Toilet humidification device

Abstract

Humidifying device (1) for the interior of a toilet bowl (2), the humidifying device (1) comprising a container (3) for liquid, a holder (4), a pumping device (5) for conveying the liquid, and a spraying device (6) for dispensing the liquid into the interior of the toilet bowl (2), characterized in that the holder (4) is designed for laterally attaching the humidifying device (1) to the rim of the toilet bowl (2) and has a height (H) which is less than the distance between the toilet bowl (2) and a seat ring or lid (7) that can be lowered on it, so that the humidifying device (1) allows the seat ring or lid (7) to be lowered completely.

Description

Introduction

[0001] The invention relates to a humidification device for the inner surface of toilet bowls. In particular, the invention relates to a humidification device intended for retrofitting a toilet bowl. State of the art and disadvantages

[0002] It is known that moistening the inner surface of a toilet bowl, which is very often glazed ceramic, can reduce or completely prevent build-up. Various devices utilize this effect by moistening the inner surfaces with a liquid before or after using the toilet.

[0003] Document EP 2 707 549 B1 and document WO 2016 / 058753 A1 disclose devices that can be attached to the inside of the lid for spraying the inside of the toilet bowl with a cleaning fluid when the lid is closed.

[0004] EP 3 438 360 B1, JP 6 603 869 B2 and JP 6 982 807 B2 disclose solutions in which a device, particularly located behind the bowl and integrated with the base of the lid, is used to moisten the interior with washing foam.

[0005] A disadvantage of these and other known solutions is their unsuitability for easily retrofitting an existing toilet bowl with its lid and, if applicable, seat ring. Mounting the device on the inside of the lid can cause it to interfere with use when a person leans back. Devices integrated into the rear lid base in the hinge area do not have this disadvantage, but require a complete replacement of the original lid with one that can be attached to the base containing the mechanism; furthermore, such devices are quite tall and can thus undesirably increase the seat height. Problem of the invention and solution

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] According to the invention, it is intended to provide a humidification device for the inside of a toilet bowl that is suitable for easy retrofitting, so that both the original bowl and the original lid with seat ring can continue to be used.

[0008] The problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures. Description

[0009] The humidifying device is used to moisten the inside of a toilet bowl for the purpose of preventing or reducing the build-up of deposits through its use.

[0010] The humidification device includes a container for liquid, which can be water or a special cleaning or anti-adhesion fluid. A fragrance, descaler, or disinfectant may also be added to the liquid.

[0011] It includes a bracket for attaching it to the toilet bowl. It also includes a pump for dispensing the liquid and a spray mechanism for releasing the liquid into the interior of the toilet bowl.

[0012] The humidification device is characterized by its mounting bracket, designed for lateral attachment to the rim of the toilet bowl. This bracket is positioned at a height that minimizes the gap between the toilet bowl and any seat or lid that can be lowered onto the bowl, thus allowing the seat or lid to be fully lowered. This flat mounting design allows for easy retrofitting of the humidification device to an existing toilet bowl. Since the lid can be closed even with the humidification device attached, there is no need to replace the lid or its associated seat. The humidification device does not interfere with toilet use, as it can remain attached to the side of the toilet bowl at all times. Furthermore, it does not affect the seat height.

[0013] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0014] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0015] In one embodiment, the holder includes the spray device for dispensing the liquid on its side facing the interior of the toilet bowl. Preferably, the width of the spray device is equal to or less than the width of the holder. In other words, the spray device is integrated into the holder. It does not protrude from the holder laterally or towards the toilet bowl, which improves cleanability, as this provides a smooth, uniform surface to which fewer aqueous or solid particles can adhere, or from which such particles can be more easily removed.

[0016] The spray mechanism is designed to produce a fine mist that quickly settles on the inside of the toilet bowl. It is understood that the spray mechanism should be aimed so that this mist is also directed into the interior; however, precise aiming is not strictly necessary, as the mist disperses itself. If desired, the spray can be aimed specifically to ensure that the mist reaches areas where deposits are most likely to accumulate (the back of the toilet bowl).

[0017] Optionally, a fan or similar device is provided to deliver the mist more quickly and / or precisely to the target area. The fan can be located in the bracket or upstream of it.

[0018] Preferably, the humidification device includes a power supply by means of which the pump can be operated. This can be electrical or mechanical (e.g., spring-driven). It is also possible to temporarily store mechanical or electrical energy, which is provided and, if necessary, converted by the movement of the lid or the load on the seat ring. In this way, an external power supply is unnecessary.

[0019] Preferably, the energy supply includes a rechargeable energy storage device. If this is an electrical energy storage device, the humidification device may also include solar cells, which enable continuous recharging of the energy storage device. These can also be integrated into a special toilet seat, thus complementing the humidification device.

[0020] It is also conceivable to recharge the electrical energy storage device via a USB port. Ideally, the energy storage device should indicate an impending low charge in good time.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the humidification device includes a sensor for detecting the opening of the lid, ensuring that the mist is then dispensed quickly and in a targeted manner to guarantee a good humidification result.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the humidifying device includes a sensor for detecting the presence of a person; i.e., as soon as a person approaches the toilet, the mist is emitted, giving it more time to wet the inside of the toilet before the lid is opened.

[0023] Another embodiment includes a light-sensitive sensor; if the toilet has no daylight and the artificial light is only temporarily switched on before its use, this can be used as a start signal to operate the device.

[0024] Preferably, the mist is emitted for only a short period of time (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 seconds). The sensor therefore triggers the pump to operate for a limited time.

[0025] In another embodiment, the humidification device includes a manually operated switch for time-limited operation of the pump. The switch, preferably a push button or momentary switch, is preferably located on the top of the humidification device.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the humidifying device comprises a spray gun connected by means of a hose to the aforementioned pump unit or to a separate pump unit. This spray gun is used for manually spraying the inner walls of the toilet bowl. This is helpful in the case of stubborn deposits that have formed despite humidification before using the toilet. The spray gun is preferably supplied by the reservoir and is preferably mounted on the side of the reservoir when not in use. Such a spray gun can also help to eliminate the need for a toilet brush.

[0027] Provided the liquid is skin-friendly, the spray gun can also be used to clean the user (bidet function).

[0028] A particularly desirable feature is that the reservoir is removable from the humidifier. This allows for easy refilling without removing the rest of the humidifier from the toilet bowl. It can be equipped with a fill level indicator or a fill level warning system to alert the user when refilling is necessary.

[0029] Preferably, the height of the bracket is between 0.5 and 1.0 cm, and / or the width of the bracket is between 5.0 and 10.0 cm. A bracket of this size fits in the gap under the vast majority of lids / seat rings and can simultaneously dispense a sufficient amount of liquid / mist into the interior.

[0030] Preferably, the container has a volume between 0.1 and 1.0 l. This represents a good compromise between filling intervals and space requirements.

[0031] The dispensing volume of liquid per cleaning cycle is preferably between 0.001 and 0.1 l, and particularly preferably approximately 0.005 l. The dispensing time is preferably between 0.5 and 5 s, and particularly preferably 2 to 3 s.

[0032] In one embodiment, the holder has a retaining claw on the underside of its distal end (pointing towards the interior of the toilet bowl), which points towards the bottom of the toilet bowl. This claw is designed to grip the upper edge of the toilet bowl, allowing the humidifying device to be "hooked" onto the rim. Preferably, the distance gripped by the retaining claw is adjustable to allow the humidifying device to be attached to toilet bowls with different wall thicknesses.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the mounting and / or a wall of the humidifying device facing the outside of the toilet bowl comprise one or more suction devices, such as suction cups, designed for attachment to said outside. These devices allow the humidifying device to be stably attached to the toilet for an extended period, independent of the geometry of the toilet bowl's rim, provided the mounting surface of the toilet bowl is sufficiently smooth, which should be the case in most instances.

[0034] In another embodiment, the holder can be attached without tools to a base that can be permanently fixed to the rim of the toilet bowl. The base is permanently fixed to the toilet bowl, for example, using double-sided adhesive tape. On its side facing away from the toilet bowl, it provides geometries that interlock with the holder. This embodiment is largely independent of the width of the toilet bowl rim and can also be used on rough surfaces. Character description

[0035] The invention is explained below using figures as examples. Fig. 1 A schematic cross-sectional view through a toilet bowl with lid and humidification device.

[0036] In the only Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view through a toilet bowl 2 with a lid 7 and a humidifying device 1. The humidifying device 1 comprises a container 3 for liquid (not shown), a bracket 4, a pump 5 for conveying the liquid, and a spray device 6 for dispensing the liquid into the interior of the toilet bowl 2. The bracket 4 serves to laterally mount the humidifying device 1 to the rim of the toilet bowl 2. The bracket 4 has a height H that is less than the distance between the toilet bowl 2 and a lid 7 that can be lowered onto it. Thus, the humidifying device 1 allows the lid 7 to be fully lowered without the need to remove or otherwise adjust the humidifying device 1 (e.g., move it to a resting position).It should be noted that the height H of the bracket can also be less than or equal to the distance between the toilet bowl 2 and a seat ring (not shown) that is present in many cases. Therefore, a lid 7 with a seat ring, or the seat ring alone, can be folded down while the humidifying device 1 is attached to the toilet bowl 2.

[0037] The mounting bracket 4 incorporates the spray device 6 on its side facing the interior of the toilet bowl 2 (right end of the mounting bracket 4 in the image). The spray device does not extend beyond the mounting bracket 4 but is housed within it. This design provides a structure with smooth outer surfaces that are visually appealing and easy to clean. Any electrical and electronic components (power supply, control unit, switches, sensors, etc.) are not shown. As can be seen, the spray device 6 is angled downwards to achieve better wetting of the relevant surfaces.

[0038] The holder 4 has a retaining claw 8 on the underside of its distal end (right in the image), pointing towards the bottom of the toilet bowl. This claw allows the humidifying device 1 to be hooked onto the side rim of the toilet bowl 2. In this way, the humidifying device 1 can also be easily removed from the toilet bowl 1 when necessary.

[0039] Preferably, the container 3 is designed to be removable from the humidification device 1 in order to be easily refilled (removability not shown). Reference symbol list 1 humidification device 2 toilet bowls 3 containers 4 brackets 5 Pumping unit 6 Spray device 7 lids 8 Retaining claw H height QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 707 549 B1

[0003] WO 2016 / 058753 A1

[0003] EP 3 438 360 B1

[0004] JP 6 603 869 B2

[0004] JP 6 982 807 B2

[0004]

Claims

[1] Humidifying device (1) for the interior of a toilet bowl (2), the humidifying device (1) comprising a container (3) for liquid, a holder (4), a pumping device (5) for conveying the liquid, and a spraying device (6) for dispensing the liquid into the interior of the toilet bowl (2), characterized by , that the holder (4) is designed for the lateral attachment of the humidifying device (1) to the rim of the toilet bowl (2), and has a height (H) which is less than a distance between the toilet bowl (2) and a seat ring or lid (7) that can be lowered on it, so that the humidifying device (1) allows the seat ring or lid (7) to be lowered completely. [2] Humidifying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the holder (4) on its side facing the interior of the toilet bowl (2) comprises the spray device (6) for dispensing the liquid, wherein the width of the latter is equal to or less than the width of the holder (4). [3] Humidification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the same comprises a power supply by means of which the pump device (5) can be operated. [4] Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy supply comprises a rechargeable energy storage device. [5] Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor for detecting the opening of the lid (7), and / or a sensor for detecting the presence of a person, each for operating the pump device (5) for a limited time. [6] Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a manually operated switch for operating the pump device (5) for a limited time. [7] Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spray gun connected by means of a hose to said pump device (5) or to a further pump device for manually spraying the inner walls of the toilet bowl (2). [8] Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) is removable from the humidification device (1). [9] Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height (H) of the holder (4) is between 0.5 and 1.0 cm, and / or the width of the holder (4) is between 5.0 and 10.0 cm, and / or the container (3) has a volume between 0.1 and 1.0 l, and / or the dispensed quantity of liquid is between 0.001 and 0.1 l, and / or the dispensed time is preferably between 0.5 and 5 s. [10] Humidification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the holder (4) has a retaining claw (8) on the underside of its distal end pointing towards the bottom of the toilet bowl, and / or - wherein the mounting (4) and / or the wall of the humidifying device (1) facing the outside of the toilet bowl comprises one or more suction devices intended for attachment to said outside, and / or - wherein the holder (4) can be attached without tools to a base which can be permanently fixed to the edge of the toilet bowl (2).

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