EP3192930B1 - Fitting with extendible sprinkler - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shower fitting with a fitting body, an inflow regulating device, a pull-out hand shower and a flexible hose line leading from the inflow regulating device through the fitting body to the hand shower, the hand shower having a mechanical switch, preferably a push-button switch, for switching between at least two different jet types, which is arranged in the assembled position of the shower fitting on the side of the handle facing the fitting body,

Taps with pull-out spray are often used as kitchen taps. The pull-out spray is connected to a mixer tap of the fitting via a flexible hose that runs through the fitting body. The mixer tap is often designed as a single-lever mixer. The jet shape of the water jet can also often be switched on the pull-out spray, for example between a ventilated jet and a shower jet.

The operation of existing fittings with pull-out spray is often cumbersome or unergonomic. With one-hand operation, the water jet must first be set and tempered before the hand shower can be pulled out while the water jet is running. In addition, conventional showers usually have to be pulled down out of the outlet pipe or pushed back in from below. Water is easily sprayed out in an uncontrolled manner when the hand shower is pulled out.

From the WO 2014/146034 A1 shows a shower mixer, which has a conical pull-out shower. This must be pulled out of a fitting body by a user or put back in again from below. Also the US 2014/0069520 A1 describes a pull-out spray that can be pulled down. In both cases the hand shower shown must can be gripped by the user with just a few fingers, which has a negative impact on the user-friendliness of the shower fittings shown.

Hand showers with an integrated shut-off valve are also known. Here, however, the temperature of the water jet is again cumbersome since the mixed water temperature can only be set when the water jet is running. Switching between different jet types is also often complicated or unergonomically solved in known pull-out showers, which can lead to uncontrolled splashing of water, especially when switching to a sharper shower jet.

The present invention has for its object to provide a mixer with pull-out spray that can be operated easily.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements can be found in the dependent claims.

In a shower fitting of the type mentioned, the object is achieved in that the hand shower is designed as a downward-pointing handle with an integrally molded connector for a hose end of the flexible hose, the handle and the connector enclosing an approximately right angle, the Handle has a handle end open at the bottom, which forms the water outlet of the hand shower.

The newly shaped hand shower results in particularly ergonomic operation. The hand shower is shaped like a "pistol grip" and can be gripped with one hand and pulled out towards the front. The hose line of the hand shower or a connection piece connected to the hose line can be arranged in the manner of a "gun barrel" at the upper end of the handle at right angles to the user. In this way, the handle can be gripped very easily and the hand shower can be pulled forward out of the fitting body or fitting housing in an approximately horizontal movement. The handle end, which is open at the bottom, points constantly downwards and can e.g. be carried out in a circular motion over the dishes.

In addition, it is provided in the context of the present invention that the hand shower has a mechanical switch, preferably a push button switch Has switching between at least two different beam types. If the hand shower is shaped in the manner explained above in the manner of a handle, the switch can preferably be on the body of the fitting take place, so that there is a completely new way of operating the hand shower.

The outlet pipe of the fitting, in which the handle-shaped hand shower is inserted, can run approximately horizontally in its end area or enclose an angle between -5 ° and + 30 ° with the horizontal, i.e. slightly (<5 °) inclined downwards or slightly ( max. 30 °). If the handgrip of the hand shower pointing downwards and a connection piece pointing forward on the hand shower for the hose end of the hose line form an approximately right angle, this means that the outlet of the hand shower formed by the handle end is approximately vertically downwards to slightly forward inclined (up to approx. 30 °). In the context of the present invention, it is provided in particular that the angle between the handle and the connecting piece of the hand shower is in the angular range 90 ° plus / minus 15 °, preferably plus / minus 10 °, more preferably plus / minus a maximum of 5 °.

The inflow regulating device preferably comprises one or more electrically operated continuous valves for regulating a flow rate and / or mixing temperature of a water flow, and a control device for controlling the continuous valves. A hand-operated electrical control signal transmitter is arranged on the hand shower and is connected to the control unit for signaling purposes, the control unit being designed to control the continuous valves as a function of control signals coming from the control signal transmitter in order to adjust the flow rate and / or mixing temperature of the water flow. The rotary control serving to actuate the fitting can be arranged in a particularly ergonomic manner in the upper region of the handle on the handle side opposite the hose connection, preferably at an oblique angle with respect to the handle axis. This type of arrangement enables easy operation with the thumb of the gripping hand.

The fitting is expediently designed as an electronically controlled fitting and can be operated via the control signal transmitter arranged on the hand shower. The operation can in particular open and Close the valve or include an adjustment of the mixing temperature. In this way, the mixer can be operated with one hand when the hand shower is pulled out.

The control signal transmitter is preferably connected to the control device via an electrical control line running in or along the hose line. In this way, the control line is protected against damage by the flexible hose line when the hand shower is pulled out or pushed in. Alternatively, a short-range radio connection for signal transmission between control signal transmitter and control device would also be conceivable, for example a Bluetooth connection.

In the context of the present invention, it is provided in particular that the control signal transmitter has a rotary controller which, when actuated, generates a first control signal which depends on a relative or absolute angle of rotation of the rotary controller. The rotary controller and thus the first control signal can be used in particular to regulate the mixing temperature. On the one hand, it is conceivable that the mixed water temperature corresponds to the absolute value of the angle of rotation, that is, the position of the rotary controller. The rotary control can thus be brought into a certain rotary position or left in this position and the control device electronically regulates the mixed water temperature to a mixed temperature which correlates with the position of the rotary control after opening the fitting. The rotary controller can in particular have an end stop which corresponds to the maximum temperature.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the control device to initially regulate to a preset or last set temperature value when the fitting is opened, and a relative change in the angle of rotation leads to a corresponding increase or decrease in the target temperature. In this case, the rotary controller is preferably designed without an end stop, that is to say endlessly rotatable. In this case, an incremental rotary encoder or rotary pulse encoder with magnetic scanning can be used as the rotary controller.

In the context of the present invention, it is also preferably provided that the control signal transmitter additionally has a push button function which generates a second control signal when actuated. This second control signal can in particular be used to control the inflow regulating device by means of the control device in such a way that it releases or blocks a water flow. Thus, with the same hand with which the hand shower is gripped, the water flow can be set by simply pressing the control signal transmitter, preferably the rotary control, and the mixed water temperature can be set by turning the rotary control. The rotary controller can be designed particularly ergonomically by the fact that it is designed in the form of a flat turntable, preferably in the upper region of the pull-out hand shower.

Such a rotary knob equipped with a pushbutton function also enables a third type of actuation, namely simultaneous pressing and turning. This third type of actuation can preferably be detected by the control device and used to change the flow rate of the water jet as a function of the angle of rotation of the rotary controller. For this purpose, either a simultaneous receipt of a first and a second control signal can be determined on the control device, or the control signal generator can be designed in such a way that when the rotary control is actuated and the pushbutton function is actuated simultaneously, it generates a third control signal which can be detected by the control device.

In a preferred development of the present invention, a display device can be integrated in the control signal transmitter, which is connected to the control unit for signaling purposes and generates an optical display which depends on the set flow rate and / or mixing temperature of the water flow. In particular, the present invention provides light rings in different signal colors with which the water temperature can be displayed. For example, a blue light ring for cold water, an orange light ring for hot water and a red light ring for hot water. In other words, by means of the light colors or their Color temperature the selected or set water temperature are displayed.

Finally, it is also provided in the context of the present invention that the hand shower has a removable jet base or jet regulator which engages in an outlet opening of the hand shower and can be released from the hand shower by means of a release button. This enables easy cleaning and descaling of the blasting floor, which is important for the blasting properties.

In another preferred embodiment, the control signal transmitter comprises a rotary controller which has a raster that can be perceived haptically when it is turned. This provides the user with haptic feedback on the turning length and the grid allows a more precise setting when turning.

In a further preferred embodiment, the hand shower has a diverter operated via a pushbutton switch, which adjusts a water path within the hand shower between two water outlet areas for different types of steel. The diverter can be designed in such a way that it remains in operation in the switched position (shower jet) due to the water pressure and automatically returns to the normal position when the water flow is switched off. Alternatively, at least one return spring can also be provided, which automatically returns the diverter to an initial position when the changeover button is released. In this case, you can switch back and forth between two jet types several times during use without having to switch off the water flow to reset the diverter.

Figur 1

eine isometrische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Brausearmatur,

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht der griffförmigen Handbrause der Brausearmatur aus Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine Ansicht von unten auf den Strahlboden der Handbrause aus Figur 2,

Figur 4

eine Schnittzeichnung der Handbrause aus Figur 2,

Figur 5

eine Seitenansicht der Armatur aus Figur 1 mit schematisch dargestellten Schlauch- und Signalleitungen sowie als Blockschaltbild gezeigter Zuflussreguliereinrichtung.

Figur 6

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Handbrause, bei der statt eines Drehreglers ein elektrischer Steuersignalgeber in Form eines Tastenfeldes vorgesehen ist, und

Figur 7

in einer isometrische Ansicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Brausearmatur mit Einhebelmischer statt elektrisch betätigten Ventilen.

Further advantages and properties of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiments and the attached drawings. Here show:

Figure 1

an isometric view of a shower fitting according to the invention,

Figure 2

a side view of the handle-shaped hand shower of the shower fitting Figure 1 ,

Figure 3

3 shows a view from below of the spray floor of the hand shower from FIG. 2,

Figure 4

a sectional drawing of the hand shower Figure 2 ,

Figure 5

a side view of the valve Figure 1 with schematically shown hose and signal lines and a flow control device shown as a block diagram.

Figure 6

a further embodiment of a hand shower, in which an electrical control signal generator in the form of a keypad is provided instead of a rotary controller, and

Figure 7

an isometric view of an embodiment of a shower mixer with single lever mixer instead of electrically operated valves.

In Figure 1 a kitchen mixer 1 with pull-out spray 2 is shown. The pull-out spray 2 is also referred to below as a hand shower. The kitchen fitting 1 has a fitting body or fitting housing 3, in the front, open end of which the pull-out spray 2 is inserted. The pull-out spray 2 has the shape of a handle that is open at the bottom and is angled at its upper end approximately at right angles to the front. The area of the hand shower 2 which is angled forward is designed as an insertion aid and is located in the fitting body 3. On its side facing away from the fitting body 3, an adjusting wheel 4 is arranged in the upper area of the hand shower 2, which serves to operate the fitting 1. On the side facing away from a user or facing the fitting body 3, the handle-shaped hand shower 2 carries a rubber coating 5, which serves as a gripping aid for better gripping of the hand shower 2. The downward-facing open side of the hand shower 2 is covered by a jet floor 6 with an integrated jet regulator for different jet types is completed.

Figure 2 shows the hand shower 2 in a side view. In the rubberized grip area 5, a changeover button 7 is arranged, which is used for mechanical switching between different jet types, namely from a ventilated jet to a shower jet. The angled, forward-facing area of the hand shower 2 tapers step-by-step and finally opens into a flexible hose line 9. The tapered area 10 represents an insertion aid for inserting the hand shower into the corresponding receiving opening of the fitting body 3. A nose 11 in the tapering area of the insertion aid 10 serves to secure the hand shower 2 against rotation and corresponds to a corresponding recess in the receiving opening of the fitting body 3.

Figure 3 shows a view of the hand shower 2 from below. Two different jet areas can be seen in the jet bottom 6, namely an inner area 6a for a ventilated jet and an outer area 6b, which surrounds the inner area 6a in a ring shape, with individual openings for a fanned-out shower jet. With the button 7 you can switch between these two beam types. A corresponding jet regulator for the inner jet area 6a is integrated in the jet bottom. The radiant floor 6 is snapped onto the underside of the handle-shaped hand shower 2 and can be unlocked for cleaning via a concealed release button and removed for cleaning.

A longitudinal section through the hand shower 2 is in Figure 4 shown. In the upper area on the side facing a user, the rotary control 4, with which the kitchen fitting can be operated, is arranged as an operating element at an angle of approximately 45 °. The rotary control 4 acts as an electrical control signal generator and, on the one hand, enables actuation by turning the control crown 4a of the control element. On the other hand, the rotary control 4 enables actuation by pressing the rotary control 4 by means of an integrated push button function.

The rotary control 4 used in the exemplary embodiment is also finely rastered, so that the user receives haptic feedback on the turning length and the precision of the turning. The rotary control can be turned 360 ° without a stop.

The control element 4 also has a light ring 4b on its upper side, which can be controlled in different luminous colors or color temperatures in order to indicate to a user a set water temperature. The control element or control signal generator 4 is thus designed, on the one hand, to generate a first control signal dependent on a relative or absolute angle of rotation of the control crown 4a or, when actuated by pressure, to generate a second control signal. As a third operating mode, control element 4 enables simultaneous turning and pressing. In addition, a distinction can be made between a long and short actuation of the push button function as well as between two or more successive brief actuations of the push button function in the manner of a "double click".

Behind the control crown of the control element is the actual electrical signal transmitter, which is embedded in the hand shower 2 and from which a (single or multi-core) electrical signal line leads to an electronic control unit of the fitting. The signal line runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, past the waterway leading through the hand shower 2.

The control signal generator 4 generates electrical control signals via the in Figure 5 schematically shown signal line or control line 14 are transmitted to a control unit 17 of the kitchen fitting 1. The electrical control signals can be transmitted either as digital or as analog or also as mixed partly analog and partly digital signals. The control line 14 can in this case be configured in one or more cores as a separate line or as a line shared with other modules or as a data bus.

When the pressure is actuated, the changeover button 7 acts mechanically on a changeover device 12, which is used to switch between different jet types and to direct the water flow through the hand shower 2 either to the inner area 6a or to the annular outer area 6b of the jet bottom. For this purpose, a laterally movable diverter is provided, which is operated by the changeover button 7 and adjusts the water path within the hand shower 2. In the unactuated position, the diverter directs the water flow to the central area, which opens into the jet regulator 6a. When the changeover button 7 is pressed, the changeover switch directs the water flow to the outer area 6b with individual openings for a fanned-out shower jet.

In known shower mixers with a vacuum switch, the manual shower changeover is usually designed in such a way that the jet type remains switched on until the water flow is switched off. In contrast to this, the changeover function in the exemplary embodiment is implemented in such a way that the changeover switch switches back to the first jet type when the changeover button is released. This means that you can switch back and forth between the two jet types during use. This is made possible by the integration of one or more return springs which reset the diverter when the diverter button 7 is released.

In addition to the control element 4 provided on the hand shower 2 and the handle-shaped design of the hand shower 2, the arrangement of the changeover button 7 in the handle area 5 on the side of the hand shower 2 facing the fitting body 3 contributes to ergonomic and intuitive operation. The hand shower 2 can be gripped with the operating hand and the changeover button 7 can be actuated with the index or middle finger. At the same time, the control signal transmitter 4 can be actuated with the thumb of the actuating hand in order to regulate the water flow which emerges at the lower end of the hand shower.

Both the control element 4 and its arrangement in the upper region of the hand shower 2 and the arrangement of the changeover button 7 on the side of the hand shower 2 facing away from the user enable a completely new, ergonomic operation of the hand shower 2 and can be used individually or in combination with fittings Pull-out spray are used.

To unlock and release the jet base 6, a concealed release button (not shown) can be provided, which is arranged in such a way that it cannot be pressed in when the hand shower 2 is gripped normally. Using a suitable thin object or fingernail, the concealed release button can be pressed in to remove the blasting base for cleaning.

In the in Figure 5 The side view of the fitting 1 shown is shown in addition to the course of the flexible hose line 9 and the electrical control line 14 running along the hose line. The hose line 9 runs from the hand shower 2 through the fitting body 3 and from there below a kitchen sink or kitchen worktop on which the fitting 1 is installed, in a free loop, optionally with a drop weight (not shown), to a mixer tap 17 with which Water volume and mixing temperature can be set. The mixer tap 17 thus serves as an inflow regulating device. It has two external connections 15, 16 for hot water and cold water. Electrically controllable continuous valves 18, 19 are used to regulate the cold water or hot water on the inlet side and to dispense them as mixed water for connecting the hose line 9. The electrical control line 14 leads to the control unit 20, which evaluates the electrical control signals of the control element or control signal transmitter 4 and controls the continuous valves 18, 19 accordingly in order to output a mixed water temperature set by the user. At the mixed water connection of the mixer tap 17, a temperature sensor (not shown) can also be provided, with which the control device 20 monitors and regulates the mixed water temperature.

The control line 14 is preferably firmly connected to the flexible hose line 9. It can, for example, be glued to the outside of the hose line 9 in the form of a strand or a foil conductor track and / or can be fixed by means of an outer sheath provided around the hose line 9, for example a fabric winding or a metallic winding hose. The hose line 14 can also be integrated into the hose wall of the hose line 9 or can run inside the hose line 9.

The continuous valves 18, 19 of the electrically controllable mixer tap 17 are shown here only by way of example and schematically. Instead of separate continuous valves for hot and cold water supply, a common continuous valve, which acts on both inflows simultaneously, can be used, similar to what is achieved in single-lever mixers of a known type by a common control disc. In addition, a shut-off valve for releasing or shutting off a water flow can optionally be provided. However, the latter function can also be performed by the continuous valves 18, 19. It is only essential in the context of the present invention that the amount of water and / or the mixing temperature can be regulated electronically.

The mixer tap 17 can in the Figure 5 shown way as a separate assembly below a sink or kitchen worktop on which the kitchen fitting 1 is installed. At the same time, however, it is also possible to integrate the mixer tap 17 into the body 3 of the kitchen tap.

• Bei einmaligem Tippen auf das Bedienelement 4 wird durch Öffnen des entsprechenden Ventils lediglich kaltes Wasser ausgegeben. Der Leuchtring 4b wird so angesteuert, dass er blau leuchtet.
• Bei zweimaligen Tippen werden beide Stetigventile 18, 19 soweit geöffnet, dass warmes Wasser einer vorgegebenen bzw. vorgebbaren Mischtemperatur ausgegeben wird. Der Leuchtring 4b leuchtet orange.
• Durch dreimaliges Tippen wird heißes Wasser ausgegeben, der Leuchtring leuchtet in Warnfarbe Rot.
• Durch Drehen der Steuerkrone 4a wird die Mischtemperatur geändert. Die Leuchtfarbe bzw. Farbtemperatur des Leuchtrings 4b wird entsprechend der gewählten bzw. eingestellten Wassertemperatur verändert.
• Ein gleichzeitiges Drehen und Drücken bewirkt eine Änderung der Durchflussmenge.

The control unit 20 has a microprocessor (not shown), with the aid of which the function of the control unit can be programmed. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit is programmed in such a way that it performs the following functions:

• When the control element 4 is tapped once, only cold water is dispensed by opening the corresponding valve. The light ring 4b is controlled so that it lights up blue.
• When tapping twice, both continuous valves 18, 19 are opened to such an extent that warm water of a predetermined or predeterminable mixing temperature is dispensed. The illuminated ring 4b lights up orange.
• Hot water is dispensed by tapping three times, the light ring lights up in the warning color red.
• The mixing temperature is changed by turning the control crown 4a. The luminous color or color temperature of the luminous ring 4b is changed in accordance with the selected or set water temperature.
• Simultaneously rotating and pressing changes the flow rate.

In addition, various special functions can be implemented: By pressing the button for a longer period of time, the current mixing temperature is saved as a new default for the currently active operating mode, i.e. dispensing cold, warm or hot water. This is indicated by a violet glow of the illuminated ring 4b. In the exemplary embodiment, three different preset temperatures can thus be stored for the cold, warm and hot operating modes. In addition, cleaning mode and / or thermal disinfection can be activated by pressing for a longer time. The illuminated ring 4b lights up either green (cleaning mode) or red (thermal disinfection). By pressing and holding the control element while an action is in progress, it can be canceled.

In the exemplary embodiment, the selection or actuation takes place by pressing on the control crown 4a. Alternatively, a selection could also be made by pulling on the control crown of the control dial. For example, additional functions could not only be achieved through long, e.g. Press for 3 seconds, but alternatively be selected by pulling on the control crown.

The programming of the control device 20 or the operation of the control signal transmitter 4 is only exemplary here and can be changed in any way within the scope of the present invention. In addition, other functions / programs can be integrated, e.g. a child lock, a dementia function or a filling function that outputs a specified or predeterminable amount of water and automatically closes the valve. For example, different fill quantities for pot filling or for sink filling can be specified.

Furthermore, the valve can also be connected to a local computer network. In this way, monitoring, monitoring, service analyzes, updates, remote control or even settings can be carried out conveniently via a computer or a tablet PC.

In particular, an incremental rotary encoder or rotary pulse encoder can be used as the rotary controller of the integrated control signal generator 4, with which changes in angle and direction of rotation can be recorded incrementally. Such an incremental rotary encoder can work, for example, on the principle of magnetic scanning, in which the rotary movement of a permanent magnet or hard magnetic carrier with a division inscribed in the form of a magnetization is read out by magnetic sensors such as Hall elements or magnetoresistive sensors. Such a contactless magnetic scanning enables the control signal transmitter to operate in a long-lasting, fault-free and wear-free manner. The push button function can be implemented, for example, by means of an integrated microswitch, which is actuated when the rotary regulator 3 is pressed in or only in the central region thereof.

Another, in Figure 6 shown embodiment is provided on the hand shower an operating element 4 'with a total of 5 buttons in the form of a membrane keyboard. A slight resistance and / or a pressure point can be felt when pressed. The individual symbols are backlit. The target temperature can be displayed by a color gradient from blue to red. The quantity and temperature can be changed by tapping or continuously pressing the individual buttons. On the side of the hand shower 2 facing the fitting, as in the previous exemplary embodiment, there is a push-button switch for switching between different jet types, but this is in the view of FIG Figure 6 is covered.

The operation can be done as follows. The middle button has the symbol "On- / Off". Around the middle are four more keys, one each left, right, up and down of the "On / Off" key. The right and the lower key have a symbol "-", the upper and the left one a symbol "+". The valve can be started with each of these buttons. The valve is switched off with the "On / Off" symbol. When the tap is switched on, the on / off symbol should indicate the target temperature of the water using a color gradient from blue to red. This symbol lights up white in standby mode.

When the fitting is switched off and the "-" symbol is pressed once, a preset, freely programmable amount of cold water and temperature is started (Direct Access 1)

When the valve is switched off and the "On / Off" symbol is pressed once, a preset, freely programmable mixed water quantity and temperature is started (Direct Access 2).

When the fitting is switched off and the "-" symbol is pressed once, a preset, freely programmable amount of hot water and temperature is started (Direct Access 3). The programmable hot water temperature should not exceed 40 ° C.

The water temperature is regulated with the symbols "+" (left) and "-" (right). If the hot or cold water symbol is pressed briefly while the valve is switched on (t <1s), the temperature should be gradually increased or decreased by 1/20 of the complete route. If the temperature exceeds 40 ° C, a noticeable signal from the operator must be given (e.g. blinking or vibrating element) and the temperature can be increased further in smaller steps (e.g. 1/40 of the complete distance). If the upper or lower temperature limit is reached, the "On / Off" symbol should flash red or blue.

If the hot or cold water symbol is pressed permanently (t> 1s), the temperature steps mentioned above are barely noticeable and the temperature should be increased / decreased linearly. The duration from pure cold water to only hot water max. t = 4s. If the temperature exceeds 40 ° C, a noticeable signal must be given by the operator (e.g. flashing / vibrating element). A further temperature increase is only possible by releasing the "-" symbol and pressing or pressing and holding again. The temperature is increased further in smaller steps (1/40 of the complete route). If the upper or lower temperature limit is reached, the "On / Off" symbol should flash red or blue.

The amount of water is regulated with the symbols "+" (top) and "-" (bottom). These two symbols are backlit in white when the valve is switched on. If one of the water volume control symbols is pressed briefly (t <1s), a gradual increase in volume, respectively. -reduction of 1/20 each of the complete route. If one of the symbols for water volume regulation is pressed permanently (t> 1s), the volume steps mentioned above are hardly noticeable. The duration from maximum flow to minimum flow (no water) max. t = 4s.

If the "On / Off" symbol is pressed for a long time (t = 4s), an optional, electronically operated drain valve can also be closed or opened again when it is held again. The "On / Off" symbol flashes green three times.

By holding down the symbols (t> 8s) "On- / Off", "-" and "-", the water volume and temperature (Direct Access) pre-stored on these keys can be overwritten with the current value. The "On / Off" symbol flashes violet 3 times.

Another, in Figure 7 shown embodiment, a control signal generator is omitted or at least only optional (shown in dashed lines). In this case, the valve is not designed as an electrically controlled valve with electrically operated continuous valves, but can also, as in Figure 7 shown, be equipped as a conventional mixer fitting with a single lever mixer 22. In this embodiment, a cartridge with ceramic valve disks of known design is located inside the valve body. The valve disks can be rotated in relation to each other by the operating lever in order to change a mixing ratio between hot and cold water, and can be moved parallel to each other in order to open or close / reduce a valve opening.

Here, too, there are the same advantages when using the hand shower, namely that it can be pulled out with the handle end 6 pointing downward approximately horizontally or following the outlet pipe pointing slightly obliquely upward. Since the handle is shaped like a pistol, it is intuitively enclosed with the closed fist when it is operated. The fingers around the handle include The index and middle fingers come to rest on the changeover button 7, so that a beam change is intuitive and ergonomic when operating.

Claims (13)

1. Sprayer fitting having a fitting body (3), an inflow-regulating device (17), an extendable hand sprayer (2) and a flexible hose line (9) leading from the inflow-regulating device (17) through the fitting body (3) to the hand sprayer (2), the hand sprayer (2) having a mechanical switch (7), preferably a pushbutton switch, for switching over between at least two different types of jet, which switch is arranged on the side of the handgrip facing towards the fitting body (3) when the sprayer fitting is in the mounted position,
   characterised in that
   the hand sprayer (2) is in the form of a downward-facing handgrip having an integrally formed connector for a hose end of the flexible hose line (9), wherein the handgrip and the connector enclose approximately a right-angle and wherein the handgrip has a grip end (6) which is open towards the bottom, which grip end forms the water outlet of the hand sprayer.
2. Sprayer fitting according to claim 1, wherein the inflow-regulating device (17) has one or more electrically operated continuously adjustable valves (18, 19) for regulating a flow rate and/or mixing temperature of a flow of water and also a control unit (20) for actuating the continuously adjustable valves (18, 19), and on the hand sprayer there is arranged a manually operable electrical control signal transmitter (4) which is in signal communication with the control unit (20), the control unit (20) being configured to actuate the continuously adjustable valves (18, 19) in dependence upon control signals coming from the control signal transmitter (4) in order to set the flow rate and/or mixing temperature of the flow of water.
3. Sprayer fitting according to claim 2, wherein the control signal transmitter (4) is connected to the control unit (20) via an electrical control line (14) running alongside or inside the hose line (9).
4. Sprayer fitting according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control signal transmitter (4) has a rotary control knob (4a) which, on being operated, generates a first control signal which is dependent upon a relative or absolute rotated angle of the rotary control knob (4a).
5. Sprayer fitting according to claim 4, wherein the control signal transmitter (4) additionally has a pushbutton function which, on being operated, generates a second control signal.
6. Sprayer fitting according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (20) is configured, on receiving the second control signal, to actuate the inflow-regulating device (17) in such a way that the latter allows a flow of water or blocks it again and, on receiving the first control signal, to alter the mixed temperature of the flow of water in dependence upon the rotated angle of the rotary control knob (4a).
7. Sprayer fitting according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (20) is configured, on simultaneously receiving a first and a second control signal, to alter the flow rate in dependence upon the rotated angle of the rotary control knob (4a), or wherein the control signal transmitter (4) is configured, on operation of the rotary control knob (4a) and simultaneous operation of the pushbutton function, to generate a third control signal, and the control unit (20) is configured, on receiving a third control signal, to alter the flow rate in dependence upon the rotated angle of the rotary control knob (4a).
8. Sprayer fitting according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a display device (4b) is integrated in the control signal transmitter (4), which display device is in signal communication with the control unit (20) and generates an optical display which is dependent upon the set flow rate and/or mixing temperature of the flow of water.
9. Sprayer fitting according to any one of preceding claims 2 to 8, wherein the rotary control knob (4a) has indexing that is haptically perceptible on rotary operation.
10. Sprayer fitting according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control signal transmitter (4) has a film keypad having a plurality of operating buttons.
11. Sprayer fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sprayer (2) has a removable jet base (6) which snaps onto an outlet opening of the hand sprayer (2) and can be released from the hand sprayer (2) via a release button.
12. Sprayer fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sprayer (2) has a switchover device operated via the pushbutton switch (7), which switchover device displaces a path of the water inside the hand sprayer (2) between two water outlet regions (6a, 6b) for different types of jet.
13. Sprayer fitting according to claim 12, wherein at least one restoring spring is provided which returns the switchover device automatically to a starting position when the switchover button (7) is released.

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