EP4381143A1

EP4381143A1 - Aerator

Info

Publication number: EP4381143A1
Application number: EP22744749.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolf-Dieter Lacher
Original assignee: Neoperl GmbH
Current assignee: Neoperl GmbH
Priority date: 2021-08-05
Filing date: 2022-07-15
Publication date: 2024-06-12
Also published as: WO2023011887A1; DE202021104212U1; CN117813435A

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerator (1). According to the invention, an insert (7) is located directly behind a flow splitter (3) in an interior (4) of the aerator (1), the insert (7) lying flat against an outflow face of the flow splitter (3).

Description

beam rule

The invention relates to an aerator with an interior space formed below a decomposition unit, the decomposition unit having at least one water passage into the interior space, and with at least one insert part arranged in the interior space.

Jet regulators are known and are used to provide a water jet of the desired shape and/or quality, for example aerated or laminar, and/or flow class, preferably at the water outlet of a sanitary fitting or in a closed line. It is known to insert inserts in the form of insert grids into the interior, for example to improve mixing or homogenization of the water jet.

The object of the invention is to create an aerator with improved performance characteristics.

The features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention to solve the stated problem. In particular, in order to achieve the stated object in an aerator of the type described above, it is proposed according to the invention that the insert rests against the splitter unit at least in an area around the at least one water passage. Flow noise can be reduced by positioning the insert directly on the splitter unit. This improves the usage properties.

In this case, it is favorable if the insert part lies flat at least in the area mentioned. In an alternative, the splitter unit can have a diffuser in which, for example, an axially entering jet is deflected in a lateral direction and divided into individual jets and these individual jets are swirled and deflected in the axial direction. Di f fusors are particularly suitable as a separating unit for lower flow classes. These individual beams are preferably arranged on a uniform radius, resulting in a ring arrangement of individual beams.

The term “axial” can refer, for example, to a longitudinal axis and/or a main flow direction of the jet regulator.

Alternatively or additionally, the splitter unit can have a perforated plate, in which, for example, an axially entering jet is divided directly into a large number of axially exiting individual jets. Perforated plates are particularly well suited as a splitter unit for higher flow classes. The individual jets are preferably distributed uniformly over a cross section of the interior.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the insert part is supported on the outflow side by at least a supporting element. Thus, the insert can easily be held in its position of use. It is even possible for the insert to be pressed against the splitter unit.

In this case, the insert can be supported, for example, by at least one insert grid as a support element. A support element that is easy to assemble can thus be used.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a mesh size of the insert is smaller than a mesh size of, for example, the one already mentioned downstream inlay grid is . It has been found that a particularly large reduction in noise can be achieved with particularly close-meshed inserts.

The term "mesh size" can, for example, imply a lattice structure or a network structure of the insert part and the at least one support element, in particular the at least one insert lattice.

In an advantageous configuration, it can be provided that the insert part is supported on an outlet structure on the outflow side. A stable arrangement of the insert can thus be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the insert part is supported at its periphery on a housing part that preferably laterally delimits the interior. Additional support elements are therefore not necessary.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the insert part covers and/or contacts the splitter unit in the lateral direction at least in the area of the water passages. Thus, all individual beams that emerge from the splitter unit can be caught. This further reduces the noise development.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the insert part has at least one layer of a fabric. A flat design of the insert can thus be achieved. This has been found to be beneficial for noise reduction.

A fabric can be characterized, for example, as an essentially two-dimensional object that consists of one-dimensional elements, such as wires, fibers, Filaments or threads, produced in a joining process, for example by weaving, knitting, knitting, fulling or braiding.

The fabrics can be made of wire, for example. Thus, metal meshes or metal fabrics or generally metallic flat structures can be used. Comparatively high stability and strength can be achieved.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the fabric is a textile fabric. A particularly flexible sheetlike structure can thus be used. It has been found that this is particularly beneficial for noise reduction. Examples of textile fabrics are woven, braided, felt, knitted or crocheted fabrics.

The material of the textile fabric can consist, for example, of natural fibers and/or chemical fibers, of natural polymers and/or of synthetic polymers and/or of inorganic fibers. The natural fibers can be, for example, natural mineral fibers such as asbestos fibers or rock wool, natural plant fibers such as cotton fibers, flax fibers or hemp fibers, or natural animal fibers such as wool, silk or fur hair. Chemical fibers made from natural polymers can be, for example, regenerated fibers based on cellulose such as viscose, lyocell or rubber. Chemical fibers made from synthetic polymers can be, for example, polyacrylic nitrite, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane or a mixture thereof. Inorganic fibers can be ceramic fibers, glass fibers or metal fibers. Advantageous materials or combinations of materials can thus be used for the textile fabric based on the degree of noise reduction desired or the production process. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the insert has at least one layer of fabric. Tests have shown particularly good noise reduction properties for fabrics, especially when all layers are made of one fabric.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least one layer is formed from plastic fibers and/or metal fibers and/or wire. Plastic fibers are particularly favorable in terms of low deposits and food compatibility. Metal fibers or wire, for example, are favorable for dimensional stability.

All layers are preferably made of plastic fibers, for example woven, knitted, warp-knitted, milled or braided.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the at least one layer is punched. This enables simple manufacture.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the insert part has at least two layers. Tests have shown that particularly good properties with regard to low noise development result from a multi-layer structure.

Provision can be made here for the at least two layers to be connected to one another at their edges, preferably in a material-locking manner. This makes it possible to use a compact unit in which layers can be fixed relative to one another.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least two layers enclose an intermediate space. The The formation of gaps favors further noise reduction.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the at least two layers are congruent. This enables simple manufacture.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the insert part is reinforced at its edge. Thus, a stable support of the insert at its periphery can be achieved, for example without inner support elements.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the dismantling unit has a perforated plate. It has been found that good reductions can be achieved precisely for individual jets that emerge from a perforated plate.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the thickness of the insert is less than the thickness of the perforated plate. Comparatively thin inserts can thus be used.

In an advantageous configuration it can be provided that the at least one support element supports the insert at a point spaced apart from an edge region of the insert. Thus, the surface contact with the dismantling unit can also be supported in an interior area.

For example, a distance between a support point can be at least 1/10 or at least 1/4 of a diameter or a maximum extent of the insert.

Alternatively or additionally it can be provided that the support element, the insert, preferably at one point or more points, punctiform supports. Thus, an impairment of a flow is low.

The support element can be arranged in the middle, for example. A symmetrical structure or a symmetrical support is thus easily achievable.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the support element is arranged eccentrically to the insert. Mechanically stable arrangements can thus be provided.

A support preferably takes place at a point which lies between two adjacent holes of, for example the already mentioned, dismantling unit, preferably in the middle between them.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the dismantling unit has holes which are conically shaped. A diameter of the holes preferably decreases in the direction of flow. The geometries of the holes can be identical or non-identical. An aerator can thus be provided which has particularly good noise properties.

The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from a combination of the features of one or more claims with one another and/or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiment.

It shows :

Fig. 1 an axial section through an aerator according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows the jet regulator according to FIG. 1 in an exploded view in an oblique view of a downstream outlet side,

3 shows an insert of the jet regulator according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a three-dimensional oblique view of an inlet side,

4 shows a support element for the insert according to FIG. 3 in the jet regulator according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a view of an outflow side (left) and an inflow side (right),

5 shows an axial section through another jet regulator according to the invention,

6 shows an axial section through a third jet regulator according to the invention,

7 shows an axial section through a fourth jet regulator according to the invention,

8 shows an axial section through a fifth jet regulator according to the invention,

9 shows an alternative example of an insert for a jet regulator according to FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 10 shows a basic illustration of a manufacturing method for an insert according to FIG. 9,

11 shows a basic representation of an axial section through the insert according to FIG. 9 and Fig. 12 shows another basic axial representation of the insert according to FIG. 9 to illustrate a possible manufacturing process for the layers of the insert.

Fig. 1 to 4 show an aerator according to the invention, designated as a whole by 1, and parts thereof.

The jet regulator 1 has a housing 2 in which a splitter unit 3 is arranged.

An interior space 4 is formed downstream of the splitter unit 3, in which the individual beams exiting the splitter unit 3 can mix and homogenize in order to exit through an outlet structure 5 acting as a rectifier in a desired beam quality.

The separating unit 3 has water passages 6 , each of which forms an individual jet as a nozzle and discharges it into the interior 4 .

An insert 7 is arranged in the interior 4 directly downstream of the separating unit 3 , which lies flat against the separating unit 3 in the area 8 of the water passages 6 .

The separating unit 3 has a perforated plate 9 with holes 11 distributed uniformly over a lateral direction 10 , each forming a water passage 6 . The holes 11 of the perforated plate 9 or the splitter unit 3 are conically shaped, with a diameter of the holes 11 increasing in the direction of flow. Below or downstream of the insert part 7 there is a support element 12 which keeps the insert part 7 in contact with the dismantling unit 3 .

The support element 12 is arranged centrally and is held in the position of use by struts 34 of a very coarse-meshed insert grid 13 which divides the interior 4 into four quadrants.

The central arrangement of the support element 12 can mean that the support element 12 is in an area of the insert 7, the area being given by a circular area whose radius is less than or equal to 80 percent, preferably 60 percent, particularly preferably 50 percent , the total radius of the insert 7 (Fig.l, Fig.5, Fig.8).

The support element 12 can support the insert part 7 in a punctiform manner. The support element 12 supports the insert 7 at a point spaced from an edge region 35 of the insert 7 (FIG. 5; FIG. 8).

The insert part 7 is supported indirectly on the outlet structure 5 via the support element 12 .

By comparing FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that a mesh size 14 of the insert part 7 is smaller than a mesh size 15 of the insert grid 13.

In the example, mesh size 14 is a fraction of mesh size 15.

5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a jet regulator 1 according to the invention. Functionally and/or structurally similar or identical components and functional units are denoted by the same reference symbols and not described again separately. From the guides to FIG. 1 to 4 therefore apply to FIG. 5 accordingly.

From the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiment at least in that the support element 12 is formed in one piece on the outlet structure 5.

The support element 12 supports the insert 7 at a point spaced apart from the edge region 35 of the insert 7 . The support element 12 can support the insert part 7 in a punctiform manner.

The support element 12 can have a cylindrical shape or a conical shape. Different flow profiles can thus be generated in the interior 4 .

Fig. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of a jet regulator 1 according to the invention. Structurally and/or functionally, structurally and/or functionally similar or identical components and functional units are denoted by the same reference symbols and are not described separately again. From the guides to FIG. 1 to 5 therefore apply to FIG. 6 accordingly.

From the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments in that the insert part 7 rests on its circumference 16 on a shoulder 17 of a housing part 18.

The housing part 18 delimits the interior space 4 in the lateral direction 10 .

Fig. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an aerator 1 according to the invention. Again are constructive and/or functional to the foregoing From exemplary embodiments, similar or identical components and functional units are designated with the same reference numbers and are not described separately again. From the guides to FIGS. 1 to 6 therefore apply to FIG. 7 accordingly.

From the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from the previous exemplary embodiments in that a plurality of grid inserts 13 are arranged in a stack arrangement in the interior 4, which together support the insert part 7 and press against the separating unit 3.

Fig. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an aerator 1 according to the invention. Components and functional units that are structurally and/or functionally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are again identified by the same reference symbols and are not described separately again. From the guides to FIG. 1 to 7 therefore apply to FIG. 8 accordingly.

From the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments at least in that the insert part 7 is supported by an eccentrically attached support element 12, which is placed in the outlet structure 5 and is held by it.

The support element 12 supports the insert 7 at a point spaced apart from the edge region 35 of the insert. The support element 12 can support the insert part 7 in a punctiform manner.

The support element 12 can be in one piece or in several pieces, in particular in two pieces, with the outlet structure 5 .

In the figs. 1 and 5 to 8 it can be seen that the insert

7 according to FIG. 3 made of two superimposed layers 19 is formed. These layers 19 are each formed as a flat structure 20 .

Each fabric 20 is made of one-dimensional elements 21, such as wire 22 (see FIG. 3) or plastic fibers 23 (see FIG. 9) joined, for example woven or braided.

Fig. 10 illustrates a possible production of a multi-layer insert 7 using the example of three layers 19.

Each layer 19 is made from a web 24 which is shown in the left half of FIG.

The webs 24 can be designed differently or in the same way. The webs 24 can differ in terms of a choice of material and/or a joining technique and/or a mesh size.

The tracks 24 are - as shown in the right half of Fig. 10 - placed on top of each other and punched out together along punching lines 25.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an axial section through the finished insert 7.

It can be seen that a material connection 26 is formed at the edge 27 of the insert 7 so that in the interior space 2 superimposed intermediate spaces 28 are formed.

The integral connection can be produced, for example, by ultrasonic welding before, during and/or after the punching. In Fig. 3 it can also be seen that the edge 27 can be provided with a reinforcement 29 , in particular to enable the insert part 7 to be supported on the circumference 16 .

In the sectional views according to FIG. 1 and fig. 5 to 8 it can also be seen that a thickness 30 of the insert 7 is smaller than a thickness 31 of the perforated plate 9 .

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the housing 2 is designed in two parts and can be opened at a connection point 33 downstream of the decomposition unit 3 . The interior 4 is thus accessible, for example to insert the insert part 7 and/or the at least one insert grid 13 and/or the at least one support element 12 into the interior 4 .

In the aerator 1 according to the invention, it is therefore proposed to arrange an insert 7 directly behind a splitter unit 3 in an interior space 4 of the aerator 1 , with the insert 7 lying flat on an outflow side of the splitter unit 3 .

/ List of References

Reference List

aerator

Housing

cutting unit

inner space

Out of running structure

water penetration

insert

Area

Perforated plate lateral direction

hole, holes

support element

insert grid

Mesh size of the insert 7

Mesh width of the insert grid 13

Scope

shoulder

housing part

Position

Fabric one-dimensional element

wire

plastic fiber

Rail

Punched line material connection

edge

space

reinforcement

Thickness of the insert

thickness of the perforated plate

connection point

strut 35 edge area

/Expectations

Claims

Claims Jet regulator (1) with an interior space (4) formed below a decomposition unit (3), wherein the decomposition unit

(3) at least one water passage (6) into the interior

(4) and with at least one insert part (7) arranged in the interior (4), characterized in that the insert part (7) in at least one area (8) around the at least one water passage (6) on the splitter unit (3 ) preferably lies flat. Aerator (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the insert (7) is supported on the outflow side by at least one support element (12), in particular at least one insert grid (13). Jet regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mesh size of the insert part (7) is smaller than a mesh size of the or of a downstream insert grid (13). Jet regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert part (7) is supported on an outlet structure (5) on the outflow side. Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert part (7) is supported at its periphery (16) on a housing part (18) preferably laterally delimiting the interior (4). Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (7) covers and/or contacts the splitter unit (3) in the lateral direction (10) at least in the area (8) of the water passages (6). Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (7) has at least one layer (19) of a preferably textile fabric (20). Jet regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (7) has at least one layer (19) made of a fabric. Jet regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one layer (19) is formed, in particular woven, from plastic fibers (23) and/or metal fibers and/or wire (22). Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one layer (19) is punched. Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (7) has at least two layers (19), in particular the at least two layers (19) are connected to one another preferably in a materially bonded manner at their edges and/or the at least two layers (19) enclose a gap (28). Jet regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two layers (19) are congruent. Aerator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (7) at its

Edge (27) is reinforced. 19

14. Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splitter unit (3) has a perforated plate (9).

15. Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a thickness (30) of the insert (7) is less than a thickness (31) of the perforated plate (9).

16. Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element (12) supports the insert (7) at a point spaced from an edge region (35) of the insert (7) and/or that the support element (12) the insert part (7) is supported in a punctiform manner and/or that the support element is arranged centrally or eccentrically to the insert part (7).

17. Aerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating unit (3) has holes (11) which are conically shaped, in particular with a diameter of the holes (11) decreasing in the direction of flow.