DE102004005873B3 - Bathroom shower enclosure incorporating electrical illumination device supplied with operating energy via contactless inductive method - Google Patents

Abstract

The shower enclosure has at least one panel element (36,40), provided with a profile along one end edge incorporating an electrical illumination device, supplied with electrical operating energy via a contactless inductive method. An independent claim for contactless energy transmission for a shower enclosure is also included.

Description

The The invention relates to a shower enclosure consisting of at least a plate-shaped element, which is provided on at least one end edge with a profile and a bulb contains.

shower enclosures of the aforementioned type are well known. They persist usually composed of several plate-shaped elements, which are composed result in a closed shower cubicle. Here are at the front edges the plate-shaped Elements profiles are provided, which are partially provided with seals are and the transition to form an adjacent element. The elements are for example made of glass or plastic.

The DE 102 49 535 B3 describes a shower enclosure with plate-shaped elements, in which are provided within the mounted on the end edge of the elements of the light bulbs to improve the visual effect of the shower enclosure. The power supply to the bulbs via electric cables, which are either poured into the lower seal, or which are passed over a cable space in the region of the lower seal.

In the DE 299 06 699 U1 a door handle is described in which an energy transfer via the bands from the frame surrounding the door takes place on the movable door leaf. In this case, the supply is realized via leads through the bands, each of the two bands via electrically isolated from each other parts makes the power supply. The power supply then goes through the entire door wing on the opposite side, namely in the range of a handle. Here, on the one hand, the supply of a door opener and beyond the electrical supply of a luminous door handle is fed with the supply voltage. The door consists of a non-transparent material.

A device for the non-contact transmission of electrical energy by means of an induction coil which transmits the voltage to another coil separated from the first coil is disclosed in US Pat DE 197 26 840 A1 described.

The The object of the invention is a light source which is on or inside a shower enclosure, with electrical Provide energy.

Is solved this object by the in claim 1 and claim 11 specified characteristics. Further embodiments of the subject invention emerge from the dependent claims.

The solution given in the prior art, namely in the DE 299 06 699 U1 , Transfer of energy via the connected hinges, requires that such a door leaf is not exposed to the splash and splash water of a shower enclosure. However, since a shower enclosure is a wet area, such energy transfer can not be safely carried out according to the prior art. It is therefore proposed to achieve a contactless energy transfer, namely by induction.

By the energy transfer from a transmitter side to a receiver side of an induction circuit, where the energy is needed will be proposed at the same time a cheap solution and beyond is this solution also safe against water, if an appropriate embedding of the coils or the electrical elements made in a potting compound becomes.

to contactless energy transfer therefore becomes an energy transfer by inductances proposed both on the transmitter side and on the receiver side. at the inductors act These are two coils that are designed as resonant circuits. An oscillator generates a corresponding voltage in one downstream amplifier reinforced becomes. This voltage goes to a resonant circuit on the transmitter side. From the inductance used there, a partial voltage is diverted and fed to a phase locked loop. Of the Phase-locked loop has the task of the resulting from the loose coupling To compensate for coupling effects. The coupling effects arise thereby, that between the resonant circuit of the transmitter side and the resonant circuit the receiver side there is no fixed distance. This z. B. results from the fact that between the side part of the shower enclosure and the door has an air gap, the one with doors is different. To here a far-reaching compensation too Therefore, it is proposed to use a phase locked loop. The phase locked loop compares the phase position of the oscillator with that of the inductor the transmitter side removed phase position of this partial voltage. Which resulting control voltage is supplied to the oscillator, the thereby automatically performs a Nachstimmung. Thus, transmitter side stray inductances be compensated. It should be noted that the coupling is variable.

On the receiver side is also a resonant circuit, the induced voltage over a Rectifier feeds a constant current source. The constant current source in turn supplies a battery that is used to power the lighting inside the shower enclosure.

at the coils within the on the transmitter and receiver side used resonant circuits may be air coils or but also around coils that have a ferrite core.

at one opened Door will be because of too big Air gap between the receiver and the transmitter side does not transmit energy. However, in order to have a functioning such as As a lighting within the door, vorzuhalten, is the supply then in this case over one through the energy transfer maintained buffered battery.

Thereby, that are provided within profiles bulbs, result optical effects, which are the large-scale elements of a shower enclosure enliven and better adapt to different room situations enable.

According to one advantageous development is provided that the light over the Front edge of the plate-shaped Element in the plate-shaped Element enters. This not only creates an imaginative effect, which still amplified Can be when the elements with patterns, such as stripes, bubbles or the like, but increases the optical effect when the light over the area the plate-shaped Elements can escape.

Especially just lets the light in the plate-shaped Introduce elements when the bulb in front of the front edge of the plate-shaped elements is arranged. Thus, the light can go directly into the plane of the plate-shaped element be initiated.

Around the bulb against external interference, such as water, moisture, etc., according to a advantageous development of the profile on a cavity in which which is preferably arranged as LED ausgebil ended light source. Instead of an LED can also another, preferably a small Energy consuming bulbs are used.

Of the Protection of the bulbs against external influences can be further improved if in an advantageous development the cavity is at least partially filled with a potting compound. This prevents safe and reliable the ingress of moisture and thus damage to the Illuminant or even a hazard the user.

According to one preferred embodiment extends the light source at least over a partial length of the plate-shaped Element, but preferably over the entire vertical length of the plate-shaped Element. Thus, the bulbs are preferably only on the vertical end edges of the plate-shaped elements provided. It is possible, however additionally also to illuminate the horizontal end edges of the plate-shaped elements.

Around an optically unobtrusive To ensure power supply to the lamps of an element, is provided in an advantageous development that the plate-shaped elements are preferably provided on its underside with a lower seal, in the cables of the power supply are housed for the LED's.

The Housing the cables in the bottom gasket can be done in two ways respectively. After a first variant, the cables are in the lower Cast in the seal. According to an alternative embodiment is in the lower seal a cable space for receiving the cable intended. In both cases will not only achieves an almost invisible power supply, but the power supply is also safe from external influences.

The safe energy transfer between two adjacent coils, in a first embodiment by one inside a wall profile, which is attached to the wall is realized coil located. This coil comes with the corresponding electrical energy through a cable that is inside the wall is laid, supplied. The transfer of energy from the transmitter side to the receiver side is achieved by inductive coupling. It can be another Coil within another profile, in which also the light source may be embedded.

In another preferred embodiment However, also the electrical coil of the transmitter side of the resonant circuit be laid directly in the wall. In such a case then would the coil of the receiver side placed directly on the wall to get the closest possible coupling.

It is understood that in such a case, the coils on the entire height the windows of the shower enclosure extend or only in some areas.

Also, the energy can be transferred to a pivotable or sliding door of a fixed side part. Here is the Energy from the wall side in the manner already described via a seal in which cables are laid, transmitted to the front edge of the fixed side part, in which a further coil of a second transmitter side is included, which then with a second coil of a second receiver side the variable unit of the shower enclosure interacts.

Around at least for for a limited time also an open door, be it a sliding door or swing door, one Providing shower enclosure with adequate energy can be done within this wing a battery can be used within a profile. The battery would then from the above-described power supply unit during the closed power supply Door with corresponding energy buffered.

Further Details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent following description of preferred embodiments with reference to schematically illustrated drawings.

It demonstrate:

1 : An overall view of a shower enclosure according to the invention,

2 FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a connection to a wall region with a wall connection profile. FIG.

3 : as 2 but with a coil embedded inside a wall,

4 : a sectional view of a fixed side part with a pivotable wing,

5 and 6 : a lower part of a cable guide within a seal,

7 a first embodiment of an energy transfer with air inductances,

8th A second embodiment of an energy transfer with inductors including a ferrite core.

The 1 shows an example of a shower enclosure, on a shower tray 38 is arranged. The shower enclosure here consists of several plate-shaped elements 36 and 40 , which - as shown - are partly planar, partly curved or only bent or only just trained. The plate-shaped elements 36 . 40 have at least one fixed, on a wall 37 attached side panel 36 and at least one pivotable wing 40 on. Instead of a pivotable wing and a movable wing can be provided.

The 2 shows in a first embodiment, such as by magnetic coupling, namely induction, electrical energy from a wall profile 41 on a frame profile immersed in it 42 is to be transferred. The wall profile 41 is on the wall 40 with a base leg 47 positively and positively fastened. Here is the wall profile 41 has been performed substantially U-shaped and therefore has forward facing legs 45 and 46 on. The thigh 45 . 46 be through a partition 60 connected together so that between the partition 60 and the base leg 47 a cavity is created in the coils 22 . 28 waterproof can be embedded. But it is also possible, the partition 60 not to use.

In the free space between the thighs 45 . 46 a frame profile emerges 42 one in which the glass pane of the side panel 36 is embedded. The frame profile 42 is essentially U-shaped and has a bottom leg 48 on, on the partition 60 is applied. Following the bottom leg 48 joins a cavity on the one hand for receiving coils 13 . 30 is needed and in which z. B. on an unspecified board a light source 43 placed in the form of LEDs. The free space, not for the emission of light at a front edge 51 the glass pane 36 needed is through a potting compound 44 sealed watertight. Like from the 2 can be seen, there is thus a coupling between the coils 22 . 28 and 13 . 30 , The mode of action of this coupling will be discussed at a later date.

In a second embodiment, which by the 3 is the frame profile 42 with his bottom leg 48 directly on the wall 37 been set. Within the frame profile 42 is the, like already too 2 , executed construction realized. Unlike the execution of 2 is however the coil 22 . 28 integrated directly into the wall.

In the embodiment of a preferred type of 4 in the left part becomes the fixed side part 36 reproduced, wherein in the right part of a pivotable wing 40 is shown. The wing 40 can move in the directions 53 . 54 be pivoted. It goes without saying that the structure can also be used for sliding doors as well. In this embodiment, from the transmitter side, namely from the fixed side part 36 , about the coils 22 . 28 an activation of the coils 13 . 30 performed. there the electrical energy is transmitted through an air gap L. The energy supply for the coils 22 . 28 will, as in the 5 and 6 is shown, realized via cable. Within an edge profile 49 is the coil 22 . 28 embedded and then has the device for the light source 43 on. The light source 43 is also in this case preferably against the front edge 51 directed to the glass pane.

The spools 13 . 30 are in a profile 52 embedded, analogous to the left side of the 4 also on the right side the bulbs 43 having. At the same time is on the profile 52 a stop leg 50 present, against the edge profile 49 comes to the plant.

To the transmitted energy from the vertical sides of the wall portion to the vertical sides of the wall remote part, z. B. of the side part 36 To transfer, it is suggested that, as it is the 5 and 6 reproduce, in a lower area a seal 58 present is the inclusion of cables 56 guaranteed. The cables within a channel through a potting compound 44 be embedded. However, it is also possible that the cables 56 directly into the seal 58 are integrated. The lower end to the shower tray 38 forms a sealing lip 57 , The lateral conclusion to the side part 36 and the swiveling wing 40 form tabs 59 like her 5 can be seen.

Let us now turn to the energy supply of the bulbs 43 to. This can be a battery 21 be used. However, it is also possible to use the battery 21 can be omitted and the energy only via an air gap from the transmitter side 5 on a receiver side 6 transferred to.

The air gap L is thus located between a resonant circuit on the transmitter side 5 and a resonant circuit on the receiver side 6 , The resonant circuit of the transmitter side consists of a coil 22 that with a capacitor 7 is connected in series. From an amplifier 2 will have a connection 4 the capacitor 7 and the coil 22 fed. The amplifier 2 is about a connection 3 with a variable oscillator 1 connected. That the capacitor 7 opposite end of the coil 22 is grounded (reference numeral 8th ).

To be able to compensate for a transmitter-side leakage inductance is from the coil 22 over a connection 9 tapped a partial voltage. This partial voltage is a phase-locked circuit 10 fed. About a connection 12 from the oscillator 1 becomes the amplifier 3 supplied voltage also supplied. By the phase control circuit 10 Thus, an occurring coupling effect can be compensated by the variable coupling. The resulting control signal is via a connection 11 the oscillator 1 fed, thereby an automatic tuning of the oscillator 1 performs.

By the oscillator 1 , which is powered by an unillustrated supply voltage from the outside, becomes the transmitter side 5 supplied with the appropriate energy. This energy is transferred via the air gap L to the receiver side 6 the energy transmission device. The receiver side 6 also consists of a resonant circuit consisting of an inductor with the coil 13 and a capacitor connected in parallel thereto 14 consists. About connections 15 and 16 becomes a connected rectifier 17 provided. The rectified voltage goes through a connection 18 to a constant current source 20 , The constant current source 20 makes sure about the connections 35 and 19 the connected battery is supplied with the appropriate charging voltage. The supply voltage of the battery is constantly monitored.

At the in 8th illustrated embodiment of a contactless energy transfer is, in the transmitter side 5 and on the receiver side 6 used inductors to coils that are equipped with a ferrite core.

From a generator 23 will have a connection 24 an amplification circuit 27 supplied with the necessary energy for the transmitter side. About a connection 25 becomes a capacitor 29 standing in line with the coil 28 is connected, on the other hand, the coil 28 over a connection 26 with the amplifier 27 connected is.

Also on the receiver side 6 is the coil 30 in series with a capacitor 36 connected. From the condenser 36 goes via a connection 31 and about a connection 32 from the other coil end 30 from the transmitter side 6 received energy to a rectifier 17 , About the connections 33 and 34 The rectified voltage is the battery 21 and the bulb 43 fed.

Due to the relatively large air gap between the pivoting wing 40 and the side panel 36 the magnetic coupling decreases. At the same time, the scatter is increased. The coupling is thereby improved by the corresponding ferrite cores. The primary and secondary leakage inductances are thereby by the capacitors 29 and 36 compensated.

The LEDs 43 can be provided with an additional circuit that allows the from the bulbs 43 emitted light varies in terms of its duration, its brightness and / or its color mixture. The bulbs can 43 Depending on the incident daylight, depending on a person present or controlled by any other program.

When using a battery 21 can the entire lighting 43 also work independently. Of course it is also possible to use only parts of the bulbs 43 , z. B. the pivotable or movable wings to provide the necessary energy. The battery 21 but can also be used as emergency lighting. For normal operation, the power supply via the above-described induction.

1

variable oscillator

2

amplifier

3

connection

4

connection

5

transmitter side

6

receiving end

7

capacitor

8th

Dimensions

9

connection

10

Phase comparing circuit

11

connection

12

connection

13

Kitchen sink

14

capacitor

15

connection

16

connection

17

rectifier

18

connection

19

connection

20

Constant current source

21

battery pack

22

Kitchen sink

23

generator

24

connection

25

connection

26

connection

27

amplifier

28

Kitchen sink

29

capacitor

30

Kitchen sink

31

connection

32

connection

33

connection

34

connection

35

connection

36

side panel

37

wall

38

shower tray

39

lower profile

40

swiveling wing

41

wall profile

42

frame profile

43

LED

44

potting compound

45

leg

46

leg

47

base leg

48

bottom leg

49

edge profile

50

stop leg

51

front edge

52

profile

53

movement direction

54

movement direction

55

Kitchen sink

56

electric wire

57

sealing lip

58

poetry

59

head Start

60

partition wall

Claims (19)

Shower partition consisting of at least one plate-shaped element ( 36 . 40 ), which on at least one end edge ( 51 ) a profile ( 36 . 40 . 49 . 52 ), in which a light source ( 43 ), wherein the electrical energy for supplying the illuminant ( 43 ) is transferred by contactless induction. Shower partition according to claim 1, characterized in that in the profile ( 36 . 40 . 49 . 52 ) a coil ( 13 . 30 ) of an electrical resonant circuit is embedded waterproof, wherein a second coil ( 22 . 28 ) of the electrical resonance circuit in a wall profile ( 41 ) or in a wall ( 37 ) is embedded waterproof. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one of the profiles ( 30 . 40 . 41 . 49 . 52 ) a battery ( 21 ) for the bulbs ( 43 ) is embedded. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light of the lighting means ( 43 ) over the front edge of the plate-shaped element ( 36 . 40 ) in the plate-shaped element ( 36 . 40 ) entry. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile ( 42 . 49 . 52 ) has a cavity in which preferably as LED ( 43 ) formed light source is arranged. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity with a potting compound ( 44 ) is filled in whole or in part. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting means ( 43 ) and / or the coils ( 13 . 30 ) at least over a partial length of the plate-shaped element ( 36 . 40 ), but preferably over the entire vertical and / or horizontal length of the plate-shaped element ( 36 . 40 ) extends. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate-shaped elements ( 36 . 40 ) preferably at its underside with a lower seal ( 58 ), in which the cables ( 56 ) for the power supply of the LED's ( 43 ) are housed. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cables ( 56 ) in the lower seal ( 58 ) are poured. Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the lower seal ( 58 ) a cable compartment for receiving the cables ( 56 ) is provided. Contactless energy transfer for a shower enclosure according to the preceding claims with a door or the like from a fixed profile ( 42 . 49 ) to a movable door ( 40 ) and / or wall ( 37 ) to a fixed side part ( 36 ) and / or a pivotable wing ( 40 ), wherein a feeding induction coil ( 22 . 28 ) by induction on a fed induction coil ( 13 . 30 ) the energy for the bulbs ( 43 ) transmits the energy transfer from a transmitter side ( 5 ) to a receiver side ( 6 ) on the transmitter side ( 5 ) and one on the receiver side ( 6 ) existing resonant circuit, wherein the coupling is variable and corresponding coupling effects are automatically compensated. Contactless energy transmission according to claim 11, characterized in that an oscillator ( 1 ) with a phase control circuit ( 10 ) and a downstream amplifier ( 2 ) for supplying the transmitter-side resonant circuit ( 5 ) is used. Contactless energy transmission according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the coupling between the transmitter side ( 5 ) and the receiver side ( 6 ) is variable. Contactless energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the coupling effects a phase comparison can be compensated. Contactless energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that for carrying out the phase comparison the phase-locked circuit ( 10 ) is used. Contactless energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the receiver side ( 6 ) a rectifier circuit ( 17 ) with a downstream constant current source ( 20 ) is available. Contactless energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the inductances ( 22 . 13 . 30 ) on the transmitter side ( 5 ) and the receiver side ( 6 ) Are air inductances. Contactless energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the inductances ( 22 . 13 . 30 ) on the transmitter side ( 5 ) and on the receiver side ( 6 ) are provided with a ferrite core. Contactless energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the supply voltage of the battery ( 21 ) is monitored.