Shower device with augmentation device

Abstract

The invention provides a shower device with a volume increasing device. The invention relates to a shower device comprising a shower housing body (1) in which a main channel (2) for conducting a shower fluid from a fluid inlet side (3) to a fluid outlet side (4) is formed, and an augmentation device, the augmentation device is configured to allow selective adjustment to a normal amount of shower fluid or an increased amount greater by an additional amount than the normal amount of shower fluid that can be discharged on the fluid outlet side (4), the augmentation device having a user-actuatable augmentation valve. According to the invention, a fluid-acting unit (5) is arranged in the main channel, and the augmentation device comprises a bypass channel (6) bypassing the fluid-acting unit, leaving the main channel upstream of the fluid-acting unit and entering the main channel downstream of the fluid-acting unit, the user-actuatable augmentation valve is a bypass valve (7) for selectively blocking or opening the bypass passage. The shower can be used, for example, as a sanitary handheld shower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower device, comprising a shower housing body in which a main channel for guiding shower fluid from a fluid inlet side to a fluid outlet side is formed, and a boosting device configured to allow selective adjustment to a normal amount of shower fluid or an amount increased by an additional amount greater than the normal amount of shower fluid that can be discharged on the fluid outlet side, wherein the boosting device has a user-actuable boosting valve.

[0002] Such shower devices are particularly used as sanitary shower devices and, for example, as hand-held shower devices, wherein water usually serves as the shower fluid in this case. However, these shower devices are not suitable in the same way for non-sanitary shower applications in which any fluid is discharged as a shower stream.

[0003] In a normal type of operation (i.e. normal operating mode), the shower device can discharge shower fluid in a predetermined amount normal for this operating mode (i.e. normal amount). The normal amount is determined by the free useful passage cross section of the fluid guide upstream of the shower device and in the shower head up to the associated shower device outlet and by the fluid pressure of the shower fluid at and in the shower device.

[0004] In an operating mode, which in the present case is referred to as a special operating mode, the shower device can discharge shower fluid in an amount that is an additional amount higher than the normal amount (i.e. an increased amount or an enlarged amount) by means of the enlargement device. This can be used in showering situations where the user wishes to use relatively less water in the normal operating mode of the shower device (such as in the so-called water-saving mode of the shower device), but wishes to use a little more water or a stronger shower flow in the special operating mode in order to wash the hair or wash off the shower soap. Background Art

[0005] Patent publication DE 40 20 615 C2 discloses a shower device of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the device can in particular be a hygienic hand-held shower device, and wherein an enlargement valve comprises a valve chamber into which a fluid supply channel opens and from which a valve outlet structure exits, whose effective outlet cross section can be changed between a smaller cross section and a larger cross section by means of a valve closure body that can be actuated by the user and that is movable, since the valve closure body completely opens the outlet cross section in one position and at least partially blocks the outlet cross section in another position. In this case, the enlargement valve automatically switches from an actuation position, into which the user can bring the valve starting from the initial position, back to the initial position. Depending on the system layout, in this shower device, when it is in the initial position of the enlargement valve, the shower fluid is discharged in a normal amount or in an increased amount. Summary of the invention

[0006] The basic technical problem solved by the invention is to provide a shower device of the type mentioned at the outset which can be realized with relatively low manufacturing effort and which facilitates the selective discharge of shower fluid in a normal amount or in a relatively large increased amount in a functionally reliable and simple manner, the device comprising at the same time functional components which act on the shower fluid but cannot impair the increased discharge of shower fluid.

[0007] The invention solves this problem by providing a shower device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims, the wording of which is hereby expressly incorporated into the description by reference. In particular, this also includes all embodiments of the invention resulting from the combination of the features defined by the preceding references in the dependent claims.

[0008] In the shower device according to the invention, the fluid action unit (i.e. the component of the shower device that acts on the flowing fluid) is arranged in the main channel. In other words, the shower device includes the fluid action unit or the like. Here, the component can be any common component of this type, such as a flow regulator, a particle screen, a filter, a component for mixing additives into the shower fluid, a backflow preventer, an aerator, etc.

[0009] The enlargement device comprises a bypass channel bypassing the fluid action unit, which bypass channel leaves the main channel upstream of the fluid action unit and enters the main channel downstream of the fluid action unit. This means that the bypass channel bypasses the section of the main channel containing the fluid action unit. The user-actuable enlargement valve is a bypass valve for selectively blocking or opening the bypass channel, i.e. it is a shut-off valve or blocking valve located in the bypass channel.

[0010] By means of this relatively easy-to-implement design, the enlargement device makes it possible for the user to allow shower fluid to flow not only through the section of the main channel in which the fluid action unit is located, but also through the bypass channel. If the bypass channel is closed, this corresponds to a normal operating mode, in which the enlargement device discharges shower fluid in a normal amount, which is guided through the main channel containing the fluid action unit located inside it. When the bypass channel is open, this corresponds to a special operating mode, in which the enlargement device provides shower fluid in an increased amount that is greater than the normal amount by an additional amount, wherein the additional amount is the amount of shower fluid guided through the bypass channel. Here, the shower fluid guided through the bypass channel remains unaffected by the fluid action unit located in the main channel.

[0011] In this way, with the shower device according to the invention, shower fluid can be selectively discharged only in normal quantity through the main channel or in a larger increased quantity with additional fluid conducted through the bypass channel, with the associated manufacturing outlay being relatively low and the function being reliable.

[0012] In a development of the invention, the fluid action unit comprises a flow restriction element. This element has a flow restriction effect in a defined, prescribable manner in a known manner and thereby has a quantity restriction effect on the fluid guided in the main channel, for example in order to achieve a water-saving function. If more shower fluid is desired in certain circumstances, an appropriate additional fluid quantity is guided through a bypass channel that bypasses the flow restriction element. In an alternative embodiment, different fluid action units are arranged in the main channel, for example a particle screen, a filter, a backflow preventer, an aerator, an additive supply component, etc., wherein the fluid action unit may also comprise any combination of several of these components.

[0013] In a modified form of the invention, the shower device is designed as a handheld shower device, wherein the bypass valve is arranged on the handle portion of the shower housing body. Here, the handheld shower device can be a shower device used in a shower room or bathroom, or it can be a kitchen spray handle in a kitchen sink. The shower head with an associated spray outlet, which is usually connected to the handle portion, can be separated from the bypass valve in the process. In addition, when the handle portion of the shower housing body is usually held in one hand, it is advantageous for the bypass valve to be arranged on the handle portion for the operator to use. In an alternative embodiment, the bypass valve is arranged on the shower head portion.

[0014] In a development of the invention, the shower device is configured as a hand-held shower device and the bypass channel extends for the majority of its channel length in the handle portion of the shower housing body, wherein, in particular, this includes the case where the entire length of the bypass channel extends in the handle portion. The bypass channel can be located, for example, in a water guide body that is pushed into an outer handle shell of the handle portion as an insert. It is advantageous, but not necessary, to combine the arrangement of the bypass channel in the handle portion with the arrangement of the bypass channel on the handle portion of the housing body. In an alternative embodiment, the bypass channel can, for example, extend completely or mostly in the shower head portion of the shower device.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the main channel of the shower device extends through the handle portion in a radially inner region of the handle portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the handle portion, while the bypass channel is located in a region of the handle portion radially between the main channel and the outside of the handle portion. This represents the configuration of the fluid guide for many shower device embodiments together with the main channel and the bypass channel. For the purpose of opening and blocking the bypass valve, it may also be advantageous to arrange the bypass channel in a region radially offset outwardly relative to the center region of the handle portion for the arrangement of the bypass valve. In contrast, in an alternative embodiment, the bypass channel may be radially offset outwardly, for example, in a radially inner region of the handle portion and the main channel, if this is beneficial for the corresponding application.

[0016] In a modified form of the invention, the bypass valve comprises a self-retaining closed position and a self-reversing open position. The self-retaining closed position means that the bypass valve remains in its closed position, which blocks the bypass valve, as long as the user does not actuate the bypass valve. The self-reversing open position means that the bypass valve reverses to its closed position alone when the bypass valve has been actuated by the user to its open position and the user has ended the actuation. The advantage of this measure is that the shower device automatically reverses back to its normal operating mode when the shower device has been switched to a special operating mode by the user. On the contrary, in an alternative embodiment, the closed position of the bypass valve can be designed to be self-reversing and the open position self-retaining, if this is beneficial for the associated application. In a further alternative embodiment, both the closed position and the open position can be designed to be self-retaining, so that in this case, when the user decides to bring the bypass valve from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position, he always has to actively actuate the bypass valve.

[0017] In a refinement of the invention, the bypass valve comprises a valve opening and a user-actuable movable valve cover which cooperates with the valve opening in an open and closed manner. This represents a technically simple and functionally reliable embodiment of a bypass valve which is sufficient for many applications. In alternative embodiments, the bypass valve may be designed in a different conventional manner, for example using a more complex design of the valve closure body and associated valve opening or associated valve seat.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the valve cover is held (ie mounted) to be pivotally movable. Such movement kinematics is relatively simple to implement and functionally safe. Alternatively, the valve cover can be held movably in different ways, for example, translatorily movable or rotatably movable.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the valve cover is kinematically coupled to an actuating element, wherein the actuating element is an element actuated directly by a user in order to actuate the valve (i.e., a user interface of the bypass valve). In particular, the actuating element may be a button, or alternatively a different conventional actuating element, such as a rotating knob or a pulling knob. The kinematic coupling results in the actuating element activated by the user initiating the movement of the valve cover required to achieve the desired valve function.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is coupled to the valve cover via a leaf spring element. Here, the leaf spring element can be deformed by the actuating element from a self-retaining initial position to a self-reversing actuating position. Therefore, the resilience properties of the leaf spring element provide the advantage for this embodiment, i.e. the bypass valve can be automatically reversed from its open position to its closed position without the user having to actively activate it. Instead, it is sufficient for the user to simply release the actuating element again. On the other hand, the user can overcome the spring force of the leaf spring element in order to thereby bring the valve cover from the initial position to the actuating position. In an alternative embodiment, the valve cover is coupled to the actuating element in a different conventional manner, for example via a rod connection, a ring gear connection, etc.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the valve cover is designed in one piece together with the leaf spring element. This facilitates the production of the leaf spring element and the valve cover as a single component in a simple manner and also avoids assembly work for coupling the valve cover to the leaf spring element during the manufacture of the shower device. In an alternative embodiment, the valve cover constitutes a separate component independent of the leaf spring element and is coupled to the leaf spring element when the shower device is assembled.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the leaf spring element is supported at two bearing points separated in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring element and in this case is rotationally held at least at the first of the two bearing points. The actuating element is configured to act on a force application region of the leaf spring element in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring element, which region is located between the two mounting positions. Here, the valve cover is kinematically coupled to the leaf spring element in the first mounting position of the leaf spring element. This represents a very advantageous embodiment of an actuating configuration for the valve cover.

[0023] If necessary, this embodiment makes it possible to support the leaf spring element and to actuate the leaf spring element by the actuation force of the user in such a way that the leaf spring element jumps or changes between the concave curvature and the convex curvature when the leaf spring element is actuated between its initial position and its actuation position. This allows the user to hold the bypass valve in the actuation position with a lower holding force than is required to actuate the bypass valve from the initial position (i.e. the closed position) to the actuation position (i.e. the open position). Despite this transformation of the leaf spring element, if necessary, the actuation position (i.e. the open position) of the bypass valve can also be designed to be self-reversing in this case. In an alternative embodiment, the leaf spring element is supported or clamped, for example, on only one side and can be elastically moved, in particular pivotally deformed, at its other end region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are indicated in the accompanying drawings. These and other advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below. In this regard, it is shown as follows: Figure 1 A perspective view showing a shower device according to the present invention, Figure 2 A schematic partial longitudinal sectional view showing the part of the shower device according to the invention which is of current interest in this case, with the bypass valve in the closed position, and Figure 3 Shown with the bypass valve open Figure 2 of the view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The shower device according to the invention can be a hygienic shower device, alternatively a shower device for non-hygienic applications, in which it is necessary to provide a shower flow consisting of a specific shower fluid. In this case, the shower device according to the invention can be a handheld shower device for a shower cabin or a bathtub, such as, for example, Figure 1 As shown in the figure, alternatively it is an overhead shower or a side shower in a shower cubicle or a kitchen shower. Figure 1 The handheld shower device shown in comprises a shower housing body 1 having a handle portion 1a and a shower head portion 1b connected thereto. The shower fluid may be any fluid, depending on the application, typically water in sanitary applications.

[0026] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The part of interest here of a water guide body 1 ' of a shower device according to the invention for an exemplary embodiment is shown here in longitudinal section. For example, the water guide body 1 ' can be inserted into Figure 1The shower housing body 1 may include a structure corresponding to the water guide body 1', which is integrally fixed inside the shower housing body, in particular, inside the handle part 1a thereof. As another alternative, the water guide body 1' may be inserted into the handle part of a different shower device, or into different components of the shower device thus constructed according to the present invention.

[0027] As from Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, a main channel 2 for guiding shower fluid from a fluid inlet side 3 to a fluid outlet side 4 is designed in a shower housing body 1 of a shower device according to the invention. In the example shown, the shower housing body 1 and / or the water guiding body 1' comprises a screw-in connection thread 14 on the fluid inlet side 3, to which a fluid supply hose can be connected. The shower device also comprises an enlargement device, which is configured to allow selective adjustment to a normal amount of shower liquid or an increased amount of an additional amount greater than the normal amount of shower liquid that can be discharged on the liquid outlet side 4, the enlargement device having an enlargement valve that can be actuated by a user.

[0028] The fluid action unit 5 is arranged in the main channel 2. The enlargement device comprises a bypass channel 6 which bypasses the fluid action unit 5, which bypass channel leaves the main channel 2 upstream of the fluid action unit 5 and enters the main channel 2 downstream of the fluid action unit 5. The user-actuable enlargement valve is a bypass valve 7 for selectively blocking or opening the bypass channel 6, wherein the bypass valve 7 is Figure 2 is shown in the closed position and in Figure 3 Shown in the open position.

[0029] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 , the components and structural embodiments of the enlargement device for the exemplary example are shown. Of course, this embodiment of the enlargement device is not limited to Figure 1 The shower device shown in FIG. 1 , i.e. this particular embodiment of the enlargement device, can also be used for other embodiments of the shower device according to the invention. It should also be understood that the shower device according to the invention with the embodiment of the enlargement device is not limited to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The specific embodiment seen in .

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the fluid action unit 5 comprises, as in the example shown, a flow restriction element 8. Optionally, the fluid action unit 5 comprises one or more further conventional components not shown here, such as a throttle element, a particle screen, a backflow preventer, an aerator element or a unit for mixing additives into the shower fluid guided in the main channel 2. As a further alternative, the fluid action unit 5 may comprise one or more such components without a flow restriction element 8.

[0031] Typically, the flow restriction element 8 serves to limit the free flow cross section of the main channel 2 through which the shower fluid can flow, and thus the amount or flow rate of the shower fluid flowing in the main channel 2, to a degree that can be set by the flow restriction element 8. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid action unit 5 comprises a throttling element which narrows the flux, i.e. the flow cross section of the main channel, sufficiently to allow only a small amount of fluid to still pass through, thereby providing a shower flow of dripping or a weak spray.

[0032] When the bypass valve 7 is keeping the bypass passage 6 closed, Figure 2 , the shower fluid flows only from the fluid inlet side 3 of the shower device through the main channel 2 to the fluid outlet side 4. In the present case, without any general restrictions, this operating state in which the bypass channel is blocked is referred to as the normal operating mode, and the amount of shower fluid flowing through the main channel 2 (which includes the amount flowing through the area including the fluid action unit 5) is referred to as the normal amount.

[0033] When the bypass valve 7 is brought from this closed position to its open position (which opens the bypass channel 6) by a corresponding user actuation, as Figure 3 , shower fluid also flows through the bypass channel 6, so that in this case the amount of shower fluid that can be discharged on the fluid outlet side 4 is greater than the normal amount of shower fluid that flows through the main channel 2 in the region of the fluid action unit 5 bypassed by the bypass valve 6 by the additional amount that flows through the bypass channel 7. In this case, too, without any general restrictions, this operating state in which the bypass channel 6 is open is also referred to as a special operating mode.

[0034] In the corresponding embodiment, Figure 1 The shower device shown in the example of is a hand-held shower device. Here, the bypass valve 7 is arranged on the handle part 1a of the shower housing body 1 and / or most of the channel length of the bypass channel 6 extends in the handle part 1a. In the example shown, both alternatives can be implemented. Preferably, the bypass channel 6 extends completely (i.e. with its entire channel length) in the handle part 1a, as in the example shown.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the main channel 2 extends through the handle part 1a in a radially inner region of the handle part 1a substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis LG of the handle part 1a, and the bypass channel 6 is located in the region of the handle part 1a radially between the main channel 2 and the outer side 9 of the handle part 1a, as in the example shown.

[0036] In a corresponding embodiment, as in the example shown, the bypass valve 7 comprises a self-retaining closed position and a self-reversing open position. This means that the bypass valve 7 keeps the bypass channel 6 closed if the user does not actuate it, and when it has been actuated by the user to its open position, the bypass valve 7 automatically reverses to its closed position without the user having to actively actuate it, and then the user ends the actuation again.

[0037] In a corresponding embodiment, as in the example shown, the bypass valve 7 comprises a valve opening 10 and a movable valve cover 11 which cooperates therewith in a user-actuable opening and closing manner. In other words, in this case, the valve cover 11 forms a movable valve closure body for the bypass valve 7, wherein the user can change the closure body between a closed position and an open position.

[0038] Optionally, a common seal is arranged on the valve opening 10, for example as a valve seat for the valve cover 11, in the example shown an O-ring seal 16. Additionally or alternatively, the valve cover 11 can be provided with a seal on its side facing the valve opening 10.

[0039] In a corresponding embodiment, the valve cover 11 is held so as to be pivotally movable, as in the example shown. Additionally or alternatively, the valve cover 11 is movably coupled to an actuating element 12 of the enlargement device and / or the bypass valve 7, also as implemented in the example shown. The actuating element 12 can be any common valve actuating element, in particular a button 12', as shown in the example. The user presses the button 12' to move the bypass valve 7 from the position according to Figure 2 The extended position opens to Figure 3 Alternatively, the actuating element 12 may be, for example, a pull-out knob, a rotation knob, a toggle lever, an actuating slide mechanism, or the like.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, as in the example shown, the actuating element 12 is coupled to the valve cover via an enlargement device and / or a leaf spring element 13 of the bypass valve 7, wherein the leaf spring element 13 can be deformed from a self-retaining initial position into a self-reversing actuating position by the actuating element 12. This means that if the leaf spring element 13 is not deformed into an actuating position by a user using the actuating element 12, the leaf spring element 13 remains in its initial position, and if and as soon as the user no longer exerts any actuating influence on the leaf spring element 13, the leaf spring element 13 automatically reverses again from its actuating position into its initial position without any active user actuating influence. This gives the leaf spring element 13 the ability to initiate a self-reversal of the bypass valve 7 from its open position into its closed position.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the valve cover 11 is produced in one piece with the leaf spring element 13 , ie the two components are single-component elements and therefore do not need to be mounted to each other during the manufacture of the shower device.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, as in the example shown, the leaf spring element 13 is held clamped at two mounting positions 13a, 13b separated from each other in its longitudinal direction LB, the leaf spring element being held rotationally movable at a first mounting position 13a of its two mounting positions 13a, 13b. For this purpose, the actuating element 12 is configured to act on a force application region 13c of the leaf spring element 13 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction LB of the leaf spring element 13, which region is located between the two mounting positions 13a, 13b. The valve cover 11 is kinematically coupled to the leaf spring element 13 at the first mounting position 13a of the leaf spring element 13.

[0043] For this purpose, the mounting locations 13a, 13b are supported on bearings 15a, 15b formed in the shower housing body 1, so that the respective combination of the mounting locations 13a, 13b and the bearings 15a, 15b of the leaf spring element 13 forms a fixed bearing which allows a local rotational movement of the leaf spring element 13 at the respective mounting locations 13a, 13b. In the example shown, the leaf spring element 13 and the bearings 15a, 15b are arranged in the bypass channel 6 and / or in a receiving chamber which is fluidically connected to the bypass channel 6 and are therefore located in the shower fluid during operation of the shower device, i.e. the shower fluid surrounds them.

[0044] This structural design of the combination of leaf spring element 13 and actuating element 12 contributes to a functionally safe actuation behavior of actuating bypass valve 7 in a user-friendly manner. If the user applies an actuation force on leaf spring element 13 using actuating element 12 in a force application region 13c transverse to the longitudinal direction LB of leaf spring element 13, the result is a corresponding deformation of leaf spring element 13 between its two mounting positions 13a, 13b and at least in its first rotatably held mounting position 13a. The latter then causes the desired movement of valve cover 11 coupled to first mounting position 13a of leaf spring element 13.

[0045] As required, the leaf spring element 13 can be made of a suitable plastic or metal material, and the same applies to the valve cover 11 which is coupled to the leaf spring element and optionally designed in one piece with the leaf spring element.

[0046] When properly designed and supported, the actuation of the leaf spring element 13 (especially as Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) involves switching the leaf spring element 13 between a convex profile in the valve opening position or the valve closing position and a concave profile in the valve closing position or the valve opening position, respectively. This can provide the user with beneficial actuation kinematics and promote a tactile response via valve actuation. Furthermore, in this case, if necessary, the holding force with which the user can use the actuation element 12 to keep the bypass valve 7 in the open position can become smaller than the actuation force that the user has to apply in order to switch the bypass valve 7 from its closed position to its open position. Higher actuation forces are required to switch the leaf spring element 13 from one curvature profile to another curvature profile and are particularly dependent on the clamping of the leaf spring element 13 between the supports 15a, 15b.

[0047] In the example shown, the inlet-side section 6a of the bypass channel 6 departs from an upstream section of the main channel 2 parallel to the main channel 2, which upstream section has a larger diameter, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the hose connection thread 14 is formed on this section. In an alternative embodiment, the bypass channel 6 can also branch from the main channel 2 transversely relative to the main channel 2, such as for use Figure 2 and Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a channel profile 6'a is indicated by a dashed line in FIG.

[0048] The outlet-side section 6b of the bypass channel 6 reenters the main channel 6 transversely to the main channel 6 downstream of the region containing the bypass fluid action unit 5. The central channel section 6c of the bypass channel 6, which is located in the middle, again extends substantially parallel to the main channel 6. The valve opening 10, which can be blocked by a valve cover 11, is located on the inlet side of the outlet-side section 6b of the bypass channel 6, which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the main channel 6.

[0049] In a corresponding embodiment, the actuating element 12 (a button in the example shown) is arranged on the handle portion 1a of the shower housing body 1, which element preferably has an actuating direction extending transversely relative to the longitudinal center axis LG of the handle portion 1a. This contributes to the advantageous and simple operability of the actuating element 12 by the user, who typically grasps the hand-held shower device at the handle portion 1a with one hand. In this case, the user can actuate the actuating element 12 with one or more fingers of the hand grasping the handle portion 1a, in particular with his thumb or index finger.

[0050] Optionally, the leaf spring element 13 is slotted or provided with a guide groove into which the guide element engages so that the leaf spring element 12 is guided during its deformation movement between its initial position, ie valve closing position, and its actuated position, ie valve opening position.

[0051] As demonstrated by the exemplary embodiments shown above and the further exemplary embodiments explained, the invention provides a shower device which is advantageous for increasing the shower fluid discharged from the shower device, which can be activated by the user in a manner which is advantageous in terms of its manufacture and function.

Claims

1. A shower device, preferably a sanitary shower device, comprising: a shower housing body (1) in which a main channel (2) is formed for conducting shower fluid from a fluid inlet side (3) to a fluid outlet side (4), and an increasing device configured to allow selective adjustment to a normal amount of the shower fluid or to an increased amount by an additional amount greater than the normal amount of the shower fluid that can be discharged on the fluid outlet side (4), the increasing device having a user-actuable increasing valve, Features - a fluid action unit (5) is arranged in the main channel, the enlargement device comprises a bypass channel (6) bypassing the fluid action unit (5), the bypass channel (6) leaving the main channel (2) upstream of the fluid action unit (5) and entering the main channel (2) downstream of the fluid action unit (5), and - The user-actuable enlargement valve is a bypass valve (7) for selectively blocking or opening the bypass channel (6).

2. The shower device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: The fluid action unit (5) comprises a flow restriction element (8).

3. The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that: The shower device is a handheld shower device, wherein the bypass valve (7) is arranged on the handle portion (1a) of the shower housing body (1) and / or most of the channel length of the bypass channel (6) extends in the handle portion (1a).

4. The shower device according to claim 3, further characterized in that: The main channel (2) extends through the handle part (1a) in a radially inner region of the handle part (1a) substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis (LG) of the handle part (1a), and the bypass channel (6) is located in a region of the handle part (1a) radially between the main channel (2) and the outer side (9) of the handle part (1a).

5. The shower device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further characterized in that: The bypass valve (7) comprises a self-retaining closed position and a self-reversing open position.

6. The shower device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further characterized in that: The bypass valve (7) comprises a valve opening (10) and a user-actuatable movable valve cover (11) which cooperates with the valve opening in an opening and closing manner.

7. The shower device according to claim 6, further characterized in that: The valve cover (11) is held pivotably movable and / or is movably coupled to an actuating element (12), which is preferably a push button.

8. The shower device according to claim 7, further characterized in that: The actuating element (12) is coupled to the valve cover (11) via a leaf spring element (13), wherein the leaf spring element (13) can be deformed by the actuating element (12) from a self-retaining starting position to a self-reversing actuating position.

9. The shower device according to claim 8, further characterized in that: The valve cover (11) is formed in one piece with the leaf spring element (13).

10. The shower device according to claim 8 or 9, further characterized in that: - the leaf spring element (13) is mounted at two mounting positions (13a, 13b) separated from each other in its longitudinal direction (LB) and is held rotationally movably at a first mounting position (13a) of the two mounting positions (13a, 13b), - the actuating element (12) is configured to act on a force application region (13c) of the leaf spring element (13) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (LB) of the leaf spring element (13), said region being located between the two mounting positions (13a, 13b), and The valve cover (11) is movably coupled to the leaf spring element (13) in the first mounting position (13a) of the leaf spring element (13).

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