Washbasin equipment

Abstract

Wash station equipment (10) for handwashing with several liquid dispensing elements (22) next to each other, with a conduit-like liquid supply element (21) for supplying liquid to the liquid discharge elements (22) for dispensing the liquid, with multiple impact surfaces (32) for the impact liquid discharged by the liquid discharge elements (22), each of which is arranged under the associated liquid discharge elements (22), with a liquid drainage device (31) for draining the liquid from the impact surfaces (32), with a space (25) into which hands can be inserted for washing purposes between the liquid dispensing elements (22) and the impact surfaces (32), wherein the liquid dispensing elements (22) are arranged vertically above the impact surfaces (32), wherein the liquid dispensing elements (22) have a planar shape with a lower wash station level (30) in which the impact surfaces (32) are located and from which the liquid discharge device (31) discharges the water, and an upper wash station level (20) arranged above it in which the liquid dispensing elements (22) are arranged, and with side elements (41, 42) which are provided on two sides next to the impact surfaces (32), which connect the two wash station levels (20, 30) and through which the pipe-like liquid supply element (21) runs, wherein the space into which hands can be inserted for washing purposes is accessible from opposite sides and can be used from both sides.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a washing station device with a pipe-like liquid supply element for supplying liquid to a liquid dispensing element for dispensing the liquid, with an impact surface for the impact liquid dispensed by the dispensing element, with a liquid drainage device for draining the liquid from the impact surface, with a space into which hands can be inserted between the liquid dispensing element and the impact surface for washing purposes.

[0002] Washbasin fixtures have been around for many decades. Water from a municipal water supply network flows through pipes in the floor or wall of a building, beneath the washbasin fixture. These fixtures typically consist of a pipe that delivers a liquid, usually water, to a tap. The liquid then flows from the tap. These taps are angled into a basin so that the water strikes the bottom of the basin. At the lowest point of the basin is a drain, from which a drainage system begins, removing the water, which then flows into the sewer system.

[0003] Other forms of washbasin equipment are also known, for example, from DE 603 ​​20 586 T2, US 4 219 367 A1, US 6 695 222 B1, FR 2 685 619 A1 and DE 10 2005 018 285 A1.

[0004] There is space between the tap and the bottom of the sink so that a user can insert their hands between the tap and the contact surface for washing purposes.

[0005] Furthermore, the washbasin is often recessed into a vanity unit; the upper edge of the washbasin either protrudes slightly above the vanity unit or is approximately flush with it. The vanity unit provides storage for washing utensils and can also be designed to visually conceal both the plumbing and the drainage system.

[0006] Experts are striving to introduce variety into this standardized arrangement of washbasin equipment. For example, DE 101 46 874 C1 proposes a different shape for the washbasin, which has a largely flat top surface as the impact area. A fitting is again provided as the liquid dispensing element and protrudes from the impact area, then dispenses the liquid obliquely towards the impact area.

[0007] For example, DE 10 2005 018 285 A1 shows water outlets in the form of overhead showers that supply water from above, as well as side showers that supply water from the side.

[0008] US 4 219 367 A1 also shows a supply of water for handwashing from two branch lines, one of which delivers water from above and the other from the side towards the hands.

[0009] US 6 695 222 B1 aims to supply water from above and simultaneously from an oblique angle into a concealed space.

[0010] However, there is still a further need for washing station facilities that offer users other usage options.

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to propose such an alternative washing station setup.

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention with a washing station device according to claim 1.

[0013] This creates a different, unusual direction for the liquid flow. Traditionally, liquid dispensing elements, usually faucets and fittings, protrude upwards from the washbasin, are more or less curved for this purpose, and then release their liquid obliquely towards the surface they land on. According to the invention, however, the liquid dispensing element releases the water vertically downwards. This is a significantly more natural shape, since, for example, rain falls from top to bottom and is not released obliquely.

[0014] It is particularly preferred if the liquid dispensing element has a planar shape.

[0015] Instead of a tap, a completely different concept is used here. The water is fed into a flat structure, from which the liquid, primarily water, is then released vertically downwards across the entire surface.

[0016] Firstly, this further enhances the approximation to natural conditions, and secondly, it increases the area over which handwashing is possible. Previously, hands had to be washed in a kind of water jet, even though hands are naturally larger than conventional water jets. The new, more even distribution of water allows it to be applied to the entire area covered by two interlocking hands performing the washing action.

[0017] A particularly preferred design is characterized by the fact that a lower washing level is provided in which the impact surface is located and from which the liquid drainage device removes the water, that an upper washing level is arranged above it in which the liquid dispensing element is arranged, and that side elements are provided on two sides next to the impact surface, which connect the two washing levels and through which the pipe-like liquid supply element runs.

[0018] This type of design completely departs from the conventional concept of washbasins with adjacent washbasin fittings and water supply elements along with liquid dispensing elements.

[0019] There is now a visually consistent separation of the different functions into two washbasin levels: An upper level supplies and discharges water, while a second, lower level collects and drains the water after washing. The user can wash their hands between these two levels.

[0020] This type of washbasin design represents a departure from previous forms. This not only opens up entirely new aesthetic possibilities, but also allows for the construction of a completely different type of washbasin that, apart from its function, has little in common with conventional sanitary facilities.

[0021] The innovative washbasin installations result in a wall-like structure. This can be a freestanding wall, or it can be directly attached to an existing wall. In both cases, this wall-like structure is self-contained to a certain extent and can be designed and constructed without requiring connections in an adjacent wall.

[0022] The washbasin device according to the invention makes use of the idea that, for washing hands in falling water, the water must be brought to an area geometrically located above the hands, but that this does not necessarily have to be done by means of a fitting with taps. Instead, the water is brought laterally within the wall-like structure to an area located above the area accessible to the hands. There, it is released to fall freely over an entire surface, practically like rain.

[0023] In the area below the user's hand area, there is a collection area for the falling water. The water is collected in this area and then drained away again below this user area.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous if the side elements and the user-facing fronts of the panels in front of the lower washbasin level and above the upper washbasin level are designed to be approximately on the same plane. This creates clean lines and a visually appealing exterior.

[0025] Such a concept can also be implemented by having both washbasin levels between the two side elements suitable for multiple users. This would allow such a washbasin facility to be installed in public spaces, for example in airport waiting areas, where a large number of people often need to use the facilities simultaneously to freshen up.

[0026] It is possible to construct this washbasin unit in such a way that it is accessible from both sides. The side elements, with the two washbasin levels arranged between them, then stand freely in the room, similar to a self-service counter in a hotel breakfast room, and can be used from either side. This allows such a washbasin unit to move beyond the conventional scope of sanitary facilities, where, according to the prior art, it is typically located in the rear areas together with toilet facilities. The use of a washbasin unit according to the invention is completely public and also possible for people of different genders; such washbasin units therefore do not necessarily need to be provided in duplicate, as is conventionally required. This also offers a significant economic advantage.

[0027] Several embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective schematic view of a first embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2 a side view of a similar second embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 3 a perspective schematic view of a third embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 4 a perspective schematic view of a fourth embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 5 a perspective schematic view of a fifth embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 6 a perspective schematic view of a possible constructive internal structure of the embodiment Fig. 5.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a washbasin device 10 according to the invention. A wall 11 is visible, in front of which three different areas can be seen.

[0029] The area shown above is enclosed below by an upper washbasin level 20. In the area above this upper washbasin level 20, liquid supply elements 21 lead upwards through the wall 11 to a liquid dispensing element 22. Water is dispensed from this liquid dispensing element 22 in the upper washbasin level 20 over the entire area. The water from the liquid dispensing element 22 falls downwards through a space 25, which is in Fig. 2 is explained in more detail, on an impact surface 32 in a lower wash bay level 30.

[0030] For this purpose, a distribution device (not shown) is provided above the upper wash station level 20 in the schematically transparent element. In reality, this element above the upper wash station level 20 will not be transparent.

[0031] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention, which is very similar to the first. Here, a user B is additionally shown, who wants to wash his hands in room 25. Water falls from above onto his hands in room 25 from the liquid dispensing element 22 in a wide, shower-like volume reminiscent of natural rainfall.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a washing station device according to the invention, which differs more significantly from the first two. Here, too, a subdivision with an upper, first washing station level 20 and a second, lower washing station level 30 is evident. In addition, two side elements 41 and 42 are provided. The side elements 41 and 42 connect the two washing station levels 20 and 30 laterally, in turn, via liquid dispensing elements 22 and impact surfaces 32.

[0033] It can also be seen in this illustrated embodiment that the front of the side elements 41, 42 forms a common plane with the coverings of the areas below the lower wash station level 30 and above the upper wash station level 20.

[0034] The in Fig. The embodiment shown in 3 can also be provided in front of a wall not shown here or as an integrated part in such a wall not shown.

[0035] Alternatively, it is also possible that it is a freestanding washbasin unit 10, so that the room 25 between the upper washbasin level 20 and the lower washbasin level 30 can be approached from both the side facing the viewer and the side facing away from the viewer.

[0036] The side elements 41, 42 also accommodate the conduit-like liquid supply elements 21, which are omitted here for clarity, but are shown schematically in the Fig. 2 in the embodiment shown there.

[0037] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment. Here, no side elements 41 and 42 are provided, and no wall 11 is shown. Instead, the area of ​​the upper washbasin level 20 with the assemblies located above it is suspended or arranged on the ceiling of a building or room, so that the liquid supply elements 21 flow into this area via the ceiling.

[0038] However, here too a planar liquid dispensing element arrangement 22 is provided, from which water falls through a space 25 onto an impact surface 32.

[0039] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic arrangement in perspective, depicting a fifth embodiment quite similar to the third. In contrast to the third embodiment, the area of ​​the upper washbasin level 20 is slightly recessed here to create space for, for example, a mirror device 24.

[0040] Side elements 41 and 42 are also provided here, through which the liquid supply elements 21 lead to the liquid dispensing elements 22. The space 25, into which a user can place their hands for washing, is located below the mirrors, which are flush with the upper washbasin level 20 at the bottom.

[0041] The internal structure of a concept such as in Fig. 5 is in the Fig. Figure 6 shows that a structure for multiple people and users is possible with relatively few struts. Reference symbol list 10 Washbasin equipment 11 Wall 20 upper washbasin level 21 Liquid supply element 22 Liquid dispensing element 24 Mirror assembly 25 Room 30 lower wash area level 31 Liquid drainage device 32 Impact area 41 page element 42 page element B Users

Claims

[1] Washing station equipment (10) for handwashing with several liquid dispensing elements (22) next to each other, with a conduit-like liquid supply element (21) for supplying liquid to the liquid discharge elements (22) for dispensing the liquid, with multiple impact surfaces (32) for the impact liquid discharged by the liquid discharge elements (22), each of which is arranged under the associated liquid discharge elements (22), with a liquid drainage device (31) for draining the liquid from the impact surfaces (32), with a space (25) into which hands can be inserted for washing purposes between the liquid dispensing elements (22) and the impact surfaces (32), wherein the liquid dispensing elements (22) are arranged vertically above the impact surfaces (32), wherein the liquid dispensing elements (22) have a planar shape with a lower wash station level (30) in which the impact surfaces (32) are located and from which the liquid discharge device (31) discharges the water, and an upper wash station level (20) arranged above it in which the liquid dispensing elements (22) are arranged, and with side elements (41, 42) which are provided on two sides next to the impact surfaces (32), which connect the two wash station levels (20, 30) and through which the pipe-like liquid supply element (21) runs, wherein the space into which hands can be inserted for washing purposes is accessible from opposite sides and can be used from both sides. [2] Washing station equipment (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the liquid dispensing elements (22) are designed in such a way that they dispense the liquid uniformly via their planar shape. [3] Washing station equipment (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the side elements (41, 42) and user-facing fronts of panels in front of the lower wash level (30) and above the upper wash level (20) are designed to be constructed in approximately the same plane.

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