OUTLET SET FOR SANITARY FITTING, SANITARY FITTING ASSEMBLY, USE OF A SANITARY INSERT AND SANITARY FITTING ASSEMBLY SET

A sanitary fitting assembly (5) having a sanitary fitting part (11) with a threaded portion (8) into which an outlet mouthpiece (2) is screwed, an insert (1) and a sealing ring (3) being inserted into the outlet mouthpiece (2). The axial length of the insert (1) is such that on the outflow end (10) a region (14) protrudes axially over the outlet mouthpiece (2). As a result, the protruding region (14) is visible from an observation position (12) at an angle (A) that is greater than 20°.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an outlet set for a sanitary fitting comprising a sanitary insert on a sanitary fitting outlet, the insert being inserted in an outlet mouthpiece and the outlet mouthpiece being fastened on a sanitary fitting part.

Such outlet sets for sanitary fittings are known and are used for terminating a sanitary fitting outlet on a sanitary fitting, whereby a sanitary fitting assembly is obtained.

The invention also relates to a use of a sanitary insert on a sanitary fitting outlet, the insert being inserted in an outlet mouthpiece and the outlet mouthpiece being fastened on a sanitary fitting part.

Such outlet sets for sanitary fittings and sanitary fitting assemblies are known and are used for example to produce a pleasant form of jet. The inserts tend after some time to become contaminated and must therefore be exchanged regularly if they are used in hygienically sensitive areas of use, for example in hospitals.

SUMMARY

The invention is based on the object of improving the functional properties of a sanitary fitting assembly.

To achieve the object, according to the invention are provided. In particular, in the case of an outlet set for a sanitary fitting of the type described at the beginning, to achieve the stated object it is consequently provided according to the invention that the insert is made to be of such a length in an inserting direction that, in the position for use, it is visible from a viewing direction that is arranged higher than the outlet mouthpiece. It is in this way achievable that, even after fitting, the inserted insert remains externally visible from a normal viewing position. It can consequently be easily seen which insert has been fitted, without mirrors or the like having to be used. It is consequently easy to monitor an exchange, which increases the functional properties. The position for use is in this case often an alignment of the insert in which a jet that is formed is directed downward, or at least substantially downward or obliquely downward.

The invention consequently makes it possible to dispense with the previously required use of trained specialist staff for monitoring compliance with hygiene routines to be carried out at regular intervals, in which the inserts are to be exchanged, for example in hospitals or similar facilities with high hygiene requirements. With the invention, it can quickly be checked whether a change of the insert has actually been carried out, since it can be seen immediately whether the change has been made on the basis of an inappropriate color or similar visual indication for a respective hygiene interval—for example of a week or a month. By being visible in the way according to the invention, the check can be carried out easily, and in particular without removing the insert. Consequently, costs that would be incurred for the use of specialist personnel can be saved.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the length is dimensioned such that the insert protrudes through the outlet mouthpiece and projects beyond an outflow-side termination of the outlet mouthpiece. Consequently, a region of the insert is visible even when a substantially cylindrical outlet mouthpiece is used.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the length is dimensioned such that the insert is visible from a viewing direction of at least 20° to the horizontal at an outflow-side termination, for example the already mentioned termination, of the outlet mouthpiece. Consequently, a visual check is made possible from customary viewer position of a user of a sanitary fitting. Preferably, an angle of at least 30°, particularly preferably at least 45°, is provided. This makes a visual check of the insert possible even from a viewer position that is arranged very close to and/or above the sanitary fitting.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the insert defines on the outflow side a peripheral outer edge. Consequently, a visual check is possible from all sides, irrespective of an orientation of installation. It is particularly favorable if the insert has a substantially planar outflow side. Consequently, conventional inserts with an end face that is substantially planar, that is to say for example planar apart from haptically imperceptible elevations, or is completely planar, can be used.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the insert is a jet and/or flow regulator. Consequently, with the invention inserts with which there is a high risk of soiling can be monitored for being changed regularly.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the outlet mouthpiece is produced from metal and/or opaque plastic. Consequently, conventional outlet mouthpieces and/or outlet mouthpieces that can be easily produced can be used.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that there is an exchange insert, with which the insert can be replaced, the exchange insert being of a different color than the insert, at least in a region that is externally visible in the position for use. Color codes that change regularly are especially suitable for allowing a prescribed exchange to be easily monitored. The invention makes easy implementation possible here, without any great structural modifications being made for example to a body of a sanitary fitting, to an outlet mouthpiece and/or to the insert.

Consequently, a sanitary fitting assembly comprising a sanitary fitting outlet and an outlet set for a sanitary fitting according to the invention can be formed, in particular as described above and/or as claimed in one of the claims directed to an outlet set for a sanitary fitting.

As an alternative or in addition, the features of the independent claim, directed to a use, are provided for achieving the stated object. In particular, it is consequently provided according to the invention to achieve the stated object in the case of the use described at the beginning that the insert is made to be of such a length in an inserting direction that, in the position for use, it is visible from a viewing direction associated with a position of an observer that is arranged higher than the outlet mouthpiece. A visual check is consequently possible without optical aids from a normal viewer position with respect to a receiving sanitary fitting and without removal of the sanitary fitting.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the length is dimensioned such that the insert protrudes through the outlet mouthpiece and projects beyond an outflow-side termination of the outlet mouthpiece. Consequently, conventional outlet mouthpieces and/or outlet mouthpieces of a simple geometrical form can be used. Thus, conventional inserts can also be combined with shortened outlet mouthpieces.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the length is dimensioned such that the insert is visible from a viewing direction of at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, particularly preferably at least 45°, to the horizontal at an outflow-side termination, in particular the already mentioned termination, of the outlet mouthpiece. This makes a simple unaided visual check possible from a comparatively close viewer position obliquely above the fitted insert.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the insert defines on the outflow side a peripheral outer edge, in particular has a substantially planar outflow side. There is no need for additional attachments to make it visible.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the insert is a jet and/or flow regulator. Consequently, many applications can be covered, in particular unthrottled and/or non-flow-regulated jet regulators and/or flow-regulated and/or throttled jet regulators. However, the invention can also be used in the case of jet formers without additional regulating functions.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the outflow nozzle is produced from metal and/or opaque plastic. Consequently, an outflow nozzle that can be easily produced and is often already present can be used.

In one configuration of the invention it may be provided that the insert as an exchange insert, of a different color at least in a region that is externally visible in the position for use, replaces a used insert. A visual check can consequently also be carried out without any instruction if a prescribed or agreed use of color codes for each time interval is known.

The invention consequently includes a sanitary fitting assembly set according to the invention, in particular for a sanitary fitting assembly as described above and/or as claimed in one of the claims directed to a sanitary fitting assembly, comprising an outlet mouthpiece and at least two inserts, which can be alternatively inserted into the outlet mouthpiece and which are differently colored in a corresponding region that remains externally visible in each case in the position for use. Preferably, a use according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or as claimed in one of the claims directed to a use, can be carried out. One of the inserts may be used here, for example as an exchange insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 4show a sanitary insert1for inserting into a sanitary fitting assembly5according to the invention. The insert1may be formed for example as a jet regulator and/or flow regulator.

The insert1is inserted in an outlet mouthpiece2on the inflow side9. The outlet mouthpiece2has a mating thread7, which can be screwed with a corresponding thread8of a sanitary fitting assembly5(FIG. 5). In the example, the mating thread7is formed as an external thread, while the thread8is an internal thread. In further exemplary embodiments, the thread8may be an external thread and the mating thread7an internal thread. The insert1is arranged completely recessed in the outlet mouthpiece2on the inflow side9, so that a sealing ring3placed on it on the inflow side is at least partially held radially by the outlet mouthpiece2.

The insert1and the outlet mouthpiece2consequently form an outlet set17for a sanitary fitting according to the invention, which may also include the sealing ring3.

According to the invention, on the outflow side10, the insert1projects beyond the outlet mouthpiece2, so that a projecting region14is easily externally visible, even from an elevated observation position12.

FIG. 5then shows a sanitary fitting outlet11as a sanitary fitting part of a sanitary fitting assembly5according to the invention. The sanitary fitting outlet11has a thread8, into which an outlet mouthpiece2is screwed with its mating thread7. According toFIGS. 1 to 4, an insert1and a sealing ring3have been inserted in the outlet mouthpiece2. The sealing ring3in this case interacts with a sealing surface16, in order to achieve a sealing effect.

It is particularly relevant here that the length of the insert1is dimensioned such that the insert projects on the outflow side with a region14beyond the outlet mouthpiece2.

The advantage is thus that the insert1in the position for use is visible from a viewing direction12that is arranged higher than the outlet mouthpiece2. In particular, the region14of the insert1may protrude out of the outlet mouthpiece2to such an extent that it is visible from a viewing direction12or observation position that forms an angle A of at least 20° with respect to the horizontal13, for instance in relation to the insert1or in relation to the outflow-side termination6of the outlet mouthpiece2. As a result, at least the projecting region14of the insert1can be identified or seen, without an observer having to bend down to enable him/her to look under the sanitary fitting assembly5.

It may therefore be expedient if the insert1is of such a length on the outflow side10that it is also still visible at an angle A of 30°, and in particular at an angle A of 45°. To improve the visibility of the insert1or of the projecting region14, the outlet mouthpiece2may have on the outer circumference of the outflow side10a peripheral bevel15or chamfer, which corresponds approximately to the angle A of the direction of observation12.

The axial length of the insert1, or of the projecting region14, depends here on the overall height of the sanitary fitting assembly5and the viewing distance. If the sanitary fitting outlet11, and consequently the outlet mouthpiece2, lies very low over a wash basin, the necessary length of the projecting region14of the insert1is longer than in the case of a sanitary fitting assembly5of which the sanitary fitting outlet11lies very far over the wash basin. The insert1according to the invention can therefore also be offered in different lengths, so that a suitable length can be chosen from a number of lengths.

The full advantage of the invention is obtained when different inserts1, or at least the projecting region14, is/are formed in different colors.

This makes possible a use in which the insert1as an exchange insert, of a different color at least in a region14that is externally visible in the position for use, preferably over an entire main body of the insert, replaces a used insert1.

Such a use is appropriate for example wherever inserts1are regularly changed for reasons of hygiene. The use of different colors thus makes it possible to see from a natural direction of observation12, and in an easy way, whether an insert1has already been changed. If, for example, the insert1is replaced quarterly, a color may be set for each quarter. If a change is due, all that is needed is to look at the color. There is then no need for laborious documentation of the changing procedures, which makes it much easier and quicker for the exchange to be carried out.

It can also be seen from the drawings that the insert1is formed as planar on its outflow side10. This outflow side10is consequently terminated radially by a peripheral outer edge16. This outer edge16is itself externally visible, viewed obliquely from above.

A sanitary fitting assembly5has a sanitary fitting part1with a thread8, into which an outlet mouthpiece2is screwed, an insert1and a sealing ring3being inserted in the outlet mouthpiece2. The insert1is formed axially of such length that a region14projects axially beyond the outlet mouthpiece2on the outflow side10. As a result, the projecting region14is visible from an observation position12at an angle A, which is greater than 20°.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

17Outlet set for a sanitary fitting

A Angle