Device for switching flow path of liquid of bathroom shower head

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for switching a flow path (2) of a liquid of a bathroom shower head (3), comprising at least: a housing (4) having at least one inlet (5) and a plurality of outlets (6, 7, 8), each outlet (6, 7, 8) having an outlet inlet (9, 10, 11) with a seal (12); and a switching element (13) having at least one through-hole (14, 15), which lies against the seal (12) and is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (16) for switching the flow path (2), such that the at least one through-hole (14, 15) selectively fluidically connects the inflow (5) to one of the outflow (6, 7, 8); wherein the device (1) has an energy storage element (17) which presses the switching element (13) against the seal (12) along the axis of rotation (16), wherein the device (1) has a stationary stop (18) which limits a displacement of the switching element (13) along the rotational axis (16) towards the seal (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for switching the flow path of liquid in a bathroom shower head. Such a shower head is particularly suitable for bathroom fittings that provide liquid on demand, such as in showers, bathtubs, sinks, or washbasins. Background Technology

[0002] Bathroom showerheads are known to be used in bathroom fittings, which allow liquids, especially water, to be output in different jet patterns (e.g., normal jet, water jet, massage jet, rain jet, etc.). To create different jet patterns, bathroom showerheads typically have different jet formers. To create a specific jet pattern, liquid must be directed from the inlet of the showerhead to one of its jet formers via a piping system. For this purpose, valves are arranged in the piping system. Due to the liquid pressure within the showerhead, operating these valves usually requires a large operating force. Furthermore, the operating force is often dependent on the liquid pressure. This reduces the operating comfort of the bathroom showerhead.

[0003] An apparatus is known from DE 10 2021 114 029 A1, in which switching is performed between different jet formers by means of rotatable switching elements. The switching elements cooperate with annular seals, each extending around a different outflow inlet.

[0004] It has been confirmed that in such devices, the operating torque (i.e., the operating torque used to rotate the switching element) changes as the operating pressure of the delivered liquid increases. Furthermore, especially at low operating pressures, it is impossible to prevent the liquid from flowing laterally into unselected outlets and jet formers. This results in noticeable flow noise, particularly at increased flow rates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described in conjunction with the prior art, and in particular to provide a device that improves the operating comfort of a bathroom shower head and minimizes lateral liquid flow. Furthermore, flow noise should be reduced as much as possible.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the means according to the features of the independent claim. Other advantageous designs of the means are given in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in any technically reasonable manner and define other designs of the invention. Furthermore, the features given in the claims are described and explained in more detail in the specification, while other preferred designs of the invention are shown.

[0007] A device for switching the flow path of liquid in a bathroom shower head helps to achieve this purpose, and the device has at least the following components:

[0008] - A housing having at least one inlet and a plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet has an outlet inlet with a seal; and

[0009] - A switching element having at least one through hole, the switching element being abutted against a seal and supported in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis, for switching the flow path, such that at least one through hole fluidly communicates the inlet with a corresponding one of at least two outlets depending on the selection.

[0010] The device includes an energy storage element that presses the switching element against the seal along the rotation axis; and a fixed stop that restricts the displacement of the switching element toward the seal along the rotation axis.

[0011] Bathroom showerheads can be connected to bathroom fittings, for example, via hoses and / or pipes. Bathroom fittings are used to provide liquids, especially water, on demand, such as in showers, bathtubs, sinks, or washbasins. This device can be at least partially incorporated into a bathroom showerhead. Bathroom showerheads can be designed, for example, as handheld showerheads and / or overhead showerheads and / or shower heads.

[0012] The device includes a housing having at least one inlet, through which it can be connected to a liquid source, such as a bathroom fixture. The housing can be, for example, a (one-piece or multi-piece) injection-molded plastic part (especially at least partially a multi-component injection-molded part), through which liquid flowing in through the at least one inlet can be conveyed to multiple outlets. For this purpose, at least one flow path is constructed in the housing, through which liquid can be conveyed from the inlet to each of the multiple outlets. For example, the housing can have two to six outlets, preferably three. Each outlet can, in particular, lead to a jet former for realizing a specific jet pattern of the bathroom showerhead. Thus, by switching the flow path to a specific outlet, a specific jet pattern of the bathroom showerhead can be activated. Furthermore, each outlet can be designed in the form of a channel and extend from an outlet inlet to an outlet outlet in the device. The outlet inlets can be distributed around the rotation axis of the switching element, especially uniformly distributed and / or circularly distributed. In the case of three outflow inlets, these outflow inlets can be arranged, for example, staggered by 120° around the rotation axis of the switching element.

[0013] To switch flow paths, the device has a switching element. The switching element may be at least partially designed in the form of a switching disc (generally flat and / or circular). Furthermore, the switching element may, in particular, be attached to the seal by utilizing its flat surface and / or outflow side.

[0014] Each outlet inlet has a seal. Liquid can enter each outlet through the outlet inlet. Each outlet inlet has a seal with at least one sealing lip. Therefore, the seal can be designed in the form of a known lip seal. The seal or at least one sealing lip can be at least partially made of an elastic material, such as rubber. At least one sealing lip can extend at least partially parallel, orthogonal, and / or obliquely to the central axis of the seal. For example, at least one sealing lip can extend at an angle of 20° to 70° with respect to the central axis.

[0015] The sealing lip can be inclined against the switching element. In particular, the sealing lip can be inclined against the outflow side of the switching element. This can mean that the sealing lip is not flat against the switching element, but rather is applied to the switching element in a linear or annular manner using the sealing surface.

[0016] The sealing lip may have a free space into which it can be bent. For example, the free space may be designed as a (circumferential) recess and / or a (circumferential) groove. Furthermore, the free space may be formed, in particular, in the (outer) circumferential surface of the seal.

[0017] The cross-section of the seal can be (especially in the area of ​​the sealing lip) at least partially designed to be V-shaped. This can also mean that the cross-section of the seal is neither circular nor triangular.

[0018] The sealing lip can be pressed against the switching element due to liquid. This in particular means that the seal and sealing lip are arranged so that they can come into contact with the liquid when the device is used.

[0019] A seal can be arranged in a receiving cavity, which communicates with at least one inlet. The receiving cavity is particularly in fluid communication with at least one inlet. This specifically means that, when using the device, liquid can flow into the receiving cavity from at least one inlet. The receiving cavity is particularly constructed within a housing or in a lower part of the housing. The receiving cavity can communicate with at least one inlet through at least one gap between the housing and the circumferential surface of the switching element. The at least one gap is particularly designed to be annular, i.e., designed to surround the axis of rotation. When using the device, liquid can flow into the receiving cavity through at least one gap. In this case, the liquid flowing into the receiving cavity through the at least one gap can cause the sealing lip to press against the switching element (specifically against the outflow side of the switching element).

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, at least one through-hole of the switching element can be designed such that, during use of the device, liquid can flow into the receiving cavity through at least one through-hole in each rotational position of the switching element. For this purpose, the size of the at least one through-hole can be designed such that the opening of the through-hole extends beyond the seal at least on the outflow side (when the through-hole is aligned with the seal). Thus, the liquid pressure can act on the sealing lip from both sides, thereby minimizing the influence of the liquid pressure on the operating torque required to rotate the switching element about its rotational axis.

[0021] The switching element is specifically designed to abut against the sealing lip on its outflow side and is supported in the housing in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis in order to switch flow paths. Specifically, the switching element is rotatable about the rotation axis such that its through-hole aligns with the outflow inlet of the outflow section to be connected to the inflow section. Thus, liquid can flow into the corresponding outflow section through the through-hole of the switching element. Outflow inlets of outflow sections not aligned with the through-hole of the switching element are closed because the switching element abuts against the sealing lip of the seal, preventing liquid from flowing into the corresponding outflow section. In particular, only one outflow section can be opened at a time by the switching element, while the remaining outflow sections are closed by the switching element.

[0022] When switching flow paths, the flow rate should not be reduced to zero. In particular, when switching flow paths, the flow rate should only change slightly, preferably fluctuating by at most 50%, more preferably by at most 25%, or even by at most 5%, or even without fluctuation. To achieve such flow conditions, the specific distribution or arrangement and design of the orifices or outlet inlets of the switching element can be adjusted accordingly.

[0023] The energy storage element is in particular a spring, such as a tension spring or a compression spring, which can be implemented as a helical spring, a disc spring, etc. However, the energy storage element can also be implemented as an elastically deformable rubber element, as long as the required energy can be stored in the energy storage element by displacement or deformation of the energy storage element and released again when needed (with the lowest possible loss).

[0024] In particular, the energy storage element is installed in the housing of the device in a pre-tightened manner, so that even when the liquid pressure of the liquid input through the inlet is low, the switching element is pressed against the seal of the outlet inlet with minimal clamping force.

[0025] If the pressure of the input liquid increases, this pressure causes the switching element to press more tightly against the seal, thereby increasing the operating torque required to rotate the switching element. For this reason, the present invention provides a fixed stop that restricts the displacement of the switching element along the rotation axis toward the seal, thereby limiting the clamping force of the switching element on the seal to a maximum clamping force.

[0026] The stop is fixed in position, especially relative to the axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation. Fixed position specifically means that the stop will not yield under pressure in the device (i.e., the stop will not shift axially).

[0027] Especially at low liquid pressures, the energy storage element ensures minimal clamping force of the switching element on the seal. Especially at high liquid pressures, the stop limits the maximum clamping force of the switching element on the seal. Therefore, fluctuations in the operating torque required to rotate the switching element can be limited.

[0028] Therefore, the switching element is always pressed against the seal with a clamping force, which includes a minimum clamping force, a maximum clamping force, and a range in between. This clamping force can be adjusted by selecting the energy storage element and the position of the stop (as well as selecting a suitable seal geometry).

[0029] The pressure generated during device operation limits the operating torque required to rotate the switching element to be kept as constant as possible, and ensures that the sealing effect between the seal and the switching element (at the unselected outflow inlet) is always reliable, thereby preventing lateral flow.

[0030] In particular, the energy storage element is implemented as a (compression) spring, which is supported on the adjustment knob in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The switching element can be adjusted in a circumferential direction extending around the axis of rotation by adjusting the knob.

[0031] In particular, the stop is implemented as a sliding support. The sliding support has a surface with the lowest possible coefficient of friction. Therefore, the relative movement of the components abutting the sliding support (in this case, the switching element, which abuts the stop and is rotated here if necessary to select another outlet) should be as frictionless as possible, so that the resistance to this movement generated by the sliding support is as small as possible. Suitable materials (especially for the material pair of the stop / switching element) are basically known, especially suitable plastic materials.

[0032] In particular, at least one seal (preferably all seals arranged at the outlet inlet) is designed to be annular, and has an annular body and an annular sealing lip extending from the annular body toward the switching element. The annular body is arranged in an annular groove in the housing and is supported on the inner and outer walls respectively along its entire circumference in directions extending transversely to the axis of rotation. This support in all directions extending transversely to the axis of rotation of the switching element is particularly advantageous for the frictional forces acting on or applied to the seal when the switching element rotates relative to the seal.

[0033] The groove allows for the installation of the corresponding sealing ring with high positional accuracy. Furthermore, the wall ensures the shape stability of the seal and prevents displacement of the seal, especially due to frictional forces.

[0034] In particular, at least one through hole has an inflow geometry surrounding the through hole structure, the inflow geometry being at least partially implemented as a slope that continuously widens toward the inflow and partially implemented as a sharp edge.

[0035] The inflow geometry is particularly positioned on the inflow-facing side of the switching element. The continuously widening ramp towards the inflow can be formed by straight lines or have a curved orientation. A design with sharp edges (i.e., a small radius of less than 0.5 mm, especially less than 0.1 mm) can particularly prevent or reduce the formation of eddies in the liquid flowing into the inflow, thereby reducing flow noise and increasing the flow capacity of the through-hole.

[0036] In particular, the switching element and the housing form two rotation angle limiting sections, which are arranged 180 degrees offset from each other in the circumferential direction extending about the rotation axis. This symmetrical arrangement of the rotation angle limiting sections (with corresponding limiting surfaces opposite each other at the switching element and the housing) enables a very precise definition of the end position of the switching element. Furthermore, by avoiding tolerance chains, manufacturing-related deviations can be reduced. This design also reduces or even prevents lateral flow between the outlet sections.

[0037] In particular, the switching element has two through holes and the device has three outlets, wherein the switching element switches the flow path (from one outlet to another) every 60 degrees of rotation around the rotation axis.

[0038] In particular, the two through holes (of the switching element) each have an inflow geometry surrounding the through hole, at least facing the inflow portion (i.e., on the inflow side / outflow side of the switching element), wherein the inflow geometry is designed to be different from each other. In particular, for example, only one of the through holes has an inflow geometry with a sharp edge.

[0039] In particular, on the outflow side of the switching element facing the seal, the through-hole has a slightly rounded transition portion from the through-hole to the outflow side. This transition portion has a radius of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. This rounded transition portion should, on the one hand, prevent damage to the seal, but on the other hand, enable the sealing required when switching flow paths.

[0040] In particular, one through hole can be fluidly connected to two outflow sections, while the other through hole can only be fluidly connected to one outflow section. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The present invention and its technical environment will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings illustrate particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Here, the same components in the figures are given the same reference numerals. Wherein, exemplarily and schematically:

[0042] Figure 1 A bathroom shower head with a device for switching the flow path is shown in a longitudinal perspective view;

[0043] Figure 2 The device at low liquid pressure is shown in a longitudinal sectional view;

[0044] Figure 3 The longitudinal sectional view shows the situation at higher liquid pressures. Figure 2 Device;

[0045] Figure 4 The longitudinal section view shows the results according to Figure 3 Details of the device;

[0046] Figure 5 The perspective view shows the results based on Figure 4 The details show the switching element in a semi-transparent manner;

[0047] Figure 6 The first perspective view shows the following based on Figures 2 to 5 The switching element of the device; and

[0048] Figure 7 The second perspective view shows the following based on Figure 6 Switching elements. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 A bathroom shower head 3 with a device 1 for switching flow path 2 is shown in a longitudinal sectional perspective view. The shower head 3 has a shower head housing 37 with a liquid inlet 38, at which a liquid inlet pipe or liquid inlet hose can be coupled. The device 1 is arranged within the shower head housing 37 and connected to the liquid inlet 38 via the flow path 2 in the form of a liquid channel, thereby enabling liquid to be delivered to the device 1. The device 1 allows the flow path 2 to be switched so that, depending on the selection, liquid can be delivered to a first jet former via a first outlet 6, to a second jet former via a second outlet 7, or to a third jet former via a third outlet 8, thus enabling the shower head 3 to output liquid in three different jet patterns. For switching the flow path 2, the device 1 has a switching element 13 coupled to an adjustment knob 19, allowing the user of the shower head 3 to rotate the switching element 13 about a rotation axis 16 via the adjustment knob 19.

[0050] Figure 2 The device 1 is shown in longitudinal sectional view at a low liquid pressure. Figure 3 The longitudinal sectional view shows the situation at higher liquid pressures. Figure 2 Device 1. Figure 4 The longitudinal section view shows the results according to Figure 3 Details of device 1. Figure 5 The perspective view shows the results based on Figure 4 The details show that the switching element 13 is shown in a semi-transparent manner. Figure 6 The first perspective view shows the following based on Figures 2 to 5 The switching element 13 of the device 1. Figure 7 The second perspective view shows the following based on Figure 6 The switching element 13. These are described below. Figures 2 to 7 . refer to Figure 1 The implementation plan.

[0051] The device 1 has a housing 4, which has a lower housing component 39 and an upper housing component 40. The housing 4 includes an inlet 5 for introducing liquid, a first outlet 6 for continuing to guide the liquid to a first jet former, and a second outlet 7 for continuing to guide the liquid to a second jet former (see [link to device 1]). Figure 5 ), and the third outlet 8 for continuing to guide the liquid to the third jet former (see Figure 4 ).

[0052] Each outflow section 6, 7, 8 has an outflow inlet 9, 10, 11 with a seal 12. A switching element 13 with two through holes 14, 15 is arranged between the lower housing component 39 and the upper housing component 40. The switching element 13 is abutted against the seal 12 by means of the outflow side 32 and is supported in a manner rotatable about the rotation axis 16 for switching the flow path 2, so that only one of the through holes 14, 15 at a time fluidly connects the inflow section 5 with the corresponding outflow section 6, 7, 8 according to the selection.

[0053] The device has an energy storage element 17 that presses the switching element 13 against the seal 12 along the rotation axis 16. In addition, the device 1 has a fixed stop 18 that restricts the displacement of the switching element 13 toward the seal 12 along the rotation axis 16.

[0054] To switch flow path 2, device 1 has a switching element 13. The switching element 13 is designed in the form of a switching disc (generally flat and / or circular). The switching element 13 rests against the seal 12 using the flat or planar surface of the outflow side 32.

[0055] Each sealing lip 23 of the seal 12 has a free space 34 into which it can be bent. The free space 34 is designed as a surrounding inverted recess in the outer peripheral surface of the seal 12. The cross-section of the seal 12 in the region of the sealing lip 23 is designed as V-shaped.

[0056] A seal 12 is disposed in a receiving cavity 35, which is in fluid communication with at least one inlet 5. When using the device 1, liquid can flow into the receiving cavity 35 from at least one inlet 5. The receiving cavity 35 is constructed in the lower housing component 39 of the housing 4. The receiving cavity 35 communicates with at least one inlet 5 through at least one gap 36 between the housing 4 and the peripheral surface of the switching element 13. When using the device 1, liquid can flow into the receiving cavity 35 through this at least one gap 36. At this time, the liquid flowing into the receiving cavity 35 through the at least one gap 36 can press the sealing lip 23 against the switching element 13 (specifically against the outflow side 32 of the switching element).

[0057] Additionally, the through holes 14 and 15 of the switching element 13 are designed such that, during use of the device 1, liquid can flow into the receiving cavity 35 through the corresponding through holes 14 and 15 in each rotational position of the switching element 13. For this purpose, the dimensions of the through holes 14 and 15 are designed such that the corresponding openings of the through holes 14 and 15 extend beyond the seal 12 at least on the outflow side 32 (when the through holes 14 and 15 are aligned with the seal 12, see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 5 Therefore, the liquid pressure can act on the sealing lip 23 from both sides, so that the liquid pressure has a relatively small effect on the operating torque required to rotate the switching element 13 about the rotation axis 16.

[0058] The switching element 13 rests against the sealing lip 23 via its outflow side 32 and is supported in the housing 4 in a manner rotatable about the rotation axis 16 for switching the flow path 2. The switching element 13 can rotate about the rotation axis 16 such that its through holes 14 and 15 are aligned with the outflow inlets 9, 10, and 11 of the outflow sections 6, 7, and 8 to be connected to the inflow section 5. Thus, liquid can flow into the corresponding outflow sections 6, 7, and 8 through the through holes 14 and 15 of the switching element 13. The outflow inlets 9, 10, and 11 of the outflow sections 6, 7, and 8 that are not aligned with the corresponding through holes 14 and 15 of the switching element 13 are closed because the switching element 13 rests against the sealing lip 23 of the seal 12, preventing liquid from flowing into the corresponding outflow sections 6, 7, and 8. Only one outflow section 6, 7, or 8 can be opened at a time by the switching element 13, while the remaining outflow sections 6, 7, and 8 are closed by the switching element 13.

[0059] The energy storage element 17 is a spring, which is pre-tensioned and installed in the housing 4 of the device 1, so that even when the liquid pressure of the liquid input through the inlet 5 is low, the switching element 13 is pressed against the seals 12 of the outlet inlets 9, 10, and 11 with minimal clamping force (see [link to device 1]). Figure 2 ).

[0060] The energy storage element 17 is implemented as a compression spring, which is supported on the adjustment knob 19 in an axial direction 21 parallel to the rotation axis 16. The switching element 13 can be adjusted along the circumferential direction 20 extending around the rotation axis 16 by means of the adjustment knob.

[0061] If the liquid pressure of the input liquid increases, the switching element 13 presses more tightly against the seal 12, thereby increasing the operating torque required to rotate the switching element 13. For this reason, the present invention provides a fixed stop 18 that restricts the displacement of the switching element 12 along the rotation axis 16 toward the seal 12 (see [link to original text]). Figure 3 This limits the clamping force of the switching element 13 on the seal 12 to the maximum clamping force.

[0062] The stop portion 18 is fixed in position relative to the axial direction 21 parallel to the rotation axis 16. When the liquid pressure is high, the stop portion 18 limits the maximum clamping force of the switching element 13 on the seal 12 (see [reference]). Figure 3 Therefore, it is possible to limit fluctuations in the operating torque required for the rotation switching element 13.

[0063] Therefore, the switching element 13 is always pressed against the seal 12 with a clamping force, which includes a minimum clamping force, a maximum clamping force, and a range in between. This clamping force can be adjusted by selecting the energy storage element 17 and the position and design of the stop 18 (as well as selecting a suitable seal geometry).

[0064] The clamping force generated during the operation of device 1 ensures that, on the one hand, the operating torque required to rotate the switching element 13 is kept as constant as possible, and on the other hand, the sealing effect between the seal 12 and the switching element 13 (at the unselected outflow inlets 9, 10, 12) is always reliable, thereby preventing lateral flow.

[0065] The seal 12 is designed to be annular and has an annular body 22 and an annular sealing lip 23 extending from the annular body 22 toward the switching element 13. The annular body 22 is arranged in an annular groove 24 in the housing 4 and is supported on the inner wall 25 and outer wall 26 respectively along its entire circumference in a direction 27 extending transversely to the axis of rotation 16. This support in all directions 27 extending transversely to the axis of rotation 16 of the switching element 13 is advantageous for the frictional forces acting on or applied to the seal 12 when the switching element 13 rotates relative to the seal 12.

[0066] The first through hole 14 faces the inflow portion 5, that is, it has an inflow geometry 28 around the through hole 14 at the inflow side 33. The inflow geometry is at least partially implemented as a slope 29 that is continuously widened toward the inflow portion 5 and is partially implemented as a sharp edge 30.

[0067] The sloping surface 29, which continuously widens towards the inflow section 5, has a curved orientation. A local design features a sharp edge 30 (see [reference]). Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The scheme (i.e. having a small radius of less than 0.5 mm, especially less than 0.1 mm) can prevent or reduce the formation of eddies in the liquid flowing in from the inlet 5, thereby reducing flow noise and increasing the flow capacity of the first through hole 14.

[0068] The switching element 13 and the housing 4, or more specifically the lower housing component 39, form two rotation angle limiting parts 31. These two rotation angle limiting parts are arranged to be offset from each other by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction 20 extending about the rotation axis 16. The symmetrical arrangement of the rotation angle limiting parts 31 (with corresponding limiting surfaces arranged opposite each other at the switching element 13 and the lower housing component 39) enables a very precise end position of the switching element 13.

[0069] The switching element 13 has two through holes 14 and 15, and the device 1 has three outlets 6, 7, and 8. The switching element 13 switches the flow path 2 (from one outlet 6, 7, 8 to another outlet 8, 7, 6) every 60-degree rotation around the rotation axis 16. The two through holes 14 and 15 each have an inflow geometry 28 surrounding the inflow outlet 5, and these inflow geometries 28 are designed to be different from each other. Only the first through hole has an inflow geometry 28 with a sharp edge 30.

[0070] On the outflow side 32 of the switching element 13 oriented toward the seal 12, the through holes 14 and 15 each have a slightly rounded transition portion from the through holes 14 and 15 to the outflow side 32. This transition portion has a radius 41 of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. This rounded transition portion should, on the one hand, prevent damage to the seal 12, but on the other hand, enable the sealing required when switching the flow path 2.

[0071] The first through hole 14 can be fluidly connected to the two outflow sections 6 and 7, while the second through hole 15 can only be fluidly connected to one outflow section 18.

[0072] List of reference numerals

[0073] 1 device

[0074] 2 Flow path

[0075] 3 bathroom shower heads

[0076] 4 housings

[0077] 5. Inflow section

[0078] 6 First Outflow Section

[0079] 7Second outflow part

[0080] 8 Third Outflow Section

[0081] 9 First Outflow Entrance

[0082] 10 Second Outflow Entrance

[0083] 11 Third Outlet Entrance

[0084] 12 seals

[0085] 13 Switching Components

[0086] 14 First Through Hole

[0087] 15 Second Through Hole

[0088] 16 Rotation axis

[0089] 17 energy storage elements

[0090] 18 Stop section

[0091] 19 Adjustment knobs

[0092] 20 weeks in the direction

[0093] 21 Axial Direction

[0094] 22 Ring-shaped main body

[0095] 23 sealing lip

[0096] 24 slots

[0097] 25 Inner Wall

[0098] 26 outer wall

[0099] 27 directions

[0100] 28 Inflow Geometry

[0101] 29 bevel

[0102] 30 sides

[0103] 31 Rotation Angle Limiting Section

[0104] 32 outflow side

[0105] 33 Frontal Side

[0106] 34 Free Space

[0107] 35 Reception Chamber

[0108] 36 gaps

[0109] 37 Nozzle Housing

[0110] 38 Liquid Inlet

[0111] 39 Lower Housing Components

[0112] 40 Housing components

[0113] 41 radius

Claims

1. A device (1) for switching the flow path (2) of liquid in a bathroom shower head (3), the device having at least: - A housing (4) having at least one inlet (5) and a plurality of outlets (6, 7, 8), wherein, These outlets (6, 7, 8) each have an outlet inlet (9, 10, 11) with a seal (12); and - A switching element (13) having at least one through hole (14, 15) is attached to the seal (12) and supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis of rotation (16) to switch the flow path (2) so that at least one through hole (14, 15) fluidly communicates with a corresponding outlet of the inlet (5) and the outlet (6, 7, 8) depending on the selection; The device (1) has an energy storage element (17) that causes the switching element (13) to press against the seal (12) along the rotation axis (16); the device (1) has a fixed stop (18) that restricts the movement of the switching element (13) toward the seal (12) along the rotation axis (16).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, At low liquid pressure, the energy storage element (17) ensures the minimum clamping force of the switching element (13) on the seal (12); wherein, at high liquid pressure, the stop (18) limits the maximum clamping force of the switching element (13) on the seal (12), thereby limiting the fluctuation of the operating torque required to rotate the switching element (13).

3. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The energy storage element (17) is implemented as a spring, which is supported on the adjustment knob (19) in an axial direction (21) parallel to the rotation axis (16). The switching element (13) can be adjusted along the circumferential direction (20) extending around the rotation axis (16) by adjusting the knob.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The stop (18) is implemented as a sliding support.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one seal (12) is designed to be annular and has an annular body (22) and an annular sealing lip (23) extending from the annular body (22) toward the switching element (13); wherein the annular body (22) is arranged in an annular groove (24) in the housing (4) and is supported on the inner wall (25) and the outer wall (26) respectively on the entire circumference in a direction (27) extending transversely to the axis of rotation (16).

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one through hole (14, 15) has an inflow geometry (28) constructed around the through hole (14, 15) toward the inflow portion (5), the inflow geometry being at least partially implemented as a slope (29) that is continuously widened toward the inflow portion and partially implemented as a sharp edge (30).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The switching element (13) and the housing (4) form two rotation angle limiting parts (31), which are arranged to be offset from each other by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction (20) extending around the rotation axis (16).

8. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The switching element (13) has two through holes (14, 15), and the device (1) has three outlets (6, 7, 8). The switching element (13) switches the flow path (2) every 60 degrees around the rotation axis (16).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The two through holes (14, 15) each have an inflow geometry (28) surrounding the through holes (14, 15) at least facing the inflow portion (5), wherein the inflow geometry (28) is designed to be different from each other.

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein, One through hole (14, 15) can be fluidly connected to two outflows (6, 7, 8), while the other through hole (15, 14) can only be fluidly connected to one outflow (6, 7, 8).

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