DE202008002774U1 - Illuminated shower channel - Google Patents

Abstract

Shower channel, floor drain or similar in a ground installable drainage device, with
a gutter body (2),
a cover (4) for placing, in particular on an upper edge (6) of the channel body (2), and
a lighting element (10) which is arranged in the shower channel (1) and in particular on an underside (5) of the cover (4),
characterized in that
the lighting element (10) has at least one electrically powered light source (12) and a water-active switch (14) for activating, in particular turning on the light source (12) in contact with water, which is arranged in the shower channel (1) in the Shower channel (1) inflowing water is at least partially supplied to the water-active switch (14).

Description

This The invention relates to a shower channel, a floor drain or the like in a ground installable drainage device, with a gutter body, a cover for placing, in particular on an upper edge of the gutter body, and a lighting element, that in the shower channel and especially at a bottom of the cover is arranged.

Under Shower channels, floor drains or similar in one Ground installable drainage facilities are said to be here understood all drainage facilities Be the discharge of or guiding particular surface water serve. Insofar so are also inlet shafts, line and point drains, surface drainage, Line drainage and the like, in particular of a rust covered drainage facilities subsumed under it.

Out The prior art is a variety of surface drainage facilities and especially shower channels, floor drains or similar in a ground installable drainage facilities, both for indoor as well as for outdoor use known, the one in particular in a soil installable gutter body, Gully or similar body with side walls and a bottom, being on the upper edges of this body arranged a mostly walkable or drive over cover becomes. Such drainage facilities are used outdoors in addition, on streets and squares surface water in order to increase traffic safety. in the Inn area, for example, in bathrooms, they serve, accumulating Drain shower water or similar water and either the sewer or another use cycle supply.

In this regard, are from the prior art and drainage facilities known in which lighting elements are integrated and the like a lighting of the drainage device and the surrounding Allow room.

That's how it shows DE 20 2007 011 908 U1 a device for the illumination of a shower channel, comprising a gutter body, on the upper edge of a cover can be placed. The cover has a sandwich-like construction, which has between a support plate and a cover plate, preferably made of safety glass, a luminescent layer which is sealed by a sealing edge against the environment. However, the power supply, the control of the lighting system and the maintenance has proved problematic here. In addition, the production of such a lighting device is very complicated and costly, retrofitting existing gutters almost impossible.

task The present invention is therefore a shower channel, a Floor drain or a similar particular in a floor Installable drainage device of the type mentioned above more versatile, easier to install and to offer to maintain and is less expensive to produce.

These Object is achieved by a shower channel according to claim 1 and by a lighting element solved according to claim 14.

Especially This task is performed by a shower channel, a floor drain or solved a similar drainage device that can be installed in a floor, with a gutter body, a cover for putting on, in particular on an upper edge of the channel body, and a lighting element in the shower channel and in particular is arranged on an underside of the cover, wherein the lighting element at least one electrically powered light source and a water-active switch for Ansteu NEN, in particular turning on the bulb when in contact Having water, which is arranged in the shower channel, that in the shower channel inflowing water at least partially the water-active switch is supplied.

Next the above-mentioned shower channel or similar drainage device However, this task is also basically a lighting element, for installation in a shower channel, floor drain or similar Drainage device, with at least one electric supplied illuminant, the substantially fluid-tight in a lighting housing integrated, solved, being one from the outside the lighting housing especially for water accessible water-active switch for driving, in particular Turning on the bulb when in contact with water, provided is.

One essential point of the shower channel according to the invention So is the use of a lighting element whose lighting automatically activated on contact with water or similar is controlled. So it is possible the lighting For example, a shower then activate when there is water is turned on.

As illuminants, all known from the prior art bulbs can be used, which offer, in particular due to the required electrical insulation, low-voltage lighting. It is also possible to use color-emitting lamps, in particular LEDs, ent neither with a single emitting color or multiple appropriately controllable color gradients and color circuits. In this context, it is of course also possible to use a light source which, in addition to the illumination function, also fulfills a heating function or a light therapy function, as is known from the medical-therapeutic field. In this context, it is therefore conceivable to heat the shower channel and in particular the floor area and / or to start a light therapy program, for example in the case of a shower at the same time as the water is turned on.

Preferably is the bulb and the water-active switch in a lighting housing integrated, with the water-active switch from the outside the lighting housing especially for water is accessible. This guarantees on the one hand the electric insulating recording of the light source in the housing and above In addition, the optimal functioning of the water-active Switch. The integration of the light source and the water-active switch in a lighting housing also allows the Formation of a lighting element, the subsequent can be integrated into existing shower channels. in principle this design simplifies installation and reduces manufacturing costs, in particular in the case of the still described below Arrangement of the lighting element on the cover or inside the gutter.

Preferably the lighting housing has a substantially to Horizontal inclined drain top on, to dissipate of water and any solids contained therein. of course is it also possible in this context, the drain top or in general, the lighting housing made of a dirt-repellent Material, for example, using the so-called lotus effect to prevent pollution and in particular settling to prevent the solids contained in the water.

Preferably the lighting housing has an inlet device to form a substantially channeled water inlet to the water-active Switch. Under this inlet device to all here Facilities are understood to be the channeled and optimized Supply of water to the water-active switch serve. Of course it is also possible, such an inlet device in combination with the above-mentioned inclined drainage top perform. Basically, here are all known from the prior art inlet channels, inlet grooves, inlet channels or similar devices applicable.

Preferably has the shower channel a particular in the lighting housing integrated and rechargeable energy storage for electrical Supply of the light source. Advantageously, here is a Low voltage supply used to solve the problem of electric Isolation in damp rooms to get around. The advantage of the Lighting housing integrated, rechargeable energy storage lies in the fact that thereby an independent lighting element is formed, consisting of lighting housing and built-in rechargeable energy storage and appropriate bulbs, independent of a wired power supply and thereby also in already installed and existing shower channels installed or simply removed for maintenance and cleaning purposes can be.

Naturally but it is also possible, instead of a rechargeable Energy storage, to use single energy storage and the lighting element, as soon as the energy store is empty, through a new lighting element to replace. Also, it is of course possible, the Energy storage via corresponding wired electrical systems to charge and in particular to charge when no water at water-active switch is applied. This wired electrical Systems can use both a low-voltage and a 220 Volt or any other source of electricity through a home network, is fed by a solar network etc. In this context is of course, the direct integration of solar or similar Energy supplying cells in the lighting element or in the surrounding components, such as covers of the gutter, etc. conceivable.

is the lighting element detachable and in particular at different Positions along the shower channel and in particular the bottom the cover can be arranged, in particular the aforementioned Rechargeable energy storage simply via an external power supply, For example, a charging cradle can be recharged. Here are prefers corresponding charging contacts on the lighting housing intended. Preferably, these charging contacts are arranged so that they are exposed to the least possible water attack become. Of course it would also be conceivable that Lighting element in such a way that charging the energy storage via a portable or permanently installed and permanently connected Charger is possible, in which case the lighting element can remain installed in the shower channel. Basically are on to arrange the charging contacts arranged outside, a short circuit due to accumulated water is avoided. Naturally However, such a charge can also have appropriate inductive systems take place.

The detachable arrangement of the Beleuchtungse Lementes also allows the targeted positioning of the lighting element along the shower channel and in particular on the underside of the cover. Depending on the desired illumination intensity as well as individual lighting elements can be removed, or multiple lighting elements are combined. Of course, it is also conceivable in this context to equip the lighting elements with corresponding bus systems, so that only one lighting element contains a water-active switch and all other lighting elements are controlled via this first lighting element or the particular digital control of certain lighting elements is possible. Here are all known from the prior art method for connecting a plurality of lighting elements and to control the same applicable.

at the arrangement of the lighting element on the underside of the cover it is advantageous to arrange the lighting element so that the bulbs light outward through the on the cover can provide mostly provided inlet openings. Of course, here too is the use of appropriate light conductive elements running along the cover and in particular the Cover base, or equivalent Material choice of the cover conceivable. For optimized light propagation and lighting effect can also both Parts of the drainage channel as well as parts of the cover with reflective or light-conducting elements, paints or similar Be provided layers.

to Mounting and positioning of the lighting element on the cover are preferably formed on the cover stiffening ribs or corresponding projections used. So are from the Prior art covers known in a frame, in particular on be stored a top edge of the gutter body and the for positioning the cover within the frame lateral positioning elements, in particular Positioning pins have. Such positioning elements can then be used simultaneously as mounting elements Be that with complementary mounting element receptacles on the lighting element in particular releasable operative connection can be brought and so the attachment of the lighting element allow the cover. Of course, the above also applies to the use of appropriate stiffening ribs or similar Components on the gutter, the lighting element should be located there become.

has the cover on its underside static ribbing and in particular two extending in the main extension direction lateral Sidewalls in the form of a static ribbing, the lighting element has Advantageously mounting element receptacles on, with this static Ribbing can be brought into operative connection. Again, all are Method known from the prior art for positioning of elements on rib projections or the like Facilities conceivable.

As already mentioned, are from the prior art covers known, which have one or more water inlet openings. In such a cover is preferably the water-active switch the lighting element and / or an inlet device for water-active Switch arranged so that it has at least one water inlet opening is in the most direct fluid connection possible. This is guaranteed an optimal supply line and above all fast supply of water to the water-active switch, so that already shortly after the first Water attack the lighting is activated or controlled.

Preferably the cover is at least partially made of a transparent and / or light-conducting material. The training of a transparent Material guarantees optimal light transmission from the lighting element inside the shower channel to the outside of the cover. Training with a light-conducting material allows In addition, the simple distribution of the light source emitted light via the light conducting material further away within the shower channel Room, in particular a shower.

Preferably, the lighting element and in particular the water-active switch comprises at least one sensor element for detecting at least one environmental parameter, in particular the water temperature, the ambient temperature, the ambient brightness, the amount of water and a control element for controlling the luminous means, in particular for controlling the luminous means color, luminous brightness, light intervals, Leuchtnachlaufzeit or similar properties depending on the detected environmental parameter. The advantage of using the above-mentioned sensor elements or control elements is that depending on the detected environmental parameters, a corresponding control of the lighting properties is possible. Thus, for example, as a function of the tref fenden on the active switch or the sensor amount of water, the color or the luminous intensity of the light source can be changed. It is also possible, depending on the temperature and in particular the water temperature, for example in a shower, to change the illuminant color or, for example, in the detection of a certain maximum temperature, a warning message over a special bulb color or a light interval, such as flashing etc., spend. It is of course also possible to regulate the luminous intensity as a function of the ambient brightness. If the sensor element is a volumetric transducer, it is possible, for example, to issue a warning signal when a certain maximum water volume has been exceeded or to indicate the amount of water consumed by means of corresponding illuminated signs.

Preferably the lighting element comprises at least one timing transmitter, in particular for Detection of the lighting time of the bulb, and a control for controlling the lighting means, in particular for controlling the same Illuminant color, illuminant brightness, illumination intervals, light-lag time, or similar properties depending on detected lighting time. Depending on the timer Detected lighting time can be exceeded, for example a maximum warning time a warning signal are issued, for example to point out that a certain showering time exceeded is. Also, of course, via the timepiece A follow-up time can be regulated, which determines how long the bulb still lit when there is no water left on the active switch. Also, depending on the measured time, the lighting be used continuously to a) evidence of the already to give elapsed showering time, or b) specifically in particular In the course of a medical light therapy the light intensity to regulate.

Preferably the lighting element comprises at least one receiving device for controlling the lighting means, in particular for switching on and off, for controlling the illuminant color, illuminant brightness, illumination intervals or similar properties via an external Transmitting device, in particular with the receiving device via a radio link communicates. In this way it is possible the lighting element not only on the water-active Switch and the possibly existing sensors and controls but also targeted to personal needs to set up.

The above-mentioned embodiments of the invention and benefits of the shower channel of course apply to the formation of an independent lighting element, especially later in a shower channel and in particular can be installed on a bottom on a cover. insofar is referred to all the aforementioned passages and avoid repetition for the sake of clarity.

Further Embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

in the The invention will be described below with reference to two exemplary embodiments described by the accompanying drawings become. Hereby show:

1 an isometric view of a first embodiment of a cover of a shower channel just before the insertion of a lighting element;

2 an isometric view of the embodiment of 1 with inserted lighting element;

3 a cross section through the embodiment of 1 along the cutting line 2 ; and

4 a further embodiment of a cover of a shower channel just before the onset of a lighting element.

in the The following are for the same and the same parts the same reference numerals used.

1 shows a first embodiment of a shower or drainage channel according to the invention 2 (please refer 3 ) or the lighting element according to the invention 10 in an isometric view, just before the insertion of the lighting element 10 in the cover 4 ,

The cover 4 is here designed as a sheet metal grid, the two side cheeks in the form of a static ribbing 11 features a cover plate 15 connected to each other. In the cover plate 15 are inlet openings 13 provided in the form of inlet slots, which is the introduction of surface water into the drainage channel 2 (please refer 3 ) serve.

At the static ribbing 11 are mounting holes 19 provided the inclusion of positioning elements 8th allow, in particular, the positioning of the cover 4 within their storage on the gutter body 2 serve (see 3 ).

The lighting element 10 has a lighting housing 16 on, in the four bulbs 12 are integrated. The shape of the lighting housing 16 is complementary to the bottom in this embodiment 5 the cover 4 formed so that the lighting element 10 between the static ribbing 11 . 11 ' and the cover plate 15 is at least partially enclosed in the inserted state. At the side areas 24 of the lighting housing 16 are mounting element receptacles 9 formed, which are complementary to the positioning elements 8th are formed. To the insertion of the lighting element 10 between the static ribs 11 . 11 ' , the positioning elements can 8th through mounting holes 19 in the mounting element receptacles 9 be introduced so that the lighting element 10 sure at the bottom 5 the cover 4 is fixed. The positioning elements 8th So here act additionally as mounting elements for fixing the lighting element 10 on the bottom 5 the cover 4 ,

The lighting housing may also be provided with corresponding replaceable adapter elements (not shown) to the lighting element 10 on a variety of different covers 4 to make it positionable. This allows the formation of a substantially standardized lighting housing 16 and its use with differently shaped shower channels and covers. This of course applies not only to lighting elements that are attached to covers, but also to lighting elements that find their use in or on gutters or similar drainage facilities.

The lighting housing 16 indicates on its outside 17 a sloping drain top 18 that guarantees the discharge of surface water through the inlet slots 13 on the drain top 18 meets (see 2 ).

On the top 17 of the lighting housing 16 is a water-active switch 14 provided, in this embodiment, the activation of the lighting means 12 when it comes into contact with water. In addition to the water-active switch 14 It is possible to integrate at this point or at any other point sensor elements and associated controls for the detection of environmental parameters and for further control of the luminous properties, etc.

In this embodiment, on the side wall 22 of the lighting housing 16 charging contacts 21 provided for charging one in the lighting housing 16 integrated energy storage (not shown) serve. Due to the detachable arrangement of the lighting element 10 on the cover 4 can with empty energy storage the lighting element 10 from the cover 4 be solved and charged via an external charging device (not shown).

2 shows the in 1 illustrated embodiment with on the cover 4 installed lighting element 10 , It is visible that the positioning elements now used as mounting elements 8th in the in 1 shown mounting element recordings 9 engage and the lighting element 10 on the cover 4 fix. The lighting element 10 is arranged so that at least one water inlet opening 13 with the water-active switch 14 is in direct fluid communication, so that over the inlet openings 13 Entering water as fast as possible the water-active switch 14 is forwarded.

The embodiment of the 1 and 2 is in 3 shown in a cross section, wherein the cutting guide in 2 is drawn. Visible is the gutter body 2 at the top of his head 6 a frame 7 here integral with the gutter body 2 is trained. Of course, the use of a separate, for example, metal frame conceivable. In the frame 7 is the cover 4 used and on the positioning nierungselemente 8th involved in static ribbing 11 on both sides of the cover 10 are positioned. Complementary to this static ribbing 11 and the cover plate 15 is the lighting element 10 or the lighting housing 16 trained and so in interaction with the positioning elements 8th sure at the bottom 5 the cover 4 held.

The lighting element 10 is so on the cover 4 arranged that the water-active switch 14 as accurately as possible under an inlet opening 13 is positioned to activate the bulbs as quickly as possible 12 to ensure. To ensure optimal illumination of the cover, the bulbs are 12 in this embodiment, surface parallel to the cover plate 15 the cover 4 aligned. The emitted light can be so evenly over the water inlet openings 13 to the outside 23 penetrate.

4 Finally, shows a further embodiment of the shower channel according to the invention or the lighting element according to the invention 10 ,

The lighting element shown here 10 indicates on its drain top 18 an inlet device 20 on. This inlet device 20 improves the supply of water to the water-active switch 14 , Here, as already mentioned, all methods known from the prior art for channeling and optimized supply of water are applicable.

1

shower drain

2

Channel body

4

cover

5

bottom

6

upper edge

7

frame

8th

positioner or mounting element

9

Mounting element receptacle

10

lighting element

11

static ribbing

12

Lamp

13

Water inlet opening

14

water Active switch

15

cover

16

lighting case

17

outside

18

Expiration top

19

mounting hole

20

inflow device

21

charging contacts

23

outside

24

page range

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202007011908 U1 [0005]

Claims (20)

Shower channel, floor drain or similar drainage device which can be installed in a floor, with a channel body ( 2 ), a cover ( 4 ) for placement, in particular on a top edge ( 6 ) of the gutter body ( 2 ), and a lighting element ( 10 ) in the shower channel ( 1 ) and in particular on a lower side ( 5 ) of the cover ( 4 ), characterized in that the lighting element ( 10 ) at least one electrically powered light source ( 12 ) and a water-active switch ( 14 ) for driving, in particular turning on the illuminant ( 12 ) when in contact with water, in such a way in the shower channel ( 1 ) is arranged in the shower channel ( 1 ) inflowing water at least partially the water-active switch ( 14 ) is supplied. Shower channel according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting means ( 12 ) and the water-active switch ( 14 ) in a lighting housing ( 16 ), the water-active switch ( 14 ) from the outside ( 17 ) of the lighting housing ( 16 ) is particularly accessible to water. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, in particular claim 2, characterized in that the lighting housing ( 16 ) a substantially inclined to the horizontal drain upper side ( 18 ) for removing water and any solids contained therein. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, in particular one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the lighting housing ( 16 ) an inlet device ( 20 ) to form a substantially channeled water inlet to the water-active switch ( 14 ). Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, in particular one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by a particular in the lighting housing ( 16 ) integrated and rechargeable energy storage for the electrical supply of the illuminant ( 12 ). Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element ( 10 ) detachable in the shower channel ( 1 ) and in particular on a lower side ( 5 ) of the cover ( 4 ) is arranged. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover ( 4 ) in a frame ( 7 ) on the upper edge ( 6 ) of the gutter body ( 2 ) is mounted and lateral positioning elements ( 8th ), for positioning the cover ( 4 ) in the frame ( 7 ), characterized in that the positioning elements ( 8th ) as mounting elements with complementary mounting element receptacles ( 9 ) on the lighting element ( 10 ) in particular releasable operative connection can be brought. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover ( 4 ) on its underside ( 5 ) at least one static ribbing, in particular two in the main direction extending static side cheeks ( 11 ), characterized in that said static ribbing ( 11 ) as a mounting element with complementary mounting element receptacles on the lighting element ( 10 ) can be brought into operative connection. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover ( 4 ) Water inlet openings ( 13 ), characterized in that at least one water inlet opening ( 13 ) of the cover ( 4 ) with the water-active switch ( 14 ) and / or with the feed device ( 20 ) to the water-active switch ( 14 ) is in fluid communication. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover ( 4 ) consists at least partially of a transparent and / or photoconductive material. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element ( 10 ) and in particular the water-active switch ( 14 ) comprises at least one sensor element for detecting at least one environmental parameter, in particular the water temperature, the ambient temperature, the ambient brightness, the amount of water, and a control element for controlling the illuminant ( 12 ), in particular for controlling its illuminant color, illuminant brightness, illumination intervals, luminous delay time or similar properties as a function of the detected environmental parameter. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element ( 10 ) has at least one timing transmitter for detecting the lighting time of the lighting means ( 12 ), and a control for driving the light source ( 12 ), in particular for controlling the luminous means color, luminous brightness, light intervals, light lag time or similar properties as a function of the detected lighting time. Shower channel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element ( 10 ) has at least one receiving device for controlling the Leuchtmit tels ( 12 ), in particular for switching on and off, for controlling the illuminant color, illuminant brightness, illumination intervals or similar properties via an external transmitting device, which in particular communicates with the receiving device via a radio link. Lighting element, for installation in a shower channel ( 1 ), a floor drain or similar drainage device, with at least one electrically powered light source ( 12 ), which are substantially fluid-tight in a lighting housing ( 16 ), characterized by one from the outside ( 17 ) of the lighting housing ( 16 ) especially for water-accessible water-active switches ( 14 ) for driving, in particular turning on the illuminant ( 12 ) in contact with water. Lighting element according to claim 14, characterized in that the lighting housing ( 16 ) a substantially inclined to the horizontal drain upper side ( 18 ) for removing water and any solids contained therein. Lighting element according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the lighting housing ( 16 ) an inlet device ( 20 ) to form a substantially channeled water inlet to the water-active switch ( 14 ). Lighting element according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized by a, in particular in the lighting housing ( 16 ) integrated and rechargeable energy storage for powering the bulb ( 12 ). Lighting element according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the lighting element ( 10 ) and in particular the water-active switch ( 14 ) at least one sensor element for detecting at least one environmental parameter, in particular the water temperature, the ambient temperature, the ambient brightness, the amount of water, and a control element for controlling the light source ( 12 ), in particular for controlling the illuminant color, illuminant brightness, illumination intervals or similar properties as a function of the detected environmental parameter. Lighting element according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the lighting element ( 10 ) has at least one timing transmitter for detecting the lighting time of the lighting means ( 12 ), and a control for driving the light source ( 12 ), in particular for controlling the luminous means color, luminous brightness, light intervals, light lag time or similar properties as a function of the detected lighting time. Lighting element according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized by a receiving device for controlling the lighting means ( 12 ), in particular for switching on and off, for controlling the illuminant color, illuminant brightness, illumination intervals or similar properties via an external transmitting device, which in particular communicates with the receiving device via a radio link