EP2210987B1 - 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, from WO 2004/101163 A1 known. This describes a shower head in which water nozzles are arranged in pairs, so that the jets from two nozzles in a pair collide and thereby dissolve into droplets. The purpose of the device is to enable 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 also arises. For this purpose, the beams colliding with one another are preferably arranged such that they do not completely overlap one another.

Furthermore, for example WO 98/07522 known to install a heater in a shower head to heat water immediately before delivery by the shower head.

However, high heating capacities are required depending on the amount of water flowing through.

In the product manual " The Heatstore Aqua-Flow. Pumped Electric Shower Handbook "from Heatstore Limited, Island Park, Bristow Broadway, Bristol BS11 9FB, downloaded from www.heatstore.co.uk on November 7, 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 output of which is 8.5 kW / 7.8 kW or 9.5 kW / 8.7 kW, depending on the model. The temperature of the water delivered is adjusted by varying the water flow rate. For this purpose, a manually operated control valve is installed downstream of the pump. In order to protect the pump, the inlet pressure in front of the device must not be too high, which is why the device must not be connected to a water supply network and must not be located more than 10 m below the cistern. Both the heating output and the flow rate are therefore relatively high.

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

BE 514 104 shows a spray head with atomization by colliding beams. A spray core has four or more oblique bores with a diameter of 1 mm or 12 mm, which are directed towards a common focal point. A sieve acts as a dirt filter. However, an increase in pressure, for example by means of a pump, is not mentioned.

DE2951318 discloses a hand shower with multiple functions, which is connected in a known manner to the mixer tap of a bathtub or to a shower stand, wherein a switch tap is provided in the handle of a hand shower, through which the water flow, which was previously set to the desired shower temperature, from a shower process a soaping process can be changed.

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, or for providing washing water, of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables a reduction in the consumption of energy and / or water compared to the prior art.

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

Another object is to provide a washing device and a method for operating a washing device which are not susceptible 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 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 wash basin, has at least one outlet for spraying liquids with a low flow rate and under increased pressure, and at least one conveying device for increasing a liquid pressure before Spray on 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 lines, the pressure in house 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 takes place in a gaseous medium, in a washing device typically in the atmosphere or in the ambient air in which the washing device is operated.

The sprayed liquid is usually water or a water-based mixture. An additive such as soap or another cleaning agent or disinfectant can be added to the water. The mixture can come from all nozzles. It is also possible to supply the nozzles with different liquids or liquid mixtures, for example one 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 through their own nozzles. A gas jet under high pressure can also be used to atomize a liquid jet. The gas jet can in particular be a steam jet.

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

When used in other areas, additives such as food, fertilizer, pesticides, etc. can be added to the water, with good atomization and thus an increase in the total surface area of the atomized liquid takes place. In principle, liquids other than water-based liquids can also be sprayed using the same type of means, for example fuels in drives or heating systems, or chemicals in process chemistry. Industrial applications of the atomization processes and atomization devices for coating and impregnation are also possible.

The pressure increase 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 even at unexpectedly low flow rates, the skin gets completely wet and does not create the feeling that too little water is being delivered. This sensation is due to the fact that spraying or atomizing with increased pressure and, accordingly, through narrow nozzles significantly reduces the particle size of the water drops compared to conventional showers. As a result, the entire surface of the liquid droplets is significantly larger than with the same amount of liquid with larger drops, and the effect when wetting the body is correspondingly increased. For example, with the same volume, drops with a radius of 50 micrometers have a contact surface 20 times higher than drops with a radius of 1 mm.

This conveying device or pump is therefore preferably arranged locally as part of the washing device, in the vicinity of the outlet or a shower head, that is to say in a bathroom or as a built-in element of a mobile or stationary shower cubicle. In principle, a central pressure increase is also conceivable, for example in a building for several shower devices. Such a central pressure increase can be provided for the entire building, or several units can be used for the central pressure increase, for example one unit for each floor or one unit for a vertical supply line through several floors. This makes it easier to keep pump noise away from users. Both preferably used operating pressures of the outlet of 10 to 40 or 50 bar, in particular 15 to 25 bar, however existing lines in buildings are generally overwhelmed and new pressurized water lines would have to be laid for this. The pump is electrically driven, for example.

Conversely, when using decentralized pumps, several pumps can be used per washing device, in particular if different liquids are mixed in the washing device. 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 liquids are mixed either before spraying or when spraying itself. So that a clean spraying takes place in the second case, the pumps can be controlled in a coordinated manner, for example, or there can be at least one pair of oppositely directed nozzles for each of the liquids which are fed by the same pump. A clean atomization takes place for each of the liquids, regardless of the exact delivery rate and jet speed of the other liquid. The impact points of the plurality of nozzle pairs (corresponding to the plurality of liquids) can coincide or be spaced apart, for example, in the main spray direction.

The flow rate can be controlled by controlling the pump (s) or by mechanical control means at the outlet or in the feed 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, mobile homes or other mobile devices such as mobile washing systems etc. Other applications are, for example, in showers or washing facilities 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 energy supply, a pressure can first be generated manually in a pressure accumulator and then or even over a longer period of time, a washing device can be used. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous when it is combined with solar hot water generation. This gives you a completely autonomous washing unit with low water consumption. The pressure accumulator is preferably identical to a water accumulator and furthermore also has an irradiable surface for heating the water accumulator. The pressure can be stored in the pressure accumulator by expanding a flexible vessel and / or by compressing an air volume.

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 designed to be comparatively small. In particular, it can be designed as a continuous flow heater, that is to say without a store in which the water is heated, as in the case of a boiler heater or store heater. The heater can be operated electrically, with a fluid fuel such as gas or oil, or otherwise.

In another embodiment of the invention, hot water is supplied from a boiler, that is from a storage heater, or generally from stored hot water.

• 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 electrical heater can be operated with existing electrical house installations. As a result, the heating can be arranged decentrally, ie each shower or washing device has its own heating and no central hot water preparation is required. This results in various advantages, particularly for systems in hotels:

• Only a single cold water supply is required for the washing device, a hot water supply can be dispensed with.
• Due to the decentralized heating, which only happens when required ("on demand"), the storage losses and pipe losses of a conventional central hot water preparation are eliminated.
• Since the system only contains cold water until shortly before use and, in particular, there are no hot water storage tanks, no cultures of pathogens such as legionella can arise.

The heating device is preferably set up for the controlled heating of the water to a predetermined discharge temperature before it is dispensed. This means that a temperature can be set by a manually adjustable setting device, e.g. by a rotary knob. The water temperature is measured and automatically regulated by adjusting the heating output. This is much more precise, faster and more convenient than conventional temperature control by setting a mixing ratio on a mixer tap. In this case, the manually adjustable preset temperature of the temperature control is preferably limited to a preset value and / or the delivery temperature is limited to a preset value. Such a value is 45 ° C or 50 ° C or 55 ° C for personal washing devices, for example. On the one hand, this prevents scalding, and on the other hand, the heating output 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 in order to lower the water temperature. This means that the heater can be operated at a different (more efficient) operating point than if the heater reached the reduced temperature without admixture. For example, the heater can heat the water to around 90 ° C, whereupon (for sanitary applications) it is brought back to a lower delivery temperature by adding cold water becomes. A higher delivery temperature can also be used for other applications.

Suitable heaters include flow heaters such as those in the EP 0 832 400 B1 or in the EP 0 869 731 B1 are disclosed. Accordingly, a heated pipe is suspended so that it can be moved or deformed during operation. The cause of the movement or deformation can be temperature changes, pressure changes and / or vibrations of a pump. This will remove limescale deposits in the pipe. These instantaneous water heaters were originally designed for coffee machines and thus - in comparison to conventional washing and showering devices - for relatively low flow rates. They can be combined, possibly with adjustment of the heating power, with spray devices with a low flow rate 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 can also be regulated here by regulating the electrical heating power or by adding 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 energy supply can be electrical or a supply of combustible gas. Another supply cannot be ruled out.

The washing device can thus be designed as a compact unit with only one cold water connection and one electrical supply connection. Such a structural unit contains the pressure pump and the heater, and preferably a pretreatment unit for the supplied water or liquid in a housing. The pretreatment unit preferably has one or a combination of the following functions: coarse filter, microfilter, disinfection, antibacterial treatment, decalcification. Control elements can be used as control inputs 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 heating device with a maximum heating power 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 heating device with a maximum heating power of approximately 1 kW. These conditions are suitable, for example, for an outlet in a tap for a wash basin (or sink or sink).

The above flow rates refer to one set of nozzles. When using multiple nozzle sets, the flow 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 decentralized heating, which is an important incentive to reduce the flow rate while maintaining the washing quality.

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 can be operated in a first and a second operating mode, with soap being added to the water in the first operating mode (“soaping”) and the water flow rate being, for example, less than 31 / min or less than 1 l / min and preferably 0.5 l / min, and in the second operating mode ("rinsing") no water is added to the water and the Water flow is up to 1 l / min or (for 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, the nozzle disks being 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 disc is an upper nozzle disc, i.e. the nozzle disc which is pressurized with water, and the second nozzle disc a lower one, which faces the consumer or the spray direction, then by rotating the second nozzle disc a nozzle set with a selectable characteristic can be coupled with the feeding nozzle set of the upper nozzle disc.

If the first nozzle disk is a lower nozzle disk, one of different feeding nozzle sets of the second, upper nozzle disk can be selected by rotating the first nozzle disk. Different feeding nozzle sets can, for example, be fed with different liquids or liquid combinations, 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, atomization is accomplished by a liquid jet hitting an obstacle at a high relative speed. The obstacle can be a moving or stationary solid or at least one further jet of a fluid, ie a liquid jet or gas jet. The relative speed arises on the basis of the speed of the liquid jet and / or a movement of the solid body. Means for achieving a high relative speed are therefore nozzles for generating a liquid jet, possibly in connection with a pump for increasing the pressure, and / or moving solids, on which one or hit multiple jets of liquid. In particular, such a solid body, also called atomizing body in the following, can be rotated at a high number of revolutions. 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 speed between the particles in the liquid jet and the atomizing body is above 20, 30 or 40 m / s and preferably at least approximately 50 m / s. A suitable size and speed of the atomized jet is thus achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the atomization is accomplished in that the outlet has 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, the jets of which meet at least approximately at one point. In a further variant, the jets can be deliberately shifted slightly so that they do not collide at one point and thus, for example, give a feeling of massage.

If the liquid, in addition to water, contains another medium such as soap, this additional medium can be added to the supply of all nozzles or only 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 further medium can alternatively be supplied unmixed as a 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 also the supply pressure, the type of several pumps used and the nozzle diameter of the nozzles vary according to the respective liquids. In this way an optimal balanced atomization can be achieved. Soap, for example, can also be guided from above to the point of collision of the colliding beams and thus mixed.

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 hit by other liquid jets strikes a protective body. This prevents the jet from another nozzle of the nozzle set from hitting the skin or the eyes if a nozzle becomes blocked.

However, it has also been shown that if the jets of a nozzle set are not perfectly aligned, they partially atomize them and the remaining part causes a "prickling effect" on the skin which, depending on the strength and personal preference, can be perceived as pleasant or as a massage. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzles are therefore not exactly aligned with one another, but rather, for example, only with an overlap of the jet surfaces of 60% or 80%. Or you can switch between operating modes with different overlaps and thus different shower sensations. 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.

The only partial overlap of the jet surfaces creates an asymmetry of the atomized water jet. Other possibilities for generating an asymmetry are, for example, the use of different nozzle diameters in at least two nozzles of a nozzle set. Or two nozzles of a nozzle set can be operated with different liquid pressures will. This can be achieved by using separate pumps per nozzle or by using different pressure reducing agents (restrictors) per nozzle. In principle, it is also possible to vary and control such different pressures per nozzle over time. The shape and thus also a movement of the atomized jet can thus be varied dynamically.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet has exactly one set of nozzles. The outlet can thus be made very compact and simple.

The 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 at least twice the diameter in order to achieve a laminar flow in the jet. A pressure of 10 bar to 50 bar, in particular of 15 bar to 25 bar, is preferably used as the operating pressure of the outlet, the pressure preferably being essentially constant, ie not pulsating. Half the impact angle, relative to the vertical, is preferably between 35 and 55 degrees, in particular 45 degrees. However, it can generally 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 in a manner controlled by the user's feeling, or the user specifies a setpoint, to which pressure regulation is used to regulate the pressure.

In further preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet has at least one nozzle for generating a water or liquid jet, as well as a movable or fixed atomizing body for atomizing this jet. The jet is therefore directed onto the atomizing body. A fixed atomizing body is fixedly attached to the outlet and cannot be moved with respect to the jet or jets.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the atomizing body can be moved along a line with respect to the at least one nozzle. A change in the atomization characteristics or the geometry of the cloud of droplets generated during atomization is thus achieved.

According to the position of the atomizing body along the line mentioned, the nozzle is preferably directed towards a different area of the atomizing body. These areas have different properties, in particular a different orientation with respect to the beam and / or a different surface structure.

In an embodiment not claimed, the atomizing body can be rotated about an axis of rotation with respect to the at least one nozzle. Different functions can be achieved in this way: Similar to the linear displacement, on the one hand, a differently designed area of the atomizing body can be rotated into the jet or jets by a temporary rotation about the axis of rotation, so that the atomizing characteristic is changed. On the other hand, continuous rotation at high rotational speed can achieve atomization without the liquid jet from the at least one nozzle having a particularly high pressure or a high speed or high energy. This embodiment can therefore also be implemented without an increase in pressure or a pump.

The atomizing body is preferably at least approximately an ellipsoid of revolution, in particular a sphere, or at least approximately a disc, the at least one nozzle being directed at a disc surface or at a disc edge. The atomizing body can also have a prismatic shape with any cross section.

• Erhöhen des Wasserdrucks bzw. Flüssigkeitsdrucks auf einen Betriebsdruck eines Auslasses; und
• Versprühen des Wassers bzw. der Flüssigkeit mittes des Auslasses unter erhöhtem Druck und mit niedriger Durchflussrate.

The method for operating a washing device for dispensing water or a water-based mixture and another liquid, preferably in the sanitary area, in particular in a shower or a wash basin, has the following steps, among others:

• Increasing the water pressure or liquid pressure to an operating pressure of an outlet; and
• Spray the water or liquid in the middle of the outlet under increased pressure and at a low flow rate.

Further preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figur 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Wascheinrichtung;

Figur 2

eine weitere Ausführungsform;

Figur 3

eine Ausgestaltung eines 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 Zerstäubungskörper;

Figur 18 bis 20

weitere Zerstäubungskörper;

Figur 21 und 22

eine Scheibe als Zerstäubungskörper;

Figur 23

eine 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.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each shows schematically:

Figure 1

a first embodiment of a washing device;

Figure 2

another embodiment;

Figure 3

an embodiment of a protective body;

Figure 4

a unit of a washing device;

Figure 5

a plant with several washing facilities;

Figure 6

a car wash or shower cubicle;

Figure 7

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

Figure 8

a structure of a water disc as it occurs when water jets collide;

Figure 9

a perspective view of a nozzle set with three nozzles;

Figure 10

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

Figure 11

an outlet with a soap supply;

Figure 12

a nozzle body with two rotatable nozzle disks;

Figure 13

a one-piece nozzle body;

Figures 14 and 15

Detailed views of nozzle openings;

Figure 16

a two-part nozzle body;

Figure 17

an outlet with an atomizing body;

Figure 18 to 20

further atomizing bodies;

Figures 21 and 22

a disc as an atomizing body;

Figure 23

a curved disc as an atomizing body;

Figure 24

Pressure and flow relations for different types of nozzles;

Figure 25

Heating power requirement with different water flows; and

Figure 26

Heating power requirement in relation to heating power.

The reference symbols used in the drawings and their meaning are summarized in the list of reference symbols. In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 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 nozzles 3, liquid is in operation under high pressure and thus at high speed or energy directed delivered. The nozzles 3 of a nozzle set 2 are aligned in such a way that the liquid jets emitted overlap and preferably meet at one point. As a result, the liquid is atomized and has a high wetting effect. The liquid is usually water, although another liquid or a mixture of water with a further substance such as soap, disinfectant, etc. can also be dispensed with one, several or all nozzles.

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 to say can withstand this operating pressure. The outlet line can be fixed. The outlet can be a fixed shower or a hand-held and movable shower 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 brought to an increased operating pressure. In another embodiment of the invention, the heater 5 is arranged upstream of the pump 6, so that the pump 6 is designed to convey the water which has already been heated. A microfilter 7 is preferably arranged when the liquid 11 is supplied or at another point in the liquid path in order to prevent the nozzles 3 from becoming blocked. In the embodiment of the invention shown, 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 a further embodiment, which has no heater 5, but instead is supplied via a mixer tap 8, with which water from a cold water supply 11 and a hot water supply 12 are mixed to a desired temperature.

As an illustration of the invention, a soap feed 15 is also shown, by means of which a soap 14 can be added to the water by means of a mixing device. Instead of soap, other fluid or powder additives can also be mixed in this way. The mixing device 14 can expediently be switched on and off, so that it is possible to switch between an operating mode "soaping" with soap and an operating mode "rinsing" without soap. In this case, the mixing device 14 must be arranged fairly close to the shower head, so that after switching off the mixing device 14 only water will leave the shower head as soon as possible. In the "rinsing" operating mode, the amount of water conveyed per unit of time, that is to say the flow rate, is preferably increased in comparison with the "soaping" operating mode, 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 .

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a protective body 4. With the protective body 4, a liquid jet that does not hit the liquid jet or only insufficiently is caught. This can happen particularly when a nozzle is clogged or damaged. The protective body 4 prevents the beam from hitting the skin or the eyes directly. The protective bodies 4 and corresponding shapes of the outlet 1 are thus arranged such that they each lie in the jet direction of the individual nozzles 3, but are not substantially hit by the atomized liquid when the outlet 1 is operating properly, that is to say do not substantially impede the sprayed liquid.

Figure 4 shows a unit 16 of a washing device. Depending on the embodiment, the elements previously presented, such as in particular, are in the assembly 16 Heater 5, pump 6, microfilter 7, together with mixing device 14 and possibly also soap supply 15, etc., combined in a compact unit in a housing. The housing has an energy supply 13 and a cold water supply 11, and feeds the outlet 1 via the hose 19. Optionally, control elements 18 for controlling or regulating temperature and or pressure can be arranged on a remote control unit 17. In another variant (shown in broken lines) the controls 18 are arranged on the assembly 16 itself.

In an embodiment of the invention which is not claimed, the assembly 16 has the same elements with the exception of the pump 6 and is connected to an external pump for increasing the pressure. The external pump can supply several such units 16. A washing device system according to this embodiment thus has at least one structural unit 16 and an external pump and a pressurized water line for supplying the at least one structural unit 16 by the pump 6.

To operate the washing device for dispensing heated water, the pump 6 and the heater 5, triggered by the control unit, are preferably switched on. Since the heater 5 preferably has no storage, hot water can be obtained almost immediately, that is to say without a relevant heating-up time. If necessary, the pump can be delayed by a few seconds, i.e. be turned on for less than 2 or 5 or 10 seconds. Alternatively, the pump 6 can also be controlled from standstill during this time and gradually increased to the normal delivery rate, so that the delivery temperature can be increased right from the start.

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 is at outlet 1 or in the feed line 19 arranged. When the valve is opened by a user, there is a change in pressure in the feed line 19, which is detected by a sensor in the assembly 16, after which the washing device, with the pump 6 and possibly also the heater 5, is switched on by the control of the assembly 16.

Figure 5 shows a system with several washing devices 10, an embodiment not claimed. In each of the washing devices 10, there is only a cold water supply 11 and the energy supply 13 on the assembly 16. The washing devices 10 are arranged, for example, at several locations in a building or a mobile washing system.

Figure 6 shows a car wash or shower cubicle. In it, a plurality of outlets 1, which are preferably supplied with heated pressurized water via a common supply unit 16, are arranged above and to the side of the washroom. It has been shown that this quickly results in a very good, homogeneous heat distribution and a pleasant shower feeling. The same effect occurs with only one nozzle head if the shower cabin remains closed. Despite the small amount of water used, the heat transfer to the body is very good. The small drops warm up the room air very quickly, which gives a homogeneous feeling of warmth. The homogeneous heat distribution is a result of the air being warmed up quickly by the large surface area of the drops. The drops cool down immediately because of their small mass. A temperature equilibrium quickly arises.

Figure 7 schematically shows an arrangement of two nozzles 3 in a top view a), seen in the direction of a main spray direction of the device, and in a side view b). The aligned rays 21 of the liquid meet at a point of impact or impact point 20. The two rays 21 define a first plane. The sprayed from the collision Water drops form a spray body which is symmetrical to a further plane, the second plane being essentially perpendicular to the first plane. In the side view, an angle θ between the rays 21 and a bisector is drawn.

Figure 8 shows the structure of a water disc as it occurs when water jets collide. Like in the Figure 7 The main spray direction also runs in the Figure 8 downward. The parameters shown are: v _o : jet velocity; r: distance of impact point to edge of pane; 2θ: impact angle; h: thickness of the disc; 2R: beam diameter; φ: angular position.

If two equally strong water jets are directed towards each other, a thin water disk forms between them. The disc dissolves at a certain distance from the point of collision of the two beams, thereby producing fine drops.

If the two jets of water are of exactly the same strength, the vertical components of their impulses on collision cancel each other out, and the pressure created at the moment of the impact causes a thin layer of water to spread horizontally. As soon as holes are created here that increase due to the surface tension of the water, the pane is destroyed.

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

Due to the high operating pressures (for the sanitary area) and the low water temperatures, limescale deposits are not formed in the nozzles or are then eroded again.

Figure 9 shows schematically a perspective view of a nozzle set 2 with three nozzles 3. Water disks are formed at the point of impact, the planes of which, seen from above and with equally strong jets, lie in the bisector between the jets. Similarly, more than three nozzles 3 can also be arranged essentially on a circle and directed towards the point of collision. Half the impact angle θ lies between the jets and the vertical axis of symmetry of the nozzle set 2. Each of the nozzles 3 is supplied with liquid by the common pump 6 via a nozzle supply line 22. The nozzle supply lines 22 are shown only schematically in the figure, in reality they are formed, for example, by voids between individual parts of the outlet 1. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, different nozzles 3 are supplied with different liquids, that is to say with 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 has a plurality of nozzle sets which are arranged in a row next to one another or on an arc or circle.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the outlet 1 has at least two nozzle sets, the nozzles 3 being arranged at least approximately in one plane, and the impact points of the two nozzle sets 2 being spaced apart from one another in a direction which is at least approximately perpendicular to this plane . Figure 10 schematically shows such an arrangement in a top view a) and a side view b): Two nozzle sets 2, 2 'are arranged transversely to one another: 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 one another, at least approximately at right angles in the example shown. The impact points of the two nozzle sets 2, 2 'are preferably spaced apart from one another, but both lie on the line of intersection of the two planes.

Figure 11 shows an outlet 1 with a soap feeder 23. The soap feeder 23 is arranged in the outlet 1 above the impact point 20, so that the supplied soap drips or runs into the area of the impact point 20. The soap is entrained and mixed by the colliding water jets. The soap supply 23 is preferably controllable or switchable on and off. For this purpose, it has, for example, a control means, for example a closure or a valve or a pump, which is controllable, that is to say can be switched on and off by hand via a control line. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the soap supply has a buffer as a dosing means. The buffer is filled with a certain amount of soap when the control means is actuated and then successively returns this amount to the water supplied or, as in the Figure 11 , from impact point 20 until it is empty.

The soap can be liquid or powdery, and can be guided with the soap feeder 23 closer to the point of impact 23 than is indicated in the figure. Instead of soap, other fluid or powder additives can also be mixed in this way. Gaseous additives can also be added or blown with a separate nozzle as a gas jet onto the impact point 23.

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

The nozzle body 40 is arranged in the outlet 1 such that the liquid under pressure is applied to the upper nozzle disk 41 and the lower nozzle disk 42 points in the spray direction. The upper nozzle disk 41 has a set of upper bores 43, and the lower nozzle disk 42 has at least two sets of lower bores 44. By rotating the nozzle disks with respect to one another, the position of the upper bores 43 optionally becomes the position of one of the sets of the lower bores 44 in Brought agreement. Different sets of lower bores 44 are thus optionally in operation. These are preferably designed differently, so that a different spray characteristic results depending on the choice of the lower set of bores. This different design can concern, for example, 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 of which is fed with different liquids or liquid combinations. In this embodiment, the lower nozzle disk 42 has only one set of lower bores 44 and can be connected by rotation to one of the sets of the upper bores 43, so that a different composition of the sprayed liquid results depending on the choice of the upper set of bores.

Figure 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 nozzle disk 42 is preferably made of metal or an engineering plastic, for example by injection molding, the nozzle channels 48 preferably are formed by movable sliders. The plastic is, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyamide (PA) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and can be provided with deposits from other materials.

Figure 14 shows a detailed view of a cross section through a first embodiment for the configuration 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 made of a softer plastic, which is encapsulated by the harder engineering plastic of the nozzle body 40 or the nozzle disk 42. The softer plastic can be deformed by hand so that limescale deposits break off.

Figure 15 shows a detailed view of a cross section through the second embodiment for the configuration of the nozzle openings. A nozzle opening at the outer end of a nozzle channel 48 is formed by a tube piece 47 made of metal, for example chrome steel, which is encapsulated by the engineering plastic of the nozzle body 40 or the nozzle disk 42. In this way, the outlet openings of the nozzles can be designed with greater precision than would be possible if they were only made from plastic.

On the one hand, the nozzles are long enough to achieve a precise jet and have a smooth inner surface, as a result of which a laminar flow is achieved. The nozzles are preferably at least twice as long as their diameter. On the other hand, the tear-off edges at the end of the inside of the nozzle are suitably shaped, preferably by forming a right angle. This preferably applies to all embodiments of the invention.

In order to achieve a high degree of precision with regard to the alignment of the nozzles, the tube pieces can be formed on a single piece of metal and molded together, as in FIG Figure 16 shown. In particular, the nozzle channels 48 can be formed in a disc-shaped or other shaped insert 49. The insert 49 is extrusion-coated with the plastic to form the nozzle body 40 or the nozzle disk 42, the plastic having a continuation of the nozzle channels 48.

Figure 17 shows an outlet 1 with an atomizing body 34. The atomizing 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 for this purpose has one or two individual drives or motors. At least one nozzle 3 is directed onto the atomizing body 34, so that the liquid jet of this nozzle 3 strikes the atomizing body 34 during operation of the washing device 10. In the case of a linearly displaceable atomizing body 34, the beam strikes a differently oriented surface and / or a differently structured surface in accordance with the position of the atomizing body 34. For example, the atomizer body 34 Figure 18 , which is an example of an ellipsoid of revolution, a beam onto a sector of the surface with an elevation angle α with respect to the equator of the ellipsoid. The angle of impact of the jet on the atomizing body 34 and the central direction of the atomized jet thus vary as a function of the height angle α.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the atomizing body 34 has different surface structures along the displacement axis, so that different atomizing characteristics can be achieved by moving the atomizing body 34. For example, the atomizing body 34 Figure 17 have the surface for different areas of height angles α of different roughnesses. Figure 18 shows an atomizing body 34 with this property, but without having an ellipsoid as the basic shape. The atomizing body 34 is essentially rotationally symmetrical and / or prismatic with respect to the axis or axis of rotation 33. For example, along the axis of rotation 33 it has a first sector 341 with a toothed surface, one second sector 342 with a smooth surface and a third sector 343 with a roughened surface, similar to emery paper. By moving the atomizing body 34, the jet is atomized on one or the other sector 341, 342, 343 with completely different properties. In the embodiment shown, each of the sectors therefore has a different surface structure and one or more different orientations of the surface with respect to a beam.

In another embodiment according to Figure 19 If the atomizing body 34 is a rotating cylinder, it has different surface structures with a constant impact angle and radiation angle when displaced along the axis 33. Such an embodiment can be used rotating or non-rotating, the different surfaces of the sectors 341, 342, 343 being used in both cases by the displacement along the axis 33.

Such an atomizing body 34 can be used with different operating modes, whereby certain embodiments of the invention can also be aimed only at individual ones of these operating modes: In a first operating mode, the water or liquid jets 21 are generated in the nozzles 3 with high pressure, and becomes linear Movability of the atomizing body 34 is used to obtain different or dynamically variable atomizing properties. It is not absolutely necessary for this that the atomizing body 34 can also be rotated or rotated. The atomizing energy comes from the high speed of the rays. By moving the atomizing body 34, be it by twisting and / or shifting, differently structured surface areas can be brought into the area of the jet 21.

In a second operating mode, the atomizing body 34 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 33 at high speed. The energy for atomization comes from the rotation of the atomizing body 34, so that the nozzles can be operated with high pressure but also with low pressure, that is to say without a pump 6. The atomizing body 34 can also be displaceable as in the first operating mode, but it cannot be displaceable either.

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

Figures 21 and 22 show a disc as an atomizing body. Here at least one nozzle 3 is aligned with a pane surface 36 or with the pane edge 37. Depending on the radius, the disk surface 36 can have different surface structures, which in the Figure 21 is indicated by a shaded area. The disk surface 36 can also be profiled, that is to say that the disk surface 36 is not flat, but rather has a rotationally symmetrical profile as a function of the radius. By moving the nozzle 3 along the radius, different impact angles and radiation characteristics can also be achieved with this.

The disk surface 36 is in accordance with another embodiment of the invention Figure 23 curved, for example in the form of a spherical surface, so that the radiation angle also depends on the radius of the point of impact.

Suitable speeds for rotating atomizing bodies 34 range from 5,000 to 200,000 revolutions per minute. The mean droplet size in the atomized jet is varied by varying the speed, the droplet size depending on the relative speed between the jet and the atomizing body 34. It turns out that a droplet size of around 20 to 80 micrometers 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 speed of only a few m / s, the atomizing body 34 must move at this point at the point of impact. For example, this means that a surface point of a disc or cylinder with a diameter of 30mm must rotate at approx. 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, for example 2 / 0.7 for an arrangement with 2 nozzles with a diameter of 0.7 mm.

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 heating device with a heating power of approximately 3 kW. 3 nozzles with a diameter of 0.4 mm are preferably operated at a pressure of 20 bar. Half the impact angle θ is preferably 45 °. Most, that is around 80% or more, of the droplets produced preferably have a diameter of less than 100 micrometers.

Figure 25 shows a heating power requirement P in kW with depending 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 to an economical shower and 1.5 l / min correspond to an embodiment of the invention. For example, in order to heat the continuously running water by a temperature difference of 30 °, a continuous output of 25 kW is required at 12 liters / minute. An optimal heating efficiency is assumed. With a flow rate of 1.5 l / min, only around 2 kW are required.

This is within the scope of a heater 5, which can be supplied with 230V alternating current or 400V three-phase current by a normal house installation. 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, maximum realizable values for heating outputs are shown: a lower horizontal with a first heating output of approx. 3.6 kW and an upper horizontal with a second heating output of approx. 6 kW. This corresponds to a supply with 230 or 400 volts at 16 amps.

Depending on the season and the desired water temperature, the shower water must be heated up by around 20 to 35 degrees. This corresponds to the shaded area in the illustration. In this area, electrical flow heating "on demand" can be used with flow rates between 1 and 2 liters. For higher flow rates, a storage heater or a boiler, or a more powerful heater is necessary. <b> REFERENCE SIGN LIST </b> 1 Outlet 18th Controls 2, 2 ' Nozzle set 19th Hose, supply line 3rd jet 20th Impact point and water disc 4th Protective body 5 heater 21st Liquid jet 6 pump 22 Nozzle supply line 7 Microfilter 23 Soap dispenser 8th Mixer tap 32 drive 10th Washing facility 33 Axis of rotation 11 Cold water supply 34 Atomizing body 12 Hot water supply 341-346 Sectors of the atomizing body 13 power supply 14 Mixing device 35 Atomizing disc 15 Soap dispenser 36 Disc area 16 Unit 37 Disc edge 17th Control unit

Claims (18)

1. A washing device (10) for dispensing water or a water-based mixture, 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 (1);
   comprising a mixing device (14) for mixing fluids, in particular water with disinfectant or with soap, before the dispensing,
   wherein the delivery device (6) and the mixing device (14) are grouped together in an overall construction as part of a compact unit in a housing.
2. A washing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the washing device (10) can be operated in a first and a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode ("lathering") a further fluid is admixed to the water, preferably a disinfectant or soap, and in the second operating ("rinsing") no further fluid is admixed to the water, and the water throughput in the second operating mode compared to the first operating mode is higher.
3. A washing device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the water throughput in the first operating mode is less than 3 l/min or less than 1 l/min and preferably less than 0.5 l/min, and the water throughput in the second operating mode is up to 1 l/min or (in case of a shower) up to 3 l/min or up to 5 l/min.
4. A washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein different nozzles are provided each with different fluids or fluid mixtures.
5. A washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one nozzle set (2) of at least two nozzles (3) for producing impacting fluid jets (21) and for atomising the fluid or fluids.
6. A washing device (10) according to claim 5, wherein for each of different fluids at least a pair of nozzles producing impacting fluid jets (21) is provided.
7. A washing device (10) according to claim 6, wherein impact points (20) of two or more pairs of nozzles, according to the different fluids, are arranged at a distance from each other along the main direction of spraying.
8. A washing device (10) according to claims 4 to 7, comprising two nozzle disks (41), wherein the nozzle disks are arranged to be rotatable in different positions relative to one another, in particular wherein the nozzle disks are arranged for the selection of one of the different nozzle sets (2) and thereby the mixture of the atomised fluid.
9. A washing device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein a change from one throughput rate to another, according to the first and the second operating mode, is effected by increasing or decreasing the water pressure by means of the delivery device (6).
10. A washing device (10) according to claims 2 to 9, wherein the change from one throughput rate to another, according to the first and the second operating mode, is effected by switching between the nozzle sets (2).
11. A washing device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the mixing device (14) admixes the further fluid to the fluid supply of at least one but not of all nozzles.
12. A washing device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 11 and depending on claim 5, wherein a feed (23) for feeding a further fluid is arranged to feed the further fluid to the region of the impact point (20) of the fluid jets.
13. A washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein also a heating device (5) and a soap feed (15) are grouped together in the overall construction in the housing.
14. A washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,

    • wherein the outlet (1) is part of a shower head, and the maximal throughput quantity of the outlet (1) is 3 l/min to 5 l/min, and preferably 1 l/min to 2 l/min, or

    • wherein the outlet (1) is part of a water tap, and the maximal throughput quantity of the outlet (1) is 1 l/min and preferably 0.5 l/min.
15. A washing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and depending on claim 5, wherein the delivery device (6) is designed for delivering the water or the fluid at a pressure of 10 bar to 50 bar, in particular of 15 bar to 25 bar.
16. A washing device (10) according to one of the claims 4 to 16, wherein the nozzles (3) have a diameter of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, in particular 0.3 mm and 1.3 mm, and preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm.
17. A method for the operation of a washing device (10) for dispensing water or a water based mixture through a shower head or a water tap, 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) by means of a delivery device (6); and

    • spraying the water or the fluid by way of the outlet (1) at an increased pressure and with a low throughput rate

    • mixing of a further fluid, for example a disinfectant or soap, with the water or the water-based mixture before the dispensing by means of a mixing device (14),

    wherein the delivery device (6) and the mixing device (14) are grouped together in an overall construction as part of a compact unit in a housing.
18. A method according to claim 17, comprising the step of heating the water by way of an electrical tankless heater, preferably to a set temperature

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