EP1022396A2 - Shower combination - Google Patents

Abstract

The combination shower assembly (11) has a front panel (12) with at least one shower function unit (13). The front panel (12) can be of glass and/or a translucent material, for the light from a back lighting unit (29) and any light diffusers (27) to direct the light outwards through the front panel (12). The rear surface of the front panel glazing (12) has a coating impermeable to light, apart from the light passage zones (21). The assembly has a holding rod (19) for a hand shower (13) or shelves (18) of a light conductive or transparent material, illuminated by back lighting (39).

Description

APPLICATION AREA AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a shower combination with a Front, at least one shower function unit is arranged.

Shower combinations of this type are, for example, in the US-PS 3 827 088 or DE-OS 197 21 587 described. Here are shower function units on elongated, vertically mounted shower boxes like overhead showers, removable hand showers as well as body showers or a water outlet for a bathtub appropriate.

TASK AND SOLUTION

The invention has for its object a shower combination to create the aforementioned type, in which the scope is expanded.

This task is solved by a shower combination according to Claim 1. According to the invention, the front can at least partially made of glass and / or at least partially be translucent. This enables one for such Applications to use previously unknown material. On the one hand, mineral glass, for example, can be used as glass so-called safety glass can be used. Alternatively can artificial glasses, especially polymers, for example Acrylic glass can be used. A translucency at least part of the front can serve to achieve optical effects or possibly behind the Parts of the shower combination located at the front are visibly closed do. One possibility, for example, is at least one partially frosted glass surface, with a desired Surface roughness through treatment methods such as sand or Shot peening or etching methods can be achieved.

The front can be translucent at least in some areas be, especially in several areas, light in particular from the back of the front through this can pass through. The front can be at least partially have translucent or light-conducting material, preferably a glass, for example one of the above Art. Preferably, the front consists entirely of such a material, resulting in a simplified structure can be achieved. It is considered advantageous if the Has a surface that is as closed as possible, especially on their front. Can be closed here impermeable to water and in particular also just and without recesses.

In a further embodiment, the front can at least be partially opaque, this being the case with one Vitreous body in particular on the front and / or the Back can be formed. Beneficial for an opacity are an opaque cover and / or a coating, for example in the form of a Paint order.

The front can be at least partially mirrored and / or be designed as a mirror. A front front advantageously has a mirroring on the back of the glass or a reflective coating. Alternatively it is possible at the front of the front or behind one to arrange a translucent area a mirror.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the front panel has at least one light transmission, the especially the room behind and the room in front of the front connects light-guiding. Such light transmission can through inserts inserted in opaque material made of translucent material or mask-like recesses in an opaque or translucent reducing surface of a flat translucent Materials. Several of each other delimited light passages can be provided in one area be, especially as a kind of field. The light passages can take any form. They are preferably rounded, especially circular. In another Design, they can be congruent shapes and in particular have different sizes.

In a further embodiment, at least on the front front an at least partially illuminated marking is provided his. Under a marking, labels, scales, Ads and the like should be understood. A mark can be designed as a light passage, which is preferably of is surrounded by an impermeable area. It is advantageous a marker illuminated, in particular backlit. It is also possible to make the markings opaque train them in a translucent and arrange illuminable area so that it is dark on light background appears.

The front can be essentially one flat front shield exist, which is particularly elongated is. At least one, in particular several, shower function units arranged his. The front plate is preferably in one piece, as a result of which various advantages in terms of strength, ease of assembly as well as achieving a closed surface can leave. The front shield can be essentially flat his. As interesting design options can curved and / or curved front fronts or front plates be used, according to one possibility the shape the sides back to a wall on which the shower combination attached, can be pulled.

The shower combination can be of particular advantage at least a lighting device for emitting light from the Front, especially for coupling light into the Front, to be assigned. Lighting devices are possible here, which is essentially behind the front is arranged and / or light behind the front radiate. Electrical lighting devices are preferred, which can be designed to be freely controllable. It is advantageous if the shower combination has at least one own lighting device physically connected to her having. In particular, a lighting device in the essentially behind a translucent area of the Be arranged in the front. It can, as below described, attractive optical lighting effects, especially on the front, can be achieved.

The at least one lighting device can at least a light source and / or at least one light guide element have, wherein the light guide the light from the Light source in at least one place in the front can couple. Such a position is advantageously one translucent spot in the front, especially a Light transmission through the front.

The at least one light-guiding element can be of various types be an option is training as Light distribution element, preferably as a flat light distribution element, in particular based on one light source each, to illuminate several distributed light passages. The at least one light guide element can be separated from the Be formed with a front panel for greater variation in particular various light distribution elements and one simplified assembly. The light guide or light distribution element can be designed in accordance with the shape of the front be, in particular parallel to it.

According to one embodiment, a light distribution element as a plate made of light-guiding or light-guiding Be formed of material that extends over an area extends behind the front. The front is advantageous in this area at least partially translucent, so that light from the light source through the light distribution element can be introduced into the front. This enables, for example, a single and / or central light source provide over the light to several translucent Places or light passages in the front becomes. Preferably, a variety of light sources can be on the Light distribution element to be directed. When using a plate as a light distribution element, the at least one Light source essentially directly on the flat side of the Radiate plate. More translucent ones are particularly preferred Places or light passages in the front as Light sources are provided, with a light supply through at least one light distribution element can take place.

On the light distribution element, in particular on one Point at which the light source shines, light introduction devices provided which advantageously the at least are assigned to a light source. The light introduction devices can in addition to a possibly improved coupling of light in the light distribution element a certain, preferred predetermined direction of the injected light beams cause, especially for the distribution of light in the entire light distribution element. The light introduction devices are preferably essentially pyramidal or conical. One possibility is surveys, for example in the form of Lenses or the like which point to a light source. Lowering is a preferred option, especially in a plate serving as a light distribution element, whereby preferably on the surface facing away from the light source the plate are attached. The depressions are preferred conical, with an opening angle of 45 ° can have up to 135 °, in particular 90 °. Your depth of penetration in a light distribution plate can be relatively small however, up to two thirds or more of the thickness is sufficient. The Surface of the depressions can advantageously be used for distraction or Redirection of the light rays of the light source can be used, for example by coating the surface or a certain surface condition. As beneficial a surface roughness is considered for this, in particular an optical roughness and / or a micro roughness. To this Way can be achieved that to the surface of the depressions striking light at a desired angle in the Light distribution plate is initiated. This can be used to be coupled-in light by total reflection at the Spread surfaces of the plate approximately evenly.

An advantageous transmission of light from the least a light distribution element in or through the front can be achieved if the light distribution element has a low Is at a distance from the back of the front, where it in particular may be concerned. It is preferably in this way that the light distribution element and the back of the Front are still visually separated. The light goes through on the way from one to the other further medium, in particular air, or further boundary layers.

The front can have limited areas with translucency have, the light guide this Can include areas associated light trapping means. This Light traps can shine light towards the front to emit, taking this light from the light-guiding element catch out. An execution possibility of Light traps, especially light traps, are on the Lichtleitelement, in particular in the form of a light-guiding Plate, applied color spots, being reflective Color spots, in particular color dots, preferably at that of the front-facing surface are arranged. Further, preferably translucent light traps or Light capture points can be on the front facing Be provided surface, for example in the form of a roughened surface in places. As a light trap, preferably reflecting at least partially into the plate for example, an order from white or metallic paint or the like may be provided. On this way light can be used like a light trap targeted from the light distribution element in or through the Be led front.

Furthermore, a light distribution element, in particular as Light distribution plate, at least partially on the Front facing side opaque or in itself be formed reflective itself, in particular on surfaces that are not illuminated areas of the front surround. One possibility is a light distribution element, that only at the coupling points for the at least one Light source and at the decoupling points in translucent Areas of the front panel let light through. Instead of such light-blocking covers can by irradiating light into the light distribution plate at a certain angle an undesired exit from Light provided by total reflection at its boundaries his.

The light distribution element can be at least partially reflective Have surface which is particularly curved, which enables training as a reflector. On such reflector can be provided with a light source behind be arranged on the front, with a large area Illumination of the back of the front and therefore also of translucent areas of the front panel arranged therein be effected.

Temperature controls, in particular thermostats, and water flow valves and Diverters for the shower function units may be provided. Translucent areas in the front can be under other than ads, labels or markings as well Scales be formed, preferably in the area of the shower function units and / or controls. For example can be illuminated temperature scales or different positions the controls can be clearly illuminated his.

The light sources can be in very different ways be executed. According to one possibility, several Light sources with different colors and / or intensities be provided in color and / or intensity can be different or changeable. A changeability of color and / or intensity can be controlled for example on the functional state of the shower combination dependent.

For safety reasons, the at least one light source be designed for operation with low voltage, e.g. With a voltage below 30 volts. 24 volts are preferred, 12 volts are particularly preferred. At least one of several Light sources can be a light emitting diode, which as their Advantages of low power consumption, low heating problems and has a long service life. Multiple LEDs can be combined into at least one light bar. Furthermore, at least one of several light sources can be used as Low voltage fluorescent tube or halogen lamp be, whereby a flat light emission or can achieve high light intensity. It is possible in breakthroughs to arrange a light source through the front. They are preferably used in a sealing manner, in particular with concluding the front of the front.

At the back of the front can be a cover be attached above the at least one light source, the preferably at least the entire lighting device covers. A housing cover is preferably provided all construction and / or attached to the back of the front Functional units, especially the water connections, covered. On the one hand, a housing cover a light emission, in particular from the light source, for Avoid side out.

In a further embodiment of the invention, preferably additionally the shower combination can be used to illuminate the front lighting for radiation as a desired effect of indirect light, provided for this purpose Bulbs preferred on the back of the shower combination are arranged, especially in their upper region. The indirect lighting can be by towards the user shielded radiation of light on at least one wall and / or the ceiling of a room. This can be done by a not completely closing the back of the front Housing cover of the lighting device can be achieved. However, one specially preferred for this is preferred provided lighting, for example in the form at least a steel worker, attached to the shower combination.

The shower combination can be used as a functional extension be height adjustable to fit a person's height Adapt operator. Although, if there is one Power supply is provided for a lighting device a height adjustment is done by an electric motor, However, manual height adjustment is preferred. To the shower combination can be at least partially weight-compensated be, in particular it is overcompensated or due to the compensation essentially by itself upwards is pulled. Weight compensation can be advantageous Have spring means, in particular spring means with constant Spring force, for example a roll tape spring or a Gas pressure spring.

The shower combination can have equipment elements, which are arranged in particular on the front, for example, shelves and / or brackets, such as one Handrail for a hand shower. Behind the front Illuminants can be arranged by a light-guiding Connection, especially through the front, in at least partially translucent parts, which in and / or are arranged in front of the front panel, radiate light can. These parts are preferably equipment elements the shower combination. One way is one Illumination by the lighting device for translucent Areas of the front. Furthermore, equipment elements a light-conducting connection to others Parts of the shower combination, for example soap dispensers or the like.

These and other features go beyond the claims also from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features individually or separately several in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields be and advantageous as well as protective designs can represent, for which protection is claimed here becomes. The division of the application into individual sections and subheadings limits those below them, respectively statements made are not generally valid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig.1

eine Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Duschkombination mit einem Feld kreisförmiger lichtdurchlässiger Bereiche,

Fig. 2

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Duschkombination mit einer Vielzahl von Leuchtdioden als Lichtquellen einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung,

Fig. 3

eine Maske zur Erzeugung einer punktförmigen Bestrahlung der Rückseite einer Glasvorderfront und

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt ähnlich Fig. 2 mit einer Leuchtstoffröhre samt Hohlspiegel als Beleuchtungseinrichtung.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

Fig. 1

2 shows a front view of a shower combination according to the invention with a field of circular translucent areas,

Fig. 2

2 shows a longitudinal section through a shower combination with a large number of light-emitting diodes as light sources of a lighting device,

Fig. 3

a mask for generating a punctiform radiation of the back of a glass front and

Fig. 4

a section similar to FIG. 2 with a fluorescent tube including concave mirror as a lighting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a shower combination 11 in a front view. On an elongated front 12 are shower function units a hand shower 13 and three body showers 14 intended. Further shower function units can be in the form a fixed overhead shower or the like available his. Furthermore, a diverter 15, a thermostat 16 and a horizontal storage surface 18 and a vertical extending support rod 19 is provided for the hand shower 13.

In the variant of the invention shown in FIG. 1 Shower combination 11 consists of the entire front 12 made of glass, in particular it is made in one piece from one flat glass plate, for example as a front plate. The front of the glass plate can be translucent Have treatment, for example it can be matted, advantageous by sand or shot blasting. The back of the Front front 12 is covered essentially opaque, for example by an opaque Paint application, especially around the components behind it, such as connecting hoses, assembly aids or the like to hide. In the upper area of the front 12 is a variety of in the opaque cover circular light passages 21 are provided. These light passages 21 allow the passage of light from the room behind the front 12 through the front to the front. Is, as shown in the following figures, behind the Front 12 or behind the light passages 21 a Provided lighting shines through the light passages forward and it creates a delightful, novel Aspect. Depending on the light intensity it can be a shimmer or a Shine, possibly even a radiance. More options the lighting from behind results, for example in the thermostat 16, the scale 17 also entirely or may be formed in part by light transmittances which are backlit or illuminated from the back become. The entire front front 12 is conceivable or the front plate made of transparent glass shape. This makes it possible to be attractive as well as an interesting view through the front of the "Inner life" of the shower combination 11, especially the water-carrying connections to the shower function units and possibly the assembly devices.

Fig. 2 shows in section the upper part of the shower combination 11 corresponding to Fig. 1. The back of the front Covering 12, a housing cover 22 is provided. Of Another is a mounting device 23 for holding the Shower combination 11 on a wall with the front panel 12 connected, in the illustrated case by screw connections 24 through the front. The screw connections serve at the same time to attach the support rod 19. At the The rear of the front face 12 is a lighting device 26 attached. The lighting device 26 has a Light distribution element in the form of a transparent plexiglass plate 27, the shape of which is shown in FIG. 3 below is. It covers the area behind the light passages 21 and leads this light. In the plexiglass plate 27 is Light coupled in from light emitting diodes 29 as light sources, from which a large number sits behind the plexiglass plate 27. she can, for example, in a row on a thin holding plate 30 be arranged. The light emitting diodes 29 emit light into the plexiglass plate 27, there it is by light guiding devices distributed in the plexiglass plate and by coupled there at the light passages 21 into the front face 12. An example of such light introduction devices are the depressions 32, which are exactly opposite to the light-emitting diodes 29 attached to the other side of the plexiglass plate 27 are. Their depth is about two thirds of the thickness the plexiglass plate, the opening angle is about 90 °. The one that hits the depressions 32 from the light-emitting diodes 29 Light is reflected on their surfaces and runs zigzag through the plexiglass plate. Here is the angle the depressions 32 advantageously chosen such that the deflected Light rays at the interfaces of the plexiglass plate 27 each experience total reflection and not from the Light distribution element can emerge. Only the light transmission 21 of the front 12 are light traps assigned to extract light from the light distribution element in the front 12. The light traps are shown below. An alternative to total reflection can consist of the plexiglass plate 27 light-tight cover, for example by mirroring, and only openings assigned to the light passages 21 to be provided as light traps.

At the back of the front 12 is an opaque Cover 33 shown with exaggerated layer thickness. You can on the one hand from an order of color or the like exist, alternative possibilities are adhesive films or flat materials in thin form. Exemplary are the LED 29 opposite light passages 21 in the form of Breakthroughs provided by the cover 33. Such Light passages 21 are advantageously vertical according to FIG. 1 distributed over the cover 33 to the plane of the drawing. The Cover 33 can also be a mirror. Advantageous is a mirroring of the shower combination at head height, so in the upper area, which creates attractive visual effects the utility benefits must be observed. A mirroring several areas are possible, possibly the whole Front.

Depending on the type of lighting you want, the light sources can be designed differently. The one shown in Fig. 2 Row of 21 light-emitting diodes has the advantage that not each light passage 21 of the front panel, a light emitting diode must be assigned. The LEDs can be used in several Groups connected, preferably in groups of three, being advantageous for a 12 volt power supply Series resistor for current limitation is provided. The advantage several groups of LEDs 29 is that Failure of an LED or a group does not affect the entire lighting not applicable.

The light emitting diodes 29 can in one embodiment of the invention run directly behind the holding rod 19, that is to say according to FIG. 1 in the middle. To cover up direct radiation to avoid through the front due to the support rod 19, can two rows of LEDs 29 each be provided on the side of the support rod 19.

As shown in Fig. 2, the storage surface 18 from a Glass plate consist, which are arranged in a holder 38 is. The front front 12 faces in the area of the holder 38 a breakthrough in which a light source 39, for example an LED. This light source 39 shines the shelf 18 from the inside, so that it, similar to the Front front 12 in the area of the light passages 21, illuminated is. Different surface designs of the shelf 18 and edge designs, possibly by chamfering, enable a variety of attractive optical effects. Instead of a breakthrough, the light source 39 could be behind the front 12 can be arranged, with a another light passage 21, the light through the front could be irradiated into the storage surface 18.

In a similar manner, it is possible to remove the support rod 19 an at least partially translucent material, for example, to manufacture artificial glass. Illumination of the Handrail 19 could be by illuminants in their at the Front 12 attached ends are made. Furthermore is one Arrangement of a substantially the entire length the holding rod 19 extending light source possible, for example in the form of a low voltage fluorescent tube.

3 shows a rear view of the plexiglass plate 27 in tailored training. Are along their central axis Circular rings 35 as a covering paint application, adhesive film or the like attached. Each annulus 35 is corresponding an LED 29 according to FIG. 2 is arranged. The aperture effect of the Annular rings 35 cause only light with a certain Angle is irradiated into the plexiglass plate 27. This Angle results with the angle of the circular rings 35 opposite attached, shown in Fig. 2 depressions 32 a Total reflection of the light rays in the plexiglass plate 27, through which it extends laterally and within the entire panel can distribute.

Furthermore, the plexiglass plate 27 has circular surfaces 36 on, the not shown light passages 21 of the front, possibly mounted in a cover 33 opposite lie. The circular surfaces 36, like the circular rings 35 be generated. At the circular surfaces 36 in the plexiglass plate 27 back and forth reflected light captured and with changed angle, essentially in all directions, emitted. The light can go straight from the circular surfaces 36 coupled through the light passages 21 in the front become. In this way, the circular surfaces 36 act as Light traps. Another possibility for light traps are similar circular areas on the front 12 facing surface of the plexiglass plate 27 on which incident light not as a result of total reflection in the Is radiated back, but from the plate into the Front can be uncoupled. The arrangement of the Circular surfaces 36 correspond to those of the light passages 21.

4 is in the upper region of the housing cover 22 Spotlight 44 built-in, sloping backwards and upwards is aligned. With this spotlight 44, a behind the shower combination 11 wall area and the above lying ceiling partially illuminated in the manner of a floodlight become. This way it is possible to possibly in Cooperation with emitted by the light passages 21 Lighting effects, the shower combination 11 with its own To provide lighting that, in addition to usage advantages, optically and is creatively appealing. The radiator 44 is preferred as a powerful halogen spotlight with a low-voltage lamp educated.

Instead of the lighting shown in Fig. 2 by a A large number of LEDs 29 with a plexiglass plate 27 as a light guide or. 4 shows the lighting device 26 a light source in the form of an elongated Low voltage fluorescent tube 41 with one along its length essentially constant light emission. It runs in the middle, ie behind the handrail 19. On Advantage of the arrangement of the light source of the lighting device directly behind the support rod 19 is that a dazzling of a user by direct radiation of the Light source in its direction can be avoided. To do that To distribute light better across the surface and the light passages 21 to feed, is behind the fluorescent tube 41 as well Elongated concave mirror 42 is arranged, which of the Fluorescent tube emitted light in its direction flat distributed on the back of the front 12 emits. It is advantageously designed so that the light as vertically as possible in the light passages 21 or in the Glass front 12 enters. There can be two or more fluorescent tubes 41 may be provided to ensure uniform light distribution on both sides of the central support rod 19 achieve.

Controlling the lighting, whether in terms of intensity, the locally different lighting or the Color can, for example, with a diverter 15 or a Thermostat 16 may be connected. An opening of the water supply turns on the lighting. Other options, for example Intensities and / or colors that change over time or a delay after opening the water supply the lighting switches on for a certain period of time be provided by a simple electronic control.

Claims (13)

Shower combination with a front (12) on which at least one shower function unit (13, 14) is arranged is characterized in that the front (12) consists at least partially of glass and / or is translucent. Shower combination according to claim 1, characterized in that the front (12) at least in some areas is translucent, especially from the back of the Front to front. Shower combination according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front (12) translucent and / or has light-conducting material, in particular Glass, with the front preferably made entirely of of this material. Shower combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front face (12) is at least partially designed as a mirror, in particular is mirrored, with a front panel made of Glass (12) preferably a reflective coating has its back. Shower combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front front (12) has at least one light passage (21) which especially the room behind and the room in front of the Front front (12) connects light-conducting, preferably several separated light passages (21) form an area. Shower combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front front has at least one partially illuminated marking, the marking preferably as light transmission (21) is trained and / or backlit. Shower combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front front (12) essentially, in particular completely, of a front plate is formed, the front plate is preferably elongated. Shower combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that you have at least one Lighting device (26) for emitting light from the front (12), especially for coupling of light in the front, is associated with the Lighting device (26) preferably essentially is arranged behind the front (12). Shower combination according to claim 8, characterized in that the lighting device (26) at least a light source (29, 41) and / or at least one light guide element or light distribution element (27, 42), which is the light from the at least one light source (29, 41) at least at one point, especially at a light passage (21) through the front (12), in couples the front (12), the element / 27, 42) is preferably flat. Shower combination according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one light source (29, 41) the light distribution element (27, 42) shines, preferably light guiding devices on the light distribution element, in particular, depressions (32) are attached, the associated with the at least one light source (29). Shower combination according to claim 9 or 10, characterized characterized in that the front (12) limited Has areas where it is translucent, and the light-guiding element (27) light-catching means (36) these corresponding areas, which in turn To emit light towards the front (12), the light trapping means in particular of on the light guide element (27) applied color dots (36) and / or light transmission points are formed. Shower combination according to claim 9, characterized by several light sources (29) with different colors and / or intensities, in particular in their Color and / or intensity different and / or changeable are. Shower combination according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they have lighting (44) for the emission of indirect light, the lighting (44) in particular on the rear the shower combination (11) is arranged, preferably in the upper area.

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