Shower toilet with shower facility, a shower facility and a method for disinfecting an outlet nozzle of a shower facility

Abstract

The invention relates to a shower toilet (1) with a shower device (2), at least comprising at least one outlet nozzle (4) movable into a cleaning position (3) for intimate cleansing of a user, and at least one UV light source (5) for disinfecting at least the outlet nozzle (4). The invention also relates to a method for disinfecting at least one outlet nozzle (4) of a shower device (2) of a shower toilet (1) with at least one UV light source (5), wherein the at least one outlet nozzle (4) is movable into a cleaning position (3) in which intimate cleansing of a user takes place; comprising at least the following steps: a) moving the at least one outlet nozzle (4) from the cleaning position (3) to a starting position (6); b) Exposing the at least one outlet nozzle (4) arranged in the starting position (6) to UV light.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shower toilet with a shower device, a shower device for a shower toilet and a method for disinfecting an outlet nozzle of a shower device.

[0002] It is known to use shower devices, which can be designed, for example, as (electronic) bidet units, to enable advantageously hygienic intimate cleaning of a user of a WC or toilet. For this purpose, water or a cleaning fluid diluted with water can generally be discharged from at least one outlet nozzle that can be moved into a cleaning position all the way to the user's intimate area. Corresponding shower devices or bidet units are often integrated into the seat of the WC or toilet or connected to it. Such seats are then frequently also referred to as shower seats. In this case, the shower devices or bidet units, when installed, can also be at least partially arranged in or protrude into recesses provided for this purpose in the usually ceramic WC body. The shower devices can generally be controlled manually or at least partially automatically.

[0003] Conventional shower toilet systems offer a predefined water jet in a specific position. Some more expensive variants, such as electric shower toilets, also offer movable nozzles or pulsating jets. The shower systems include at least one outlet from which the water jet emerges. The outlet is particularly movable, meaning it can be moved from an initial position to a cleaning position, with the cleaning position cleaning the user's intimate area.

[0004] These outlets, or other components of a shower facility, may contain biological contaminants, especially on their surfaces. Potentially dangerous germs or pathogens can appear, form, or develop.

[0005] The use of chemical cleaning agents or electrolytic water to clean outlet openings is well known. However, the use of these cleaning agents pollutes the environment. Furthermore, a user of the shower toilet can come into contact with these cleaning agents. As an alternative to cleaning, the outlet opening or the component of the shower system containing the outlet opening can be replaced. However, such a replacement is complex, costly, and also harmful to the environment.

[0006] Based on this, it is an object of the invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a shower toilet with a shower device, a shower device, and a method for disinfecting an outlet nozzle of a shower device are proposed, which enable effective cleaning of the outlet opening while reducing environmental impacts and avoiding contact between cleaning agents and a user.

[0007] These objects are achieved by a shower toilet with a shower device, a shower device, and a method for disinfecting an outlet nozzle of a shower device according to the features of the respective independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention 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.

[0008] Furthermore, the features specified in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0009] A shower toilet with a shower facility contributes to this, whereby the shower facility must be at least - at least one outlet nozzle movable into a cleaning position for intimate cleaning of a user and - has at least one UV light source for disinfection of at least the outlet nozzle.

[0010] The shower toilet is, in particular, a (sitting) toilet that is particularly suitable for sanitary facilities. The shower toilet comprises, in particular, a toilet bowl that serves to collect excrement. The excrement can be removed from the toilet bowl, in particular by means of a (liquid) flush. For this purpose, the toilet bowl can be connected to a wastewater pipe or sewer. The toilet bowl can, in particular, be made at least partially of mineral cast, porcelain, ceramic, metal, and / or plastic.

[0011] The toilet bowl includes, in particular, a seat on which a user can sit (directly or indirectly) while using the shower toilet. The seat can be located on an upper edge of the toilet bowl or as a separate component, for example, similar to a toilet seat.

[0012] In particular, the shower toilet comprises a toilet lid with which the toilet bowl can be at least partially or completely closed or covered. For this purpose, the toilet lid can be attached to the toilet bowl or the toilet seat, in particular with at least one hinge, in a rotatable or foldable manner, so that the toilet lid can be adjusted relative to the toilet bowl between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the toilet bowl is fully closed by the toilet lid and / or fully open in the open position.

[0013] The shower device can, for example, be designed in the manner of an (electric) bidet unit. The outlet nozzle can, for example, be designed in the manner of an arm or a telescope. The outlet nozzle can comprise an elongated body. The body can comprise one or more outlet openings in the region of an outward-facing end. A cleaning fluid, e.g., (tempered) water, can be discharged through the outlet openings for cleaning the intimate area of ​​a user of the shower toilet.

[0014] The shower device comprises at least one outlet nozzle movable into a cleaning position (opposite the shower toilet) for intimate cleaning of a user and at least one UV light source for disinfecting at least the outlet nozzle.

[0015] The shower facility can be designed as an integral part of the shower toilet, e.g., the toilet bowl, toilet seat, or toilet lid. Alternatively, the shower facility can also be retrofitted to the shower toilet.

[0016] The UV light source emits at least light with a wavelength between 100 nm [nanometers] and 380 nm, in particular between 150 nm and 350 nm. In particular, the wavelengths of the intense main lines of the spectral line spectrum of the UV light source are between 100 nm and 380 nm, in particular between 150 nm and 350 nm.

[0017] In particular, the outlet nozzle is arranged in an initial position inside and in the cleaning position outside a housing (i.e. in an environment) of the shower device, wherein the at least one UV light source is arranged inside the housing.

[0018] The housing, in particular, completely encloses the shower facility, whereby the outlet nozzle can extend outward through an opening in the housing into the surrounding area of ​​the housing. The housing can also be formed at least partially by the toilet bowl, the toilet seat, or the toilet lid.

[0019] In particular, the at least one UV light source is arranged within the housing in a manner that is not visible to a user.

[0020] In particular, the UV light source is arranged in such a way that it is not visible to a user during the intended use of the shower toilet (i.e. not during assembly, cleaning or repair work), i.e. a user, in particular his eyes, cannot be directly hit by the UV radiation.

[0021] In particular, the housing has at least one movable flap through which an opening of the housing can be closed or opened, through which the at least one outlet nozzle can be moved from the starting position into the cleaning position.

[0022] In particular, the at least one UV light source is arranged in such a way that an arm (or a telescope) on which the at least one outlet nozzle is arranged can additionally be exposed to UV light.

[0023] In particular, all parts or components of the shower facility to which contaminants can adhere or form can be exposed to UV radiation.

[0024] In particular, at least one outlet nozzle is arranged on a movable arm of the shower device, wherein the shower device has a plurality of arms. In particular, different arms can be provided in a known manner for different scopes of intimate area cleaning.

[0025] In particular, the at least one UV light source comprises at least one LED (light-emitting diode). The at least one LED can have a radiation angle of, for example, 30° to 120°, preferably 30 to 90°, particularly preferably (essentially) 60°. Each UV light source can comprise and / or consist of an LED.

[0026] The at least one UV light source may comprise at least one mercury vapor lamp.

[0027] In particular, the shower toilet or shower facility can be connected to a power source or, for example, have its own battery. This can, in particular, provide the electrical energy required at least to operate the UV light source.

[0028] According to a further aspect, a shower facility for a shower toilet is specified, in particular for the shower toilet described here. The shower facility has at least - at least one movable outlet nozzle for intimate cleaning of a user of a and - at least one UV light source for disinfection of at least the outlet nozzle.

[0029] The shower facility can, for example, be integrated into a so-called shower seat for a conventional toilet. By using a suitable shower seat, a conventional toilet can also be advantageously converted into a shower toilet.

[0030] The statements regarding the shower toilet apply equally to the shower facility.

[0031] According to a further aspect, a method for disinfecting at least one outlet nozzle of a shower device of a shower toilet with at least one UV light source is provided. In particular, the at least one outlet nozzle is movable into a cleaning position in which a user's intimate area is cleaned. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) moving the at least one outlet nozzle from the cleaning position to a starting position; b) Exposing at least one outlet nozzle arranged in the starting position to UV light.

[0032] The above (non-exhaustive) classification of the process steps into a) and b) is primarily intended to serve as a distinction and does not enforce any order and / or dependency. The frequency of the process steps, e.g., during the installation and / or operation of the shower toilet, can also vary. It is also possible that process steps overlap one another, at least partially. In particular, steps a) and b) are carried out in the order listed.

[0033] The process can be carried out, for example, using a shower toilet as described here.

[0034] In particular, before step a), a step a0) takes place in which the outlet nozzle is moved from the starting position to the cleaning position.

[0035] In particular, between steps a0) and a) a step a1) takes place in which a cleaning liquid is dispensed via the outlet nozzle.

[0036] In particular, step b) is only performed during a predeterminable time interval.

[0037] In particular, the UV light source is activated to emit UV light only when the at least one outlet nozzle is arranged in the starting position.

[0038] In particular, at least one data processing system is provided which has means which are suitably equipped, configured or programmed to carry out the method or which carry out the method.

[0039] In particular, the shower toilet or shower facility comprises a data processing system, e.g., a control device, which has means for executing the steps of the method and / or which has means that are suitably equipped, configured, or programmed to execute the steps of the method or that execute the method.

[0040] The means include, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission devices that enable the transmission of instructions, measured values, data or the like between the elements mentioned.

[0041] The “means” may in particular comprise one or more of the following components: controller(s), microcontroller, data memory, data connection, display devices (such as a display), counter or timer, at least one further sensor, an energy source, etc.

[0042] A computer program is further proposed, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0043] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0044] The statements regarding the method are particularly transferable to the shower toilet, the shower facility, the data processing system and / or the computer-implemented method (i.e. the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.

[0045] The use of indefinite articles ("a," "an," "one," and "another"), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Terms or components introduced accordingly are therefore to be understood as appearing at least once and, in particular, as being able to appear multiple times.

[0046] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Identical components in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. They show, by way of example: Fig. 1: a first embodiment of a shower toilet in perspective view, and Fig. 2: a second design variant of a shower toilet in perspective view, partly in section.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shower toilet 1 in perspective view. Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a shower toilet 1 in a perspective view, partly in section. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are described together below.

[0048] The first embodiment shows a shower toilet 1 with an at least partially automated control of the shower device 2. The second embodiment shows a shower toilet 1 with a manually controlled shower device 2, recognizable by the lever for actuating the shower device 2. In the second embodiment, a toilet seat 12 and a toilet lid 13 are cut away. Furthermore, an upper part of a housing 7 of the shower device 2 is cut away.

[0049] The shower toilet 1 comprises a shower device 2, wherein the shower device 2 has two outlet nozzles 4, each movable into a cleaning position 3, for intimate cleaning of a user and a UV light source 5 for disinfecting the outlet nozzles 4.

[0050] The shower toilet 1 is a sit-down toilet suitable for sanitary facilities. The shower toilet 1 comprises a toilet bowl 11, which serves to collect excrement. The excrement can be removed from the toilet bowl 11 by means of a (liquid) flush. For this purpose, the toilet bowl 11 is connected to a wastewater pipe or sewer (not shown).

[0051] The toilet bowl 11 comprises a toilet seat 12 on which a user can sit when using the shower toilet 1. The toilet seat 12 is formed on an upper edge of the toilet bowl 11 as a separate component in the manner of a toilet seat (see Fig. 1).

[0052] The shower toilet 1 has a toilet lid 13 with which the toilet bowl 11 can be completely closed or covered. For this purpose, the toilet lid 13 is attached to the toilet bowl 11 or the toilet seat 12 with a hinge that can be rotated or folded, so that the toilet lid 13 can be adjusted relative to the toilet bowl 11 between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the toilet bowl 11 is fully closed by the toilet lid 13 and / or fully opened in the open position.

[0053] The shower device 2 is designed in the manner of an electric bidet unit. The outlet nozzles 4 are each formed in the manner of an arm 10. The outlet nozzles 4 each comprise an elongated body. The body comprises one or more outlet openings in the region of an outwardly directed end. A cleaning fluid, e.g., (tempered) water, is discharged through the outlet openings for cleaning the intimate area of ​​a user of the shower toilet 1. The shower device 2 is designed as an integral component of the shower toilet 1.

[0054] The outlet nozzles 4 are in a starting position 6 within (see Fig. 2, where the outlet nozzles are shown withdrawn) and in the cleaning position 3 outside the housing 7 (i.e. in an environment, see Fig. 1) of the shower device 2, wherein the UV light source 5 is arranged within the housing 7.

[0055] The housing 7 completely encloses the shower device 2, with the outlet nozzles 4 extending through an opening 9 of the housing 7 into the surroundings of the housing 7. The housing 7 has a movable flap 8, by means of which the opening 9 of the housing 7 can be closed or opened (see Fig. 1), through which the outlet nozzles 4 can be moved from the starting position 6 into the cleaning position 3.

[0056] The UV light source 5 is arranged within the housing 7 so that it is not visible to the user. The UV light source 5 is arranged such that it is not visible to the user during the intended use of the shower toilet 1 (i.e., not during assembly, cleaning, or repair work), meaning that the user, in particular their eyes, cannot be directly exposed to the UV radiation.

[0057] The UV light source 5 is arranged such that at least the arms 10 on which the outlet nozzles 4 are arranged can be exposed to UV light.

[0058] The shower toilet 1 or the shower facility 2 is connected to a power source 14. This provides the electrical energy required at least to operate the UV light source 5.

[0059] According to step a0) of the method, the outlet nozzles 4 are moved from the starting position 6 to the cleaning position 3. According to step a1) a cleaning fluid is dispensed via the outlet nozzles 4 to clean an intimate area of ​​a user of the shower toilet 1. According to step a) of the method, the outlet nozzles 4 are moved from the cleaning position 3 (back) to the starting position 6. According to step b) the two outlet nozzles 4 arranged in the starting position 6 are exposed to UV light.

[0060] The shower device 2 comprises a data processing system 15 having means that are suitably equipped, configured or programmed to carry out the method or that carry out the method. List of reference symbols 1 shower toilet 2 shower facilities 3 cleaning positions 4 Outlet nozzle 5 UV light source 6 Starting position 7 housings 8 flap 9 Opening 10 arms 11 toilet bowls 12 toilet seat 13 toilet lids 14 Power source 15 Systems

Claims

[1] Shower toilet (1) with a shower facility (2), at least comprising: - at least one outlet nozzle (4) movable into a cleaning position (3) for intimate cleaning of a user and - at least one UV light source (5) for disinfecting at least the outlet nozzle (4). [2] Shower toilet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet nozzle (4) is arranged in an initial position (6) inside and in the cleaning position (3) outside a housing (7) of the shower device (2), wherein the at least one UV light source (5) is arranged inside the housing (7). [3] Shower toilet (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one UV light source (5) is arranged within the housing (7) so that it is not visible to a user. [4] Shower toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 and 3, wherein the housing (7) has at least one movable flap (8) through which an opening (9) of the housing (7) can be closed or opened, through which the at least one outlet nozzle (4) can be moved from the starting position (6) into the cleaning position (3). [5] Shower toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one UV light source (5) is arranged such that an arm (10) on which the at least one outlet nozzle (4) is arranged can additionally be exposed to UV light. [6] Shower toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one outlet nozzle (4) is arranged on a movable arm (10) of the shower device (2), wherein the shower device (2) has a plurality of arms (10). [7] Shower toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one UV light source (5) has at least one LED. [8] Shower device (2) for a shower toilet (1), comprising at least: - at least one movable outlet nozzle (4) for intimate cleaning of a user of a and - at least one UV light source (5) for disinfecting at least the outlet nozzle (4). [9] Method for disinfecting at least one outlet nozzle (4) of a shower device (2) of a shower toilet (1) with at least one UV light source (5), wherein the at least one outlet nozzle (4) is movable into a cleaning position (3) in which an intimate cleaning of a user takes place; at least comprising the following steps: a) moving the at least one outlet nozzle (4) from the cleaning position (3) to a starting position (6); b) Exposing the at least one outlet nozzle (4) arranged in the starting position (6) to UV light. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the UV light source (5) is activated to emit UV light only when the at least one outlet nozzle (4) is arranged in the starting position (6).

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