AU2012307532A1

AU2012307532A1 - Drain for a floor-level shower

Info

Publication number: AU2012307532A1
Application number: AU2012307532A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sebastian BERGMOSER; Patrick Schafer
Original assignee: Viega GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Viega Technology GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2011-09-15
Filing date: 2012-09-07
Publication date: 2014-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2032-09-07
Also published as: EP2756137B1; AU2012307532B2; BR112014003904B1; BR112014003904A2; ES2676203T3; DK2756137T3; RU2569064C1; DE102011053644B4; DE102011053644A1; WO2013037710A1; PL2756137T3; EP2756137A1; BR112014003904A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a drain (1') for a floor-level shower, comprising at least two drain bodies (2) and at least one connecting body (40, 40', 40'', 40''', 40''''), via which at least two of the drain bodies (2) are connected to each other in a releasable manner and which is provided with at least one seal (7) associated with the connected drain bodies (2). At least two of the drain bodies (2) are provided with at least one recess or mounting (30) at the drain body ends facing away from the connecting body (40, 40', 40'', 40''', 40'''') for bearing an end of a rod-like body (5) which extends along and within the inlet opening (2.2) of the drain body (2) in the assembled state.

Description

MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 Drain channel for a floor-level shower The invention relates to a drain channel for a floor-level shower. 5 Drain channels for floor-level showers are known. They usually comprise a channel body made of stainless steel, on which a drain connection is moulded or welded and into which a grating is inserted. The water from the shower flows over the floor which is typically covered with tiles or natural stone slabs and passes through the grating into 0 the channel body. The channel of the channel body finally conducts the water into a drain. Drain channels of this type are built into the floor, the grating terminating upwards approximately with the floor covering of the shower. The installation of a shower tray or 5 the like is not required, so that the peripheral edge of the shower tray, which is often troublesome, is absent. Drain channels for floor-level showers have to be adapted to the specific installation site in a particular manner, because the foundation, the floor covering consisting of tiles or 0 natural stone and the connection to the drains can differ from case to case and in most cases, only a low installation height is available. Above all, drain channels of this type should ensure a reliable drainage of the water in which the lower floor construction consisting of screed and possibly a thermal insulation is not soaked. In addition, they should be integrated aesthetically into the floor. !5 Due to differing customer requirements or to differing spatial conditions in shower rooms, the base bodies of shower channels are supplied in different lengths. Conventional shower channel base bodies are available, for example in graduated lengths of 750 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, 1000 mm and 1200 mm, with a uniform width of 30 approximately 140 mm. This means that a large number of different shower channels are manufactured and kept in stock. In this respect, the range of application of a specific conventional shower channel is generally restricted.

-2 Furthermore, occasionally a customer requires the surface of the shower channel which is visible in the installed state, i.e. particularly the grating thereof, to be as small or as narrow as possible. In this case, the shower channel is less conspicuous and is neater in 5 appearance. The object of the present invention is to provide a drain channel for floor-level showers, which drain channel can be produced more economically than conventional shower channels and, when installed, has a relatively small visible surface with a high drainage 0 performance. This object is achieved by a drain channel (shower channel) having the features of claim 1. 5 The drain channel according to the invention comprises at least two channel bodies and at least one connecting body, by which at least two of the channel bodies are interconnected in a detachable manner and which is provided with at least one seal associated with the connected channel bodies, at least two of the channel bodies being provided at their ends remote from the connecting body with at least one cavity or 0 support for mounting one end of a bar-like body which, when mounted, extends along and inside the inlet opening of the channel body. In this respect, the cavity or support for mounting one end of the bar-like body is preferably configured on or attached to a channel end piece detachably connected to the channel body. 5 The drain channel (shower channel) according to the invention is based on the idea of producing the channel body of said drain channel in any length, for example in a length within a range of from 1,200 mm to 2,000 mm, so that before the drain channel is installed, the channel body or bodies can be shortened using a saw or another cutting tool according to customer requirements. In this manner, the respective channel body or 0 the drain channel can be optimally adapted to a tile or floor slab format or to a joint pattern. By accordingly cutting to size (shortening) a channel body of the drain channel MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -3 according to the invention, an optimum adaptation is also possible to the horizontal dimension of a glass panel, serving as a shower partition, or to the width of a shower room cubicle. This means that the manufacturer no longer has to produce specific lengths. The open end of the channel body which is cut to the appropriate size can be 5 sealed off in a liquid-tight manner by an associated channel end piece and an associated seal. The manufacturer of the shower channels is rewarded with lower production costs and lower logistics costs by restricting the number of different channel body lengths to one, 0 two, three or at the most four specific lengths. This restriction can also mean optimised storage logistics for merchants supplied with the shower channels according to the invention. The drain channel according to the invention is also based on the idea that instead of 5 using a typically plate-shaped grating, a single bar-like body or as few bar-like bodies (grating bars) as possible, for example two or three, are provided on the upper side of the inlet opening of the drain channel. When installed, the grating bar or bars extend along and inside the inlet opening of the channel body and can be mounted in or on the channel end piece. This idea considers and promotes the variable length adaptability of 0 the drain channel according to the invention. In this respect, the respective bar-shaped body (grating bar) is preferably longer than the associated channel body and can also be cut to the required length depending on the desired length of the drain channel. In particular, the use of a single bar-like body or as few bar-like bodies (grating bars) as possible arranged parallel to one another promotes a reduction of the surface of the 5 drain channel which is visible in the installed state. Preferably, in the finished state of the floor-level shower, only the single or the few bar-like bodies of the drain channel (shower channel) are substantially visible. When a plurality of parallel bar-like bodies (grating bars) are used, the distance between adjacent grating bars is in particular at most 8 mm, preferably at most 6 mm and particularly preferably at most 4 mm. The M solution according to the invention allows in particular a very slim configuration of a shower channel, but still with a high drainage performance compared to conventional MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -4 shower channels which have a plate-shaped grating. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention also makes it possible to reduce material costs in relation to the otherwise conventional plate-shaped stainless steel grating. 5 The at least one connecting body and the at least two channel bodies of the drain channel according to the invention make it possible to realise a particularly long drain channel. In this respect, the at least one connecting body can be configured in particular such that the channel bodies which are detachably interconnected by the connecting body are put together in a straight line. Alternatively however, the at least one 0 connecting body of the drain channel according to the invention can also be configured such that the channel bodies which are detachably interconnected by the connecting body are put together at an angle. For example, substantially L-shaped, U-shaped or rectangular channel body arrangements can be produced with right-angled connecting bodies. The connecting body or at least one of the connecting bodies of the drain channel 5 according to the invention can optionally also have an angular form which differs from a right-angled configuration, for example it can have an angular form of 120' or 1350. The concept according to the invention of connecting or stringing together two or more channel bodies by one or more connecting bodies provides a very variable configuration 0 of a drain channel (shower channel) and, in spite of the inlet opening being narrow, a high drainage performance can still be achieved due to the relatively long length of the inlet opening of the drain channel according to the invention. An advantageous configuration of the drain channel according to the invention is 5 characterised in that the connecting body has a liquid duct which hydraulically connects the channel bodies. The liquid duct allows waste water which has collected in the drain channel to overflow from one channel body into the adjacent channel body. This measure provides a particularly high drainage performance. This configuration also makes it possible to provide only one of the at least two channel bodies with a drain 0 connection. MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -5 A further preferred configuration of the drain channel according to the invention is that the liquid duct has a floor area configured with an incline which slopes in the direction of at least one of the two channel bodies connected to the connecting body. This configuration makes it possible to shorten the time duration for the drainage of the 5 drain channel. Another configuration of the drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that the connecting body separates the channel ducts of the interconnected channel bodies, thereby preventing liquid from flowing out of the channel duct of one channel 0 body into the channel duct of the connected channel body. This configuration affords advantages in terms of hygiene, since a liquid duct (overflow) between the joined together channel bodies which is very susceptible to grime and deposits is not provided. In a further configuration, the connecting body can have at least one upwardly-open 5 indentation which horizontally widens the channel duct of the channel body connected to the connecting body. This configuration is also advantageous in terms of hygiene, since here again, between the joined-together channel bodies there is no liquid duct (overflow) which can be susceptible to grime deposits. Furthermore, the upwardly-open indentation of the connecting body increases the water collection capacity and in this 0 respect also increases the drainage performance of the drain channel in the case of predetermined dimensions of the drain channel, compared to the previously mentioned variant in which the joined-together channel bodies are separated hydraulically and the connecting body does not have an indentation of this type. 5 Furthermore, in this configuration, the indentation can have a floor area configured with an incline which slopes in the direction of the channel duct of the channel body. This configuration again shortens the time duration for the drainage of the drain channel. A reliable mechanical connection of connecting body and channel bodies as well as a 0 reliable seal at the relevant connecting surfaces can be achieved if, according to a further preferred configuration of the drain channel according to the invention, the connecting MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -6 body is detachably connected by a screw connection to the channel bodies associated therewith. The channel bodies of the drain channel according to the invention can be produced 5 economically as plastics material injection moulded components or as extruded components. The respective channel body is preferably configured, particularly as an injection moulded component, such that the channel floor thereof is configured with an incline towards the discharge opening. However, it is also possible to dispense with an incline in the channel body. 0 The channel bodies of the drain channel according to the invention are particularly preferably formed in each case from a channel profile, a channel end piece which closes the end face of the respective channel body being arranged at the end of the respective channel body remote from the connecting body. In this respect, in particular extruded 5 profiles, for example metal profiles, in particular aluminium profiles can be used as the channel bodies. It is likewise possible for extruded plastics material profiles to be used as the channel bodies, this configuration being particularly advantageous in respect of low production costs. 0 A further advantageous configuration of the drain channel according to the invention provides that the respective channel body has grooves, bore-holes or ducts which run parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof and are to attach self-tapping screws. These grooves or ducts preferably extend over the entire length of the channel body, so that the channel bodies of the drain channel according to the invention can be cut off to any 5 desired length in line with demand and the self-tapping screws can always be screwed in a cutting manner into the grooves or ducts in the channel bodies and a reliable connection with the connecting body or with a channel end piece can thereby always be ensured. In this respect, according to an advantageous development of the drain channel according to the invention, the bore-holes or ducts can be provided with continuous 0 longitudinal slots. Foot elements for supporting (mounting) the respective drain body can be mounted positively in these longitudinal slots in a simple and reliable manner. MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -7 A further advantageous configuration of the drain channel according to the invention provides that the cavities or supports, arranged at the ends of the channel bodies and used for mounting a bar-like body are provided in each case with an adjusting element 5 to adjust the height of the bar-like body relative to at least one of the channel bodies. This configuration makes it possible to adapt the vertical position of the bar-like body to floor tiles or floor coverings of different thicknesses in a simple and reliable manner. For this purpose, preferably the adjusting element can be inserted positively into the cavity or can be connected positively to the support. 0 In particular, it is proposed in this connection that at the channel end piece, the support for mounting one end of the bar-like body is mounted in a continuously vertically adjustable manner. 5 A further advantageous configuration of the drain channel according to the invention is also that the channel end piece has a tapped hole with an adjusting screw for the continuous vertical adjustment of the bar-like body. Accordingly, the connecting body of the drain channel according to the invention can also have at least one tapped hole with an adjusting screw for continuously adjusting the height of the bar-like body. 0 According to a further configuration, the bar-like body can be provided with at least one web support which engages on the lower side thereof. This configuration is particularly advantageous in the case of a relatively long channel body and a correspondingly long bar-shaped body, to support the bar-shaped body and to counteract any bending 5 thereof. In this respect, the respective web support can be configured as a vertically adjustable web support in order to be able to easily adapt the height of the bar-shaped body to floor tiles or natural stone slabs of different thicknesses, if required. 0 MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -8 A further preferred configuration of the drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that at least one of the channel bodies has a drain opening which is configured as an elongated hole and the longitudinal axis of which runs in the longitudinal direction of the channel body, the drain opening being provided with a 5 drain connection having a mouthpiece which has an elongated hole-shaped duct cross section and is connected to the channel body. The channel body can thereby be of a relatively slim configuration. Further preferred and advantageous configurations of the drain channel according to o the invention are provided in the subordinate claims. In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings illustrating a plurality of embodiments. 5 Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a drain channel with an associated stench trap; Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the drain channel of Fig. 1 without a stench trap; 0 Fig. 3 and 4 are different perspective views of a channel end piece of the drain channel of Fig, 1, a support for mounting one end of a bar-like body (web) insertable into the drain channel being illustrated in Fig. 4 in a raised, exploded-type manner; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an end portion of the drain channel of Fig. 1, the support .5 for mounting one end of the bar-like body (web) again being illustrated in a raised, exploded-type manner; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the end portion of the ready-mounted drain channel of Fig. 1 and Fig. 5; 30 MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -9 Fig. 7 is a perspective view from below of the support associated with the channel end piece of Fig. 4; Fig. 8 is a perspective view from below of the channel end piece with associated 5 support according to Fig. 4; Fig. 9 to 11 show an enlarged view and vertical sectional views of a web support insertable into the drain channel of Fig. 1; 0 Fig. 12 and 13 show a perspective plan view and a perspective view from below of two end portions of channel bodies which each substantially correspond to the channel body illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2 and are interconnected in a detachable manner by a sleeve-like connecting body; 5 Fig. 14 and 15 show a front end view and a perspective exploded view of the connecting body of Fig. 12 and 13 without the channel bodies and without the bar shaped webs; Fig. 16 to 19 show perspective views and a side view corresponding to those of Fig. 12 0 to 15 of a second embodiment of a connecting body which can interconnect two channel bodies in a detachable manner; Fig. 20 to 23 show perspective views and a side view corresponding to those of Fig. 12 to 15 of a third embodiment of a connecting body which can interconnect two channel !5 bodies in a detachable manner; Fig. 24 to 26 show perspective views corresponding to those of Fig. 12, 13 and 15 of a fourth embodiment of a connecting body which can interconnect two channel bodies in a detachable manner; ~0 MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 10 Fig. 27 to 30 show perspective views and a side view corresponding to those of Fig. 12 to 15 of a fifth embodiment of a connecting body which can interconnect two channel bodies in a detachable manner; 5 Fig. 31 to 34 show perspective views and a side view corresponding to those of Fig. 12 to 15 of a sixth embodiment of a connecting body which can interconnect two channel bodies in a detachable manner; and Fig. 35 to 37 show perspective views corresponding to those of Fig. 12, 13 and 15 of a 0 seventh embodiment of a connecting body which can interconnect two channel bodies in a detachable manner. Fig. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a drain channel 1 with ancillary components for the production of a floor-level shower. The shower channel or drain channel 1 comprises a 5 channel body 2 and two channel end pieces 3 which can be detachably connected to the channel body 2. The channel body 2 consists of a channel profile which is preferably produced by extruding plastics material. The extruded channel profile 2 has a substantially U-shaped profile portion 2.1. The width of the inlet opening 2.2 in the channel body 2 is preferably less than the channel depth thereof. 0 Formed on both sides of the inlet opening 2.2 on the U-shaped profile portion 2.1 are flanges (sealing flanges) 2.3 which extend along the longitudinal axis of the channel body 2 and terminate substantially flush with one another at the inlet opening 2.2. The upper sides of the flanges 2.3 are substantially planar. However, they can also have a 5 profiling or structure, particularly in the form of grooves 2.31 running in the longitudinal direction of the drain channel 1, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 5. This profiling or structure 2.31 improves the connection of the drain channel 1 to sealing materials, such as sealing film which can be applied in liquid form (known as liquid film) or to tile adhesives or natural stone adhesives. 0 MY/is 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 11 Under the flange 2.3, the channel body 2 has grooves or ducts 2.5 which extend over the entire length of the channel body 2, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel body 2. Screws 8 are screwed into the ducts 2.5 or longitudinal grooves to fix the channel end pieces 3 to the channel body (cf. Fig. 2). To receive the screws 8, the respective channel 5 end piece 3 has through-holes 3.5 which align with the ducts 2.5 or longitudinal grooves in the channel body 2. The screws 8 are preferably self-tapping screws. The longitudinal grooves or ducts 2.5 are preferably configured on the outer sides of cavity profile walls 2.10 which are formed integrally in each case with the lower side of 0 one of the flanges 2.3 and with the outside of the U-shaped profile portion 2.1 and thereby define a pipe-shaped duct. This configuration provides the drain channel 1 according to the invention with an advantageously high flexural strength. The ducts 2.5 are configured as open ducts; they each have an outwardly directed, 5 continuous longitudinal slot 2.51. The longitudinal slots 2.51 in the ducts 2.5 are preferably positioned in a common plane which extends parallel to the plane defined by the flanges 2.3. In this case, the outer openings of the two longitudinal slots 2.51 are aligned substantially diametrically to one another, 0 Associated with the lower side of the channel body 2 are vertically adjustable foot elements (mounting feet) 4 which can be detachably connected to the channel body 2. The respective foot element 4 is formed from a profiled element 4.1 which has locking elements or supports 4.2 associated with the longitudinal slots 2.51 in the ducts 2.5. The locking elements 4.2 are configured, for example as resilient locking tongues with 5 projections 4.21 which engage in the longitudinal slots 2.51 (cf. Fig. 2). In this respect, the profiled elements 4.1 can be moved along the channel body 2 or along the longitudinal slots 2.51. The lower web 4.3 of the profiled element 4.1 has tapped holes 4.4 or threaded sleeves, into which vertically adjustable adjusting feet 4.5 0 are screwed. The adjusting feet 4.5 are preferably configured such that they are insulated from structure-borne sound. MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 12 The respective foot element 4 or profiled element 4.1 has one or more supporting portions 4.6, 4.7. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot element 4 has one supporting portion 4.6 resting against the lower side of the U-shaped profile portion 2.1 and two 5 supporting portions 4.7 resting against the lower side of the flanges 2.3. On its side remote from the channel body 2, the respective channel end piece 3 has a substantially horizontally aligned flange (sealing flange) 3.6 which, when the drain channel 1 is in the assembled state, is positioned substantially flush with the surface of 0 the flanges 2.3 of the channel body 2. On its upper side, the flange 3.6 can also be provided with a profiling or structure, for example in the form of grooves 3.61. In this respect, the channel end piece 3 has steps (support elements) 3.7 which face the flanges 2.3 of the channel body and are overlapped by the ends of the flanges 2.3 of the channel body 2. The steps or support elements 3.7 are slightly wedge-shaped or ramp-shaped, so 5 that they are tapered towards their edge facing the channel body 2. As a result of this shaping in the form of a wedge or ramp, when the channel end piece 3 is attached to the channel body 2, the steps or support elements 3.7 can be pushed under the flanges 2.3 of the channel body without being jammed or obstructed. 0 In its side facing the channel body 2, the channel end piece 3 has a recess or profiled depression 3.3, into which an end portion of the channel body 2 can be introduced. Arranged in the recess (profiled depression) 3.3 is a seal 7 associated with the channel body 2. The seal 7 consists of rubber or rubber-elastic material. In this embodiment, it is substantially T-shaped, and its centre part 7.2 can be inserted in a sealing manner into 5 the front end of the channel of the channel body 2. The shape of the centre part 7.2 of the seal 7 thus corresponds to the cross-sectional surface of the upwardly open channel of the channel body 2. Furthermore, the centre part 7.2 of the seal 7 has a substantially U shaped collar, on the outer periphery of which is formed a plurality of radially projecting, mutually parallel sealing lips 7.1 which extend over the entire outer 0 periphery of the collar. In the assembled state of the shower channel 1, the sealing lips 7.1 rest in a sealing manner against the inside of the channel body (channel profile) 2. MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 13 In the assembled state of the shower channel 1, the arms 7.3 of the T-shaped seal 7, extending outwards from the upper edge of the collar are positioned in a sealing manner between the mutually facing end faces of the flanges 2.3 and 3.6 of the channel body 2 5 and of the channel end piece 3. The ends of the arms 7.3 of the seal 7 are formed as lugs, so that they surround the outer steps 3.7 of the channel end piece 3 or the steps 3.7 can be inserted through the lug-shaped ends of the sealing arms 7.3. The recess (profiled depression) 3.3 in the respective channel end piece 3 also 0 comprises portions (chambers) 3.4 for receiving the ends of the ducts 2.5 as well as the ends of the cavity profile walls 2.10 of the channel body 2. To receive the end of the cavity profile walls 2.10 which are formed integrally with the lower side of the channel flanges 2.3, the steps or support elements 3.7 of the channel end piece 3 have a gap 3.71 on both sides of the longitudinal centre axis of the shower channel 1. S The respective channel end piece 3 has a support 30 for mounting one end of a bar-like body 5. The single bar-shaped body 5 acts as a grating and can also be called a grating bar or web. In the mounted state, it extends along and inside the inlet opening 2.2 in the channel body 2. 0 The support 30 has a cavity 31, into which the bar-like body or web 5 can be introduced positively by its respective end. Associated with the support 30 is an adjusting element 6', by which the vertical position of the bar-like body (web) 5 can be adjusted relative to the channel body 2. In this embodiment, the adjusting element 6' is formed by a screw 5 which is screwed into a tapped hole formed in the channel end piece 3. This screw connection is preferably configured as a self-locking thread. The tapped hole can preferably be realised by a threaded sleeve cast in the channel end piece 3. The screw 6' preferably consists of a hexagon socket screw or a slotted head screw. The 0 screw head 6.3 is cylindrical. The support 30 has a plate-shaped or web-shaped body portion 34, in the lower side of which a recess 35 is formed for receiving the screw head MY/js 110756W0 28. Februar 2014 - 14 6.3. The recess 35 is preferably configured such that the support 30 can be attached in a clamping manner on the screw head 6.3. The vertical position of the screw heads 6.3 and thereby the vertical position of the web 5 relative to the channel body 2 can be continuously adjusted by turning the screws 6'. 5 Furthermore, the support 30 comprises on the lower side of its plate-shaped or web shaped portion 34 a tongue-shaped web 36 which, in the assembled state of the drain channel 1, engages in the channel of the channel body 2 parallel to the seal 7. A U-shaped portion 37 of the support 30 defining the cavity 31 is formed integrally with the tongue 0 shaped web 36. The top of the supports 30 is covered by small plates 9. The small plates 9 can preferably be provided on their upper side with a company logo or with a registered trademark (not shown). The respective small plate 9 is detachably connected to the support. For 5 this purpose, the support 30 has recesses 38 which open on its upper side and into which insertion elements 9.1 formed integrally with the lower side of the small plate 9 can be introduced positively and/or in a friction-locking manner. The insertion elements 9.1 are preferably pin-shaped and/or cylindrical. The recesses 38 in the support 30 which are associated with the insertion elements 9.1 are in the form of a plurality of !0 holes which merge into one another and form a slot with an undulating or tooth-shaped inner contour. The small plate 9 can thereby be connected to the support 30 in different areas of said support, so that is it possible to adapt the position of the small plate 9 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drain channel 1. .5 Furthermore, the drain channel 1 according to the invention can comprise web supports 15 which can be inserted into the channel. The web supports 15 are preferably configured to be adjustable in height (cf. Fig 1 and 9). They have, for example, a forked head portion 15.1 and a forked or bridge-shaped foot portion 15.2, the head portion 15.1 and the foot portion 15.2 being connected together by a threaded rod 15.3. The threaded 30 rod 15.3 can be attached integrally to the lower side of the forked head portion 15.1. In its upper central portion 15.4, the foot portion 15.2 has a cast or overmoulded threaded MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 15 nut or threaded sleeve 15.5. The feet 15.6 of the forked or bridge-shaped foot portion 15.2 are connected to the central portion 15.4 by limb elements 15.7. The limb elements 15.7 and the feet 15.6 integrally formed thereon define a passage 16. The head portion 15.1 of the vertically adjustable web support 15 comprises a channel-shaped portion 5 15.8 for receiving the lower side of the web 5. Formed inside the channel-shaped portion 15.8 are clamping projections 15.9 which face the web 5. Provided on the outside of the channel-shaped portion 15.8 are projections or spacers 15.10 which, in the mounted state, face the inside of the channel of the channel body 2. 0 On its lower side, the channel body 2 has a slot-shaped drain opening, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the channel body 2. The drain opening is provided with a drain connection 10 which has a mouthpiece 10.1 and a slot shaped duct cross section. The mouthpiece 10.1 is welded or bonded together with the channel body (channel profile) 2. 5 Reference numeral 12 denotes a removable sieve which can be inserted into the inlet opening or into the mouthpiece of the drain connection 10. The sieve 12 can be removed from the channel body 2 after the small cover plates 9 and the centre web (grating bar) 5 have been removed. For handling, the sieve 12 is provided on the top with one or more 0 handles 12.1. The drain connecting piece 10 is inserted into a height compensating piece 10.2, into the upper end of which an annular or oval lip seal 17 has previously been introduced. The height-compensating piece 10.2 is provided on the outside with radially projecting ribs 5 which serve as a guide for a cutting tool, should the height-compensating piece 10.2 need to be shortened. The lower end of the height-compensating piece 10.2 is inserted in a sealing manner into a connection opening 13.1 of a stench trap housing 13. After the shower channel 1 has been connected to a drain pipe (not shown) in a 0 horizontally aligned manner, been integrated into the screed floor by introducing screeding compound and after the screed floor has hardened, a seal consisting of liquid MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 16 film and sealing strips is applied onto the flange and the screed floor. Finally, a floor covering, for example a tiled flooring is bonded onto this seal. The edges of the tiles can extend as far as the longitudinal edges of the inlet opening 2.2. To remove sharp edges, the edges of the tiles can be provided with a bevel and/or can be polished. However, tile 5 edge trims can also be used which cover the edges. At the installation site of the drain channel, a situation can occasionally arise in which a lengthening of the channel body 2 is desired, for example when a longer drain channel or a greater drainage performance is desired, while the width of the inlet opening 0 remains constant. Fig. 12 to 35 illustrate different embodiments of a drain channel 1' according to the invention which consists of at least two channel bodies 2 and at least one connecting body 40, the at least two channel bodies 2 being detachably interconnected by the connecting body 40. In this respect, the connecting body 40 is provided in the connecting region with a seal 7 associated with the channel body 2. The 5 channel bodies 2, connected by the connecting body 40, can optionally differ from one another in that only one of these channel bodies is provided with a drain opening or with a drain connection 10 (cf. Fig. 2). Corresponding to the channel body 2 of the drain channel 1 according to Fig. I to 8, the 0 channel bodies 2 connected by at least one of the connecting bodies 40 according to Fig. 12 to 37 are provided at their ends remote from the connecting body 40 with at least one cavity or support 30 for mounting one end of a bar-like body (grating bar) 5 which, when mounted, extends along and inside the inlet opening 2.2. of the channel body 2. In Fig. 12 to 37, only portions of the channel bodies 2 are shown or in some of these figures .5 they are not shown at all for reasons of clarity. Fig. 12 to 26 illustrate embodiments in which the connecting body 40 according to the invention is configured in the manner of a sleeve, so that the channel bodies 2, interconnected thereby in a detachable manner are placed against one another 30 substantially in a straight line. MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -17 In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 12 to 15, the connecting body (sleeve) 40 is configured to be closed, i.e. the connecting body 40 separates the channel ducts 2.4 of the interconnected channel bodies 2, thereby preventing liquid from flowing out of channel duct 2.4 of one channel body 2 into the channel duct 2.4 of the connected 5 channel body 2. The support 30 for the bar-shaped body 5 and the recess or profiled depression 3.3 into which an end portion of the channel body 2 can be inserted are configured on the connecting body 40 as on the channel end piece 3 according to Fig. 3 to 5. Thus here as 0 well, the supports 30 can be continuously adjusted in height. Likewise, the connecting body 40 (like the channel end piece 3) has steps (support elements) 40.7 which face the channel bodies 2 and are overlapped by the ends of the flanges 2.3 of the respective channel body 2. The seats 40.1 for the channel bodies 2 in the connecting body 40 are interconnected by a plate-shaped portion 40.2. The plate-shaped portion 40.2 of the 5 connecting body is preferably configured in the form of a closed plate. Through-holes 40.5 for receiving fastening screws 8 are formed in the mutually facing wall portions or web portions 40.3 of the connecting body 40. The screws 8 are preferably configured as self-tapping screws and are rotated in the mutually parallel grooves or ducts 2.5 in the channel bodies 2. Furthermore, reinforcing ribs 40.4 are formed integrally with the 0 lower side of the plate-shaped portion 40.2 and with the mutually facing wall portions or web portions 40.3. The connecting body 40', shown in Fig. 16 to 19, of the drain channel 1' according to the invention differs from the connecting body 40 according to Fig. 12 to 15 in that it has a 5 liquid duct 40.6 connecting the channel bodies 2. Thus, water which has collected in the channel duct 2.4 of one channel body 2 can flow via the liquid duct 40.6 of the connecting body 40' into the channel duct 2.4 of the adjacent channel body 2, and vice versa. Provided between the flange-shaped portions 40.8 of connecting body 40' are webs 40.9 which bridge the liquid duct 40.6. The webs 40.9 have recesses 40.10 for 0 positively fastening a support 30' bearing the ends of the bar-shaped body 5. For this purpose, the support 30' has two opposite bearings which define cavities 31 for MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 -18 positively receiving the ends of two bar-shaped bodies 5. When mounted, the longitudinal axes of the bar-shaped bodies 5 align with one another. Formed integrally under the bearings 37 are vertically downwardly projecting webs or lugs 36 with reinforcing ribs 36.1. When mounted, the webs (lugs) 36 define a right-hand and a left 5 hand liquid passage 40.61, 40.62. The top of the support 30 and 30' is covered by a small plate 9 and 9'. The small plate 9, 9' is detachably connected to the support 30, 30'. For this purpose, the support 30, 30' has recesses 38 which open in its upper side and into which insertion elements 9.1 0 formed integrally with the lower side of the small plate 9 can be inserted in a form and/or friction-locking manner. The insertion elements 9.1 are pin-shaped. The recesses 38, associated with the insertion elements 9.1, of the support 30, 30' are in the form of a plurality of holes which merge into one another and form a slot having an undulating or tooth-shaped inner contour (cf. Fig. 5). The small plate 9, 9' can thereby be connected to 5 the support 30, 30' in different places of the support, thereby making it possible to adapt the position of the small plate 9, 9' in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drain channel 1'. Reinforcing ribs 40.4 are again formed integrally with the lower side of the plate-shaped 0 portions 40.8 and with the mutually facing wall portions or web portions 40.3 of the connecting body 40'. The connecting body 40' illustrated in Fig. 20 to 23 corresponds to the connecting body 40' according to Fig. 16 to 19. However, unlike the previously described variant, 5 arranged in the liquid duct (connecting duct) 40.6 are supports 30" which not only receive the ends of the relatively long bar-shaped bodies 5, but also the ends of an intermediate bar-shaped strip 5'. The height of the supports 30" can be adjusted. For this purpose, they are arranged on or pushed onto adjusting screws 6' which are rotated into threaded sleeves or sleeve-shaped nuts 33 which are formed integrally with or 0 attached to a strip-shaped foot part 33.1 which rests on the floor of the liquid duct 40.6. MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 19 In this case as well, the top of the supports 30" is covered by small removable plates 9 and the supports have recesses or holes 38 to attach the plates 9. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 24 to 26, the channel bodies 2 are also connected 5 by a sleeve-like connecting body 40' according to Fig. 16 to 23. However in this variant, the connecting body 40' does not have any of the supports 30', 30" illustrated in Fig. 16 to 23. Instead in this variant, a single bar-shaped body (grating bar) 5 is used which extends from one channel end piece 3 (not shown in Fig. 24 to 26) to the second channel end piece 3 and the ends of which are mounted on the two channel end pieces 3. 0 Figures 27 to 37 illustrate embodiments in which the connecting body according to the invention is configured as a corner connector, so that the channel bodies 2, detachably interconnected by the connector, are put together at an angle. 5 The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 27 to 30 corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 12 to 15 insofar as the connecting body (corner connector) 40" separates the channel ducts 2.4 of the interconnected channel bodies 2, thereby preventing water from flowing from channel duct 2.4 of one channel body 2 into channel duct 2.4 of the other channel body 2. Here again, the supports 30, covered by the small plates 9, of the 0 bar-shaped bodies 5 can be continuously vertically adjusted by means of adjusting screws 6'. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 31 to 34 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 27 to 30 in that the connecting body (corner connector) 40"' has upwardly open 5 indentations 40.11. The respective indentation 40.11 widens the channel duct 2.4 of the channel body 2 connected by the connecting body 40"'. Nevertheless, in this variant, the channel ducts 2.4 are also separated hydraulically from one another. The connecting body 40"' is provided with integrally formed threaded sleeves 40.12 or 0 tapped holes into which adjusting screws 6' are screwed to continuously adjust the height of the supports 40 receiving the ends of the grating bars 5. The two supports 30 MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014 - 20 are covered by a small common angular plate 9" which has pins 9.1 on its lower side and is detachably connected to the supports 30. In Fig. 31, only a respective portion of the grating bars 5 is shown for reasons of clarity. 5 Finally, Fig. 35 to 37 illustrate an embodiment of a connecting body (corner connector) 40"" according to the invention which, like the sleeve-type connecting body according to Fig. 19, has a liquid duct 40.6 which connects the channel bodies 2. Arranged in the corner region of the liquid duct 40.6 is a vertically adjustable support 30"' for receiving the ends of the bar-shaped bodies (grating bars) 5. The support 30' is positioned on an 0 insertion part 33.2 which is supported on the floor of the liquid duct 40.6 and has a tapped hole or threaded sleeve 33 with an adjusting screw 6'. Here again, the top of the support 30"' is covered by a small plate 9"' which is detachably connected to the support 30' by pins 9.1. 5 The configuration of the drain channel according to the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described above. Instead, further variants are conceivable which use the invention set out in the accompanying claims. Thus, for example, it also lies within the scope of the invention to configure the drain channel 1 with two or three mutually parallel grating bars 5. It is also conceivable to bond together, at least in portions, ,0 individual components or all the components which form/have formed the drain channel according to the invention. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to configure, as required, the connecting body 40", 40"', 40"", configured as a corner connector, such that elongate channel bodies 2, interconnected by the connector, are not only arranged substantially at a right angle to one another, but include an angle of !5 between 900 and 180*. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to combine together features of the different embodiments described above. MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014

Claims

1. Drain channel (1') for a floor-level shower, comprising at least two channel bodies (2) and at least one connecting body (40, 40', 40", 40"', 40'"') which detachably S interconnects at least two of the channel bodies (2) and which is provided with at least one seal (7) associated with the connected channel bodies (2), wherein at least two of the channel bodies (2) are provided at their ends remote from the connecting body (40, 40', 40", 40"', 40"") with at least one cavity or support (30) for mounting one end of a bar-like body (5) which, when mounted, extends along and inside the inlet opening (2.2) 0 of the channel body (2).

2. Drain channel according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one connecting body (40, 40', 40", 40"', 40"") is configured such that the channel bodies (2), detachably interconnected by the connecting body are put together at an angle or in a 5 straight line.

3. Drain channel according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the connecting body (40', 40"") has a liquid duct (40.6) which connects the channel bodies. !0 4. Drain channel according to claim 3, characterised in that the liquid duct (40.6) has a floor area configured with an incline which slopes in the direction of at least one of the two channel bodies (2) connected to the connecting body (40', 40"").

5. Drain channel according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the .5 connecting body (40, 40", 40"') separates the channel ducts (2.4) of the interconnected channel bodies (2), thereby preventing water from flowing out of the channel duct (2.4) of one channel body (2) into the channel duct (2.4) of the connected channel body(2).

6. Drain channel according to claim 5, characterised in that the connecting body 30 (40') has at least one upwardly open indentation (40.11) which horizontally widens the channel duct (2.4) of the channel body (2) connected to the connecting body (40"'). MY/js 110756WO

28. Februar 2014 - 22 7. Drain channel according to claim 6, characterised in that the indentation (40.11) has a floor area which is configured with an incline and which slopes in the direction of the channel duct (2.4) of the channel body (2). S 8. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the connecting body (40, 40', 40", 40"', 40"") is detachably connected by screw connection (8) to the channel bodies (2) connected thereto. 0 9. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the channel body (2) is formed in each case from a channel profile. 10. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the respective channel body (2) has grooves, bore-holes or ducts (2.5) running parallel to its 5 longitudinal axis for fastening self-tapping screws (8). 11. Drain channel according to claim 10, characterised in that the bore-holes or ducts (2.5) are provided with continuous slots (2.51). 0 12. Drain channel according to any of claims I to 11, characterised in that the cavity or support (30) is provided with an adjusting element (6') for adjusting the height of the bar-like body (5) relative to at least one of the channel bodies (2). 13. Drain channel according to claim 12, characterised in that the adjusting element 5 can be inserted positively into the cavity or can be connected positively to the support. 14. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that at least one of the channel bodies (2) is provided with a channel end piece (3) detachably connected thereto which has a recess (3.3), receiving an end portion of the channel body (2), with a 0 seal (7) arranged therein. MY/js 1107S6WO 28. Februar 2014 - 23 15. Drain channel according to claim 14, characterised in that the channel end piece (3) is detachably connected to the channel body (2) by a screw connection (8). 16. Drain channel according to either claim 14 or claim 15, characterised in that the 5 support (30) for mounting one end of the bar-like body (5) is mounted in a continuously vertically adjustable manner on the channel end piece (3). 17. Drain channel according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the channel end piece (3) has a tapped hole with an adjusting screw (6') for continuously 0 adjusting the height of the bar-like body (5). 18. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the connecting body (40"') has at least one tapped hole or threaded sleeve (40.12) with an adjusting screw (6') for continuously adjusting the height of the bar-like body (5). 5 19. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the bar like body (5) is provided with at least one web support (15) which engages on the lower side thereof. 0 20. Drain channel according to claim 19, characterised in that the web support (15) is configured as a vertically adjustable web support. 21. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that at least one of the channel bodies (2) has a drain opening which is configured as a slot and the 5 longitudinal axis of which runs in the longitudinal direction of the channel body (2), the drain opening being provided with a drain connection (10) which has a mouthpiece (10.1) having a slot-shaped duct cross section and connected to the channel body (2). MY/js 110756WO 28. Februar 2014