AERATOR

Abstract

An aerator (1) having a housing (2) and a jet-splitting device (3) arranged or formed in the housing (2) for splitting an individual jet into a plurality of separate liquid components. The aerator (1) has at least two flow channels (4), which are oriented obliquely in such a way that the outlet directions (12) defined by the flow channels (4) meet each other. An insert part (5) is inserted into a hole (6) in the main body (28) of the jet-splitting device (3), which hole is oriented in particular in the longitudinal direction of the housing (2), such that the hole (6) is divided into the at least two obliquely extending flow channels.

Claims

1. An aerator (1), comprising: a housing (2), a jet-splitting device (3), arranged or formed in the housing (2), configured to split an individual stream into a plurality of separate liquid portions, the jet-splitting device (3) has at least two flow channels (4) which are oriented obliquely such that streams formed by the flow channels (4) meet each other, and an insert part (5) is inserted into a hole (6) of a base body (28) of the jet-splitting device (3) such that the hole (6) is divided into the at least two obliquely extending flow channels (4).

2. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water streams that flow out from the flow channels (4) meet at an intersection point (7), and the intersection point (7) lies inside or outside the base body (28) in the associated hole (6) or in an extension thereof.

3. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the flow channels (4) or both of the flow channels (4) are configured as a nozzle (8) with a cross-sectional surface area which reduces in a main direction of flow (9) or as a diffusor with a cross-sectional surface area which widens in the main direction of flow (9).

4. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a stream-aerating device (10) for mixing the liquid portions with air arranged downstream from the jet-splitting device (3) in a main direction of flow (9).

5. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert part (5) is inserted into a groove (11) on an inflow side of the base body (28).

6. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert part (5) is at least one of annular design, plug-shaped, or has a shape that tapers in a main direction of flow (9).

7. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outlet angle (12) of the two flow channels (4) is defined by at least one wall (13), forming the hole (6), of the base body (28) and an outer contour (14) of the insert part (5).

8. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert part (5) is fixed on the base body (28) by a retaining device (15) which includes at least one latching projection (17) formed on an inflow-side upper side (16) of the base body (28).

9. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hole (6) is oriented perpendicular to the insert part (5) in the base body (28), in particular perpendicular to a circumferential direction of the insert part (5).

10. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a liquid flowing through the at least two flow channels (4) subsequently strikes a deflector body (18) of a stream-aerating device (10) arranged downstream from the jet-splitting device (3) in a main direction of flow (9).

11. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a perforated restrictor (20) which arranged inside a chamber (19) of the stream-aerating device (10) that divides the chamber (19) into an air inlet part (21) and a mixing part (22), and the mixing part (22) and the air inlet part (21) are connected to each other via a restrictor orifice (30) of the perforated restrictor (20).

12. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inflow orifice (32) and an outflow orifice (33) of at least one of the flow channels (4) do not overlap each other along a longitudinal axis (34).

13. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the flow channels (4) or all the flow channels (4) have a stepless design, without delimiting walls extending in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the aerator (1).

14. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two of the holes (6), and the insert part (5) comprises at least two insert bodies (35) which are inserted in each case into one of the respective holes (6) of the base body (28) such that each said hole (6) is divided into at least two obliquely extending flow channels (4).

15. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least two insert bodies (35) are connected to each other via a plurality of retaining webs (36) that are at least one of oriented in a radial direction or arranged in a circle at regular distances from one another.

16. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base body (28) has an assembly cone (37) and the insert part (5) has a recess (38) provided for introduction of the assembly cone (37), an inner wall (39) of said recess being adapted to a shape of the assembly cone (37).

17. A method for producing at least one of a base body (28) or an aerator (1) with a jet-splitting device (3), having the base body (28), the method comprising the steps of: injection-molding the base body (28) with at least two flow channels (4) which are oriented obliquely, in which two outlet directions (12) of the at least two flow channels (4) meet each other, and inserting an insert part (5) into a hole (6) of the base body (28) such that the hole (6) is divided by the insert part (5) into the at least two flow channels (4).

18. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the intersection point (7) lies inside at least one of a chamber (19), an air inlet part (21), or a mixing part (22).

19. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert part (5) has a V-shaped or convex contour on an outflow side at least in an axial section.

20. The aerator (1) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the deflector body (18) at least one of has a conical shape or tapers in an opposite direction to the main direction of flow (9).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention is now described in detail with the aid of a plurality of exemplary embodiments but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments arise from the combination of the features of one or more claims with one another and/or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an aerator according to the invention,

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a partially cutaway view of the alternative embodiment of the aerator from FIG. 1,

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a partially cutaway view of a jet-splitting device, wherein the insert part is inserted into the base body, wherein a detailed view of the highlighted region is shown in the box, in which the hole divided into the flow channels by the insert part is shown,

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a partially cutaway view of a jet-splitting device, the insert part having been removed from the base body,

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the aerator from FIGS. 1-4,

[0036] FIG. 6 shows a further aerator according to the invention in an exploded view,

[0037] FIG. 7 shows the aerator from FIG. 6 in a partially cutaway view (on the left) and in a detailed enlarged view (top right),

[0038] FIG. 8 shows an aerator from FIG. 7 in a view from above of the inflow side, the insert part having been removed,

[0039] FIG. 9 shows part of a further aerator according to the invention in a three-dimensional oblique view of the inflow side,

[0040] FIG. 10 shows the aerator from FIG. 9 in a partially cutaway view, and

[0041] FIG. 11 shows the aerator from FIG. 9 in a view of the inflow side,

[0042] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of an aerator according to the invention, wherein the insert part has two insert bodies which are connected to each other via retaining webs,

[0043] FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the aerator from FIG. 12,

[0044] FIG. 14 shows a view in section of the aerator from FIGS. 12 and 13 through the line of section shown in FIG. 13,

[0045] FIG. 15 shows the aerator from FIGS. 12-14 with a screen mounted downstream from the jet-splitting device in the direction of flow,

[0046] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the aerator from FIGS. 12-15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] An aerator designated in each case as a whole by 1 is shown in FIGS. 1-16. The aerator 1 can be configured to be inserted into a sanitary outlet fitting.

[0048] The aerator 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 can, for example, have a coupling point which can be coupled to a corresponding mating coupling point of an aerator socket on the outlet fitting. The housing 2 can have a multi-part design. The housing 2 can, for example, have an upper housing part 25 and a lower housing part 26.

[0049] The aerator 1 furthermore has a jet-splitting device 2 which is configured to split an individual stream into a plurality of separate liquid portions.

[0050] The jet-splitting device 3 has at least one pair of two flow channels 4 or a group of in each case more than two flow channels 4 which are oriented obliquely, in particular obliquely relative to a longitudinal axis 34 of the aerator 1, in such a way that the streams formed by the flow channels 4 meet each other. In the embodiment shown, the flow channels 4 run toward each other. The outlet directions of the flow channels 4 therefore intersect. The jet-splitting device 3 can at least partially be formed by the upper housing part 25.

[0051] In order to produce the at least one pair or the group of flow channels 4, an insert part 5 is inserted into a hole 6 of a base body 28 of the jet-splitting device 3. The hole 6 is divided into the two flow channels 4 of the pair or the group by the insert part 5. The base body 28 can be configured, for example, as a perforated plate.

[0052] It is thus possible to do without the need for a plurality of injection-molding cores to form the flow channels 4 when producing the aerator 1 and/or the base body 28 in an injection-molding method. This has the advantage that there is no need to remove the injection-molding cores from the mold in different directions, in particular in the respective direction in which the flow channels 4 extend. The hole 6 can, for example, be produced in the base body 28 in an injection-molding method. This can therefore be performed with just one injection-molding core. Removal from the mold in just one direction is thus possible, which considerably simplifies the production process of the aerator and makes it much more cost-effective.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the aerator 1 can have a plurality of pairs or groups of flow channels 4. The pairs or groups of flow channels 4 can, for example, in each case be formed the same distance apart from one another and/or lying in a circle. A particularly symmetrical spray pattern and/or particularly good splitting of the individual stream into separate liquid portions can thus be generated.

[0054] The liquid flowing out of the at least two flow channels 4 of a pair or a group in each case forms a stream of liquid at an outlet orifice of each flow channel 4. The two streams of liquid exiting the flow channels 4 of a pair or group meet each other at an intersection point 7. The intersection point 7 can here lie inside or outside the base body 28. Different stream properties can thus be generated.

[0055] The exiting partial stream can have a uniform cross-section behind the intersection point 7.

[0056] The flow channels 4 shown in FIGS. 2-5 are each configured as a nozzle 8. A cross-sectional surface area of the respective flow channel 4 therefore reduces along the course of the flow channel 4 and/or in the main direction of flow 9. The nozzle 8 can be used to accelerate the stream. The nozzle 8 can preferably be configured as an atomizer nozzle in particular for producing a spray mist, which, by virtue of the atomization of the liquid portions, causes an improved aeration of the stream owing to the generation of a reduced pressure and the drawing in of air.

[0057] According to a further alternative embodiment not shown in the drawings, the flow channels 4 can also each be configured as a diffusor. A cross-sectional surface area of the respective flow channel 4 thus widens along the course of the flow channel 4 and/or in the main direction of flow 9. The diffusor can be used to slow down the stream.

[0058] A flow rate regulator 24 can be connected upstream from the jet-splitting device 3 in the main direction of flow 9. It can thus be achieved that a defined volume flow at all times flows into the jet-splitting device 3 and an outlet spray pattern is generated which is as uniform as possible.

[0059] A stream-aerating device 10 can be mounted downstream from the jet-splitting device 3 in the main direction of flow 9. Air can be drawn in by the stream-aerating device 10 via an aerating orifice, wherein the drawn-in air is mixed with the liquid portions in a chamber 19. A reduced pressure can be generated inside the above-described chamber 19 by the above-described nozzle 8, as a result of which surrounding air can be drawn in from outside via an aerating orifice 31.

[0060] The at least one abovementioned intersection point 7 of the streams of liquid exiting the flow channels 4 of a pair or a group thereof lies inside the chamber 19 in the alternative embodiment shown. This has the advantage that there is a considerably lower amount of noise generated when a liquid is flowing through than in the case of previously known aerators. In the case of previously known aerators, which likewise can be configured such that streams of liquid intersect at an intersection point, this intersection point usually lies inside the base body 28. However, this causes vibration at the jet-splitting device 3 and thus increases the noise level during the operation of the aerator.

[0061] The insert part 5 is inserted into a groove 11 and retained therein in the assembled state. The groove 11 can, for example, be annular and/or circular. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the groove 11 is formed on an upper side 16 of the base body 28. A groove base of the groove 11 is here interrupted by the at least one hole 6. The hole 6 can thus also be formed at least partially by the groove 11. The groove 11 is preferably open on the inflow side in the main direction of flow 9 in order to be able to receive the insert part 5. In the inserted state of the insert part 5, the latter can therefore be pressed into the groove 11 by the pressure of the inflowing liquid.

[0062] As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the insert part 5 has a shape which tapers in the main direction of flow 9 and/or in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. A cross-section of the insert part 5 can in particular have a tapering shape in the main direction of flow 9 and/or in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2.

[0063] The insert part 5 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 is configured in the form of a ring.

[0064] A plurality of adjusting aids 29 arranged spaced apart from one another are formed on an upper side of the insert part 5. The adjusting aids 29 can, for example, each be formed as a pin protruding in particular in the axial direction. The adjusting aids 29 can serve to more simply achieve correct orientation of components arranged on the inflow side with respect to the jet-splitting device 3. An inflow orifice mounted upstream from the jet-splitting device 3 can, for example, here be arranged flush with the flow channels 4.

[0065] An outlet angle 12 of a flow channel 4 can be defined both by the base body 28 and the insert part 5. A wall 13 of the hole 6 and an outer contour of the insert part 5 can, for example, form a duct wall defining the course of the flow channel 4.

[0066] A retaining device 15 can be arranged or integrally formed on the base body 28. The retaining device 15 can, for example, be configured on an upper side 16 of the base body 28. In the embodiments of the retaining device 15 shown in the drawings, it has a plurality of latching projections 17, arranged on the edge of the groove 11 and the free ends of which are arranged at least partially above the groove 11. To assemble it, the insert part 5 is inserted into the groove 11 counter to a pretensioning force formed by the latching projections 17. In the assembled position, an upper side of the insert part 5 is acted upon by the latching projections 17 and is thus retained in the groove 11. It is thus possible to prevent the clear opening of the flow channels 4 from being modified by a relative movement of the insert part 5 with respect to the base body 28, in particular during the use of the aerator 1.

[0067] The hole 6 in the base body 28 which is divided into the at least two flow channels 4 in the assembled position has, for example, a slot shape. A clear opening of the hole 6 on the upper side 16 of the base body 28 is here configured to be greater than a clear opening on the underside of the base body.

[0068] The slot-shaped hole 6 is configured transversely or perpendicular to a circumferential direction and/or a longitudinal axis of the insert part 5. The orifices of the at least two flow channels 4 on the upper side 16 of the base body 28 are thus separated from each other by the insert part 5. In particular, one orifice of a flow channel 4 can adjoin an inner circumference of the insert part 5, and one orifice of a flow channel 4 can adjoin an outer circumference of the insert part 5.

[0069] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, a deflector body 18 can be arranged on the outflow side of the jet-splitting device 3. The deflector body 18 can be formed, for example, by the lower housing part 26. The deflector body 18 can taper in the opposite direction to the main direction of flow 9 and/or upward. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, the deflector body 18 can thus have a conical shape. Particularly good mixing of air and liquid can be achieved by the deflector body 18.

[0070] The deflector body 18 has a deflector surface which is struck inside the stream-aerating device 10 by the liquid portions split by the jet-splitting device 3. A plurality of homogenizing elements 27 are arranged or integrally formed on the deflector surface. The homogenizing elements 27 can have, for example, the shape of a pin and/or rod. In particular, the homogenizing elements 27 can be oriented transversely with respect to the deflector surface and/or in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. Even better mixing of liquid and air and straightening of the liquid portions is possible owing to the homogenizing elements 27. A particularly attractive outlet spray pattern can thus be generated.

[0071] In order to be able to better avoid the escape of spray water via the aerating orifices 31 of the stream-aerating device 10, a perforated restrictor 20 is arranged in the chamber 19 and divides the latter into an air inlet part 21 and a mixing part 22. The air inlet part 21 and the mixing part 22 are connected to each other via a restrictor orifice 30 of the perforated restrictor 20.

[0072] The base body 28 is covered on the inflow side, at least in the region of the flow channels 4, by a screen.

[0073] FIGS. 6 to 8 show a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are functionally or structurally identical or similar to the preceding exemplary embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and are not described separately. The embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 5 therefore apply to those in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0074] The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 6 to 8 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiment at least in that more than two flow channels 4, in this case three flow channels 4, which extend toward the hole 6 in a star shape are associated with each hole 6.

[0075] FIGS. 9 to 11 show a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are functionally or structurally identical or similar to the preceding exemplary embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and are not described separately. The embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 8 therefore apply to those in FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0076] The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 9 to 11 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiment at least in that more than two flow channels 4, in this case three flow channels 4, which extend toward the hole 6 in a star shape are associated with the hole 6. Moreover, only a single hole 6 is formed which is covered by a (single) plug-shaped insert part 5 in order to delimit the flow channels 4.

[0077] The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 9 to 11 can likewise be equipped with a perforated restrictor 20 on the outflow side in the above-described fashion.

[0078] It can be generally stated that the insert part 5 has a V-shaped or otherwise convex contour on its outflow side, at least in an axial section. The flow channels 4 which extend toward each other can thus be defined with a single insert part 5. The insert part 5 accordingly has a cross-section that tapers in the direction of flow.

[0079] The drawings show that the flow channels 4 extend toward the hole 6 associated with them in a star shape in the exemplary embodiments explained.

[0080] In further exemplary embodiments, a plurality of flow channels 4, for example three, four, five, six, or more, which are defined by an insert part 5, are associated with each hole 6 (or the hole 6). The insert part 5 can hereby be formed from one or more parts and/or have an annular or star shape.

[0081] The distinctive feature of the alternative embodiment of the aerator 1 according to FIGS. 12-16 can be considered to be that the insert part 5 has at least two insert bodies 35 which are each inserted into a hole 6 of the base body 28 such that each hole 6 is divided in each case into at least two obliquely extending flow channels 4. A number of holes 6 of the base body 28 thus corresponds to a number of insert bodies 35 which are formed by the insert part 5.

[0082] The insert bodies 35 are connected to one another via a plurality of retaining webs 36 of the insert part 5. The retaining webs 35 are each oriented in a radial direction and/or arranged in a circle at regular distances from one another. This alternative embodiment of the aerator 1 thus has at least one further nozzle 8. The volume flow per unit time can be increased compared with an embodiment with an insert part that has only one insert body 35 because additional flow channels 4 are thus formed.

[0083] In contrast to the production of previously known aerators, there is no constraint regarding the removal of an injection-molding tool from the mold in order to produce the flow channels 4. It is thus possible that an inflow orifice 32 and an outflow orifice 33 of a flow channel 4 are not superimposed along the longitudinal axis 34. In other words, it is also possible to state that the inflow orifice 32 and the outflow orifice 33 are arranged offset with respect to each other in the radial direction. The generation of noise can thus be considerably reduced by the formation of turbulence being prevented.

[0084] In order better to prevent turbulence, the flow channels 4 furthermore do not have any steps and instead the structures delimiting the flow channels 4 are formed in a straight line or almost in a straight line or at least with no edges. This is possible because there is no need for a tool to be removed from the mold in the longitudinal direction.

[0085] The invention therefore relates in particular to an aerator 1 with a housing 2, a jet-splitting device 3, arranged or formed in the housing 2, for the purpose of splitting an individual stream into a plurality of separate liquid portions, wherein the aerator 1 has at least two flow channels 4 which are oriented obliquely in such a way that the outlet directions 12 defined by the flow channels 4 meet each other, wherein an insert part 5 is inserted into a hole 6, oriented in particular in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2, of a base body 28 of the jet-splitting device 3 such that the hole 6 is divided into the at least two obliquely extending flow channels 4.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0086] 1 aerator

[0087] 2 housing

[0088] 3 jet-splitting device

[0089] 4 flow channel

[0090] 5 insert part

[0091] 6 hole

[0092] 7 intersection point

[0093] 8 nozzle

[0094] 9 (main) direction of flow

[0095] 10 stream-aerating device

[0096] 11 groove

[0097] 12 outlet angle; outlet direction

[0098] 13 wall of the base body

[0099] 14 outer contour of the insert part

[0100] 15 retaining device

[0101] 16 upper side of the base body

[0102] 17 latching projection

[0103] 18 deflector body

[0104] 19 chamber

[0105] 20 perforated restrictor

[0106] 21 air inlet part

[0107] 22 mixing part

[0108] 23 screen

[0109] 24 flow rate regulator

[0110] 25 upper housing part

[0111] 26 lower housing part

[0112] 27 homogenizing element

[0113] 28 base body

[0114] 29 adjusting aid

[0115] 30 restrictor orifice

[0116] 31 aerating orifice

[0117] 32 inflow orifice of the flow channel

[0118] 33 outflow orifice of the flow channel

[0119] 34 longitudinal axis of the aerator

[0120] 35 insert body

[0121] 36 retaining web

[0122] 37 assembly cone

[0123] 38 recess

[0124] 39 inner wall of the recess

[0125] 40 outlet side