EP1954893B1 - Washing device - Google Patents

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

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 for example made WO 2004/101163 A1 known. 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.

Furthermore, for example WO 98/07522 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 manual " The Heatstore Aqua-Flow. Pumped Electric Shower Handbook "by Heatstore Limited, Island Park, Bristow Broadway, Bristol BS11 9FB, downloaded from www.heatstore.co.uk on 7.11.2006 , an electric shower is described. 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 adjusted by varying the water flow rate. For this purpose, a hand-operated control valve of the pump is connected downstream. The inlet pressure in front of the device must not be too high, probably to protect the pump, so the device 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 generating 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.

US-A-4393525 describes a washing device with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

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 pathogen 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 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 of the water additives such as food, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. may be added, with a good atomization and thus an increase in the total surface of the 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 the sputtering and sputtering coating and impregnation devices 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 when 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.

• Es wird nur eine einzige Kaltwasserversorgung für die Wascheinrichtung benötigt, auf eine Warmwasserversorgung kann verzichtet werden.
• Durch die dezentrale Heizung, die auch nur bei Bedarf ("on demand") geschieht, entfallen die Speicherverluste und Leitungsverluste einer herkömmlichen zentralen Warmwasseraufbereitung.
• Da das System bis kurz vor Gebrauch nur Kaltwasser enthält, und insbesondere keine Warmwasserspeicher vorhanden sind, können keine Kulturen von Krankheitserregern wie z.B. Legionellen entstehen.

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:

• It is only a single cold water supply needed for the washing device, on a hot water supply can be omitted.
• 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 contains only cold water until shortly before use, and in particular no hot water storage tanks are present, no cultures of pathogens such as Legionella can 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 adjusted by a manually adjustable presetting device, e.g. be specified 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 50 ° 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 the heating to lower the water temperature. Thus, the heater can be operated at a different (more efficient) operating point than if the heater would reach the lowered temperature without admixture. For example, the heater can heat the water to around 90 ° C, whereupon it (for sanitary applications) by mixing cold water brought back to a lower discharge temperature becomes. For other applications, a higher dispensing temperature can also be used.

Suitable as a heater, among others, flow heaters as in the EP 0 832 400 B1 or in the EP 0 869 731 B1 are disclosed. 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 to 2 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 nozzle set. 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 mode of operation ("soaping") soap is added to the water and the water flow, for example, less than 31 / min or less than 1 / min and preferably 0.5 1 / 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 1 / 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 unclaimed embodiment of the invention, atomization is accomplished by impinging a jet of liquid at a high relative velocity on an obstacle. 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 the invention, the atomization is accomplished by having the outlet having exactly one set of nozzles or exactly two sets of nozzles having at least two nozzles for generating colliding liquid jets and atomizing the liquid. The nozzle set (s) have, for example, two, three, four or more nozzles whose jets meet at least approximately at 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, alternatively the further medium can be supplied unmixed as liquid to at least one nozzle. 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 non-claimed embodiment of the invention, the washing device on protective body, which are arranged in the direction of the nozzle, 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 one 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 unclaimed embodiments of the invention, the outlet has at least one nozzle for generating 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 an unclaimed embodiment of the invention, the sputtering body is movable with respect to the at least one nozzle along a line. 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 unclaimed embodiment of the invention, the sputtering body is rotatable with respect to the at least one nozzle about an axis of rotation. 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, has the steps according to claim 21.

Further preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figur 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Wascheinrichtung;

Figur 2

eine weitere Ausführungsform;

Figur 3

eine Ausgestaltung eines nicht beanspruchten Schutzkörpers;

Figur 4

eine Baueinheit einer Wascheinrichtung;

Figur 5

eine Anlage mit mehreren Wascheinrichtungen;

Figur 6

eine Waschanlage oder Duschkabine;

Figur 7

eine Anordnung von zwei Düsen in einer Aufsicht a) und in einer Seitenansicht b);

Figur 8

eine Struktur einer Wasserscheibe, wie sie bei aufeinanderprallenden Wasserstrahlen entsteht;

Figur 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Düsensatzes mit drei Düsen;

Figur 10

eine Anordnung von zwei Düsenpaaren in einer Aufsicht a) und in einer Seitenansicht b);

Figur 11

einen Auslass mit einer Seifenzuführung;

Figur 12

einen Düsenkörper mit zwei gegeneinander verdrehbaren Düsenscheiben;

Figur 13

einen einteiligen Düsenkörper;

Figur 14 und 15

Detailansichten von Düsenöffnungen;

Figur 16

einen zweiteiligen Düsenkörper;

Figur 17

einen Auslass mit einem nicht beanspruchten Zerstäubungskörper;

Figur 18 bis 20

weitere nicht beanspruchte Zerstäubungskörper;

Figur 21 und 22

eine nicht beanspruchte Scheibe als Zerstäubungskörper;

Figur 23

eine nicht beanspruchte gewölbte Scheibe als Zerstäubungskörper;

Figur 24

Druck- und Durchflussrelationen bei verschiedenen Düsenarten;

Figur 25

Heizleistungsbedarf bei verschiedenen Wasserdurchflüssen; und

Figur 26

Heizleistungsbedarf in Bezug zu Heizleistung.

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:

FIG. 1

a first embodiment of a washing device;

FIG. 2

another embodiment;

FIG. 3

an embodiment of an unclaimed protective body;

FIG. 4

a structural unit of a washing device;

FIG. 5

a plant with several washing facilities;

FIG. 6

a car wash or shower cubicle;

FIG. 7

an arrangement of two nozzles in a plan view a) and in a side view b);

FIG. 8

a structure of a water disk, as it arises with colliding water jets;

FIG. 9

a perspective view of a nozzle set with three nozzles;

FIG. 10

an arrangement of two pairs of nozzles in a plan view a) and in a side view b);

FIG. 11

an outlet with a soap feeder;

FIG. 12

a nozzle body with two mutually rotatable nozzle discs;

FIG. 13

a one-piece nozzle body;

FIGS. 14 and 15

Detailed views of nozzle openings;

FIG. 16

a two-part nozzle body;

FIG. 17

an outlet with an unclaimed sputtering body;

FIGS. 18 to 20

further unclaimed sputtering bodies;

FIGS. 21 and 22

an unclaimed disc as a sputtering body;

FIG. 23

an unclaimed domed disc as a sputtering body;

FIG. 24

Pressure and flow ratios for different types of nozzles;

FIG. 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 FOR CARRYING OUT 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 designed for the operating pressure of the outlet, that is able to 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 a power supply 13, and conveyed by a pump 6 and brought to an increased operating pressure. In another embodiment of the invention, the heater 5 is 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 supply of 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.

FIG. 2 shows a further 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 it is possible to switch between a "soaping" operating mode with soap and a "rinsing" operating mode without soap. 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 operating mode "rinsing" compared to the operating mode "soaping" also increases the amount of water per unit time, ie the flow, for example by switching between different nozzle sets 2, or by increasing the water pressure by the pump 6, or by varying the nozzle diameter ,

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a protective body 4. With 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 may be arranged to control or regulate temperature and or pressure at a remote control unit 17 In another variant (dashed lines drawn) 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.

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

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), seen in the direction of a main direction of spray 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.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of a water disk, as it arises with colliding water jets. Like in the FIG. 7 The main direction is also in the FIG. 8 downward. The parameters shown are: v _o : 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. There are at the point of impact water disks whose planes, seen from above and at the same strong rays, in the bisector between the rays are. 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 comprises one or two nozzle sets 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 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 are spaced apart in a direction which is at least approximately perpendicular to this plane. FIG. 10 schematically shows 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, 2 'are at an angle to each other, in the example shown at least approximately at right angles. The impact points of the two nozzle sets 2, 2 '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 impact point 20, so that the supplied soap drips or runs in the region 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 in the operation of the control means with a certain amount of soap and then passes this amount successively back to the supplied water or, as in the FIG. 11 , to the impact point 20, until it is empty.

The soap may be liquid or powdery, and may be conducted closer to the point of impact 23 with the soap dispenser 23 than indicated in the figure. Instead of soap, other fluid or powder additives may also be added in this manner. 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 the FIG. 12 For example, 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. The 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 plate 42 in cross-section, as well as details of the nozzle openings. The nozzle body 40 or the nozzle disk 42 is preferably made of metal or of 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 the design of the nozzle openings, preferably using a two-component injection molding process. 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 limescale deposits break off.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed view of a cross section through the 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 sections can be formed on a single piece of metal and molded together, as in the FIG. 16 shown. 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 arranged 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, the FIG. 18 , which is for example an ellipsoid of revolution, a beam on a sector of the surface with 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 one embodiment, 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 the FIG. 17 have the surface for different areas of elevation angles α each other roughness. 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, when displaced along the axis 33 has different surface structures at a constant impact angle and radiation angle. 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.

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", while the sectors 341, 342, 343 of the FIGS. 18 and 19 different "latitudes" or elevation angles α correspond.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a disc 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 in the FIG. 21 is indicated 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 according to another embodiment FIG. 23 arched, for example in the form of a spherical surface, so that the radiation angle depends on the radius of the impact point.

Suitable rotational speeds for rotating atomizing bodies 34 range from 5,000 to 200,000 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 30 mm diameter disk or cylinder must rotate at approximately 30,000 revolutions per minute.

FIG. 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 3 is 1 / min, and preferably 1.5 to 21 / 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 as a function of the generated temperature difference .DELTA.T in degrees for different water flow rates in liters per minute. A flow rate of 14 1 / min corresponds to a normal shower, 12 1 / min correspond to an adjustable shower, 9 1 / min a savings shower and 1.5 1 / 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 1.51 / 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. FIG. 26 shows a heating power requirement for low flow rates of 1, 2 and 3 1 / 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

2, 2 '

nozzle set

3

jet

4

protective body

5

heater

6

pump

7

microfilter

8th

mixer tap

10

wash

11

Cold water supply

12

Hot water supply

13

power supply

14

mixing device

15

soap feed

16

unit

17

operating unit

18

controls

19

Hose, supply line

20

Impact point and water disk

21

liquid jet

22

Jet supply line

23

soap feed

32

drive

33

axis of rotation

34

atomisation

341 - 346

Sectors of the sputtering body

35

atomizing disk

36

disk surface

37

disc edge

Claims (23)

1. Washing device (10) for dispensing water or a water-based mixture, in particular in a shower or a sink, comprising at least one outlet (1) for spraying fluids at a low throughput rate and under increased pressure, and at least one delivery device (6) for increasing a fluid pressure before the spraying, to an operating pressure of the outlet,
   characterised in that the outlet (1) comprises precisely one or two nozzle sets (2) with at least two nozzles (3) and preferably three nozzles (3) for producing impacting fluid jets (21) and for atomising the fluid or fluids.
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 set up for the closed loop controlled heating of the water or of the mixture, to a defined dispensing temperature.
4. Washing device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a supply with cold water (11) and a supply with energy (13) for the heater (5), but no supply with warm water.
5. Washing device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the supply with energy (13) is an electrical energy supply and wherein the heating device (5) functions according to the instantaneous heating principle, that is, it requires no special storage means, in which the water or the mixture is heated.
6. Washing device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the supply with energy is a supply with fluid fuel, in particular a combustible gas.
7. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing temperature is limited to a defined value, in particular to 45°C or 50°C or 55°C, and, in the case that a closed loop control of the temperature is present, also a manually adjustable set temperature of the closed-loop control of the temperature is limited to such a set value.
8. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (1) is part of a shower head, the maximal throughput quantity of the outlet is 3 1/min to 5 1/min, and preferably 1 1/min to 21/min.
9. Washing device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the outlet (1) is part of a water tap, the maximal throughput quantity of the outlet 1 1/min and is preferably 0.5 1/min.
10. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one nozzle set (2) or the two nozzle sets comprise at least three nozzles (3).
11. Washing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a nozzle set (2) is designed or operated in an asymmetrical manner, by way of at least one of the following measures being the case:

    • at least two nozzles (3) of a nozzle set (3) may be operated at different pressures.
12. Washing device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein a diameter of the nozzles (3) is between 0.1 and 2 mm, in particular between 0.3 and 1.3 mm, and preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm.
13. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a nozzle body (4), said nozzle body having a first nozzle disk (41;42) and a second nozzle disk (42; 41) wherein the nozzle disks (41, 42) are arranged rotatable to one another in different positions, and depending on the rotation angle, one set of nozzles of the first nozzle disk (41; 42) is connected to different sets of nozzles of the second nozzle disk (42; 41).
14. Washing device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the delivery device (6) for the delivery of the water or the fluid with a pressure of 10 bar to 50 bar, in particular from 15 bar to 25 bar, is provided.
15. Washing device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the pressure may be set by a user.
16. Washing device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein on operation of the one nozzle set or the two nozzle sets, a predominant part of the fluid particles produced by the impact of the fluid jets, has a diameter of less than 100 micrometers.
17. Washing device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 16, comprising a mixing device (14) for admixing soap into the fluid supply of at least one of the nozzles.
18. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a filter (7) for filtering particles with a size of more than 100, in particular more than 50 micrometers, from the water or the fluid.
19. Washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery device (6) for increasing the fluid pressure is a manually operable pump.
20. Washing device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 19, in which a feed (23) is arranged for feeding a further fluid, for example soap or a disinfectant, to the impact point (20) of the fluid jets.
21. Method for the operation of a washing device (10) for dispensing water or a water-based mixture, and optionally a further fluid, in particular in a shower or a sink, comprising the following steps:

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

    • spraying the water or the fluid by way of the outlet (1) amid an increased pressure and with a low throughput rate, wherein for spraying the fluid, at least two fluid jets (21) are produced by exactly one or two nozzle sets (2) of the outlet (1) with at least two nozzles (2) and preferably three nozzles (3), and impact one another.
22. Method according to claim 21, comprising the step: heating the water to a set temperature by way of an electrical tankless heater.
23. Method according to claim 21 or 22, comprising the step: producing a pressure between 10 and 50 bar, in particular between 15 and 25 bar, and dispensing the water with a maximal throughput quantity of 5 litres/min.

Images