WO2008067879A1

WO2008067879A1 - Ball joint for a sanitary outlet fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2008067879A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/009219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hermann Grether; Christoph Weis
Original assignee: Neoperl Gmbh
Priority date: 2006-12-05
Filing date: 2007-10-24
Publication date: 2008-06-12
Also published as: EP2099975A1; WO2008067879A8; EP2099975B1; DE102006057242A1; DE502007007026D1; EP2292850A2; ATE506494T1; DE102006057242B4; CN201406702Y; EP2292850B1; EP2292850A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a ball joint (1) with first and second joint parts (5, 2) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and comprise interconnected liquid ducts, and of which one joint part (2) can be detachably fastened to a water inlet and the other joint part (5) is designed as a water outlet or can be detachably connected to a water outlet. What characterizes the ball joint (1) according to the invention is that the first joint part (5) is held such that it is able to pivot, by way of a spherical cap-shaped or spherical segment-shaped or similar spherical front end region (6) of its wall, between a shape-adapted joint socket (7) on the second joint part (2) on the one hand and a joint head (8) on a holding element (9) provided in the inner cavity of the first joint part (5) on the other hand, that the holding element (9) passes, by way of a connecting shaft (10) acting on the second joint part (2), through a passage opening (11) in the first joint part (5), and that the holding element (9) interconnects the liquid ducts of the first joint part (5) and of the second joint part (2). Since the first joint part (5) is arranged such that it is able to pivot in a joint socket (7) of the second joint part (2), it is possible for the first joint part (5) and second joint part (2) of the ball joint (1) according to the invention to be connected to one another without relatively large transitions and, in particular, without aesthetically objectionable jumps in diameter (cf. figure 11).

Description

Ball joint for a sanitary outlet fitting

The invention relates to a ball joint with a first and a second joint part, which are hinged together and having interconnected fluid channels and of which a hinge part to a water inlet is releasably fastened and the other hinge part is designed as a water drain or releasably connected to a water drain.

Such ball joints are already known, which can be screwed onto the water outlet of a sanitary water outlet fitting, in order to be able to deflect the water jet there and align it in the desired outlet direction. The previously known ball joints have a connection part which can be screwed to the connection thread at the water outlet of the sanitary outlet fitting. The previously known ball joints have an outlet part, which is pivotally connected to the connecting part. At the connection part is for this purpose a ball head, which is pivotally mounted in a complementary joint socket in the outlet part. In this case, a sealing ring, which engages behind the ball head, is provided on the edge region of the joint socket facing the connection part. Since protruding on the connecting part of the ball head, as between the connecting part and outlet part a cross-sectional taper is to be kept free as a pivoting area and there held the ball socket held in the ball socket with a spherical segment of its spherical shape over the outlet part, the prior art ball joints in the course of their longitudinal extension several diameter jumps on affect the design of a sanitary spout and form ugly gaps that are difficult to clean. Because of the edge of the socket Not only does the sealing ring provided have to be sealed between the socket or ball head, but rather it must also hold the ball head gripped by it under comparatively high pressures and temperatures in the socket, the construction is associated with functional disadvantages due to the double function of the sealing ring.

There is therefore a particular object to provide a ball joint of the type mentioned above, which offers a high functional safety, can also be designed without prone to contamination cross-sectional tapers and gaps, and does not restrict the freedom of design in the design of a sanitary outlet fitting or impaired.

The achievement of this object is in the ball joint of the type mentioned in particular that the first joint part with a kugelsept- or kugelseg- mentförmigen or similar spherical Stirnendbereich its wall between a form-fitting socket on the second joint part on the one hand and a condyle at one in the Inner cavity of the first joint part provided retaining element on the other hand is pivotally held, that the holding element with a connecting member acting on the second connecting shaft passes through an insertion opening of the first hinge part and that the holding element connects the fluid channels of the first hinge part and the second hinge part.

The ball joint according to the invention has two hingedly connected joint parts, of which a first joint part has a kugelkalotten- or spherical segment-shaped or the like spherical Stirnendbereich. Here is the first joint part with its frontally and spherically configured front end region between a shape-adapted joint socket on the second joint part on the one hand and a joint head on the other hand provided in the inner cavity of the first hinge part retaining member on the other hand pivotally. Since the first joint part is thus held securely and firmly between the second joint part and the retaining element and since the first joint part is not merely secured with a sealing ring, the ball joint according to the invention has a comparatively high functionality, since the retaining and sealing functions are separate each other and each can be optimized for themselves. Since the first joint part, which can be arranged on the inflow side or the outflow side of the ball joint according to the invention, is pivotably arranged in a socket of the second joint part, first joint part and second joint part can be connected to each other without major transitions and in particular without aesthetically disturbing diameter jumps. In this case, the holding element passes through an engagement opening of the first joint part with a connecting shaft engaging the second joint part, the retaining element connecting the fluid passages of the first joint part and of the outlet part to one another.

A particularly shapely and attractive embodiment of the invention provides that the cylindrical end face region of the first joint part is adjoined by a cylindrical partial area and preferably extending to the water outlet. In particular, such an embodiment can be designed practically over its entire longitudinal extension with a substantially constant outer diameter. Since the ball joint according to the invention can be attached to the outlet fitting, for example, instead of a conventional outlet nozzle, it is advantageous if a sanitary functional unit with at least one jet regulator, a flow rate regulator, a flow restrictor, a non-return valve on one of the joint parts and preferably on the first joint part and / or a front screen is provided. However, the ball joint according to the invention can just as well be connected to a flexible water line and fastened to an angle valve or to a fitting-side shower hose connection or a shower grip connection in order to achieve torsion protection in the region of these clamping points of the flexible water pipe and to counteract a mechanical overload ,

It may be advantageous if, for example, a flow rate regulator or a flow restrictor is arranged on one of the joint parts and preferably on the first joint part. Such an embodiment proves to be particularly advantageous because the functions of the flow rate regulation and the anti-buckling and beyond the torsion protection for the connected flexible water pipe can be realized in one component. It is known that flexible hose lines and in particular shower hoses often fail at the clamping points, ie therefore at the fitting connection or the shower handle connection due to mechanical overload. The embodiment described here illustrates that such a flexible water pipe and in particular a corresponding shower hose can be beautifully and efficiently secured by the ball joint according to the invention against a mechanical bending overload, because in the ball joint already large tilt angle can be accommodated, which relieves the hose accordingly- Due to the all-round mobility of the ball joint results in the possibility of tying the hose torsion, which was previously possible only with appropriately elaborately designed nipple constructions. The Torsionsfreiheit a flexible water pipe and in particular a shower hose offers the user in the handle, for example, a hand shower great advantages.

It may be advantageous if instead of the usually attached to the water outlet of the outlet fitting mouthpiece of the joint parts and preferably the first joint part with a sleeve-shaped outlet mouthpiece is releasably connected, which carries the sanitary functional unit in its sleeve interior. Instead, however, it is also possible for one of the joint parts, and preferably the first joint part, to have an outlet-side insertion opening into which the sanitary functional unit can preferably be detachably inserted. A ball and socket joint, in which a sanitary functional unit can be inserted into the outlet-side insertion opening, in particular of the first articulated part, also does not have the gaps and shoulders customary in this area.

It is particularly advantageous if the insertion opening has an axial longitudinal extent which is approximately equal to or greater than the installation height of the sanitary functional unit. The longitudinal extent of the insertion opening is thus dimensioned so that the sanitary functional unit can be accommodated in it virtually completely concealed. The ball joint according to the invention has at its first joint part on a through opening, which passes through the holding element with an engaging on the second joint part connecting shaft. Here, the insertion opening limiting peripheral edge and the connecting shaft serves as a guide stop, which limits the pivotal movement of the first hinge part relative to the second hinge part. If the installation situation requires that, for example, the first joint part is not or at most only partially pivoted in one of the different directions, because otherwise the deflected by means of the ball joint and aligned water jet would possibly extend over the outer peripheral edge of the sanitary ware, for example, it is useful , If between the first hinge part and the second hinge part, a pivot stop is effective, which limits the pivotal movement of the hinge parts to each other and preferably of the first hinge part in a defined pivoting direction preferably on one side.

In this case, a preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that the retaining element at the downstream edge region of its joint head carries a loadable from the inner periphery of the first joint part pivot stop, which is preferably designed as a stop lug.

But it is also possible that the first joint part to a non-circular and / or eccentrically arranged insertion opening has, which is designed as a pivotal movement of the first joint part limiting pivot stop. A preferred development according to the invention provides that between the first joint part and the second joint part and / or between the holding element and the first joint part, a rotation stop of the joint parts limiting each other rotation is provided. Although such a rotation stop allows a rotational movement between the articulated interconnected components of the ball joint according to the invention by almost 360 °, but then goes on attack. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when a sanitary functional unit is connected downstream of the ball joint whose adjusting mechanism likewise requires a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, wherein the friction values of the adjustment of the sanitary functional unit defined on the one hand differently to the friction conditions of the ball can be on the other hand steering provided rotational movement.

If these defined different friction conditions between the outlet-side joint part on the one hand and the ball joint on the other hand, for example, by aging of the elastomers used changed so that they no longer differ from each other, it may happen that too high a frictional resistance of the outlet side joint part of the user of this joint part not can move more from one to the other switching position, as the ball joint rotates seemingly endless. However, since the embodiment described here has a torsion stop, the ball joint could at most rotate by almost 360 ° until the torsion stop is effective and an adjustment of the downstream outlet-side joint part is possible even with increased friction. It may be advantageous if the rotary or torsion stop has a stop on the holding element in the outlet direction projecting, which cooperates with a counter-stop on the inner circumference of the first joint part.

A particularly simple and inexpensive to produce embodiment according to the invention provides that the stop and / or the counter-stop are designed pin-shaped.

It is possible that the rotation stop limits the rotational movement in each pivot position of the first joint part. Instead, however, it may also be advantageous if the rotation stopper releases or limits the rotational movement of the first joint part as a function of its pivoting position. For such an embodiment, the rotation stop becomes effective only in a certain relative position between the joint parts, while the rotation stop does not engage in another extreme deflection position. It may be advantageous if the stop and the counter-stop in a swing end position happen to each other.

In order to mount the components of the ball joint according to the invention in a simple manner, it is expedient if the retaining element with an external thread in an internal thread in the second hinge part is screwed and / or if the sleeve interior of the retaining element is designed as a tool engagement surface and in particular as a hexagon socket.

In this case, the external thread of the retaining element can be detachably screwed into the internal thread in the second joint part and / or adhered in a watertight manner. In order to be able to seal well in the region between the joint parts, it is expedient if at least one ring seal is provided between the first joint part and the second joint part and / or between the retaining element and the first joint part.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one ring seal is provided, and if at least one ring seal is effective between the first joint part and the retaining element and / or between the first joint part and the second joint part.

It may be expedient if an annular groove for receiving a ring seal is provided on the outer circumference of the retaining element, on the inner or outer circumference of the first joint part and / or on the inner circumference of the second joint part in the region of the joint socket.

A preferred embodiment according to the invention, which can be produced with comparatively little effort, provides that the holding element with a connecting shaft passes through an insertion opening on the second joint part, and that the connecting shaft in the insertion opening by means of an on stromvorseitigen free shank end of the connecting shaft angedri- fenden split pin or circlip is secured.

It is particularly expedient if the holding element in its first hinge part engaging behind portion is configured cap-shaped. In order for the holding element to be able to connect the liquid channels of the first joint part and of the second joint part, a preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that the holding element has at least one flow-through opening in its cap-shaped subregion. In order to attach the ball joint according to the invention to a commercial sanitary outlet fitting, it is advantageous if an external or internal thread is provided on one of the joint parts and in particular on the second joint part, which can be detachably connected to an internal or external thread on the sanitary outlet fitting is.

A preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that at least one of the joint parts, and preferably at least the second joint part at the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting or a water supply line is releasably attachable.

It is also possible that at least one of the joint parts and preferably the first joint part with a shower hose or a flexible water pipe is releasably connectable. In this case, an advantageous embodiment according to the invention also consist in that the ball joint according to the invention is interposed in a sanitary water pipe and in particular in a hose line.

A further preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that one of the joint parts and preferably the first joint part with a shower, kitchen or similar hand shower is releasably connectable.

A particularly simple embodiment of the invention, which can be produced easily and is easy to handle, provides that the first joint part is designed as a discharge part and the second joint part as a connection part. Further developments according to the invention are listed in further claims. The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to advantageous embodiments.

It shows in different representations:

1-4 a ball joint with two hingedly interconnected joint parts, of which a conventional outlet nozzle is to be attached to a first joint part, which can carry, for example, a jet regulator or the like sanitary outlet unit,

5-8, the ball joint of Figures 1 to 4 in an angled relative position between its joint parts,

9-10 a comparable with the figures 1 to 8 ball joint, but at its outlet side first hinge part has an insertion, in which a sanitary outlet unit is inserted and can be sunk,

FIG. 11 shows a ball joint comparable to FIGS. 9 and 10, whose inlet-side joint part of this type penetrates deep into a screw-in opening on the sanitary body

Outlet fitting can be screwed that only the outflow-side hinge part of the ball joint over the water outlet of the outlet fitting, 12-17 a ball joint in which a rotational stop is effective between the joint parts,

FIGS. 18-23 show a ball joint illustrated in various pivoting positions, in which the outlet side

Swivel joint part and the inflow-side hinge part practically only in one plane by means of a rotary stop,

24-25 a ball joint, in which the rotational movement between the joint parts is limited in dependence on their pivotal position to each other in certain directions,

26-31 a comparable with Figure 24 to 25 ball joint, in which the relative movement between the joint parts is limited in defined directions,

FIGS. 32-35 show a ball joint comparable with FIGS. 12 to 31;

FIGS. 36-37 show a ball joint comparable, for example, with FIGS. 1 to 4, the ball joint here being in a coaxially aligned position of the inflow-side and outflow-side articulated part

(Fig. 36) and in a mutually pivoted pivot position of the hinge parts (Fig. 37) is shown, 38-39 a preferred embodiment of a ball joint, the holding element with a cap-shaped and several flow openings portion having the outlet side hinge part engages behind, wherein the ball joint also in a coaxially aligned position of the joint parts (Fig. 38) and in a mutually pivoted pivoting position the hinge parts (Figure 39) is shown

40 shows the holding element of the ball joint from FIGS. 38 to 39 in a perspective representation,

41 is a partial cross-sectional ball joint, which is connected at one of its joint parts and in particular at its downstream joint part with a flexible water pipe, and

Fig. 42 shows the ball joint of Figure 41 in a perspective view, wherein the ball joint shown in perspective is shown here in a pivoting position of its joint parts.

FIGS. 1 to 42 show various embodiments of a ball joint 1 in different views. The ball joint 1 has a first joint part 5 and a second joint part 2, which are hinged together and have interconnected fluid channels. While one of the joint parts is releasably attached to a water inlet, the other joint part can be formed as a water drain or be permanently or detachably connected to a water drain.

In this case, a first joint part 5 is provided which, on the other hand, is pivotably held with a spherical end region 6 of its wall between a shape-adapted joint socket 7 on the second joint part 2 and a joint head 8 on a retaining element 9 provided in the inner cavity of the first joint part 5 , The retaining element 9 passes through an insertion opening of the first joint part 5 with a connecting shaft 10 acting on the second joint part 2, the retaining element 9 connecting the fluid channels of the joint parts 2, 5 to one another. It is clear from an overview of FIGS. 1 to 42 that the first joint part 5 can be arranged on the inflow side or the outflow side of the ball joint 1.

The ball joints 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 40 have an articulated part 2 which is formed on the inflow side and here as a connection part and which can be fastened to the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting 20 by means of an external thread 3 or internal thread 4 in order to divert the water jet there and to align in the desired direction of departure. The inflow-side and formed as a connection part hinge part 2 of the ball joints 1 shown in Figures 1 to 40 is pivotally connected thereto with a downstream and designed as an outlet part hinge part 5, wherein the connector part 2 and outlet part 5 have fluid channels which are interconnected. The outlet part 5 of the ball joints 1 shown here is held pivotably on the other hand with a spherical front end region 6 of its wall between a shape-adapted joint socket 7 on the connection part 2 on the one hand and a joint head 8 on a holding element 9 provided in the inner cavity of the outlet part 5. The retaining element 9 passes through an insertion opening 11 of the outlet part 5 with a connecting shaft 10 acting on the connecting part 2. The retaining element 9 connects the fluid channels of the connecting part 2 and of the outlet part 5 to one another.

It can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 37 that the retaining element 9 can be designed to be sleeve-shaped. In contrast, FIGS. 38 to 40 show a ball joint 1 whose support element 9 has a rod-shaped connecting shaft 10, the connecting shaft 10 penetrating the connecting part 2 in the insertion opening 40 by means of a splint engaging on the inflow-side free shaft end of the connecting shaft. or retaining ring 41 is secured. The holding element 9 of the ball joint shown in FIGS. 38 to 40 is cap-shaped in its partial region 8 engaging behind the outlet part 5 and has in this cap-shaped partial region 8 several flow openings 42 which connect the liquid channels of the connection part 2 and the outlet part 5 to one another.

Since the outlet part 5 is thus held securely and firmly between the connection part 2 and the holding element 9, and since the outlet part 5 is not merely secured with a sealing ring, the ball joints shown here can be produced comparatively functionally reliable and cost-effectively. Since the discontinuation part 5 is pivotally mounted in the socket 7 of the connection part 2, connecting part 2 and outlet part 5 can be connected to each other without major transitions and in particular without aesthetically disturbing diameter jumps.

The ball joint shown in Figures 1 to 4 in undeflected relative position between the connector part 2 and outlet part 5 is shown in Figures 5 to 8 in a deflected pivot position, in which the connecting part 2 and the outlet part 5 are arranged at an angle to each other. The ball joint shown in Figures 1 to 8 has on the downstream side of its outlet part on an external thread 21, on which external thread 21, a conventional outlet nozzle can be screwed. This screw-on outlet nozzle can carry a jet regulator or the like sanitary functional unit.

In Figures 9 and 10, an aesthetically pleasing ball joint 1 is shown, are avoided in the large diameter jumps and the ball joint 1 virtually over the entire length of its contour has almost the same diameter. The ball joint 1 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is aesthetically pleasing and shows that the ball joints 1 shown here allow the designer a comparatively large degree of design freedom.

The ball joint 1 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has at its outlet part 5 an outflow-side insertion opening with an internal thread into which a functional unit designed here as a jet regulator 22 can be inserted. This functional unit has for this purpose an external thread, which with a Inner web winch on the inner circumference of the insertion is releasably verschaubbar. The ball joint 1 shown in Figures 9 and 10 makes an outlet nozzle on the outlet part 5 dispensable.

In Figure 11, a ball joint 1 is shown in its installed position at the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the ball joint 1 at its connection part 2 on an external thread 3, which can be screwed so far into a threaded hole in the water outlet of the sanitary outlet fitting, so that for the user, the preferably all-round mobility in the water outlet practically at all does not appear.

FIGS. 12 to 17 show a ball joint 1 which has an additional rotation stop 23. Although this rotation stop 23 can be a rotational movement between the connector part 2 and outlet part 5 by almost 360 °, but at the latest then to go to stop. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 offers the advantage that a sanitary functional unit can be connected downstream of the ball joint 1, the adjusting mechanism of which likewise requires a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, wherein the friction values of the adjustment of the sanitary functional unit defined differently to the friction conditions during the Rotary movement of the ball joint 1 can be. If these defined different friction conditions are changed, for example due to aging of the elastomers used, so that they no longer differ from one another, it may happen that if the frictional resistance 5 of the ball joint 1 is too high Sanitary functional unit, this functional unit can not be moved from one to the other switching position, since the ball joint 1 would rotate virtually endless. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 can be rotated by almost 360 ° until its rotation stop 23 becomes effective in the position shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, which then enables an adjustment of the sanitary functional unit connected downstream in its friction value, even with increased friction ,

While the ball joint 1 in Figures 15 to 17 is still slightly rotated, the rotation stop 23 in Figures 12 to 14 is effective. From a comparison of Figures 12 to 17 it is clear that the rotation stop 23 has a radially projecting on the inner circumference of the outlet part and here pin-shaped stop 24, which cooperates with a pointing in the outflow and here also pin-shaped counter-stop 25 on the condyle 8 of the support member 9 ,

FIGS. 18 to 23 show a ball joint 1 which largely corresponds to the ball joint shown in FIGS. 12 to 17, but the pin-shaped stop 24 projecting in the radial direction on the outlet part 9 cooperates with two counterstops 25 which are on both sides of the stop 24 projecting in the outlet direction on the holding element 9. Although the ball joint 1 shown in Figures 18 to 23 allows a pivoting movement of the outlet part 5 in a pivoting plane, however, a rotational movement of the outlet part 5 and connector part 2 is prevented in the circumferential direction. The pin-shaped stops 24 and counter stops 25 of the rotational stops 23 shown in Figures 12 to 17 and 18 to 23 also act at fully deflected outlet part 5, that is, the pin-shaped stops 24 and counter stops 25 are dimensioned by their length so that even with maximum bending and contact of the stops 24 and counter stops 25 can be made.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show a ball joint embodiment 1 in which the pin-shaped stops 24 and counterstops 25 of the rotation stop 23 only come into engagement in a pivoting position (see FIG. Fig. 25) is not effective. This has the advantage that in the swivel position shown in FIG. 24, a torque applied to the outlet part can also be transmitted to the connection part in such a way that sufficient prestressing can be applied to the ring seal 26 provided between ball joint 1 and outlet fitting. If such a rotation stop 23 is not provided, the ball joint 1 can be performed only by a corresponding force attack on the outer circumference of the connection part 2 on the one hand or by inserting a key into the sleeve interior of the sleeve-shaped retaining element 9 configured as an internal hexagon 27.

In the figures 26 to 31 a further embodiment is provided DAR, wherein the pivot angle shown in Figure 28 or 29 differs greatly from the .alpha..sub.i swivel angle α ₂ which is shown in the figures 30 and 31st Such an embodiment, which allows different maximum pivoting angles in different directions of pivoting, may be useful for bidet fittings, for example, in order to restrict the pivoting range of the water outlet and to prevent the water outlet from being deflected. spray over the edge of the bidet basin. It is clear from Figures 26 to 31 and in particular from a comparison of Figures 26, 28 and 30 that on the outlet end face of the holding member 9 on one side a stop lug 43 protrudes, to which the holding member 9 can create the inner peripheral side so that a further pivoting movement the outlet part 5 is limited. While the outlet part B only reaches a pivoting angle αi when the stop lug 43 comes into effect, the outlet part 5 can be swung out in the opposite pivoting direction in which the stop lug 43 can not be activated up to a swing angle α ₂ which is larger.

FIGS. 32 to 35 show a further type of movement limitation in which the insertion opening 11 penetrated by the connecting shaft 8 of the retaining element 9 is designed to be oval such that movement in the plane of the drawing is unhindered, while a relative movement between the connection part 2 and the outlet part 5 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing due to the short axis of the oval shaped through-hole 11 is comparatively severely limited.

FIGS. 36 and 37 show a preferred exemplary embodiment of a ball joint 1. The ball joint 1 has a connection part 2, which can be fixed by means of an internal thread 4 to the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting. The connection part 2 of the ball joint 1 shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 is articulated to an outlet part 5. In this case, the outlet part 5 is provided with a spherical front end region 6 of its wall between a shape-adapted joint socket 7 on the connection part 2 on the one hand and a joint head 8 on an inner cavity of the outlet part 5. see holding element 9 on the other hand held pivotally. The holding element 9 passes through an insertion opening 11 of the outlet part 5 with a connecting shaft 10 acting on the connection part 2. The holding element 9 is designed sleeve-shaped here and connects the fluid channels of the connection part 2 and the outlet part 5 to one another. The holding element 9 has on the connecting part 2 facing the shaft end of its connecting shaft 10 has an external thread 44 which can be screwed into an internal thread in the connecting part 2. The provided between the external thread and the internal thread screw can be releasably or waterproof glued. In order to be able to screw the external thread of the retaining element 9 into the internal thread on the connecting part, the sleeve-shaped retaining element 9 in the sleeve interior of its connecting shaft 10 has a tool engagement surface designed here as a hexagon socket. It can be seen in FIGS. 36 and 37 that a cylindrical partial area adjoins the spherical front end region 6 of the outlet part 5. In this case, the outlet part 5 is releasably connected at its cylindrical portion to a sleeve-shaped outlet mouthpiece 45, which carries in its sleeve interior a sanitary functional unit designed as a jet regulator 46. Between the holding element 9 and the inner circumference of the outlet part 5, a ring seal 47 is provided, which is arranged in an annular groove 48 on the inner circumference of the outlet part 5. This ring seal 47 is sealingly between the retaining element 9 and outlet part 5.

As is clear from a comparison of the above-described ball joint according to Figures 38 to 40 on the one hand and the ball joint shown in Figures 36 and 37 on the other hand, the ball joint 1 in Figure 38 to 40 a Annular seal 49 which is effective between the inner periphery of the connecting part 2 forming the joint socket 7 and the spherical front end region 6 of the outlet part 5. This annular seal 49 is held in an annular groove 50, which is arranged on the outlet part 5 facing edge region of the socket 7. In contrast, the ball joint 1 in Figures 36 and 37 has an annular seal which is effective between the holding element 9 and the inner periphery of the outlet part 5. Also possible is an embodiment not shown here, which has a plurality of ring seals, which annular seals are arranged, for example, between the retaining element 9 and the inner circumference of the outlet part 5 and between the joint socket 7 of the connecting part 2 and the outer circumference of the outlet part 5.

In Figures 41 and 42, a ball joint 1 is shown, which is connected at its first joint part 5 with a flexible water line 60, while the second, here inflow-side joint part 2 connected to an angle valve, not shown here, or attached to the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting , The first joint part 5 has at its, the holding element 9 facing away from a threaded portion 61 which is releasably screwed to a mating thread 62 at the adjacent line connection 63 of the flexible water pipe 60. In this case, the first joint part 5 acts with its end edge region designed as a sealing ring ring seal 64, which is provided in the interior of the line connection 63. From the partial cross-section in Figure 41 it is clear that in the interior of the first joint part 5 designed as a flow rate controller 65 sanitary functional unit is provided which limits the maximum flow rate to a specified value. The first joint part 5 has for this purpose an outlet-side insertion opening, in which the serving as a sanitary functional unit flow rate regulator 65 is used.

The ball joint 1 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 and connected, for example, to a shower hose 60 proves to be particularly advantageous because the functions of an effervescent protection and / or a torsion protection can be realized in a component 1 with the function of regulating the flow rate. Such shower hoses often fail due to mechanical overloading at the clamping points, i. So at the fitting connection or on the shower handle connection. With the aid of the ball joint 1 used here, the shower hose 60 can be beautifully and efficiently secured against mechanical bending overload, because the ball joint 1 can accommodate a large tilt angle, which relieves the flexible water line 60 accordingly. Due to the all-round mobility of the ball joint 1, it is possible to install the flexible water pipe 60 torsion-free, which was previously possible only with correspondingly elaborately designed nipple constructions. The achievable with the help of the ball joint 1 Torsionsfreiheit the shower hose 60 offers the user in the handling of a shower, kitchen or similar hand shower great advantages. This hand shower can be provided, for example, at the end remote from the ball joint of the water pipe 60.

Claims

claims

1. ball joint (1) having a first and a second joint part (5, 2) which are hinged together and having interconnected fluid channels and of which a hinge part (2) to a water inlet is releasably fastened and the other joint part (5) Water drain is formed or detachably connectable to a water drain, characterized in that the first hinge part (5) with a kugelkalotten- or kugel gelsegmentförmigen or the like spherical Stirnendbereich (6) of its wall between a shape-adapted joint socket (7) on the second hinge part ( 2) on the one hand and a joint head (8) on a holding element (9) provided in the inner cavity of the first joint part (5), is held pivotably on the other hand, that the holding element (9) engages with a connecting shaft (10) acting on the second joint part (2) ) passes through an insertion opening (11) of the first hinge part (5) and that the holding element (9) the Flüssigkeitsskan Ae of the first joint part (5) and the second joint part (2) interconnects.

2. Ball joint according to claim 1, characterized in that adjoins the spherical front end region (6) of the first joint part (5) has a cylindrical and preferably extending to the water outlet portion.

3. Ball joint according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on one of the joint parts (2, 5) and preferably on the first joint part (5) a sanitary functional unit (22, 65) with at least one jet regulator, a flow rate regulator, a flow restrictor one Backflow preventer and / or a front screen is provided.

4. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 3, character- ized in that one of the joint parts (2, 5) and preferably the first joint part (5) with a sleeve-shaped outlet nozzle is releasably connected, the sanitary functional unit in its sleeve interior wearing.

5. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that one of the joint parts (2, 5) and preferably the first joint part (5) has an outlet side insertion opening into which the sanitary functional unit (22, 65) is preferably releasably insertable ,

6. Ball joint according to claim 4, characterized in that the insertion opening has an axial longitudinal extent, which is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the installation height of the sanitary functional unit (22).

7. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that between the first joint part (5) and the second joint part (2) a pivot stop is effective, the pivotal movement of the joint parts (2, 5) relative to each other and in particular of the first joint part (5) in a defined pivoting direction preferably limited on one side.

8. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 7, character- ized in that the holding element (9) on the downstream side

Edge region of its condyle (8) one of the inner circumference the first joint part (5) acted upon pivot stop, which is preferably designed as a stop lug (43).

9. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first joint part (5) has a non-circular and / or eccentrically arranged insertion opening (11), which is designed as a pivotal movement of the first joint part (5) limiting pivot stop.

10. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that between the first joint part (5) and the second joint part (2) and / or between the holding element (9) and the first joint part (5), a rotational movement of the joint parts ( 2, 5) limiting rotation stop (23) is provided.

11. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rotation stop has a first articulated part (5) preferably radially projecting stop (24) with at least one on the holding element on the inside preferably in the direction of flow projecting counter-stop (25) interacts.

12. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the stop (24) and / or the at least one counter-stop (25) are designed pin-shaped.

13. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the rotation stop (23) limits the rotational movement in each pivot position of the first joint part (5).

14. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the rotation stopper releases or limits the rotational movement of the first joint part (5) in dependence on its pivot position.

15. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the stop (24) and the at least one counter-stop (25) in a pivot end position pass each other.

16. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the holding element (9) with an external thread (30) in an internal thread (31) in the second hinge part

(2) is screwed and / or that the sleeve interior of the holding element (9) is designed as a tool engagement surface and in particular as a hexagon socket (27).

17. Ball joint according to claim 16, characterized in that the external thread of the holding element (9) in the internal thread (31) in the second hinge part (2) releasably screwed or is connected watertight therein.

18. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that between the first and the second joint part (5, 2) and / or between the retaining element (9) and the first joint part (5) at least one ring seal (32 ) is provided .

19. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one ring seal is provided, and that at least one ring seal between the first joint part (5) and the holding element (9) and / or between the first joint part (5) and the second joint part (2) is effective.

20. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that on the outer circumference of the holding element (9), on the inner or outer periphery of the first hinge part (5) and / or on the inner circumference of the second hinge part (2) in the region of the socket Ring groove is provided for receiving a ring seal.

21. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the holding element (9) with a connecting shaft (10) passes through an insertion opening on the second hinge part (2), and that the connecting shaft (10) in the insertion opening by means of a is secured on the inflow-side free shank end of the connecting shaft (10) acting cotter pin or retaining ring (41).

22. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the holding element (9) in its the first hinge part (5) engaging behind portion (8) is designed cappen penförmig.

23. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the holding element (9) in its cap-shaped portion (8) has at least one throughflow opening (42).

24. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that on the second hinge part (2) has an external or internal thread (3, 4) is provided, which is releasably connectable to an internal or external thread on the sanitary outlet fitting.

25. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that on the second hinge part (2) provided external thread (3) adjacent to the outlet side peripheral edge region of the outlet part (5).

26. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that at least one of the joint parts (2, 5) and preferably at least the second joint part (2) is releasably attachable to the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting or a water supply line.

27. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that at least one of the joint parts (2, 5) and preferably the first joint part (5) with a shower hose or a flexible water pipe is releasably connectable.

28. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 27, character- ized in that at least one of the joint parts (2, 5) and preferably the first joint part (5) with a shower Kitchen or similar hand shower is detachably connectable.

29. Ball joint according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the first joint part (5) as an outlet part and the second joint part (2) is designed as a connection part.