USE OF A HOSE FOR THE FLUIDIC CONNECTOIN OF AN OUTLET PIECE TO A VALVE ON A SANITARY FITTING, FLUIDIC ARRANGEMENT AND CORRESPONDING SANITARY FITTING

Abstract

In a fluidic arrangement (2) which can be mounted inside a sanitary fitting (1), a hose (5) which connects an outlet piece (3) to a valve (4) is designed such that a length of the hose (5) projects from an interior (6) which spatially connects the valve (4) to the outlet piece (3). This projecting portion of the hose (5) is fluidically connected to the valve (4) outside the interior (6).

Claims

1. A method for fluidically connecting an outlet piece (3) to a valve (4) on a sanitary fitting (1), the method comprising: between the outlet piece (3) and the valve (4), arranging a hose (5) with a portion (49) that extends outside a housing (51) of the sanitary fitting (1); and fixing the outlet piece (3) to the sanitary fitting (1).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising arranging at least part of the hose (5) in an interior space (6) of the sanitary fitting (1), the interior space extending between the outlet piece (3) and the valve (4), and routing the hose (5) out of the interior space (6) by connecting a valve end (9) thereof to the valve (4) outside the interior space (6).

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the interior space (6) is arranged in an outlet tube (7) of the sanitary fitting (1).

4. The method as claimed in claim 2 the hose (5) has a greater length than can be accommodated by the interior space (6).

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising connecting the hose (5) to the valve (4) at an underside (14) thereof.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising arranging a valve-side portion (45) of the hose (5) to be accessible from outside the sanitary fitting (1).

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hose (5) has a deflection (18), and the hose (5) is put together from two hose pieces (19, 20) which are connected fluidically to one another via a connecting element (21).

8. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting element (21) establishes a change in direction of fluid between the hose pieces (19, 20).

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising only installing the connecting element (21) when at least one of the two hose pieces (19, 20) has been installed in the sanitary fitting (1).

10. A fluidic arrangement (2) for a sanitary fitting (1), the fluidic arrangement (2) comprising: an outlet piece (3); a valve (4); a hose (5), which fluidically connects the outlet piece (3) to the valve (4), the hose (5) being connected fluidically at a location (10, 17) of the valve (4) that, in a use position of the valve (4), is directed away from the outlet piece (3); and the hose (5) has a deflection (18) at a location (10, 17) which is spaced apart from two ends (8, 9) thereof.

11. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the valve (4) has a recess (11) to accommodate the hose (5) at a location (10, 17) which is spaced apart from the two ends (8, 9) thereof.

12. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the hose (5) is connected to the valve (4) at an underside (14) thereof.

13. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the deflection (18) is established by a connecting element (21), which fluidically connects two hose pieces (19, 20) that form the hose.

14. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the connecting element (21) has two hose mounts (22, 23) and a connecting channel (24), which fluidically connects the two hose mounts.

15. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the hose mounts (22, 23) do not diverge in an insertion direction (34).

16. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the hose pieces (19, 20) are retained in respective ones of the hose mounts (22, 23) by at least one of material bonding or a self-hooking tongue element (31).

17. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the connecting element (21) has a first part (35) and a second part (36), and at least one of the first part (35) or the second part (36) forms at least one hose mount (22, 23), and a separating surface (37) between the first part and the second part runs outside of the at least one hose mount (22, 23).

18. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first part (35) forms two of the hose mounts (22, 23), and the second part (36) forms a cover (39) which delimits the connecting channel (24).

19. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first part (35) has a shaped structure (40), which engages in the second part (36) to form the connecting channel (24).

20. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first part (35) and the second part (36) together form a portion (43) of the connecting channel (24) with a cross section which is at least one of round or constant along a course thereof.

21. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first part (35) and the second part (36) are connected fluidically by way of an axial seal (44).

22. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the hose mounts (22, 23) of the connecting element (21) are formed free of longitudinal burrs.

23. The fluidic arrangement (2) as claimed in claim 13, wherein, between its an (46) from the interior space (6) and the valve (4), the hose (5) forms a downwardly hanging loop (46), and the connecting element (21) is arranged at a lowermost location (17) of the loop (46).

24. A sanitary fitting (1), comprising: a fluidic arrangement (2) with an outlet piece (3) and a valve (4) and a hose (5), which fluidically connects the outlet piece (3) to the valve (4), the outlet piece (3) is fixed to the sanitary fitting (1), and, between the outlet piece (3) and a valve end (9) of the hose, the hose (5) extends in a portion (49) outside a housing (51) of the sanitary fitting (1).

25. The sanitary fitting (1) as claimed in claim 24, wherein at least part of the hose (5) is arranged in an interior space (6) of the sanitary fitting (1), the interior space extends between the outlet piece (3) and the valve (4), and at least one of between the interior space (6) and the valve end (9) of the hose, the portion (49) of the hose extends outside the housing (51), or the hose (5) is connected to the valve (4) outside the interior space (6).

26. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, although it is not restricted to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments can be gathered 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.

[0061] In the Figures:

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a sanitary fitting having a fluidic arrangement according to the invention, in an axial section,

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a variant of FIG. 1,

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a first installation step in respect of a fluidic arrangement according to the invention,

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a second installation step in respect of the sanitary fitting according to FIG. 3,

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a third installation step in respect of the sanitary fitting from FIG. 3,

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a fourth installation step in respect of the sanitary fitting according to FIG. 3,

[0068] FIG. 7 shows different embodiments of a connecting element of the sanitary fitting according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,

[0069] FIG. 8 shows a connecting element from FIG. 7 in a three-dimensional oblique view (top) and in an axial section (bottom),

[0070] FIG. 9 shows a variant of FIG. 8,

[0071] FIG. 10 shows a further variant of FIG. 8,

[0072] FIG. 11 shows an exploded illustration of a three-dimensional oblique view of a further connecting element from FIG. 7,

[0073] FIG. 12 shows the connecting element from FIG. 11 in the use position,

[0074] FIG. 13 shows an axial section relating to FIG. 11,

[0075] FIG. 14 shows an axial section relating to FIG. 12,

[0076] FIG. 15 shows an exploded illustration of a further axial section relating to FIG. 12, wherein the section plane is oriented perpendicularly in relation to the section planes from FIG. 14 and is arranged centrally between the hose mounts,

[0077] FIG. 16 shows an alternative to the connecting element according to FIG. 12,

[0078] FIG. 17 shows an axial section relating to FIG. 16,

[0079] FIG. 18 shows a single-piece variant of FIG. 12,

[0080] FIG. 19 shows an axial section relating to FIG. 18,

[0081] FIG. 20 shows a variant of FIG. 12 with a cover, which has a curved sealing flange,

[0082] FIG. 21 shows an axial section relating to FIG. 20,

[0083] FIG. 22 shows an exploded illustration in a three-dimensional oblique view relating to FIG. 20,

[0084] FIG. 23 shows a further illustration analogous to FIG. 22, but from a different viewing angle,

[0085] FIG. 24 shows a further alternative to FIG. 12,

[0086] FIG. 25 shows an axial section relating to FIG. 24,

[0087] FIG. 26 shows a three-dimensional oblique view of a further connecting element from FIG. 7,

[0088] FIG. 27 shows an axial section relating to FIG. 26,

[0089] FIG. 28 shows the assembly operation to give the embodiment according to FIG. 26, and

[0090] FIG. 29 shows the disassembled connecting element according to FIG. 26, in a view of the open interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] A sanitary fitting according to FIG. 1, designated as a whole by 1, has a fluidic arrangement 2 for channeling water.

[0092] The fluidic arrangement 2 has an outlet piece 3 and a valve 4.

[0093] The outlet piece 3 is connected fluidically to the valve 4 via a hose 5.

[0094] It is possible, for example, for a jet former and/or a jet regulator, which is known per se, to be arranged or formed in the outlet piece 3.

[0095] The hose 5 is arranged here in an interior space 6 of the sanitary fitting 1, the interior space being formed by an outlet tube 7.

[0096] The interior space 6 extends here between the outlet piece 3 and the valve 4 and is delimited by the same.

[0097] The outlet tube 7 therefore establishes a mechanical connection between the outlet piece 3 and the valve 4.

[0098] For the purpose of establishing the fluidic connection, the hose 5 is connected to the outlet piece 3 by way of its outlet end 8.

[0099] The hose 5 is routed out of the interior space 6 by way of its valve end 9.

[0100] The hose 5 is therefore connected fluidically to the valve 4 at a location 10 which, in the installed use position, is directed away from the outlet piece 3 and the interior space 6.

[0101] It can therefore be said that the hose 5 is routed past the valve 4. For this purpose, the valve 4 has a recess 11, which accommodates the hose 5 at a location 13 at least in part between the ends 8, 9.

[0102] The hose 5 is connected fluidically to the valve 4 at the underside 14, at which a cold-water hose 15 and a hot-water hose 16 are also connected (in a manner known per se).

[0103] A deflection 18 is formed at a location 17 between the ends 8, 9, more precisely—in the exemplary embodiment—between the location 13 and the valve end 9, that is to say outside the interior space 6.

[0104] This deflection 18 divides the hose 5 into two hose pieces 19, 20.

[0105] The deflection 18 causes the direction of flow between the valve-side hose piece 20 and the outlet-side hose piece 19 to change by more than 90°.

[0106] For this purpose, the deflection 18 is established by means of a connecting element 21, which fluidically connects the valve-side hose piece 20 to the outlet-side hose piece 19.

[0107] A hose mount 22 for the outlet-side hose piece 19 and a hose mount 23 for the valve-side hose piece 20 are formed on the connecting element 21, for fluidic-connection purposes.

[0108] These hose mounts 22, 23 are connected fluidically to one another by a connecting channel 24 (cf., for example, FIGS. 8 to 10), so that water can flow from the valve-side hose piece 20 into the outlet-side hose piece 19.

[0109] The hose 5 therefore forms a loop 46 between its exit 47 from the interior space 6 and the valve 4. The deflection 18 is formed at the lowermost location 17 of the loop 46.

[0110] FIG. 2 shows a further sanitary fitting 1 having a fluidic arrangement 2 according to the invention. Components and functional units which are similar or identical, in functional and/or design terms, to the preceding exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and will not be described separately again. What has been said in relation to FIG. 1 therefore applies correspondingly to FIG. 2.

[0111] The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiment in that the hose 5 is fastened at its valve end 9, by way of a crimp sleeve 25, on a hose nipple (not illustrated any more specifically but known per se), whereas the hose 5 in FIG. 1 is inserted directly into an appropriate hose mount (not illustrated any more specifically) on the valve 4.

[0112] FIGS. 3 to 6 show the installation steps required for installing the fluidic arrangement 2 in respect of the sanitary fitting 1.

[0113] Components and functional units which are similar or identical, in design and/or functional terms, to the preceding exemplary embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs and will not be described separately again. What has been said in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2 therefore applies correspondingly to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0114] It can be seen that, in a first step (FIG. 3), first of all the outlet-side hose piece 19, to which it is already possible for the outlet piece 3 to be fastened, is introduced into the vertically oriented space 26 beneath the valve 4 from the outside, via the interior space 6 in the outlet tube 7. It can also be seen that the valve-side hose piece 20, in respect of which it is already possible for an adapter piece 27 to be connected to the valve end 9, is introduced into the space 26 from the outside (top).

[0115] In a next step (FIG. 4), the cold-water hose 15 and the hot-water hose 16 are routed as far as the adapter piece 27 from beneath, through the space 26, and are connected to this adapter piece.

[0116] After that (FIG. 5), the valve 4 is put together from a main body 28, which accommodates the valve mechanism in a manner known per se, and the adapter piece 27 and is installed on the sanitary fitting 1. It is also possible for this step to take place prior to the second installation step.

[0117] The outlet-side hose piece 19 and valve-side hose piece 20 can then be cut to a joint length, by which they project beyond the space 26.

[0118] For this purpose, the outlet piece 3 is already shifted into its use position, so that the outlet-side hose piece 19 no longer moves as the procedure continues.

[0119] Finally (FIG. 6), the connecting element 21 is positioned on the hose pieces 19, 20 or connected to the same in order to establish a fluidic connection between the valve 4 and the outlet piece 3 and to give rise to a deflection 18 of the water flow at the transfer between the valve-side hose piece 20 and the outlet-side hose piece 19.

[0120] FIG. 7 shows, by way of example, three connecting elements 21 which can be utilized instead of the general functional block for example in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each illustration shows a three-dimensional oblique view and a side view. Components and functional units which are similar or identical, in functional and/or design terms, to the preceding exemplary embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs and will not be described separately again.

[0121] It can be seen that the hose mounts 22, 23 are arranged relative to one another such that define a solid angle of less than 90°, in particular—in the variants in the center and on the right (parallel hose mounts 22, 23)—a solid angle of 0°.

[0122] FIG. 8 shows the left-hand connecting element 21 from FIG. 7, in addition, in an axial section.

[0123] It can be seen that it is possible to find a plane 29, which is positioned perpendicularly in relation to the drawing plane and separates the hose mounts 22, 23, on the one hand, and the connecting channel 24, on the other hand. It is thus possible to avoid the situation where the inserted hose piece 19, 20, partially or fully closes the connecting channel 24.

[0124] In other words, the hose mounts 22, 23 have their openings located in a half-space which does not contain the connecting channel 24, at least the deflecting region 30 thereof.

[0125] In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8, the hose piece 19, 20, for example the valve-side hose piece 20, has been inserted into the associated hose mount 23 and secured against being pulled out by way of a self-hooking tongue element 31.

[0126] It is possible for the other hose mount 23 to be configured in the same way or—as shown here by way of example—designed so that the outlet-side hose piece 19 can be connected by material bonding or molded thereon.

[0127] In the case of further exemplary embodiment, it is possible for both hose mounts 22, 23 to be provided with a self-hooking tongue element 31.

[0128] FIG. 9 shows an alternative to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8. FIG. 9 illustrates material-bonding connections in both hose mounts 22, 23.

[0129] It is advantageous for both embodiments if the hose mounts are dimensioned such that an inserted hose piece 19, 20, does not leave a step at the transition.

[0130] Otherwise, the explanations relating to FIGS. 1 to 8 apply correspondingly.

[0131] FIG. 10 shows a further connecting element 21 as an alternative to the connecting element 21 according to FIG. 8.

[0132] Once again, both hose mounts 22, 23 are designed for material-bonding connection, for example laser welding, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0133] The variant is distinguished by increased stability, which is achieved by thicker walls and a reinforcing gusset 32.

[0134] In the case of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 8 to 10, the hose mounts 22, 23 each have a longitudinal axis 33. The longitudinal axes 33 of the two hose mounts 22, 23 coincide at a point and therefore enclose an acute angle. It can therefore be said that the connecting elements 21 of FIGS. 8 to 10 can be enclosed within an acute solid angle.

[0135] In the case of further exemplary embodiments, rather than coinciding, these longitudinal axes 33 are skewed in relation to one another. However, these exemplary embodiments give rise to the same image, as seen in lateral projection, as in FIGS. 8 to 10, so that it can be said that it is also the case that the hose mounts 22, 23 of these exemplary embodiments enclose an acute angle in at least one lateral projection, namely the projection onto the drawing plane in the Figures illustrated.

[0136] Otherwise, what has been said in relation to FIGS. 1 to 9 applies to these Figures.

[0137] The exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 8 to 10 have in common the fact that the connecting element 21 can be manufactured in a single piece in the form of an injection molding. This is aided by the hose mounts 22, 23 being oriented obliquely in relation to one another, which allows for undercut-free manufacturing in the region of the connecting channel 24.

[0138] FIGS. 11 to 14 show a further example of a connecting element 21. This connecting element 21 is illustrated in the center of FIG. 7. Components and functional units which are similar or identical, in functional and/or design terms, to the preceding exemplary embodiments are once again denoted by the same reference signs and will not be described separately again. What has been said in relation to FIGS. 1 to 10 therefore applies correspondingly to FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0139] The exemplary embodiment differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments in that the connecting element 21 comprises a first part 35 and a second part 36, which—put together—form a liquid-channel means.

[0140] The first part 35 here has two hose mounts 22, 23 formed on it, these being oriented, by way of example, parallel to one another in this case. Obliquely oriented variants similar to FIGS. 8 to 10 are also possible.

[0141] The second part 36 is separated from the first part 35 by a separating surface 37, which forms a sealing flange 38. The sealing flange 38 is closed by a material-bonding connection.

[0142] This separating surface 37 runs outside the hose mounts 22, 23. The second part 36 forms a cover 39, which delimits the connecting channel 24 in the outward direction.

[0143] The first part 35 here has formed on it a shaped structure 40, which projects out of the separating surface 37, engages in the second part 36 and defines one half of a circumference, in cross section, of the connecting channel 24. The other half is defined here by the cover 39.

[0144] This makes it possible to achieve the situation where the cross section of the connecting channel 24 remains constant along its course and therefore the cross-sectional surface area does not form any constriction in relation to the hose pieces 19, 20.

[0145] This is achieved by the shaped structure 40 having a surface 48 which is double-arched or double-curved in the manner of a saddle point (cf. FIGS. 14 and 15). It can also be seen in FIG. 15 that the shaped structure 40, rather than being involved in the sealing of the connecting channel 24, serves merely for flow-channeling purposes. The encircling sealing flange 38 seals the space 26 fully in the outward direction, the shaped structure 40 engaging in the space 26.

[0146] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a variant of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 11 to 15 in which the self-hooking tongue element 31 shown in FIG. 14 is replaced by a material-bonding connection being established between the hose mounts 22, 23 and the hose pieces 19, 20, for example by laser welding or some other kind of welding.

[0147] Otherwise, what has been said in relation to the preceding exemplary embodiments applies correspondingly to FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0148] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a further connecting element 21, for example for use in FIG. 1 or 2.

[0149] Here, the first part 35 and the second part 36 are connected to one another by a film hinge 41 and can be produced by injection molding. The film hinge 41 allows the parts 35, 36 to be oriented in relation to one another.

[0150] Otherwise, what has been said in relation to FIGS. 11 to 17 applies correspondingly.

[0151] FIGS. 20 to 23 show a further exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 21. Components and functional units which are similar or identical, in functional and/or design terms, to the preceding exemplary embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs and will not be described separately again. What has been said in relation to FIGS. 1 to 19 therefore applies correspondingly to FIGS. 20 to 23.

[0152] The connecting element 21 according to FIGS. 20 to 23 differs from the preceding connecting elements 21 in that, rather than being planar, the separating surface 37 follows a laterally curved course. This prevents the separating surface 37, which is arranged in an axial plane, from running into the hose mounts 22, 23.

[0153] It is therefore the case that the hose mounts 22, 23—like the other hose mounts as well—are formed so as to be free of longitudinal burrs and therefore allow a particularly snug end fit against the inserted hose pieces 19, 20.

[0154] The second part 36 here is oriented on the first part 35 by way of a positioning aid 50. After that, the two parts 35, 36 are connected by material bonding.

[0155] The two parts 35, 36 each define half a circumference, in cross section, of the connecting channel 24, as can be seen from FIG. 20.

[0156] FIGS. 24 and 25 show a further connecting element 21. In the case of this connecting element, the cover-form second part 36 is of essentially flat or planar design, so that the connecting channel 24 has a dead space 42 provided by a widening in cross section.

[0157] FIGS. 26 to 29 show detail-specific views of the connecting element 21 from the right-hand image of FIG. 7.

[0158] An axial seal 44 is formed on the separating surface 37, which in this case runs between the hose mounts 22, 23.

[0159] The first part 35 and the second part 36 can be displaced in relation to one another in the sealing plane in order to be retained in a form-fitting manner.

[0160] This variant likewise provides for the manufacture of two individual parts which can be demolded and therefore produced by injection molding.

[0161] Overall, it can be said that the shaped structure 40 is configured and arranged such that the connecting channel 24 has a constant cross section at least in the portion 43.

[0162] It is therefore proposed according to the invention, in respect of a fluidic arrangement 2 which can be installed in the interior of a sanitary fitting 1, that a hose 5, which connects an outlet piece 3 to a valve 4, should be designed to be long enough for the hose 5 to project out of an interior space 6, which connects the valve 4 in spatial terms to the outlet piece 3. This projecting portion of the hose 5 is connected fluidically to the valve 4 outside the interior space 6.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0163] 1 Sanitary fitting [0164] 2 Fluidic arrangement [0165] 3 Outlet piece [0166] 4 Valve [0167] 5 Hose [0168] 6 Interior space [0169] 7 Outlet tube [0170] 8 (outlet) end [0171] 9 (valve) end [0172] 10 Location [0173] 11 Recess [0174] 13 Location [0175] 14 Underside [0176] 15 Cold-water hose [0177] 16 Hot-water hose [0178] 17 Location [0179] 18 Deflection [0180] 19 (outlet-side) hose piece [0181] 20 (valve-side) hose piece [0182] 21 Connecting element [0183] 22 Hose mount [0184] 23 Hose mount [0185] 24 Connecting channel [0186] 25 Crimp sleeve [0187] 26 Space [0188] 27 Adapter piece [0189] 28 Main body of 4 [0190] 29 Plane [0191] 30 Deflecting region of 21 [0192] 31 Tongue element [0193] 32 Reinforcing gusset [0194] 33 Longitudinal axis of 22, 23 [0195] 34 Insertion direction [0196] 35 First part [0197] 36 Second part [0198] 37 Separating surface [0199] 38 Sealing flange [0200] 39 Cover [0201] 40 Shaped structure [0202] 41 Film hinge [0203] 42 Dead space [0204] 43 Portion of 24 [0205] 44 Axial seal [0206] 45 Valve-side portion of 5 [0207] 46 Loop [0208] 47 Exit [0209] 48 Surface [0210] 49 Portion [0211] 50 Positioning aid [0212] 51 Housing