EP2543780B1 - Shower module and shower system with electronic control - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shower module according to claim 1 and a shower system according to claim 6.

Shower systems or sanitary fittings in which cold and hot water can be mixed in a mixing device, usually have a control unit with the mixing device, which is a cold water inlet flow connected to a cold water supply line, a hot water inlet which is flow connected to a hot water pipe and a mixed water outlet flow connected to a mixed water pipe is, has, up. The mixing device has at least two independently operable valves with which the Kaltbeziehungsweise the hot water flow can be regulated to set the desired mixed water temperature. The mixing device receives information about the desired flow rate and the desired mixed water temperature from a control signal generator or a control unit. The operating unit can be actuated and adjusted by a user. In the mixing device are subsequently, by means of a controller, according to the information or the control signals of the operating unit, the two valves controlled and so the mixed water temperature and the flow rate, according to the selected on the control unit specifications set.

The EP 2 218 840 A1 discloses a sanitary fitting in which the mixed water temperature and the mixed water flow rate by means of a signal generator, which is an electrical connection to a control unit and is connected via this control unit with the valve device only electrically connected, can be adjusted. The valve device is fluidly connected to a cold water connection, which is flow-connected to a cold water supply line, with a hot water connection, which is flow-connected to a hot water line, and with a mixed water connection, which is flow-connected to a mixed water line. The cold and hot water is combined in the valve device to mixed water and then passes through the mixed water outlet and the mixed water line, through an outlet from the sanitary fitting. By different ratios of cold water and hot water components in the mixed water different mixed water temperatures and by more open or close the valves, preferably proportional valves, different mixed water flow rates can be set. The use of an electronic control unit, for adjusting the mixing water flow rate and the mixed water temperature allows on the one hand a very fine metering of the mixing water flow rate and on the other hand an optimal and fine adjustment of the mixed water temperature of the mixed water leaving the outlet.

The spout of the sanitary fitting can be formed by a shower head, which is a shower system. The shower head is fluidly connected to the mixed water outlet of the valve device or the control unit. However, this has the disadvantage that when switching on the sanitary fitting at the beginning of cold water, which is still in the lines, and Thereafter, until mixed water flows to the desired setpoint temperature, increasingly warmer water emerges from the outlet or from the shower head. If the user, while adjusting the shower, not from the effective range of the spout or shower head removed, then this can be very uncomfortable. In addition, there is a risk that the user burns when hot water is in the pipes.

From the WO 2010/122564 A1 For example, there is known a generic shower module and system for supplying hot and cold water to users in a building, the system comprising: a first mode of operation for supplying water to the users; a second mode of operation for preparing the supply of water at a desired temperature by recirculating water from the hot water line into the cold water line, a faucet with a mixing chamber, a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, an outlet, and a mechanism for adapting the system to different users. The system further includes an adaptive system for learning user habits to anticipate the need for hot water and correspondingly pre-heat water and direct hot water to the user's tap while water is circulating in the cold water line.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a shower module or a shower system that is easy and comfortable to operate and use.

This object is achieved with a shower model according to claim 1 and with a shower system according to claim 6.

According to the invention, the shower module has a shower unit, a mixed water inlet and an electrically controllable valve device connected in flow with the mixing water inlet and the shower unit. The valve device according to the invention connects, in the open position, the mixed water inlet and the shower unit in terms of flow with each other and separates them in the closed position from each other. Furthermore according to the invention, the shower module has an electrical input which is intended to be connected to a control unit, a signal transmitter, an actuating element and an electronic circuit connected to the electrical input, the signal transmitter and the actuating element. The electronic circuit controls according to the invention upon receipt of a temperature signal generated by the control unit, which indicates that the mixed water temperature corresponds to a desired temperature, the signal generator for display. During subsequent actuation of the actuating element by a user controls according to the invention, the electronic circuit, the valve means for switching from the closed position to the open position.

Preferably, the electronic circuit controls the valve device such that it is always in the closed position, except when a temperature signal is applied.

The electrical connections are made for example by means of electrical lines. However, it is also conceivable to train them by radio.

The setpoint temperature and the flow rate of the mixed water can be set on a separate control unit, which controls the control unit.

It is also possible that the signal generator indicates the temperature of the mixed water directly as a value.

The shower module described has the advantage that the mixed water can only escape through the shower unit when the set temperature is reached. The time of the exit of the mixed water is selected by the user, the shower module is only unlocked when the set temperature is reached. As a result, the temperature of the mixed water leaving the shower unit corresponds exactly to the value desired or set by the user. This is very pleasant for the user.

Further, the shower module by the described structure and the formed connections for the mixed water (mixed water inlet) and the electrical system (electrical input) versatile. A modular design becomes allows.

The valve device is preferably designed to include either two valves or a single valve that can feed two outlets.

In a preferred embodiment, the signal transmitter has a visual signal transmitter, preferably a light source, which is arranged in the region of the electronic circuit and which couples the light into a luminous element made of transparent or translucent material.

A visual signal transmitter has the advantage that it is easily recognizable, even in poor lighting.

However, it is also conceivable to use a signal generator, which notifies the user of the achievement of the desired temperature of the mixed water by means of a sound signal.

According to the invention, the shower module has a preferably frame-like housing in which the shower unit is arranged.

The frame-like housing is used for easy installation and protection of the shower unit. The housing may have any conceivable shape, it should only have a user-visible area.

In a further preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit, preferably the visual signal transmitter and the actuating element are integrated in the housing.

This has advantages in the assembly of the shower module. The signal generator and the actuator are thus additionally protected against damage.

According to the invention, the shower unit has a front plate which, in a folded-in position, is at least approximately aligned with a front side of the housing and which is folded out in an unfolding position from the inner region of the housing, preferably about an axis.

The folding and unfolding positions make it possible to use the shower unit as a body (folding-in position) or as an overhead shower (folding-out position). For example, if the shower module is mounted on a wall and the shower unit is in the deployed position, then the shower unit is pivoted about the axis, which is preferably located in the lower portion of the front panel so that a radiation field generated by the shower unit is directed obliquely downward.

The shower unit can be brought from the Einklappstellung in the Ausklappstellung by means of a push to open function. To move the shower unit back into the Einklappstellung, this is simply pushed back by the user, starting from the Ausklappstellung until it engages in the Einklappstellung again.

According to the invention, the mixed water inlet by means of the valve device, in Einklappstellung the front panel, with only a first radiation field of the front panel, and, in Ausklappstellung the front panel, with only a second radiation field of the front panel or with the first and second radiation field.

The front panel preferably has beamformer. The beam shapers can be produced in a known manner, for example, from rubber.

In this way, two ray images of the exiting water jet can be generated. It is conceivable to make the spray pattern of the first radiation field (body spray) harder than the radiation field of the second spray pattern (overhead shower) or vice versa. Often it is desirable to design the spray pattern or the radiation field of the overhead shower in such a way that this spray pattern generates a larger water jet. This is possible with appropriately shaped beam shapers.

The first radiation field corresponds to the function of the body spray. The first radiation field is preferably formed in the center of the front panel.

The second radiation field is preferably formed annular or frame-shaped around the first radiation field. Other shapes and combinations of the radiation fields are also conceivable.

In Ausklappstellung two functions are conceivable, namely, that the first and the second radiation field are fluidly connected to the mixed water inlet and thus water jets are formed by the first and second radiation field, or that, in Ausklappstellung, only the second radiation field is fluidly connected to the mixed water inlet.

The valve device can, as mentioned, have two valves, wherein the first valve is only fluidically connected to the first radiation field and the second valve is only fluidically connected to the second radiation field.

The two valves can be operated independently, preferably by the electronic circuit.

It is also conceivable to use in the valve device as an alternative, a 2-way valve, wherein one output is connected to the first radiation field and the other output to the second radiation field.

In a further preferred embodiment, the shower unit, in Ausklappstellung actuates a connected to the electronic circuit button which generates a Kopfstrahlsignal in Ausklappstellung, which is preferably passed from the electronic circuit to the valve device, and the electronic circuit controls the valve device such that - In open position - the mixed water inlet in the absence of the head beam signal with the first radiation field and in the presence of the head beam signal with the second or the first and second radiation field is connected or fluidly connected.

By such an arrangement, the control and the operation of the valve device are simple and straightforward.

The push-to-open function of the shower unit automatically actuates the push-button in the unfold position. There is no additional mechanism needed.

The valve submission is designed so that the different water jet combinations (first radiation field feed, second radiation field closed, first radiation field closed feed second radiation field, first radiation field and second radiation field food and both radiation fields closed) which can be generated by the two valves or by the 2-way valve can be controlled by the circuit.

In a further preferred embodiment, only the second radiation field is flow-connected to the mixed-water inlet in the deployed position.

As a result, the spray pattern (overhead shower) generated by the second radiation field or the water jet generated thereby is stronger and more water flows through the second radiation field.

Furthermore, this can reduce water consumption. It is not unnecessarily much water discharged through the shower unit to the environment, but only as much as is needed.

A further preferred embodiment relates to a shower system with a shower module and a control unit, which has a connected to a hot water supply line hot water inlet, a connectable to a cold water supply line cold water inlet, a mixed water outlet and on the one hand connected to the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet and the other with the mixed water outlet mixing device. The shower system further has a mixed water line which is connected to the mixed water outlet, a mixed water inlet of at least one shower module and a return line opening into a drain into which a return valve electrically connected to the control unit is connected. At a control unit electrically connected to the control unit, a desired setpoint temperature of the mixed water can be adjusted and the mixing device mixes the hot water and cold water flowing through the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet to a mixed water having the setpoint temperature. A temperature sensor connected to the control unit measures the mixed water temperature. As soon as the mixed water temperature corresponds to the setpoint temperature, the control unit on the one hand converts the return valve by a closing signal from the open position to the closed position and, on the other hand, emits a temperature signal to an electrical input of the shower module, so that the shower module indicates to the user the reaching of the setpoint temperature by means of a signal generator and the shower module can then be connected by means of an actuating element by a user to release the water flow.

Such a design of a shower system has the advantage that the user can set the desired set temperature exiting the shower unit mixing water on the control unit and the mixed water exits the shower unit only when the mixed water temperature corresponds to the set temperature and when the user the shower module by means of the actuator actuated.

Reaching the desired temperature is the user, as already mentioned, preferably visually reported. This can happen, for example, with colored light. Thus, it is conceivable to use, for example, blue light for mixed water which has not yet reached the setpoint temperature, and then, as soon as the mixed water has reached the setpoint temperature, to signal this for example by means of a red light.

The mixed water, which has not yet reached the set temperature, flows through the return line into the drain until the return valve is closed by the closing signal. This "warm-up" can be interrupted by the actuation of the actuator to immediately trigger the flow of water through the shower unit.

However, it is also conceivable that the mixed water, which has not yet reached the setpoint temperature, run over a water heater until the desired temperature is reached and then release the shower system or the shower modules for use. However, additional valves would have to be installed in the circuit.

The shower modules and the control unit are preferably installed in a wall. Likewise, the control unit and the mixed water and return line. This saves space and makes cleaning much easier.

In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of shower modules, in the direction of flow of the mixed water, in the or with the mixed water line successively with their mixed water inlet preferably via tees, connected at the flow direction in the last place arranged shower module to the mixed water line the return line connects.

The shower modules can be arranged at different heights. Here, the user or the client has a free hand in the planning and can choose the number of shower modules and their arrangement in the shower as desired.

Since the shower modules can be used as a head and / or as a body spray a very great flexibility is given. This is a great advantage due to the high demands on sanitary systems.

In a further preferred embodiment, the return line is in each case arranged at the mixing water inlet of the, preferably in the flow direction last arranged shower model.

This has the advantage that practically no cold water, which is still in the mixed water line or in the mixed water inlet of the shower module, exits when operating the shower module from the shower unit.

It is also conceivable that a mixed water outlet is formed on the shower module in addition to the mixed water inlet. With such a design of the connections, the mixed water line leads the mixed water, so to speak, through the shower module or through a T-piece integrated in the shower module. The return line is connected to the mixed water outlet of the last arranged in the flow direction shower module.

In a further preferred embodiment, the flow rate of the mixed water flowing through the mixed water line, preferably by pressing, is additionally adjustable on the operating unit.

The strength of the jet images or the generated water jets can be optimally adjusted and adapted to the requirements of the user.

The invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1

Eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Duschsystems mit Brausenmodulen, die über eine Mischwasserleitung und eine elektrische Brausenleitung miteinander verbunden sind;

Fig. 2

ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt aus Figur 1 mit einem Brausenmodul in perspektivischer Darstellung, der Mischwasserleitung, der elektrischen Brausenleitungen und einer Bedieneinheit;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Paneels mit drei Brausenmodulen und der Bedieneinheit;

Fig. 3.1

eine vergrößerte perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorderseite des Brausenmoduls aus Fig. 3 mit einem rahmenartigen Gehäuse und einer Frontplatte;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des aufgeschnittenen Brausenmoduls mit einem elektrischen Eingang und einem elektrischen Ausgang sowie einer Ventileinrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine vergrößerte perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts des rahmenartigen Gehäuses aus Figur 4 mit einem Taster und einem Signalgeber beziehungsweise einem Leuchtelement;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht des aufgeschnittenen, rahmenartigen Gehäuses;

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt in perspektivischer Ansicht des rahmenartigen Gehäuses aus Fig. 6, durch eine Befestigung zwischen einem Betätigungselement und dem rahmenartigen Gehäuse;

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt in perspektivischer Ansicht des rahmenartigen Gehäuses aus Fig. 6, durch eine Schalteinrichtung zwischen dem Betätigungselement und einer elektronischen Schaltung;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Brausenmoduls mit einer Brauseeinheit in einer Einklappstellung;

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht des Brausenmoduls mit der Brauseeinheit in der Einklappstellung;

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Brausenmöduls mit der Brauseeinheit in einer Ausklappstellung;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht des Brausenmoduls mit der Brauseeinheit in der Ausklappstellung;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Rückseite des Brausenmoduls mit der Brauseeinheit in der Ausklappstellung und betätigtem Taster;

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Rückseite des aufgeschnittenen Brausenmoduls mit der Brauseeinheit in der Ausklappstellung;

Fig. 15

eine vergrösserte, perspektivische Ansicht aus Fig. 14 des Push To Open Mechanismus mit einem Hakenelement, das an der Brauseeinheit angeordnet ist, und einem Schnäpper der am Gehäuse angeordnet ist;

Fig. 16

eine vergrösserte, perspektivische Ansicht aus Fig. 14 der Schwenkerbindung zwischen dem Gehäuse und der Brauseeinheit; und

Fig. 17

eine perspektivische Ansicht der aufgeschnittenen Brauseeinheit.

It shows:

Fig. 1

A perspective view of a shower system with shower modules, which are connected to each other via a mixed water line and an electric shower line;

Fig. 2

an enlarged section FIG. 1 with a shower module in perspective, the mixed water pipe, the electrical shower lines and a control unit;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a panel with three shower modules and the control unit;

Fig. 3.1

an enlarged perspective view of a front of the shower module Fig. 3 with a frame-like housing and a front panel;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the cut shower module with an electrical input and an electrical output and a valve device;

Fig. 5

an enlarged perspective view of a section of the frame-like housing FIG. 4 with a button and a signal generator or a lighting element;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of the cut, frame-like housing;

Fig. 7

a section in perspective view of the frame-like housing Fig. 6 by attachment between an actuator and the frame-like housing;

Fig. 8

a section in perspective view of the frame-like housing Fig. 6 by a switching device between the actuator and an electronic circuit;

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the shower module with a shower unit in a Einklappstellung;

Fig. 10

a side view of the shower module with the shower unit in the Einklappstellung;

Fig. 11

a perspective view of a Brausenmöduls with the shower unit in a Ausklappstellung;

Fig. 12

a side view of the shower module with the shower unit in the Ausklappstellung;

Fig. 13

a perspective view of a back of the shower module with the shower unit in the Ausklappstellung and actuated button;

Fig. 14

a perspective view of a rear side of the cut shower module with the shower unit in the Ausklappstellung;

Fig. 15

an enlarged, perspective view Fig. 14 the push to open mechanism with a hook member which is arranged on the shower unit, and a catch which is arranged on the housing;

Fig. 16

an enlarged, perspective view Fig. 14 the swivel connection between the housing and the shower unit; and

Fig. 17

a perspective view of the cut shower unit.

The FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shower system 10 with shower modules 12 which can be fed by a mixed water line 14 and an electric shower line 16. A control unit 18 is connected by means of a cold water inlet 20 to a cold water supply line 22 and by means of a hot water inlet 24 to a hot water supply line 26 and fluidly connected to these feed lines 22, 26. The mixed water line 14 is connected by means of a mixed water outlet 28, which is formed on the control unit 18, to the control unit 18 and fluidly connected thereto. The mixed water line 14 closes after the last in the flow direction S (in the illustrated embodiment after the third shower module) to a return line 30 at. At the return line 30, a return line 32 is arranged, which can be brought into an open or in a closed position. The return line 30 opens into a drain (not shown here).

The control unit 18 has a mixing device 34 and an operating unit 36 electrically connected to it. The operating unit 36 is electrically connected to the control unit 18 by means of an electrical operating input 38, which is arranged on the control unit 18, and an operating line 40, which is electrically connected to the operating input 38. The shower line 16 is electrically connected to the control unit 18 by means of an electrical control output 42. The control unit 18 is further connected to the return valve 32 by means of an electric line 44 and an electrical return valve control input 46, which is arranged on the control unit 18.

The cold water 20 and the hot water inlet 24 of the control unit 18 are connected to the mixing device 34. In the mixing device 34 valves (not shown), preferably one each at the cold water inlet 20 and one at the hot water inlet 24, arranged with which the cold water inlet and the hot water supply can be controlled. These valves are controlled to adjust the mixing water temperature and to meter the flow rate from the mixing device 34.

The control unit 18 for electrically adjusting the mixed water temperature and the flow rate is well known. As already mentioned, the disclosure EP 2 218 840 A1 such a control unit 18.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged section FIG. 1 with the shower module 12 in a perspective view. The operating unit 36 with a part of the operating line 40 is in FIG. 2 also visible. The shower module 12 is is connected by a tee 48 to the mixed water line 14 and is powered by this. An outlet 50 of the T-piece 48 arranged at least approximately at a right angle to the mixed water line 14 is flow-connected to a mixed water inlet 52 of the shower module 12. The mixed water inlet 52 is fluidly connected to a valve device 54. The valve device 54 has two valves, an upper valve 56 which a second radiation field 58 (see Figure 3.1 ), and a lower valve 60, which is a first radiation field 62 (see Figure 3.1 Assigned and flow connected with this, on. The control of the valves 56, 60 by means of an actuating element 64 and an electrically connected to the actuating element 64, electronic circuit 66 (see FIG. 5 ).

The flow connection between the second radiation field 58 and the upper valve 56 is formed by an upper connecting tube 68. The flow connection between the first radiation field 62 and the lower valve 60 is formed by a lower connecting tube 70 and a connecting tee 72 which divides the lower connecting tube 70 into two connecting tubes 70 '.

The valve device 54 is preferably arranged on a frame-like housing 74 of the shower module 12 and secured thereto. The shower module 12 may be secured to the housing 74 by means of fasteners 76, such as on an inside of a panel 78 (see FIG FIG. 3 ) are attached.

A part of the electric shower line 16, which is electrically connected to an electrical input 80 of the shower module 12, is in FIG. 2 also easily recognizable. The shower module 12 further has an electrical output 82 which is electrically connected by means of a further part of the shower line 16 'with the next shower module 12' (see also FIG. 1 ). The electrical input 80 and the electrical output 82 of the shower module 12 are each connected to the electronic circuit 66 (in the FIGS. 4 and 5 shown) electrically connected.

A button 84, which is preferably connected by means of an electrical cable 86 to the electronic circuit 66 (see FIG. 5 ), can be actuated by a shower unit 88. The button 84 is preferably an electrical button 84. However, the button 84 is only in a Ausklappstellung 90 (see FIGS. 11 and 12 ). In FIG. 2 is the shower unit 88 in a Einklappstellung 92, so that the button 84 is not actuated. Einklappstellung 92 of the shower unit 88 is also in the FIGS. 9 and 10 shown and easily recognizable. The actuation of the button 84 by means of a projection 94 (see FIG. 4 ) which is formed on the shower unit 88 and which comes into contact with the button 84 as soon as the shower unit 88 is in the Ausklappstellung 90. The shower unit 88 is disposed in an inner portion of the frame-like housing 74.

FIG. 3 shows a panel 78 which is C-shaped. In the panel 78, which is preferably formed of metal, for example aluminum, three shower modules 12 are integrated. Next is the control unit 36, which is between the lowest and the middle Shower module 12 is arranged, visible. By means of the operating unit 36, the water temperature and the water flow of the mixed water leaving the shower modules 12 can be adjusted.

The Figure 3.1 shows an enlarged section of the user facing front side of the shower module 12. The shower unit 88 has a front plate 96, on which beam shaper 98 are arranged made of rubber. The actuating element 64 is arranged in the circumferential direction around the front plate 96. The actuating element 64 is enclosed in a signal generator 100, preferably a visual signal generator 100 in the form of a light-emitting frame. Both on the front panel 96 facing inside and on the front plate 96 facing away from the outside of the actuating element 64 of the signal generator 100 is visible to the user. The signal generator 100 is electrically connected to the electronic circuit 66 and is controlled by this. Next, the signal generator 100 and the actuator 64 and the shower unit 88 are arranged in the frame-like housing 74. The front plate 96 is aligned in the Einklappstellung 92 with the front side of the housing 74. The second radiation field 58 is indicated by dashed lines. It is arranged in the middle region of the front plate 96 and has an at least approximately rectangular, preferably square shape or ground plan. The first radiation field 62 extends in the circumferential direction around the second radiation field 58 and has the shape or the plan view of a rectangular frame.

A user can turn on the shower system 10 by means of the control unit 36 and the desired set temperature of the leaving mixed water by turning set, and by pressing and turning the control unit 36 in addition, the amount of water to escape through the shower modules 12 set. After switching on the shower system 10, the return line valve 32 is opened or changed over to the open position. The mixing device 34 begins to mix the mixed water by appropriately driving the valves. A temperature sensor (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 18 checks whether the mixed water temperature corresponds to the desired setpoint temperature. Once the temperature sensor, which is integrated, for example, in the control unit 18, or the control unit 18 determines that the mixed water has reached the setpoint temperature, the control unit 18 outputs a closing signal to the return line valve 32 from. As a result, the return line valve 32 is switched from the open position into the closed position. At the same time, the control unit 18 outputs a temperature signal to the electrical input 80 of the shower module 12, so that the shower module 12 by means of the signal generator 100 indicates to the user the achievement of the desired temperature. Subsequently, the shower module 12 can be actuated by the user.

If the shower module 12 is now activated by pressing on the actuator 64 and the shower unit 88 is in the Einklappstellung 92, then the lower valve 60 of the valve device 54 by means of the electronic circuit 66 (FIGS. FIG. 5 ) and switched from the closed position to the open position. As a result, mixed water emerges through the jet formers 98 of the first showering field 62. This corresponds to a body spray.

If the shower unit 88 brought by a push to open function of Einklappstellung 92 in Ausklappstellung 90, the button 84 is actuated and generated by the electronic circuit 66, a head jet signal, the upper valve 56 from the closed position to the open position and the lower Valve 60 is switched from the open position to the closed position. As a result, mixed water passes through the steel former 98 of the second radiation field 58. The water jet is directed obliquely downwards. This corresponds to an overhead shower.

There is also the possibility that in the Ausklappstellung 90 from both radiation fields 58, 62 emerges mixed water. For this purpose, only the electronic circuit 66 would have to be programmed so that in the Ausklappstellung 90, when the push button 84, the lower valve 60 of the valve device 54 is not changed from the open position to the closed position, but that this is left in the open position.

When switching off the shower system 10 by means of the control unit 36 by the user, the control unit automatically turns off. When the shower system 10 is switched on again, the process described above starts again.

However, if only one shower module 12 or all shower modules 12 are switched off by pressing on the associated actuating elements 64, then the shower system 10 does not switch off. The user can, for example, after soaping, the desired shower modules 12 press again without that Setting the setpoint temperature of the mixed water takes place again. The return valve 32 remains closed.

The FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a cut shower module 12 from the back. The actuating element 64 is displaceably mounted by means of a screw 102 which is displaceably mounted in a passage 103 of a guide frame 104 and which is threaded or screwed in the actuating element 64. Between the guide frame 104 and the actuating element 64, a spring 106 is arranged, wherein the screw 102 is guided by the spring 106 therethrough. This is also in the enlarged section ( FIG. 5 ) from FIG. 4 recognizable.

In FIG. 4 Furthermore, the flow connection between the upper connecting tube 68 and the upper valve 56 of the valve device 54 and the second radiation field 58 is clearly visible. The flow connection between the lower connecting tube 70, 70 'and the lower valve 60 of the valve device 54 and the first radiation field 62 is also clearly visible.

The shower unit 88 further comprises a shower tray 108. To the shower tray 108, the lower and the upper connecting hose 68, 70, 70 'connected by means of plug-in connections in a known manner (see also FIG. 17 ). The shower tray 108 has webs 110 on which the front plate 96 is mounted. The webs 110 separate the first and second radiation fields 62, 58 from each other. The connection between the front plate 96 and the webs 110 is therefore preferably formed impermeable to water. The shower unit 88 further has a Cover 112, on which the projection 94 is formed. The cover 112 is formed so that the pivoting of the shower unit 88 from the Einklappstellung 92 in the Ausklappstellung 90 and back is possible without problems. The connecting tubes 68, 70, 70 'are formed so that the pivoting of the shower unit 88 is made possible by the Einklappstellung 92 in the Ausklappstellung 90 without hindrance.

FIG. 5 shows, as already mentioned, an enlarged section FIG. 4 , wherein the button 84 and the signal generator 100 are shown. The signal generator 100 has a light-emitting element 114 and a light source 116 in the form of an LED. The luminous element 114 is made of transparent material, for example Plexiglas. The guide frame 104 is mounted on a shoulder 118 of the luminous element 114. The electrical circuit 66 is designed as a control board and mounted on a further shoulder 118 'of the luminous element 114. The light source 116 is arranged on the side facing away from the front side of the shower module 12 side of the electronic circuit 66 and is controlled by the electronic circuit 66, as previously described, so that when the temperature signal light in the light emitting element 114 is initiated.

The button 84 is connected to the electronic circuit 66 by means of the electric cable 86. For this purpose, the housing 74 has a corresponding passage 120. The housing 74 and the light-emitting element 114 have a further passage 122 for the electrical outlet 82 (in FIG FIG. 5 not shown).

The FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the cut, frame-like housing 74 with the signal generator 100 and the actuator 64th

The FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a section according to FIG. 6 , The guide frame 104 and the mounting of the actuating element 64 on the guide frame 104 by means of the screw 102, which is mounted in the passage 103 of the guide frame 104, as well as the spring 106 arranged between the guide frame 104 and the actuating element 64 can be easily recognized. The screw 102 is in a blind hole-like sleeve 124 which is fixedly connected to the actuating element 64, threaded. The sleeve 124 also passes through the passage 103. Such a bearing is formed on all four longitudinal sides, in each case in a central region of the longitudinal sides, of the actuating element 64.

The FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a section according to FIG. 6 by a corner region of the housing 74 with an actuating pin 126 which is mounted in a further passage 103 'of the guide frame 104, and by means of which by pressing on the actuating element 64, the electronic circuit can be activated or actuated accordingly. A movement of the actuating pin 126 is transmitted to the electronic circuit 66 or the control board by means of a micro-switch 128 arranged on the electronic circuit 66. All four corners of the actuating element 64 each have such an actuating pin 126 / micro switch 128 combination.

The FIGS. 9 and 10 show the shower module 12 with the shower unit 88 in each Einklappstellung 92. Die figure 9 shows a perspective view and the FIG. 10 a side view.

In FIG. 10 is the push to open mechanism (by a cut into the housing 74 window) recognizable. A spring catch 130, which is arranged on the housing 74, engages in a hook 130, which is arranged on the shower unit 88, and thereby holds the shower unit 88 in the Einklappstellung 92nd

The FIGS. 11 and 12 show the shower module 12 with the shower unit 88 in a Ausklappstellung 90. Die FIG. 11 shows a perspective view and the FIG. 12 a side view.

In FIG. 11 the front panel 96 is oriented obliquely downwards. The angle α (see FIG. 12 ) between the front of the housing 74 and the front panel 96 is about 30 °.

In FIG. 12 Again, the push to open mechanism (by a cut into the housing 74 window) recognizable. By pressing on the front plate 96 in the direction of the shower module 12 of the spring catch 130 releases the hook 132 and the shower unit 88 pivots slowly into the Ausklappstellung 90. The spring catch 130, which is arranged on the housing 74, engages in the Ausklappstellung 90 no longer in the hook 130, which is arranged on the shower unit 88, a. If the shower unit 88 is pivoted back from the Ausklappstellung 90 back into the Einklappstellung 92, so the spring catch 130 snaps back into the hook 132 and holds the shower unit 88 in the Einklappstellung 92nd

The FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the cut shower module 12 from the back, wherein the shower unit 88 is in the Ausklappstellung 90. Clearly visible are the housing 74 and arranged on the housing 74 spring catch 132. The hook 130 is attached to the back of the shower tray 108. The connecting tubes 68, 70, 70 'are in FIG. 13 Not shown. The valve device 54 with an upper and lower outlet 134, 136, which are respectively associated with the upper and the lower valve 56, 60, is also clearly visible.

In the lower region of the shower unit 88, the pivot mechanism 138 is shown. The pivot mechanism 138 has a pivot plate 140 fixed to the housing 74, a pivot member 142 fixed to the shower tray 108, and a pivot axis 144 connecting the pivot plate 140 and the pivot member 142 to each other. The pivot axis 144 extends through the center of a leg spring 146, which presses the shower unit 88 in the Ausklappstellung 90.

The FIG. 14 shows the same view of the shower module as FIG. 13 , The marked, enlarged sections FIG. 14 are in FIG. 15 and in FIG. 16 shown.

FIG. 15 shows an enlarged perspective view of the push-to-open mechanism with the hook 132 and the spring catch 130, wherein the spring catch 130 does not engage in the hook 132 and the shower unit 88 is in the Ausklappstellung 90.

FIG. 16 shows an enlarged, perspective view of the pivot mechanism 138 with the pivot plate 140, the Pivoting element 142, the pivot axis 144 and the leg spring 146, wherein the pivot axis 144 is passed through corresponding recesses 148 'of the pivot member 142 or through recesses 148 in fingers 150 of the pivot plate 140. The leg spring 146 acts in a known manner between the pivot member 142 and the pivot plate 140.

The pivoting element 142 also has two fingers 150 'which have recesses 148' through which the pivot axis 144 is passed. The pivoting element 142 is L-shaped in side view.

The pivoting mechanism 138 is configured such that on the front side of the shower module 12 between the shower unit 88 and the housing 74 (in FIG. 16 not shown) virtually no gap occurs.

The FIG. 17 The shower tray 108 with the webs 110 and the front plate 96 with the beam formers 98 are clearly recognizable. The course of the inner web 110 ', which separates the second radiation field 58 from the first radiation field 62, is shown by dashed lines , The outer web 110 forms the outer boundary of the first radiation field 62.

The cover 112 and the plug connections for the connecting tubes 68, 70, 70 '(in FIG. 17 not shown) disposed in passages 148 of the shower tray 108 are also readily apparent. In a lower region 150, the cover has guide ribs 152 which, when moving from the retracted position 92 to the deployed position 90 and back, engage the upper connecting tube 68 (in FIG FIG. 17 not shown) of the lower connecting tubes 70, 70 '(in FIG. 17 not shown) separately. Lateral guide ribs 154 prevent the lower connecting tubes 70, 70 'from being damaged. The guide webs 152, 154 preferably extend in the vertical direction in the lower region 150 of the cover 108.

The front plate 96 is held by means of screws 156, which respectively extend in the corner points of the shower tray 108 through openings 158 and which are threaded into the front plate 96. As a result of the tensile force applied to the front plate 96 by the screws 156, the front plate is pressed onto seals 160 which are arranged on the guide webs 152, 154. As a result, a water flow between the guide webs 152, 154 is prevented.

In addition to the normal operating function, the shower system 10 additionally has a disinfection function or hygiene flushing function. This function is activated, for example, by a long press of the operating unit 36. Subsequently, hot or hot water is flushed through the shower system 10 into the drain, for example, for 5 minutes. Germs and bacteria are largely destroyed.

Claims (9)

1. Shower module (12) having a shower unit (88); a mixed water inlet (52); an electrically actuatable valve device (54) which is fluidically connected to the mixed water inlet (52) and to the shower unit (88) and which in the open position fluidically connects the mixed water inlet (52) and the shower unit (88) to one another and in the closed position separates them from one another; an electrical input (80) which is intended for connection to a control unit (18); a signalling device (100); an operating element (64); and an electronic circuit (66) which is connected to the electrical input (80), to the signalling device (100) and to the operating element (64); wherein the electronic circuit (66), on receiving a temperature signal generated by the control unit (18) that indicates that the mixed water temperature corresponds to a target temperature, actuates the signalling device (100) for display, and the electronic circuit (66), on subsequent operation of the operating element (64) by a user, actuates the valve device (54) to switch over from the closed position to the open position, characterised in that the shower module (12) has a preferably frame-like housing (74) in which the shower unit (88) is arranged, the shower unit (88) having a front panel (96) which in a swivelled-in position (92) lies at least approximately flush with a front face of the housing (74) and which in a swivelled-out position (90) is swivelled out from the inner region of the housing (74), and wherein the mixed water inlet (52), by means of the valve device (54), in the swivelled-in position (92) of the front panel (96) is fluidically connectible only to a first spray zone (62) of the front panel (96) and in the swivelled-out position (90) of the front panel (96) is fluidically connectible only to a second spray zone (58) of the front panel (96) or to the first and the second spray zones (62, 58).
2. Shower module according to claim 1, characterised in that the signalling device (100) has a visual signalling device (100), preferably a light source (116), which is arranged in the region of the electronic circuit (66) and couples the light into a lighting element (114) made of transparent or translucent material.
3. Shower module according to claim 1, characterised in that the visual signalling device (100) and the operating element (64) are integrated in the housing (74).
4. Shower module according to claim 1, characterised in that the shower unit (88), in the swivelled-out position (90), operates a pushbutton (84) which is connected to the electronic circuit (66) and which in the swivelled-out position (90) generates a head spray signal, and the electronic circuit (66) actuates the valve device (54) in such a way that - in the open position - the mixed water inlet (52) is connected to the first spray zone (62) in the absence of the head spray signal and to the second spray zone (58) or to the first and second spray zones (62, 58) in the presence of the head spray signal.
5. Shower module according to claim 4, characterised in that, in the swivelled-out position (90), only the second spray zone (58) is fluidically connected to the mixed water inlet (52).
6. Showering system having at least one shower module (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and having a control unit (18) which has a hot water inlet (24) which is connectible to a hot water feed line (26); a cold water inlet (20) which is connectible to a cold water feed line (22); a mixed water outlet (28) and a mixing device (34) which is connected on the one hand to the cold water inlet (20) and to the hot water inlet (24) and on the other hand to the mixed water outlet (28); a mixed water line (14) which is fluidically connected to the mixed water outlet (28), to a mixed water inlet (52) of the at least one shower module (12) and to a return line (30) which opens into a drain and in which a non-return valve (32) electrically connected to the control unit (18) is installed, wherein a desired target temperature for the mixed water can be set at an operating unit (36) which is electrically connected to the control unit (18), and the mixing unit (34) mixes the hot water and cold water supplied by the hot water inlet (24) and the cold water inlet (20) to give mixed water of the target temperature, a temperature sensor, which is connected to the control unit (18), measures the mixed water temperature and, as soon as the mixed water temperature corresponds to the target temperature, the control unit (18) on the one hand, by means of a closing signal, switches over the non-return valve (32) from the open position to the closed position and on the other hand emits a temperature signal to an electrical input (80) of the shower module (12), so that the shower module (12) indicates to the user by means of a signalling device (100) that the target temperature has been reached and the shower module (12) can then be switched on by a user by means of an operating element (64) to allow water to flow.
7. Showering system according to claim 6, characterised in that a plurality of shower modules (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 are connected in succession by their mixed water inlets (52), preferably by way of T-elements (48), to the mixed water line (14) in the flow direction of the mixed water in the mixed water line (14), wherein in the case of the shower module (12) that is arranged in last position in the flow direction, the mixed water line (14) is followed by the return line (30).
8. Showering system according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the return line (30) is arranged at the mixed water inlet (52) of the shower module (12).
9. Showering system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that at the operating unit (36) it is additionally possible to set the throughflow of the mixed water flowing through the mixed water line, preferably by pressing.

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