Pneumatic flushing device for toilet appliance, toilet appliance having pneumatic flushing device, and method for retrofitting pneumatic flushing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a flushing device (1) for a toilet appliance (2) having at least: a flushing tank (3) for accommodating a flushing fluid; a pneumatically actuatable drain valve (4) for discharging the flushing fluid to the toilet appliance (2); an actuating device (5) by means of which a user of the toilet appliance (2) can actuate the drain valve (4); and an electric pump (6) for generating compressed air by means of which the drain valve (4) can be actuated. The invention further relates to a toilet appliance (2) having a corresponding flushing device (1) and to a method for retrofitting a flushing device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flushing device for toilet appliances, a toilet appliance having a flushing device, and a method for modifying the flushing device. The flushing device allows for the flushing of toilet appliances, particularly those used to receive bodily waste. Background Technology

[0002] Toilet fixtures typically include a bedpan, which can be cleaned by a flushing device after use. The flushing device may have a flush tank for holding flushing fluid, the flow of which from the tank to the bedpan is controlled by a pneumatically operated drain valve. The user operates the drain valve using a control device with at least one actuating element (such as a control button). This device compresses air, which is then delivered via a compressed air line to the drain valve to open it. A disadvantage of this type of flushing device is that pathogens and / or bacteria may grow or multiply in the bedpan if it is not used regularly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art, and in particular to provide a flushing device for toilet appliances that can at least reduce the growth or reproduction of pathogens and / or bacteria. Furthermore, a toilet appliance should be provided in which the flushing device can at least reduce the growth or reproduction of pathogens and / or bacteria. Additionally, a method for modifying the flushing device of a toilet appliance should be provided, by which the growth or reproduction of pathogens and / or bacteria can at least be reduced.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a flushing device, toilet appliance, and method according to the features described in the independent claims. Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in any technically reasonable manner and define other inventive embodiments. Furthermore, the features listed in the claims are described in more detail in the specification, wherein other preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0005] Contributing to this are flushing devices for toilets that have at least the following characteristics:

[0006] - A flushing tank / flushing fluid tank for holding the flushing fluid;

[0007] - A pneumatically operated drain valve for dispensing flushing fluid into toilet appliances;

[0008] - A control device that allows the user of the toilet to operate the drain valve; and

[0009] - An electric pump is used to generate compressed air, which can then be used to operate the drain valve.

[0010] Toilet fixtures can be designed in the form of toilets or urinals. They may include a bedpan that can be cleaned using a flushing device. Cleaning is accomplished using a flushing solution, which can be water.

[0011] The flushing device has a flush tank for containing flushing fluid. The flush tank may be located within or on a building wall, and / or may be connected to the toilet fixture, specifically the toilet bowl, via a flushing fluid line. The flush tank may be at least partially made of plastic and / or designed as an injection-molded part. The flush tank may have a mounting frame through which it can be secured to a building wall and / or building floor. The mounting frame may include at least one metal profile. The mounting frame can be secured to a building wall and / or building floor. The mounting frame can serve as a support for the flush tank. The flush tank has a receiving cavity for flushing fluid, for example, the receiving cavity may have a flushing fluid capacity of 3 to 9 liters. The receiving cavity may have an upper flush tank opening, which may be at least partially closed by a cover, for example.

[0012] The flush tank may have an inlet valve or a filling valve for injecting flushing fluid into the flush tank. The inlet valve or filling valve is particularly used for automatically filling or replenishing the flush tank after the flushing process of the toilet fixtures until the flush tank reaches the rated fill state or rated flushing fluid level.

[0013] The flushing device has a pneumatically operated drain valve for discharging flushing fluid to the toilet fixture, specifically the toilet bowl. The drain valve is particularly used for discharging flushing fluid from the flush tank to the toilet fixture, specifically the toilet bowl. The drain valve may have a valve body and / or be disposed at the bottom of the receiving cavity of the flush tank. The drain valve may have a valve body through which the output of flushing fluid via a drain opening of the receiving cavity of the flush tank can be controlled. For this purpose, the valve body is particularly adjustable between an open position and a closed position, in which the drain opening is at least partially open, and in a closed position, the drain opening is closed. Here, "closed" is particularly understood to mean that, as long as the flushing fluid in the flush tank does not exceed the rated flushing fluid level, the flushing fluid cannot flow out through the drain opening. The valve body may be at least partially designed as a tube. If the flushing fluid in the receiving cavity exceeds the rated flushing fluid level, the flushing fluid can flow out through the drain opening even if the valve body is in the closed position. This also means that, in the closed position of the valve body, specifically with the drain opening closed, the flushing fluid can only flow out through the drain opening, across the valve body. With the flushing device, drain valve, and / or flushing tank installed or ready, the valve body can be adjusted, in particular, along an adjustment path that extends (essentially) vertically between the closed and open positions. Alternatively, the valve body can also swing between the closed and open positions.

[0014] The outlet opening is specifically designed in the bottom of the receiving cavity of the flushing tank and / or on the valve seat assembly of the drain valve. In the closed position, the valve body, particularly by means of its lower end on its longitudinal side, sits on the valve seat. The valve seat can, in particular, be designed as annular and / or have a seal, for example, in the form of a (annular) flat washer. Furthermore, the valve seat can surround and / or restrict the drain opening. The drain valve can have a float for generating buoyancy, by means of which the valve body can be adjusted, in particular, from the closed position to the open position.

[0015] The drain valve may have an overflow passage through which flushing fluid can flow out of the flushing tank when the drain opening is closed. This means that flushing fluid can bypass the valve body and flow out of the flushing tank via the overflow passage. In particular, if the flushing fluid in the flushing tank's containment cavity exceeds the rated flushing fluid level, the flushing fluid can flow out via the overflow passage.

[0016] The drain valve can be pneumatically opened, specifically by means of compressed air or compressed air. The valve body can be adjusted from the closed position to the open position by compressed air, and / or unlocked in the closed position, so that the valve body can be adjusted from the closed position to the open position by a float.

[0017] The flushing device has an operating mechanism that allows the user of the toilet to activate or open the drain valve. The operating mechanism can also control the output of flushing fluid into the toilet bowl. Air can be compressed, specifically compressed air, via the operating mechanism, which can then open the drain valve. In particular, compressed air can be generated by the operator pressing or manipulating at least one actuating element of the operating mechanism. The compressed air can have an air pressure greater than 1 bar, for example, from 1.1 bar to 3 bar. At least one actuating element can be, for example, an operating button or a toggle switch. The compressed air can be generated, particularly manually, mechanically, and / or non-electrically, via the operating mechanism.

[0018] The flushing device has an electric pump for generating compressed air, which can activate or open the drain valve. The compressed air generated by the electric pump can also have an air pressure greater than 1 bar, for example, 1.1 bar to 3 bar. The electric pump can be connected to the drain valve via a compressed air line. The compressed air line can be at least partially designed as a hose and / or pipe. The pump can be part of a pump module. The pump can be arranged in the pump module, specifically in the module housing of the pump module. The electric pump is capable of automatically opening the drain valve and / or automatically triggering the flushing process of the toilet fixture, specifically the bedpan, for example, at preset time intervals and / or after a preset time following the flushing process. Thus, even when the user is away for extended periods, the toilet fixture, specifically the bedpan, can be flushed periodically, thereby at least reducing the growth or reproduction of pathogens and / or bacteria in the toilet fixture, specifically the bedpan.

[0019] The operating device can be connected to the exhaust valve via a compressed air line. The compressed air line can be designed, at least in part, as a hose and / or pipe.

[0020] The pump can be connected to a compressed air line. For example, the pump and operating device can be connected to a drain valve via the same compressed air line. The pump can be connected to the compressed air line, for example, via a T-joint.

[0021] The flushing device may have a first valve for controlling the output of compressed air to the drain valve. This first valve, in particular, controls the output of compressed air generated by the pump to the drain valve, or releases overpressure generated by the pump to the drain valve. The first valve may be an electric valve, a shut-off valve, and / or a solenoid valve. The first valve may be arranged within the pump module, specifically within the module housing of the pump module.

[0022] The flushing device may have a second valve to prevent compressed air from being supplied to the operating device. The second valve may be designed as a solenoid valve, shut-off valve, anti-backflow valve, and / or check valve. The second valve is arranged within the pump module, specifically the module housing of the pump module.

[0023] The flushing device may have a control unit for controlling the pump. This control unit may be an electronic control unit. The control unit may include at least one microprocessor. The pump, a first valve, and / or a second valve can be controlled via the control unit. The control unit may be set and / or configured to automatically open the drain valve and / or automatically trigger the flushing process of the toilet fixture, specifically the bedpan, by means of an electric pump, for example, at a preset time interval and / or after a preset time following the flushing process. The control unit may have an electronic interface for adjusting the time interval, the preset time after the flushing process, and / or the amount of flushing fluid to be output through the drain valve during the flushing process. The control unit may be arranged within the pump module, specifically the module housing of the pump module.

[0024] The flushing device may have an energy source for the electric pump. The flushing device may have an electrical energy source for the electric pump, the first valve, the second valve, and / or the control device. The energy source may be an accumulator. The energy source may be arranged within the pump module, specifically within the module housing of the pump module.

[0025] The energy source may include at least one battery. The at least one battery may be a rechargeable battery.

[0026] According to another perspective, a toilet fixture is also proposed, which has at least the following features:

[0027] - Bedpan; and

[0028] - The flushing device described in this article.

[0029] Toilet fixtures can be designed, in particular, in the form of toilets or urinals. Bedpans are specifically designed to receive bodily excrement and / or can be made at least partially of mineral castings, ceramics, concrete, plastics, and / or metals. Furthermore, bedpans can be fastened to the building floor and / or building walls, for example, by means of a mounting frame. A flushing device can be used to clean the bedpan using a flushing liquid, especially water, specifically to flush away bodily excrement from the bedpan.

[0030] For further details on toilet fixtures, please refer to the description of the proposed flushing device.

[0031] According to another aspect, a method is proposed for equipping a flushing device for toilet appliances with an electric pump for generating compressed air, wherein the flushing device has at least:

[0032] - A flushing tank / water tank for holding the flushing fluid;

[0033] - A pneumatically operated drain valve for dispensing flushing fluid into toilet appliances;

[0034] - A control device that allows the user of the toilet to operate the drain valve; and

[0035] - Compressed air line, through which the control device is connected to the exhaust valve;

[0036] In this method, an electric pump is connected to a compressed air pipeline, so that the discharge valve can be operated by the compressed air generated by the pump.

[0037] This method is particularly useful for adding an electric pump or pump module including an electric pump to an existing flushing device for toilet appliances. Specifically, it is used to retrofit flushing devices that, prior to retrofitting, could not be automatically triggered and / or could only be triggered manually by the user. For example, the electric pump or pump module can be connected to a compressed air line via a T-shaped connector. After adding the electric pump to the flushing device, the pump can automatically open the drain valve and / or automatically trigger the flushing process of the toilet appliance, specifically the bedpan, for example, at preset time intervals and / or after a preset time following the flushing process. Thus, even when the user is away for extended periods, the toilet appliance, specifically the bedpan, can be flushed periodically, thereby at least reducing the growth or reproduction of pathogens and / or bacteria in the toilet appliance, specifically the bedpan.

[0038] Before connecting the pump, the compressed air line can be disconnected. For example, it can be cut using a cutting device (such as scissors, a knife, a saw, pliers, or diagonal pliers). The compressed air line can be divided into a first section and a second section. The first section of the compressed air line can then be connected, for example, to the compressed air inlet of the pump or pump module, and / or the second section can be connected, for example, to the compressed air outlet of the pump or pump module. The pump or pump module can be connected to an operating device via the first section of the compressed air line, and / or to a drain valve via the second section of the compressed air line.

[0039] For further details on the method, please refer to the description of the proposed flushing device and the proposed toilet fixtures. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The invention and its technical environment will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings illustrate particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but are not limited thereto. Here, the same components are given the same reference numerals. Wherein, exemplarily and schematically:

[0041] Figure 1 The toilet fixtures are shown in perspective, along with the operating mechanism of the flushing device;

[0042] Figure 2 The mounting frame for the toilet fixtures is shown in perspective.

[0043] Figure 3 A perspective view shows the flushing device of a toilet before the pump is installed;

[0044] Figure 4 A perspective view shows the flushing device of the toilet fixtures during the installation of the pump;

[0045] Figure 5 A perspective view shows the flushing device of a toilet after the pump has been installed; and

[0046] Figure 6 The flushing device of a toilet is illustrated in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 The toilet fixture 2 is shown in perspective. The toilet fixture 2 includes a bedpan 13, which is constructed by means of… Figure 2 The mounting frame 14 shown is fastened to the wall 15 of the building. Figure 2 The mounting frame 14 shown is in Figure 1 The cavity 18 is concealed by the front wall 16 and wall decorative elements 17 designed in the form of tiles. Therefore, the mounting frame 14 is arranged in the cavity 18 between the wall 15 and the front wall 16. The front wall 16 has an opening that is not visible at this time, connecting the cavity 18 to the environment 19. This opening is covered by an operating device 5, which is used to activate the... Figures 3 to 6 The toilet fixture 2 shown has a flushing device 1 with a drain valve 4. The operating device 5 includes an operating button 21 arranged in the cover plate 20.

[0048] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The toilet fixture 2 shown is mounted on a frame 14, while the front wall 16 and wall decoration element 17 are not shown. The flushing device 1 of the toilet fixture 2 is fastened to the mounting frame 14 and includes a flushing tank 3 for flushing fluid. The flushing tank 3 contains... Figures 3 to 6 The drain valve 4 shown can control the flow of flushing fluid from the flushing tank 3 to the flushing tank 3. Figure 1 The flow of fluid in the toilet bowl 13 is shown. The flushing tank 3 is connected to the toilet bowl 13 via the flushing fluid line 22. The drain valve 4 can be activated by the operating button 21 of the operating device 5.

[0049] Figure 3 The perspective view shows the installation of [something]. Figure 6 The flushing device 1 is shown before the pump 6. The operating device 5 is connected to the drain valve 4 via a compressed air line 7. When the operating button 21 is pressed, the operating device 5 generates compressed air, which flows through the compressed air line 7 to the drain valve 4. The drain valve 4 can be opened by this compressed air, allowing flushing fluid to be released. Figure 2The flushing fluid line 22 shown flows into Figure 1 In the toilet bowl 13 shown. If the flushing fluid reaches and / or falls below the preset minimum flushing fluid level in the flushing tank 3, the drain valve 4 automatically closes. An inlet valve 23 is arranged in the flushing tank 3, which (automatically) injects flushing fluid into the flushing tank 3 again until the rated flushing fluid level is reached in the flushing tank 3.

[0050] Figure 4 The perspective view shows the installation of it. Figure 6 The flushing device 1 is shown during pump 6. The operating device 5 has been removed from the flushing tank 3, thus providing access to the compressed air line 7. When modifying the flushing device 1, the compressed air line 7 is divided into a first section 25 and a second section 26 (e.g., using scissors 24).

[0051] Figure 5 The perspective view shows the addition of Figure 6 The flushing device 1 is shown after pump 6. The first section 25 of compressed air line 7 is connected to the compressed air inlet 27 of pump module 29, and the second section 26 of compressed air line 7 is connected to the compressed air outlet 28 of pump module 29. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a press.) Figure 3 When the control button 21 is activated, the compressed air generated by the control device 5 can flow through the first section 25 of the compressed air line 7, the pump module 29, and the second section 26 of the compressed air line 7 to the drain valve 4, thereby opening the drain valve 4. The pump module 29 is equipped with... Figure 6 The pump 6 shown can generate compressed air. Subsequently, the pump 3 or pump module 29 can be arranged in the flushing tank 3, and / or the operating device 5 can be re-secured to the flushing tank 3.

[0052] Figure 6 A flushing device 1 is illustrated schematically. The flushing device 1 includes a flushing tank 3 with a drain valve 4, a pump module 29 with a pump 6, and an operating device 5. The operating device 5 is connected to the compressed air inlet 27 of the pump module 29 via a first section 25 of a compressed air line 7. A second section 26 of the compressed air line 7 connects the compressed air outlet 28 of the pump module 29 to the drain valve 4. The compressed air inlet 27 and the compressed air outlet 28 are connected via a compressed air passage 30 of the pump module 29, thereby allowing the flushing device to operate when the air is turned on. Figure 1 When the user (manually) operates the control device 5 of the toilet appliance 2 shown, compressed air can flow from the control device 5 to the drain valve 4 via the pump module 29.

[0053] Compressed air or overpressure can be generated in the pressure chamber 31 of the pump module 29 by the pump 6. The pressure chamber 31 can be designed as a (second or additional) compressed air passage in the compressed air module 29. The pressure chamber 31 is connected to the compressed air passage 30 and the compressed air outlet 28 via a first valve 8 of the pump module 29. The first valve 8 can be a solenoid valve. The pump module 29 has a control device 10 that can (automatically) control the pump 6 and the first valve 8. In order to (automatically) open the drain valve 4, the control device 10 can open the first valve 8, so that the compressed air from the pressure chamber 31 flows to the drain valve 4 via the compressed air passage 30, the compressed air outlet 28, and the second part 26 of the compressed air line 7. The pump module 29 has a second valve 9, which is designed as an anti-backflow valve or check valve. The second valve 9 prevents the compressed air from the pressure chamber 31 from flowing to the operating device 5 via the compressed air inlet 27 when the first valve 8 is open. Alternatively, the second valve 9 can be a solenoid valve. In this configuration, when the first valve 8 is open, the control device 10 can close the second valve 9. The pump module 29 has an (electrical) power source 11 through which electrical energy can be supplied to the pump 6, the first valve 8, the second valve 9, and / or the control device 10. The power source 11 is a battery 12.

[0054] The present invention can at least reduce the growth or reproduction of pathogens and / or bacteria in toilet utensils 2, specifically toilet bowl 13.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 1. Flushing device

[0057] 2 Toilet Supplies

[0058] 3 Rinse Box

[0059] 4 drain valves

[0060] 5. Control Device

[0061] 6 pumps

[0062] 7 Compressed air pipeline

[0063] 8 First valve

[0064] 9 Second valve

[0065] 10 Control Devices

[0066] 11 energy sources

[0067] 12 batteries

[0068] 13 potty

[0069] 14 Installation Frame

[0070] 15 walls

[0071] 16 Anterior Wall

[0072] 17 Wall decoration elements

[0073] 18 cavity

[0074] 19 Environment

[0075] 20 cover plate

[0076] 21 Control Buttons

[0077] 22 Flushing fluid pipeline

[0078] 23 Inlet Valve

[0079] 24 scissors

[0080] 25 Part 1

[0081] 26 Part Two

[0082] 27 Compressed air inlet

[0083] 28 Compressed air outlet

[0084] 29 Pump Module

[0085] 30 Compressed Air Channels

[0086] 31 pressure chambers

Claims

1. A flushing device (1) for a toilet appliance (2), the flushing device having at least: - Rinse tank (3) for holding rinsing fluid; - A pneumatically operated drain valve (4) for discharging flushing fluid into toilet appliances (2); - The user of the toilet appliance (2) can operate the drain valve (4) via the control device (5); and - An electric pump (6) is used to generate compressed air, which can operate the discharge valve (4) via compressed air.

2. The rinsing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The control device (5) is connected to the discharge valve (4) via the compressed air pipeline (7).

3. The rinsing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The pump (6) is connected to the compressed air pipeline (7).

4. The flushing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the flushing device having a first valve (8) for controlling the output of compressed air to the drain valve (4).

5. The flushing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the flushing device having a second valve (9) for preventing compressed air from being output to the operating device (5).

6. The flushing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the flushing device having a control device (10) for controlling the pump (6).

7. The flushing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the flushing device having an energy source (11) for an electric pump (6).

8. The rinsing device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The energy source (11) includes at least one battery (12).

9. A toilet appliance (2), which has at least: - Bedpan (13); and - The flushing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for installing an electric pump (6) for generating compressed air into a flushing device (1) of a toilet appliance (2), wherein, The rinsing device (1) has at least the following features: - Rinse tank (3) for holding rinsing fluid; - A pneumatically operated drain valve (4) for discharging flushing fluid into toilet appliances (2); - The user of the toilet appliance (2) can operate the drain valve (4) via the control device (5); and - Compressed air pipeline (7), the operating device (5) is connected to the discharge valve (4) via the compressed air pipeline; In this method, an electric pump (6) is connected to a compressed air line (7), so that the discharge valve (4) can be operated by the compressed air generated by the pump (6).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Before connecting the pump (6), disconnect the compressed air line (7).

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