Sanitary fitting with a temperature and pressure dependent flow controlling sanitary installation part

Abstract

In a sanitary installation part (1) which, along with a functional unit (7), forms a flow volume regulator, it is proposed that a regulating element (13), which can be adjusted along an adjustment path, be coupled to a temperature-sensitive drive unit (15) such that different regulating positions of the regulating element (13) are set in dependence on the temperature of the medium flowing through the installation part (1), wherein the different regulating positions realize in each case different volume-flow dependencies (11, 12, 45, 48) and/or flow resistances.

Claims

1. A sanitary fitting (35) comprising: a hot water inlet (38) and a water outlet (36), a sanitary installation part (1) arranged in at least one of the hot water inlet (38) or the water outlet (36) of the sanitary fitting (35), the sanitary installation part comprising a functional unit (7) arranged in a flow path (4) of the sanitary installation part (1) that defines a volume flow in dependence on a pressure as a volume flow dependency (11, 12, 45, 48), the functional unit (7) comprises a flow resistance body in the flow path (4) that is adapted to be pressed in a variously strong manner against a receiving part (9) such that a pressure-dependent cross-sectional area of the flow path decreases as the pressure rises, a movably arranged adjusting element (13) which is longitudinally displaceable along an adjustment path at least between a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position, and the defined volume flow dependency (11, 12, 45, 48) is modifiable by a change in a position of the adjusting element (13) along the adjustment path, and a temperature-sensitive drive unit (15) acts upon the adjusting element (13) to longitudinally displace the adjusting element (13) along the adjustment path as a result of a change in temperature at the drive unit (15).

2. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature-sensitive drive unit (15) is configured for a temperature-dependent expansion in at least one dimension.

3. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature-sensitive drive unit (15) comprises a receiving chamber (17) which is filled with a temperature-sensitive medium (18), and at least one movable chamber wall (19) of the drive unit is operatively connected to the adjusting element (13) and acts upon the adjusting element (13).

4. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive unit (15) comprises a drive element (25) produced from a material with shape memory or the drive unit (15) comprises at least one bimetal element.

5. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein with the adjusting element (13) in the first adjustment position a flow opening (21) is exposed or opened in the flow path (4).

6. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment path is set up in an impact-free manner at least at a path end that is closer to the second adjustment position.

7. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting element (13) comprises a contact surface (22) which interacts with a counter contact surface (23) for closing a flow opening (21).

8. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one of: the contact surface (22) is aligned on the adjusting element (13) longitudinally or tangentially with respect to the adjustment path or the adjusting element (13) engages with a guide element (26) in the flow opening (21) at least in the first adjustment position.

9. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 7, wherein the contact surface (22) is aligned coaxially with respect to the counter contact surface (23).

10. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional unit (3) defines a traversed opening cross section (10), a cross sectional area of which reduces over the functional unit (7) as a pressure gradient increases.

11. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive unit (15) is at least one of arranged in the flow path (4) so as to be flowed around or upstream or downstream of the functional unit (7) in a flow direction of the flow path (4).

12. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the volume flow dependency (11, 12, 45, 48) describes at least one of a throttle function below a threshold temperature or a quantity restricting function above the or a threshold temperature.

13. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the installation part (1) as a flow regulator or the sanitary installation part is provided with a thread (46, 47) and is insertable into a receiving housing.

14. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein with the adjusting element (13) in the second adjustment position a flow opening (21) is closed in the flow path (4).

15. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment path extends between the first adjustment position and an adjustment end position, wherein the second adjustment position is arranged between the first adjustment position and the adjustment end position.

16. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting element (13) comprises a contact surface (22) that is movable past a counter contact surface (23) of a housing (14) or frame (31) as a result of a change in a position of the adjusting element (13) along the adjustment path.

17. The sanitary fitting as claimed in claim 2, wherein the temperature-sensitive drive unit (15) includes a resetting spring (16) which resets the adjusting element (13) when the drive unit (15) cools down to or below a first temperature.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is now described in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments, but is not restricted to said exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments are produced as a result of a combination of the features of individual or several claims together and/or with individual or several features of the exemplary embodiments, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a sectional representation of a sanitary installation part according to the invention where the adjusting element is situated in the second adjustment position,

(3) FIG. 2 shows the installation part according to FIG. 1 with the adjusting element situated in the first adjustment position,

(4) FIG. 3 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 1,

(5) FIG. 4 shows two volume flow dependencies which are realizable with the installation part according to FIG. 1,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a further installation part according to the invention with a drive unit with material with shape memory,

(7) FIG. 6 shows the installation part according to FIG. 5 with the adjusting element situated in the second adjustment position,

(8) FIG. 7 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 5,

(9) FIG. 8 shows a sectional representation of a further installation part according to the invention with a drive unit mounted upstream in the direction of flow,

(10) FIG. 9 shows the installation part according to FIG. 8 with the adjusting element situated in the first adjustment position,

(11) FIG. 10 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 8,

(12) FIG. 11 shows a sectional representation of a further installation part according to the invention which is realized as a flow regulator,

(13) FIG. 12 shows the installation part according to FIG. 11 with the adjusting element situated in the second adjustment position,

(14) FIG. 13 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 11,

(15) FIG. 14 shows a further installation part according to the invention which is realized as a flow regulator, having a drive unit with a material with shape memory,

(16) FIG. 15 shows the installation part according to FIG. 14 with the adjusting element situated in the second adjustment position,

(17) FIG. 16 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 14,

(18) FIG. 17 shows a further installation part according to the invention which is realized as a flow regulator, having a drive unit with bimetal disks,

(19) FIG. 18 shows the installation part according to FIG. 17 with the adjusting element situated in the second adjustment position,

(20) FIG. 19 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 17,

(21) FIG. 20 shows a sectional representation of a further installation part according to the invention which is realized as a flow regulator, having an adjusting element which is realized as a variably positionable active element,

(22) FIG. 21 shows the installation part according to FIG. 20 with the adjusting element moved into the active position,

(23) FIG. 22 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 20,

(24) FIG. 23 shows a sanitary fitting according to the invention in the operating position,

(25) FIG. 24 shows a further use according to the invention of a sanitary installation part according to the invention in the case of a sanitary fitting,

(26) FIG. 25 shows a partially sectioned representation of the tubular housing from FIG. 1,

(27) FIG. 26 shows a further use according to the invention of a sanitary installation part according to the invention in the case of a sanitary fitting,

(28) FIG. 27 shows two volume flow dependencies which are realizable with an installation part according to the invention,

(29) FIG. 28 shows a further installation part according to the invention which realizes two throttle functions,

(30) FIG. 29 shows the installation part according to FIG. 28 with the adjusting element situated in the second adjustment position,

(31) FIG. 30 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 28,

(32) FIG. 31 shows a qualitative schematic diagram of the volume flow dependencies which are realizable with the installation part according to FIG. 28,

(33) FIG. 32 shows a further installation part according to the invention which is realized as a flow regulator,

(34) FIG. 33 shows the installation part according to FIG. 32 with the adjusting element situated in the second adjustment position,

(35) FIG. 34 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 32,

(36) FIG. 35 shows a further installation part according to the invention which is realized as a combined quantity regulator and flow regulator,

(37) FIG. 36 shows the installation part according to FIG. 35 with the adjusting element situated in the second adjusting position and

(38) FIG. 37 shows an exploded drawing of the installation part according to FIG. 35.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(39) FIG. 1 shows an axial sectional representation of a sanitary installation part according to the invention which is designated overall by the reference 1.

(40) The installation part 1 is realized with a tubular installation sleeve 2 as a cartridge, in particular an insertion cartridge.

(41) An axis 3 of the installation sleeve 2, which is cylindrical in the example, defines a flow path 4, the direction of flow of which runs from top to bottom in FIG. 1 between an inlet 5 and an outlet 6.

(42) A functional unit 7, which in a manner known per se provides a volume flow dependency of a quantity regulating function with a resistance body 8an O-ring seal, is realized in the flow path 4 between the inlet 5 and the outlet 6. In this connection, depending on the pressure pending at the inlet 5 or depending of the pressure falling between the inlet 5 and the outlet 6 over the functional unit 7, the resistance body 8 is pressed in a variously strong manner against a receiving part 9 in order to form an opening cross section 10 with a pressure-dependent cross-sectional area.

(43) It is achieved in this manner that a high pressure at the inlet 5 or a large pressure difference between the inlet 5 and the outlet 6 results in a small cross-sectional area of the opening cross section 10 and, in reverse, a lower pressure results in a large cross-sectional area.

(44) Consequently, the functional unit 7 counters the natural increase in the flow volume per unit time when the pressure rises as a result of the cross-sectional area of the opening cross section 10 automatically being reduced. In the case of other exemplary embodiments, a different elastic molded body is present instead of the O-ring seal in order to form a pressure-dependent cross-sectional area.

(45) A volume flow dependency, which is shown with the main features or qualitatively in the image according to FIG. 4, is consequently produced. The numerical values provided there are simply added for illustration and can clearly deviate from the numerical values given in the case of other exemplary embodiments.

(46) In the described manner, the installation part 1 according to FIG. 1 realizes a volume flow dependency 11 by the curve at a temperature which is below a (lower) temperature threshold (cf. FIG. 4). It is obvious that the flow rate (per unit time) is almost constant and restricted for pressures above 1 bar. The volume flow dependency 11 consequently describes a quantity limiting function where the flow resistance increases as the pressure rises at least above an initial pressure of approximately 1 bar. The asymptotic, horizontal straight line, which describes the limiting to values below a restrictive value of six liters per minute, defines a parameter of the realized volume flow dependency.

(47) If said parameter is changed, for example a volume flow dependency 12 in FIG. 4 is produced. In the case of said volume flow dependency 12, the asymptotic development, that is the development for large pressures (here above an initial pressure of approximately 1 bar), is no longer provided by a horizontal straight line, but by a straight line which ascends in an approximately linear manner, more precisely as a root function. This ascending straight line describes an almost or precisely pressure-independent flow resistance, for example of a throttle. The volume flow dependency 12 consequently describes a throttle function in a qualitative manner. The quantity restriction of the volume flow dependency 11 is deactivated.

(48) The functional unit 7 in FIG. 1 comprises an adjusting element 13 which is arranged so as to be movable or positionally variable relative to a housing 14 and/or to the resistance body 8.

(49) The adjusting element 13 can consequently be adjusted or moved along a linear adjustment path, which is aligned parallel to the axis 3, between the first adjustment position of the adjusting element 13 shown in FIG. 2 and the second adjustment position of the adjusting element 13 shown in FIG. 1.

(50) In the first adjustment position of the adjusting element 13 according to FIG. 2, the installation part 1 realizes the volume flow dependency 12 in FIG. 4.

(51) In the second adjustment position according to FIG. 1 of the adjusting element 13, the installation part 1 realizes the volume flow dependency 11 in FIG. 4.

(52) A drive unit 15 is realized in the installation part 1 for changing between the adjustment positions in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

(53) The drive unit 15 is temperature sensitive and acts on the adjusting element 13 according to its own temperature.

(54) The drive unit 15 in FIG. 1 is shown at a higher own temperature than in FIG. 2.

(55) A resetting spring 16 is provided for returning the adjusting element 13 into the first adjustment position when cooling down from the situation according to FIG. 1 into the situation according to FIG. 2, that is below a threshold value. Water pressure which acts on active surfaces can support the returning of the adjusting element 13 in this connection.

(56) The position according to FIG. 2 is assumed below a lower temperature threshold value T.sub.<, the position according to FIG. 1 is assumed above an upper temperature threshold value T.sub.>. The lower temperature threshold value T.sub.< and the upper temperature threshold value T.sub.> can be close together or even identical. The temperature threshold values T.sub.< and T.sub.> can separate the temperature range for cold water from the temperature range for hot water. The temperature threshold values T.sub.< and T.sub.> can be so close together that the transition from the volume flow dependency 12 to the volume flow dependency 11 when the traversing medium is heated is performed in a sudden manner (and in reverse when it is cooled).

(57) Consequently, it is achieved overall that the adjusting element 13, with the drive unit 15 at a higher temperature, is in the second adjustment position according to FIG. 1, whereas the adjusting element 13, with the drive unit 15 at a lower temperature, is in the first adjustment position according to FIG. 2.

(58) The adjustment movement necessary for a change in position is produced as a result of the drive unit 15 comprising a temperature-dependent expansion along the axis 3.

(59) To this end, a receiving chamber 17, which is realized in the interior of the drive unit 15, is filled with a temperature-sensitive medium 18, for example thermo-wax.

(60) The medium 18 has the characteristic that, at a temperature which is between the lower temperature threshold value T.sub.< and the upper temperature threshold value T.sub.> (or at the temperature threshold value if the lower temperature threshold value and the upper temperature threshold value coincide), it runs through a phase change and expands suddenly. Consequently, the temperature-sensitive medium 18 expands when the drive unit 15 is heated and acts on a movable chamber wall 19 of a piston 20. The piston 20 is consequently pushed out of the receiving chamber 17 when the medium 18 is heated.

(61) The piston 20 is operatively connected to the adjusting element 13 and acts on said adjusting element such that the adjusting element 13, when the drive unit 15 is heated above a threshold value, is transferred from the first adjustment position according to FIG. 2 along a straight-lined adjustment movement into the second adjustment position according to FIG. 1. The change in the position of the adjusting element along the adjustment path is reached here by a translatory movement,however, using a different suitable drive unit which can be produced from a shape memory material or from bimetal, it is also possible to bring about the change in position of the adjusting element along the adjustment path as a result of a rotational movement.

(62) As already mentioned, once the drive unit 15 has cooled down, the resetting spring 16 once again returns the adjusting element 13 back into the first adjustment position according to FIG. 2.

(63) A flow opening 21, which is open in FIG. 2 and which shows a bypass to the opening cross section 10, is realized in the functional unit 7.

(64) This flow opening 21 is closed in FIG. 1 by the adjusting element 13 which is situated in the second adjustment position.

(65) This opening 21 explains the different volume flow dependencies 11, 12 according to FIG. 4.

(66) The increased flow volume of the volume flow dependency 12 is produced as a result of water flowing additionally through the open flow opening 21.

(67) In contrast, in the first adjustment position the adjusting element 13 closes the flow opening 21 such that the water has exclusively to flow past the resistance body 8, as a result of which the volume flow dependency 11 is produced.

(68) It can be seen from FIG. 1 that, in the case of further thermal expansion of the temperature-sensitive medium 18, the adjusting element 13 is movable beyond the second adjustment position shown in FIG. 1 into the closed flow opening 21.

(69) The adjustment path of the adjusting element 13 is consequently set up in an impact-free manner at least at its path end which is closer to the second adjustment position (FIG. 1), and the adjusting element 13 is adjustable beyond the second adjustment position into an adjustment end position when the medium 18 expands further.

(70) For sealing the flow opening 21 in the second adjustment position, the adjusting element 13 comprises a contact surface 22. The contact surface 22 is realized in a cylindrical manner and extends as an exterior cylinder about the axis 3.

(71) This contact surface 22 interacts with a stationary counter contact surface 23. The counter contact surface 23 is realized as an internal cylinder, the diameter of the counter contact surface 23 being matched to the exterior diameter of the contact surface 22 in such a manner that a tight or an almost tight closure of the flow opening 21 is produced in the second adjustment position. In one exemplary embodiment, said tight closure can be produced by an additional O-ring seal (not shown). However, this increases the friction of the adjusting element and expenditure on production.

(72) It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the contact surface 22, which brings about the sealing in the second adjustment position, can be moved past the counter contact surface 23, which interacts with said contact surface 22 to form the seal, when the position of the adjusting element 13 is changed into the adjustment end position.

(73) It can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 that the adjustment path of the adjusting element 13 is realized in a straight line. The adjustment path is aligned in the direction of flow.

(74) In the case of other exemplary embodiments, crooked or curved adjustment paths are also configured, for example where the adjusting element 13 is pivoted or rotated. The adjustment path can also be aligned transversally, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to the direction of flow.

(75) It can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 that the contact surface 22 is aligned longitudinally or tangentially with respect to the adjustment path of the adjusting element 13 in order to make it possible for the contact surface 22 to move past the counter contact surface 23. The counter contact surface 23 is consequently also aligned longitudinally or tangentially with respect to the adjustment path.

(76) In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, this means that the axis 3, which describes the adjustment path of the adjusting element 13, at the same time provides the axis of the contact surface 22 forming an exterior cylinder and of the counter contact surface 23 forming an internal cylinder. The contact surface 22 and the counter contact surface 23 are consequently aligned coaxially with respect to one another, the adjustment path running along an axis with reference to which the coaxial alignment is defined.

(77) The drive unit 15 is arranged in the flow path 4 so as to be flowed around by the flowing medium in order to enable as good as possible a thermal connection between the drive unit 15 and consequently the temperature-sensitive medium 18 and the flowing medium.

(78) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drive unit 15 is arranged downstream of the functional unit 7, that is on the downstream side, in the direction of flow of the flowing medium from the inlet 5 to the outlet 6.

(79) The stationary part of the receiving chamber 17, in this connection, is secured on the housing 14.

(80) The drive unit 15, in this connection, rests on webs 41. The webs 41 are integrally molded on the inside of the housing 14 and form an abutment for the expansion force of the temperature-sensitive medium 18 (cf. FIG. 25).

(81) The outlet filter 24 is also connected to the housing 14.

(82) When the sanitary installation part 1 is in use, depending on the temperature of the flowing medium in the flow path 4, the adjusting element 13 is consequently moved or adjusted between the first adjustment position according to FIG. 2 and the second adjustment position according to FIG. 1 and, where applicable, beyond this into an end adjustment position. It is consequently achieved that with hot water as the flowing medium, the volume flow dependency 11 according to FIG. 4 is set and with cold water as the flowing medium, the volume flow dependency 12 according to FIG. 4 is set.

(83) It can be seen from FIG. 4 that at at least one pressure, namely at least at pressures above 1 bar at which the quantity regulating function regulates in a reliable manner, at the first temperature below a temperature range, the volume flow dependency 12 defines a flow volume which is greater than the corresponding flow volume of the volume flow dependency 11 at the second temperature above the temperature range.

(84) The volume flow dependency 11 consequently defines, at least at the upper temperature threshold value and in the exemplary embodiment also at higher temperatures, an increased flow resistance of the flow path 4, from which a limiting of the flow volume results. In the case of further exemplary embodiments, quantity regulating functions are realized at different temperatures.

(85) Three guide elements 26, which engage in the flow opening 21 in all the adjustment positions of the adjusting element 13 for guiding the adjustment movement of the adjusting element 13, are realized in FIG. 3. In the case of further exemplary embodiments, other numbers and/or forms of guide elements are realized.

(86) Openings 27 are realized between the guide elements 26 in order to enable the flowing medium to flow through the flow opening 21 in the first adjustment position of the adjusting element 13 according to FIG. 2.

(87) FIGS. 5 to 7 show a further exemplary embodiment of a sanitary installation part 1 according to the invention. In this connection, components which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning FIGS. 1 to 4 consequently apply in a corresponding manner to FIGS. 5 to 7.

(88) In contrast to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4, the drive unit 15 in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 to 7 comprises a drive element 25 which is wound in a spiral manner and is produced from a material with shape memory.

(89) The drive element 25, in this connection, is realized such that on contact with cold water in the flow path 4, it contracts the expansion along the axis 3 according to FIG. 5, whereas on contact with hot water above a threshold temperature, it increases its expansion in the dimension along the axis 3 according to the representation in FIG. 6.

(90) FIG. 5 consequently shows the first adjustment position in which the flow opening 21 is open as a bypass of the functional unit 7, whereas FIG. 6 shows the second adjustment position of the adjusting element 13 in which the flow opening 21 is closed.

(91) In the adjustment position according to FIG. 5, the functional unit 7 consequently defines a volume flow dependency 12 according to FIG. 4, whereas the functional unit 7 in FIG. 6 defines a volume flow dependency 11 according to FIG. 4. The contribution of the flow opening 21 which acts as a throttle in the volume flow dependency 12 can clearly be seen.

(92) The resetting spring 16 supports the return movement of the drive unit 15 when the flowing medium cools down in order to return the adjusting element 13 into the first adjustment position.

(93) The force that can be applied by the drive element 25 overall is less than in the case of the temperature-sensitive medium 18 in FIGS. 1 to 3 on account of the inherent elasticity of the shape memory material and the development of the drive element 25 as a spring.

(94) Consequently, it is possible in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 to 7 to realize the contact surface 22 not as an exterior cylinder but as or on the end face of the adjusting element 13.

(95) The corresponding counter contact surface 23 is consequently realized as an axially aligned ring and forms a stop for the adjusting element 13 in the second adjustment position.

(96) In the case of a corresponding realization of the contact surface 22 and the counter contact surface 23 in FIGS. 1 to 3, there would be the risk, in contrast, of the temperature-sensitive medium 18 which expands in an uncontrolled manner destroying the sanitary installation part 1.

(97) FIGS. 8 to 10 show a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention of a sanitary installation part 1. In the case of the installation part 1, once again components and functional units which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7 are designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning FIGS. 1 to 7 consequently apply in a corresponding manner to FIGS. 8 to 10.

(98) In contrast to FIGS. 1 to 7, in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 8 to 10, the drive unit 15 is not arranged on the downstream side, but on the upstream side in the direction of flow upstream of the functional unit 7. The drive unit 15 is consequently fastened on webs 41. FIG. 9 consequently shows the adjusting element 13 in the first adjustment position and FIG. 8 in the second adjustment position.

(99) FIGS. 11 to 13 show a further exemplary embodiment of a sanitary installation part 1 according to the invention where, once again components and functional units which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 10 are designated with the same references and are not described again separately.

(100) The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 11 to 13 comprises additionally a flow fractionating unit 28 which is arranged downstream of the functional unit 7 in the direction of flow.

(101) The flow fractionating unit 28 has a plurality of nozzles 29 and air inlets 30 for mixing air with the flowing medium.

(102) The sanitary installation part 1 is consequently realized as a flow regulator with a quantity regulating function.

(103) Apart from this, the drive unit 15 is realized in an analogous manner to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4.

(104) In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 14 to 16, once again components and functional units which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the afore-described exemplary embodiments are designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 13 consequently apply here in a corresponding manner.

(105) The sanitary installation part 1 is also realized in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 14 to 16 as a flow regulator with a quantity regulating function and comprises a flow fractionating unit 28 which has already been described.

(106) The operating principle of the drive unit 15, in this connection, is analogous to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 to 7.

(107) In this connection, a frame 31 which receives the drive element 25 can be realized so as to be permeable to the flowing medium. Consequently, the drive element 25 can be directly flowed around. If, in contrast, the frame 31 is realized in a non-permeable manner, the drive element 25 is flowed around indirectly in the drive unit 15.

(108) FIGS. 17 to 19 show a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention of a sanitary installation part 1. Components and functional units which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 16 are once again designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning FIGS. 1 to 16 consequently apply in a corresponding manner to FIGS. 17 to 19.

(109) In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 17 to 19, the drive unit 15 comprises four bimetal disks 32. These bimetal disks 32 change their shape in a manner known per se depending on their own temperature.

(110) FIG. 18 shows the second adjustment position of the adjusting element 13 where the bimetal disks 32 are at hot water temperature.

(111) FIG. 17, in contrast shows the first adjustment position of the adjusting element 13 where the bimetal disks 32 are cooled down to cold water temperature.

(112) In order to create a sufficient adjustment path between the first adjustment position and the second adjustment position, the bimetal disks 32 are stacked one on top of another in order to add up the respective temperature-induced expansions of the individual bimetal disks 32.

(113) In the exemplary embodiment, four bimetal disks 32 are stacked one on top of another and are placed onto a guide journal 33. Other numbers of bimetal disks and/or other shapes of bimetal elements are also usable.

(114) Consequently, the adjusting element 13 is acted upon by the bimetal disks 32 in order to move the adjustment movement for changing position.

(115) In the case of further exemplary embodiments, the drive principle of the drive unit 15 according to FIGS. 17-19 is also combinable with one of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 10 which do not comprise a flow break-down unit 28.

(116) FIGS. 20 to 22 show a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention of a sanitary installation part where, once again, components and functional units which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 19 are designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning FIGS. 1 to 19 consequently apply in a corresponding manner to FIGS. 20 to 22.

(117) In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 20 to 22, the receiving part 9 of the resistance body 8 and the adjusting element 13 are realized on a common component and are consequently integrally connected.

(118) FIG. 20 shows the adjusting element 13 in the first adjustment position, that is at cold water temperature, in which the receiving part 9 is removed from the resistance body 8 in such a manner that the defined volume flow dependency of the quantity regulating function is comparable to the volume flow dependency 11, but at a higher flow rate level.

(119) The opening cross section 10 consequently always acts, that is below and above the threshold temperature, as a quantity regulator with a typical development such as the volume flow dependency 11 in FIG. 4. This case is shown in FIG. 27: below a threshold temperature (or a threshold temperature range, if a hysteresis behavior is realized) the functional unit 7 defines a volume flow dependency 45; above the threshold temperature the functional unit 7 defines a volume flow dependency 11 which is associated with a lower boundary value for the maximum flow volume.

(120) When hot water is supplied into the flow path 4, the temperature-sensitive medium 18 heats up in the already described manner and guides the adjusting element 13 into the second adjustment position shown in FIG. 21.

(121) In said second adjustment position, the receiving part 9 is moved toward the resistance body 8 in such a manner that the receiving part 9 is active for realizing the volume flow dependency 11 according to FIG. 27.

(122) It must be mentioned again that, in the case of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 22, the resetting spring 16 is supported on an attachment filter 34 of the installation part 1 which is realized as a flow regulator. In the case of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 10, the resetting spring 16 is supported, in contrast, on the downstream side on the functional unit 7.

(123) FIGS. 28 to 30 show a further installation part 1 according to the invention. In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 28 to 30, once again components and functional units which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the afore-described exemplary embodiments are designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 27 consequently apply here in a corresponding manner.

(124) The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 28 to 30 differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 20 to 22 in that no resistance body 8 is inserted. The functional unit 7 consequently defines both in the first adjustment position (FIG. 28) and in the second adjustment position (FIG. 29) in each case a volume flow dependency 12, 48 of the throttle function type.

(125) This behavior of the functional unit 7 is shown in a qualitative manner in FIG. 31: below a threshold temperature (threshold), that is in the first adjustment position, the functional unit 7 defines a volume flow dependency 12. Above the threshold temperature, that is in the second adjustment position, the functional unit 7 defines a volume flow dependency 48.

(126) The volume flow dependencies 12 and 48 are associated in each case with a throttle, the volume flow dependency 48 describing an increased flow resistance compared to the volume flow dependency 12. Consequently, water consumption above the threshold temperature is also reduced in the case of said exemplary embodiment.

(127) FIGS. 32 to 34 show a further installation part 1 according to the invention. Components which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the afore-described exemplary embodiments are designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning FIGS. 1 to 31 apply here in a corresponding manner.

(128) The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 32 to 34 differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 28 to 30 by the development of the flow fractionating unit 28.

(129) Unlike that exemplary embodiment, in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 32 to 34, the nozzles 29 are not aligned axially, but point radially outward. The flowing water is thus directed and sprayed onto a circumferential, inwardly directed deflector plate 49.

(130) Following the spraying on the deflector plate 49, the water passes through further nozzles 50 into the area of influence of the air inlets 30 and is aerated.

(131) The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 22 to 34 realizes volume flow dependencies 12, 48 according to FIG. 31.

(132) FIGS. 35 to 37 show a further installation part 1 according to the invention. Components which are identical or similar in a functional and/or structural manner to the afore-described exemplary embodiments are designated with the same references and are not described again separately. The statements concerning FIGS. 1 to 34 apply here in a corresponding manner.

(133) The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 35 to 37 differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 14 to 16 by the development of the flow fractionating unit 28.

(134) The flow fractionating unit 28 is realized here as described for FIGS. 32 to 34. The statements concerning FIGS. 32 to 34 consequently apply in a corresponding manner.

(135) FIG. 23 shows a possible use of the sanitary installation part 1 according to the invention in a sanitary fitting which is given the overall reference of 35.

(136) The installation part 1, which can be realized, for example, according to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 22 or in another manner according to the invention, is arranged in a water outlet 26, that is downstream of the mixer tap 37 in the direction of flow.

(137) Depending on the temperature of the flowing water, adjusted by means of the mixer tap 37, at the water outlet 36, the installation part 1 consequently realizes the volume flow dependency 11 or the volume flow dependency 12 according to FIG. 4 in the described manner.

(138) Consequently, as long as cooled water flows out of a hot water inlet 38, an increased flow volume through the water outlet 36 can be set initially in order to allow said cooled water to flow away as quickly as possible.

(139) As soon as hot water at the desired temperature flows via the hot water inlet 38 to the water outlet 36, the sanitary installation part 1 enables, for example, the defined volume flow dependency 11 according to FIG. 4 in the described manner.

(140) FIG. 24 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a sanitary fitting 35 according to the invention where the sanitary installation part 1 is arranged in the hot water inlet 38, that is upstream of the mixer tap 37 in the direction of flow. This can be achieved, for example, as a result of the sanitary installation part 1 according to the invention being arranged directly on an angle valve 39.

(141) Consequently, water from the cold water inlet 40 can flow to the water outlet 36 uninfluenced by the quantity regulating function of the sanitary installation part.

(142) Apart from this, the statements concerning FIG. 23 apply in a corresponding manner in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 24.

(143) It can be seen from FIGS. 23 and 24 that the installation part 1, which is realized as a cartridge, is also able to be fitted in a simple manner in retro to existing sanitary fittings 35, e.g. in connecting parts which are provided with corresponding connecting threads.

(144) In this connection it must be mentioned again that the installation parts 1 shown in the Figures are provided in each case at the inlet 5 and at the outlet 6 with an internal thread 46 and/or an external thread 47 in order to connect the installation part 1.

(145) In a preferred manner, the first temperature lies below a threshold temperature, while the second temperature lies above the threshold temperature.

(146) FIG. 26 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a sanitary fitting 35 according to the invention in the form of a shower fitting 42 with a shower hose 43 and a shower head 44 connected thereto. The sanitary installation part 1 is inserted at the start of a shower hose 43, that is downstream of the mixer tap 37 in the direction of flow. In this connection, the installation part 1 is screw-connected by means of an internal thread 46 or an external thread 47 to the shower hose 43 or to a different sanitary hose on the one hand and to the sanitary fitting 35 on the other.

(147) In the case of a further exemplary embodiment, the installation part 1 can also be used for mounting at least in part into the receiving housing 51 of the sanitary fitting 35 and can be screw-connected to said sanitary fitting.

(148) In the case of the sanitary installation part 1, which together with a functional unit 7 forms a quantity regulator, it is proposed to couple an adjusting element 13, which is adjustable along an adjustment path, with a temperature-sensitive drive unit 15 in such a manner that, depending on the temperature of the medium traversing the installation part 1, different adjustment positions of the adjusting element 13 are set, the different adjustment positions realizing in each case volume flow dependencies 11, 12, 45, 48 and/or flow resistances that are different from one another.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(149) 1 Sanitary installation part 2 Installation sleeve 3 Axis 4 Flow path 5 Inlet 6 Outlet 7 Functional unit 8 Resistance body 9 Receiving part 10 Opening cross section 11 Volume flow dependency 12 Volume flow dependency 13 Adjusting element 14 Housing 15 Drive unit 16 Resetting spring 17 Receiving chamber 18 Temperature-sensitive medium 19 Movable chamber wall 20 Piston 21 Flow opening 22 Contact surface 23 Counter contact surface 25 Drive element 26 Guide element 27 Opening 28 Flow fractionating unit 29 Nozzle 30 Air inlet 31 Frame 32 Bimetal disk 33 Guide journal 34 Attachment filter 35 Sanitary fitting 36 Water outlet 37 Mixer tap 38 Hot water inlet 39 Angle valve 40 Cold water inlet 41 Web 42 Shower fitting 43 Shower hose 44 Shower head 45 Volume flow dependency 46 Internal thread 47 External thread 48 Volume flow dependency 49 Deflection plate 50 Further nozzle 51 Receiving housing