume in the accumulator.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing device has a heating device for heating the water or the liquid. Thanks to the low flow rate, this heater can be made comparatively small. In particular, it can be designed as a water heater, ie without memory, in which the water is heated, as in a boiler heater or storage heater. The heater can be operated electrically, with a fluid fuel such as gas or oil, or otherwise.

In another embodiment of the invention, the supply of hot water from a boiler, ie from a storage heater, or generally with stored hot water happens.

Because of the low heating power required, an electric heater can be operated with existing electrical house installations. As a result, the heating can be arranged decentralized, ie that each shower or washing device has its own heating, and no central hot water treatment is needed. This results in various advantages, in particular for investments in hotels: • Only one single cold water supply is needed for the washing device, a hot water supply can be dispensed with.

• The decentralized heating, which only happens when needed ("on demand"), eliminates the storage losses and line losses of conventional central hot water treatment.

Since the system only contains cold water until shortly before use, and in particular no hot water storage tanks are present, no cultures of pathogens such as e.g. Legionella arise.

The heater is preferably set up for controlled heating of the water prior to delivery to a predetermined discharge temperature. Thus, a temperature can be set by a manually adjustable default device, for example by a knob. The water temperature is measured and automatically controlled by adjusting the heating power. This is much more accurate, faster and more comfortable than conventional temperature control by setting a mixing ratio on a mixer tap. Preferably, the manually adjustable default temperature control temperature is limited to a predetermined value, and / or the dispensing temperature is limited to a predetermined value. Such a value is for personal washing devices, for example, 45 ° C or 5O ⁰ C or 55 ° C. On the one hand scalding is prevented, and on the other hand, the heating power can be kept low or limited in accordance with the maximum flow rate.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, unheated water is added to the heated water after heating to prevent the

Lower water temperature. This allows the heater in another

(more efficient) operating point, as if the heater lowered the

Temperature would reach without admixture. For example, the heater can heat the water to about 90 ⁰ C, whereupon it brought (for sanitary applications) by adding cold water to a lower discharge temperature becomes. For other applications, a higher dispensing temperature can also be used.

Suitable heating devices include instantaneous water heaters as disclosed in EP 0 832 400 B1 or EP 0 869 731 B1. These documents are hereby incorporated by reference into the application. Accordingly, a heated pipe is suspended so that it is movable or deformable during operation. Cause of the movement or deformation may be temperature changes, pressure changes and / or vibrations of a pump. As a result, limescale deposits are dissolved in the pipe. Originally designed for coffee machines, these instantaneous water heaters are designed for relatively low flow rates compared to conventional washing and shower facilities. They are, possibly with adjustment of the heating power, combined with low-flow spraying according to the present invention. These instantaneous water heaters are particularly suitable for high operating pressures, for example up to 10 bar or more. The temperature control can also be done by regulating the electrical heating power or by mixing cold water.

The washing device therefore preferably has a supply of cold water and a supply of energy for heating, but no supply of hot water. The power supply may be electrical or a supply of combustible gas. However, another supply can not be ruled out.

The washing device can thus be designed as a compact unit with only a cold water connection and an electrical supply connection. Such a unit contains in a housing, the pressure pump and the heater, and preferably a pre-treatment unit for the supplied water, or liquid. The pretreatment unit preferably has one or a combination of the following functions: coarse filter, microfilter, disinfection, antibacterial treatment, decalcification. As control inputs can controls be present for temperature control and / or pressure control. These can be attached to the unit itself or to a remote control unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum flow rate of the outlet is 5 l / min or 3 l / min, and preferably 1.0 to 1.5 l / min, which corresponds to a heater with a maximum heat output of approximately 3 kW.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum flow rate of the outlet is 1 l / min, and preferably 0.5 l / min, which corresponds to a heater having a maximum heating power of about 1 kW. These conditions are suitable, for example, for an outlet in a faucet for a sink (or sink or sink).

The above . Flow rates refer to a set of nozzles. When using several sets of nozzles, the flow rate is increased accordingly. The heating power for an electric heater is typically limited to 2, 4 or 6 kW, depending on the protection and the number of phases used. This also limits the maximum flow rate for a decentralized heating, which is an important incentive to reduce the flow rate while maintaining the wash quality.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing device has a mixing device for mixing the water with soap before dispensing. This mixing device can be switched on and off, so that the washing device is operable in a first and a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode ("soaping") soap is added to the water and the water flow, for example, less than 31 / min or less than 1 liter / min and preferably 0.5 l / min, and in the second mode of operation ("rinsing") no soap is added to the water and the Water flow is up to 1 l / min or (in a shower) up to 3 l / min or up to 5 l / min.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet has a nozzle body, which nozzle body has two nozzle disks, wherein the nozzle disks are arranged rotatable relative to one another in different positions. Depending on the angle of rotation, a set of nozzles of the first nozzle disk is connected to different sets of nozzles of the second nozzle disk. If the first nozzle disk is an upper nozzle disk, i. the nozzle disk which is acted upon by pressurized water, and the second nozzle disk a lower, which faces the consumer or the spray direction, then by rotating the second nozzle disk, a nozzle set having a selectable characteristic can be coupled to the feeding nozzle set of the upper nozzle disk.

If the first nozzle disk is a lower nozzle disk, one of several feeding nozzle sets of the second, upper nozzle disk can be selected by rotating the first nozzle disk. Different feeding nozzle sets can be fed with different liquids or liquid combinations, for example, so that a selection of the mixture of the sprayed liquid is possible by rotating the first nozzle disk.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the atomization is accomplished in that a liquid jet strikes an obstacle at a high relative speed. In this case, the obstacle may be a moving or stationary solid or at least one further jet of a fluid, that is to say a liquid jet or gas jet. The relative velocity is due to the velocity of the liquid jet and / or movement of the solid. Means for achieving a high relative speed are thus nozzles for generating a liquid jet, possibly in conjunction with a pump for increasing the pressure, and / or moving solids, to which a or hit several jets of liquid. In particular, such a solid, also called sputtering body below, can be rotated at high speed. The number of revolutions depends on the desired relative speed and the radius of an impact point of a liquid jet with respect to the axis of rotation.

The relative velocity between the particles in the liquid jet and the sputtering body is over 20, 30 or 40 m / s and preferably at least approximately 50 m / s. This achieves a suitable size and speed of the atomized jet.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the atomization is accomplished in that the outlet comprises at least one nozzle set with at least two nozzles for generating colliding liquid jets and for atomizing the liquid. The nozzle set has for example two, three, four or more nozzles whose jets at least almost in one point. In another variant, the rays may intentionally be slightly displaced so that they do not collide at one point, thus causing, for example, a massage sensation.

If the liquid, together with water, has another medium, such as soap, then this additional medium can be added to the supply of all nozzles or else only to individual nozzles. For this purpose, the washing device has a mixing device for mixing soap into the liquid supply of at least one of the nozzles.

If the viscosity is sufficiently low, the additional medium can alternatively be used

Liquid unmixed at least one nozzle to be supplied. In both cases, the liquids are additionally mixed and distributed when they collide. Basically, it is also possible that when supplying nozzles with different liquids and the supply pressure, the type of multiple pumps used and the nozzle diameter of the nozzles vary according to the respective fluids with each other. Thus, an optimal balanced atomization can be achieved. For example, it is also possible for soap to be guided from above to the collision point of the colliding beams and mixed in this way.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing device has protective bodies which are arranged in the direction of the nozzles, so that a liquid jet, which is not struck by other liquid jets, strikes a protective body. This prevents that when a nozzle clogging, the jet from another nozzle of the nozzle set hits directly on the skin or the eyes.

However, it has also been found that with a non-perfect alignment of the jets of a nozzle set they partially atomize and the remaining part causes a "grazing effect" on the skin, which can be perceived as pleasant or as massaging depending on the strength and personal preference. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, the nozzles are not exactly aligned with each other, but for example only with an overlap of the jet surfaces of 60% or 80%. Or it can be switched between modes with different overlap and thus different showering sensation. This can be done by switching between several nozzle sets, or by mechanically varying the orientation of at least one nozzle of a nozzle set.

Due to the only partial overlap of the jet surfaces creates an asymmetry of the atomized water jet. Other ways to create an asymmetry are, for example, the use of different nozzle diameters in at least two nozzles of a nozzle set. Or it can operate two nozzles of a nozzle set with different liquid pressures become. This can be achieved by using separate pumps per nozzle or by using different pressure reducers (throttles) per nozzle. In principle, it is also possible to vary and control such different pressures per nozzle over time. Thus, the shape and thus also a movement of the atomized beam can be varied dynamically.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet has exactly one set of nozzles. This makes the outlet very compact and easy to manufacture.

A diameter of the nozzles 3 is preferably between 0.1 or 0.2 or 0.3 mm and 1.3 mm to 2 mm, in particular between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm. The length of the nozzles is, to achieve a laminar flow in the jet, at least twice the diameter. Preferably, a pressure of 10 bar to 50 bar, in particular from 15 bar to 25 bar is used as the operating pressure of the outlet, wherein the pressure is preferably substantially constant, that is not pulsating. The half impact angle, relative to the vertical, is preferably between 35 and 55 degrees, especially at 45 degrees. But it can basically be between zero and almost 90 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure is adjustable by a user. Either the pressure is adjusted according to the user's control, or the user sets a desired value to which pressure is controlled by pressure regulation.

In further preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet has at least one nozzle for producing a jet of water or liquid, and a movable or fixed atomizing body for atomizing this jet. The beam is thus directed to the sputtering body. A fixed atomizing body is fixedly attached to the outlet and is not movable with respect to the jet or the jets. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sputtering body is movable along a line with respect to the at least one nozzle. This achieves a change in the atomization characteristic or the geometry of the droplet cloud produced during atomization.

Preferably, the nozzle is directed to a different area of the sputtering body, depending on the position of the sputtering body along said line. In this case, these areas have different properties, in particular a different orientation with respect to the beam and / or a different surface structure.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the atomizing body is rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the at least one nozzle. In this way, different functions can be achieved: Similar to the linear displacement, on the one hand, a differently shaped area of the sputtering body can also be rotated into the beam or the beams by a temporary rotation about the rotation axis, so that the sputtering characteristic is changed. On the other hand, atomization can be achieved by a continuous rotation with a high rotational speed, without the liquid jet from the at least one nozzle having a particularly high pressure or a high speed or a high energy. This embodiment can thus be realized without an increase in pressure or pump.

Preferably, the sputtering body is at least approximately an ellipsoid of revolution, in particular a ball, or at least approximately a disc, wherein the at least one nozzle is directed onto a disc surface or on a disc edge. The sputtering body may also have a prismatic shape of any cross section. The method for operating a washing device for dispensing water or a water-based mixture, and optionally another liquid, preferably in the sanitary area, in particular in a shower or a vanity, comprises the following steps:

• increasing the water pressure or fluid pressure to an operating pressure of an outlet; and

• Spraying the water or liquid at the outlet under high pressure and low flow rate.

Further preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent claims. Characteristics of the method claims are analogously combined with the device claims and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the subject invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each show schematically:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a washing device;

Figure 2 shows another embodiment;

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a protective body; FIG. 4 shows an assembly of a washing device;

FIG. 5 shows a system with several washing devices;

Figure 6 shows a car wash or shower cubicle;

Figure 7 shows an arrangement of two nozzles in a plan view a) and in a side view b); Figure 8 shows a structure of a water disk, as it arises in colliding water jets;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a nozzle set with three nozzles;

FIG. 10 shows an arrangement of two nozzle pairs in a plan view a) and in a side view b);

FIG. 11 shows an outlet with a soap feed;

Figure 12 shows a nozzle body with two mutually rotatable nozzle discs;

FIG. 13 shows a one-piece nozzle body; FIGS. 14 and 15 are detail views of nozzle openings;

FIG. 16 shows a two-part nozzle body;

FIG. 17 shows an outlet with a sputtering body;

FIGS. 18 to 20 further sputtering bodies;

Figures 21 and 22 a disc as a sputtering body; FIG. 23 shows a curved disk as sputtering body;

FIG. 24 Pressure and flow relationships for different types of nozzles;

Figure 25 heating power requirement at different water flows; and

FIG. 26 heating power requirement in relation to heating power.

The reference numerals used in the drawings and their meaning are listed in the list of reference numerals. Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a washing device 10. This has an outlet 1 with at least one nozzle set 2. The nozzle set 2 in turn has two or more nozzles 3. With the nozzle 3 is in operation liquid under high pressure and thus at high speed or energy directed delivered. The nozzles 3 of a nozzle set 2 are aligned so that the discharged liquid jets overlap each other and preferably meet at one point. As a result, the liquid is atomized and thus unfolds a high wetting effect. The liquid is usually water, but also with one, several or all nozzles, another liquid or a mixture of water with another substance such as soap, disinfectant, etc. can be dispensed.

The liquid is preferably supplied to the outlet 1 via a hose 19 or generally via an outlet line, which is based on the operating pressure of the

Outlet is designed so can withstand this operating pressure. The

Outlet line can be permanently mounted. The outlet may be a fixed shower or a hand-held and movable shower head or a shower head.

The liquid is heated by a heater 5 which has an energy supply 13 and conveyed by a pump 6 and raised to an elevated temperature

Operating pressure brought. In another embodiment of the invention is the

Heater 5 arranged in the flow direction in front of the pump 6, so that therefore the pump 6 is designed to convey the already heated water. Preferably, in the

Feeding the liquid 11 or at another point of the liquid path a microfilter 7 is arranged to prevent the nozzles 3 are clogged. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the supply of the liquid is a

Cold water supply 11.

The filter 7 is preferably provided for filtering particles with a size of more than 100, in particular more than 50 micrometers from the water or the liquid.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment, which has no heater 5, but instead is supplied via a mixer 8, with which water from a cold water supply 11 and a hot water supply 12 is mixed to a desired temperature.

As a further embodiment of the invention, a soap feed 15 is shown, via which soap can be added to the water by means of a mixing device 14. Instead of soap, other fluid or powdery additives can be mixed in this way. The mixing device 14 is expediently switched on and off, so that between a mode

"Soap" with soap and a mode of "rinse" without soap can be switched. In this case, the mixing device 14 must be arranged quite close to the shower head, so that after switching off the mixing device 14 as soon as possible only water leaves the shower head. Preferably, in the mode

"Rinse" compared to the mode "soaping" and the amount of water delivered per unit time, ie the flow increases, for example by switching between different sets of nozzles 2, or by increasing the water pressure by the pump 6, or by varying the nozzle diameter.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a protective body 4. The protective body 4, a liquid jet, which does not or only insufficiently meets another liquid jet, collected. This can happen especially when a nozzle is clogged or damaged. The protective body 4 prevents the jet from striking the skin or the eyes directly. The protective body 4 respectively corresponding formations of the outlet 1 are thus arranged so that they are each in the beam direction of the individual nozzles 3, but are not substantially affected by the atomized liquid in the normal operation of the outlet 1, so not substantially hinder the sprayed liquid.

FIG. 4 shows a structural unit 16 of a washing device. In the assembly 16, depending on the embodiment, the previously presented elements such as in particular the Heater 5, pump 6, microfilter 7, and optionally also mixing device 14 and soap supply 15, etc. summarized in a compact unit in a housing. The housing has a power supply 13 and a cold water supply 11, and feeds the outlet 1 via the hose 19. Optionally, controls 18 for controlling or regulating temperature and or pressure can be arranged on a remote control unit 17 In another variant (dashed line) the controls 18 are arranged on the unit 16 itself.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly 16 has the same elements except the pump 6 and is connected to an external pump for increasing the pressure. The external pump may supply a plurality of such assemblies 16. A washing device system according to this embodiment therefore has at least one structural unit 16 and an external pump and a pressurized water line for feeding the at least one structural unit 16 through the pump 6.

To operate the washing device for dispensing heated water, the pump 6 and the heater 5, triggered by the operating unit, are preferably switched on. Since the heater 5 preferably has no memory, quasi-immediate, so without relevant heating time, hot water can be obtained. Optionally, the pump may be operated with a small delay of a few seconds, i. less than 2 or 5 or 10 seconds are turned on. Alternatively, the pump 6 can be controlled in this time from standstill and gradually ramped up to the normal flow rate, so that the discharge temperature can be increased from the beginning.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the switching on and off of the washing device is controlled by an electrical switch or sensor at the outlet 1. Alternatively, a mechanical valve at outlet 1 or in arranged the supply line 19. When the valve is opened by a user, a pressure change takes place in the supply line 19, which is detected by a sensor in the assembly 16, after which the washing device, with pump 6 and optionally also heater 5, is switched on by the control of the assembly 16.

Figure 5 shows a system with several washing devices 10. In each of the washing device 10 is located on the assembly 16 only a cold water supply 11 and the power supply 13 before. The washing devices 10 are, for example, in several places of a building or a mobile. Car wash arranged.

FIG. 6 shows a car wash or shower cubicle. Therein are a plurality of outlets 1, which are preferably supplied via a common supply unit 16 with heated pressurized water, arranged above and to the side of the washroom. It has been shown that this results quickly in a very good, homogeneous heat distribution and a pleasant shower feeling. The same effect is achieved with just one nozzle head when the shower cubicle remains closed. Despite the small amount of water used, the heat transfer to the body is very good. The small drops warm the room air very quickly, which gives a homogeneous feeling of warmth. The homogeneous heat distribution is a consequence of the fact that the air is warmed up quickly by the large surface of the drops. The drops cool down immediately because of their small mass. It quickly creates a temperature balance.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an arrangement of two nozzles 3 in a plan view a), viewed in the direction of a main spraying direction of the device, and in a side view b). The aligned jets 21 of the liquid meet at a point of collision or point of impact 20. The two jets 21 define a first plane. The sprayed by the collision Drops of water form a spray body which is symmetrical to another plane, the second plane being substantially perpendicular to the first plane. In the side view, an angle θ between the beams 21 and an angle bisector is drawn.

Figure 8 shows the structure of a water disk, as it arises in colliding water jets. As in FIG. 7, the main spraying direction also runs downwards in FIG. The parameters shown are: v ₀ : jet velocity; r: distance impact point disk edge; 2Θ: impact angle; h: thickness of the disk; 2R: beam diameter; φ: angular position.

If two equally strong jets of water are directed against each other, a thin water disc forms between them. The disk dissolves at a certain distance from the point where the two beams collide, producing fine droplets.

When the two jets of water are equally strong, the vertical components of their impulses break up upon impact, and the pressure created at the moment of impact causes a thin layer of water to spread horizontally. As soon as holes are formed here, which increase due to the surface tension of the water, the disk is destroyed.

The nozzles and thus the generated liquid jets are generally round, but may also have a rectangular cross section or be generally of prismatic shape.

Due to the (for the sanitary area) high operating pressures and the low water temperatures lime deposits in the nozzles are not formed or eroded. FIG. 9 schematically shows a perspective view of a nozzle set 2 with three nozzles 3. At the point of impact, water disks are created whose planes, viewed from above and with equally strong beams, lie in the bisecting line between the beams. Similarly, more than three nozzles 3 may be arranged substantially on a circle and directed to the point of collision. Each half of the nozzles 3 is supplied with liquid via a nozzle supply line 22 from the common pump 6. The angle of impact θ is in each case between the beams and the vertical axis of symmetry of the nozzle set 2. The nozzle supply lines 22 are shown only schematically in the figure, in ^' reality they are formed for example by cavities between individual parts of the outlet 1. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, different nozzles 3 are supplied with different liquids, ie three nozzles with two or three different liquids. Such different liquids are, for example, soaps, soap solutions, disinfectants, etc.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet 1 on several nozzle sets, which are arranged in a row next to each other or on a circular arc or circle.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the outlet 1 has at least two nozzle sets, wherein the nozzles 3 are arranged at least approximately in one plane, and the impact points of the two nozzle sets 2 in a direction which is at least approximately perpendicular to this plane, spaced from each other , Figure 10 shows schematically such an arrangement in a plan view a) and a side view b): Two nozzle sets 2, 2 'are arranged transversely to each other: The jets 21 of each nozzle set 2, 2' define a plane of the nozzle set 2, 2 '. The planes of the two nozzle sets 2, X are at an angle to each other, in the example shown at least approximately at right angles. The impact points of the two sets of nozzles 2, 2 ¹ are preferably spaced apart, but are both on the intersection line of the two planes. FIG. 11 shows an outlet 1 with a soap feed 23. The soap feed 23 is arranged in the outlet 1 above the point of impact 20, so that the supplied soap drips or runs into the area of the impact point 20. The soap is entrained by the clashing water jets and mixed. The soap feed 23 is preferably controllable respectively switched on and off. For this purpose, it has, for example, a control means, for example a closure or a valve or a pump, which can be controlled, that is, switched on and off via a control line or by hand. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the soap feed as dosing on a buffer. The buffer is filled with the actuation of the control means with a certain amount of soap and then passes this amount successively back to the supplied water or, as in Figure 11, from the point of impact 20 until it is empty.

The soap may be liquid or powdery, and may be conducted closer to the impact point 23 with the soap dispenser 23, as indicated in the figure. Instead of soap, other fluid or powdery additives can be mixed in this way. It can also be fed gaseous additives or directed with a separate nozzle as a gas jet to the impact point 23 blown.

FIG. 12 shows a nozzle body 40 as part of an outlet 1. The nozzles are formed by bores in a nozzle body. By way of example, three nozzles are shown, but combinations of two, four or more nozzles can be realized in the same way. In the simplest form, the nozzle body 40 is in one piece. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the nozzle body has an upper nozzle disk 41 and a lower nozzle disk 42, which are arranged rotatably relative to one another. The two nozzle disks 41, 42 are pressed against each other for example by a central screw 45 and / or by a flange 46. The Attachment to the outlet 1 can also be done with the central screw 45 and / or the flange 46. FIG. 12 shows the nozzle body 40 in cross-section and the two nozzle disks 41, 42 separately, each in a plan view.

The nozzle body 40 is arranged in the outlet 1 so that the upper nozzle disk 41 is acted upon by the pressurized liquid, and the lower nozzle disk 42 points in the spray direction. The upper nozzle disk 41 has a set of upper holes 43, and the lower nozzle disk 42 at least two sets of lower holes 44. By rotating the nozzle disks against each other, the position of the upper holes 43 is selectively with the position of one of the sets of lower holes 44 in Matched. There are thus optionally different sets of lower holes 44 in operation. These are preferably designed differently, so that a different spray characteristic results in the choice of the lower set of holes. This different design may for example relate to the diameter of the nozzles or their mutual alignment.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper nozzle disk 41 has a plurality of sets of upper bores 43 each fed with different liquids or liquid combinations. The lower nozzle plate 42 has in this embodiment only a set of lower holes 44, and is connected by twisting with each one of the sets of upper holes 43, so that a different composition of the sprayed liquid results depending on the choice of the upper set of holes.

FIG. 13 shows a one-piece nozzle body 40 or a lower nozzle disk 42 in cross section, as well as details of the nozzle openings. The nozzle body 40 or the

Orifice plate 42 is preferably made of metal or a technical plastic, for example by injection molding, wherein the nozzle channels 48 preferably are formed by movable slides. The plastic is for example polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyamide (PA) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and may be provided with deposits of other materials.

FIG. 14 shows a detailed view of a cross section through a first embodiment for configuring the nozzle openings, preferably using a two-component injection molding method. A nozzle opening at the outer end of a nozzle channel 48 is formed by a protruding pipe section 46 of a softer plastic, which is overmolded by the harder technical plastic of the nozzle body 40 and the nozzle plate 42. The softer plastic can be deformed by hand so that Kaikablagerungen break off.

FIG. 15 shows a detail view of a cross section through a second embodiment for the design of the nozzle openings. A nozzle opening at the outer end of a nozzle channel 48 is formed by a pipe section 47 made of metal, such as chrome steel, which is overmolded by the technical plastic of the nozzle body 40 and the nozzle plate 42. Thus, the outlet openings of the nozzles can be designed with higher precision than would be possible in a production only made of plastic.

To achieve a precise jet, on the one hand the nozzles are sufficiently long and have a smooth inner surface, whereby a laminar flow is achieved. Preferably, the nozzles are at least twice as long as their diameter. On the other hand, the tear-off edges are suitably shaped at the end of the nozzle inside, preferably by forming a right angle. This is preferably true for all embodiments of the invention.

To achieve a high precision with respect to the alignment of the nozzles, the pipe pieces can be formed on a single piece of metal and molded together, as shown in FIG. 16. In particular, the nozzle channels 48 may be formed in a disk-shaped or differently shaped insert 49. The insert 49 is encapsulated with the plastic to form the nozzle body 40 and the nozzle disk 42, wherein the plastic has a continuation of the nozzle channels 48.

FIG. 17 shows an outlet 1 with a sputtering body 34. The sputtering body 34 is linearly displaceable in the direction of an axis 33 and / or rotatable about this axis 33. A drive unit 32 effects this movement or movements and has one or two individual drives or motors for this purpose. At least one nozzle 3 is directed to the sputtering body 34, so that during operation of the washing device 10, the liquid jet of this nozzle 3 strikes the sputtering body 34. In the case of a linearly displaceable sputtering body 34, the beam strikes a differently oriented surface and / or a differently structured surface in accordance with the position of the sputtering body 34. For example, in the sputtering body 34 of FIG. 18, which is illustratively an ellipsoid of revolution, a beam strikes a sector of the surface having an elevation angle α with respect to the equator of the ellipsoid. Thus, the impact angle of the beam on the sputtering body 34 and the average direction of the sputtered beam vary depending on the elevation angle α.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sputtering body 34 has different surface structures along the displacement axis, so that different sputtering characteristics can be achieved by displacing the sputtering body 34. For example, in the sputtering body 34 of FIG. 17, the surface may have different roughnesses for different regions of elevation angles a. FIG. 18 shows a sputtering body 34 with this property, but without having an ellipsoid as a basic shape. The sputtering body 34 is substantially rotationally symmetric and / or prismatic with respect to the axis or axis of rotation 33. It has, for example, along the axis of rotation 33, a first sector 341 with a toothed surface, a second sector 342 having a smooth surface and a third sector 343 having a roughened surface, similar to emery paper. By moving the sputtering body 34, the beam is sputtered on one or the other sector 341, 342, 343 with completely different properties. Thus, in the embodiment shown, each of the sectors has a different surface structure and one or more different orientations of the surface relative to a beam.

In another embodiment according to FIG. 19, the sputtering body 34 is a rotary cylinder, that is to say it has different surface structures at a constant impact angle when displaced along the axis 33

Beam angle on. Such an embodiment can be used rotating or non-rotating, in both cases by the displacement along the axis 33, the different surfaces of the sectors 341, 342, 343 are used.

Such a sputtering body 34 may be used with different modes of operation, and certain embodiments of the invention may be directed to only one of these modes: in a first mode of operation, the water or liquid jets 21 are generated in the high pressure nozzles 3 and become the linear one Displacement of the sputtering body 34 used to obtain different respectively dynamically variable sputtering properties. For this it is not absolutely necessary that the sputtering body 34 is also rotatable or rotated. The energy for sputtering comes from the high speed of the rays. By moving the sputtering body 34, whether by twisting and / or shifting, differently structured surface areas can be brought into the area of the jet 21. - 19 -

In a second mode, the sputtering body 34 is rotatable about the rotation axis 33 at high speed. The energy for atomization comes from the rotation of the sputtering body 34, so that the nozzles are operable with high pressure but also with low pressure, ie without a pump 6. In this case, the atomizing body 34 may also be displaceable as in the first operating mode, but it may also not be displaceable.

FIG. 20 shows a sputtering body 34 in the form of an ellipsoid of revolution, with further sectors 344, 345, 346, with different surface structures. When rotating the sputtering body 34 about the axis of rotation 33 different sectors 344, 345, 346 are hit by the beam 21. By moving along the rotation axis 33, the impact angle and the radiation angle are changed. This sputtering body 34 is thus not intended for rapid rotation for atomization. The further sectors 344, 345, 346 correspond to different "longitudes", whereas the sectors 341, 342, 343 of Figures 18 and 19 correspond to different "latitudes" or elevation angles α.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a disk as a sputtering body. Here, at least one nozzle 3 is aligned with a disk surface 36 or on the disk edge 37. The disk surface 36 may have different surface structures depending on the radius, which is indicated in FIG. 21 by a shaded area. The disk surface 36 may also be profiled, which means that the disk surface 36 is not flat, but has a rotationally symmetrical profile in function of the radius. By displacing the nozzle 3 along the radius, different impact angles and radiation characteristics can also be achieved.

The disk surface 36 is curved according to another embodiment of the invention according to Figure 23, for example in the form of a spherical surface, so that the radiation angle depends on the radius of the impact point. Suitable speeds for rotating atomisation range from 34 5 ¹ OOO OOO ¹ to 200 revolutions per minute. By varying the rotational speed, the average droplet size in the atomized jet is varied, the droplet size depending on the relative velocity between the jet and the atomizing body 34. It turns out that a droplet size of around 20 to 80 microns requires a relative speed of around 50 m / s. This means, for example, that for a standing atomizing body 34, the jet must have a speed of around 50 m / s. Conversely, if the jet has a velocity of only a few m / s, then the sputtering body 34 must move at the impact point at that velocity. For example, this means that a surface point of a disk or cylinder with a diameter of 30 mm has to rotate at about 30,000 revolutions per minute.

Figure 24 shows pressures P and flow rates F for different nozzle diameters and number of nozzles. For each curve, the respective value X / Y stands for a number of nozzles X and nozzle diameter Y in millimeters, thus for example 2 / 0.7 for an arrangement with 2 nozzles of 0.7 mm diameter.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum flow rate of the outlet is 3 l / min, and preferably 1.5 to 2 l / min, which corresponds to a heater having a heating power of about 3 kW. Preferably, 3 nozzles with a diameter of 0.4 mm are operated at a pressure of 20 bar. Half the impact angle θ is preferably 45 °. Most, ie about 80% or more, of the droplets produced preferably have a diameter of less than 100 micrometers.

FIG. 25 shows a heating power requirement P in kW in dependence on the generated

Temperature difference ΔT in degrees for different water flow rates in liters per minute. A flow rate of 14 l / min corresponds to a normal shower, 12 l / min correspond to an adjustable shower, 9 l / min of a savings shower and 1.5 l / min correspond to one embodiment of the invention. For example, to heat the continuously running water by a temperature difference of 30 °, a continuous power of 25 kW is required at 12 liters / minute. In this case, an optimal efficiency of the heating is assumed. With a flow rate of 1.5 l / min, only about 2 kW are needed.

This is in the context of a heater 5, which can be supplied by an ordinary house installation with 230V AC or 400V AC. Figure 26 shows a heating power requirement for low flow rates of 1, 2 and 3 l / min, as can be realized according to the invention. For this purpose, the maximum achievable values for heating capacities are shown: a lower horizontal at a first heating power of approx. 3.6 kW and an upper horizontal at a second heating power of approx. 6 kW. This corresponds to a supply of 230 or 400 volts at 16 amperes.

Depending on the season and the desired water temperature, the shower water must be heated by around 20 to 35 degrees. This corresponds to the shaded area in the illustration. In this area, electrical flow heating can be used "on demand" with flow rates between 1 and 2 liters. For higher flow rates, a storage heater or boiler, or more efficient heating is required.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 outlet 18 controls

2, 2 'nozzle set 19 hose, supply line

3 nozzle 20 impact point and

4 protective body water disc

5 heating 21 liquid jet

6 pump 22 nozzle supply line

7 microfilters 23 soap dispenser

8 mixer 32 drive

10 Washing device 33 Rotary axis

11 Cold water supply 34 Atomizing body

12 hot water supply 341 - 346 sectors of the

13 energy supply atomizing body

14 mixing device 35 atomizing disk

15 soap feed 36 disc surface

16 unit 37 pane edge

17 Control unit

Claims

A washing device (10) for dispensing water or a water-based mixture, in particular in a shower or a vanity, comprising at least one outlet (1) for spraying low-flow-rate and elevated-pressure liquids, and at least one

Conveying device (6) for increasing a liquid pressure before spraying to an operating pressure of the outlet.

2. Washing device (10) according to claim 1, comprising a heating device (5) for heating the water or the mixture.

3. Washing device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the heating device (5) is adapted for the controlled heating of the water or the mixture to a predetermined discharge temperature.

4. washing device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a supply of cold water (11) and a supply of energy (13) for the heater (5), but no supply of hot water.

5. washing device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the supply of energy (13) is an electrical energy supply.

6. washing device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the supply of energy (13) is a supply of a fluid fuel, in particular a combustible gas.

7. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device (5) operates on the flow principle, respectively, has no special memory in which the water or the mixture is heated.

8. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing temperature is limited to a predetermined value, in particular to 45 ⁰ C or 50 ° C or 55 ° C, and, if a temperature control is present, also a manually adjustable preset temperature of Temperature control is limited to such a predetermined value.

A washing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (1) is part of a showerhead, the maximum flow rate of the outlet being 3 l / min to 5 l / min, and preferably 1 l / min to 2 l / min ,

10. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outlet (1) is part of a faucet, the maximum flow rate of the outlet is 1 l / min and preferably 0.5 l / min.

11. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a mixing device (14) for mixing liquids, in particular water with disinfectant or with soap prior to dispensing.

12. Washing device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the mixing device (14) can be switched on and switched off.

13. Washing device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the washing device (10) is operable in a first and a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode ("soaping") the water, a further liquid, preferably a disinfectant or soap, is added and the water flow rate is less than 1 l / min and preferably 0.5 l / min, and in the second mode of operation ("purging") no further liquid is admixed to the water and the water flow is up to 2 l / min.

14. washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (1) comprises means for achieving a high relative velocity between a liquid jet (21) and an obstacle (21; 34) for atomizing the liquid jet (21).

15. Washing device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the outlet (1) at least one nozzle set (2) with at least two nozzles (3) and preferably three nozzles (3) for generating colliding liquid jets (21) and for atomizing the liquid, or the liquids.

16. Washing device (10) according to claim 15, wherein a nozzle set (2) is designed or operated asymmetrically by applying at least one of the following measures:

• at least two nozzles (3) of a nozzle set (3) are shifted against each other, so that their rays do not meet exactly;

• at least two nozzles (3) of a nozzle set (3) have different nozzle diameters;

• at least two nozzles (3) of a nozzle set (3) can be operated with different pressures.

17. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the outlet (1) has exactly one nozzle set (3).

18. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the outlet (1) comprises a plurality of nozzle sets (3), which are arranged in a row next to each other or along a circular arc.

19. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the outlet (1) has at least two nozzle sets (2) and the nozzles (3) are arranged at least approximately in one plane, and the impact points the two nozzle sets (2) are spaced apart in a direction which is at least approximately perpendicular to this plane.

20. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 19, wherein a diameter of the nozzles (3) between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, in particular between

0.3 mm and 1.3 mm, and preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm.

21. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a nozzle body (40), which nozzle body has a first nozzle disk (41, 42) and a second nozzle disk (42, 41), wherein the nozzle disks (41,

42) are rotatable relative to one another in different positions, and, depending on the angle of rotation, a set of nozzles of the first nozzle disk (41; 42) is connected to different sets of nozzles of the second nozzle disk (42; 41).

22. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the conveying device (6) for conveying the water or the liquid at a pressure of 10 bar to 50 bar, in particular from 15 bar to 25 bar, is provided.

23. Washing device (10) according to claim 22, wherein the pressure is adjustable by a user.

24. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 23, wherein in operation of the nozzle set, a predominant part of the liquid particles generated by the collision of the liquid jets has a diameter of less than 100 micrometers.

25. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 24, comprising a mixing device (14) for mixing soap into the liquid supply of at least one of the nozzles.

26. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a filter (7) for filtering particles having a size of more than 100, in particular more than 50 micrometers from the water or the liquid.

27. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying device (6) to increase the fluid pressure is a manually operated pump.

28. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one nozzle (3) for generating a water or liquid jet (21) and at the outlet (1) fixedly mounted or movable atomizing body (34) for atomizing this jet.

29. Washing device (10) according to claim 28, wherein the sputtering body (34) is movable relative to the at least one nozzle (3) along a line.

30. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 28 or 29, wherein the nozzle (3) in accordance with the position of the sputtering body (34) along said line to another region (341, 342, 343) of the

Sputtering body (34) is directed, these areas have different properties, in particular a different orientation and / or a different surface structure.

31. Washing device (10) according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the sputtering body (34) with respect to the at least one nozzle (3) about an axis of rotation (33) is rotatable.

32. Washing device (10) according to claim 31, wherein the nozzle (3) in accordance with the rotation of the sputtering body (34) about the axis of rotation (33) on a another area (344, 345, 346) of the sputtering body (34) is directed, and these areas have different properties, in particular a different orientation and / or a different surface structure.

33. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the sputtering body (34) is at least approximately an ellipsoid of revolution, in particular a ball.

34. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the sputtering body (34) is at least approximately a disc, wherein the at least one nozzle (3) on a disc surface (36) or on a disc edge (37) is directed.

35. Washing device (10) according to one of claims 15 to 27, in which a feed (23) for supplying a further liquid, for example soap or a disinfectant, to the impact point (20) of the liquid jets is arranged.

36. A method for operating a washing device (10) for dispensing water or a water-based mixture, and optionally another liquid, in particular in a shower or a vanity top, comprising the following steps:

Increasing the water or fluid pressure to an operating pressure of an outlet (1); and

• Spraying the water or liquid mittes the outlet (1) under increased pressure and low flow rate.

37. The method of claim 36, comprising the step of: heating the water to a predetermined temperature.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein for spraying the liquid at least two liquid jets (21) collide.

39. The method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein for spraying the liquid at least one jet (21) impinges on a movable atomizing body (34).