DE20304878U1 - Jet to be used in shower unit, integrated in partition with mechanical parts completely hidden - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (2) is assembled of a spherical nozzle (32) which can be moved inside a spherical space (34) provided at a basic holding device (26) and a round fixing element (20) with a concave front surface. Only the front of the nozzle (32) can be seen while all functional parts are covered by the partition (6). The water is guided through a duct (44) to the rear of the nozzle (32) which is also equipped with a diffusing device (40). The fixing element (20) is attached to the basic holding device (26) by joining the outer thread (22) located at the rear of the element (20) the an inner thread (24) provided at the holding device. The unit is safely sealed (14, 38) in all important areas.

Description

Bremen, Our reference: Direct line:

Applicant/Owner: Official reference number:

March 25, 2003 HA 3828-01 DE 0421/36 35 46

, Bremen

• «Patent attorneys

European Patent Attorneys
Dipl.-Ing. Günther Eisenführ
Dipl.-Ing. Dieter K. Speiser
Dr.-Ing. Werner W. Rabus
Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Brügge
Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Klinghardt
Dipl.-Ing. Klaus G. Göken
Jochen Ehlers
Dipl.-Ing. Mark Andres
Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Uwe Stilkenböhmer
Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Keck
Dipl.-Ing. Johannes MB Wasiljeff
Dipl.-biotechnological. Heiko Sendrowski

Lawyers
Ulrich H. Sander
Christian Spintig
Sabine Richter
Harald A. Foerster

Martinistrasse 24

D-28195 Bremen

Tel.+49-10)421-3635 0

Fax +49-10)421-3378 788 (G3)

Fax +49-10)421-3288 631 (G4)

mail@eisenfuhr.com

http://www.eisenfuhr.com

MAN/ISC/bk

European Patent Attorney

Dipl.-Phys. Frank Meier

Lawyers

Rainer Boehm

Nicol A. Schrömgens, LL. M.

Munich

Patent attorneys

European Patent Attorneys

Dipl.-Phys. Heinz Nöth

Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Rainer Fritsche

Lbm.-Chem. Gabriele Leißler-Gerstl

Dipl.-Ing. Olaf Ungerer

Patent Attorney

Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Peter Schuler

Berlin

Patent Attorneys European Patent Attorneys Dipl.-Ing. Henning Christiansen Dipl.-Ing. Joachim von Oppen Dipl.-Ing. Jutta Kaden Dipl.-Phys. Dr. Ludger Eckey

Alicante

European Trademark Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Klinghardt

HÜPPE GMBH & CO.
New registration

HÜPPE GmbH & Co.

Industriestrasse 3, 26160 Bad Zwischenahn

Nozzle arrangement

The invention relates to a nozzle arrangement for shower rooms, in particular shower partitions, which can be attached to a room divider, wherein the nozzle arrangement can be arranged partially within an opening of the room divider. Furthermore, the invention relates to such a nozzle arrangement with a clamping element for clamping the nozzle arrangement in the room divider and to a room divider, in particular a shower cubicle.

Nozzle arrangements for shower rooms are known in many different variations. In addition to hand showers, where the nozzle or nozzles are held in the hand or attached to a shower rail, and head showers, where the nozzle or nozzles are arranged in the area of the user's head and protrude into the shower room, it is

Users often want several nozzles to be arranged directly on one or more room dividers in a shower cubicle. For example, several nozzle arrangements can be installed one below or next to each other in a shower cubicle wall or a bathroom wall. The individual nozzles can usually be swiveled to direct the escaping water in a desired direction.

Such nozzle arrangements mounted on the wall are often contained in a common housing that is attached to the wall. The supply of water to the individual nozzles can take place inside the housing, so that no hoses or pipes are visible. It is also known to arrange nozzle arrangements directly in shower cubicle walls or similar. In this case, the water supply can take place on the side of the respective wall facing away from the shower room, i.e. behind the wall from the perspective of a user standing in the shower room. To attach such a nozzle arrangement, an opening is usually made in the corresponding wall. The nozzle arrangement can be attached by two holding sections of the nozzle arrangement holding the wall in the area of the j

The opening edge is clamped between them. One holding section is then on the side of the wall facing the shower room and the

others on the side facing away from the shower room. The ;

Nozzle arrangement from the shower room side against the edge of the ,

opening. The retaining elements facing the shower area are often provided with a cover.

Known nozzle arrangements mounted in a wall have the disadvantage that in addition to the nozzle, other visible elements are arranged in the shower area and are exposed to splash water. This increases the cleaning and maintenance effort of the entire shower unit.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a nozzle arrangement for mounting in a shower cubicle wall or the like, which

enables the smallest possible design and contributes to a reduction in cleaning and maintenance effort.

The underlying object is achieved according to the invention by providing a nozzle arrangement which is characterized in that it does not protrude through the room divider into the shower room.

The room dividing element, such as a shower cubicle wall, in which a nozzle arrangement according to the invention is installed, can thus have a "flush" surface facing the shower area, which is not interrupted by the nozzle arrangement. To clean such a surface, it can be conveniently wiped over a large area and without leaving streaks when it is wet after showering or when cleaning with a window squeegee. A nozzle arrangement according to the invention does not get in the way here or when showering and is also visually discreet. The nozzle arrangement, which does not protrude into the shower area, is essentially limited to the size of the opening in which it is arranged. Other elements, such as panels, which reach around the edge of the opening in the direction of the shower area or are arranged completely on the side of the shower area, can thus be avoided. A small and pleasing design of a nozzle arrangement

20 enabled.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle arrangement is characterized in that it can be fastened to the edge of the opening by means of a positive connection. A positive connection makes it easy to achieve a permanent and at the same time detachable fastening of the nozzle arrangement in the opening. The nozzle arrangement can be held in place by inserting it into the opening in a positive manner and possibly additionally supporting it with further fastening means on the side of the room divider facing away from the shower room. The positive connection makes it possible to avoid parts of the room divider, in particular the edge of the opening, being exposed to the

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To achieve a firm hold of the nozzle arrangement, clamp it firmly. Furthermore, the desired position of the nozzle arrangement can often be specified by a positive connection. In this case, readjustment of the attached nozzle arrangement is unnecessary.

Preferably, the nozzle arrangement can be fastened in an opening in the room divider that tapers away from the shower area. A part of the nozzle arrangement that is adapted to the shape of the tapering opening in the room divider can be fitted precisely from the shower area. Slipping out in the direction of the shower area can be achieved by means of appropriate holding means on the side of the room divider facing away from the shower area.

It has proven to be advantageous for the opening to be conical, at least in sections. Such a conical opening has the advantage that it can be made in the room partition wall using a rotating tool. By using a rotating tool such as a diamond drill or a rotating grinder, an opening with cleanly worked edges and surfaces can be created in a room partition element. A section of a nozzle arrangement adapted to such a conical opening can therefore also be manufactured easily and with good quality. For both the opening and the section of the nozzle arrangement that is to be adapted to such an opening, the simple design of the conical shape means that the spatial design can be determined using just a few parameters, which means there is little room for error.

A conical design of the opening and the section of the nozzle arrangement adapted to it also enables this section to be rotated in the opening. This makes it possible, for example, to rotate the section inserted into the opening into a desired position that is more pleasing to the user and more convenient for the fitter with regard to connecting lines. Furthermore, the rotating arrangement of this

Section of the nozzle arrangement makes it possible to fasten or loosen the nozzle arrangement by turning this section. Together with a fastening section arranged on the side of the room divider facing away from the shower room, the section adapted to the conical opening can ensure that the nozzle arrangement is held in a form-fitting manner in the opening of the room divider.

In a further embodiment of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, it has a circumferential, flange-like edge for sealing arrangement on the room divider. Such a circumferential edge can be arranged in the opening and/or on the side of the room divider facing away from the shower room around the opening. In particular, it can be arranged in the area of the opening edge on the side facing away from the shower room. The nozzle arrangement can thus be sealed in this area. In the section facing the shower room, therefore, it is not primarily necessary to pay attention to a sealing attachment. Instead, aesthetic aspects can take priority here.

The circumferential edge for sealingly arranging the nozzle arrangement can also serve as a fastening element in that it encloses a part of the opening edge with the section arranged in the opening and thus achieves the positive connection of the nozzle arrangement with the edge of the opening.

It is also proposed that the edge be provided with double-sided adhesive tape or other adhesive. This ensures that part of the nozzle arrangement is attached to the rear wall of the room divider as seen from the shower room and thus glued. The edge can enclose the opening and also seal the nozzle arrangement against the room divider. The double-sided adhesive tape or the adhesive

At the same time, the nozzle arrangement is held in place at least provisionally. This can make the installation of a nozzle arrangement easier.

In a further embodiment, the nozzle arrangement has locking means for holding the nozzle arrangement on the edge of the opening. The locking means allow the nozzle arrangement to be held in the area of the opening in a simple manner. Such holding can be permanent, but also temporary. Part of the nozzle arrangement can be positioned in the area of the opening on the side of the room divider facing away from the shower room and then pushed into the opening with the locking means so that the locking means grip around part of the edge of the opening and hold the nozzle arrangement in this position. In this - pre-assembled - state, further holding means can be installed to improve the fastening of the nozzle arrangement. In addition to holding the nozzle arrangement, which can be achieved in a simple manner, the locking means enable the nozzle arrangement to be correctly positioned in the intended opening. Complicated adjustment and alignment of the nozzle arrangement during installation, which often requires a high level of knowledge from the people installing on site, is thus avoided.

Preferably, the locking means are designed as one or more in cross-section *·*'

hook-shaped sections. The locking means can thus be behind *♦·*·«

Areas of the edge are hooked. The locking means can be designed as a circumferential section that corresponds to the shape of the opening edge. It is sensible for such a circumferential section to have many interruptions in order to favorably design the elastic flexibility of the locking means or means required for locking.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle arrangement has a nozzle mounted by means of a ball joint. Such a mounted nozzle thus makes it possible to adjust the angle of the emerging shower jet in any direction

··

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up to a stop. The use of a ball joint creates a particularly efficient nozzle design.

In a further preferred embodiment, the nozzle arrangement is designed with a clamping element for clamping the nozzle arrangement to the room divider, wherein the clamping element is provided with projections or recesses for manual screwing in or out. This creates a possibility in which part of the nozzle arrangement is initially arranged on one side of the opening, usually the side facing away from the shower room. From the other side of the room divider, usually from the shower room, a clamping element can then be screwed into the already arranged nozzle arrangement for clamping in order to securely fasten the nozzle arrangement. In order to be able to transfer the torque required for screwing in to the clamping element, this has projections to which the required manual force can be applied. With the help of these projections, the clamping element can also be unscrewed again, for example to remove or maintain the nozzle arrangement.

It is advantageous to design the nozzle arrangement in such a way that the projections are partially arranged in the opening when the nozzle arrangement is screwed in place and do not protrude into the shower room. This ensures that the entire nozzle arrangement including the projections does not protrude from a surface of the room divider facing the shower room. In addition to making it easier to clean the room divider, the risk of injury from protruding edges or the like is avoided. The projections are preferably designed like wings so that they can be easily gripped for turning, while at the same time giving the clamping element an attractive appearance. It is particularly advantageous to arrange the projections concentrically around a nozzle. In a nozzle arrangement according to the invention, the nozzle is usually arranged in the middle of the opening so that the nozzle is in the axis of rotation of a

clamping element. Thus, a torque can be applied particularly conveniently for screwing in or unscrewing the clamping element via the projections arranged concentrically around such a nozzle. As an alternative to the projections, recesses, e.g. blind holes or slots are formed on the clamping element, preferably on the peripheral surface, into which a turning tool can be inserted to apply the required torque.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below by way of example using figures. They show:

Figure 1 shows a nozzle arrangement according to the invention, which is inserted into an opening of a room divider, in a side sectional view,

Figure 2 is a detailed enlargement of Figure 1, showing a locking means,

Figure 3 shows the nozzle arrangement according to the invention according to Figure 1 in a rotated side view, and

Figure 4 shows a nozzle arrangement according to the invention without

Room divider in a perspective view.

The nozzle arrangement 2 is arranged in an opening 4 of a room divider element 6. The front side 8 of the room divider element 6 shown on the right in Figure 1 is the side facing the shower room 3, whereas the rear side 10 is the side facing away from the shower room 3. The opening 4 is conical and its larger side faces the shower room and tapers towards the rear.

The nozzle arrangement 2 has a peripheral edge 12 in the form of a flange, which is attached to the rear side 10 of the room divider element 6. An adhesive layer 14 is arranged between the peripheral edge 12 and the rear side 10. The adhesive layer 14 is preferably designed as a double-sided adhesive tape in order to create a simplified handling during installation of the nozzle arrangement. The

Adhesive layer 14 can be applied, for example, as a viscous adhesive or similar. The adhesive layer 14 ensures that the nozzle arrangement 2 is firmly held to the rear side 10 of the room divider element 6. At the same time, the adhesive layer achieves a sealing effect, in which the nozzle arrangement 2 is sealed against the room divider element 6. Furthermore, instead of the adhesive layer 14, a seal that is not adhesive or only adhesive on one side can also be arranged.

Furthermore, a locking means 16 is arranged on the nozzle arrangement 2 in the area of the peripheral edge 12. The locking means 16 is designed as a peripheral ring consisting of a plurality of hooks. The hooks grip behind a section of the opening edge 18 and can thus hold the nozzle arrangement in its position. Furthermore, the locking means 16 designed as a ring is adapted to the opening 4 of the room divider 6 and in particular to the edge 18 of the opening. The position of the nozzle arrangement 2 in the opening 4 is thus predetermined by the locking means 16. The nozzle arrangement 2 can at most be rotated in the opening 4 about the central axis 5 of the opening 4. It is therefore not necessary to readjust or adjust the position of the nozzle arrangement. The design of the locking means 16 is not fixed to a hook shape.

Even non-locking shapes that only help to determine the position of the nozzle arrangement 2 in the opening 4 can be used. In such a case, the nozzle arrangement can be held in place in another way, such as by means of the adhesive layer 14.

Holding the nozzle arrangement 2 by means of the locking means 16 is intended in particular, but not only, for temporarily holding a part of the nozzle arrangement 2 in an opening 4 during assembly. An additional firm and permanent fastening of the nozzle arrangement is achieved by the clamping element 20. The clamping element 20 has an external thread 22 which is to be screwed into an internal thread 24 of the base body 26 of the nozzle arrangement 2. By screwing the clamping element 20 into the base body 26, the space separating element 6 is secured between the clamping element

20 and the surrounding edge 12 of the nozzle arrangement 2. The clamping element 20 has a contact surface 28 which is adapted to the conical shape of the opening 4. The conical shape of the opening 4 prevents the clamping element from slipping through the opening 4 in the direction of the base body.

In order to be able to exert the required torque on the thread when manually tightening the nozzle arrangement 2 using the clamping element 20, the clamping element 20 is provided with projections 30. The projections 30 protrude from the clamping element 20 and are designed like wings. They are arranged approximately concentrically around the central axis 5 of the opening 4. The projections 30 are also suitable for exerting a rotational force on the clamping element 20 when it is manually unscrewed.

The nozzle arrangement 2 further comprises a nozzle 32 which is mounted in an approximately spherical cavity 34. The spherical cavity 34 is formed from a part of the base body 26 and a part of the clamping element 20. A sealing ring 38 is arranged at the interface 36 of the spherical cavity 34 between the base body 26 and the clamping element 20. The elastic sealing ring 38 achieves a sealing effect so that the liquid _# ····

neither to the external and internal thread 22/24 nor past the nozzle to the '/"

opening 4. The elastic sealing ring 38 also reaches *··*·

that the nozzle 32 does not slip in the spherical cavity 34 in an undesirable manner. By mounting the nozzle 32 in the spherical cavity 34, a type of ball joint is created in which the nozzle 32 can be freely rotated in different directions. To do this, the user must apply a certain amount of force to move the nozzle against the force of the sealing ring. However, the nozzle is held in the desired set position by the sealing ring 38.

The nozzle 32 further comprises a swirler 40 and a nozzle opening 42. When using the nozzle arrangement, the liquid emerges from the

spherical cavity 34 through the swirler 40 to the nozzle opening 42 and from there into the shower room. The nozzle opening 42 is partially funnel-shaped in order to achieve a favorable distribution and spraying of the escaping liquid.

The room divider 6 is preferably made of glass, although other materials such as plastics known for shower cubicles can also be used. It is advantageous to make the room divider 6 opaque so that the elements of the nozzle arrangement 2 arranged in the area of the rear side 10 of the room divider 6, including the water supply lines, cannot be seen from the shower room. When using glass for the room divider 6, opaque glass can be used or a film preventing visibility can be attached to the rear side 10.

The spherical cavity 34 is supplied with liquid via a nozzle 44 designed as a pipe. A connecting element 46 for connecting a connecting pipe, which is not shown in Figure 1, is seated on the nozzle 44.

Figure 2 illustrates the operation of the locking means 16. The locking means 16 has a web-shaped projection 48 with which the locking means

on the base body 26 of the nozzle arrangement 2 in the area of the circumferential · · »

Edge is formed. A roughly hook-like projection 50 engages behind the opening edge 18 and thereby holds the nozzle arrangement 2 in the opening 4. The edge 18 of the opening 4 has a conical region 52 and a cylindrical region 54. The edge 18 and thus the opening 4 are essentially characterized by the conical region 52. The cylindrical region merely forms an end of the conical region 52 and thus avoids a sharp edge. The locking means 16 thus achieves a better hold on the opening edge 18. A sharp edge would also be very susceptible to damage, which is thus avoided.

The top view of a nozzle arrangement 2 according to the invention according to Figure 3, in which the nozzle arrangement is installed in a room divider element 6, makes it clear that the nozzle arrangement 2 does not protrude through the front side 8 into the shower room 3.

The nozzle arrangement 2 is attached with its peripheral edge 12 to the rear side 10 of the room divider element 6 with an adhesive layer 14 in between. A conical section 56 adjoins the peripheral edge 12, which achieves a spacing of the base body 26 from the room divider element 6 and thus from the opening 4. The threads 22 and 24 are arranged in the essentially cylindrical further section 58. The spherical segment-shaped region 60 forms part of the spherical cavity 34 in which the nozzle 32 is mounted.

The perspective view of the nozzle arrangement 2 according to Figure 4 shows · ··

the nozzle 32 with the nozzle opening 42 can be seen. The nozzle 32 is surrounded and held by the clamping element 20. The clamping element 20 has projections 30 for screwing the clamping element 20 into or out of the base body 26. The projections 30 are wing-like and arranged concentrically around the nozzle 32.

The base body 26 has a peripheral edge 12 with an adhesive layer 14 applied thereto. The locking means 16 is designed as a peripheral ring with a plurality of hooks. To supply the nozzle arrangement 2 with water, a connecting element 46 for connecting a pipe or the like is provided.

The invention thus provides a nozzle arrangement 2 and a room divider 6, in particular also a shower cubicle composed of several room dividers 6, which is designed in such a way that the nozzle arrangement does not protrude through the front side 8 of a room divider 6 and thus allows a reduction in the area facing the shower room.

Front surface of the nozzle arrangement. The cleaning and maintenance effort of the nozzle arrangement and the room divider in which the nozzle arrangement is arranged can also be significantly improved.

Claims (14)

1. Nozzle arrangement for shower rooms, in particular shower partitions, which can be fastened to a room dividing element, wherein the nozzle arrangement can be arranged partially within an opening of the room dividing element, characterized in that the nozzle arrangement does not protrude through the room dividing element into the shower room. 2. Nozzle arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle arrangement can be fastened by a positive connection to the edge of the opening. 3. Nozzle arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the nozzle arrangement can be fastened in an opening of the room dividing element which tapers from the shower room. 4. Nozzle arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the opening is conical at least in sections. 5. Nozzle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle arrangement has a circumferential edge for sealing arrangement on the room separating element. 6. Nozzle arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the edge is provided with a double-sided adhesive tape. 7. Nozzle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle arrangement has locking means for holding the nozzle arrangement at the edge of the opening. 8. Nozzle arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking means are designed as one or more sections with a hook shape in cross section. 9. Nozzle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a nozzle mounted by means of ball bearings. 10. Nozzle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, with a clamping element for clamping the nozzle arrangement to the separating element, characterized in that the clamping element is provided with projections or recesses for manual screwing in or unscrewing. 11. Nozzle arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the projections are partially arranged in the opening in the screwed-on state of the nozzle arrangement and do not protrude into the shower area. 12. Nozzle arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the projections are wing-like. 13. Nozzle arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the projections or recesses are arranged concentrically around a nozzle. 14. Room partition element, in particular a shower cubicle, with a nozzle arrangement arranged thereon according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.