Cleaning nozzle for cleaning a bidet shower unit

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning nozzle for a shower toilet, a seat for a shower toilet, a method for cleaning at least part of a shower facility of a shower toilet using a cleaning nozzle of the shower toilet, and a use of a cleaning nozzle of a shower toilet. The invention can be used, for example, in toilets with a so-called bidet function and / or in toilet seats or toilet attachments with a bidet function for advantageously cleaning at least part of a shower facility of the shower toilet using at least one at least partially laminar water jet.

[0002] Many toilet seats and toilet attachments with a bidet function currently on the market have cleaning nozzles installed which spray the shower unit of the toilet seat or toilet attachment, which is usually located in front of it, with a direct and intensive water jet in order to remove any deposits, in particular faecal residue, from the shower unit as reliably as possible before and / or after use, for example as known from US 2006 / 0207006 A1 and EP 2 626 478 A1. Within corresponding cleaning nozzles, the water, which usually comes from a valve, is usually directed as directly as possible towards the shower unit without any further influence in order to avoid unnecessary pressure losses in the cleaning nozzle and thus to achieve the most intensive cleaning possible with the lowest possible energy consumption.

[0003] However, it has been observed that, depending on the pressure in the pipe upstream of the cleaning nozzle, the intense water jet emitted by the cleaning nozzle impacts the surface of the shower facility so forcefully that splashes can occur, which, in the worst case, can reach the user's intimate area. This effect, which is usually unpleasant and potentially unhygienic for the user, should be eliminated if possible.

[0004] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a cleaning nozzle for a shower toilet, a seat for a shower toilet, a method for cleaning at least part of a shower facility of a shower toilet using a cleaning nozzle of the shower toilet, and a use of a cleaning nozzle of a shower toilet are to be specified, each of which at least contributes to enabling the most pleasant and hygienic operation of the shower toilet for a user. In particular, the cleaning nozzle is intended to at least reduce and preferably avoid as much as possible the occurrence of splashes during cleaning of the shower facility of the shower toilet.

[0005] These objects are achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the solution proposed here are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features listed in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0006] A cleaning nozzle for a shower toilet (in particular for a seat for a shower toilet) contributes to this, wherein at least one water path is formed between a water inlet and at least one water outlet of the cleaning nozzle, wherein the water path forms at least in sections at least one delay section for at least partial laminarization of at least one water jet discharged from the cleaning nozzle.

[0007] In other words, the shower toilet is, in particular, a toilet with a bidet function. The bidet function can be provided by a shower device of the shower toilet. The shower device is generally intended and configured to discharge water towards a user of the shower toilet. For this purpose, the shower device can, for example, comprise a water discharge element in and / or on which one or more nozzles can be formed, for example in a shower section of the water discharge element. The water discharge element can, for example, have the shape of an arm or rod. Furthermore, the water discharge element can be movable, in particular pivotable and / or displaceable, between an inactive position (in which showering cannot or should not take place) and an active position (in which a shower function can or should be performed).

[0008] The cleaning nozzle is typically used to clean at least part of a (or the) shower facility of the shower toilet or a seat for the shower toilet (and not to clean a user of the shower toilet). The cleaning nozzle can, for example, be designed such that it can be integrated into a shower toilet or a seat for a shower toilet (in particular with a suitable or specific arrangement and / or orientation) in such a way that it can discharge the at least one water jet with at least one directional component (only) towards a shower facility of the shower toilet or the seat for a shower toilet (separate or spaced apart from the cleaning nozzle), in particular towards a water discharge element of the shower facility. The seat for a shower toilet can, for example, comprise a seat or seat cushion that is intended and configured to allow a user to sit on it.The seat can comprise further components of the shower toilet and thus be formed, for example, in the manner of a (toilet) attachment for at least partial mounting on a toilet body.

[0009] It has surprisingly been shown that sufficiently reliable (in particular, as clean and hygienic as possible) cleaning of the shower facility can be achieved even with an at least partially laminarized water jet. Furthermore, the at least one at least partially laminarized water jet (compared to the intensive water jets described in connection with the prior art) offers the advantage that the occurrence of splashes during cleaning of the shower facility of the shower toilet can be at least reduced and preferably avoided wherever possible. Thus, the proposed cleaning nozzle can advantageously enable a more pleasant and (overall) more hygienic operation of the shower toilet for the user.The at least partially laminarized water jet is characterized in particular by the fact that it can generally be discharged from the cleaning nozzle at a comparatively (significantly) lower pressure and / or flow velocity (compared to the intensive water jets described in connection with the prior art). The at least one delay section contributes in particular to the corresponding reduction in pressure or flow velocity.

[0010] The at least one water path generally extends from the water inlet to the at least one water outlet. Between the water inlet and the at least one water outlet, the water path can branch at least once. For example, two water outlets can be formed, in particular a first water outlet and a second water outlet that is separate or spaced from it. The delay section can be formed in the manner of a calming section in the cleaning nozzle. One or more delay sections can be formed along the water path. If several delay sections are formed, they can be separate or spaced from one another. The delay section can (alternatively or cumulatively) comprise several sections, possibly of different construction and / or action, which can in particular be separate or spaced from one another.The delay section is typically designed and configured to (significantly) reduce the pressure and / or flow velocity of the water stream (within the cleaning nozzle). It is possible for the water path to be configured so that the flow pressure remains essentially constant and (only) the exit velocity of the water jet is reduced due to the different cross-sections.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that at least one section of the delay section be formed with a chamber for collecting water. The chamber is generally connected to the water inlet and the at least one water outlet. The collection of water in the chamber advantageously contributes to increasing the pressure loss between the water inlet and the at least one water outlet and thus reducing the flow velocity of the water flow on its path through the cleaning nozzle. The chamber can be delimited by a nozzle body of the cleaning nozzle, in particular a recess in the nozzle body, optionally together with a cover element for covering the recess.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that at least one section of the delay section is formed with a plurality of channels which run at least partially parallel to one another. The channels each have a comparatively small (in particular at least 0.5 or 0.3 smaller) flow-through diameter (compared to the water inlet and / or the at least one water outlet). The channels can connect the chamber to the at least one water outlet. The channels can be formed in the cover element. The channels can be arranged or grouped into several groups. The number of groups of channels can, for example, correspond to the number of water outlets. Furthermore, a group of channels can be assigned to one of the water outlets.For example, a first group of channels may be arranged between the water inlet (or chamber) and the first water outlet and a second group of channels may be arranged between the water inlet (or chamber) and the second water outlet.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the channels are connected to a chamber through which the water path extends in such a way that the channels can be supplied with water from the chamber when a (pre-)defined fill level is reached in the chamber. This can contribute to the fact that the channels are only supplied with water once a (pre-)defined fill level has been reached, so that the chamber can initially be (sufficiently) filled. All of the channels can be supplied with water when the same fill level is reached, or at least some of the channels can be supplied with water at different fill levels. In particular, the channels can protrude into the chamber with their respective openings towards the chamber. For example, the channels can protrude into the chamber with a (uniform or respective) (pre-)defined depth. This can contribute to defining the fill level in the chamber.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the channels open into at least one collecting space separate from the chamber. The at least one collecting space is arranged in particular between the chamber (or the channels) and the at least one water outlet. One or more collecting spaces can be provided. The number of collecting spaces can, for example, correspond to the number of groups of channels and / or the number of water outlets. Accordingly, for example, a first collecting space and a second collecting space separate or spaced therefrom can be formed. The channels of a group of channels can open into a common (or all into the same) collecting space. The (respective) collecting space can, for example, be (directly) connected to the channels or be arranged (directly) downstream thereof. The (respective) water outlet can, for example, be (directly) connected to the (respective) collecting space or(immediately) downstream of it. The collecting chamber (in particular the cross-sectional shape of the collecting chamber) can (if necessary together with the water outlet or the cross-sectional shape of the water outlet) contribute to recombining the water flow(s) coming from the channels into at least one jet, preferably with a round cross-section. The at least one collecting chamber can be formed in the cover element.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the cleaning nozzle comprises: a nozzle body with the water inlet and a recess into which the water inlet opens, a cover element with the at least one water outlet, wherein the cover element covers the recess, and an insert element arranged in the recess, which forms a diaphragm with a flow-through opening within the recess.

[0016] The water inlet can be formed in or by the nozzle body of the cleaning nozzle. The nozzle body can form a substantially straight section of the water path between the water inlet and the recess, which then opens into the recess at an angle of preferably approximately 90°.

[0017] The at least one water outlet can be formed in or by the cover element. The cover element can at least partially protrude into the recess or be insertable into it. The cover element covers, in particular, an opening of the recess. The cover element can itself comprise a recess, which, together with the recess of the nozzle body, can form the chamber. The channels (in particular the two groups of channels) can be arranged on opposite (narrow) sides of the recess of the cover element (in the cover element). The cover element can furthermore have a depression. The depression can be formed in the end face of the cover element 14 facing away from the at least one water outlet, for example by the end face of two opposite (narrow) sides of the cover element being beveled inwards. The channels can open into the (optionally beveled) end face.The depression can contribute to the targeted specification of the course of the water path between the recess of the cover element and the channels.

[0018] The insert element can be arranged and / or retained with at least one lower section (base) in the recess of the cover element (or can be aligned relative to the cover element and / or the nozzle body). The baffle can contribute to delaying a water flow flowing into the recess of the nozzle body or the chamber. The baffle can furthermore contribute with its rear side (facing the cover element) to directing a quantity of water rising in particular from the chamber or the recess of the cover element towards a (chamber-side) opening of the channels. The insert element can have one or more (spaced-apart) struts between the baffle and its lower section (base), which can be provided and configured, for example, to specifically direct the water flow, in particular to at least partially block a direct flow into the channels after flow through the opening of the baffle.For this purpose, the struts can be arranged (in the direction of flow) between the opening of the aperture and the channels.

[0019] According to a further aspect, a seat for a shower toilet is proposed, wherein the seat comprises a shower device for discharging water towards a user of the shower toilet and at least one cleaning nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning nozzle is arranged and aligned for cleaning at least part of the shower device.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that at least two separate, in particular round (or rectangular or slot-shaped) and at least partially laminar water jets with at least one directional component can be discharged from the cleaning nozzle toward a water discharge element of the shower device. The directional component can point downwards, for example. The water discharge element can be arranged between the first water outlet and the second water outlet. The water outlets can (alternatively) be arranged along or parallel to a longitudinal extension of the water discharge element or a path of the optionally movable water discharge element.It can (alternatively) also be provided that at least one water jet, in particular one with a slot-shaped cross-section and at least partially laminar, can be discharged from the cleaning nozzle, with at least one directional component towards a water discharge element of the shower facility. The water discharge element can (in this context) be arranged, for example, (concentrically) below the (slot-shaped) water outlet (or outlets) of the cleaning nozzle. The cleaning nozzle and / or the at least one water outlet can be arranged and / or aligned relative to the water discharge element in such a way that the water outlet(s) of the cleaning nozzle (each) points towards the water discharge element.

[0021] Furthermore, a shower toilet can also be described, comprising a shower device for discharging water in the direction of a user of the shower toilet and at least one cleaning nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning nozzle is arranged and aligned for cleaning at least part of the shower device.

[0022] According to a further aspect, a method for cleaning at least part of a shower device of a shower toilet by means of a cleaning nozzle of the shower toilet is also proposed, comprising at least the following steps: a) supplying a water flow to the cleaning nozzle, b) delaying the water flow in the cleaning nozzle, c) discharging at least one at least partially laminar water jet from the cleaning nozzle.

[0023] To carry out the method, steps a), b), and c) can be performed at least once in the specified order. Furthermore, steps a), b), and c) can also be performed at least partially in parallel or simultaneously. The method can be carried out, for example, using a cleaning nozzle described here.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the use of a cleaning nozzle of a shower toilet, in which at least a portion of a delay line is formed for delaying a water flow through the cleaning nozzle, is also proposed for cleaning at least part of a shower device of the shower toilet using at least one at least partially laminar water jet. In particular, a cleaning nozzle described here can be used for this purpose.

[0025] The details, features, and advantageous embodiments discussed in connection with the cleaning nozzle may also be applicable to the seat for a shower toilet, the shower toilet, the method, and / or the use presented here, and vice versa. In this respect, reference is made in full to the explanations therein for a more detailed characterization of the features.

[0026] The solution presented here and its technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in or in connection with the figures and combine them with other components and / or findings from other figures and / or the present description. They show, by way of example and schematically: Fig. 1: a cleaning nozzle described here in front view, Fig. 2: a cleaning nozzle described here in a perspective exploded view, Fig. 3: a cleaning nozzle described here in a sectional view, Fig. 4: the cover element and the insert element of the cleaning nozzle in a perspective exploded view, Fig. 5: the cover element in a sectional view, Fig. 6: the cover element in a further sectional view, Fig. 7: a cleaning nozzle described here in a further sectional view, Fig. 8: an illustration of an advantageous flow pattern through the cleaning nozzle, and Fig. 9: a seat on a shower toilet described here.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows an example and schematically a cleaning nozzle 1 described here for a shower toilet 2 (cf. Fig. 9 ) in front view. In the cleaning nozzle 1, at least one water path 6 is formed between a water inlet 3 and at least one water outlet 4, 5 of the cleaning nozzle 1. The water path 6 forms, at least in sections, at least one delay section 7 for at least partially laminarizing at least one water jet discharged from the cleaning nozzle 1. By way of example, the cleaning nozzle 1 here has a first water outlet 4 and a second water outlet 5.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary and schematic view of a cleaning nozzle 1 described here in a perspective exploded view. The reference numerals are used consistently so that reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0029] In Fig. 2 It can be seen that, for example, at least one section of the delay section 7 can be formed with a chamber 8 for collecting water. The collection of water in the chamber 8 advantageously contributes to increasing the pressure loss between the water inlet and the at least one water outlet 4, 6 and thus reducing the flow velocity of the water flow on its path through the cleaning nozzle 1.

[0030] The cleaning nozzle 1 here comprises, for example, a nozzle body 12 with the water inlet 3 and a recess 13 into which the water inlet 3 opens. Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle here has, for example, a cover element 14 with at least one water outlet 4, 5, wherein the cover element 14 covers the recess 13. In addition, the cleaning nozzle has, for example, an insert element 15 arranged in the recess 13, which forms a baffle 16 with a flow-through opening 17 within the recess 13. For example, the nozzle body 12 and the cover element 14 contribute to delimiting the chamber 8. The chamber 8 is arranged, for example, in the recess 13.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary and schematic view of a cleaning nozzle 1 described here in a sectional view. The reference numerals are used consistently so that reference can be made to the previous explanations. Fig. 3 The entered filling level 10 is shown below in the illustration according to Fig. 4 explained in more detail.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows, by way of example and schematically, the cover element 14 and the insert element 15 of the cleaning nozzle 1 (from the previous figures) in a perspective exploded view. The reference numerals are used consistently so that reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0033] According to the presentation Fig. 4 It can be seen that at least one section of the delay section 7 can be formed with a plurality of channels 9 that run at least partially parallel to one another. The channels 9 are arranged here, for example, in two groups, with one group being assigned to the first water outlet 4 and the other group to the second water outlet 5. Furthermore, the channels 9 are formed here, for example, in the cover element 14.

[0034] From a summary in particular of the Figuren 3 und 4 It can also be seen that the channels 9 can be connected to the chamber 8 in such a way that the channels 9 can be supplied with water from the chamber 8 when a defined filling level 10 is reached in the chamber 8. This can also contribute to the deceleration of the flow through the cleaning nozzle 1.

[0035] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary and schematic sectional view of the cover element 14. The reference numerals are used consistently so that reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0036] It is clear from the illustration Fig. 5 It can be seen that the channels 9 can open into at least one collecting chamber 11 separate from the chamber 8. Typically, a collecting chamber 11 common to the group is arranged downstream of each of the groups of channels 9. The collection of water in the collecting chamber 11 can also contribute to slowing the flow through the cleaning nozzle 1.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows, by way of example and schematically, the cover element 14 in a further sectional view. The reference numerals are used consistently so that reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0038] In Fig. 6 It can also be advantageously seen that the cover element 14 can have a recess 21 and a depression 22. The recess 21 of the cover element 14 can (in the assembled state) contribute to delimiting the chamber 8. At least a lower section of the insert element 15 can be arranged in the recess 21. The depression 22 is formed here in the end face of the cover element 14 facing away from the water outlets 4, 5, for example in that the end face is beveled inwards from two opposite (narrow) sides of the cover element 14. This can result in at least partially different filling levels 10 for the channels 9 opening into the end face.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be seen that the channels 9 (in the cover element 14) can be arranged on opposite (narrow) sides of the recess 21. By means of the recess 21, at least the section of the insert element 15 projecting into the recess, the depression 22, the arrangement of the channels 9, and / or a rear side of the panel 16 facing the cover element 14, an advantageous multiple deflection of at least a portion of the water flow within the cleaning nozzle 1 can be achieved or enforced, in particular, before it can flow into the channels 9. This can also contribute to delaying the flow through the cleaning nozzle 1.

[0040] Fig. 7 shows, by way of example and schematically, a further sectional view of a cleaning nozzle 1 described here. The reference numerals are used consistently so that reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0041] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary and schematic illustration of an advantageous flow pattern through the cleaning nozzle 1. The reference numerals are used consistently so that reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0042] For cleaning at least part of a shower facility 19 (cf. Fig. 9 ) of a shower toilet 2 by means of the cleaning nozzle 1 of the shower toilet 2, a water flow can first be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 1, here for example via the water inlet 3. The water flow can then be delayed in the cleaning nozzle 1, here for example by means of the delay section 7. Thereafter, at least one at least partially laminar water jet can be discharged from the cleaning nozzle 1, here for example from the two water outlets 4, 5.

[0043] Fig. 9shows, by way of example and schematically, a seat 18 described here on a shower toilet 2. The seat 18 for the shower toilet 2 comprises a shower device 19 for discharging water in the direction of a user of the shower toilet 2 and at least one cleaning nozzle 1 described here. The cleaning nozzle 1 is arranged and aligned for cleaning at least part of the shower device 19.

[0044] Water entering the cleaning nozzle 1 through the water inlet 3 can exit the cleaning nozzle 1 via a first water outlet 4 and a second water outlet 5 spaced therefrom. At least two separate water jets, for example, circular in cross-section and at least partially laminar, with at least one directional component toward a water discharge element 20 of the shower device 19, can be discharged from the cleaning nozzle 1.

[0045] The cleaning nozzle 1 of the shower toilet 2, in which at least in sections a delay section 7 is formed for delaying a water flow flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1, can thus be used for cleaning at least part of a shower device 19 of the shower toilet 2 by means of at least one at least partially laminar water jet.

[0046] By connecting a delay line 7 between the water inlet 3 and the water outlet 4, 5 and by directing the advantageously collected amount of water preferably into small channels 9, at least one laminar jet (here, for example, two laminar jets) can be created in a particularly advantageous manner at the outlet, which produces as little or no splashes as possible when it hits the shower device 19.

[0047] Thus, a cleaning nozzle for a shower toilet, a seat for a shower toilet, a method for cleaning at least part of a shower facility of a shower toilet using a cleaning nozzle of the shower toilet, and a use of a cleaning nozzle of a shower toilet can be specified, which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a cleaning nozzle for a shower toilet, a seat for a shower toilet, a method for cleaning at least part of a shower facility of a shower toilet using a cleaning nozzle of the shower toilet, and a use of a cleaning nozzle of a shower toilet can be specified, each of which at least contributes to enabling the most pleasant and hygienic operation of the shower toilet for a user.Advantageously, the cleaning nozzle can at least reduce and preferably avoid as much as possible the occurrence of splashes during cleaning of the shower facility of the shower toilet. List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 Cleaning nozzle 2 Shower toilet 3 Water inlet 4 First water outlet 5 Second water outlet 6 Water path 7 Delay section 8 Chamber 9 Channels 10 Filling height 11 Collecting chamber 12 Nozzle body 13 Recess 14 Cover element 15 Insert element 16 Panel 17 Opening 18 Seat 19 Shower device 20 Water discharge element 21 Recess 22 Sink

Claims

1. A cleaning nozzle (1) for a bidet toilet (2), wherein at least one water conduit (6) is formed between a water inlet (3) and at least one water outlet (4, 5) of the cleaning nozzle (1), wherein the water conduit (6) forms, at least in sections, at least one deceleration path (7) for at least partially laminarizing at least one water jet that can be dispensed by the cleaning nozzle (1), characterized in that at least one section of the deceleration path (7) is formed with a multiplicity of channels (9) which run at least partially parallel to one another.

2. The cleaning nozzle (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one section of the deceleration path (7) is formed with a chamber (8) for collecting water.

3. The cleaning nozzle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the channels (9) are connected in such a manner to the chamber (8), through which the water conduit (6) extends, that water from the chamber (8) can flow into the channels (9) when a defined filling level (10) is reached in the chamber (8).

4. The cleaning nozzle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (9) open into at least one collecting space (11) separated from the chamber (8).

5. The cleaning nozzle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a nozzle body (12) with the water inlet (3) and a recess (13) into which the water inlet (3) opens, - a cover element (14) with the at least one water outlet (4, 5), wherein the cover element (14) covers the recess (13), and - an insert element (15) which is arranged in the recess (13) and which forms a faceplate (16) with a flow-through opening (17) within the recess (13).

6. A seat (18) for a bidet toilet (2), wherein the seat (18) comprises a shower device (19) for dispensing water in the direction of a user of the bidet toilet (2), and at least one cleaning nozzle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning nozzle (1) is arranged and oriented for cleaning at least part of the shower device (19).

7. The seat (18) according to claim 6, wherein at least two separate and at least partially laminar water jets having at least one directional component can be dispensed from the cleaning nozzle (1) towards a water dispensing element (20) of the shower device (19).

8. A method for cleaning at least part of a shower device (19) of a bidet toilet (2) by means of a cleaning nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least the following steps: a) supplying a water flow to the cleaning nozzle (1), b) decelerating the water flow in the cleaning nozzle (1), c) dispensing at least one at least partially laminar water jet from the cleaning nozzle (1).

9. A use of a cleaning nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which a deceleration path (7) for decelerating a water flow flowing through the cleaning nozzle (1) is formed at least in sections, for cleaning at least part of a shower device (19) of the bidet toilet (2) by means of at least one at least partially laminar water jet.