CN219570912U - Flow regulating device for bathroom equipment and bathroom equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a flow regulating device for bathroom equipment, which comprises: a valve member including a valve body defining a passageway therein extending along a length thereof to enable water flow from a water supply end to a water outlet end via the passageway; an operating member arranged to be rotatable around the valve member; an adjustment member at least partially disposed within the channel; an actuating member configured to connect the operating member with the adjusting member such that rotation of the operating member moves the adjusting member, the flow rate of the water flowing through the passage can be adjusted by movement of the adjusting member, and the valve body can include void portions spaced apart along a length direction thereof, in which the actuating member can rotate. In this way, a reliable movement of the user's actuating and adjusting member and thus the adjustment of the flow can be achieved in a very compact structure. The utility model also relates to bathroom equipment.

Description

Flow regulating device for bathroom equipment and bathroom equipment

Technical Field

The utility model relates to the field of bathroom equipment, in particular to a flow regulating device for bathroom equipment and the bathroom equipment comprising the flow regulating device.

Background

The bathroom field relates to various sanitary, bathing and washing equipment, and can be used in areas such as commercial or household toilets, kitchens, living rooms and the like. With the continuous increase of living requirements of people, the current requirements for various bathroom products are becoming more diversified.

For example, different users have different bathing habits while bathing. Some people like larger water flow, so that larger impact or wider shower area is generated, but some people want the water flow not to be too large, so that the body is prevented from being stimulated too much, and the effect of saving water can be generated. However, these all require the user himself to make the adjustment.

Typical water outlets in bathroom systems, such as showers, are typically controlled directly by their associated faucet or (hot and cold) mix switch if it is desired to change the water flow. However, it is very inconvenient to adjust the water outlet flow rate of the shower head through the water tap or the water mixing switch. On the one hand, these devices are generally far from the body of the user who is bathing or are highly unsuitable, and on the other hand, the adjustment of these taps or switches is not smooth per se, is laborious and inconvenient to use, especially for young users.

At present, there are also showers providing a plurality of different gear positions, which are convenient for a user to adjust the flow rate of water flow at the handheld end, but the gear positions are usually different in spray mode, and the selection in providing the flow rate change is limited (only a limited number of gear positions). In addition, some flow control mechanisms are also known to facilitate the control of the water outlet flow of the shower head by one-hand operation of a user, but the structure and control are complex, the cost is high, and the economic burden of the user is high.

Therefore, there is always a need in the bathroom field for a device that enables regulation of the water flow, in particular stepless regulation, and that is simple in structure and convenient to operate.

Disclosure of Invention

The utility model provides a flow regulating device for bathroom equipment, wherein water flows from a water supply end to a water outlet end of the bathroom equipment, the flow regulating device can be arranged between the water supply end and the water outlet end along the water flow direction, and the flow regulating device can comprise: a valve member, which may include a valve body, which may form a channel therein extending along a length thereof to enable water flow from a water supply end to a water outlet end via the channel; an operating member which may be arranged to be rotatable around the valve member; an adjustment member, which may be at least partially disposed within the channel; and an actuating member configured to connect the operating member with the adjusting member such that rotation of the operating member moves the adjusting member, the flow rate of the water flow flowing through the passage being adjusted by the movement of the adjusting member, wherein the valve body may include a void portion spaced apart along a length direction thereof, and the actuating member is rotatable in the void portion.

By means of the flow regulating device, flexible flow regulation between the water supply end and the water outlet end can be achieved, and therefore actual use requirements of different users are met. Furthermore, by arranging the operating member around the valve member and rotating the actuating member for connecting the operating member and the regulating member within the void portion formed by the valve body, reliable movement of the operating and regulating members by the user and thus regulation of the flow can be achieved in a very compact structure.

Advantageously, the actuating member may comprise a first actuating portion, which may be fixedly connected or integral with the operating member, and which may extend at least partially in a direction transverse to the direction of water flow.

By providing a first actuating portion, in particular a first actuating portion extending at least partially transversely, it is possible with a simple construction to convert a rotation of the operating member into a rotation of the first actuating portion and to reliably bring about a movement of the adjusting member by the first actuating portion.

Preferably, the adjusting means may comprise a rotating element, and the rotation of the operating means may rotate the rotating element, and the flow rate of the water flowing through the passage may be adjusted by the rotation of the rotating element.

By providing a turning element, the rotation of the operating member can be converted into a rotation of the adjustment member without being converted into other movements including translation, which is relatively simple and reliable to implement.

In particular, the flow regulating device may further include a fixing member located in the passage, the fixing member may be fixedly connected to or integrated with the valve body, a first water passing hole may be provided on the fixing member, the rotating member may be stacked against the fixing member, a second water passing hole may be provided on the rotating member, and a relative position between the first water passing hole and the second water passing hole may be changed by rotation of the rotating member, thereby regulating the flow.

By means of the water passing holes respectively arranged on the fixed element and the rotating element, the change of the alignment degree of the water passing holes can be realized in the rotating process of the rotating element, so that the flow rate of water passing through the channel can be accurately and stably regulated.

More preferably, the valve body may include a first valve body element on an inflow side of the water flow and a second valve body element on an outflow side, and the first valve body element and the second valve body element may respectively include engagement portions for fixedly engaging to the sanitary equipment, wherein a gap portion may be formed between the first valve body element and the second valve body element in a longitudinal direction.

With two valve body elements arranged separately, it is possible to design the joints respectively with the sanitary fitting. In particular, the spacing between the two valve body elements may be utilized to provide a void for rotation of the actuating member.

For example, the first actuating portion may be configured as an actuating rod, which may extend across the channel.

The first actuating part in the form of an actuating lever is of very simple construction and can facilitate the connection with the operating member and reliably bring about the movement of the subsequent element, for example the coupling element. An actuation rod extending across the channel may improve the stability of actuation, for example, may reduce under-rotation or over-rotation due to jitter or the like.

Preferably, the actuating member may further comprise a coupling element, which may be arranged inside the valve body, for coupling the first actuating portion and the rotating element.

By providing a coupling element between the first actuating portion and the adjustment member, a variety of flexible arrangements may be provided, in particular fluid-tight actuation may be achieved.

Advantageously, the coupling element may comprise a cylindrical portion and a rod portion, the rod portion may be located within the cylindrical portion and extend across the channel, and the first actuating portion may be at least partially disposed within the rod portion.

The rod-shaped part can enclose the first actuating part, so that the first actuating part is prevented from being directly contacted with water flow passing through the channel, and the safety is improved.

In particular, a sealing element for fluid sealing may be arranged between the outer wall of the cylindrical portion and the inner wall of the valve body. By means of such a sealing element, actuation in a fluid-tight state and flow regulation can be ensured.

For example, a plurality of first water passing holes may be provided on the fixed element, and a corresponding plurality of second water passing holes may be provided on the rotating element, wherein the first water passing holes and the second water passing holes may be uniformly spaced apart in the circumferential direction, respectively.

The plurality of water holes can lighten the pressure distribution when water flows through, and various flexible flow adjustment possibilities can be provided by designing the shapes, the sizes, the alignments and the like of the plurality of water holes.

The utility model also provides bathroom equipment, and the bathroom system comprises the flow regulating device.

Preferably, the water outlet end may comprise a shower head and the water supply end may comprise a tap, the flow regulating means being connectable to a hose between the shower head and the tap.

The flow control device can be connected here at one end to a hose and at the other end to a shower or tap or other intermediate element. It is envisaged that the flow regulating means will be connected to the hose at both ends, as long as the hose between the shower head and the tap can provide such an interface. Therefore, the flow regulating device can be flexibly arranged between the shower head and the tap, and proper flow regulation can be provided according to the needs of users.

Drawings

It should be noted that the referenced drawings are not all drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate aspects of the present utility model, and the drawings should not be construed as limiting in this regard.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a flow regulating device in accordance with the present utility model, showing an engagement portion of a first valve body element;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of a flow regulating device in accordance with the present utility model, showing the engagement of the second valve body element;

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of one embodiment of a flow regulating device according to the present utility model, taken along line A-A;

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of one embodiment of a flow regulating device according to the present utility model, taken along line B-B;

list of reference numerals:

100. a flow rate adjusting device;

110. a valve member;

111a first valve body element;

111b second valve body element;

112. a channel;

114. an inflow side;

116. an outflow side;

118. a void portion;

120. an operation member;

132. a rotating element;

134. a second water passing hole;

136. a fixing element;

138. a first water passing hole;

142. an actuating lever;

144. a coupling element;

144a cylindrical portion;

144b rod-shaped portion;

150. a sealing element.

Detailed Description

In the present utility model, the term "sanitary equipment" refers to facilities for human toileting, cleaning, including, but not limited to, showers, faucets, bathtubs or other shower equipment for washing or bathing, toilets for defecation, and the like.

Furthermore, the term "flow regulating device" means that the device can be used to regulate the flow of water through it. "flow regulation" may or may not include completely shutting off or shutting off the flow of water (i.e., flow is zero). In addition, the "flow regulating device" does not exclude that the device can also perform other functions, such as heating, filtering, sterilizing, cleaning, etc.

In the present utility model, the term "end", such as a water supply end and a water outlet end, refers to a collection of various forms of sections, elements, members, devices, apparatuses, systems, and may even be an area or a range, but it may be used to achieve a specific purpose, such as supplying water flow or letting out water flow, etc., and its specific form may be different according to each case.

In the present utility model, the term "member" does not necessarily refer to a separate component but may also be part of a certain component or device, especially when it is indicated that the member may be integrated with the component or device.

Furthermore, the term "lengthwise" refers to a direction in which the dimension of a member or device is significantly larger than other dimensions, for example, a dimension significantly larger than its cross-section (width) may be defined as a length. Along the length refers to the direction that follows its length of extension, which may be constantly changing (e.g., not necessarily vertical, horizontal, or at a constant angle), depending on the configuration of the member or device itself.

It is also to be understood that, in the present utility model, the terms "first," "second," etc. merely denote various separate entities (not a single entity, unless otherwise indicated), but rather denote a priority or importance of their own.

The sanitary equipment according to the present utility model may include a water supply end and a water outlet end. Here, "water supply" and "water discharge" are relatively speaking concepts. For example, the water supply end can also be the water outlet end of other bathroom equipment, and if the water outlet end is continuously connected with other bathroom equipment, the water outlet end can also be the water supply end of other bathroom equipment. As an example, the water supply end may comprise a faucet and the water outlet end may comprise a shower (whether hand held or not), typically with a conduit connected between them. The faucet, while part of the water supply in this sanitary fixture, may be the water outlet of other fixtures (e.g., hidden within a wall).

The present utility model provides a flow rate adjusting device 100 for a bathroom fixture, which flow rate adjusting device 100 may be interposed between a water supply end (e.g., a faucet) and a water discharge end (e.g., a shower) of the bathroom fixture in a water flow direction. The term "interposed" here means that it is arranged between the water supply end and the water outlet end, but not necessarily directly connected to the water supply end or the water outlet end, but intermediate elements, in particular hoses, may also be present between them. In addition, the expression "interposed" means disposed between "and in particular functionally between the water supply end and the water outlet end, i.e. the water flow flows from the water supply end to the water outlet end via the interposed flow regulating device 100, irrespective of whether the actual physical position of the flow regulating device 100 is located between the water supply end and the water outlet end.

The flow regulating device 100 of the present utility model first includes a valve member 110, the valve member 110 including a valve body having a channel 112 formed therein extending along a length thereof. The channel 112 provides water therethrough such that water flow can pass from the water supply end to the water outlet end via the channel 112. Thus, the passage 112 provides a direction of water flow (flow inside the valve member 110). Notably, the inner diameter of the passage 112 may vary along the length of the valve body. For example, the interior of the valve body where the channel 112 is formed may include a stepped portion, a tapered portion, any suitable curved portion, and the like. Preferably, the valve body is of a substantially rotationally symmetrical shape, e.g. a (quasi) cylindrical shape.

In the present utility model, the side where water flows into the valve member 110 is referred to as the inflow side 114, and the side where water flows out of the valve member 110 is referred to as the outflow side 116. In a preferred embodiment, the valve body may include a first valve body element 111a on the inflow side 114 of the water flow and a second valve body element 111b on the outflow side 116. In this embodiment, the first valve body element 111a and the second valve body element 111b may each include an engagement portion for secure engagement to the plumbing fixture. In other embodiments, the valve body is not divided into multiple valve body elements, but is integral, but includes engagement portions on the inflow side 114 and the outflow side 116, respectively, for secure engagement to the plumbing fixture.

The specific form of the joint of the valve member 110 is not limited. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement on the inflow side 114 may include external or internal threads to threadably connect with the portion or component of the sanitary fixture to be engaged therewith. Similarly, the junction on the outflow side 116 may also include external or internal threads to threadably couple with the plumbing fixture.

In one example, the engagement portion on the inflow side 114 includes external threads to engage with an internally threaded portion (typically at an end thereof) of a conduit, particularly a hose, that extends from or is directly connected to the faucet. In another example, the engagement on the outflow side 116 includes internal threads to engage external threads on the tip of the hand-held shower. However, this is not limiting, e.g. the engagement on the inflow side 114 may engage directly with the faucet, while the engagement on the outflow side 116 may engage with the end of the hose leading to the shower on the side closer to the faucet.

The flow regulating device 100 of the present utility model may further comprise an operating member 120, which operating member 120 is arranged rotatable around the valve member 110. It should be understood that this does not require that the valve member 110 and the operating member 120 must be rotationally symmetrical, although this is preferred. Preferably, the operating member 120 is configured as an annular operating member 120. Here, "annular" does not mean that the cross section of the operation member 120 is circular, but means that it extends circumferentially around. The flow regulating device 100 of the present utility model does not require the operating member 120 to be a circumferentially closed surrounding structure. It is preferred that the operating member 120 completely surrounds the valve member 110, but not a portion thereof.

In one example, the operating member 120 rotates about the cylindrical valve member 110 and contacts or abuts at least a portion of its outer wall. In some embodiments, the valve body of the valve member 110 may be supported on the operating member 120. In a preferred embodiment, the operating member 120 is arranged around the valve member 110 such that the flow regulating device 100 has no significant protrusion in its circumference. For example, the operating member 120 completely surrounds the valve member 110 such that the outer wall of the valve member 110 (except for the joint) is not visible to the outside. As another example, a portion of the valve member 110 may be externally visible, but the outer surface of this portion is substantially flush with the outer surface of the operating member 120 (but does not preclude the presence of a gap), as best shown in fig. 1 and 3A.

Since the operation member 120 is an operation object to be manually adjusted by a user, the outer surface of the operation member 120 preferably includes a structure or texture for facilitating the holding. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the outer surface of the operating member 120 includes rectangular ridges extending along its length and circumferentially spaced apart, but this is merely exemplary. The outer surface of the operating member 120 may include any suitable texture, protrusions, recesses to enhance the user's feel, thereby reducing the problem of slippage, under-rotation, or over-rotation when the operating member 120 is rotated.

In order to achieve a regulation of the flow of water, a regulating member is arranged in the channel 112 of the valve body. It will be appreciated that although the adjustment member must be present in a portion within the channel 112, the adjustment member may be present in a portion that is not within the channel 112, such as within the valve body itself or even outside of it.

In the present utility model, the adjusting member means any suitable member that can be used to adjust the flow rate, and there are various ways of adjusting the flow rate. For example, it is possible to provide a portion or element on the adjustment member that blocks the passage of water flow in the desired situation. The adjustment of the flow rate may be performed by moving a portion or element that blocks the flow of water. Herein, "motion" may refer to various forms of motion, including but not limited to rotation, translation, or a combination thereof.

More specifically, in some embodiments, the adjustment member may include a rotating element 132 to perform a rotational movement (by an operating element), the flow of water flowing through the channel 112 being adjustable by rotation of the rotating element 132. In other embodiments, the adjustment member may comprise a translating element, and rotation of the operating element may translate into movement of the translating element, which may also adjust the flow of water through the channel 112. In still other embodiments, the adjustment member may include elements or portions that can produce more complex motions, such as springing, hooking, snapping, threading, etc. Preferably, the movement of the adjustment member is repeatedly performed (without the aid of external tools), in particular easily, in conformity with the actual use requirements of the user.

Furthermore, the utility model does not exclude that a partial movement of the adjustment member does not cause a change in the flow, e.g. a partial movement (displacement) at the beginning of the adjustment of the flow may not yet cause a change in the flow. In addition, the regulating member of the present utility model may perform the function of flow regulation alone or in combination with other members, devices, which does not affect the definition of "regulating member".

Although, as already mentioned, the adjusting member may achieve a complete interruption of the water flow, this does not mean that the adjusting member of the utility model can only achieve an adjustment of the two-stage flow, maximum and minimum (i.e. zero). Preferably, the adjustment member may enable a multi-step, in particular continuous, flow adjustment between a maximum flow and a minimum flow (not necessarily zero flow) of the flow adjustment device 100 to meet the user's need for a small change in the flow of water. For this purpose, the adjusting member may be moved between a plurality of positions, or even steplessly. For example, when the flow regulating device 100 is used in a washing appliance, in particular a shower, the tap can already achieve switching on and off of the water flow, so that a continuous flow regulation, in particular a micro regulation, between switching on and off the water flow can be achieved by means of the flow regulating device 100.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment member comprises a rotating element 132 and a fixing element 136 is also arranged within the channel 112, which fixing element 136 may be fixedly connected to (e.g. by screwing, snapping, gluing, welding, etc.) or integrated with (i.e. be part of) the valve body. Here, a first water passing hole 138 may be provided on the fixing member 136, and a second water passing hole 134 may be provided on the rotating member 132, and the rotating member 132 is stacked adjacent to the fixing member 136. Preferably, the rotating element 132 may be located upstream in the passage 112 and the stationary element 136 may be located downstream, as seen in the direction of water flow therethrough. In the present utility model, the term "water passing hole" is not generally a blind hole, but a through hole, but it does not require that the size of the inflow side 114 of the hole be exactly the same as the size of the outflow side 116, and may be, for example, an inclined hole through the rotating element 132 or the stationary element 136.

The relative position between the first water passing hole 138 and the second water passing hole 134 is changed by the rotation of the rotary member 132, thereby adjusting the flow rate. For example, the rotating element 132 and the stationary element 136 may be continuously variable between positions that fully align the first water passing hole 138 and the second water passing hole 134 to be fully misaligned. The flow through the passage 112 is greatest when the first and second water passing holes 138, 134 are perfectly aligned, and may be zero when the first and second water passing holes 138, 134 are perfectly misaligned, but may be non-zero, such as having portions for water flow through other locations of the adjustment member, the water passing holes not being the only water passing locations.

Preferably, rotation of the operating element, and thus the rotating element 132 of the adjustment member, may achieve unidirectional operation, i.e. rotation in one direction may reduce the water flow. This means that if the user wants to increase the water flow, he can rotate in the opposite direction, but can also continue to rotate in the same direction. Here, the alignment between the first water passing hole 138 and the second water passing hole 134 decreases and then increases (e.g., may experience complete misalignment and then gradually increases).

In a more preferred embodiment, a plurality (e.g., three) of first water passing holes 138 are provided on the stationary member 136, and a corresponding plurality (e.g., also three) of second water passing holes 134 are provided on the rotary member 132. Fig. 4A clearly shows two water passing holes in the form of sectors. This may facilitate the pressure distribution as water passes through. Also advantageously, the first water passing holes 138 and the second water passing holes 134 may be uniformly spaced apart in the circumferential direction, respectively.

In addition, to achieve fine tuning of the flow, a particular distribution of the plurality of first water passing holes 138 and the corresponding plurality of second water passing holes 134 may be designed, such as when some of the plurality of first water passing holes 138 are perfectly aligned with some of the plurality of second water passing holes 134, others of the plurality of first water passing holes 138 are not perfectly aligned with the remaining second water passing holes 134.

In addition, different sizes of the first water passing holes 138 and the second water passing holes 134 may be designed. For example, the first water passing holes 138 may be smaller than the second water passing holes 134. In this case, it is possible to realize that the flow rate of the water flow is not immediately adjusted when the user rotates the operation member, which can prevent the user from malfunctioning in washing.

As already mentioned, the regulating member of the present utility model also includes other elements and means for realizing the flow regulation. In some embodiments, the adjustment member may be continuously movable by translation from a first position that completely blocks the channel 112 to a second position that does not block the channel at all, and vice versa. In other embodiments, rotation of the rotating member of the adjustment member may cause it to progressively expose the water supply flow through the water passing holes of the channel 112. In this embodiment, the size of the water passing hole is varied with rotation, for example, expanding from the center to the periphery or shrinking from the periphery to the center (similar to a photographic lens).

In order to cause movement of the adjustment member to adjust the flow, the flow adjustment device 100 may include an actuation member to connect the operation member 120 directly operated by the user and the adjustment member not directly operated by the user. The actuating member may be such that rotation of the operating member 120 causes movement (including rotation, translation, or a combination thereof, etc.) of the regulating member, which can regulate the flow of water through the passage 112 of the valve body. Thus, rotation of the operating member 120 will first cause rotation of the actuating member.

The valve body of the present utility model may include lengthwise-spaced voids 118 in which the actuation member is rotatable within the voids 118. That is, the void portion 118 has a certain extension (may also be referred to as the height of the void portion 118) along the length direction of the valve body. The height of the void 118 is typically small, as it is only necessary to accommodate an actuation member (e.g., an actuation rod, which will be described in detail below).

The void 118 need not extend all the way around, but need at least extend circumferentially at an angle for the actuating member to rotate at an angle. Furthermore, the height of the void portion 118 need not be kept constant in the circumferential direction, although this is preferable. Regardless of the particular form of the void 118, the actuating member should be free to rotate when rotated through a predetermined angle without being obstructed by the void 118. Thus, the height of the void 118 may be at least partially slightly greater, or significantly greater than the width of the actuation member (e.g., actuation rod 142).

In embodiments in which the valve body includes a first valve body element 111a and a second valve body element 111b, such a void 118 may be formed longitudinally (i.e., lengthwise) between the first valve body element 111a and the second valve body element 111b.

The actuation member may include a first actuation portion that may be integral with (e.g., threaded, snapped, glued, welded, etc.) or integral with the operating member 120 (i.e., an extension of the operating member 120). The first actuating portion may extend at least partially in a direction transverse to the direction of water flow (through the channel 112).

The actuating member may further comprise a coupling element 144, which coupling element 144 may be arranged inside the valve body for coupling the first actuating portion and the adjustment member (e.g. the rotating element 132 thereof) such that rotation of the operating member 120 (and thus the first actuating portion) can bring about a movement of the adjustment member (e.g. the rotating element 132 thereof).

The coupling member 144 may take a variety of forms. In some embodiments, the coupling element 144 may be designed as a spool-like element, arranged within the valve body, in particular a barrel valve body, adjacent thereto. As shown in fig. 3B, the outer wall of the coupling member 144, which is a spool-like member, is in direct contact with the inner wall of the barrel valve body to achieve a compact flow regulating device 100. In this example, the coupling element 144 includes a cylindrical portion 144a that abuts the valve body and a rod portion 144b that extends from the cylindrical portion 144 a. The stem 144b preferably extends across the channel 112. Although the dimensional relationship of the rod-shaped portion 144B with respect to the cylindrical portion 144a is shown in fig. 3B and 4B, this is not limiting.

In an advantageous embodiment, a sealing element 150 (e.g. an O-ring) for fluid sealing is arranged between the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 144a and the inner wall of the valve body, as best shown in fig. 3B. The flow regulating device 100 of the present utility model may also be designed such that the operating member 120 acts directly on the regulating member, but this typically makes fluid sealing problematic. In this case, the design of the actuating element, in particular of its coupling element 144, allows a flexible choice of the sealing position, which in turn increases the safety and reliability of use.

In a preferred embodiment, the first actuating portion may be designed as an actuating lever 142. More preferably, the actuating rod 142 is at least partially located within the rod portion 144b of the coupling member 144. Advantageously, there is a tight fit between the actuating rod 142 and the rod-shaped portion 144b, so that the transmission of the rotation of the actuating rod 142 to the rod-shaped portion 144b and thus the entire coupling element 144 is achieved in a simple manner.

In particular, the actuation rod 142 may extend beyond (at both ends of) the stem portion 144b to facilitate a secure connection with the operating member 120 located outside the valve body. Furthermore, this may also increase the reliability of the actuation, in particular when the adjustment member generates a certain resistance when moving.

In other embodiments, however, the actuation rod 142 may extend only from the operating member 120 to a location within the coupling element 144 (and need not even be a central location within the stem portion 144 b). It will be appreciated that the first actuating portion (whether or not it is rod-shaped) may be configured to rotate the coupling member 144. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the actuating member itself may take a variety of forms, with the stem 144b described above merely facilitating a fluid-tight seal in the channel 112.

In addition, the connection between the coupling element 144 and the adjustment member may also be made in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, a fixed connection by way of a snap fit, a threaded connection, an adhesive, a weld, etc. As previously mentioned, rotation of the coupling element 144 may also produce non-rotational movement of the adjustment member, which is not described in detail herein.

Although the utility model is described in the figures with reference to embodiments of a flow regulating device for a shower, it should be understood that embodiments within the scope of the utility model may be applied to other sanitary equipment having similar structure and/or function than a shower, such as toilets, urinals, taps, etc.

The foregoing description has provided numerous features and advantages including various alternative embodiments, as well as details of the structure and function of the devices and methods. The intent herein is exemplary and not exhaustive or limiting.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made in the full scope indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms expressed in the appended claims, especially in matters of structure, material, elements, components, shapes, sizes and arrangements of parts, including combinations of parts within the principles described herein. To the extent that such modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be included therein.

Claims (12)

1. A flow regulating device for a sanitary ware, the flow of water flowing from a water supply end of the sanitary ware to a water outlet end thereof, the flow regulating device being capable of being interposed between the water supply end and the water outlet end in a water flow direction, the flow regulating device comprising:

a valve member (110), the valve member (110) comprising a valve body defining a passage (112) within the valve body extending along a length thereof to enable water flow from the water supply end to the water outlet end via the passage (112);

an operating member (120), the operating member (120) being arranged rotatable around the valve member (110);

an adjustment member at least partially disposed within the channel (112);

an actuating member configured to connect the operating member (120) with the adjusting member such that rotation of the operating member (120) moves the adjusting member, the flow rate of the water flow through the passage (112) being adjustable by movement of the adjusting member,

wherein the valve body includes void portions (118) spaced apart along a length thereof, the actuating member being rotatable within the void portions (118).

2. A flow regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating member comprises a first actuating portion which is fixedly connected or integral with the operating member (120) and which extends at least partly in a direction transverse to the direction of the water flow.

3. The flow rate adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment means comprises a turning element (132), rotation of the operating means (120) being able to bring about a rotation of the turning element (132), by means of which rotation of the turning element (132) the flow rate of the water flow through the channel (112) is able to be adjusted.

4. A flow regulating device according to claim 3, further comprising a fixing element (136) located in the channel (112), the fixing element (136) being fixedly connected to or integral with the valve body, a first water passing hole (138) being provided on the fixing element (136), the rotating element (132) being superposed against the fixing element (136), a second water passing hole (134) being provided on the rotating element (132), the relative position between the first water passing hole (138) and the second water passing hole (134) being varied by rotation of the rotating element (132), thereby regulating the flow.

5. The flow regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve body comprises a first valve body element (111 a) on the inflow side (114) and a second valve body element (111 b) on the outflow side (116) of the water flow, the first valve body element (111 a) and the second valve body element (111 b) each comprising a joint for fixedly joining to the sanitary fixture, wherein the gap (118) is formed longitudinally between the first valve body element (111 a) and the second valve body element (111 b).

6. A flow regulating device according to claim 3, wherein the first actuating portion is configured as an actuating rod (142), the actuating rod (142) extending across the channel (112).

7. The flow regulating device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the actuating member further comprises a coupling element (144), the coupling element (144) being arranged inside the valve body for coupling the first actuating portion and the rotating element (132).

8. The flow regulating device of claim 7, wherein the coupling element (144) comprises a cylindrical portion (144 a) and a rod portion (144 b), the rod portion (144 b) being located within the cylindrical portion (144 a) and extending across the channel (112), the first actuation portion being disposed at least partially within the rod portion (144 b).

9. The flow rate adjustment device according to claim 8, characterized in that a sealing element (150) for fluid sealing is arranged between the outer wall of the cylindrical portion (144 a) and the inner wall of the valve body.

10. The flow regulating device according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of first water passing holes (138) are provided on the fixed member (136), and a corresponding plurality of second water passing holes (134) are provided on the rotary member (132), wherein the first water passing holes (138) and the second water passing holes (134) are respectively uniformly spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

11. A sanitary arrangement, characterized in that it comprises a flow regulating device according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. The sanitary device according to claim 11, wherein the outlet end comprises a shower head and the supply end comprises a tap, the flow regulating means being connectable to a hose between the shower head and the tap.