Humidifying device for a toilet bowl

Abstract

The utility model relates to a humidifying device for closestool, especially a humidifying device for the inner surface of closestool basin body, and in particular to a humidifying device which can be installed on the closestool basin body. The humidifying device comprises a container for liquid, a holder, a pump device for conveying liquid and a spraying device for spraying liquid into the inner space of the closestool basin body, wherein the holder is used to laterally mount the humidifying device on the edge of the closestool basin body, and the height of the holder is less than the distance between the closestool basin body and the seat ring or closestool cover which can be put down thereon, thereby allowing the seat ring or closestool cover to be completely put down. The humidifying device is characterized in that the spraying device is arranged to spray liquid in the form of at least one jet stream, and the jet stream is inclined downward and is targetedly directed to the rear area of the closestool basin body, so as to quickly and efficiently wet the relevant surface which is most prone to dirt adhesion by means of liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a humidification device for use inside a toilet bowl. More particularly, it relates to a humidification device that can be mounted on the toilet bowl. Background Technology

[0002] It is well known that by humidifying the inner surface of the toilet bowl (usually glazed ceramic), dirt buildup can be reduced or completely avoided. Various devices utilize this effect, wetting the inner surface with liquid before and after using the toilet.

[0003] For example, documents EP 2 707 549 B1 and WO 2016 / 058753 A1 disclose devices that can be installed inside a toilet seat for spraying cleaning fluid into the interior space of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is closed.

[0004] In the solutions disclosed in EP 3 438 360 B1, JP 6 603 869 B2 and JP 6 982 807 B2, a device is used, particularly installed at the rear of the toilet bowl and integrated with the toilet seat base, for humidifying the interior space with washing foam.

[0005] The drawback of these and other known solutions is the difficulty in easily retrofitting them to existing toilet bowls (including the associated toilet seat and possibly the seat ring). Installation inside the toilet seat can cause interference when the user leans back during use. While devices integrated into the toilet seat base at the rear of the hinge area avoid this drawback, they require replacing the original toilet seat entirely with one that can be fitted to a base incorporating this technology. Furthermore, such devices are constructed quite tall, potentially unintentionally increasing the seating height. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a device that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0007] Specifically, this invention aims to provide a humidification device for the inside of a toilet bowl, which is easy to install, allowing the original toilet bowl and toilet seat to continue to be used. Humidification should be performed quickly, efficiently, and economically.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the humidification device described below. Advantageous embodiments can be derived from the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] Humidifiers are used to moisten the inner surface of the toilet bowl to reduce or prevent dirt buildup.

[0010] The humidifying device includes a container for a liquid, which can be, in particular, ordinary water. Optionally, the liquid may also include a specialized cleaning solution or a liquid that reduces dirt adhesion. Fragrances, descaling agents, or disinfectants may also be added to the liquid. However, for the purposes of this invention, ordinary water is sufficient.

[0011] The humidifier includes a retainer for mounting it on the toilet bowl. Additionally, the humidifier includes a pump for delivering liquid and a spray device for spraying liquid into the interior space of the toilet bowl.

[0012] Furthermore, the humidifier includes a retainer for laterally mounting the humidifier on the edge of the toilet bowl, the height of which is less than the distance between the toilet bowl and the seat or toilet lid that can be lowered onto the toilet bowl, thus allowing the humidifier to be fully lowered. This flat retainer design allows for easy installation of the humidifier onto existing toilet bowls. Since the toilet lid can still be closed after the humidifier is installed, there is no need to replace the toilet lid (and possibly the matching seat). The humidifier remains sideways to the toilet bowl during use, thus causing no obstruction. It also does not affect the sitting height.

[0013] According to this invention, the spraying device sprays liquid in the form of at least one jet stream. This means that the liquid is not sprayed in the form of a mist, and in particular not in the form of tiny suspended droplets, for example, 10 to 100 micrometers in size, which could spontaneously distribute evenly across all surfaces inside the toilet bowl. Instead, the liquid forms a continuous jet stream, or the jet stream consists of single but significantly larger droplets (e.g., measured at 200 micrometers or more), which move downwards under the influence of gravity.

[0014] According to this invention, the spraying device is tilted downwards and specifically aimed at the rear area of ​​the toilet bowl. These two measures allow for quick and efficient wetting of the key surfaces where dirt most easily adheres with liquid.

[0015] Therefore, this invention avoids the shortcomings of the prior art. Based on the structure and orientation of the spraying device according to this invention, the humidification process is carried out quickly, efficiently, and economically.

[0016] The following describes in detail various embodiments of this utility model.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the retainer includes a spraying device for dispensing liquid on its side facing the interior space of the toilet bowl. Particularly preferably, the width of the spraying device is the same as or smaller than the width of the retainer. In other words, the spraying device is integrated into the retainer. The spraying device neither protrudes laterally nor towards the toilet bowl from the retainer, which improves cleanliness because it provides a smooth, uniform surface that is as smooth as possible, allowing less water-based or solid particles to adhere to or be more easily removed from the surface.

[0018] As previously mentioned, the spraying device is used to generate at least one jet of liquid that is immediately sprayed onto the targeted inner surfaces of the toilet bowl. While in the case of an untargeted mist, the mist will naturally distribute within the internal space (volume) of the toilet bowl, this will also include areas irrelevant to achieving the intended purpose of preventing dirt buildup. Furthermore, this will consume more liquid than necessary and require significantly more wetting time.

[0019] Optionally, a device for accelerating the airflow, particularly a device such as a fan, may be provided to deliver the liquid to the target location better, i.e., faster and / or more specifically. The fan may be located within or upstream of the retainer. When the spraying device ejects droplets, the fan is preferably located within the delivery space leading to the spraying device or introducing airflow into the delivery line. When the spraying device ejects a continuous jet of liquid, the fan is located in close proximity to the spraying device. The airflow may also be configured around the spraying device to surround the liquid jet, simultaneously directing and accelerating it.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the humidifier includes a power supply device that drives a pump. The power supply device can be electrically or mechanically driven (e.g., spring-driven), and can store and convert mechanical or electrical energy supplied by the movement of the toilet seat or the load on the seat ring, as needed. In this way, an external power supply device can be eliminated.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the spraying device is constructed as a multi-component unit and / or includes multiple, particularly two, three, four, or five independent nozzles. The advantage of this embodiment is that it allows for more targeted delivery of liquid to the target location.

[0022] The power supply device preferably includes a rechargeable energy storage device. If the energy storage device is an electrical energy storage device, a humidification device including a solar cell can also be installed, which continuously charges the energy storage device. The solar cell can also be integrated into a dedicated toilet seat to supplement the humidification device.

[0023] It is also conceivable that the energy storage device can be charged via a USB interface. Preferably, the energy storage device indicates that the power is about to be depleted.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the humidification device includes a sensor for detecting when the toilet seat is open, wherein it must also be ensured that the jet stream can still be sprayed quickly and in a targeted manner even under the influence of airflow when the toilet seat is open, so as to ensure a good humidification effect.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the humidifier includes a sensor for detecting the presence of a person. That is, once someone approaches the toilet, the mist is sprayed in advance, which gives the humidifier more time to moisten the inside of the toilet bowl before the toilet lid is opened.

[0026] Another implementation includes a photosensor. This can be used as a start signal for the operating device when there is no daylight in the toilet and artificial light is only temporarily turned on before use.

[0027] Preferably, the liquid jet is ejected only for a short period of time (e.g., 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, or 5 seconds). Therefore, the sensor triggers a timed drive of the pump assembly and, possibly, the fan.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the humidifier includes a manually operable switch for time-limited activation of the pump. The switch (preferably a button or key) may be located on the upper side of the humidifier.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the humidification device includes a spray gun connected via a hose to the aforementioned pump device or another (independent) pump device. The spray gun is used for manually spraying and brushing the inner wall of the toilet bowl. This is particularly useful when stubborn dirt remains attached despite humidification before toilet use. Here, the spray gun is supplied with liquid from a container, and is preferably mounted laterally on the container when not in use. This spray gun also helps to eliminate the need for a toilet brush.

[0030] If the liquid is skin-friendly, the spray gun can also be used to clean the user (sitz bath function).

[0031] Particularly preferably, the liquid container is detachable from the humidifier. This allows for easy refilling without removing the rest of the humidifier from the toilet bowl. The container may be equipped with a level display or alarm to promptly alert the user to the need for refilling.

[0032] Preferably, the height of the retainer is between 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm, and / or the width of the retainer is between 5.0 cm and 10.0 cm. This size of retainer can fit into the gap under most toilet seats / seats and can simultaneously deliver a sufficient amount of liquid to the inner surface.

[0033] Preferably, the container volume is between 0.1 liters and 1.0 liters. This achieves a good balance between filling intervals and space occupancy.

[0034] The liquid volume sprayed in each cleaning process is preferably between 0.001 liters and 0.1 liters, and particularly preferably about 0.005 liters. The spraying time is preferably between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds, and particularly preferably between 2 seconds and 3 seconds.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the retainer has retaining claws on its lower side at its distal end (facing the interior space of the toilet bowl) that face the bottom of the toilet bowl. The retaining claws are designed to surround the upper edge of the toilet bowl, allowing the humidifier to be "suspended" on the edge of the toilet bowl. Preferably, the spacing of the retaining claws is adjustable so that the humidifier can be installed on toilet bowls of different wall thicknesses.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the retainer and / or humidifier has one or more suction devices (e.g., suction cups) on the outer wall of the toilet bowl for mounting on the aforementioned outer side. These suction devices allow the humidifier to be stably and securely fastened to the toilet for extended periods, independent of the geometry of the toilet bowl's edge, provided that the surface of the toilet bowl used for fastening is sufficiently smooth, which should be true in most cases.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the retainer can be tool-free detachably fastened to a base plate that can be permanently fixed to the rim of the toilet bowl. The base plate is permanently fixed to the toilet bowl, for example, by double-sided tape. The base plate has a mating geometry on its side facing away from the toilet bowl that engages with the shape of the retainer. This embodiment is largely not limited by the width of the rim of the toilet bowl and can also be used on rough surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The present invention will be described by way of example below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet bowl with a toilet seat and a humidifier. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the only Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet bowl 2 with a toilet seat 7 and a humidifier 1. The humidifier 1 includes a container 3 for liquid (not shown), a retainer 4, a pump device 5 for conveying the liquid, and a spray device 6 for spraying the liquid into the interior space of the toilet bowl 2. The retainer 4 is used to laterally mount the humidifier 1 on the edge of the toilet bowl 2. The height H of the retainer 4 is less than the distance between the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet seat 7, which can be lowered onto the toilet bowl 2. Therefore, the humidifier 1 allows the toilet seat 7 to be fully lowered without removing or otherwise altering (e.g., moving into a resting position) the humidifier 1. It should be noted that the height H of the retainer 4 is also less than or equal to the distance between the toilet bowl 2 and the normally present toilet seat (not shown). Therefore, with the humidifier 1 mounted on the toilet bowl 2, either the toilet seat 7 with a seat or the seat alone can be lowered.

[0041] The retainer 4 has a spray device 6 on its side facing the interior space of the toilet bowl 2 (the right end of the retainer 4 in the figure). The spray device 6 does not extend beyond the retainer 4 but is installed within its interior space. This provides a smooth outer surface structure that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. Electrical and electronic components (power supply, controller, switch, sensor, etc.) that may be present are not shown in the figure. As shown, the spray device 6 is angled downwards to achieve targeted and efficient wetting of the relevant surfaces. Here, the spray device 6 is configured to spray three independent jets of large droplets, indicated by dashed lines. The structural design of the outlet of the spray device 6 is not shown in the figure. The relevant surfaces, typically located in the middle and rear part of the toilet bowl 2, are highlighted by dotted areas.

[0042] Here, the retainer 4 has a retaining claw 8 on its distal end (right side in the figure) facing the bottom of the toilet bowl. The retaining claw 8 allows the humidifier 1 to be suspended from the side edge of the toilet bowl 2. In this way, the humidifier 1 can also be easily removed from the toilet bowl 2 when needed.

[0043] Preferably, the container 3 and the humidifying device 1 are detachable for easy refilling (detachability not shown).

[0044] List of reference numerals

[0045] 1 Humidifier

[0046] 2 Toilet basin

[0047] 3 containers

[0048] 4. Holder

[0049] 5. Pump Unit

[0050] 6. Spraying device

[0051] 7 Toilet seat

[0052] 8. Holding clip

[0053] H height

Claims

1. Humidifying device (1) for a toilet, wherein The humidifying device (1) is configured to humidify the inner surface of the toilet bowl (2) to prevent dirt from adhering. The humidifying device (1) includes a container (3) for liquid, a retainer (4), a pump device (5) for conveying the liquid, and a spraying device (6) for spraying the liquid into the interior space of the toilet bowl (2). The retainer (4) is used to laterally mount the humidifying device (1) on the edge of the toilet bowl (2), and the height (H) of the retainer (4) is less than the distance between the toilet bowl (2) and the seat or toilet lid (7) that can be lowered onto the toilet bowl (2), so that the humidifying device (1) allows the seat or toilet lid (7) to be fully lowered. The spraying device (6) is configured to spray the liquid in the form of at least one jet stream and to be tilted downward and targeted at the rear area of ​​the toilet bowl (2) to quickly and efficiently wet the relevant surfaces on which dirt is most likely to adhere by the liquid.

2. The humidifying device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer (4) includes a spraying device (6) for spraying the liquid on its side facing the interior space of the toilet bowl (2), wherein the width of the spraying device (6) is the same as or smaller than the width of the retainer (4).

3. The humidification device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The humidification device (1) includes a fan for better delivering the liquid to the point of action.

4. The humidification device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The humidification device (1) includes a power supply device that can drive the pump device (5).

5. The humidifying device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spraying device (6) is constructed as a multi-component device and / or includes multiple independent nozzles.

6. The humidification device (1) for a toilet according to claim 4, wherein, The power supply device includes a rechargeable energy storage device.

7. The humidification device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The humidification device (1) includes a sensor for detecting the opening of the toilet seat (7) and / or a sensor for detecting the presence of a person, which are used to drive the pump device (5) within a limited time.

8. The humidifying device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The humidification device (1) includes a manually operable switch for driving the pump device (5) for a limited time.

9. The humidification device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The humidification device (1) also includes a spray gun supplied by the container (3) and connected to the pump device (5) or another pump device via a hose, for manually spraying the inner wall of the toilet basin (2) and / or for realizing the function of a sitz bath.

10. The humidification device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The container (3) can be removed from the humidification device (1).

11. The humidifying device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The height (H) of the retainer (4) is between 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm, and / or the width of the retainer (4) is between 5.0 cm and 10.0 cm, and / or the volume of the container (3) is between 0.1 L and 1.0 L, and / or the liquid ejection volume is between 0.001 L and 0.1 L, and / or the ejection time is between 0.5 sec and 5 sec.

12. The humidification device (1) for a toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The retainer (4) has a retaining clip (8) on its distal end, facing the bottom of the toilet bowl (2), and / or The retainer (4) and / or the humidifying device (1) have one or more adsorption devices on the outer wall facing the toilet bowl (2) for mounting on the outer side, and / or The retainer (4) can be tool-free to be detachably fastened to a base plate that can be permanently fixed to the edge of the toilet bowl (2).

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