Toilet bowl with lighting

Abstract

A toilet bowl (1) with lighting, comprising a body (2) with a usable top (3) from which top (3) of the body (2) the usable, recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1) is accessible, wherein a drain (5) is located at the bottom of the recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1), wherein an inlet opening (6) for flushing water is provided on the side of the recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1), which is located at a level closer to the top (3) of the body (2) than to the drain (5), wherein the flushing water is supplied to the inlet opening (6) via a plastic inlet channel (7) installed inside the body (2) of the toilet bowl (1), the end (8) of which is arranged in the inlet opening (6), wherein the inlet channel (7) has a seal (9) in the area of ​​the inlet opening (6), where two main areas are assigned in the toilet bowl (1): the wet area, which includes the inner part of the inlet channel (7), the drain (5) and the recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1) up to the seal (9) of the inlet channel (7), the dry area comprising the interior of the body (2) of the toilet bowl (1) including the area on the outside of the inlet channel (7), up to the seal (9) of the inlet channel (7), characterized in that at least a part of the inlet channel (7) and / or the seal (9) is made of a translucent material, and a local light source (10) is arranged in the dry area of ​​the bowl and in the immediate vicinity of said at least part of the inlet channel (7) and / or the seal (9) made of a translucent material, wherein the local light source (10) is no more than 35 cm from the end (8) of the inlet channel (7).

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to a toilet bowl with lighting, which offers the possibility of illuminating the usable interior of the toilet bowl.

[0002] For some time now, numerous solutions for lighting the interior of various toilets have been observed in the state of the art.

[0003] Sometimes they take the form of pendants, such as those known from EP4321096A1 or WO2014176667A1.

[0004] In other cases, the elements are attached to toilet seats, such as those known from WO2004094900A1 or WO2020232233A1.

[0005] In other cases, the toilet structure, which is typically made of ceramic, has translucent areas through which light rays can be passed, which could illuminate the interior of the bowl or the flow of flushing water - see WO2006105553A1.

[0006] From the consumer's / user's perspective, lighting solutions that don't require additional devices that could be disruptive, get dirty, or fall into the toilet would be desirable. On the other hand, from the manufacturers' perspective, it would be desirable to minimize modifications to the ceramic bowl's structure to avoid complicating the production process and potentially eliminating the need to drill (potentially) unnecessary holes in the ceramic.

[0007] The purpose of the present utility model is therefore to provide a toilet bowl with interior lighting systems that are easy to install and operate and would not impair the functionality of the usable interior space of the toilet.

[0008] The present utility model relates to a toilet bowl with lighting, which has a body with a usable top surface from which the usable, recessed interior of the toilet bowl is accessible. where there is a drain at the bottom of the sunken interior space, wherein an inlet opening for flushing water is provided on the side of the recessed interior of the toilet bowl, which is located at a level closer to the top of the body than to the drain (5), wherein the flushing water is supplied to the inlet opening via a plastic inlet channel located inside the body of the toilet bowl, the end of which is positioned in the inlet opening, wherein the inlet channel has a seal in the area of ​​the inlet opening, where two main areas are assigned within the toilet bowl: the wet area, which includes the inner part of the inlet channel, the drain and the recessed interior of the toilet bowl up to the seal of the inlet channel, the dry area, which includes the interior of the toilet bowl body, including the area on the outside of the inlet channel, up to the seal of the inlet channel, characterized in that at least part of the inlet channel and / or the seal is made of a translucent material, and a local light source is arranged in the dry area of ​​the bowl and in the immediate vicinity of said at least part of the inlet channel and / or the seal made of a translucent material. where the local light source is no more than 35 cm from the end of the inlet channel.

[0009] Preferably the local light source (10) is selected from the group comprising: a single LED a group of single-color LEDs, a group of multicolored LEDs, a halogen lamp the end of a light guide or a lens that focuses and directs the light, the other end of which is located next to one or more LEDs or a halogen lamp.

[0010] The seal is preferably made of a translucent material and the seal has a receptacle on which the local light source is attached.

[0011] The seal is preferably a hollow seal that completely surrounds the inlet channel and whose cavity provides the receptacle for the local light source.

[0012] Alternatively, part of the inlet channel is made of a translucent material and the local light source is attached to this part of the inlet channel by means of a clamp or clip.

[0013] Alternatively, in the part of the inlet channel formed from a translucent material, a mounting receptacle is provided that is integrally connected to the inlet channel in which the local light source is installed. which mounting bracket surrounds the local light source on at least three sides.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting receptacle is provided with projections or locking mechanisms that securely hold the local light source in this mounting receptacle.

[0015] Alternatively, the inlet channel in the area of ​​the inlet opening for rinsing water can consist of two pipes, between which the local light source is placed.

[0016] The subject matter of this utility model is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments of the utility model and the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. Exemplary main types of toilet bowls with regard to flushing water supply, Fig. 2 the first variant of the arrangement of the local light source, Fig. 3 the second variant of the arrangement of the local light source, Fig. 4 the third variant of the arrangement of the local light source, Fig. 5 the fourth variant of the arrangement of the local light source, Fig. In summary, 6 different options for attaching the local light source to the inlet channel.

[0017] The solution according to the present utility model relates – in the most general sense – to most common types of toilet bowls, i.e., the bowl with the “classic” flushing water supply, in which the flushing water stream enters the interior of the bowl from the rear and spreads out in all directions (see Fig. 1, top left), where the dishwater is introduced laterally into the bowl and set into a swirling motion inside the bowl (see Fig. 1, top right), where the rinsing water is introduced into the bowl from behind and set into a swirling motion (see Fig. 1, bottom left), or where the rinsing water is introduced into the bowl from the front and set into a swirling motion (see Fig. 1, bottom right).

[0018] In general, the toilet bowl to which the present utility model relates has a body 2 (usually made of ceramic, but there are also toilets made of other materials), whereby access to the usable, recessed interior 4 of the toilet bowl 1 is ensured from the top 3 of this body 2.

[0019] At the bottom of this recessed interior space 4 there is a drain 5 (often this drain 5 transitions into a siphon which is integrally connected to the rest of the body 2 of the toilet bowl 1).

[0020] On the other hand, the recessed interior 4 of the toilet bowl 1 has a similar shape to the interior of the bowl, and at a certain point, on the side of this recessed interior 4, there is an inlet opening 6 for the flushing water, which is located closer to the top 3 of the body 2 than to the drain 5 (firstly, to allow a large part of the interior surface of the toilet to be cleaned, but secondly, to reduce the risk of splashing outside the toilet when flushing).

[0021] Other aspects of the toilet are of lesser importance, i.e., the flushing water can flow into the interior of the toilet bowl from the rear, from the side, from the front, or in a spiral direction, clockwise or counterclockwise, or the body 2 of the bowl 1 can have a so-called flange, or it can be a completely flangeless bowl.

[0022] The distinguishing and partially limiting feature of the toilet bowl 1 to which the present utility model relates is the way in which the flushing water is supplied to the bowl from the outside, namely via a special plastic inlet channel 7 which is installed in the interior of the toilet bowl 1.

[0023] This inlet channel 7, on the one hand, has a connecting piece for connection to the flushing water line from the cistern or directly from the water line and, on the other hand, has an end 8, with which end 8 it is arranged in the inlet opening 6 provided in the body 2 of the toilet bowl 1.

[0024] In order to ensure the tightness of this inlet channel 7, it is obvious that a seal 9 must be provided in the area of ​​its end 8, which is located in the inlet opening 6, which seal 9 can take on different forms depending on the specific type of toilet bowl 1 and the type of inlet opening 6 for flushing water.

[0025] Given the presence of the seal 9, two main areas of the toilet bowl 1 are defined: the dry area and the wet area. The wet area comprises the interior of the inlet channel 7, the recessed interior 4 of the toilet bowl 1 together with the drain 5, and the portion of the inlet opening 6 on the side of the recessed interior 4 of the toilet bowl 1. The dry area comprises the interior of the body 2 of the toilet bowl 1, at least around the inlet channel 7 up to the seal 9.

[0026] According to the present utility model, at least part of the inlet channel 7 and / or the seal 9 is made of a translucent material. This allows light rays to be directed into the rinse water stream or, alternatively, into its immediate vicinity (if the inlet channel 7 is opaque but the seal 9 is partially transparent, or if the end 8 of the inlet channel 7 located in the inlet opening 6 is at least partially transparent and a local light source 10 is arranged on it – see [reference]). Fig. 4).

[0027] Moreover, according to the utility model, the local light source 10 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of a specific component made of a translucent material (the inlet channel 7 or the seal 9), which in this configuration is located in the dry area of ​​the toilet bowl 1.

[0028] Although the local light source 10 itself can be of any type, as long as it provides adequate light intensity (see below), the distance of the local light source 10 to the inlet opening 6 for the rinsing water is a relatively important characteristic. Since light spreads in various directions due to reflection and scattering, and is also absorbed to some extent by materials that are not perfectly transparent or reflective, fewer and fewer light rays reach the interior of the bowl as the distance of the local light source 10 to the inlet opening 6 increases, thus reducing the effective illumination.

[0029] To avoid using excessively powerful light sources that would consume unnecessary electricity and increase the operating costs of such toilets, it is important to position the local light source 10 no more than 35 cm from the inlet opening 6 (thus ensuring that the seal 9 / inlet channel 7 is at least partially made of translucent material). Preferably, this distance is less than or equal to 30 cm, more preferably 20 cm, 15 cm, or 10 cm, and it is particularly preferred to position the local light source 10 at a distance of less than 5 cm from the inlet opening 6.

[0030] Regarding the type of local light source 10 itself, different variants are suitable for use, each with different advantages and disadvantages.

[0031] Due to its simplicity, low cost and easy accessibility, one of the preferred variants of the local light source 10 is the use of a single LED (with any color of emitted light).

[0032] Taking into account the expectations of some users regarding the possibility of active personalization (e.g. by controlling the colors via an additional lighting control system, such as a smartphone or smart home systems), another preferred variant of the local light source 10 is the use of several different colored LEDs.

[0033] Given the potential expectations of high light intensity, the use of multiple single-color LEDs represents another advantageous option for the local light source 10.

[0034] Regarding other preferred solutions, especially for users who prefer older systems, the use of a halogen lamp as a local light source 10 would be a suitable option.

[0035] In a further variant, the local light source 10 used is one end of a light guide, the other end of which is led to a point somewhat away from the inlet channel 7, to a point that is more easily accessible for the user (e.g. for replacing components or batteries in the case of a battery-operated light source), and is placed next to a single LED or halogen lamp, or a group of LEDs (single-color or multi-color).

[0036] It should also be mentioned that the local light source 10 may preferably be equipped with additional elements for focusing the light rays (e.g. a lens, a reflector) so that they are directed exclusively onto the interior of the dish or the interior of the inlet channel 7.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the seal 9 present in the area of ​​the inlet opening 6 is made of a translucent material (at least partially, preferably completely), and a receptacle 91 is formed in this seal in which the local light source 10 is installed.

[0038] The installation itself is carried out in various ways: in some embodiments the local light source 10 is fixed in the receptacle 91 by means of a force-fit connection, while in others a certain amount of play is provided and an adhesive (polymer adhesive) is used for fastening.

[0039] In some embodiments of the utility model, the seal 9 has the form of a circumferential seal (with a similar geometry to O-ring seals, only hollow inside), in which there is a local opening and whose hollow interior forms a receptacle 91 for the local light source 10 (see Fig. 2).

[0040] In further embodiments of the utility model, part of the inlet channel 7 is formed from a translucent material (e.g., the channel is locally formed from a transparent material), and a local light source 10 is attached to this part of the channel (see Fig. 3) In this case, the light source is attached using a clamp or clip, although other fastening options, such as an adhesive connection, are also possible.

[0041] Preferably, in some embodiments of the utility model, the inlet channel 7 is covered inside or outside with a layer of a light-reflecting material (e.g. metallized or coated with a mirror layer), thereby reducing the loss of light rays on the way into the recessed interior 4 of the toilet bowl 1.

[0042] In further embodiments of the utility model, a mounting receptacle 71, formed from the same material as the inlet channel 7 (which is made of a translucent material), is provided in place of the inlet channel 7. The local light source 10 is mounted in this receptacle. Such a mounting receptacle 71 – if present – ​​encloses the local light source 10 on at least three sides, thereby significantly simplifying its stable mounting.

[0043] Examples of such mounting devices 71 are in Fig. Figure 6 shows, from top left: the fastening of the local light source 10 in the mounting receptacle 71 using a mounting compound (e.g. transparent silicone), attaching the local light source 10 in the mounting receptacle 71 with locks, attaching the local light source 10 in the mounting receptacle 71 with a cover that snaps into the locks.

[0044] The lower part of Fig. Figure 6 shows further examples of fastening receptacles 71 according to the utility model, each of which essentially forms a U-shaped recess which – as in the lower part of Fig. 6 shown - locally projects into the inlet channel 7, locally bulges out beyond the inlet channel 7, is formed obliquely outside the inlet channel 7 or is formed as a pocket with the inlet channel 7, which represents one of the side walls of the mounting receptacle 71.

[0045] As has been shown using the embodiments of the utility model, there are many and very different ways to attach the local light source 10 to the inlet channel 7.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the utility model – in which the inlet channel 7 comprises several (e.g., two, three, or four) plastic tubes that are installed in the inlet opening 6 using a large seal (which is the seal 9) through which they pass – the receptacle 91 for installing a local light source 10 is provided in the material of this seal (see Fig. 5) For example, the local light source 10 is then located between the pipes of the inlet channel 7, which simplifies their clamping and stable fastening. In this case, it is advantageous if the entire seal, which constitutes the gasket 9, is preferably made of a translucent material.

[0047] Moreover, in many embodiments of the utility model, both inlet channels 7 that are made entirely of a translucent material (e.g. transparent plastic or rubber) and those in which only a certain part / section is locally made of a translucent material are considered.

[0048] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present description and the claims, reference is made to “translucent materials” and refers not only to transparent materials (such as transparent plastic) but also to partially opaque materials that guide and scatter light rays within their volume.

[0049] The toilet bowl 1 according to the utility model thus represents a kind of integrated system in which plastic elements and a light source are attached to the ceramic elements. The power supply or light source management (e.g., control of light intensity or color) can be implemented with any of the currently available solutions – either via replaceable batteries / accumulators, a mains power supply, or even via conventional switches that are operated manually or electronically (e.g., via a signal from a proximity sensor or wirelessly via a signal, e.g., from a smartphone). These aspects can later be personalized by experts according to the needs and preferences of a specific product type. Reference symbol list: 1 toilet bowl 2 Toilet bowl bodies 3. Top of the toilet bowl body 4. Recessed interior of the toilet bowl 5 Drain 6 Inlet opening for rinse water 7 Inlet channel 71 Mounting bracket 8 End of the intake channel 9 Seal 91 recording 10 local light source 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 4321096A1

[0003] WO 2014176667A1

[0003] WO 2004094900A1

[0004] WO 2020232233A1

[0004] WO 2006105553A1

[0005]

Claims

A toilet bowl (1) with lighting, comprising a body (2) with a usable top (3) from which top (3) of the body (2) the usable, recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1) is accessible, wherein a drain (5) is located at the bottom of the recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1), wherein an inlet opening (6) for flushing water is provided on the side of the recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1), which is located at a level closer to the top (3) of the body (2) than to the drain (5), wherein the flushing water is supplied to the inlet opening (6) via a plastic inlet channel (7) provided inside the body (2) of the toilet bowl (1), the end (8) of which is located in the inlet opening (6), wherein the inlet channel (7) has a seal (9) in the area of ​​the inlet opening (6), wherein two main areas are assigned in the toilet bowl (1): the wet area,which comprises the inner part of the inlet channel (7), the outlet (5) and the recessed interior (4) of the toilet bowl (1) up to the seal (9) of the inlet channel (7), the dry area comprising the interior of the body (2) of the toilet bowl (1) including the area on the outside of the inlet channel (7), up to the seal (9) of the inlet channel (7), characterized in that at least a part of the inlet channel (7) and / or the seal (9) is made of a translucent material, and a local light source (10) is arranged in the dry area of ​​the bowl and in the immediate vicinity of said at least part of the inlet channel (7) and / or the seal (9) made of a translucent material, wherein the local light source (10) is no more than 35 cm from the end (8) of the inlet channel (7). Toilet bowl (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the local light source (10) is selected from the group comprising: a single LED, a group of single-color LEDs, a group of multi-color LEDs, a halogen lamp, the end of a light guide or a light-focusing and directing lens, the other end of which is arranged next to one or more LEDs or a halogen lamp. Toilet bowl (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the seal (9) is made of a translucent material and the seal (9) has a receptacle (91) with which the local light source (10) is attached. Toilet bowl (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the seal (9) has the form of a hollow seal which surrounds the inlet channel (7) and whose cavity forms the receptacle (91) for the local light source (10). Toilet bowl (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that a part of the inlet channel (7) is formed from a translucent material and the local light source (10) is attached to this part of the channel by means of a clamp or clip. Toilet bowl (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that in the part of the inlet channel (7) formed from translucent material there is a mounting receptacle (71) integrally connected to the inlet channel (7) in which the local light source is installed, which mounting receptacle (71) surrounds the local light source (10) on at least three sides. Toilet bowl (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the mounting receptacle (71) is provided with projections or locking devices with which the local light source (10) is held stably in this mounting receptacle (71). Toilet bowl (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the inlet channel (7) in the area of ​​the inlet opening (6) for flushing water consists of two pipes between which the local light source (10) is installed.

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