OUTLET ELEMENT FOR A SANITARY FITTING

- NEOPERL GMBH

An outlet element (1′) for a sanitary fitting (17) is provided. The outlet element includes a connecting part (2) that is detachably fastened on the sanitary fitting (17) on the outlet side, and an outlet part (3). The outlet part has a liquid outlet (44) forming the fitting outlet. A sanitary functional unit is configured as an insertable cartridge (6) and can be inserted into the liquid outlet (4). The connecting part (2) and the outlet part (3) are connected in an articulated or rotating manner. The outlet element (1′) is characterized by the liquid outlet (4) of the outlet part (3), in terms of the internal width, being adapted to the insertable cartridge (6) and in that the insertable cartridge (6) can be inserted in the liquid outlet (4) from the outlet side and is detachably held therein.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an outlet element for a sanitary fitting, comprising a connecting part, which is fastened detachably on the sanitary fitting on the outlet side, and an outlet part, which has a fluid outlet which forms the fitting outlet. A sanitary functional unit can be inserted into this fluid outlet. The connecting part and the outlet part are interlinked in an articulated and/or rotating manner.

Outlet elements of the above-noted type are already known, in which the connecting part connected to the sanitary fitting and the outlet part forming the fitting outlet are interconnected by a ball-and-socket joint in a rotating and pivoting manner. An outlet element, which is articulated in this way and whose outlet part can be rotated and pivoted for directing the fluid jet, can replace a kitchen sprayer.

The section of the outlet part bordering the ball-and-socket joint in this known outlet element has an external thread, on which the internal thread of an outlet nozzle forming the fluid outlet can be screwed. A sanitary functional unit configured as an insertable cartridge can be inserted into the outlet nozzle. The screwing-in process required for inserting the insertable cartridge for the outlet nozzle with the section of the outlet part facing the ball-and-socket joint assumes an essentially round outer cross section of the outlet element. Thus, the outer contours of the previously known outlet elements can be an obstacle to aesthetic demands and impressions for sanitary fittings with especially striking and elegant constructions. Here, the aesthetic impression is even further marred by the clearly visible gap formed between, on one side, the section of the outlet part facing the ball-and-socket joint and, on the other side, the outlet nozzle.

From U.S. Pat. No. 2,971,701, an outlet element is known, that is connected via a connecting part to a sanitary armature and which includes an outlet part, which has the armature outlet constructed fluid outlet, whereby the connection part and the outlet part are pivotably connected to each other by a ball-socket joint. In the fluid outlet forming outlet part, a plurality of insert parts are located spaced apart from one another, which work together to form and aerate a water stream. In order to place these insert parts inside the sleeve-shaped outlet part, the outlet part known from U.S. Pat. No. 2,971,701 has an outlet element that includes two sleeve shaped housing parts that are removably connected to one another using a threaded connection. Through the loosening and separation of these housing parts, the inner sleeve of the outlet part is opened and the insert parts are inserted from the fluid outlet side in the bottom of the outlet side housing part. Due to the housing parts threaded connection and horizontal separation of the housing parts, there is a cleft that is noticeable from outside that is unattractive and optically disrupting. Additionally, the insert parts must be inserted one at a time into the outlet side of the housing part in order to provide the required functionability. In that the insert parts are held in the outlet side of the housing part, the bottom housing part reduces the fluid outlet.

SUMMARY

Therefore, in particular there is the objective of creating an outlet element of the above-noted type, which distinguishes itself through a large range of structures while maintaining all functionality.

The solution according to the invention to meeting this objective for the outlet element of the above-noted type provides that an insertable cartridge provides the unified sanitary function, and can be inserted into the fluid outlet from the opening side and is held detachably therein, and the fluid outlet of the outlet part is adapted in its internal cross section to the insertable cartridge.

The functional unit configured as an insertable cartridge can be inserted into the fluid outlet from the opening side and is held detachably in the outlet part of the outlet element. For receiving this insertable cartridge, the fluid outlet of the outlet part is adapted in its internal cross section to the insertable cartridge. Thus, a nozzle, which is associated with additional, not insignificant costs, can be eliminated. Because such an outlet nozzle does not have to be screwed on, the production of the outlet element according to the invention is significantly simplified. Because a nozzle can be eliminated, the gaps, which are common in the use of conventional nozzles, between, on one side, the outlet nozzle and, on the other side, the section of the outlet part facing the ball-and-socket joint, are also prevented. These gaps would otherwise have visually disruptive effects and would act against high hygienic requirements. The sanitary functional unit is held detachably in the fluid outlet of the outlet part and thus can be detached and removed easily even by inexperienced users for service work, for example, for removing particles or for decalcification. By eliminating a nozzle, the range of structures in the development of outlet elements according to the invention is also increased, so that, for example, outlet elements with a round or polygonal outer periphery are also possible, which can be adjusted easily to the sanity fitting and its outer contours in its rotational position.

To be able to fasten the outlet element to the sanitary fitting with low expense reliably and securely, it is advantageous when the connecting part carries an external thread, which can be screwed into an internal thread on the sanitary fitting.

A preferred improvement according to the invention provides that the ring zone in the connecting region between the connecting part and the sanitary fitting is sealed radially by means of at least one ring seal. Because this ring seal exerts a radial force, an axial stop is not necessary for fastening the outlet element to the sanitary fitting, therefore, this embodiment according to the invention is also suitable for thin-walled pipes in the sanitary fitting and the otherwise necessary adjustment via a threaded nipple, which is associated with high expense, is eliminated.

So that the fluid jet flowing through the sanitary fitting on the fitting outlet can be shaped into a homogeneously soft and non-spraying overall jet, it is advantageous when the insertable cartridge has at least one jet regulator.

Because the connecting part on one side and the outlet part on the other side can be rotated relative to each other, the outer contours of the outlet element according to the invention can be easily and conveniently adapted to the outer contours of the sanitary fitting. Therefore, the outlet part can have a round or polygonal, in particular, a square outer periphery. If the outlet part has a square outer periphery, the outer sides of the outlet part can be oriented parallel to the adjacent outer sides of a correspondingly shaped sanitary fitting.

It is especially advantageous when the insertable cartridge is arranged at least with the predominant part of its longitudinal extent, preferably with its entire longitudinal extent completely in the fluid outlet. If the insertable cartridge is arranged with its entire longitudinal extent completely in the fluid outlet, it can be hidden, i.e., it can be housed in the fluid outlet practically invisible from the outside and safe from manipulation. From there, the insertable cartridge can be removed again, if necessary, for example, with the help of a crown or forked wrench or some other removal tool.

The insertable cartridge can be held directly, without an additional adapter, in the fluid outlet. Another embodiment according to the invention provides that the insertable cartridge is held in the fluid outlet by a preferably sleeve-shaped intermediate holder.

To simplify the assembly of the insertable cartridge in the fluid outlet and to fix the position of the insertable cartridge there, it is useful when the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder can be inserted up to an insert stop in the fluid outlet of the outlet part.

Here, it is possible that the intermediate holder that can be inserted into the fluid outlet from the opening side is held detachably or fixed in place in the fluid outlet.

It is advantageous when the intermediate holder is held in the fluid outlet by means of an adhesive, clamping, locking, and/or screw connection and/or through pressing, clipping, or wedging. Here, it is advantageous when the intermediate holder is sealed, preferably around its periphery, relative to the inner peripheral wall of the fluid outlet. The intermediate holder can be sealed in the fluid outlet of the outlet part by means of additional seals, e.g., O-rings or flat seals, by means of seals formed on the intermediate holder, or with the help of connecting means, for example, by the adhesive used for the adhesion of the intermediate holder.

It is advantageous when the insertable cartridge is held in the fluid outlet or in the intermediate holder by a clamping, locking, or screw connection. Thus, the insertable cartridge can be held in the outlet fitting or the intermediate holder by a single or multiple thread screw connection or by a snap-on connection and thus by detachable connections, which allow a simple and quick assembly and disassembly of the functional unit when necessary.

It is useful when the insertable cartridge is sealed relative to the intermediate holder or the inner peripheral wall of the fluid outlet. Such a seal for the functional unit relative to the intermediate holder or the inner peripheral wall of the fluid outlet can be realized, for example, by an O-ring, a flat seal, or some other known seal.

Here, a preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that at least one ring seal, preferably at least one O-ring, is provided to form a seal between the insertable cartridge or intermediate holder on one side and the fluid outlet on the other side.

According to a proposed improvement according to the invention, it is provided that the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder carries an external thread, which can be screwed into an internal thread in the fluid outlet of the outlet part, and that the external thread and the internal thread are dimensioned and arranged, such that the threads engage when the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder is screwed into a relative position of the fluid outlet on one side and the insertable cartridge or intermediate holder on the other side, in which the O-ring or similar ring seal provided on the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder on the outlet side does not yet contact the inner peripheral wall defining the fluid outlet with a friction fit. Through the arrangement of the ring seal, which seals the insertable cartridge radially in the fitting housing, during assembly and disassembly, a significant advantage can be used: while mounting, the worker has considerably more feel for finding the thread, because the ring seal is compressed radially only when the thread has already been engaged. The compression of the ring seal generates a lot of friction, which would otherwise make the feel during assembly considerably more difficult. During disassembly, the selected arrangement of the ring seal has the advantage that the insertable cartridge is turned outwards with the help of the insertion and removal tool out of the screw connection with the fluid outlet of the outlet part. As long as the ring seal is still located in the compressed state, an axial forced motion is performed by the thread. Only when the ring seal has left the peripheral wall defining the fluid outlet does the thread disengage. This has the decisive advantage that the functional unit, which is embodied as a hidden insertable cartridge and which is optionally assembled with an intermediate holder, can be removed from the fitting completely through a rotational movement. For this reason, the functional unit does not have to be pulled due to frictional forces or the support of the water pressure is unnecessary.

However, it is also possible that at least one surrounding seal is formed integrally on the insertable cartridge, wherein the insertable cartridge can be formed in the open region not only as a multiple-component injection-molded part, but also as a single-component injection-molded part.

An especially advantageous improvement according to the invention, which would be worthy of patent protection in its own right, provides that the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder is connected integrally to at least one seal forming a surrounding seal between the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder on one side and the outlet part on the other side. The seal provided and formed on the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder prevents creeping or leakage currents of the fluid flowing through the outlet element, among other things, between the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder on one side and the fluid outlet on the other side.

It can be advantageous when the supply flow-side end edge region of the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder is embodied as a sealing profile. Such a construction can also be provided with a relatively wide end edge, without limiting the open external cross section too much. This relatively wide end edge on the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder can then be used to very good effect for also constructing a relatively complex sealing profile.

For the construction of the sealing profile, it is useful when the sealing profile has at least one surface area seal and/or a lip seal. These shapes of the sealing profile can create an effective seal together with the counter stop in the fluid outlet, if the sealing profile bears on the counter stop and in this way a linear and/or surface area pressure is exerted on the sealing profile.

To prevent excessive deformation of the sealing profile, it is useful when the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder has an insert stop on the supply flow side, which limits deformation of the sealing profile when it is placed in its position for use. Otherwise, the sealing profile could be damaged or deformed excessively, which could lead to a loss of the seal in the region between the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder and the peripheral wall defining the fluid outlet and thus could lead to corresponding creeping currents.

In the shape of the sealing profile, it is advantageous when the sealing profile has at least one seal with a sealing profile base, which is embodied as an insert stop. Here, the sealing profile can be arranged on the top limiting surface of the sealing profile base. The insert stop can be used to limit the screw-in depth when fastening the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder to the fitting, for example, using a screw connection. If the screwing-in is performed manually without a tool, then the insert stop can impart a feeling of tightness for the screw connection, in that the counter stop bearing against the fluid outlet can be felt through the insert stop.

To be able to use the largest possible surface area of the open cross section of the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder or to not unnecessarily narrow the open cross section, it is useful when the sealing profile and optionally its insert stop interacts with an end edge region of the fluid outlet defining the open cross section, which simultaneously uses the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder as a counter stop.

Here, it is especially advantageous for the function of the insert stop when the insert stop is arranged adjacent to the sealing profile in the radial direction. Thus, the insert stop can absorb the forces that could possibly damage the sealing profile. In addition, in this way a space-saving arrangement of the insert stop and the sealing profile and a correspondingly large open cross section of the insertable cartridge can be achieved.

A simple and nevertheless effective sealing configuration of the sealing profile is provided in that the sealing profile has at least one annular, surrounding sealing lip. This sealing lip can either be elastic and flexible and can adapt to the counter stop in the outlet fitting when fastening the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder, or the sealing lip is shaped so that deformation is possible only with difficulty, so that the sealing lip forms a seal when fastening only through a surface area pressure by the counter stop of the outlet fitting. These two possibilities can be combined in different ways for several sealing lips.

An especially advantageous configuration of the sealing profile provides that the sealing profile has at least two annular, surrounding sealing lips, which become active one after the other with increasing insertion pressure acting on the jet regulator. This stepped configuration of the sealing profile can have the effect that when one sealing lip fails, the adjacent sealing lips of the sealing profile become active. In addition, by pulling the component screwed into the outlet part, i.e., the insertable cartridge or the intermediate holder, an insertion pressure is exerted, such that at least other seals of the sealing profile can also become active.

Another configuration with annular, surrounding sealing lips, which become active one after the other, provides that these sealing lips have different heights. Here, after the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder has been used for a long time, it is possible to maintain the sealing effect for a long time by pulling the component screwed into the fluid outlet. If the highest sealing lip has already become damaged or worn out or inflexible, the next highest sealing lip can re-establish the sealing effect after tightening. In addition, possible small unevenness in the counter stop in the fluid outlet can be compensated. Here, it can be advantageous when the sealing lips have stepped heights and when the highest sealing lip forms the innermost or the outermost seal of the sealing profile.

It is possible that the component of the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder with the seal is produced as a multiple-component injection-molded part and that this component is composed of a flexible and/or elastic material in the region of at least one seal. However, for simple recycling of the materials forming the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder, it is useful when the seal and the component of the insertable cartridge and/or the intermediate holder connected integrally to the seal are produced from the same material, which has preferably been approved for use with food. Here, the production expense can be simplified and the tool costs for a possibly necessary injection mold can be kept relatively low.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features of the invention result from the following description of embodiments according to the invention in connection with the claims and also the drawing. The individual features can be realized by themselves or in combination for an embodiment according to the invention.

Shown are:

FIG. 1 an outlet element for a sanitary fitting in a perspective view, wherein the outlet element has a connecting part, which is fastened detachably to the sanitary fitting, and also an outlet part, which is connected to the connecting part in an articulating manner and which is used as a fluid outlet, with a square external cross section,

FIG. 2 the outlet element from FIG. 1 in a different pivot position relative to FIG. 1 between the connecting part and the outlet part,

FIG. 3 the outlet element from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a longitudinal section,

FIG. 4 the outlet element from FIGS. 1 to 3 in a plan view of the fluid outlet,

FIG. 5 an outlet element, which is comparable with FIGS. 1 to 4 and whose outlet part here has a round external cross section and which is provided with a radial seal for connecting to the fitting,

FIG. 6 the outlet element from FIG. 5 in a plan view of the fluid outlet, wherein here no insertable cartridges or similar functional units are inserted into the outlet part,

FIG. 7 the outlet element fastened detachably to a sanitary fitting from FIGS. 5 and 6 in a longitudinal section, and

FIG. 8 the insertable cartridge, which is provided in the outlet part of the outlet element shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and which here is located, instead of in the outlet element, now in the end region of the sanitary fitting on the outlet side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1 to 4, an outlet element 1 for a sanitary fitting is shown, which has a connecting part 2 that is fastened detachably to the sanitary fitting on the outlet side and which also has an outlet part 3, wherein the outlet part 3 has a fluid outlet 4 forming the fitting outlet.

The connecting part 2 and the outlet part 3 of the outlet element 1 are connected to each other via a ball-and-socket joint 5 in an articulating manner. From a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, it becomes clear that the ball-and-socket joint 5 allows rotation and pivoting of the connecting part 2 and the outlet part 3 relative to each other. By rotating and pivoting the outlet part 3 held on the sanitary fitting via the connecting part 2, the water jet flowing out of the outlet element 1 can be directed, if necessary, such that a kitchen sprayer is unnecessary. However, simultaneously, the outlet part, which here has a square outer cross section, can be rotated for aesthetic reasons, such that two parallel outer sides of the outlet part 3 run parallel to the adjacent longitudinal sides of an also possibly square sanitary fitting.

A sanitary functional unit formed as an insertable cartridge 6 can be inserted into the inner cavity forming the fluid outlet 4 of the outlet part 3. From FIGS. 1 to 4, it can be seen that the fluid outlet 4 of the outlet part 3 is adapted in its internal cross section to the insertable cartridge 6 and that the insertable cartridge 6 can be inserted into the fluid outlet 4 from the opening side and can be held detachably therein.

Because the insertable cartridge can be inserted into the fluid outlet 4 from the opening side of the outlet element 1, an otherwise typical outlet nozzle can solve the problem that a non-round cross section would be an obstacle and that a gap would be created between the outlet nozzle and the other components of the outlet part 3.

The insertable cartridge 6 is arranged with its entire longitudinal extent completely in the fluid outlet 4, and here it is held in the fluid outlet 4 by a screw connection. For this purpose, the insertable cartridge 6 has an external thread 7, which can be screwed into an internal thread 8 in the fluid outlet 4, in an outlet-side partial area of its cartridge housing. For sealing the ring zone between the insertable cartridge 6, on one side, and the inner wall defining the fluid outlet 4, on the other side, an O-ring 9 is provided. The O-ring 9 is here arranged behind the external thread 7 in the screw-in direction, such that the threads 7, 8 engage each other when the insertable cartridge 6 is screwed in at a relative position, in which the O-ring 9 does not yet contact the inner wall defining the fluid outlet 4 with a friction fit. Through this arrangement of the O-ring 9, which seals the insertable cartridge 6 radially in the outlet part 3, during the assembly and the disassembly, a considerable advantage can be used: during assembling, the worker has considerably more feel for finding the thread 7, 8, because the O-ring 9 is compressed radially only when the thread 7, 8 has already been found. When compressing the O-ring 9, a lot of friction is generated, which would usually make the feel required for assembly considerably more difficult. During disassembly, the selected arrangement of the O-ring 9 has the advantage that the insertable cartridge 6 is rotated outwards from the screw connection with the outlet part with the help of an insertion and removal tool. As long as this ring seal 9 is still located in the compressed state, an axial forced movement is performed by the thread 7, 8. Only when the ring seal 9 has left the outlet part 3 in the axial direction do the threads 7, 8 disengage. This has the decisive advantage that the functional unit 6, which is embodied as a hidden insertable cartridge 6 and which is also mounted optionally with an intermediate holder, can be removed from the outlet part 3 of the outlet element 1 completely through a rotational movement and for this purpose, it also does not have to be pulled axially due to frictional forces or the support of the water pressure is not necessary.

Especially in FIGS. 1 to 3, it is easy to see that the cartridge housing of the insertable cartridge 6 has a contoured outflow end, which is embodied as a tool attachment surface for an insertion tool. Here, the outflow end of the insertable cartridge 6 shown here has contouring formed by end-side projections 10 and recesses 11, such that the recesses 11 of an insertable cartridge 6 held in the outlet part 3 are used as a tool attachment surface for the projections 10 of another cartridge housing that can be used as an insertion tool.

In FIG. 3 it can be seen that, in its supply flow-side partial area facing the sanitary fitting, the connecting part 2 has a threaded flange 12 with an external thread 13, wherein this external thread 13 can be screwed into an internal thread on the outflow-side end region of the sanitary fitting. On the supply flow-side end edge region of the threaded flange 12 defining the flow opening, a flat seal or ring seal 14 is provided, which bears on the outflow-side end edge region of the sanitary fitting in a sealing manner in the holding position of the connecting part 2.

The functional unit embodied as an insertable cartridge 6 is here embodied as a jet regulator, which has a supply flow-side attachment screen 15 and an outlet-side flow directing device 16 with honeycomb-shaped through holes.

In FIGS. 5 to 7, an outlet element 1′ is shown, which is essentially identical in terms of construction with the outlet element 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. However, the outlet element 1′ has an outlet part 3 with an essentially round outer cross section. In addition, the O-ring provided on the threaded flange 12 of the connecting part 2 and acting as a ring seal 14 is held in a ring groove on the outer periphery of the threaded flange 12. This ring groove carrying the O-ring 14 is arranged behind the external thread 13—similar to the O-ring 9 relative to the external thread 7—and seals the threaded flange 12 radially relative to the inner wall defining the opening region of the sanitary fitting 17. Through the comparable configuration of the external threads 7, 13, on one hand, and the ring seals 9, 14, on the other hand, the insertable cartridge 6 can also be easily removed from the outlet part 3 in order to then be screwed into the sanitary fitting 17 directly on the opening side—after removal of the outlet element 1′—as is illustrated in FIG. 8. Likewise, it is possible to expand the insertable cartridge 6 at a later time by an outlet element 1′ provided, for example, with a ball-and-socket joint.

The outlet elements 1, 1′ shown here can be manufactured without an outlet nozzle and thus without a disruptive axial separation between an outlet nozzle and the other components of the outlet part, which offers an aesthetic effect and a hygienic advantage. In addition, in contrast to previously known constructions, structurally new shapes can be realized, for example, the polygonal structure, which is shown with a solid line in FIGS. 1 to 4 and which were possible only with much difficulty up until now due to the axial separation between the outlet nozzle, on one side, and the other components of the outlet part, on the other side, because otherwise polygonal parts would have to be aligned relative to each other, which is associated with increased difficulty in the required ring seals. The ball-and-socket joint 5, which connects the connecting part 2 and the outlet part 3 of the outlet elements 1, 1′ to each other, also produces a pleasing overall appearance in interaction with the currently very common polygonal fittings, because in contrast with previously known constructions, the outlet part 3 can also have a polygonal shape in its outer cross section. Through the use of the ball-and-socket joint 5, the outlet part 3 can be aligned with the edges of the sanitary fitting, although the fastening of the outlet element 1, 1′ to the sanitary fitting can be realized by means of a classic thread, whose position in the final position cannot be defined in advance.

It is also possible to use the radially sealing O-ring 14 of the outlet element 1′ with a polygonal outer-periphery outlet part or to combine the axially sealing ring seal 14 of the outlet element 1 with a round outer-periphery outlet part 3.

Claims

1. Outlet element (1, 1′) for a sanitary fitting (17) having a connecting part (2), which can be fastened detachably to the sanitary fitting (17) on an outlet side, and also with an outlet part (3), which has a fluid outlet (4) forming a fitting outlet, wherein a sanitary functional unit is insertable into the fluid outlet (4), the connecting part (2) and the outlet part (3) are connected to each other in an articulating and/or rotating manner, the sanitary functional unit is provided as an insertable cartridge that can be inserted into an opening side of the fluid outlet (4) and is held detachably therein, and the fluid outlet (4) of the outlet part (3) is adapted in an internal cross section thereof to the insertable cartridge (6).

2. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein the connecting part (2) has an external thread (13), which can be screwed into an internal thread in the sanitary fitting (17).

3. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein a ring zone in a connecting region between the connecting part (2) and the sanitary fitting (17) is sealed radially by at least one ring seal (14).

4. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) has at least one jet regulator.

5. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein the outlet part (3) has a round or polygonal outer periphery.

6. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein the outlet part (3) and the connecting part (2) are connected to each other by a ball-and-socket joint (5) in an articulating and rotating or pivoting manner.

7. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) is arranged with at least a predominant part of a longitudinal extent thereof in the fluid outlet (4).

8. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) is held in the fluid outlet (4) by a sleeve-shaped intermediate holder (6).

9. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate holder that can be inserted into the fitting outlet from the opening side is held detachably or fixed in position in the fluid outlet (4).

10. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) or the intermediate holder (6) can be inserted into the fluid outlet (4) up to an insert stop.

11. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate holder is held in the fluid outlet by an adhesive, clamping, locking, and/or screw connection and/or by pressing, clipping, or wedging.

12. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate holder (6) is sealed preferably over a periphery thereof relative to an inner peripheral wall of the fluid outlet (4).

13. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) is held in the fluid outlet (4) or in the intermediate holder by a clamping, locking, or screw connection.

14. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) is sealed relative to the intermediate holder or the inner peripheral wall of the fluid outlet (4).

15. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein at least one ring seal (9) is provided for forming a seal between the insertable cartridge (6) or intermediate holder, on one side, and the fluid outlet (4), on the other side.

16. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) or the intermediate holder carries an external thread (7), which can be screwed into an internal thread (8) in the fluid outlet (4), and the external thread (8) and the internal thread (7) are dimensioned and arranged, such that the threads (7, 8) engage each other when the insertable cartridge (6) or the intermediate holder is screwed in at a relative position of the fluid outlet (4), on one side, and the insertable cartridge (6) or intermediate holder (6), on the other side, in which an O-ring or a ring seal (9) provided on the insertable cartridge or on the intermediate holder on the outer peripheral side does not yet contact the fluid outlet (4) with a friction fit.

17. Outlet element according to claim 1, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) has a multiple-part cartridge housing and a clamping, locking, and/or screw connection (7) for fastening the cartridge housing in the fluid outlet (4) is provided on an outlet-side housing part of the cartridge housing.

18. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the cartridge housing of the insertable cartridge (6) and/or the intermediate holder has a contoured outline and/or a contoured outlet end side, which is embodied as a tool attachment surface for an insertion tool.

19. Outlet element according to claim 8 wherein an outlet end side of the cartridge housing of the insertable cartridge (6) and/or of the intermediate holder has contouring formed from end edge-side projections (10) and recesses (11), such that the recesses (11) of one insertable cartridge (6) and/or intermediate holder held in the sanitary fitting (17) are used as a tool attachment surface for the projections (10) of another cartridge housing or another intermediate holder that can be used as an insertion tool.

20. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) and/or the intermediate holder is connected integrally to at least one surrounding seal (30) between the insertable cartridge (6) or the intermediate holder, on one side, and the outlet part (3), on the other side.

21. Outlet element according to claim 8, wherein a supply flow-side end edge area of the insertable cartridge (6) and/or of the intermediate holder is embodied as a sealing profile.

22. Outlet element according to claim 21, wherein the sealing profile has at least one surface area seal or one lip seal.

23. Outlet element according to claim 21, wherein the insertable cartridge (6) and/or the intermediate holder has on the supply-flow side an insert stop, which limits deformation of the sealing profile in a position of use.

24. Outlet element according to claim 21, wherein the sealing profile has at least one seal with a sealing profile base, which is embodied as an insert stop.

25. Outlet element according to claim 24, wherein the sealing profile and optionally the insert stop interact with a counter stop defining an internal cross section on an inner periphery of the outlet part (3).

26. Outlet element according to claim 25, wherein the insert stop is arranged adjacent to the sealing profile in a radial direction.

27. Outlet element according to claim 21, wherein the sealing profile has at least one ring-shaped surrounding sealing lip.

28. Outlet element according to claim 21, wherein the sealing profile has at least two ring-shaped surrounding sealing lips, which become active one after the other with increasing insertion pressure acting on the insertable cartridge (6) or on the intermediate holder.

29. Outlet element according to claim 28, wherein the sealing lips have different heights.

30. Outlet element according to claim 28, wherein the sealing lips have stepped heights.

31. Outlet element according to claim 22, wherein the seal and a component of the insertable cartridge and/or of the intermediate holder connected integrally to the seal are made from the same material.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090049600
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 16, 2005
Publication Date: Feb 26, 2009
Applicant: NEOPERL GMBH (Mullheim, DE)
Inventor: Christoph Weis (Mullheim)
Application Number: 11/568,001
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Faucet Or Spout (4/678)
International Classification: E03C 1/04 (20060101);