EP2699357B1 - Shower or hand shower - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a shower or hand shower according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for selecting a jet according to the preamble of claim 18.

Most showers or hand showers feature shower bases or multi-jet spray discs. For this purpose, usually two or more groups of different jet outlet openings are arranged in the jet discs, which are supplied separately or together with water. The inflow to the jet outlet openings is regulated by valve devices.

To change the flow of water from one jet to the other, a wide variety of solutions are known from the prior art.

The DE 10 2009 008 196 A1 discloses a hand shower with a switching valve having a valve closing body and a valve seat in the form of valve discs with through holes. To control a certain group of jet outlet openings, the rotation of the valve closing body is effected by an actuator according to the ballpoint pen principle against the force of a compression spring. In this case, the valve disc is further rotated by a certain angle of rotation with a push button. Depending on the position of the valve disc, a certain type of jet must be switched over using a different jet and the push-button must be pressed several times.

The US Pat. No. 5,937,905 discloses a sprayer with two spray patterns and a switching device with two axially displaceable valve closing bodies, which can be moved back and forth between a shut-off position and a passage position via a toggle switch. Depending on the position of the valve closing body, access to a group of jet outlet openings is opened and, at the same time, the other access to the second jet pattern is closed.

From the US2010 / 0237160 A1 is also a hand shower with multiple groups of jet outlets and multiple valves known, each valve is associated with a group of jet outlet openings. Each valve comprises an axially displaceable valve closing body, which can be returned to the shut-off position via a push-button actuation from a shut-off position into an open position and with repeated pushbutton actuation. Each individual valve can be controlled independently of the others. Depending on the valve position, however, all existing valves on the hand shower can be in a shut-off position. Therefore, further jet outlet openings are arranged, which can not be shut off via the valves. This means that with pending water pressure through these jet outlet openings continuously water is discharged. Thus, these jet outlet openings are not controllable and act as a non-lockable beam.

Finally, out of the CN 100427215 C a distributor device is known, which is mounted in the handle of a hand shower. The distributor device has an inlet chamber and a plurality of outlet chambers, which are fluidically connected to one another and can be separated from one another by sealing valves. In this case, each of the sealing valves can be actuated with a push rod, which are accessible from the outside of the shower. For operation, a control knob is provided on each push rod for each valve to operate the up and down movement of the sealing valves. With the so-designed hand shower, it is possible by the simultaneous shut-off of all sealing valves to bring the hand shower in a state in which no flow is possible. Such a full shutdown is usually not permitted and not desirable for security reasons.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to improve a shower or hand shower with a plurality of jet outlet openings and / or multiple jet types whose inflow is controllable via valves.

This object is achieved by a shower or hand shower with the features of claim 1 and by a method according to claim 18. To achieve the object, a shower or hand shower is provided with the invention, with a plurality of jet outlets, a number "x"(x> 1) of valves that regulate the flow of fluid to the jet outlet openings, each valve is arranged singly and each valve comprises a movable valve body, with which at least two defined valve positions can be realized. defined Valve positions may be, for example, the passage or the shut-off position of a valve. Different jet types can be realized for example by different jet outlet openings. In the case of "x" valves, "x" different spray types or "x" different types of jet outlet openings are usually provided. For example, jet outlet openings for individual jets, ventilated jets, massage jets or moving jets may be provided. These differ in their size and shape. All jet outlet openings are controlled via valves. For each of the "x" valves, a pushbutton is arranged to control it. The selection of a jet and the control of a valve by pressing the push button and thus by actuating the associated valve body. As a result, each valve can be controlled independently of the others. Upon actuation of a push button, the valve body from the first valve position to the second valve position postponed. When the same pushbutton or the same pushbuttons are actuated twice or repeatedly, the valve body of the associated valves remains in the second valve position. At the same time, the rest of all other valve body is returned to the first valve position, the associated pushbutton is unconfirmed.

This happens by the valve body is released from a locking position. The locking and / or release position is defined by the control or the position of the control. For this purpose, if appropriate, a valve body can be moved into a third valve position, in which the control is positioned such that the valve body of the valves, the push button is not actuated, are released and return to the first valve position.

If desired, each valve can be controlled individually, in combination with other or all "x" valves simultaneously. Furthermore, the provision of "z" (z <x) valves from the second valve position to the first valve position by actuation of at least one or by pressing "x-z" pushbuttons takes place.

By the invention it is achieved that all jet types can be produced on a shower directly individually but also in combination with each other without first having to deselect another type of jet.

If all "x" pushbuttons are pressed and then only one pushbutton or one valve is to be selected, it is sufficient to press only the desired pushbutton to obtain the desired spray type. The other valves are automatically reset.

A development of the invention provides that at least one further valve is arranged, which is in operative combination with one of the "x" valves. This means that the additional valve is coupled to one of the "x" valves and can be controlled or actuated by its associated pushbutton simultaneously with this. For example, the supply of air, a fragrance or a washing lotion can be controlled via the further valve. The further valve can be coupled via a rocker or a lever with one of the "x" isolated arranged valves. Furthermore, it is possible to couple each of the "x" controllable valves with one or more additional valves.

The valves each comprise a valve seat, which is arranged on a water supply of the shower or hand shower and a movable valve body. The valve body may be in one piece or in several parts. It has a first area which is provided for a sealing function, the so-called sealing body and a second area, the so-called plunger, which is provided for the guidance of the valve body. The plunger is mounted radially fixed and axially displaceable, so that the valve body can be moved in the direction of its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the valve body is spring-loaded. The storage can be realized by means of a separate travel spring or via a spring element which is part of the valve body. If the valve body is provided in several parts, plunger and sealing body can be positioned axially by pins to each other. Furthermore, the valves have a sealing element in the form of a sealing ring which is provided on the valve body or on the valve seat.

The pushbuttons of the valves are connected to the valve body in such a way that it makes a certain movement when the pushbutton is actuated. The direction of movement of pushbutton and valve body match this. Upon actuation of the push button, the travel spring or the spring element is compressed via the valve body. The provision of the valve body from the second valve position is due to the spring force of the so-called return spring.

An embodiment of the invention provides that each valve is in a shut-off position in the first valve position and in a forward position in the second valve position. When the valve body is moved from the first to the second valve position, this movement takes place against the force of the return spring.

A further development of the invention also provides that a plurality of fluid distribution chambers are provided in the shower head and the inflow of at least one fluid per fluid distribution chamber is regulated via at least one valve, each fluid distribution chamber being associated with a jet outlet opening or a specific number of jet outlet openings. The valves and valve seats are thus each arranged in the region of a specific fluid distribution chamber. Depending on the valve position, they release the inflow of the fluid from a water guide to a fluid distribution chamber or the inflow of air from an air intake channel to a fluid distribution chamber.

About the Fluidverteilkammern the jet outlet openings water can be supplied. Furthermore, it is also possible to supply both air and water to a fluid distribution chamber via the valves and to mix the two fluids in a fluid distribution chamber. Subsequently, ventilated jets can be emitted via the jet outlet openings connected to this fluid distribution chamber.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for a control which is suitable for guiding all "x" valve bodies. For this purpose, the valve body Guide element, which may be provided in the form of a pin or a cone.

The control can be provided, for example, as a rotatable link plate or translationally movable slide link. Advantageously, at least one link for guiding at least one valve body is provided on the control element.

Upon actuation of a valve and the associated movement of a valve body is simultaneously a movement of the control against the force of a return spring. Furthermore, the control serves as a locking element for the valve body in the respective valve positions. For this purpose, one or more receptacles are provided on the control element per valve body, which define the first or second valve position.

Due to the isolated arrangement of the valves and the associated optional actuation, there are possibilities for different jet types or combinations of jet types for the "x" valves and the associated "x" single jet types "2" -1 ".

Furthermore, the invention provides a method for selecting at least one jet type in a shower or hand shower with "x" (x> 1) valves and with multiple jet types, in which each jet type is assigned at least one individually controllable valve. Each of the "x" valves can be controlled independently of the other valves. Furthermore, each valve comprises a movable valve body with which at least a first and a second valve position can be realized. For each of the "x" valves, a pushbutton is arranged for the control thereof, wherein upon actuation of one or more pushbuttons, the displacement of the associated valve body takes place. Advantageously, when a number of "y" (y≤x) valves are actuated, the associated valve bodies move from a first valve position to a second valve position or remain in the second valve position while the associated valve bodies remain in their first valve position or "xy" valves at the same time return the first valve position.

This means that upon actuation of the same pushbutton or the same pushbuttons, the valve bodies of the associated valves remain in the second valve position and / or all other valve bodies, whose associated pushbutton is not actuated, return to the first valve position.

By means of the method it is achieved that on a shower with different jet types all jet types can be controlled individually, in combination with each other or all together. At the same time, the valves which are not activated or whose pushbuttons are not actuated return to their shut-off position. If all pushbuttons are pressed, a pushbutton can be selected and pressed again. In this case, the valve body of the valve associated with this pushbutton can be brought into a third valve position. The valve bodies of the unactuated pushbuttons or associated valves in turn return to the first valve position. Furthermore, it is ensured that at no time all valves are in the shut-off position, since the shut-off of the water supply to the shower must be done on a sanitary fitting connected to the shower via a shut-off valve.

The selection of the type of jet takes place in each case by the control of the valves by the associated valve body are actuated. Furthermore, the control of the valves by pressing push buttons, which are connected to the valve body.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Handbrause

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt durch die Handbrause aus Fig. 1

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt durch die Handbrause aus Fig. 2 entlang der Linie III-III

Fig. 4a

das Detail "X" aus Fig. 2

Fig. 4b

das Detail "X" aus Fig. 2 mit veränderter Drucktasten- und Ventilstellung

Fig. 4c

das Detail "X" aus Fig. 2 mit veränderter Drucktasten- und Ventilstellung

Fig. 4d

das Detail "X" aus Fig. 2 mit veränderter Drucktasten- und Ventilstellung

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt durch die Handbrause aus Fig. 2 entlang der Linie V-V im Detail

Fig. 6a

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform für ein Steuerelement und zugehörige Ventile

Fig. 6b

die perspektivische Ansicht aus Fig. 6a mit veränderter Ventilstellung

Fig. 6c

die perspektivische Ansicht aus Fig. 6a mit veränderter Ventilstellung

Fig. 6d

die perspektivische Ansicht aus Fig. 6a mit veränderter Ventilstellung

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to several embodiments and with reference to the drawings. Equivalent elements are identified in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the same reference numerals in the different exemplary embodiments. In detail, they show:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a hand shower invention

Fig. 2

a cut through the hand shower off Fig. 1

Fig. 3

a cut through the hand shower off Fig. 2 along the line III-III

Fig. 4a

the detail "X" off Fig. 2

Fig. 4b

the detail "X" off Fig. 2 with modified pushbutton and valve position

Fig. 4c

the detail "X" off Fig. 2 with modified pushbutton and valve position

Fig. 4d

the detail "X" off Fig. 2 with modified pushbutton and valve position

Fig. 5

a cut through the hand shower off Fig. 2 along the line VV in detail

Fig. 6a

a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a control and associated valves

Fig. 6b

the perspective view Fig. 6a with changed valve position

Fig. 6c

the perspective view Fig. 6a with changed valve position

Fig. 6d

the perspective view Fig. 6a with changed valve position

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a hand shower according to the invention, at the top four pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 are arranged, which are provided for the actuation of at least four valves 40, 41, 42, 43. In the present embodiment, the pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 are in the shape of a circle segment and provide a circular operation field in their arrangement. Usually, the pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 are provided with a symbol or label giving an indication of the selectable jet type. In addition, the pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 are disposed in a portion of a housing 10 which allows the user to conveniently operate the pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 while holding the showerhead in the hand.

In the present embodiment, four Einzelstrahlarten are provided. Furthermore, three different types of jet outlet openings 50 are arranged. By actuating a single pushbutton 401, 411, 421, 431, a single beam type can be selected in each case. Here, a distinction can be made between a normal beam with a multiplicity of individual beams, a ventilated beam, a hard beam with a large beam diameter and a massage beam with a movable jet pattern. Since all pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 can also be actuated at the same time, a large number of combinations of the different types of single beam are possible.

Out Fig. 2 the structure of the hand shower becomes clear. In the housing 10, a handle water guide 20 and a head water guide 30 are arranged. The head water guide 30 includes a plurality of fluid distribution chambers 301, 302, 303, 304 and the associated valves 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, which control the inflow of at least one fluid per fluid distribution chamber 301, 302, 303, 304. Furthermore, a plurality of jet forming units are arranged on the underside of the head water guide 30, which have different types of jet outlet openings 50.

The valves 40, 41, 42, 43, 80 each include a valve seat, which is arranged in the region of the inlets to the fluid distribution chambers 301, 302, 303, 304 on the head water guide 30. Furthermore, each valve 40, 41, 42, 43 has a movable valve body 402, 412, 422, 432, 802, which comprises a guide region, for example a plunger and a sealing region, eg a sealing body. In the present exemplary embodiment, an annular sealing element 403, 413, 423, 433 is respectively arranged in the sealing region of the valve body 402, 412, 422, 432, 802. Furthermore, the valves 40, 41, 42, 43, 80 each have a return spring 404, 414, 424, 434, which the valve body 402, 412, 422, 432, Press 802 against the respective valve seat. This ensures that the tightness of the valves 40, 41, 42. 43 is given even at a low applied water pressure in the water supply 20, 30.

Out Fig. 3 the arrangement of the Fluidverteilkammern 301, 302, 303, 304 and their associated valves 40, 41, 42, 43 clearly. In the present embodiment, a total of four Fluidverteilkammern 301, 302, 303, 304 are provided, which are arranged largely concentric with the center of the circular shower head.

In the inner region of the shower a gear 70 is arranged, which serves to generate a massage jet. For this purpose, jet outlet openings 50 are provided on movably arranged jet nozzles. The transmission 70 for driving the jet nozzles is supplied with water via the fluid distribution chamber 303. When the push button 421 is operated and pushed down, the associated valve body 422 is displaced. As a result, the valve body 422 is lifted from its valve seat and moved against the force of a return spring 424. In this case, the inflow of water from the water guide 20, 30 is released into the Fluidverteilkammer 303.

The inflow to the fluid distribution chamber 302 is controlled via the pushbutton 411 and the associated valve 41 or the associated valve body 412. The fluid distribution chamber 302 is in communication with jet outlet orifices 50, which produce a jet with a fairly large jet diameter, a so-called "jet" jet.

The inflow to the fluid distribution chamber 301 is controlled via the valves 40, 43 and the associated pushbuttons 401, 431. Upon actuation of the push button 431, only the valve body 432 is shifted to a forward position. In this case, the inflow of water into the fluid distribution chamber 301 is released. In this valve position, a normal jet is generated with a plurality of individual jets through the jet outlet openings 50.

Out Fig. 5 It will be appreciated that the valve 40 is additionally coupled to another valve 80. This is connected via a lever 90 to the valve 40. Upon actuation of the push button 401, the associated valve body 402, which is embodied here in two parts, is displaced from its valve seat into a passage position for the water so that it can flow into the fluid distribution chamber 301. The valve body 402 consists of a plunger and a sealing body, on which the sealing element 403 is arranged. When the valve body 402 is displaced, it presses on one end of the lever 90, the other end of which acts on the valve body 802 and lifts it likewise from its valve seat. While the valve body 402 is displaced downward by the push button 401, the valve body 802 of the valve 80 becomes simultaneously moved up. Thereby, an opening is opened to the fluid distribution chamber 304, which is an air distribution chamber communicating with an air intake passage 305. The Fluidverteilkammern 301 and 304 are arranged so that upon movement of the valve body 802 in a passage position, air from the Fluidverteilkammer 304 and water from the Fluidverteilkammer 301 can flow into the underlying mixing chamber. In this valve position, a ventilated spray jet is generated. The water exits the fluid distribution chamber 301 through the same jet outlet nozzles 50 as when the valve 43 is actuated. However, the addition of air produces a visibly differentiated jet and thus a different type of jet.

The shower according to the invention makes it possible to selectively and directly select the spray types by the respective actuation of the pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431. Here, it is possible to press the pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 individually or in combination with each other. Furthermore, it is possible to actuate all the pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 simultaneously. The advantage of the invention is that an existing beam type or combination need not be deselected before a new beam type can be selected. Rather, the existing selection is automatically deselected when a new spray is selected by pressing one or more pushbuttons. This is done via a control element 60, which serves to guide the valve body 402, 412, 422, 432. For this purpose, the valves 40, 41, 42, 43 a guide element 405, 415, 425, 435 on.

Based on FIGS. 4a to 4d the functionality is explained in more detail. The control element 60 is arranged between or on the valves 40, 41, 42, 43 in such a way that it is always in contact with all guide elements 405, 415, 425, 435 in some form. The control element 60 is provided in the form of a one-piece sliding link disc, which must be displaced in a movement against the force of a return spring. The direction of movement of the control element 60 is in this case provided perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve body 402, 412, 422, 432.

In FIG. 4a is the push button 411 of the valve 41 in an unactuated position. The associated valve body 412 is located in the first valve position, which here corresponds to the shut-off position of the valve 41. The valve body 412 rests with its sealing element 413 on the valve seat. The inflow to the fluid distribution chamber 302 is thus shut off. On the valve body 412 is perpendicular to the valve body axis a Guide member 405 provided in the form of a pin. The guide element 405 has a trapezoidal cross-section. In the illustrated first valve position of the valve 41, the guide element 415 lies in a first receptacle 602 of the control element 60. Due to the geometry of the guide element 415 and the receptacle 602, the valve body 412 and the pushbutton 405 connected to it are fixed in this first valve position, although the Return spring 414 presses against the valve body 412, since the control element 60 is mounted immovably in the direction of the valve travel.

In contrast, the pushbutton 401 is in an actuated position so that the associated valve 40 is actuated and in the forward position. The associated valve body 402 is thus in the second valve position and rests in a receptacle 603 of the control.

In contrast, the pushbutton 411 is in Fig. 4b just in an unfixed position. The push button 411 of the valve 41 is being actuated and pressed down. In this case, the guide member 415 slides with an oblique edge along a gate 601 of the control element 60, whereby the control element 60 is displaced against the force of a return spring. If the pushbutton 411 is moved further down without the pushbutton 401 also being actuated at the same time, the control element is moved so far that the guide element 405 slides out of the receptacle 603. In this case, the valve body 402 would be pushed upwards due to the restoring force of the spring 404 until the guide element 405 comes into engagement with the receptacle 602. Further movement of the valve body 402 and the pushbutton 401 connected thereto would then be blocked.

In Fig. 4c Both valves 40, 41 are in the forward position. The associated valve bodies 402, 412 are located in the second valve position and the associated guide elements are fixed in the two receptacles 603 of the control element 60.

In the hand shower according to the invention, it is possible to operate all four pushbuttons 401, 411, 421, 431 simultaneously. In this situation, all of the valve bodies 402, 412, 422, 432 would be in the second valve position. Accordingly, all guide elements 405, 415, 425, 435 are then fixed in the associated receptacles 603 of the control element 60. Fig. 4d shows the situation when, by pressing the push button 411, the jet type defined by the valve 41 is selected and the remaining valves are deselected.

The push button 411 is pushed down to its stop position. Here, the guide element 415 has also slid along the second link 604 in a stop position. In this position, the control 60 is in a stop position. A further displacement of the push button 411, the valve body 412, the guide member 415 and the control element 60 is no longer possible.

However, the control element is now shifted so far that the other guide element 405 or the guide elements 405, 425, 435 of all other unactuated pushbuttons 401, 421, 431 are no longer in engagement with the control element 60 and are automatically moved upwards. The return of the valve bodies 402, 422, 432 is in turn limited by an upper stop, which is defined by the first receptacle 601 of the control element 60.

Another embodiment showing an alternative control 60 is shown in FIGS Fig. 6a, 6b . 6c and 6d shown. The control element 60 is designed in the form of a rotatable crank disk. This is also rotated during a movement of a valve body 402, 412, 422, 432 against the force of a return spring. The guide elements 405, 415, 425, 435 of the valve bodies 402, 412, 422, 432 are formed as cones at the upper end of the valve body 402, 412, 422, 432. The valve bodies 402, 412, 422, 432 each have at their lower end a spring unit which acts as a return spring 404, 414, 424, 434. The scenes 601 are executed in the form of circular segment-shaped cutouts with sloping surfaces or edges.

In Fig. 6a was actuated by the associated push button (not shown), the valve body 402 from the first valve position to the second valve position down. When operated as in Fig. 6b represented slides the guide member 405, 415 of the valve body 402, 412 along the link 601 and thereby moves the control element 60 by a certain angle of rotation. The circular segment-shaped cutout in the control element 60 is so large that the guide element 405, 415, 425, 435 fits through it. Once the guide member 405, 415, 425, 435 passes under the control 60, the control 60 rotates back due to the restoring force of the spring. Thereby, the valve body 402, 412, 422, 432 is locked by the control member 60 even in the position below the control member 60. The provision of the locked valve body 412 in Fig. 6c takes place by actuation of another valve body 402, 422, 432 and the associated rotation of the control element 60. As soon as the corresponding recess in the position above the non-actuated valve body 412, this can return to the first valve position due to the restoring force of the spring.

Also in this embodiment, each valve 40, 41, 42, 43 directly and independently of the valve position of the other valves 41, 42, 43, 40 can be controlled. This allows you to select the spray types and combinations of spray types without deselecting the previously set spray type.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

casing

20

Handle water flow

30

Head water flow

301, 302, 303

Fluid distribution chamber, water distribution chamber

304

Fluid distribution chamber, air distribution chamber

305

air intake duct

40, 41, 42, 43

Valve

401, 411, 421, 431

pushbutton

402, 412, 422, 432

valve body

403, 413, 423, 433

sealing element

404, 414, 424, 434

Return spring

405, 415, 425, 435

Guide element, pin

406

valve seat

50

Blast opening

60

control

601

first backdrop

602

first recording

603

second shot

604

second backdrop

70

transmission

80

Valve for air distribution chamber

802

valve body

803

sealing element

804

Return spring

90

lever

Claims (18)

1. Shower or hand shower, having

   - jet outlet openings (50),

   - "x" (x > 1) valves (40, 41, 42, 43), which control the inflow of a fluid to the jet outlet openings (50), - -

   wherein each valve (40,41,42,43) can be actuated independently of the other valves and comprises a movable valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) with which at least a first and a second valve position are realised,

   and for each of the "x" valves (40, 41, 42, 43) there is arranged a push button (401, 411, 421, 431) for the actuation thereof, wherein on operation of one or more push buttons (401, 411, 421, 431) a displacement of the associated valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) takes place,

   characterised in that
   a one-piece control element (60) having retainers (603) is provided, by means of which, on operation of the same push button or the same push buttons (401, 411, 421, 431), the location of the associated valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) is secured in the second valve position and by means of the control element (60) in a stop position all the other valve bodies (402, 412, 422, 432), the associated push button (401, 411, 421, 431) of which has not been operated, are reset to the first valve position.
2. Shower or hand shower according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one further valve (80) is provided which is coupled to one of the "x" valves (40) and, by means of the associated push button (401) thereof, is actuated or operated simultaneously therewith.
3. Shower or hand shower according to either one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control element (60) is provided for guiding the "x" valve bodies (402, 412, 422, 432).
4. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (301, 302, 303, 304) are provided in the shower and the inflow of at least one fluid per fluid distribution chamber (301, 302, 303, 304) is regulated by means of at least one valve (40, 41, 42, 43, 80).
5. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each valve (40, 41, 42, 43, 80) is in a blocking position in the first valve position and in a throughflow position in the second valve position.
6. Shower or hand shower according to claim 5, characterised in that for the "x" valves (40, 41, 42, 43) and the associated "x" push buttons (401, 402, 403, 404) there are provided "2^x-1" possibilities for actuating different jet types or combinations of jet types.
7. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valves (40, 41, 42, 43, 80) comprise a valve body (402, 412, 422, 432, 802) which is displaceable along its longitudinal axis.
8. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a movement of the valve body (402, 412, 422, 432, 802) from the first valve position to the second valve position is effected against the force of a resetting spring (404, 414, 424, 434, 804).
9. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valves (40, 41, 42, 43, 80) have a sealing element (403, 413, 423, 433, 803) which is provided on the valve body (402, 412, 422, 432, 802) or on the valve seat.
10. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valve body (402, 412, 422, 432, 802) comprises a stem and a sealing body.
11. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on the control element (60) there is provided at least one guideway (601, 604) for guiding at least one of the "x" valve bodies (402,412,422,432).
12. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on each of the "x" valve bodies (402,412,422,432) there is provided a guide element (405, 415, 425, 435).
13. Shower or hand shower according to claim 12, characterised in that a pin or cone is provided as the guide element (405, 415, 425, 435).
14. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a rotatable guide disc or a translationally movable guide bar is provided as the control element (60).
15. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on operation of one of the "x" valves (40,41,42,43) there is provided a movement of the control element (60) against the force of a resetting spring.
16. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control element (60) is in the form of a locking element for the "x" valve bodies (402, 412, 422, 432) in the first and/or second valve position(s).
17. Shower or hand shower according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on the control element (60) there are provided for each valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) one or more retainers (602, 603) which define the valve positions.
18. Method of selecting at least one jet type in a shower or hand shower having "x" (x > 1) actuatable valves (40, 41, 42, 43) and a plurality of jet types, in which at least one valve (40, 41, 42, 43, 80) is associated with each jet type, wherein each of the "x" valves (40, 41, 42, 43) can be actuated independently of the other valves and comprises a movable valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) with which at least a first and a second valve position are realised and for each of the "x" valves (40, 41, 42, 43) there is arranged a push button (401, 411, 421, 431) for the actuation thereof, wherein on operation of one or more push buttons (401, 411, 421, 431) a displacement of the associated valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) takes place,
    characterised in that
    on operation of the same push button or the same push buttons (401, 411, 421, 431), the valve bodies (402, 412, 422, 432) of the associated valves (40, 41, 42, 43) remain in the second valve position, and all the other valve bodies (402,412,422,432), the associated push button (401, 411, 421, 431) of which has not been operated, return to the first valve position.

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