shower cubicle

Abstract

Shower enclosure (1) comprising a floor element (2) and at least one wall element (3) and at least one closing element (4) designed as a sliding door, as well as an upper guide rail (5) and a lower guide rail (7), wherein the wall element (3) and the closing element (4) are shaped and arranged coaxially to a central perpendicular (13) such that they together form a circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower enclosure (1), and wherein the upper guide rail (5) is ring-shaped and arranged at an upper end of the wall element (3), and wherein the at least one closing element (4) is slidably arranged on the upper guide rail (5) by means of at least one upper guide roller (6), wherein the upper guide roller (6) rests on an outer surface of the upper guide rail (5), and wherein the lower guide rail (7) is ring-segment shaped and arranged at a lower end of the wall element (3), characterized in thatthat the wall element (3) has a first wall sub-element (3a) and a second wall sub-element (3b) and that the first wall sub-element (3a) and the second wall sub-element (3b) each form a cylindrical shell partial surface of the circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower cubicle (1) and that the first wall sub-element (3a) and the second wall sub-element (3b) are dimensioned and arranged relative to each other along the circumference of the circular cylindrical outer contour,that a first gap is formed on the front of the shower enclosure (1) as an entry area (25) and a second gap is formed on the rear of the shower enclosure (1) as a supply area (26), and that the entry area (25) is covered in a closed position of the closing element (4) and released in an open position of the closing element (4), and that a channel profile (12) is arranged on the supply area parallel to the central vertical (13), and that the opposing cylindrical shell surface ends of the first wall element (3a) and the second wall element (3b) located on the supply area (26) are each connected to a leg of the channel profile (12), and an open side of the channel profile (12) faces away from an interior area of ​​the shower enclosure.such that the channel profile (12) forms a supply channel (12a) aligned parallel to the central vertical (13) at the supply area (26) and that the channel profile (12) has at least one passage (12b) in its wall for the passage of a water pipe from an outside area (1b) of the shower cubicle (1) to the inside area (1a) of the shower cubicle (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shower cubicle comprising a floor element and at least one wall element and at least one closing element designed as a sliding door, as well as an upper guide rail and a lower guide rail, wherein the wall element and the closing element are shaped and arranged coaxially to a central perpendicular such that they together form a circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower cubicle, and wherein the upper guide rail is ring-shaped and arranged at an upper end of the wall element, and wherein the at least one closing element is slidably arranged on the upper guide rail by means of at least one upper guide roller, wherein the upper guide roller rests on an outer surface of the upper guide rail, and wherein the lower guide rail is ring-segment shaped and arranged at a lower end of the wall element.

[0002] In sports facilities such as gyms, clubhouses, or sports halls, shower cubicles are subjected to heavy use and must be both functional and robust. Shower cubicles for such applications must be durable, easy to clean, and designed to remain reliable and hygienic even with high usage. Opaque solutions that offer maximum privacy are particularly desirable.

[0003] Complete shower enclosures, also known as prefabricated showers, can be used in almost any location without complex installation. A complete shower enclosure designed as a round shower is a particularly compact and easy-to-clean option, for which sliding doors guided by rollers are a suitable closure element. Such round showers with sliding doors are known from the prior art. For example, DE 41 06 235 C1 proposes a shower enclosure with sliding doors featuring rollers located at the top. These rollers rest on and are guided by pipe elements or rod elements of the shower enclosure frame, so that the sliding doors hang from the shower enclosure frame. The round shower known from DE 41 06 235 C1 has the disadvantage that connections for cold and hot water supply lines, which lead from the outside into an interior area of ​​the round shower, protrude beyond the round outer contour of the shower.This requires additional space at the installation site of the round shower. However, this additional space is not available at every installation site.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a shower cubicle of the aforementioned type which, compared to the known prior art, has a reduced space requirement at the installation site of the shower cubicle.

[0005] This problem is solved with a shower enclosure having the features of claim 1. Accordingly, according to the invention, the wall element comprises a first wall sub-element and a second wall sub-element, and the first wall sub-element and the second wall sub-element each form a cylindrical shell partial surface of the circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower enclosure, and the first wall sub-element and the second wall sub-element are dimensioned and arranged relative to each other along the circumference of the circular cylindrical outer contour.that a first gap is formed on the front of the shower enclosure as an entry area and a second gap as a supply area on the back of the shower enclosure, and that the entry area is covered in a closed position of the closing element and released in an open position of the closing element, and that a channel profile is arranged on the supply area parallel to the center vertical, and that the opposing cylindrical shell surface ends of the first wall element and the second wall element located on the supply area are each connected to a leg of the channel profile, and an open side of the channel profile faces away from an interior area of ​​the shower enclosure.so that the channel profile at the supply area forms a supply channel aligned parallel to the center vertical, and that the channel profile has at least one opening in its wall for the passage of a water pipe from an outside area of ​​the shower cubicle to the inside area of ​​the shower cubicle.

[0006] The supply channel offers the advantage of accommodating pipes or hoses for the hot and cold water supply, which are routed through the channel profile wall into the interior of the shower cubicle. The connection between the channel profile and the two wall sections can be, for example, welded, riveted, glued, or screwed.

[0007] It is proposed that the channel profile be formed from a U-shaped, C-shaped, hat-shaped, or omega-shaped sheet metal profile.

[0008] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the closing element has at least one inner guide roller and at least one outer guide roller, wherein the inner guide roller is slidably arranged on the inner outer surface of the lower guide rail, and wherein the outer guide roller is slidably arranged on the outer outer surface of the lower guide rail, and wherein the inner and outer guide rollers are arranged relative to each other such that the closing element can be slid along the lower guide rail in a positionally determined manner. The sliding door of the shower enclosure is thus guided not only by upper guide rollers resting on the upper guide rail, but also by additional guide rollers bearing against the lower guide rail from the inside and outside.

[0009] An advantageous embodiment of the shower enclosure features a funnel-shaped base element with a drainage device, the drainage device being positioned either centrally or off-center to the center of the base element. The drain pipe for the wastewater is connected to the drainage device on the underside of the base element. The funnel shape can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical, meaning that the drainage device is positioned either centrally or off-center on the base element. The funnel shape of the base element preferably has a very shallow angle of inclination, as the sole purpose is to ensure that the water flows towards the drainage device. It is proposed that the base element be made of glass bead blasted stainless steel tread plate.Inside the shower cubicle, the surface of the floor element is roughened, which provides a high level of slip resistance and thus helps to prevent accidents caused by slipping on the floor element.

[0010] The upper end of the supply duct may have a cover element to protect against dust or contaminants.

[0011] Another design for the shower enclosure features a handle on the closing element, positioned so that the closing element can be moved manually by the user. The handle is connected to the closing element and can be designed as a pull bar, knob, latch, or recess. The closing element, for example, a sliding door, must be operable by the user from both the inside and outside. The choice of handle depends on design and manufacturing considerations.

[0012] In one embodiment, the handle is aligned parallel to the vertical center line and attached to the locking element via radially oriented web elements. These web elements are at least partially enclosed by a rubber ring, and these rubber rings rest against the first wall section when the locking element is closed and against the second wall section when the locking element is open. The rubber rings thus serve as a door stop in both the open and closed positions.

[0013] The elements forming the outer contour of the shower enclosure, in particular the floor panel, the wall sections, and the closing element, can be made of steel, a non-ferrous alloy, plastic, a composite material, a combination of materials, or a combination thereof. For use in gyms, swimming pools, or sports halls, as well as in medical facilities, shower enclosures must be easy to clean and disinfect. Therefore, stainless steel is the preferred material for the walls, door, and floor.

[0014] The closing element preferably has a door opening filled with a transparent or semi-transparent disc-shaped material, with this door opening being located in the upper half of the closing element. The door opening serves as a window to allow visual contact with the outside world or with the interior of the shower cubicle.

[0015] Further designs provide that the shower cubicle has inside a shower rail set, a soap holder and / or a soap dispenser holder, wherein the shower rail set, the soap holder and / or the soap dispenser holder are connected to at least one of the wall component elements.

[0016] On the exterior, at least one of the wall panels of the shower enclosure has a glasses holder and / or at least one towel rail, the glasses holder and / or the towel rail being connected to at least one of the wall panels. When positioning the glasses holder and towel rail, care must be taken to ensure that, from the user's perspective, the glasses holder is located behind the towel rail to prevent glasses from being accidentally touched by the towel and knocked to the floor.

[0017] Another design provides that the shower enclosure's base element has at least three support feet on its underside, and that the base element rests on these support feet on the shower's mounting surface. These support feet allow the shower enclosure to be positioned securely, aligned if necessary, and secured against movement.

[0018] One design of the shower enclosure features a ring-shaped metal plate on the outer edge of the base element, enclosing the support feet. This ring-shaped plate includes at least one access opening with a removable cover. Access openings allow for installation and repair work, ensuring access to the connections located beneath the shower enclosure. Covers for the access openings serve both to improve the appearance and to protect against dirt.

[0019] An exemplary embodiment of the shower cubicle according to the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. The basic structure of the open shower cubicle in 3D view from the front, Fig. 2. The basic structure of the enclosed shower cubicle in 3D view from the front. Fig. 3. The basic structure of the enclosed shower cubicle in 3D view from the rear. Fig. 4. The shower cubicle in a top view and Fig. 5 The shower cubicle in a view from below.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a spatial view of an embodiment of the shower enclosure 1 according to the invention. A wall element, comprising a first wall sub-element 3a and a second wall sub-element 3b, sits on a base element 2 and, together with a closing element 4, forms a cylindrical outer shape by virtue of the wall sub-elements 3a, 3b and the closing element 4 being arranged coaxially with a central vertical line 13. The wall element and the closing element 4 are thus shaped and arranged coaxially with the central vertical line 13 such that together they form a circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower enclosure 1. The first wall sub-element (3a) and the second wall sub-element (3b) each form a cylindrical surface of the circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower enclosure (1).The first wall element 3a and the second wall element 3b are dimensioned and arranged along the circumference of the circular cylindrical outer contour such that a first gap is formed at the front of the shower enclosure 1 as an entry area 25 and a second gap is formed at the rear of the shower enclosure 1 as a supply area 26. The entry area 25 is designed to be closable by the closing element 4, here in the form of a sliding door. The entry area 25 is covered when the closing element 4 is closed and uncovered when the closing element 4 is open. A channel profile 12 is arranged parallel to the central vertical 13 at the supply area 26. The opposing cylindrical shell end faces of the first wall element 3a and the second wall element 3b located at the supply area 26 are each connected to a leg of the channel profile 12.An open side of the channel profile 12 faces away from an interior area 1a of the shower cubicle 1, so that the channel profile 12 forms a supply channel 12a at the supply area 26, aligned parallel to the central vertical 13. Furthermore, the channel profile 12 has at least one opening 12b in its wall for the passage of a water pipe from an exterior area 1b of the shower cubicle 1 into the interior area 1a of the shower cubicle 1.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the channel profile 12 is formed by a hat-shaped sheet metal profile. However, the invention is not limited to this. The channel profile 12 can, for example, also be a U-shaped, C-shaped, or omega-shaped sheet metal profile.

[0022] An annular upper guide rail 5 is arranged at the upper end of the wall element or at the upper end of the wall sub-elements 3a, 3b. The closing element 4 is connected to one or more upper guide rollers 6, the upper guide rollers 6 bearing on the outer surface of the upper guide rail, so that the closing element 4 is slidable. The shower enclosure 1 also has a lower guide rail 7, which is annular in shape and arranged at the lower end of the wall element or at the lower end of the wall sub-elements 3a, 3b.The closing element 4 has at least one inner guide roller 8 and at least one outer guide roller 9 attached to its lower section, the inner guide roller 8 bearing against the inner outer surface of the lower guide rail 7, and the outer guide roller 9 bearing against the outer outer surface of the lower guide rail 7, such that the closing element 4 can be displaced along the lower guide rail 7 in a positionally fixed manner. The closing element 4 of the shower enclosure 1, preferably designed as a sliding door, is thus guided not only by upper guide rollers 6 resting on the upper guide rail 5, but also by the additional guide rollers 8 and 9 bearing against the lower guide rail 7 from the inside and outside.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 1 shows that the locking element 4 moves within the inner radius of the wall element 3 when slid along the upper guide rail 5 and along the lower guide rail 7. The locking element 4 is moved by the user by operating a handle element 15, in this case a handle bar. However, the handle element 15 can also have a different shape than the illustrated handle bar; for example, a knob, a latch, or a recess would be suitable. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle element is a handle bar that is aligned parallel to the central vertical axis 13 and is attached to the locking element 4 via web elements 28 that are radially oriented to the central vertical axis 13. The web elements 28 are partially enclosed by a rubber ring 28a.The rubber rings are arranged so that they rest against the first wall sub-element 3a in the closed position of the locking element 4 and against the second wall sub-element 3b in the open position of the locking element 4.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 further shows the base element 2 with a drainage device 10, to which drain pipes (not shown) for wastewater can be connected on the underside of the base element 2 when the shower cubicle 1 is installed. The drainage device 10 is arranged at the lowest point of the base element 2 so that the water can drain away there when the shower cubicle 1 is in use. The base element 2 therefore preferably has a slightly funnel-shaped form, the funnel shape being either symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the central vertical axis 13, which means that the drainage device 10 can be arranged either centrally on the base element 2, as shown here, or off-center. The base element 2 is made of glass bead blasted stainless steel tread plate. However, the invention is not limited to this.

[0025] The supply channel 12a serves to accommodate the pipes or hoses for the hot and cold water supply lines 24 (not shown) on the outside of the shower cubicle 1, to which a mixing valve (not shown) can be connected inside the shower cubicle 1. The supply channel 12a is connected to the first wall section 3a and to the second wall section 3b. The upper end of the supply channel 12a is advantageously closed by a cover element 14 to protect it from dust and other contaminants.

[0026] On the outside, the wall sub-element 3a of the in Fig. Figure 1 shows a shower cubicle 1 with a glasses holder 20 and two towel rails 21, the glasses holder 20 and the towel rails 21 being connected to the wall element 3. When arranging the glasses holder 20 and towel rails 21, care must be taken to ensure that, from the user's perspective, the glasses holder 20 is positioned behind the towel rails 21 to prevent glasses from being accidentally touched by a towel and knocked to the floor.

[0027] Inside the shower cubicle 1, there is a shower rail set 17, a soap holder 18 and / or a soap dispenser holder 19 (not shown here), wherein the shower rail set 17, the soap holder 18 and / or the soap dispenser holder 19 are connected to the wall element 3a.

[0028] The elements forming the outer contour of the shower enclosure 1, namely the floor element 2, the wall element 3 with the wall sub-elements 3a and 3b, and the closing element 4, can be made of steel, a non-ferrous alloy, plastic, a composite material, a combination of materials, or a combination thereof. For use in gyms, swimming pools, or sports halls, as well as in medical facilities, shower enclosures 1 must be easy to clean and disinfect. Therefore, stainless steel is the preferred material for the walls, door, and floor.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a shower cubicle 1 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 1 also shows a front view, except that the closing element 4 is shown closed. It can be seen that the closing element 4 has a door opening 16, which is preferably filled with a transparent or semi-transparent disc-shaped material. The door opening 16 is located in the upper half of the closing element 4 and serves as a window to allow visual contact with the outside world or with the interior of the shower cubicle 1.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a shower cubicle 1 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a rear view. Clearly visible is the externally open supply channel 12a, connected to the wall elements 3a and 3b. This channel closes off the supply area 26 and serves to accommodate the pipes or hoses for the hot and cold water supply 24 on the outside of the shower enclosure 1. A mixing valve (not shown) can be connected to these pipes inside the shower enclosure 1. Also shown is another inspection opening 22 with a cover. The entry area 25, left open by the two wall elements 3a and 3b, is also visible. This area is closed by the closing element, in this case a sliding door.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a shower cubicle 1 according to the invention in a top view in the closed state. Visible are the floor element 2 with the drain device 10, which in this exemplary embodiment is arranged centrally to a surface center point 11 of the floor element 2, as well as the upper guide rail 5 with the upper guide rollers 6. Also shown are the inner guide roller 8 and the outer guide roller 9, and the supply channel 12a. In addition, the figure shows the interior fittings of the shower cubicle 1 with the shower rail set 17, the soap holder 18, and the soap dispenser holder 19, as well as the accessories attached to the outside of one of the wall sub-elements 3a, 3b (not shown here): the eyeglass holder 20 and the towel holder 21.

[0032] Fig.Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a shower enclosure 1 according to the invention in a bottom view, in which the base element 2 with the drain 10 is visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the base element 2 of the shower enclosure 1 has four support feet 23 on its underside. These support feet 23 make it possible to position the shower enclosure securely, to align it if necessary, and to secure it against displacement. A ring plate 27, enclosing the support feet 23, is arranged on an outer contour of the base element 2. Furthermore, at least one inspection opening 22 and a removable cover are provided on this ring plate 27. The area below the base element is accessible via the inspection opening 22, so that the drain pipe 29, which is arranged below the base element and connected to the drain 10, can be reached for installation and repair purposes.Covers for the inspection openings 22 serve on the one hand for better appearance and on the other hand as protection against dirt. Reference symbol list 1 shower cubicle 1a Interior of shower cubicle 1 1b Exterior of shower cubicle 1 2 floor elements 3 wall elements 3a first wall sub-element 3b second wall element 4 Locking element 5 upper guide rail 6 upper guide roller 7 lower guide rail 8 inner leadership role 9 external leadership role 10 Drainage device 11. Center of the surface of the ground element 12 channel profile 12a Supply duct 12b Passage 13 Perpendicular bisectors 14 Cover element 15 handle element 16 Door opening 17 Shower Rail Set 18 soap holders 19 soap dispenser holders 20 eyeglass holders 21 towel racks 22 Revision opening 23 Mounting foot 24 Water supply line 25 Entry area 26 Supply area 27 ring sheet 28 Bridge element 28a Rubber ring 29 Drain pipe QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 41 06 235 C1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Shower enclosure (1) comprising a floor element (2) and at least one wall element (3) and at least one closing element (4) designed as a sliding door, as well as an upper guide rail (5) and a lower guide rail (7), wherein the wall element (3) and the closing element (4) are shaped and arranged coaxially to a perpendicular center (13) such that they together form a circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower enclosure (1), and wherein the upper guide rail (5) is ring-shaped and arranged at an upper end of the wall element (3), and wherein the at least one closing element (4) is slidably arranged on the upper guide rail (5) by means of at least one upper guide roller (6), wherein the upper guide roller (6) rests on an outer surface of the upper guide rail (5), and wherein the lower guide rail (7) is ring-segment shaped and arranged at a lower end of the wall element (3). characterized by, that the wall element (3) has a first wall sub-element (3a) and a second wall sub-element (3b) and that the first wall sub-element (3a) and the second wall sub-element (3b) each form a cylindrical shell partial surface of the circular cylindrical outer contour of the shower cubicle (1) and that the first wall sub-element (3a) and the second wall sub-element (3b) are dimensioned and arranged relative to each other along the circumference of the circular cylindrical outer contour,that a first gap is formed on the front of the shower enclosure (1) as an entry area (25) and a second gap is formed on the rear of the shower enclosure (1) as a supply area (26), and that the entry area (25) is covered in a closed position of the closing element (4) and released in an open position of the closing element (4), and that a channel profile (12) is arranged on the supply area parallel to the central vertical (13), and that the opposing cylindrical shell surface ends of the first wall element (3a) and the second wall element (3b) located on the supply area (26) are each connected to a leg of the channel profile (12), and an open side of the channel profile (12) faces away from an interior area of ​​the shower enclosure.such that the channel profile (12) forms a supply channel (12a) aligned parallel to the central vertical (13) at the supply area (26) and that the channel profile (12) has at least one passage (12b) in its wall for the passage of a water pipe from an outside area (1b) of the shower cubicle (1) to the inside area (1a) of the shower cubicle (1). [2] Shower cubicle according to claim 1, characterized by , that the channel profile (12) is formed by a U-shaped or C-shaped or hat-shaped or omega-shaped sheet metal profile. [3] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that the locking element (4) has at least one inner guide roller (8) and at least one outer guide roller (9), wherein the inner guide roller (8) is slidably arranged on the inner outer surface of the lower guide rail (7), and wherein the outer guide roller (9) is slidably arranged on the outer outer surface of the lower guide rail (7), and wherein the inner and outer guide rollers (8, 9) are arranged relative to each other such that the locking element (4) is slidably positioned along the lower guide rail (7). [4] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the base element (2) is funnel-shaped and has a drainage device (10), wherein the drainage device (10) is arranged centrally or off-center to a surface center point (11) of the base element (2). [5] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that the supply channel (12a) has a cover element (14) at its upper end. [6] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the locking element (4) has a handle element (15), wherein the handle element (15) is arranged such that the locking element (4) can be moved by hand by a user. [7] Shower cubicle according to claim 5, characterized by , that the handle element (15) is connected to the locking element (4) and is designed as a handle bar or as a knob or as a latch or as a recess. [8] Shower cubicle according to claim 6, characterized by, that the handle is aligned parallel to the central vertical (13) and is attached to the locking element (4) via web elements (28) aligned radially to the central vertical (13), and that the web elements (28) are enclosed at least partially by a rubber ring (28a), and that the rubber rings (28a) bear against the first wall sub-element (3a) in the closed position of the locking element (4) and against the second wall sub-element (3b) in the open position of the locking element (4). [9] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the base element (2) and the wall sub-elements (3a, 3b) and the closing element (4) are made of steel or of a non-ferrous alloy or of plastic or of a composite material or of a material combination or of a combination of the aforementioned materials. [10] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that the closing element (4) has a door cutout (16) filled with a transparent or semi-transparent disc-shaped material, wherein the door cutout (16) is located in the upper half of the closing element (4). [11] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the shower cubicle has inside a shower rail set (17) wherein the shower rail set (17) is connected to one of the wall part elements (3a, 3b). [12] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that at least one of the wall sub-elements (3a, 3b) has a soap holder (18) and / or a soap dispenser holder (19) on the inside, wherein the soap holder (18) and / or the soap dispenser holder (19) are connected to the wall sub-element (3a, 3b) in question. [13] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that at least one of the wall sub-elements (3a, 3b) has a glasses holder (20) and / or at least a towel holder (21) on the outside, wherein the glasses holder (20) and / or the towel holder (21) are connected to the wall sub-element (3a, 3b) in question. [14] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the base element (2) has at least three support feet (23) on its underside and that the base element (2) rests on these support feet (23) on a mounting surface of the round shower. [15] Shower cubicle according to claim 14, characterized by , that a ring plate (27) enclosing the support feet (23) is arranged on an outer contour of the base element (2) and has at least one inspection opening (22) in this ring plate (27) and this inspection opening (22) has a removable cover. [16] Shower cubicle according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that the base element is made of glass bead blasted stainless steel tread plate.

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