METHOD FOR THE FLUIDIC CONNECTION OF AN OUTLET PIECE TO A VALVE ON A SANITARY FITTING USING A HOSE, FLUIDIC ASSEMBLY AND CORRESPONDING SANITARY FITTING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a 371 National Phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2023/072109, filed Aug. 9, 2023, which claims priority from German Patent Application No. 20 2022 106 209.9, filed Nov. 4, 2022, both of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The invention relates to a use of a hose for the fluidic connection of an outlet piece to a valve on a sanitary fitting, wherein the outlet piece can be securely connected to the sanitary fitting.

[0003]The invention further relates to a fluidic arrangement for a sanitary fitting, having an outlet piece and a valve and a hose which fluidically connects the outlet piece to the valve, wherein the hose is fluidically connected to a position, which faces away from the outlet piece in the position for use of the valve, of the valve.

[0004]The invention further relates to a sanitary fitting.

BACKGROUND

[0005]It is known to use hoses in sanitary fittings according to the use described in the introduction. This allows the fluid guiding to be functionally separated from the mechanical support of a sanitary fitting and consequently a higher freedom for configuration on the sanitary fitting to be provided.

SUMMARY

[0006]An object of the invention is to simplify the assembly of a sanitary fitting.

[0007]In order to achieve this object, one or more of the features disclosed herein are provided according to the invention. In particular, consequently, it is proposed according to the invention for a use of the type described in the introduction that the hose is guided between the outlet piece and its end on the valve without interruptions and/or without attachments and extends in a portion outside the housing which delimits the sanitary fitting toward the outer side.

[0008]Consequently, a change in direction of the hose can be configured to be guided back to the valve outside the tight spatial conditions of the housing. An interruption-free guiding of the hose simplifies the assembly. As a result of attachments being dispensed with, the assembly of such a construction is simplified and the production complexity or the number of parts required for this is reduced.

[0009]The interruption-free guiding of the hose is particularly advantageous with respect to a redirection carried out by an intermediate piece because the number of positions at which the hose guide could become non-fluid-tight is reduced.

[0010]It is further advantageous for a position at which the hose can be connected to the valve to be arranged so that during assembly a visual inspection is possible and/or so that different hose lengths can easily be compensated for.

[0011]It is further advantageous that it is possible to guide the hose which can already have a mounted outlet piece at the end thereof from the outlet side through the fitting housing. Subsequently, the end to be connected to the valve can be guided through the fitting body with greater freedom of movement in order to connect it with visual inspection to a valve which can subsequently be fixed to the fitting. The support member may, for example, be mounted finally.

[0012]This can simplify the assembly of a fluidic arrangement, in particular of the valve, since assembly activities in tight conditions inside the fitting body can thus be avoided.

[0013]The invention consequently affords its advantages particularly with securely fitted or fittable hoses, in which the hose end on the outlet piece is not accessible from outside during use.

[0014]According to another solution to the above-mentioned problem, further features as disclosed herein are provided according to the invention. In particular, consequently, it is proposed according to the invention for a use of the type described in the introduction that the hose between the outlet piece and its end on the valve extends in a portion outside the housing which delimits the sanitary fitting toward the outer side and that the hose is guided in the portion at least partially by a support member.

[0015]It is thereby possible to guide the hose in the region of its change in direction outside the tight spatial conditions of the housing so that the hose complies with a minimum radius in the region of its redirection. It is thereby possible to avoid kinking of the hose in the region of the redirection. Such a minimum radius may, for example, be greater than or equal to 20 mm. The risk with kinking of the hose involves a so-called brittle break being able to occur. This is a material change in the hose which could lead to a formation of cracks or a bursting of the hose particularly in the event of repeated kinking.

[0016]By guiding the hose in a defined manner, it is possible to reduce the inner cross sectional surface-area of a remaining loop of the hanging hose. Consequently, the hose can be guided in a more compact manner than would be the case without any support member. In this manner, it is possible to prevent, particularly with assembly under a work surface or kitchen sink, jamming by and/or catching with, for example, sliding drawers or waste containers. Consequently, the loading of the hose can be reduced.

[0017]In this instance, there may be provision for the hose to be guided in a region which contains the support member, in particular between the outlet piece and its end on the valve, without interruptions. This can simplify the assembly. Additional hose couplings can be dispensed with.

[0018]Advantageous embodiments of the two solutions already mentioned to the problem mentioned in the introduction are also described herein.

[0019]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for the hose to be guided so that a change in direction of the hose is brought about. The guiding of the hose can be carried out here in particular by the support member and/or outside the housing which delimits the sanitary fitting toward the outer side. The change in direction may be in particular a reversal of direction, for example, a change in direction by more than 90°, in particular by 180°.

[0020]Consequently, it is possible to provide the change in direction of the hose outside the housing. It is further advantageous that the change in direction is carried out by the support member in a supported manner so that it is possible to avoid the hose kinking.

[0021]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for two portions of the hose to open in the support member. The two portions, which open in the support member, of the hose can preferably extend parallel with each other. In particular, the portions of the hose can open in a hose receptacle of the support member.

[0022]Consequently, the hose can be guided in the region of the support member more precisely. The hose receptacle can provide resistance against displacement of the support member on the hose. The portions, which open in the support member, of the hose can also diverge or converge. A plurality of hose receptacles can also be formed.

[0023]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for the support member to be configured in several pieces.

[0024]Consequently, the configuration freedom with respect to the support member can be increased. Depending on the assembly position of the hose, consequently, an advantageous guiding of the hose can be selected. The support member may, for example, be mounted on an already mounted hose, wherein inserting one of the ends of the hose into the support member can be dispensed with.

[0025]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for at least two portions of the support member to be connected to each other in a non-positive-locking, positive-locking and/or materially engaging manner. In particular, the at least two portions of the support member can be snap-fitted to each other.

[0026]It is thereby possible to produce a particularly releasable connection of the at least two portions of the support member. The assembly of the support member on the hose for achieving a use according to the invention can thereby be simplified.

[0027]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for the support member to have a recess for receiving the hose. Alternatively or additionally, there may be provision for the support member to have a recess for guiding the hose. In particular, the recess may be provided on one of the portions of the support member.

[0028]Consequently, the hose can advantageously be fixed and/or stabilized in or on the support member.

[0029]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for the support member to be open toward one side. In particular, one of the portions of the support member can in this instance be open toward one side. Additionally, there may be provision for it to be configured so that it is possible to insert the hose which is mounted at both ends.

[0030]It is thereby possible to simplify the assembly in order to achieve a use according to the invention. The hose does not have to be inserted into the support member but can instead already be mounted. The hose can be fixed in or on the support member after being inserted into the support member. In this case, a retention element for fixing the hose can be used.

[0031]In the advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for a separation line between two portions of the support member to extend parallel with the extent direction of the hose within the support member.

[0032]Consequently, the hose can be stabilized over the course of its longitudinal extent by both mentioned portions of the support member. The extent direction of the hose inside the support member may be able to be identified from outside.

[0033]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for the support member to have a retention element which fixes the hose on or in the support member. Alternatively or additionally, there may be provision for the support member to have a retention element which fixes at least two portions of the support member relative to each other.

[0034]It is thereby possible depending on existing requirements, for example, depending on the type and material of the hose, to produce different types of fixing of the hose to the support member. For example, the hose can be inserted into the support member and subsequently fixed thereto. The hose can also be placed between several portions of the support member which are fixed to each other. Combinations of these possible fixing methods can also be brought about.

[0035]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for a or the retention element to be fixed inside an outer delimitation and/or a housing of the support member.

[0036]It is thereby possible to provide a support member with a retention element, in which the hose needs simply to be inserted. During the insertion of the hose, it can deform the retention element and fix itself in the support member. The assembly is thereby further simplified. For example, a common retention element for fixing both portions of the hose can be provided.

[0037]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for a or the retention element to engage around the hose in at least two cross sectional areas. Alternatively or additionally, there may be provision for a or the retention element to engage around the hose by means of at least one retention clamp. The retention element may preferably be configured to be circumferential. The circumferential retention element can, for example, be located at an external circumference of an opening of the support member. At least one retention clamp, preferably three retention clamps, can be provided per cross sectional area.

[0038]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for at least one retention clamp of the retention element to be embedded in the hose. This embedding can preferably be carried out with a tensile loading of the hose. At least one retention clamp is consequently embedded in the hose. In particular, at least one retention clamp per cross sectional area of the hose is involved. Consequently, the hose can be advantageously fixed by means of the retention element. The retention element and/or the retention clamps can be produced, for example, from metal. The support member can, for example, be produced from plastics material.

[0039]In one advantageous embodiment, there may be provision for the connection of one end of the hose to the outlet opening piece to be configured without any hose nipples and/or without crimping. Alternatively or additionally, there may be provision for the connection of one end of the hose to the valve to be configured without any hose nipples and/or without crimping. There may also be provision for both ends of the hose to be produced without any hose nipples and/or without crimping.

[0040]It is thereby possible to further simplify the assembly of the hose in order to achieve a use according to the invention.

[0041]In order to solve the problem mentioned, alternatively or additionally there are provided according to the invention the features of the independent claim which is directed toward a fluidic arrangement. In particular, consequently, it is proposed according to the invention in the fluidic arrangement of the type described in the introduction that a use according to the invention is achieved. It is thereby possible to afford the above-mentioned advantages of a use according to the invention in fluidic arrangements.

[0042]In order to solve the problem mentioned, alternatively or additionally the features of the independent claim which is directed toward a sanitary fitting are provided according to the invention.

[0043]In particular, consequently, it is proposed according to the invention in a sanitary fitting of the type described in the introduction that a use according to the invention is achieved. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that a fluidic arrangement according to the invention is achieved.

[0044]Consequently, the above-mentioned advantages of a use according to the invention or a fluidic arrangement according to the invention can be used in sanitary fittings.

[0045]It is further proposed that a use according to the invention is configured so that a fluidic arrangement according to the invention is formed. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed in a use according to the invention that a fluidic arrangement is formed as part of a sanitary fitting according to the invention.

[0046]It is thereby possible to further increase the field of application of uses according to the invention, fluidic arrangements according to the invention and/or sanitary fittings according to the invention.

[0047]The individual described aspects can consequently be advantageously combined with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048]The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments but it is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Additional exemplary embodiments will be appreciated from a combination of the features of individual or several claims with each other and/or with individual or several features of the exemplary embodiments. Components and functional units which are functionally and/or structurally equivalent or identical to preceding exemplary embodiments are denoted with the same reference numerals and are not described again separately.

[0049]In the drawings:

[0050]FIG. 1 shows an axial section of a sanitary fitting according to the invention,

[0051]FIG. 2 shows an axial section of another sanitary fitting according to the invention with a support member,

[0052]FIG. 3 shows the support member from FIG. 2 as a perspective view,

[0053]FIG. 4 shows the support member from FIGS. 2 and 3 in a section through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0054]FIG. 5 shows the support member from FIGS. 2 to 4 in a section orthogonal to the plane of extent of the hose,

[0055]FIG. 6 shows a side view of another sanitary fitting according to the invention with another support member with a support member which is sectioned through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0056]FIG. 7 shows the support member from FIG. 6 as a section orthogonal to the plane of extent of the hose,

[0057]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the support member from FIGS. 6 and 7,

[0058]FIG. 9 shows the support member from FIGS. 6 to 8 as a section through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0059]FIG. 10 shows a side view of another sanitary fitting according to the invention with an additional support member with a support member sectioned through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0060]FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the support member from FIG. 10,

[0061]FIG. 12 shows the support member from FIGS. 10 and 11 as a section through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0062]FIG. 13 shows an enlarged portion from FIG. 12,

[0063]FIG. 14 shows the support member from FIGS. 10 to 13 as a section through the retention element,

[0064]FIG. 15 shows a side view of another sanitary fitting according to the invention with an additional support member with a support member sectioned through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0065]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the support member from FIG. 15,

[0066]FIG. 17 shows the support member from FIGS. 15 and 16 in a section through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0067]FIG. 18 shows the support member from FIGS. 15 to 17 as a view from above,

[0068]FIG. 19 shows a side view of another sanitary fitting according to the invention with another support member with a support member sectioned through the plane of extent of the hose,

[0069]FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the support member from FIG. 19,

[0070]FIG. 21 shows the support member from FIGS. 19 and 20 in a section through the plane of extent of the hose, and

[0071]FIG. 22 shows the support member from FIGS. 19 to 21 as a view from above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072]FIG. 1 shows a sanitary fitting 100 according to the invention as an axial section. In the sanitary fitting 100, a use according to the invention of a hose 1 for fluidically connecting an outlet piece 2 to a valve 3 which is not shown on a sanitary fitting 100 is achieved, wherein the outlet piece 2 can be securely connected to the sanitary fitting 100, and wherein the hose 1 is guided between the outlet piece 2 and the end 4 thereof on the valve without any interruptions and without any attachments and extends in a portion 5 outside the housing 6 which delimits the sanitary fitting 100 toward the outer side.

[0073]FIG. 2 shows another sanitary fitting 100 according to the invention, wherein a use according to the invention of a hose 1 for fluidically connecting an outlet piece 2 to a valve 3 which is not shown on a sanitary fitting 100 is achieved, wherein the outlet piece 2 can be securely connected to the sanitary fitting 100, and wherein the hose 1 is guided between the outlet piece 2 and its end 4 on the valve without any interruptions, and wherein the hose 1 extends between the outlet piece 2 and its end 4 on the valve in a portion 5 outside the housing 6 which delimits the sanitary fitting 100 toward the outer side, and wherein the hose 1 is guided in this portion 5 at least partially by a support member 7.

[0074]In both exemplary embodiments which are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hose 1 is guided in such a manner that a change in direction, that is to say a reversal of direction, of the hose 1 is brought about.

[0075]In both cases, this guiding of the hose 1 outside the housing 6 which delimits the sanitary fitting 100 toward the outer side is achieved and, in the case of FIG. 2, furthermore by the support member 7.

[0076]FIG. 3 shows the support member 7 from FIG. 2 as a perspective view, wherein it can be seen that two portions 8, 9 of the hose 1 open in the support member 7. The portions 8, 9 of the hose 1 extend here parallel and further open in a hose receptacle 10 of the support member 7. The support member 7 is configured in several pieces here and comprises two portions 11, 12.

[0077]FIG. 4 shows the bent extent of the hose 1 through the support member 7, wherein the hose 1 is guided in such a manner that a change in direction, that is to say a reversal of direction, of the hose 1 is achieved.

[0078]FIG. 5 shows particularly the connection position 13 between the portions 11, 12 of the support member 7. Consequently, the portions 11, 12 of the support member 7 are connected to each other at least in a non-positive-locking and positive-locking manner, that is to say snap-fitted. In an embodiment which is not shown, the portions 11, 12 of the support member 7 can be connected to each other in a materially engaging manner.

[0079]The support member 7, here the portion 11, has a recess 14 for receiving and guiding the hose 1.

[0080]FIGS. 6 to 9 show an additional embodiment of a sanitary fitting 100 according to the invention with a hose 1 which is guided by means of a support member 7, wherein the support member 7 comprises a portion 11 which forms the hose receptacle 10 and a bolt-like portion 12 which is inserted into the portion 12 and fixes the hose 1.

[0081]The exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, of the sanitary fitting 100 according to the invention and the support member 7 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments at least in that the support member 7 has a retention element 16 which fixes the hose on and in the support member 7. FIG. 12 and its enlargement of FIG. 13 show that the retention element 16 is fixed inside an external delimitation 17, that is to say the housing 18 of the support member 7. FIG. 13 shows a retention clamp 19, which fixes the hose 1 in position on the retention element 16 and the support member 7 by being embedded in the hose 1, being folded over. After the hose 1 has been introduced into the support member 7 with the retention element 16, this embedding action of the retention clamp 19 is carried out, in particular with tensile loading of the hose 1. FIG. 14 shows that a total of six retention clamps 19 which fix the hose 1 in the support member 7 are configured. FIG. 14 further shows that the retention element 16 is fixed in the support member 7 up to approximately half of the wall thickness of the housing 18.

[0082]The retention element 16 engages around the hose 1 in at least two cross section areas 20, 21 by means of at least one retention clamp 19, that is to say at least one and in this exemplary embodiment three retention clamps 19 in the cross sectional areas 20, 21.

[0083]The exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, of a sanitary fitting 100 according to the invention with a hose 1 and a support member 7 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments at least in that the support member 7 is configured in one piece and so as to comprise only one portion 11. The support member 7 or the single portion 11 of this support member 7 is configured in this case to be open toward one side 22 so that insertion of the hose 1 which is mounted at both ends 4, 23 is possible. In this case, the hose receptacles 10 have retention elements 16 which are integrally connected.

[0084]The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments at least in that the retention element 16 externally adjoins the housing 18 of the support member 7 and fixes at least two portions 11, 12 of the support member 7 relative to each other. A separation line 15 between the two portions 11, 12 of the support member 7 extends parallel with the direction of extent of the hose 1 inside the support member 7.

[0085]In all the exemplary embodiments shown, the connection of one end 4, 23, and of both ends 4, 23, of the hose to the outlet piece 2 and to the valve 3 is configured without hose nipples and without crimping.

[0086]In the exemplary embodiments shown, there is further a fluidic arrangement 50 for a sanitary fitting 100 with an outlet piece 2 and a valve 3 (not shown) and a hose 1 which fluidically connects the outlet piece 2 to the valve 3, wherein the hose 1 is fluidically connected to a position 24, which faces away from the outlet piece 2 in the position for use of the valve 3, of the valve 3, and wherein a use according to the invention is achieved. The fluidic arrangement 50 is consequently formed as part of a sanitary fitting 100.

[0087]Consequently, a use of a hose 1 for fluidically connecting an outlet piece 2 to a valve 3 on a sanitary fitting 100 is proposed, wherein the outlet piece 2 can be securely connected to the sanitary fitting 100, and wherein the hose 1 is guided between the outlet piece 2 and its end 4 on the valve without interruptions and/or without attachments, and extends in a portion 5 outside the housing 6 which externally delimits the sanitary fitting 100. Furthermore, a use of a hose 1 for fluidically connecting an outlet piece 2 to a valve 3 on a sanitary fitting 100 is proposed, wherein the outlet piece 2 can be securely connected to the sanitary fitting 100 and wherein the hose 1 is guided between the outlet piece 2 and its end 4 on the valve without interruptions, and wherein the hose 1 extends between the outlet piece 2 and its end 4 on the valve in a portion 5 outside the housing 6 which delimits the sanitary fitting 100 toward the outer side, and wherein the hose 1 is guided in the portion 5 at least partially by a support member 7. Furthermore, a corresponding fluidic arrangement 50 and a corresponding sanitary fitting 100 are proposed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS