Device for switching a flow path of a liquid in a sanitary shower

Abstract

Disclosed is a device (1) for switching a flow path (2) of a liquid in a sanitary shower (3), the device at least comprising: - a housing (4) having at least one inflow point (5) and a plurality of outflow points (6, 7, 8), wherein the outflow points (6, 7, 8) each have an outflow point inlet (9, 10, 11) having a seal (12); and - a switching element (13) which has at least one passage (14, 15), lies against the seals (12) and is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (16) for the purposes of switching the flow path (2), such that the at least one passage (14, 15) fluidically connects the inflow point (5) selectively to one of the outflow points (6, 7, 8); - wherein the device (1) has an energy storage element (17) which presses the switching element (13) against the seals (12) along the axis of rotation (16); and wherein the device (1) has a fixed stop (18) which limits a displacement of the switching element (13) along the axis of rotation (16) toward the seals (12).

Description

[0001] Device for changing the flow path of a liquid in a sanitary shower

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for changing the flow path of a liquid in a sanitary shower head. Such sanitary shower heads are used in particular on sanitary fittings that serve to provide a liquid as needed, for example, in showers, bathtubs, sinks, or washbasins.

[0003] Sanitary shower heads are known for sanitary fittings, with which a liquid, in particular water, can be dispensed in various jet types, for example normal jet, full jet, massage jet, rain jet, etc. To create the various jet types, sanitary shower heads usually have different jet formers. To create a specific jet type, the liquid must be directed from an inlet of the sanitary shower head via a pipe system of the sanitary shower head to one of the jet formers of the sanitary shower head. Valves are arranged in the pipe system for this purpose. Due to the fluid pressure of the fluid in the sanitary shower heads, high operating forces are usually required to operate the valves. In addition, the operating forces often depend on the fluid pressure of the fluid. This reduces the ease of use of the sanitary shower heads.

[0004] DE 10 2021 114 029 A1 discloses a device in which switching between the different jet formers is carried out via a rotatable switching element. The switching element interacts with annular seals that extend around the different outlet inlets.

[0005] It has been found that in such devices, the actuating torque (e.g., for turning the diverter element) changes with increasing operating pressure of the supplied fluid. Furthermore, cross-flow of the fluid toward the non-selected outlets and jet formers cannot be prevented, especially at low operating pressures. Perceptible flow noises occur, particularly as the flow rate increases. The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a device with which the ease of use of a sanitary shower head can be increased and cross-flow of the fluid is excluded as far as possible. Furthermore, flow noises should be minimized as far as possible.

[0006] This object is achieved with a device according to the features of the independent patent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the device are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features listed in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0007] A device for changing the flow path of a liquid in a sanitary shower contributes to this, said device comprising at least the following components: a housing with at least one inlet and a plurality of outlets, wherein the outlets each have an outlet inlet with a seal; and a changeover element with at least one passage which bears against the seals and is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation for changing the flow path, such that the at least one passage fluidically connects the inlet selectively to one of at least two outlets; wherein the device comprises an energy storage element which presses the changeover element against the seals along the axis of rotation; wherein the device comprises a stationary stop which limits a displacement of the changeover element along the axis of rotation towards the seals.The sanitary shower head can be connected to a sanitary fitting, for example, via a hose and / or pipe. Sanitary fittings serve to provide a liquid, in particular water, as needed, for example, to showers, bathtubs, sinks, or washbasins. The device can in particular be arranged at least partially in a sanitary shower head. The sanitary shower head can be designed, for example, in the manner of a hand shower, overhead shower, and / or shower head.

[0008] The device comprises a housing with at least one inlet, via which the device can be connected to a liquid source, for example a sanitary fitting. The liquid flowing in via the at least one inlet can be fed to a plurality of outlets through the housing, which can be, for example, a (single-piece or multi-piece) plastic injection-molded part (in particular, at least partially a multi-component injection-molded part). For this purpose, at least one flow path is formed in the housing, via which the liquid can be fed from the inlet to each of the plurality of outlets. The housing can, for example, have two to six outlets, preferably three outlets. The individual outlets can, in particular, each lead to a jet former for a specific jet type of the sanitary shower. Thus, by switching the flow path to a specific outlet, a specific jet type of the sanitary shower can be activated.Furthermore, the individual drains can be designed like a channel and each extend from a drain inlet to a drain outlet in the device. The individual drain inlets can be distributed around the rotational axis of the switching element, in particular evenly and / or circularly. In the case of three drain inlets, these can, for example, be offset by 120° around the rotational axis of the switching element.

[0009] To change the flow path, the device has a changeover element. The changeover element can be designed at least partially in the manner of a (substantially flat and / or circular) changeover disc. Furthermore, the changeover element can bear against seals, in particular with one of its flat surfaces and / or an outflow side. The outlet inlets of the individual outlets each have seals. The liquid can enter the individual outlets via the outlet inlets. The outlet inlets each have, in particular, a seal with at least one sealing lip. Thus, the seal can be designed, in particular, in the manner of a known lip seal. The seals or the at least one sealing lip can be at least partially made of an elastic material, such as rubber. The at least one sealing lip can extend at least partially parallel, orthogonal, and / or obliquely to a center axis of the seal.For example, the at least one sealing lip can extend at an angle of 20° to 70° to the center axis.

[0010] The sealing lips can be positioned at an angle against the switching element. In particular, the sealing lips can be positioned at an angle against the downstream side of the switching element. This can mean, in particular, that the sealing lips do not lie flat against the switching element, but rather, in particular, with a linear or annular sealing surface.

[0011] The sealing lips can each have a free space within which the sealing lips are bendable. The free space can, for example, be designed in the manner of a (circumferential) undercut and / or in the manner of a (circumferential) groove. Furthermore, the free space can be formed, in particular, in an (outer) circumferential surface of the seal.

[0012] The cross-section of the seals can be at least partially V-shaped (particularly in the area of ​​the sealing lip). This can also mean, in particular, that the cross-section of the seals is not circular or triangular.

[0013] The sealing lips can be pressed against the changeover element by the liquid. This can mean, in particular, that the seal or the sealing lips are arranged such that they can be in contact with the liquid when the device is in use. The seals can be arranged in a receiving space which is connected to the at least one inlet. The receiving space is, in particular, fluidically connected to the at least one inlet. This can mean, in particular, that when the device is in use, the liquid can flow from the at least one inlet into the receiving space. The receiving space is, in particular, formed in the housing or a lower housing part of the housing. The receiving space can be connected to the at least one inlet via at least one gap between the housing and a circumferential surface of the changeover element. The at least one gap is, in particular, annular, i.e., circumferentially formed around the axis of rotation.During use of the device, fluid can flow into the receiving chamber through the at least one gap. The fluid flowing into the receiving chamber through the at least one gap can press the sealing lips, particularly against the switching element (or its downstream side).

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one passage of the switching element can be designed such that, when the device is in use, the liquid can flow into the receiving space via the at least one passage in any rotational position of the switching element. For this purpose, the at least one passage can be dimensioned such that the opening of the passage extends beyond the seal at least on the downstream side (when the passage is arranged in alignment with the seal). As a result, the fluid pressure of the liquid can act on the sealing lips on both sides, such that the fluid pressure has at least a smaller influence on the actuating torque required to rotate the switching element about the rotational axis.

[0015] The changeover element rests, in particular with the downstream side, against the sealing lips and is mounted in the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in order to change the flow path. In particular, the changeover element can be rotated about the rotation axis in such a way that an opening in the changeover element is aligned with the drain inlet of the drain to be connected to the inlet. This allows the liquid to flow through the opening of the changeover element into the respective drain. The drain inlets of those drains with which the opening of the changeover element is not aligned are closed by the changeover element resting against the sealing lips of the seals, so that no liquid can flow into the respective drains. In particular, only one drain at a time can be opened by the changeover element, with the remaining drains being closed by the changeover element.

[0016] When changing the flow path, the flow rate is not reduced to zero. In particular, when changing the flow path, the flow rate changes only slightly, preferably by a maximum of 50%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 25%, or even by a maximum of 5%, or even no fluctuation occurs at all. To achieve these flow conditions, a special division or arrangement, as well as the design of the passages of the changeover element or the drain inlets, can be adapted accordingly.

[0017] The energy storage element is, in particular, a spring, e.g., a tension spring or compression spring, which is designed, for example, as a spiral spring, disc spring, or similar. However, it can also be designed as an elastically deformable rubber element or similar, as long as the energy required for this can be stored in the energy storage element through the displacement or deformation of the energy storage element and released again when needed (and with as little loss as possible).

[0018] In particular, the energy storage element is installed in the housing of the device with a preload so that, especially at a low fluid pressure of the fluid supplied via the inlet, the switching element is pressed against the seals of the drain inlets with a minimum contact pressure.

[0019] As the fluid pressure of the supplied fluid increases, the changeover element is pressed more strongly against the seals by the fluid pressure, resulting in an increase in the actuating torque required to rotate the changeover element. For this reason, a stationary stop is proposed that limits the displacement of the changeover element along the rotation axis toward the seals, thus limiting the contact pressure of the changeover element against the seals to a maximum contact pressure.

[0020] The stop is stationary, in particular, stationary relative to an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis. "Stationary" means, in particular, that the stop will not yield (i.e., will not shift in the axial direction) under the pressures occurring in the device.

[0021] In particular, the energy storage element ensures a minimum contact pressure of the switching element against the seals at low fluid pressure. In particular, the stop limits the maximum contact pressure of the switching element against the seals at high fluid pressure. This can limit fluctuations in the actuating torque required to rotate the switching element.

[0022] This means that the changeover element always applies a contact pressure to the seals that encompasses the minimum contact pressure and the maximum contact pressure, as well as the range in between. This contact pressure can be adjusted by selecting the energy storage element and the position of the stop (as well as by selecting a suitable seal geometry).

[0023] This limitation of the contact pressure occurring during operation of the device means that, on the one hand, the actuating torque required to rotate the changeover element can be kept as constant as possible, and, on the other hand, a consistently reliable sealing effect between the seal and the changeover element (at the non-selected drain inlets) is ensured, thus preventing crossflows. In particular, the energy storage element is designed as a (compression) spring, which is supported on an adjustment knob, via which the changeover element can be adjusted along a circumferential direction extending around the rotation axis, with respect to an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis.

[0024] In particular, the stop is designed as a plain bearing. A plain bearing has a surface with the lowest possible coefficient of friction. This is intended to ensure that the relative movement of a component resting against the plain bearing (here, the changeover element, which rests against the stop and is possibly rotated to select a different sequence) is as frictionless as possible, so that the plain bearing generates the lowest possible resistance to this movement. Suitable materials for this purpose (particularly with regard to the material pairing of stop / changeover element) are generally known, in particular suitable plastic materials.

[0025] In particular, at least one seal (preferably all seals arranged at the outlet inlets) is annular and has an annular body and an annular sealing lip extending from the annular body to the changeover element. The annular body is arranged in particular in an annular groove in the housing and is supported on an inner wall and an outer wall in a direction running transversely to the axis of rotation. This support in all directions running transversely to the axis of rotation of the changeover element is particularly advantageous with respect to the frictional forces that act on the seals or engage the seals when the changeover element rotates.

[0026] The groove allows the respective sealing ring to be installed with high positioning accuracy. Furthermore, the walls ensure the dimensional stability of the seal and prevent its displacement, particularly under the aforementioned frictional forces. In particular, the at least one passage toward the inlet has an inlet geometry formed circumferentially around the passage, which is designed at least partially as a slope that continuously widens toward the inlet and partially as a sharp edge.

[0027] This inlet geometry is arranged, in particular, on the upstream side of the diverter element facing the inlet. The slope, which continuously widens toward the inlet, can be formed as a straight line or have a curved shape. The partial design as a sharp edge (i.e., with a small radius of less than 0.5 millimeters, in particular less than 0.1 millimeters) can, in particular, prevent or reduce turbulence in the fluid flowing from the inlet, thus reducing flow noise and increasing the flow rate through the passage.

[0028] In particular, the changeover element forms two rotation angle limits with the housing, each offset by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction extending around the rotation axis. This symmetrical arrangement of the rotation angle limits (corresponding stop surfaces are then arranged opposite each other on the changeover element and the housing) enables the very precise definition of the end position of the changeover element. Furthermore, production-related deviations can be reduced because tolerance chains are avoided. These designs can also reduce or even prevent cross-flows between the processes.

[0029] In particular, the switching element has two passages and the device has three outlets, whereby a rotation of the switching element by 60 degrees around the axis of rotation changes the flow path (from one outlet to another outlet).

[0030] In particular, the two passages (of the switching element) each have an inlet geometry circumferentially formed around the passage, at least toward the inlet (i.e., on an upstream side of the switching element), wherein the inlet geometries are designed differently from one another. In particular, for example, only one of the passages has an inlet geometry with a sharp edge.

[0031] In particular, on the downstream side of the changeover element, oriented toward the seals, the passages each feature a slightly rounded transition from the passage to the downstream side. This transition has a radius of 0.2 to 0.4 millimeters. This rounded transition is intended to prevent damage to the seals on the one hand, and to enable the desired sealing when changing the flow paths on the other.

[0032] In particular, one passage can be fluidically connected to two outlets and the other passage can only be fluidically connected to one outlet.

[0033] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Identical components in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. They show, by way of example and schematically:

[0034] Fig. 1: a sanitary shower with a device for switching a flow path in a longitudinal section, in a perspective view;

[0035] Fig. 2: a device in a longitudinal section at a low fluid pressure;

[0036] Fig. 3: the device according to Fig. 2 in a longitudinal section at a high liquid pressure;

[0037] Fig. 4: a detail of the device according to Fig. 3 in a longitudinal section;

[0038] Fig. 5: the detail according to Fig. 4 in a perspective view with a partially transparent switching element; Fig. 6: a switching element of the device according to Figs. 2 to 5 in a first perspective view; and

[0039] Fig. 7: the switching element according to Fig. 6 in a second perspective view.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a sanitary shower 3 with a device 1 for switching a flow path 2 in a longitudinal section, in a perspective view. The sanitary shower 3 has a shower housing 37 with a liquid inlet 38, to which a liquid supply line or a liquid supply hose can be connected. Arranged within the shower housing 37 is a device 1 which is connected to the liquid inlet 38 via a flow path 2 in the form of a liquid channel, so that the liquid can be supplied to the device 1. The device 1 enables the flow path 2 to be switched such that the liquid can be supplied optionally via a first outlet 6 to a first jet former, via a second outlet 7 to a second jet former, or via a third outlet 8 to a third jet former, so that the liquid can be delivered by the sanitary shower 3 in three different jet types.To change the flow path 2, the device 1 has a changeover element 13 which is coupled to an adjustment knob 19, so that the changeover element 13 can be rotated about a rotation axis 16 by a user of the sanitary shower 3 via the adjustment knob 19.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a device 1 in a longitudinal section at a low fluid pressure. Fig. 3 shows the device 1 according to Fig. 2 in a longitudinal section at a high fluid pressure. Fig. 4 shows a detail of the device 1 according to Fig. 3 in a longitudinal section. Fig. 5 shows the detail according to Fig. 4 in a perspective view with a partially transparent switching element 13. Fig. 6 shows a switching element 13 of the device 1 according to Figs. 2 to 5 in a first perspective view. Fig. 7 shows the switching element 13 according to Fig. 6 in a second perspective view. Figs. 2 to 7 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 1. The device 1 has a housing 4 with a lower housing part 39 and a upper housing part 40.The housing 4 comprises an inlet 5 for supplying the liquid and a first outlet 6 for forwarding the liquid to the first jet former, a second outlet 7 (see Fig. 5) for forwarding the liquid to the second jet former and a third outlet 8 (see Fig. 4) for forwarding the liquid to the third jet former.

[0042] Each outlet 6, 7, 8 has an outlet inlet 9, 10, 11 with a seal 12. A switching element 13 with two passages 14, 15 is arranged between the lower housing part 39 and the upper housing part 40. The switching element 13 rests against the seals 12 with an outflow side 32 and is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 16 to switch the flow path 2, so that only one of the passages 14, 15 fluidically connects the inlet 5 selectively with one of the outlets 6, 7, 8.

[0043] The device comprises an energy storage element 17 that presses the switching element 13 against the seals 12 along the rotation axis 16. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a stationary stop 18 that limits the displacement of the switching element 13 along the rotation axis 16 toward the seals 12.

[0044] To change the flow path 2, the device 1 has the changeover element 13. The changeover element 13 is designed in the manner of a (substantially flat and / or circular) changeover disc. The changeover element 13 rests against the seals 12 with a flat or planar surface of the downstream side 32.

[0045] The sealing lips 23 of the seals 12 each have a free space 34 into which the sealing lips 23 can be bent. The free space 34 is formed in the manner of a circumferential undercut in an outer circumferential surface of the seal 12. A cross-section of the seals 12 is V-shaped in the region of the sealing lip 23. The seals 12 are arranged in a receiving space 35 which is fluidically connected to the at least one inlet 5. When the device 1 is in use, the liquid can flow from the at least one inlet 5 into the receiving space 35. The receiving space 35 is formed in the lower housing part 39 of the housing 4. The receiving space 35 is connected to the at least one inlet 5 via at least one gap 36 between the housing 4 and a circumferential surface of the changeover element 13. When the device 1 is in use, liquid can flow into the receiving space 35 through the at least one gap 36.The liquid flowing through at least one gap 36 into the receiving space 35 can press the sealing lips 23 against the changeover element 13 (or against its outflow side 32).

[0046] In addition, the passages 14, 15 of the switching element 13 are designed such that, when the device 1 is in use, the liquid can flow into the receiving space 35 via the respective passage 14, 15 in any rotational position of the switching element 13. For this purpose, the passages 14, 15 are dimensioned such that the respective opening of the passages 14, 15 extends beyond the seal 12 at least on the downstream side 32 (when the passage 14, 15 is arranged in alignment with the seal 12, see, for example, Fig. 5). This allows the fluid pressure of the liquid to act on the sealing lips 23 on both sides, so that the fluid pressure has at least a smaller influence on the actuating torque required to rotate the switching element 13 about the rotational axis 16.

[0047] The switching element 13 rests with its outflow side 32 against the sealing lips 23 and is mounted in the housing 4 for rotation about a rotation axis 16 to switch the flow path 2. The switching element 13 is rotatable about the rotation axis 16 such that a passage 14, 15 of the switching element 13 is aligned with the outlet inlet 9, 10, 11 of the outlet 6, 7, 8 to be connected to the inlet 5. This allows the fluid to flow through the passage 14, 15 of the switching element 13 into the respective outlet 6, 7, 8. The drain inlets 9, 10, 11 of those drains 6, 7, 8 with which the respective passage 14, 15 of the diverter element 13 is not aligned are closed by the diverter element 13 being placed against the sealing lips 23 of the seals 12, so that no liquid can flow into the respective drains 6, 7, 8. Only one drain 6, 7, 8 at a time can be opened by the diverter element 13, while the remaining drains 6, 7, 8 are closed by the diverter element 13.

[0048] The energy storage element 17 is a spring which is installed with a preload in the housing 4 of the device 1, so that even at a low fluid pressure of the fluid supplied via the inlet 5, the switching element 13 is pressed with a minimum contact pressure against the seals 12 of the outlet inlets 9, 10, 11 (see Fig. 2).

[0049] The energy storage element 17 is designed as a compression spring which is supported on an adjustment knob 19, via which the changeover element 13 can be adjusted along a circumferential direction 20 extending around the rotation axis 16, relative to an axial direction 21 parallel to the rotation axis 16.

[0050] If the fluid pressure of the supplied fluid increases, the switching element 13 is pressed more strongly against the seals 12 by the fluid pressure, so that the actuating torque required to rotate the switching element 13 increases. For this reason, a stationary stop 18 is proposed, which limits the displacement of the switching element 12 along the rotation axis 16 toward the seals 12 (see Fig. 3), so that the contact pressure of the switching element 13 against the seals 12 is limited to a maximum contact pressure.

[0051] The stop 18 is stationary relative to an axial direction 21 parallel to the rotation axis 16. The stop 18 limits the maximum contact pressure of the changeover element 13 against the seals 12 at high fluid pressure (see Fig. 3). This allows a fluctuation in the actuating torque required to rotate the changeover element 13 to be limited. Thus, the changeover element 13 always contacts the seals 12 with a contact pressure that encompasses the minimum contact pressure and the maximum contact pressure, as well as the range in between. This contact pressure can be adjusted by selecting the energy storage element 17 and the position and design of the stop 18 (as well as by selecting a suitable seal geometry).

[0052] This limitation of the contact pressure occurring during operation of the device 1 means that, on the one hand, the actuating torque required to rotate the changeover element 13 can be kept as constant as possible and, on the other hand, that a reliable sealing effect between the seal 12 and the changeover element 13 (at the non-selected drain inlets 9, 10, 12) is always ensured, so that cross flows can be prevented.

[0053] The seals 12 are annular and have an annular body 22 and an annular sealing lip 23 extending from the annular body 22 to the switching element 13. The annular body 22 is arranged in an annular groove 24 in the housing 4 and is supported on an inner wall 25 and an outer wall 26, each of which is fully supported in a direction 27 running transversely to the axis of rotation 16. This support in all directions 27 running transversely to the axis of rotation 16 of the switching element 13 is advantageous with respect to the frictional forces that act on the seals 12 or act on the seals 12 when the switching element 13 rotates.

[0054] The first passage 14 has, towards the inlet 5, i.e. on the inflow side 33, an inlet geometry 28 which is formed circumferentially around the passage 14 and which is designed at least partially as a slope 29 which continuously widens towards the inlet 5 and partly as a sharp edge 30.

[0055] The slope 29, which continuously widens toward the inlet 5, has a curved shape. The partial design as a sharp edge 30 (see Figs. 4, 5, and 7) (i.e., with a small radius of less than 0.5 millimeters, in particular less than 0.1 millimeters) can prevent or reduce turbulence in the fluid flowing from the inlet 5, thus reducing flow noise and increasing the flow rate through the first passage 14.

[0056] The changeover element 13 forms, together with the housing 4 and the housing base 39, two rotation angle limits 31, each offset by 180 degrees from one another along a circumferential direction 20 extending around the rotation axis 16. This symmetrical arrangement of the rotation angle limits 31 (corresponding stop surfaces are arranged opposite one another on the changeover element 13 and the housing base 39) enables the very precisely definable end position of the changeover element 13.

[0057] The switching element 13 has two passages 14, 15, and the device 1 has three outlets 6, 7, 8. A rotation of the switching element 13 by 60 degrees around the rotation axis 16 switches the flow path 2 (from one outlet 6, 7, 8 to another outlet 8, 7, 6). The two passages 14, 15 each have an inlet geometry 28 extending circumferentially around the passage 14, 15 toward the inlet 5, wherein the inlet geometries 28 are different from one another. Only the first passage has an inlet geometry 28 with a sharp edge 30.

[0058] On the downstream side 32 of the switching element 13, oriented toward the seals 12, the passages 14, 15 each have a slightly rounded transition from the passage 14, 15 to the downstream side 32. This transition has a radius 41 of 0.2 to 0.4 millimeters. This rounded transition is intended, on the one hand, to prevent damage to the seals 12 and, on the other hand, to enable the desired sealing when switching the flow paths 2.

[0059] The first passage 14 is fluidically connectable to two outlets 6, 7, and the second passage 15 is fluidically connectable to only one outlet 8. List of reference symbols

[0060] 1 device

[0061] 2 Flow path

[0062] 3 sanitary shower

[0063] 4 housings

[0064] 5 Inlet

[0065] 6 first process

[0066] 7 second process

[0067] 8 third process

[0068] 9 first drain inlet

[0069] 10 second drain inlet

[0070] 11 third drain inlet

[0071] 12 Seal

[0072] 13 Changeover element

[0073] 14 first passage

[0074] 15 second passage

[0075] 16 axis of rotation

[0076] 17 Energy storage element

[0077] 18 stop

[0078] 19 Adjustment knob

[0079] 20 Circumferential direction

[0080] 21 axial direction

[0081] 22 ring bodies

[0082] 23 Sealing lip

[0083] 24 grooves

[0084] 25 inner wall

[0085] 26 outer wall 27 direction

[0086] 28 Inlet geometry

[0087] 29 slopes

[0088] 30 Edge 31 Rotation angle limitation

[0089] 32 Downstream side

[0090] 33 Inflow side

[0091] 34 open space

[0092] 35 Recording space 36 Gap

[0093] 37 shower housings

[0094] 38 Liquid inlet

[0095] 39 Lower housing part

[0096] 40 Upper housing part 41 Radius

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for changing a flow path (2) of a liquid of a sanitary shower (3), at least comprising: - a housing (4) with at least one inlet (5) and a plurality of outlets (6, 7, 8), wherein the outlets (6, 7, 8) each have an outlet inlet (9, 10, 11) with a seal (12); and - a switching element (13) with at least one passage (14, 15) which rests against the seals (12) and is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (16) for switching the flow path (2), such that the at least one passage (14, 15) fluidically connects the inlet (5) selectively with one of the outlets (6, 7, 8); wherein the device (1) has an energy storage element (17) which presses the switching element (13) along the rotation axis (16) against the seals (12); wherein the device (1) has a stationary stop (18) which limits a displacement of the switching element (13) along the rotation axis (16) towards the seals (12).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage element (17) ensures a minimum contact pressure of the switching element (13) against the seals (12) at a low fluid pressure; wherein the stop (18) limits a maximum contact pressure of the switching element (13) against the seals (12) at a high fluid pressure, so that a fluctuation in an actuating torque required to rotate the switching element (13) is limited.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage element (17) is designed as a spring which is supported on an adjusting knob (19), via which the switching element (13) is adjustable along a circumferential direction (20) extending around the rotation axis (16), with respect to an axial direction (21) parallel to the rotation axis (16).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop (18) is designed as a sliding bearing.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one seal (12) is annular and has an annular body (22) and an annular sealing lip (23) extending from the annular body (22) towards the changeover element (13); wherein the annular body (22) is arranged in an annular groove (24) in the housing (4) and is supported over its entire circumference on an inner wall (25) and on an outer wall (26) in a direction (27) running transversely to the axis of rotation (16).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one passage (14, 15) towards the inlet (5) has an inlet geometry (28) formed circumferentially around the passage (14, 15), which is designed at least partially as a slope (29) continuously widening towards the inlet and partially as a sharp edge (30).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching element (13) forms with the housing (4) two rotation angle limits (31) which are arranged offset from one another by 180 angular degrees along a circumferential direction (20) extending around the rotation axis (16).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching element (13) has two passages (14, 15) and the device (1) has three outlets (6, 7, 8), wherein a rotation of the switching element (13) by 60 angular degrees about the rotation axis (16) switches the flow path (2).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the two passages (14, 15) at least towards the inlet (5) each have an inlet geometry (28) formed circumferentially around the passage (14, 15), wherein the inlet geometries (28) are formed differently from one another.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 and 9, wherein one passage (14, 15) is fluidically connectable to two outlets (6, 7, 8) and the other passage (15, 14) is fluidically connectable to only one outlet (6, 7, 8).

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