DE4421864A1 - Distribution device for a sparkling device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a distributor device for gases, in particular an air distributor for a whirlpool device tion, with at least one air inlet and at least two Air leaks.

It is with bubbling devices like air bubbling devices often desired to distribute the air and this way to carry different places by the same soda device are supplied. For example, there is a Conventional air jet device for massaging the human body pers from a bubble mat that can be inserted into a bathtub, which connect to a blower via a supply hose is cash. In these so-called bubble baths are mostly at the foot of the multi-element bubble mat te so-called air distributor provided, by their actuation individual mat elements or different ones in the mats elements provided air openings with that from the supplier air supply air can be supplied. On this way, different massage settings from User can be selected. The air distributor has min at least an air inlet for the inflow from a fan  air and at least two air outlets for the for example, air flowing out into a bubble mat.

A known air distributor for an air bubble massage direction consists of an elongated tubular part, which has an air inlet on its top for connecting the Has air supply hose. In the longitudinal direction are on one side of the air distributor several air outlets to the on circuit of the air distributor provided on a bubble mat. The airflow assigned to the face of the air distributor steps can be opened and closed with this air distributor be closed while the other air vents are constantly stay open. The opening and closing of the front assigned air outlet is done by turning cylinder miger elements inside the tubular air manifold are guided and which the respective air outlet completely or partially close. On the outer circumference of the cylindrical Elementes is a wing for better operation, for example molded by the user's foot.

Another known air distributor has a box-shaped one Housing on the top of which an air outlet and on the Several air outlets are provided on the side surfaces. The These air outlets can be turned by rotating one in the air inlet provided cylindrical element to the air flow switches or be separated from it. To this end points the cylindrical element at certain intervals Openings that depending on the position of the element with ver some or all of the air outlets. For better actuation, for example by the foot of the user zer, are on the top of the cylindrical element Wing provided that verti from the top of the case project upwards.  

As described, the two known air distributors common that the partial or complete opening and Closing the air outlets with the help of a cylindrical one Elementes (pot) is accomplished on its outside circumference has holes or slots, which can be rotated by turning the cylindrical element with air vents in whole or in part be brought to cover wisely. In these known Aus leadership forms, however, sealing is difficult or sometimes not at all. In any case, there are expenses sealing elements and precise injection molded parts required. In addition, the type of air distribution described relatively large dimensions, especially in the case of several air outlets solutions of the air distributor, as on the circumference of the cylinder element all openings for different air cond pitch positions and for the required air volume must be accommodated. In addition, they lead to ver Improved ease of use provided for actuation gel to a comparatively large height of this air supply divider. Finally, it should be mentioned that the described Air distributors can always be adjusted using a rotary movement must, in particular due to the necessary Sealing measures always have to be overcome. Precisely because of this, intermediate positions can often not be precise be defined and the overall ease of use is often not satisfying.

The invention therefore has the task of an Luftver to provide dividers in which the opening and Closing the air outlets reliably in a simple manner can be made. The described after should parts of the prior art are avoided. Especially the new air distributor should be sufficiently tight sit and the smallest possible dimensions, preferably one have low overall height. Finally, the air distributor be as user-friendly as possible for the user.  

This task is solved by a distribution device for Gases, especially an air distributor with the characteristics of Claim 1. Preferred embodiments of this device are described in subclaims 2 to 23. The word according to the claims by reference to the content of these Description made.

The distribution device of the generic type demonstrates the invention a rocker-shaped actuator for opening open and close the air outlets. By this operation a particularly simple operation of the air distributor possible through the foot of the user Lich. The rocker-shaped actuator can be in one easily integrate into the air distributor and power no larger height of the air distributor required.

In a further development in the invention, the air inlet and the air exits via tubular or channel-shaped lines or Line sections connected together. In particular, can an air chamber can be provided into which the air inlet leads and of which preferably also the line sections going out. Through these individual embodiments are ver different possibilities, single or multiple air leaks with gases or air or from the gas or to partially or completely separate the air flow.

It is preferred according to the invention if the actuating element ment for opening and closing pipe sections see is. Accordingly, single or multiple lei tion sections by actuating the actuating element partially or completely reversible separable from the air flow. This can be done for example by strikers that directly on the rocker-shaped actuating element, in particular on the Bottom of this rocker are provided and those at Betäti  the rocker completely or one or more line sections or partially close or open.

Separate locking parts are preferably provided, which ins especially for opening and closing pipe sections are provided. With these locking parts it can be act for example flaps. However, tappets are preferred shaped locking parts by pressing the rocker Actuator in the manner of a stopper or cork preferably in cross-section circular pipe sections seal or release for air flow. The plunger-shaped locking parts are particularly so provided that they close and open the line Cut (air duct) from above. This leads to a particularly simple interaction with the Actuator rocker as described in more detail later becomes. The plunger-shaped closing part is preferably in hollow inside and can have a recess there, so that its diameter is smaller at the top than at the Bottom.

In a further development, the locking parts are in the Invention distribution device against the closing direction a spring force can be applied. This leads to the fact that the be relevant line section is automatically opened when insufficient on the locking part in the closing direction acting force is applied. In the be as preferred described embodiments with tappet-shaped closing part len have a pressure acting on their inner circumference spring, which automatically closes the closing part in the open Position presses when there is insufficient on the striker Force is exerted in the closing direction. The compression spring engages preferably on the return described above of the tappet-shaped locking parts.  

In a further development, sealing elements for sealing the Locking parts compared to the parts to be sealed, in particular provided opposite the line sections. These should help and prevent that when closed Closing part residual air through the relevant line section flows to the respective air outlet. Such sealing elements can, for example, at the bottom of the relevant line section (air duct) for sealing at the lower edge of the Locking part may be provided. Such sealing elements are further expedient on the outer circumference of the tappet-shaped locking parts, for example in the form of O-rings for round plunger-shaped ones Strikers.

As already described, this will be complete or partial Opening and closing line sections by actuation of the rocker-shaped actuator with the help of insbe causes special separate locking parts. The actuation element has funds for this purpose, especially pre jumps, with the help of which the locking parts can be moved. These are used in the preferred plunger-shaped locking parts Means preferably for axial displacement. The shift medium are especially on the underside (inside) of the Actuator attached because it is special can easily interact with the strikers. So will for example in preferred embodiments one at the Underside of the rocker switch provided projection Actuation of the rocker from above on a plunger-shaped Closing part pressed and thus the line concerned partially or completely cut through this striker closed. In this process, one on the inner circumference of the plunger-shaped closing part attacking compression spring together pressed, which automatically opens the line section again, if the rocker does not have sufficient force from above more is exercised on the striker.  

The displacement means are preferably in the edges assigned areas of the actuating element provided. The rockers can be moved by the external sliding means function can be used particularly effectively.

In further preferred embodiments, the inventions Invention distribution device a housing for receiving the Components. The rocker-shaped actuator is in this housing supply element, especially integrated on the top. The Housing can be formed in one piece. However, it is before if the housing consists of an upper housing part and a Lower housing part is constructed, in particular the housing seoberteil receives the rocker-shaped actuator. The Connection of the upper housing part and lower housing part can in any way, for example by gluing, screwing Exercise, locking, etc. take place. By integrating the Be The rocker switch in the housing can do this comparatively be made flat.

As already explained, a locking part is activated the rocker is brought into its closed position. To avoid change that with relief of the rocker of the relevant line section with a corresponding design of the locking part is automatically reopened, the rocker can either by the user himself or by other means for so long remain depressed until the lei in question opens tion section is desired. But are preferably on Actuating means for fixing it in the respec provided for actuation position. These fixings are in particular on the outer circumference of the operating rocker, which makes them simple with the housing, in particular the upper part of the housing can interact. When fixing means are in particular projections that on Housing can be clamped and in particular with others there existing projections can be locked. To this  The rocker switch can be operated in the respective actuator position are fixed.

In the invention, the air inlet is preferably open for an air supply hose, especially from the Compressed air blower of an air bubble massage device forms. The air supply hose can be firmly attached to the Air inlet can be connected. Preferably this is ever but before operating the bubbler into the air inlet engaged and removed after operation.

The air outlets are preferably a connection for one Air bubble massage body, in particular for a bubble mat educated. The air bubble massage body can also un indirectly connected to the air outlets before operation the. Due to the special design of the fiction distribution device, it is also possible, the distributor device permanently with the bubble device to connect, especially in an air bubble massage body to integrate.

A further development is in the distributor according to the invention direction at least one additional air outlet, in particular provided on the air chamber, which is independent of the bob shaped actuator fully or partially opened or can be locked. For example, a additional massage body independent of the rocker with an air flow.

The additional air outlet is preferably through a mechanically opening, in particular mushroom-shaped valve body lockable by. In a further development, this valve body Spring force can be applied in the closing direction, in particular re by a spring against the housing, especially the inside pressed on the upper part of the housing. The additional air  occurs in these embodiments with spring pressure closed and can only be opened against this spring pressure will.

According to the invention it is preferred if the air outlets on the sides or in particular on the underside of the distribution lereinrichtung are arranged. The arrangement follows especially on the sides or the bottom of the housing. The air intake and, if necessary, the additional described union air vents are preferably at the top of the Distribution device, especially on the top of the Ge arranged upper part of the housing. By the described arrangement The air inlets and outlets can be particularly dangerous Space-saving and therefore the smallest possible dimensions be achieved by the distribution device itself.

The distribution device according to the invention can thereby further be marked that they in a bubble mat, in particular in at least one associated with the foot end of the mat Mat element can be integrated. This allows the previously usual che arrangement of a separate component at the foot of the mat omitted. This can be compared to previously known Mats have a larger whirlpool area for such Vor directions can be achieved.

In the described embodiments of the invention shows the advantage that the individual air outlets in simp acted upon by or by an air flow can be separated. Even after the Ver divider device can be used despite the inconsistency adjustments, the dimensional deviations due to temperature differences and the dimensional deviations due to wear and tear reach seal so that no unwanted residual air the distribution device in particular through the air inlet and can escape through unaffected air vents.  

The operation with the help of the rocker element creates the possibility the dimensions of the distribution device, in particular to reduce their overall height as the commute to work the rocker can be chosen less than this, for example se in the wing-like switching levers of the known distributor is the case. In addition, the operation of the rocker distributor through the foot, for example the heel of the user in a simple manner ("blind") without this for actuation or control of the actuation position at the usually at the foot of the bubble device attached distribution device to the front should bend.

Incidentally, it should be mentioned that the invention is not limited to the one set of two air outlets and thus one between two End positions movable distributor rocker is limited. With a corresponding design of the rocker can also meh rere, for example four air outlets with the help of a ver divider rocker opened or closed individually or in groups will be. Accordingly, several can be on the seesaw Locking options for fixation in the respective actuator provision may be provided.

The invention also relates to an air bubble massage device tion, especially one with a bubble mat. These is characterized in that it is a distribution device of the type according to the invention or that you have such Distribution device can be assigned.

The described features and other features of the invention result from the following description of preferred th embodiments in connection with the subclaims and the drawings. Here, the individual characteristics individually or in combination with each other be realized.

Show in the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective overall view of a dispenser according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the dispenser according to Fig. 1, with which in one of its end that are available actuator,

Fig. 3 is a partial longitudinal section of the distributor device according to FIG. 1 with the actuating element located in its central position, and

Fig. 4 shows a further partial longitudinal section of the distributor device according to Fig. 1 with air connection and accessories.

The distributor device 1 in the form of an air distributor according to FIG. 1 has a common housing 2 consisting of an upper housing part 3 and a lower housing part 4 . At a first rectangular area of the common housing 2 is on the top of the upper housing part 3, an air inlet 5 for connecting an air supply hose not shown in FIG. 1 and an additional air outlet 6 for connecting an accessory hose also not shown in FIG. 1. A rocker-shaped actuating element 7 is integrated into the upper housing part 3 at a second rectangular area of the common housing 2 . This actuator 7 is used to open and close two air outlets not shown in Fig. 1, which are provided on the underside of the second rectangular region of the housing 2 on the lower housing part 4 .

In FIG. 2, the distribution device 1 to the housing 2 from the housing upper part 3 and lower part of housing 4 is shown in longitudinal section. This longitudinal section is richly guided by the second rectangular loading described in conjunction with FIG. 1 and shows the rocker-shaped actuating element 7 in one of its two end positions.

Through the upper housing part 3 and the lower housing part 4 line sections 11 a, 11 b and 12 a, 12 b are formed between the air inlet (not shown in FIG. 2) and the two air outlets 13 and 14 arranged on the underside of the lower housing part 4 are. The Linienab sections 11 a and 12 a can be closed or opened by plunger-shaped closing parts 15 and 16 respectively. In FIG. 2, the lead portion 11 a is closed by the closing part 15 completeness, dig, while the line section is a completeness, dig 12 is opened. As a result, the air outlet 13 connected to the line section 11 a via the line section 11 b is completely decoupled from the air flow. Through the line section 12 b with the line section 12 a verbun which air outlet 14 , the air flowing through the air inlet can flow freely.

Fig. 2 further shows that on the tappet-shaped locking parts 15 and 16 compression springs (return springs) 17 and 18 are provided which act on the locking parts 15 and 16 against the closing direction with a spring force. According to the operation position of the Betätigungsele mentes 7 shown in Fig. 2 is compressed in Fig. 2, the spring 17 and expands the spring 18. Both springs 17 and 18 engage in the closing parts 15 and 16 designed as hollow bodies on recesses 19 and 20 provided on the inner circumference.

Next Fig. 2 are provided on the locking parts 15 and 16 of sealing elements according to. Since the closing parts 15 and 16 according to FIG. 2 are circular components in cross section, flat circular sealing lines 21 and 22 and O-rings 23 and 24 are provided as sealing means.

On the underside of the rocker-shaped actuating element 7 , two displacement means in the form of projections 25 and 26 are provided, with the aid of which the two closing parts 15 and 16 can be displaced axially in the closing direction. According to the position of the actuating element 7 shown in FIG. 2, the projection 25 is in contact with the upper side of the closing part 15 . The top of the closing part 16 is not touched by the associated projection 26 . The closing part 15 is held in the closed position via the projection 25 by the projection 27 provided on the outer circumference of the actuating element 7 . This projection 27 is jammed with a Ge provided on the upper housing part 3 further projection 28 . This ensures that the closing part 15 is permanently depressed. The projection 29 provided on the side of the actuating element 7 assigned to the closing part 16 is exposed according to FIG. 2 and is not hooked to the corresponding further projection 30 on the upper housing part 3 . The release of the projections 27 and 28 is ensured in that the actuating element 7 is mounted with a slight play in its suspension, not shown in the figures.

Fig. 3, the distribution device 1 shown in Fig. 2 shows the so-called central position of the rocker-type actuating member 7 betae. The designation and the reference numerals of the parts shown in FIG. 3 correspond completely to those of FIG. 2, although only the air outlet 14 with its associated components is shown in FIG. 3.

Due to the position of the rocker actuating element 7 , both the air outlet 13 and the air outlet 14 are partially open, since both the line section 11 a and the line section 12 a are partially opened by the closing parts 15 and 16 , respectively. Both upper sides of the locking parts 15 and 16 are in contact with the associated projections 25 and 26 on the underside of the actuating element 7 and are in this "equilibrium position" by the weight of the actuating element 7 or by frictional forces between the outer sides of the actuating element 7 , in particular the projections 27 and 29 provided there and the inner surfaces of the upper housing part 3 are held.

Accordingly, 2 and 3, that with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 manifold pure Rich device 1 three different positions of the distribution device 1 can be achieved by the Fig. Considerably. For example, the air outlets 13 or 14 can be fully open when the other air outlet is completely closed, or both air outlets can be partially open at the same time, the actuating element 7 being located either in one of its end positions or in its central position.

Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section of the first quadratför shaped region of the housing 2 according to FIG. 1, the more precise construction of the air inlet 5 and the further air outlet 6th According to Fig. 4 of the connection piece 41 is placed an air supply hose, not shown in the air inlet. 5 The air flow from the blower unit is transported into the distributor device 1 via this connecting piece 41 or the air supply hose belonging to it.

Next on the top of the upper housing part 3 of the wide re air outlet 6 is shown, in which a further connection piece 42 of an associated accessory hose, not shown, can be introduced. This further air outlet 6 can be closed with the aid of a mushroom-shaped valve body 43 . This is achieved by a spring 44 engaging on the outer circumference of the valve body 43 , which is supported on the inside of the lower housing part 4 . The mushroom-shaped head of the valve body 43 is in particular formed elastically, so that a good seal of the air outlet 6 it is reachable. The connecting piece 42 of the accessory hose is formed on its underside in such a way that when the connecting piece 42 is inserted into the air outlet 6 when the valve mushroom 43 is pressed down, the air from the air chamber 45 provided under half of the air outlet 6 through the openings 46 provided in the connecting piece 42 into the Accessory tube can flow.

As already mentioned, the invention is not limited to use a rocker switch on an air distributor with a Air inlet and two air outlet operated by the rocker limited. For example, on the bottom of the rocker-provided housing part four through the wip pe regulated air outlets are available. Can prefer these four air outlets arranged in the manner of a rectangle his. By appropriate design in this case an actuation by the four side areas of a given otherwise also with a square surface trained wip pe and made through the four corner areas so that result in a total of nine actuation points. Will not be pages surface and no corner pressed, so are all four air out kick (partially) open. By pressing one side each assigned to the two on the opposite side Air outlets opened that assigned to the actuated side Air vents remain closed. When operating a corner the air outlet assigned to this corner remains closed, the remaining three air outlets are opened. In this way, a total of nine different massages settings, for example, for an air bubble bath reali be settled. Further embodiments of the invention are in analogously with a different number of air discharges and / or air intakes with the appropriate design of the  Actuator rocker can be constructed. Instead of one rocker two or more small or narrow rockers be seen, assigned to different functions are.

Claims (24)

1. Distribution device ( 1 ) for gases, in particular air distributor, for a sparkling device, with at least one air inlet ( 5 ) and at least two air outlets ( 13 , 14 ), with at least one rocker-shaped actuating element ( 7 ) for opening and closing the air outlets is provided. 2. Distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that the air inlet ( 5 ) via tubular or channel-shaped line sections ( 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, 12 b) with the air outlets ( 13 , 14 ) is connected. 3. Distribution device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an air chamber ( 45 ) is provided, into which the air inlet ( 5 ) leads and from the preference, also the line sections extend. 4. Distribution device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuating element ( 7 ) for opening and closing line sections ( 11 a, 12 a) is provided. 5. Distribution device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that locking parts, especially for opening and closing lines cut, are provided. 6. Distribution device according to claim 5, characterized in that plunger-shaped locking parts ( 15 , 16 ) are easily seen. 7. Distribution device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized characterized in that the locking parts against the Spring force can be applied to the closing direction are. 8. Distribution device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the tappet-shaped locking parts ( 15 , 16 ) on their inner circumference, preferably on a recess provided there ( 19 , 20 ) engaging compression spring ( 17 , 18 ). 9. Distribution device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that sealing elements ( 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ) for sealing the closing parts ( 15 , 16 ) are provided in particular ge compared to the line sections ( 11 a, 12 a). 10. Distribution device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the actuating element ( 7 ) on the inside or underside means, in particular before cracks ( 25 , 26 ), for preferably axial displacement of the locking parts ( 15 , 16 ). 11. Distribution device according to claim 10, characterized records that the displacement means in the the edges  assigned areas of the actuating element are seen. 12. Distribution device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distributor device has a housing ( 2 ) for receiving its components. 13. Distribution device according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) from an upper housing part ( 3 ) and a lower housing part ( 4 ) is constructed, in particular the upper housing part ( 3 ) is designed to receive the rocker-shaped actuating element ( 7 ). 14. Distribution device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 7 ), in particular on its outer circumference, has means for fixing the actuating element in its respective actuating position. 15. Distribution device according to claim 14, characterized in that it is in the means for fixing to projections ( 27 , 29 ) on the housing ( 2 ) of the United distributor device ( 1 ) clamped, in particular with further projections provided there ( 28 , 30 ) can be locked. 16. Distribution device according to one of the preceding An sayings, characterized in that the air intake as a holder for an air supply hose, esp special from the compressed air blower of an air bubble mas Sage device is formed. 17. Distribution device according to one of the preceding An sayings, characterized in that air leaks as  Connection for an air bubble massage body, in particular are designed for a bubble mat. 18. Distribution device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one additional air outlet ( 6 ), in particular on the air chamber ( 45 ), is provided which can be opened and closed independently of the rocker-shaped actuating element ( 7 ). 19. Distribution device according to claim 18, characterized in that the additional air outlet ( 6 ) by a mechanically opening, in particular mushroom-shaped valve body ( 43 ) can be closed. 20. Distribution device according to claim 19, characterized in that the valve body ( 43 ) can be acted upon in the closing direction by spring force, in particular by a spring ( 44 ) against the housing ( 2 ), in particular the interior of the housing upper part ( 3 ). 21. Distribution device according to one of the preceding An sayings, characterized in that the air vents on the sides or especially at the bottom of the Distribution device, in particular the housing of the Distribution device are arranged. 22. Distribution device according to one of the preceding An sayings, characterized in that the air intake and possibly additional air vents on the top of the Distribution device, in particular the housing of the Distribution device are arranged. 23. Distribution device according to one of the preceding An sayings, characterized in that the distributors  towards a bubble mat, especially in mind at least one mat element assigned to the foot end of the mat ment that can be integrated. 24. Air bubble massage device, in particular with a Bubble mat, characterized in that it has a ver divider device according to one of the preceding claims che or it has a distribution device is assignable to one of the preceding claims.