DE102006020765A1 - Multi-function hand shower - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a multifunctional hand-held shower (10) comprising a handle section (12) which allows a user to hold the hand-held shower (10) and inside which a water duct (38, 40) is provided, and a head section (14) that encompasses several water ducts (72, 74, 76) extending to a plurality of water outlets (22, 24, 26). Manually actuated switching means (36, 46, 50) are provided which allow the mode of operation of the multifunctional hand-held shower (10) to be adjusted. The switching means (36, 46, 50) are arranged in the handle section (12) and are fitted with a switching member (50) which can be moved into different positions from outside the handle section (12). The switching member (50) is equipped with a continuous bore (54) via which water can be conducted from the duct (38, 40) in the handle section (12) into one respective water duct (72, 74, 76) in the head section (14) according to the position of the switching member (50).

Description

• a) einem Handbereich, welcher zum Halten der Mehrfunktions-Handbrause durch einen Benutzer dient und in dem ein wasserführender Kanal vorgesehen ist;
• b) einem Kopfbereich, der mehrere wasserführende Kanäle umfaßt, die zu einer Vielzahl von Wasseraustrittsöffnungen führen;

und

• c) von Hand betätigbaren Umstellmitteln, mittels derer die Betriebsart der Mehrfunktions-Handbrause einstellbar ist;

wobei

• d) die Umstellmittel im Handbereich angeordnet sind und ein von außerhalb des Handbereichs in verschiedene Stellungen bewegbares Umstellorgan umfassen.

The invention relates to a multi-function hand shower for selectively operating in at least two mutually different modes in which different types of Effervescent jets are generated with

• a) a hand area, which serves to hold the multi-function hand shower by a user and in which a water-carrying channel is provided;
• b) a head portion comprising a plurality of water-carrying channels leading to a plurality of water outlet openings;

and

• c) manually operable switching means by means of which the operating mode of the multi-function hand shower is adjustable;

in which

• d) the switching means are arranged in the hand area and comprise a movable from outside of the hand area in different positions Umstellorgan.

To the different types of effervescent jets, which by means of such conventional multi-function hand showers can be generated counting for example usual Standard shower jets, but also massage shower jets, which with one opposite Standard shower jets of increased pressure emerge, and, for example, effervescent jets, the multi-function hand shower as Leaving water in the form of a largely coherent water curtain. Also spray, rainy drops or combinations of different types of shower jets can be generated with such multi-function hand showers.

Due to the possibility for the user to be able to adjust the type of effervescent jets depending on his condition and needs, multi-functional handheld jets are very popular. A multi-function hand shower, in which the manually operable changeover means comprise a Umstellorgan and are arranged in the hand area, for example, from DE 100 17 044 A1 known. The switching means are provided there in the form of a relatively complicated multi-way valve. The Umstellorgan for this comprises a plurality of closing elements, which can each close a water-carrying channel. Each of the closing elements has an O-ring and is in turn connected to a tilting element, which is mounted on a pin and can be actuated by means of push buttons.

The activity the changeover means may alternatively be used in a manner known per se also by a housing part the head area, which is opposite to another housing part in the head area is rotatable. By pressing the changeover is while changing the operating mode, by diverting the water inside the head area accordingly and for example to another type of water outlet openings is directed. Also in this variant, the internal structure of Umstellmittel overall but quite expensive.

Known switching means are often, such as in the DE 100 17 044 A1 described, from a variety of items and are therefore mechanically quite vulnerable. Also, maintenance and / or cleaning is complicated by the complicated structure.

task The invention is a multi-function hand shower of the beginning to create said type, in which the switching means mechanically easier are constructed.

• e) das Umstellorgan eine wasserführende Durchgangsbohrung umfaßt, über welche je nach Stellung des Umstellorgans Wasser aus dem Kanal im Handbereich in jeweils einen der wasserführenden Kanäle im Kopfbereich lenkbar ist.

This object is achieved in that in a multi-function hand shower of the type mentioned

• e) the Umstellorgan comprises a water-bearing through-hole, via which, depending on the position of the Umstellorgans water from the channel in the hand area in each case one of the water-conducting channels in the head area is steerable.

This Umstellorgan serves as a kind of Switch for the water flow inside the hand shower. In particular, it is possible that the Umstellorgan a single component and not many interconnected Components is constructed, as is the case in the prior art is.

there it is advantageous if the changeover means comprise a pivot, on which the Umstellorgan rotatably mounted in the interior of the hand area is. In this way, a rotary switch can be realized, which often as a more pleasant operation is perceived as, for example, the operation of a slider.

A Good handling is achieved when the pivot substantially perpendicular to a lying in the region of the pivot cross-sectional area of the Hand area runs. In a straight hand area of the pivot so so parallel to the longitudinal axis the hand area and the Umstellorgan is transverse to this longitudinal axis twisted.

It is advantageous if the Umstellorgan is designed as a rotary wheel, the peripheral surface at least partially serves as an actuating surface and at least partially through an opening in the Hand area protrudes outwards. So the Umstellorgan is easily accessible to the user. This also means that no further controls must be provided to move the Umstellorgan. That is, by this measure, an overall advantageous mechanically very simple construction is guaranteed.

It is especially convenient for the user when the opening in a lying on the side of the water outlet openings area the hand area is provided.

A technically advantageous solution is achieved when the switching means cooperating with the Umstellorgan Distributor element comprising a through hole with a having the Umstellorgan facing distributor opening, via which the aquifer Through hole of Umstellorgans in all functional positions the Umstellorgans water fed is. It is preferred if the distributor opening of the distributor element semi-circular ring is and the aquifer Through hole of the Umstellorgans by a rotational movement of the Umstellorgans along the semicircular manifold opening movable is. In this way it is ensured in a simple way that the water-bearing through hole the Umstellorgans always supplied with the hand shower water supplied.

The Maintenance and / or cleaning of the hand shower will be easy relieved when the hand area as a separate handpiece and the Head section as a separate head piece are formed, the solvable connected to each other. The hand shower is then in two parts and there is a possibility the hand shower for maintenance and / or Disassemble cleaning. That way, beyond that different head pieces with one and the same handpiece be combined. The head pieces can different in terms of both design and function be. Different functions can be different headpieces For example, each have different water-bearing channels that are different Water outlet openings lead, so that with different headers Different shower spray variants can be produced.

Of the User can then decide which combination of selectable Effervescent he prefers and a corresponding head piece together with the same handpiece use.

there is it particularly favorable if the head piece external Has connecting pieces, each of which with one of the water-bearing channels of the head piece is connected, and when the handpiece to the connecting piece of the head piece complementary Has recordings.

below we have an example of the Invention with reference to the drawing explains; it demonstrate:

1 a perspective view of a multi-function hand shower from a first viewing direction;

2 a perspective view of the multi-function hand shower after 1 from a second viewing direction;

3 one of the 2 corresponding view of the trained as a separate handpiece hand area of the multi-function hand shower;

4 one of the 1 corresponding view of the trained as a separate headpiece head portion of the multi-function hand shower;

5 a section through the multi-function hand shower along the section line VV in 6 ;

6 a section through the multi-function hand shower along the section line VI-VI in 5 ;

7 a section through the multi-function hand shower along the section line VII-VII in 5 ;

8th a section through the multi-function hand shower along the section line VIII-VIII in 5 ;

9 a section through the multi-function hand shower along the section line IX-IX in 5 ; and

10 a section through the multi-function hand shower along the section line XX in 5 ,

In 1 is an overall reference numeral 10 featured multi-function hand shower showing a hand area 12 and a head area 14 includes. As in particular on the basis of 3 and 4 it can be seen, are the hand area 12 as a separate handpiece 16 and the head area 14 as a separate head piece 18 educated. This will be discussed further below.

The head piece 18 includes a shower floor 20 (see. 2 ), which has a plurality of water outlet openings 22 . 24 . 26 having. There are three radially inner water outlet openings 22 provided by which effervescent jets emerge with a relatively high water pressure, whereby the function of massage jets is realized. The three massage jet openings 22 are radially outside partially from a circular arc water outlet slot 24 surround. Through this, the water emerges as a largely coherent water curtain, whereby the function of a surge shower is realized. Finally, are radially outboard in the shower base 20 relatively many water outlets 26 provided, through which water emerges as a soft jet in the form of a rain-like droplet sequence. From the soft-jet water outlets 26 is in the figures only one each provided with a reference numeral.

At the head area 14 opposite end of the handpiece 16 is a connection nipple 28 provided on which there is an external thread 30 located. About the latter can the multi-function hand shower 10 in a manner known per se, to be connected to a shower hose of no further interest here.

The hand piece 16 the multi-function hand shower 10 includes one to the head area 14 adjacent control section 32 and an adjoining handle portion 34 , which the connection nipple 28 wearing. The grip section 34 is formed as a substantially solid part with an elliptical outer cross-section and has such an outer periphery that the multi-function hand shower 10 in the grip section 34 can be comfortably held in the usual way by a user with one hand.

At the connection nipple 28 opposite end face of the handle portion 34 is a distributor 36 held with a circular cross-section (see. 6 ). The through hole of the connection nipple 28 go in the direction of this distributor 36 in one to the longitudinal axis 37 of the grip section 34 , the section line VI-VI in 5 corresponds, coaxial circular cylindrical water inlet chamber 38 above. This is about an oblique to the longitudinal axis 37 guided water-bearing passageway 40 in the grip section 34 with a distributor approach 36 eccentrically penetrating water-bearing through-bore 42 in connection (cf. 7 ). The through hole 42 of the distributor 36 has on her to the passageway 40 adjacent side of the passageway 40 essentially corresponding circular cross-section. On the the passageway 40 opposite side of the manifold 36 extends its water-bearing through hole 42 in contrast to a semicircular opening 44 extending from the portion of the through hole 42 having a circular cross-section symmetrically extending in the counterclockwise and counterclockwise directions, as in particular in FIG 7 can be seen.

Over the free end of the manifold 36 protruding is a pivot 46 provided, the longitudinal axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the manifold 36 runs and which is rigidly connected to this. As in particular in 5 can be seen, penetrates the pivot 46 the distributor 36 towards the handle section 34 and projects into the latter with an end region. Opposite the longitudinal axis 37 of the grip section 34 of the handpiece 16 run the longitudinal axis of the pivot 46 and the longitudinal axis of the manifold 36 in 5 a bit down. The pivot 46 is therefore axially parallel to the longitudinal axis 37 of the grip section 34 of the handpiece 16 , In other words, the pivot runs 46 perpendicular to a cross-sectional area of the handpiece 16 in the area of the pivot 46 lies.

On the over the manifold 36 towards the head piece 18 projecting end area 48 of the pivot 46 is a Umstellorgan in the form of a rotary wheel 50 kept rotatable. For this purpose, the wheel 50 one to the cross section of the pivot 46 complementary through-hole 52 on, with it on the end area 48 of the guide pin 46 deferred (see also 8th ). Radial from the through hole 52 of the wheel 50 spaced this has a water-bearing through hole 54 on. This is radially as far from the through hole 52 spaced so that they are above the semicircular opening 44 of the distributor approach 36 to come to rest when the wheel 50 on the pivot 46 is deferred. The diameter of the water-carrying through-hole 54 of the wheel 50 corresponds substantially to the radial width of the semicircular opening 44 of the distributor 36 , This is especially in 8th clearly visible.

Both the manifold 36 as well as the wheel 50 sit in a recess 56 in the grip section 32 adjacent end face of the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 , The recess 56 has an elliptical cross-section and has a depth which corresponds to the common longitudinal extent of the manifold 36 and the wheel 50 equivalent. The floor 58 the recess 56 in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 thus abuts the adjacent end face of the rotary wheel 50 at.

From the ground 58 the recess 56 starting from three water-carrying connection channels 60 . 62 . 64 axially parallel to the longitudinal axis 37 of the grip section 34 of the handpiece 16 each to further channels 66 . 68 respectively. 70 , The verbin dung channels 60 . 62 and 64 are at the same radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the guide pin 46 arranged how it looked 9 is apparent. Furthermore, the connection channels are located 60 . 62 and 64 equidistant from each other over the semicircular opening 44 of the distributor 36 , however, are by this by the wheel 50 separated. The cross section of the connection channels 60 . 62 and 64 corresponds essentially to the cross section of the water-carrying through-bore 54 in the wheel 50 , The secondary channels 66 . 68 and 70 in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 run obliquely to the longitudinal axis 37 of the grip section 34 and each stand with one of in 10 to recognizing water-bearing supply ducts 72 . 74 and 76 in the head piece 18 in connection. From these leads the channel 72 to the exit slot 24 , the channel 74 leads to the massage water outlet openings 22 and the channel 76 leads to the soft-jet water outlet openings 26 ,

Overall, the multi-function hand shower points 10 So downstream of the wheel 50 a first aquatic waterway 60 . 66 . 72 , a second aquatic waterway 62 . 68 . 74 and a third aquatic waterway 64 . 70 . 76 on which inside the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 and inside the head piece 18 the multi-function hand shower 10 run.

The hand piece 16 and the head piece 18 are, as mentioned above, formed as separate components and releasably connected to each other. This is the head piece 18 facing end portion 78 of the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 formed fork-shaped, that he the head piece 18 from the outside on the shower floor 20 and on the opposite outer surface fits over precisely, which in particular in the 1 and 2 easy to recognize. The end section 78 of the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 is opposite the remainder of the tax section 32 tilted at an angle of about 30 °, allowing the user to handle the multi-function hand shower 10 is relieved.

The water-carrying supply ducts 72 . 74 and 76 in the head piece 18 each lead into a headpiece 18 outstanding connecting piece 80 . 82 respectively. 84 , These connecting pieces 80 . 82 . 84 sit in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 inserted head piece 18 in corresponding receiving bores 86 . 88 respectively. 90 in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 which in turn leads to the continuing channels 66 . 68 respectively. 70 in the handpiece 16 to lead. The connecting pieces 80 . 82 and 84 of the head piece 18 are opposite the inner walls of the mounting holes 86 . 88 respectively. 90 in the handpiece 16 sealed by O-rings, of which in the 5 . 6 and 10 in each case only one with the reference numeral 92 is provided.

For detachable connection of the head piece 18 with the handpiece 16 is a locking device 94 provided, which in particular in 6 easy to recognize. This includes two rockers 96 , which in each case opposite recesses 98 in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 sit in and around each one in 6 perpendicular to the plane standing pivot 100 are pivotable. At her the head piece 18 facing ends have the rockers 96 one in the direction of the longitudinal axis 37 of the handpiece 16 inward locking nose 102 on which in notches 104 engage, the corresponding in the outer circumferential surface of the outer connecting piece 80 and 84 are provided. The scores 104 are also in 4 clearly visible. So that the locking lugs 102 the seesaw 96 with inserted head piece 18 each in a notch 104 can engage, are the walls of the outer mounting holes 86 and 90 at the level of the locking lugs 102 each with a corresponding passage 105 provided, which is especially in 10 easy to recognize.

How out 6 it can be seen, the seesaws 96 by means of coil springs 106 pressed in the direction of their detent position in which they are in the notches 104 intervention. These are the coil springs 106 each at the latch 102 opposite end of each rocker 96 between this and the parallel to the respective rocker 96 running reason of the recess 98 braced under pretension. The spiral springs 106 are each by a short holding pin 107 at the respective rocker 96 prevented from lateral breaking.

For comfortable operation by a user point the rockers 96 on their outside accessible to the user 1 . 2 and 3 to be seen finger hollows 108 on, each of the coil spring 106 are opposite. When a user presses it, the respective rocker pivots 96 against the force of the coil spring 106 around the corresponding pivot pin 100 and the catch 102 gets out of the notch 104 moved out. This will lock the head piece 18 in the handpiece 16 solved and it can be done by the user from the handpiece 16 be taken out.

As based on the 2 . 3 and 5 can be seen, the wheel protrudes 50 through a slot 110 in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 out of the same outward. In the circumferential direction is the outer circumferential surface of the rotary wheel 50 partially wavy performed, and in particular along that peripheral region, in the various possible positions of the rotary wheel 50 through the slot 110 through to the outside can protrude. In this way is an actuating surface 112 of the wheel 50 educated.

Switching the multi-function hand shower 10 from one mode to another happens as follows:
Take the wheel 50 in the 8th shown position, so water first flows through the semicircular opening 44 in the distributor 36 into the water-bearing through-hole 54 in the wheel 50 , From there, water enters the connection channel 62 in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 and further in its secondary channel 68 one from where it is in the feeder channel 74 in the head piece 18 is directed. Over this the water becomes the massage jet water outlet openings 22 fed. Would like the user of the multi-function hand shower 10 Now, for example, to switch to the function of a shower, he must turn the wheel 50 so far in the appropriate direction around the pivot 46 Twist around that the water-carrying through-hole 54 of the wheel 50 in alignment over the connection channel 60 in the control section 32 to come to rest. Via the connection channel 60 then water will be in the continuing canal 66 in the control section 32 of the handpiece 16 and via this to the supply channel 72 in the head piece 18 and to its exit slot 24 directed. Accordingly, the user by turning the wheel 50 in the other direction the multi-function hand shower 10 adjust so that water from the soft jet water outlet openings 26 exit.

Turning the wheel 50 takes place, for example, in that the user with the thumb of that hand, which the multi-function hand shower 10 in the grip section 34 of the handpiece 16 encloses, on the actuating surface 112 of the wheel 50 suppressed. and this twisted by a corresponding thumb movement.

In the in the 1 to 10 illustrated embodiment is the head piece 18 designed so that three different spray jets, namely massage jets, a water curtain and soft rays, can be generated. Due to the fact that the head piece 18 is designed as a separate component, the handpiece 16 however, with functionally different user-selectable headers 18 work together. These different head pieces 18 must of course be designed so that they always to the mounting holes 86 . 88 and 90 of the handpiece 16 complementary connecting pieces 80 . 82 and 84 have and also agree in their outer contour. The latter applies at least to the area of each header 18 from the end area 78 of the control section 32 in the manner explained above or overlapped. The water-carrying supply ducts 72 . 74 and 76 inside the head pieces 18 however, may be designed differently and / or lead to different water outlet openings, which in turn different shower jets can be generated.

Claims (9)

Multi-function hand shower for selectively operating in at least two different modes of operation in which different types of effervescent jets are generated, with a) a hand area ( 12 ), which holds the multi-function hand shower ( 10 ) by a user and in which a water-carrying channel ( 38 . 40 ) is provided; b) a header area ( 14 ), which has several water-bearing channels ( 72 . 74 . 76 ) leading to a plurality of water outlets ( 22 . 24 . 26 ) to lead; and c) manually operable changeover means ( 36 . 46 . 50 ), by means of which the operating mode of the multi-function hand shower ( 10 ) is adjustable; where d) the switching means ( 36 . 46 . 50 ) in the hand area ( 12 ) and one from outside the hand area ( 12 ) in various positions movable Umstellorgan ( 50 ), characterized in that e) the changeover member ( 50 ) a water-carrying through-bore ( 54 ), over which depending on the position of the Umstellorgans ( 50 ) Water from the canal ( 38 . 40 ) in the hand area ( 12 ) in each one of the water-bearing channels ( 72 . 74 . 76 ) in the head area ( 14 ) is steerable. Hand shower according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching means ( 36 . 46 . 50 ) a pivot ( 46 ) on which the changeover member ( 50 ) inside the hand area ( 12 ) is rotatably mounted. Hand shower according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivot ( 46 ) substantially perpendicular to one in the region of the pivot ( 46 ) lying cross-sectional area of the hand area ( 12 ) runs. Hand shower according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the Umstellorgan ( 50 ) as a rotary wheel ( 50 ) is formed, the peripheral surface at least partially as actuating surface ( 112 ) and at least partially through an opening ( 110 ) in the hand area ( 12 ) protrudes outwards. Hand shower according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening ( 110 ) in one on the side of the water outlet openings ( 22 . 24 . 26 ) area of the hand area ( 12 ) intended is. Hand shower according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switching means ( 36 . 46 . 50 ) with the Umstellorgan ( 50 ) cooperating distributor element ( 36 ), which has a through-hole ( 42 ) with a the Umstellorgan ( 50 ) facing distribution opening ( 44 ), over which the water-carrying through-bore ( 54 ) of the Umstellorgans ( 50 ) in all functional positions of the Umstellorgans ( 50 ) Water is supplied. Hand shower according to claim 6, characterized in that the distributor opening ( 44 ) of the distributor element ( 36 ) is semicircular and the water-bearing through-bore ( 54 ) of the Umstellorgans ( 50 ) by a rotational movement of the Umstellorgans ( 50 ) along the semicircular distribution opening ( 44 ) is movable. Hand shower according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the hand area ( 12 ) as a separate handpiece ( 16 ) and the header area ( 14 ) as a separate header ( 18 ) are formed, which are detachably connected to each other. Hand shower according to claim 8, characterized in that the head piece ( 18 ) external connecting pieces ( 80 . 82 . 84 ), each of which communicates with one of the aquiferous channels ( 72 . 74 . 76 ) of the header ( 18 ) and that the handpiece ( 16 ) to the connecting pieces ( 80 . 82 . 84 ) of the header ( 18 ) complementary recordings ( 86 . 88 . 90 ) having.