Shower device and commercial vehicle equipped with it

Abstract

Shower device (100) which is installed or can be installed in a driver's cab (132) of a commercial vehicle (130), the device comprising: a tray (106) installed or installable on a floor (142) of the driver's cab (132); a water-impermeable bellows (102) which is extendable in the vertical direction (104) and whose lower opening (108) is arranged or can be arranged opposite an edge (112) of the tub (106) for directing water running down inside the bellows (102) into the tub (106); and a tank (122) which can be filled with fresh water via a supply line (124) with an electrically operated pump (126), wherein a fresh water connection (146) on the inlet side of the pump (126) is accessible from outside the commercial vehicle (130) via an external flap (136).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower device for a commercial vehicle and a commercial vehicle equipped with such a device.

[0002] A major problem for long-distance truck drivers is the often-impossible opportunity to shower at the end of a workday, as the driver and vehicle are often forced to park not at a rest area but, for example, in a motorway parking lot without stationary showers, or within an industrial park without shower facilities. Some drivers resort to carrying canisters of water to pour over themselves outdoors.

[0003] Document DE 198 15 880 C1 discloses a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and a compressed air system, as well as a shower cubicle integrated in or on the vehicle, with a shower head and other accessories necessary for showering. In its storage position, the shower cubicle can be reduced in volume to approximately the material components by folding or folding the walls surrounding the cubicle. In its use position, it can be effectively placed behind or to the side of the vehicle, still coupled to the vehicle.

[0004] Document JP 2000-153 741 A discloses a vehicle with a stowable bellows-shaped curtain on the floor. By extending the curtain to the roof of the vehicle and attaching its lower and upper ends to the floor and roof, respectively, a shielded space is created inside the vehicle cabin.

[0005] From the document DE 10 2006 044 412 A1 a commercial vehicle cabin with interior doors is known which separate a plurality of functional areas within the commercial vehicle cabin from each other.

[0006] However, the limited floor space of a commercial vehicle cab in long-distance transport often does not allow for such a large number of functional areas

[0007] The challenge is therefore to provide a shower facility in long-distance transport, independent of stationary facilities at the parking lot. An alternative or additional challenge is to equip the floor space of a driver's cab with such a shower facility in a space-saving and optional manner. An alternative or additional challenge is to prevent residual moisture in the driver's cab.

[0008] This object or objects are achieved by a shower device and a commercial vehicle having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are subject to the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description, with partial reference to the figures.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a shower device is provided that is installed or can be installed in a driver's cab of a commercial vehicle. The device comprises a tub that is installed or can be installed on a floor of the driver's cab. The device further comprises a water-impermeable bellows that is vertically extendable and whose lower opening is arranged or can be arranged opposite an edge of the tub for directing water running down inside the bellows into the tub.

[0010] Due to the ability to install and / or remove the shower device or a part of the device (e.g. the bellows and / or the tub), a limited space in the driver's cab can be adapted to a specific use (e.g. for each commercial vehicle in a vehicle fleet or for each journey of the commercial vehicle).

[0011] The device can be installed as special equipment on the commercial vehicle or can be installed or retrofitted into an existing commercial vehicle.

[0012] In addition, the device can take up little or no volume of the driver's cab when installed due to the bellows' unstretched (e.g., fully contracted) position. For example, the device can be (at least substantially) reduced in size to the volume of the tub when the bellows are unstretched. A flexible hose and / or a shower head connected to the hose can be stowed inside the tub.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, by removing the device or part of the device (e.g. the bellows and / or the tray), it can be dried after use and / or residual moisture can be removed from the driver's cab.

[0014] The built-in and / or removable shower system can be retrofitted to existing commercial vehicles. The tray can be inserted into a recess in the cabin floor (e.g., one intended for storage space).

[0015] The device enhances the status of long-distance drivers and improves their daily work. Freight forwarders could save costs, for example, by eliminating the cost of external shower facilities at rest stops and / or by allowing shorter routes without the additional requirement of a stationary shower facility. The device enables a flexible, cost-effective, and significant increase in the equipment standard of commercial vehicles.

[0016] The shower facility can be used when the commercial vehicle is parked. Alternatively or in addition, the shower facility can be used while driving, for example, by a backup driver, during an autonomous journey, or during a connected journey as a trailing vehicle in a vehicle convoy (which can also be referred to as a platoon).

[0017] The bellows can be movable between a vertically stretched position and an unstretched position. The bellows can be a convoluted bellows. The unstretched position can be a multiple-folded position of the bellows.

[0018] The bellows can be plastic-coated or covered with a plastic film. The bellows can be enclosed in a frame at each end.

[0019] The interior of the stretched bellows can be dimensioned to accommodate a standing person. The bellows can have a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of the bellows can correspond (e.g., in terms of shape and size) to the edge of the tub. The cross-section of the bellows can be uniform over the entire length of the bellows.

[0020] The running water can be directed into the tub by dripping from a wetted inner surface of the bellows. The lower opening of the bellows can be located or can be positioned entirely on or within the rim of the tub.

[0021] The bellows can be translucent. Alternatively or additionally, the bellows can be non-transparent, for example, opaque, light-diffusing, or matte.

[0022] The lower opening of the bellows can be attached to the edge of the tub. An upper end of the bellows, opposite the lower opening, can be movable along the vertical direction (upward) when the bellows transitions from an unstretched position to a stretched position. In a first variant, the lower opening of the bellows can be permanently mounted on the edge of the tub when the device is installed.

[0023] The upper end of the bellows can be releasably attached or attachable to a ceiling of the driver's cab in the extended position of the bellows. Attachment points or fastening elements for releasable attachment can be arranged on the cab ceiling and / or the upper end of the bellows (e.g., on an upper frame of the bellows).

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, an upper end of the bellows opposite the lower opening can be attached to a ceiling of the driver's cab. The lower opening of the bellows can be movable along the vertical direction (downward) when transitioning from an unstretched position to a stretched position. In a second variant, when the device is installed, the lower opening of the bellows can be permanently mounted to the ceiling of the driver's cab.

[0025] The lower opening of the bellows can be removably attached to the edge of the tub when the bellows is in the extended position. Attachment points or fastening elements for removably attaching the bellows can be arranged on the edge of the tub and / or on the lower opening of the bellows (e.g., a lower frame of the bellows).

[0026] In each variant, the upper frame and the lower frame of the bellows can have a matching shape and / or size. The shape and / or size of the upper frame and / or the lower frame can correspond to a cross-section of the bellows and / or determine the cross-section of the bellows.

[0027] The bellows may include a zipper extending in the vertical direction. A length of the zipper may be dimensioned for entering and exiting the interior of the bellows. The cross-section of the bellows may include a corner corresponding to a longitudinal edge of the bellows. The zipper may allow the stretched bellows to be opened and closed along the longitudinal edge.

[0028] The tray may include a water drain. The water drain may be accessible from outside the commercial vehicle via an external hatch.

[0029] According to the invention, the device further comprises a tank, a supply line, and a pump. The tank can be designed to hold fresh water. The tank can be filled with fresh water via the supply line using the pump. The tank can be fluidly connected to the shower head on the outlet side. The pump is electrically operated. The pump can be attached to an exterior side of the tub or inside the tub. In the latter case, an opening for a water connection to the pump can be provided in the tub (for example, next to an opening in the tub for water drainage).

[0030] According to the invention, a fresh water connection, which is in fluid communication with an inlet side of the pump, is accessible from outside the commercial vehicle via an external flap.

[0031] The fresh water can be heated in the tank and / or as it flows through the supply line or the pump. A heating function (e.g., a heat source or heat exchanger) can be located in the tank, on / in the supply line, or on the pump.

[0032] The fresh water can be heated using waste heat (during operation) or residual heat (after operation) from a drive system or drive component of the commercial vehicle (e.g., an internal combustion engine or an electric traction energy storage device). Alternatively or additionally, the fresh water can be heated while driving for later use in a parked position. The heating of the fresh water can be controlled based on the location. For example, the heating of the fresh water during a journey until the parking position is reached can be controlled based on the parking position stored in the commercial vehicle's navigation system. Optionally, the navigation system can retrieve and display information about the availability or lack of an external shower facility at the parked position and / or use this information for heating control.

[0033] At least the pan can be installed or can be installed in a recess on the floor of the driver's cab. The recess can be a depression in the cab floor or a storage space on the cab floor. The pan, pump, fresh water connection, and / or water drain can be installed or can be installed in the recess.

[0034] The recess can be accessible via an external flap from outside the commercial vehicle (e.g., on the side of the vehicle). A fan can be arranged in the recess between the tray and the external flap. The fan can expel moist air and / or residual moisture from the device to the outside. The fan can be connected to a control system that detects the humidity within the bellows, the recess, or the driver's cab and operates the fan if a limit is exceeded.

[0035] The water drain, fresh water connection and / or fan can be accessed via the same external hatch.

[0036] The device can be stowed with the bellows in its unextended position within the recess in the floor of the driver's cab. The device can be at least partially stowed within the recess in the floor of the driver's cab. For example, the tub, the bellows in the unextended position, and / or the shower head can be stowed within the recess.

[0037] The recess can be closed by a cover on the floor of the driver's cab. This cover can prevent evaporating residual moisture from the pan and / or bellows from spreading into the driver's cab.

[0038] The device can be installed or installable behind a seat (e.g., a driver's seat) and / or behind a B-pillar of the driver's cab, relative to the direction of travel. The device can be installed or installable on the driver's side of the cab. For example, the tray can be adapted to be received in a recess located behind the driver's seat and / or in a part of the cab behind the B-pillar.

[0039] According to a further aspect, a commercial vehicle, in particular a tractor unit, is provided with a shower device according to the above aspect. For example, the commercial vehicle can comprise a driver's cab in which the shower device can be installed.

[0040] Further advantages and features of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic spatial representation of a first embodiment of a shower device; Fig. 2 a schematic spatial representation of a second embodiment of the shower device; Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows an exemplary installation location of the shower device in a driver's cab of a commercial vehicle in a side view and a top view; Fig. 5 is a schematic spatial representation of the second embodiment of the device in the installed state with respect to a floor of the driver's cab; Fig. 6 a schematic spatial representation of the second embodiment in the installed state with respect to the driver's cab; and Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 a schematic spatial representation or a plan view of a third embodiment of the shower device.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and spatial representation of a shower device, generally designated by reference numeral 100. The device 100 comprises a bellows 102 that is extendable in its longitudinal direction 104. The device 100 further comprises a tub 106.

[0042] The bellows 102 has a lower opening 108, which is enclosed, for example, in a rectangular frame. At an upper end 110 opposite the lower opening 108 in the longitudinal direction 104, the bellows 102 can be fastened to a ceiling of a driver's cab of a commercial vehicle, so that in the extended position, the longitudinal direction 104 is (at least substantially) vertical.

[0043] The lower opening 108 of the bellows 102 can be arranged at or within an upper edge 112 of the tub 106. Water flowing within the bellows 102 (downward in the longitudinal direction 104) is thus directed into the tub 106.

[0044] For example, outwardly widening contact surfaces are arranged on the edge 112 of the trough 106 for positioning the frame of the lower opening 108 of the bellows 102. Preferably, an inner periphery of the edge 112 of the trough 106 corresponds to an inner or outer periphery of the lower opening 108 of the bellows 102.

[0045] The tray 106 is designed to be accommodated in a recess in the floor of the driver's cab of the commercial vehicle. The tray 106 includes a drain for the water collected therein.

[0046] In a first variant, the bellows 102 is fastened to the cabin ceiling by its upper end 110 when the shower device 100 is installed. In a first position (e.g., before or after use), the folded bellows 102 is stowed on the cabin ceiling. In a second position, the extended bellows 102 is positioned with its lower opening 108 against the edge 112 of the tub 106 for use of the shower device 100. For this purpose, the frame of the lower opening 108 of the bellows 102 can be fastened to the edge 112 of the tub 106 by a releasable positive fit (e.g., by means of a hanging function or a snap-in function). The releasable positive fit can be realized by eyelets and hooks or snap-in elements arranged circumferentially on the opening 108 and on the edge 112 and engaging in pairs.

[0047] In a second variant, the lower opening 108 of the bellows 102 is attached to the edge 112 of the tray 106 when the device 100 is installed. In the first position (before or after use), the folded bellows 102 is stowed on or in the tray 106. To use the device 100, the upper end 110 of the bellows 102 is moved vertically upward and releasably attached to the cabin ceiling, for example, with a releasable form-fitting mechanism as described above (e.g., the hook-in function or the snap-in function).

[0048] For example, in the first variant, the bellows 102 is firmly connected to the ceiling of the driver's cab and detachably attachable to the trough 106. In the second variant, the bellows 102 can be firmly connected to the trough 106 and detachably attachable to the ceiling of the driver's cab.

[0049] In each variant, the upper end 110 of the bellows 102 can be configured to coincide with the lower opening 108. For example, identical frames can close off the bellows 102 at both ends 108 and 110. This can facilitate installation of the bellows. Alternatively, the upper end 110 of the bellows (for example, in the second variant) can be sealed watertight.

[0050] In each variant, the bellows can be made of waterproof and foldable plastic. Alternatively, or additionally, the bellows 102 can be translucent (e.g., matte).

[0051] Optionally, a zipper 114 runs inside the bellows 102 along its longitudinal direction 104, for example, along an edge of the rectangular cross-section of the bellows 102. This allows access to or exit from the interior of the bellows 102 even in the extended position. For this purpose, a slider of the zipper 114 is connected to a handle element inside the bellows 102 and a handle element outside the bellows 102.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the shower device 100. The second embodiment may be a development of the first embodiment, wherein corresponding features are provided with corresponding reference numerals.

[0053] The driver climbs into the tray 106 inside the cab of the commercial vehicle, for example, behind the driver's seat, and pulls the bellows 102 upward, for example, according to the second variant. The driver attaches the bellows 102 to the ceiling of the commercial vehicle at several points. Optionally, fastening points 116 are provided in the frame at the upper end 110 of the bellows 102 for attachment to the ceiling of the driver's cab.

[0054] At floor level of the tub 106, a water drain 118, for example, a flexible hose, is connected to a first opening in the tub 106. The wastewater from the tub 106 can be discharged through the water drain 118, for example, into the open air. Alternatively or additionally, a collecting vessel 120 can be connected to the drain 118.

[0055] A water storage tank 122 for fresh water is located in the upper area of ​​the driver's cab. Optionally, a heating function (e.g., a heat exchanger or a direct heat source) is integrated into the tank 122. The heat supplied to the water in the tank 122 can be provided via heat collectors, as waste heat from the commercial vehicle's internal combustion engine, or by an electric heater.

[0056] A water pressure suitable for showering can be achieved by adjusting the height of the tank 122. For example, the tank 122 can be located on the ceiling of the driver's cab. Alternatively or additionally, a water pressure suitable for showering can be built up within the tank 122 by operating a pump 126, which is fluidly connected to the tank 122 via a supply line 124, during showering. The pump 126 can be powered electrically (for example, via the commercial vehicle's 24-volt power system).

[0057] In a first variant, the electric pump 126 can be switched on and off via a switch (for example in the tub 106 or directly on a shower head 128). In a second variant, the electric pump 126 is connected to a control system for regulating the water pressure in the tank 122, which detects the pressure prevailing in the water tank 122 via a pressure sensor.

[0058] The shower head 128 is connected within the bellows 102 via a flexible hose to an outlet on the tank 122.

[0059] Alternatively or in addition to the heating function integrated in the tank 122, a continuous flow heater can be arranged on the pump 126 or in the supply line 124.

[0060] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a side elevational view of a commercial vehicle 130 (e.g., a tractor unit) showing an installation location of the device 100. The device 100 is arranged in a rear part of the driver's cab 132. The upper end 110 of the bellows 102 is attached (at least in the extended position of the bellows 102) to the ceiling 134 of the driver's cab 132.

[0061] The water drain 118 and / or the pump 126 are accessible from outside the utility vehicle 130 via a pivoting flap 136. For example, while showering, the wastewater is discharged to the outside via the drain 118 protruding from the open exterior flap 136.

[0062] To dry the shower device 100 (in particular the interior of the bellows 102 and the tub 106), a fan is optionally arranged behind the outer flap 136. The fan draws air from the recess in which the tub 106 is arranged and discharges it to the outside through the open outer flap 136.

[0063] The outer surfaces of the tray 106 are designed to fit flush with a recess in the floor of the rear part of the driver's cab 132 (for example, for storage space). The outer flap 136 can open and close a lateral access to the recess. The recess can be a loading box. For example, the device 100 can be installed in a recess behind the driver's seat and / or in the direction of travel behind a B-pillar 138 of the driver's cab 132.

[0064] Fig. 4 schematically shows a top view of the commercial vehicle 130. The device 100, including, for example, the fresh water tank 122, is arranged on the driver's side. Optionally, one or more cross struts 140 are arranged within the bellows 102. The cross struts 140 are each connected horizontally, i.e., at a uniform height, to the foldable wall of the bellows 102, so that the cross strut(s) 140 assume a position at a convenient gripping height and / or overhead height when the bellows 102 is extended. The shower head 128 can be attached to at least one of the horizontal cross struts 140.

[0065] Fig. 5 shows a schematic spatial representation of a further development of the second exemplary embodiment of the device 100, which is installed on the floor 142 of the driver's cab. The floor 142 comprises a recess 144 in the rear part of the driver's cab on the driver's side and on the passenger side, each of which is accessible from outside the commercial vehicle 130 via an external flap (for example, the external flap 136). The tub 106 and the pump 126 are arranged in the recess 144 on the driver's side. When the external flap 136 is open, a fresh water connection 146 on the pump 126 is accessible. A vehicle-external fresh water line can be connected to the fresh water connection 146.

[0066] The bellows 102 and / or the tray 106 can be adapted for an existing recess 144 (which can also be referred to as a box or loading box) behind the driver's seat. The tray 106 with water connection 146 and water drain 118 is installed in this recess 144, e.g., inserted in a form-fitting manner to prevent lateral slipping and / or horizontal rotation. For example, the tray 106 can be inserted into and removed from the recess 144 without any support in the vertical direction 104. Optionally, the tray can be secured in the recess 144, for example, by a twist lock on the edge 112.

[0067] After showering, the driver can remove the tub 106 (for example, together with the plastic bellows 102) from the driver's cab 132. Alternatively, at least the tub 106 and the bellows 102 can be stowed in the recess 144 behind the driver's seat. A cover (for example, a lid or a hinged flap) of the recess can be closed so that no moisture accumulates in the driver's cab 132 outside the recess 144.

[0068] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic spatial representation of the driver's cab 132 in which the second embodiment is installed. The tank 122 can be mounted outside the driver's cab 132, for example, on a rear wall of the driver's cab 132.

[0069] The Fig. 7 and Fig.8 show a schematic spatial representation and a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of the device 100. The third embodiment may be a development of the first or second embodiment, wherein corresponding reference numerals refer to identical or interchangeable features.

[0070] Inwardly projecting handles 150 are arranged at the upper end 110 of the bellows 102. For example, two opposing handles 150 extend transversely to the longitudinal direction 104 of the bellows 102, starting from the upper frame of the bellows. By grasping one of the handles 150 in each hand, a person standing in the tub 106 can raise the upper end 110 of the bellows 102 to the ceiling 134, where the upper end 110 is releasably secured, for example, in the extended position of the bellows 102. After showering, a person standing in the tub 106 can use the handles 150 to lower the upper end 110 of the bellows 102 into the folded, unstretched position of the bellows 102.

[0071] In either embodiment, the shower head 128 may be mounted on the cabin ceiling 134 or may be fluidly connected to the tank 122 via a flexible hose 148. When unused, the hose 148 and shower head 128 may be stored in the tub 106.

[0072] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. List of reference symbols 100 shower fixture 102 bellows 104 Stretchable longitudinal direction of the bellows 106 tub 108 Lower opening of the bellows 110 Upper end of the bellows 112 edge of the tub 114 zipper 116 attachment points 118 Water drain 120 collecting vessel 122 Fresh water tank 124 supply line 126 Pump 128 shower head 130 commercial vehicles 132 Driver's cab 134 Ceiling of the driver's cab 136 Outer flap 138 B-pillar of the driver's cab 140 Horizontal cross brace 142 Driver's cab floor 144 Recess on the cabin floor 146 Fresh water connection 148 Flexible hose 150 handle at the top

Claims

[1] Shower device (100) which is installed or can be installed in a driver's cab (132) of a commercial vehicle (130), the device comprising: a tray (106) installed or installable on a floor (142) of the driver's cab (132); a water-impermeable bellows (102) which is extendable in the vertical direction (104) and whose lower opening (108) is arranged or can be arranged opposite an edge (112) of the tub (106) for directing water running down inside the bellows (102) into the tub (106); and a tank (122) which can be filled with fresh water via a supply line (124) with an electrically operated pump (126), wherein a fresh water connection (146) on the inlet side of the pump (126) is accessible from outside the commercial vehicle (130) via an external flap (136). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the bellows (102) is opaque and / or translucent. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower opening (108) of the bellows (102) is attached to the edge (112) of the trough (106), and wherein an upper end (110) of the bellows (102) opposite the lower opening (108) is movable along the vertical direction (104) during the transition from an unstretched position to a stretched position of the bellows (102). [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the upper end (110) of the bellows (102) is or can be releasably attached to a ceiling (134) of the driver's cab (132) in the extended position of the bellows (102). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an upper end (110) of the bellows (102) opposite the lower opening (108) is fastened to a ceiling (134) of the driver's cab (132), and wherein the lower opening (108) of the bellows (102) is movable along the vertical direction (104) during the transition from an unstretched position to a stretched position of the bellows (102). [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the lower opening (108) of the bellows (102) is detachably attachable to the edge (112) of the tub (106) in the extended position of the bellows (102). [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bellows (102) comprises a zipper (114) extending in the vertical direction (104). [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tub (106) comprises a water drain (118) which is accessible from outside the commercial vehicle (130) via an external flap (136). [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fresh water in the tank (122) and / or when flowing through the supply line (124) or the pump (126) can be heated. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the trough (106) is installed or can be installed in a recess (144) on the floor (142) of the driver's cab (132). [11] Device according to claim 10, wherein the device (100) with the bellows (102) in its unstretched position can be stowed within the recess (144) on the floor (142) of the driver's cab (132). [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) is installed or can be installed behind a driver's seat in the driver's cab (132). [13] Commercial vehicle (130) with a driver's cab (132), wherein a shower device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12 is installed in the driver's cab (132).

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