RINSE WATER DISTRIBUTOR

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary article arrangement according to claim 1. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In sanitary ware, particularly ceramic products, flush water distributors are used to improve the distribution of flushing water. For example, DE 33 15 926 discloses such a flush water distributor. Three flushing water streams are provided, two of which flow laterally into the toilet bowl, and one of which flows straight into the toilet bowl.

[0003] EP 3 453 805, DE 33 159 26, EP 3 453 805, EP 0 643 177, EP 3 543 412 and WO 2017 / 111734 disclose further flushing water distributors.

[0004] Typically, the flush water distributors are stored in an opening within a sanitary fixture. Appropriate locking elements are provided in EP 3 453 805.

[0005] A problem with storing flush water distributors is the relatively large tolerance of sanitary fixtures. Furthermore, the flush water distributors must be stored in as similar a position as possible within the sanitary fixture throughout their entire service life to ensure optimal and precise delivery of flush water into the toilet bowl. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sanitary article arrangement comprising a sanitary article and a flushing water distributor, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sanitary article arrangement comprising a flushing water distributor which features improved bearing within the sanitary article.

[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a sanitary article arrangement comprises a flush water distributor as described below and a sanitary article with a receptacle and a surface. The flush water distributor for the sanitary article, such as a toilet bowl or a urinal, comprises a pipe element with a flush water channel extending along a central axis from an inlet opening to at least one outlet opening, wherein flush water can be guided in a flow direction from the inlet opening to the at least one outlet opening and discharged from the at least one outlet opening to the sanitary article. The receptacle has a bearing point for supporting the flush water distributor over its bearing surface, wherein the bearing point is designed to be complementary or compatible with the bearing surface. The locking element can be brought into contact with the surface, thereby pressing the flush water distributor into the receptacle.On its outer side, the pipe element has a bearing section with a bearing surface, allowing the flush water distributor to be mounted directly or indirectly in a bearing point of the sanitary fixture. The flush water distributor also features a locking element that mechanically secures it to the sanitary fixture. This locking element can be moved from a neutral position to a locked position. In the locked position, the locking element is pressed against the surface of the sanitary fixture, thereby pressing the flush water distributor into the bearing point and holding it there.

[0008] In other words, the locking element clamps the flush water distributor between the bearing point and the surface of the sanitary fixture. This firmly holds the flush water distributor in its position on the sanitary fixture.

[0009] The locking element is designed such that a force is applied to the flushing water distributor via the locking element, whereby the flushing water distributor is pressed into the bearing point by this force. This force ensures that the flushing water distributor is precisely positioned in the bearing point.

[0010] The phrase "that the flush water distributor is pressed into the bearing point on the sanitary fixture by the locking element and held in the bearing point" means, in particular, that a corresponding force is exerted on the flush water distributor via the locking element. Specifically, it means that the flush water distributor is pressed into the bearing point with a force in the direction of flow.

[0011] The locking element is preferably moved relative to the flushing water distributor.

[0012] Preferably, the locking element is designed such that the flushing water distributor is held in the bearing point under mechanical tension. Preferably, the locking element is designed such that the force acts on the flushing water distributor throughout its entire service life, so that it is pressed into the bearing point under a force throughout its entire service life. This ensures that the position of the flushing water distributor is fixed throughout its entire service life.

[0013] Preferably, the flushing water distributor has a stop surface with which the flushing water distributor is pressed against a stop surface on the bearing side when the locking element is in the locked position. The stop surface on the bearing side is part of the bearing or the receptacle in the sanitary article.

[0014] Preferably, the locking element has at least one spring section with which the flushing water distributor is held under mechanical tension in the bearing point.

[0015] The spring section is designed such that it is slightly deformed during the assembly of the locking element, and this deformation exerts the required force on the flushing water distributor. The arrangement of the spring section has the advantage that the element providing this force can be designed as a relatively simple structure.

[0016] Preferably, the spring area is provided by two spring arms projecting laterally from the locking element.

[0017] Preferably, each spring arm has a free end and a fixed end. Each spring arm has a contact surface at its free end, with which the locking element rests against the said surface on the sanitary fitting.

[0018] The two fixed ends can be connected to each other via a beam section.

[0019] The surface on the sanitary article is preferably located at a distance from the storage point and is in particular arranged such that the flushing water distributor is pressed towards the storage point when the locking element comes into contact with said surface.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one spring section or spring arm has recesses that increase its flexibility. The degree of flexibility can be varied by varying the shape and / or position of the recesses.

[0021] The locking element is movably mounted in at least one guide track arranged on the outside of the pipe element. The locking element has at least one guide web which is mounted in the guide track, and the locking element is slidable in the guide track from the initial position to the locked position.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one guide track is oriented essentially perpendicular to the central axis.

[0023] Preferably, during the movement from the starting position to the clamping position, the contact surface of the spring arm can be brought into contact with the said surface on the sanitary article.

[0024] Preferably, at least one locking structure is provided between the guide track and the guide web, which provides a locking mechanism between the locking element and the pipe element when the locking element is in the clamping position.

[0025] Preferably, two guide webs spaced apart from each other are arranged parallel to each other, and two guide tracks are arranged opposite each other to the central axis.

[0026] This allows for an arrangement that is symmetrical with respect to the central axis, which is advantageous for the movement of the locking element relative to the pipe element.

[0027] Preferably, a guide web is formed at the fixed end of the spring arm and extends from the spring arm preferably at a substantially right angle to the spring arm.

[0028] In other embodiments, the locking element is a screw element with a thread, with which the flushing water distributor can be pressed into the bearing point. The locking element can also be a wedge, with which the flushing water distributor can be pressed into the bearing point.

[0029] The flushing water distributor can be inserted into the storage location of the sanitary fixture and comes into contact with the storage surface, thus being held in place within the receptacle. The storage surface is preferably designed such that the flushing water distributor can be inserted into the storage location in its correct orientation relative to its central axis. This design of the storage surface offers the advantage of preventing incorrect insertion of the flushing water distributor into the receptacle. This ensures that at least one outlet opening is optimally aligned with the interior of the sanitary fixture. This, in turn, allows for optimal introduction of the flushing water into the interior of the sanitary fixture to be flushed.Preferably, the bearing surface has a larger extent in the direction of a first axis extending perpendicularly through the central axis than in the direction of a second axis extending perpendicular to both the central axis and the first axis. This offers the advantage that the alignment can be achieved simply by shaping the bearing surface. Therefore, no additional elements are required. Particularly preferably, the bearing surface is not circular in cross-section transverse to the central axis. Particularly preferably, the bearing surface is oval or elliptical in cross-section transverse to the central axis. However, the bearing surface can also have flat areas within these shapes.

[0030] Preferably, the bearing surface of the flushing water distributor is exposed within the mounting. This means that the bearing surface is not covered by any other elements and that it can be brought into direct contact with the mounting.

[0031] For the indirect mounting of the flushing water distributor, a seal, particularly one with multiple sealing lips circumferentially around the central axis, is placed between the bearing surface and the mounting. Here, the flushing water distributor is indirectly mounted in the mounting via the seal. The seal extends completely around the central axis.

[0032] The seal is preferably placed on the bearing surface before the flushing water distributor is mounted. The seal can be designed as a separate part from the flushing water distributor. Alternatively, the seal can also be integrally molded onto the bearing surface.

[0033] Preferably, the bearing point has a stop surface on the bearing point side, wherein the flushing water distributor is pressed against the stop surface by the locking element. In this process, the flushing water distributor's stop surface comes into contact with the stop surface on the bearing point side.

[0034] In other words, the flush water distributor is clamped firmly to the sanitary article between the surface that comes into contact with the securing element and the stop surface.

[0035] The sanitary fixture is preferably a toilet bowl or a urinal. The sanitary fixture comprises an interior and a siphon. Furthermore, as described above, the sanitary fixture has a receptacle with a bearing point into which the flush water distributor can be inserted.

[0036] A method for assembling a sanitary article arrangement of the above description is characterized in that, in a first step, the flushing water distributor is inserted into the receptacle and, in a second step, the locking element is moved from the initial position to the locking position, whereby the flushing water distributor is pressed and held under tension in the bearing point.

[0037] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the rinse water distributor according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the rinse water distributor according to Figure 1Fig. 3 shows a front view of the flushing water distributor. Figure 1 , with the locking element in its initial position; Fig. 4 a sectional view of the flushing water distributor according to Figure 1 , wherein the locking element is in the locked position; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a sanitary ware arrangement with a flush water distributor according to one of the preceding figures; Fig. 6 a rear view of the sanitary ware arrangement according to Figure 5 ; and Figs. 7-10 show various sectional views of the installation situation of the flush water distributor in the sanitary article. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0039] In the Figures 1 to 4 Various views of an embodiment of a flushing water distributor 1 according to the invention are shown. Figures 5 to 10 A sanitary ware arrangement with the flush water distributor 1 is installed according to the Figures 1 to 4 and a sanitary item 2 shown.

[0040] The flushing water distributor 1 comprises a pipe element 3 with a flushing water channel S extending along a central axis M. The flushing water channel S extends from an inlet opening 4 to at least one outlet opening 5, 6, 7. Flushing water can flow in the direction F from the inlet opening to the at least one outlet opening 5, 6, 7. From the at least one outlet opening 5, 6, 7, the flushing water can be discharged into the interior 35 to the sanitary fitting 2. In the illustrated embodiment, three outlet openings are arranged, namely a central outlet opening 7 and two lateral outlet openings 5, 6. The lateral outlet openings 5, 6 are located laterally to the central outlet opening 7. The inlet opening 4 is designed such that a flushing pipe 26 can project into the inlet opening 4, so that the flushing water distributor 1 can be supplied with flushing water. A seal 36 is arranged between the flushing pipe 26 and the inlet opening.

[0041] The pipe element 3 has an outer bearing section 8 with a bearing surface 9. The flushing water distributor 1 is supported directly or indirectly in a bearing point 10 of a receptacle 11 of the sanitary article 2 via the bearing surface 9. In the illustrated embodiment, an indirect support is shown. Here, a seal 27 with several sealing lips 28 is arranged on the bearing surface 9. The seal 27 comes into contact with the bearing point 10 of the receptacle 11. In a direct support, the bearing surface 9 is in direct contact with the bearing point 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the flushing water distributor 1 includes a locking element 12. The locking element 12 allows the flushing water distributor 1 to be mechanically secured to the sanitary article 2. That is, the locking element 12 serves to mechanically secure the flushing water distributor 1 to the sanitary article 2.

[0043] The safety element 12 is from a starting position as in the Figure 3 shown, in a secure situation, as in the Figure 4 shown, movable. The locking element 12 is designed such that, in the locked position, the locking element 12 is pressed against a surface 18 on the sanitary article 2, and that the flushing water distributor 1 is thereby pressed into the bearing point 10 on the sanitary article 2 and held in the bearing point 10. The interaction of the locking element 12 with the sanitary article 2 is described with reference to the Figures 5 to 10 explained in more detail.

[0044] Of the Figures 1 to 4It can be clearly seen that the locking element 12 is movably mounted in at least one guide track 21 arranged on the outside of the pipe element 3. In the illustrated embodiment, two guide tracks 21 are arranged on both sides of the pipe element 3 with respect to the central axis M. The locking element 12 has two guide webs 20 spaced apart from each other, which are movably mounted in the guide track 21. The guide webs 20 are movably mounted in the guide track 21 such that the locking element 12 can be moved from its initial position to the locked position and back again.

[0045] The guide track 21 is laterally bounded by side guide surfaces 29. The guide webs 20 abut the side guide surfaces 29 and are guided accordingly by them. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide track 21 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the central axis M. Furthermore, at least one locking structure 22 is provided between the guide track 21 and the guide web 20. The locking structure 22 provides a locking connection between the locking element 12 and the pipe element 3 when the locking element 12 is in the locked position.

[0046] In the Figure 4 The locking mechanism is shown accordingly. Two locking cams 30 of the locking structure 22 are positioned relative to each other such that, during a movement from the shown locking position to the initial position, the two locking cams must snap against each other.

[0047] Furthermore, the locking element 12 comprises at least one spring section 13. In the illustrated embodiment, two spring sections 13 are arranged. The spring sections 13 hold the flushing water distributor 1 under mechanical tension in the bearing point 1. The spring sections 13 are provided here by two spring arms 14 projecting laterally from the locking element 12. The spring arms 14 extend laterally to a beam section 24 and are connected to the beam section 24 via a fixed end 16. Each of the spring arms 14 has a free end 15, which is arranged opposite the fixed end 16. A contact surface 17 is arranged at each of the free ends 15. The locking element 12 can be brought into contact with the surface 18 via the contact surface 17. That is, the locking element is in contact with the surface 18 on the sanitary article 2 via the contact surface 17.

[0048] The contact surface 17 also has a chamfer 31. The chamfer 31 serves to facilitate contact with the surface 18.

[0049] The at least one spring area shows, as in the Figures 3 and 4 The figure shows a multitude of recesses 19. The recesses 19 serve to vary the flexibility of the spring section or spring arm 14. But the other areas, namely the beam section 24 or the guide webs 20, can also be designed with corresponding recesses.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the guide webs 20 extend from the beam section 24 or from the spring arm 14 in the area of ​​the fixed end 16 of the spring arm 14 essentially at right angles to the spring arm 14.

[0051] In the Figure 5The flush water distributor 1, together with the flush pipe 26, is shown shortly before installation in the sanitary article 2, which is shown here as a toilet bowl. The flush water distributor 1 can be inserted into the receptacle 11 so that it can then be pressed into the bearing point 10 of the receptacle 11. The flush pipe 26 can then be inserted into the inlet opening 4 of the flush water distributor 1.

[0052] In the Figure 6 The mounted flush water distributor 1 is shown. The locking element is in the locked position. The locking element 12 is in contact with the surface 18 of the sanitary article 2 via the aforementioned contact surface 17, and the flush water distributor 1 is pressed into the bearing point 10. The support via the pairing of contact surface 17 and surface 18 is positioned as shown in the Figure 6shown, laterally to the central axis M. The bilateral arrangement of the pairing contact surface 17 and surface 18 laterally to the central axis M has the advantage that a symmetrical force application is ensured.

[0053] The adjustability of the locking element 12 has with regard to the Figure 6 It also has the advantage of allowing easy installation on the sanitary ware. In the initial position, the locking element 12 is located further down than in the Figure 6 depicted, it refers to the Figures 3 and 8 As indicated, this allows the spring arms 14 to easily pass over the surface 18 when the flush water distributor 1 is inserted. After the flush water distributor 1 has been inserted, the locking element 12 can then be moved relative to the surface 18, bringing the locking element 12 into contact with the surface 18. As indicated by the Figure 6As shown, the free area 32, which is surrounded by the rear wall 33 in projection, can be used for the installation of the flushing water distributor 1, which makes the installation easier.

[0054] In the Figure 7 A cross-sectional view through the spring arms 14 is shown. It can be clearly seen how the spring arms 14 deform slightly in the locked position when the locking element 12 is in the locked position. Furthermore, the contact between the surface 18 of the sanitary article 2 and the contact surface 17 of the locking element 12 is shown.

[0055] The Figures 8 and 9 The diagram shows the situation as seen from the inside of the toilet bowl. Figure 8 The locking element 10 is shown in its initial position. After inserting the flushing water distributor 1, the locking element 12 can be moved into the locked position. This is shown in the Figure 9shown. The contact surface 17 comes into contact with the surface 18. The flushing water distributor 1 is then pressed into the bearing point 10 in the direction of a perpendicular to the drawing sheet surface due to the spring action of the spring arms 14.

[0056] The Figure 10Figure 1 shows a side view. This side view also shows that the bearing point 10 has a bearing-side stop surface 23. Furthermore, the flushing water distributor has a stop surface 25. The bearing-side stop surface 23 and the stop surface 25 come into contact with each other due to the action of the locking element 12. The tension achieved via the at least one spring arm 14 ensures that the flushing water distributor, with its stop surface 25, remains in contact with the bearing-side stop surface 23 throughout its entire service life. Figure 1 also shows how the flushing water distributor 1 is mounted in the receptacle 11. In front of the actual bearing point 10, the receptacle 11 includes an insertion section 34, through which the flushing water distributor 1 can be inserted into the bearing point 10.

[0057] Preferably, both the pipe element and the locking element are made of plastic. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0058] 1 Flush water distributor 25 Stop surface 2 Sanitary ware 26 Flushing pipe 3 Pipe element 27 seal 4 Entrance opening 28 Sealing lips 5 Exit opening 29 Side guide surfaces 6 Exit opening 30 Locking cam 7 Exit opening 31 chamfer 8 Storage section 32 free area 9 Storage area 33 back panel 10 Storage site 34 Introductory section 11 Recording 35 interior 12 Safety element 36 seal 13 Spring area S Flush water channel 14 spring arm M central axis 15 free ending 16 fixed end 17 Contact surface 18 Area 19 Exclusions 20 Management bridge 21 Guide track 22 Grid structure 23 bearing-side stop surface 24 Beam section

Claims

1. A sanitary article arrangement comprising a sanitary article, such as a toilet bowl or a urinal, and a flush water distributor (1) for the sanitary article (2), wherein the sanitary article has a receptacle (11) and a surface (18), wherein the flush water distributor (1) comprises a pipe element (3) with a flush water channel (S) extending along a center axis (M), which flush water channer (S) extends from an inlet opening (4) to at least one outlet opening (5, 6, 7), wherein flush water can be conducted in a flow direction (F) from the inlet opening (4) to the at least one outlet opening (5, 6, 7) and can be discharged from the at least one outlet opening (5, 6, 7) to the sanitary article (2), wherein the receptacle (11) has a bearing point (10) for mounting the flush water distributor (1) via its bearing section (9), wherein the pipe element (3) has on the outside a bearing section (8) with the bearing surface (9), wherein the bearing point (10) is designed complementary to or matching to the bearing surface (9), wherein the flush water distributor (1) is mounted via the bearing surface (9) directly or indirectly in the bearing point (10) of the receptacle (11) of the sanitary article (2), wherein the flush water distributor (1) further comprises a securing element (12) by which the flushing water distributor (1) can be mechanically secured to the sanitary article (2), wherein the securing element (12) can be displaced from a starting position into a securing position, and wherein the securing element (12) is designed in such a way that in the securing position the securing element (12) is pressed against the surface (18) on the sanitary article (2), and that the flush water distributor (1) is thereby pressed into the bearing point (10) on the sanitary article (2) and is held in the bearing point (10), wherein the securing element (12) is movably mounted in at least one guide track (21) arranged on the outside of the pipe element (3), wherein the securing element (12) has at least one guide ridge (20) which is mounted in the guide track (21).

2. Sanitary article arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing element (12) is designed in such a way that the flush water distributor (1) is held under mechanical tension in the bearing point (11).

3. Sanitary article arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flush water distributor (1) has a stop surface (25) by means of which the flush water distributor (1) can be pressed against a bearing-side stop surface (23) when the securing element (1) is in the securing position.

4. Sanitary article arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (12) has at least one spring area (13) that holds the flush water distributor (1) under mechanical tension in the bearing point (11).

5. Sanitary article arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the spring region (13) is provided by two spring arms (14) projecting laterally from the securing element (12).

6. Sanitary article arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the spring arms (14) has a free end (15) and a fixed end (16), wherein each of the spring arms (14) have at its free end (15) a contact surface (17) with which the securing element (12) bears against a surface (18) on the sanitary article (2).

7. Sanitary article arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one spring area (13) or the at least one spring arm (14) have recesses (19) which increase the flexibility of the at least one spring area (13) or of the at least one spring arm (14).

8. Sanitary article arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (21) is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center axis (M).

9. Sanitary article arrangement according to claim 5 and any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 or 6 to 8, characterized in that during the movement from the initial position into the clamping position, the contact surface (17) of the spring arm (14) can be brought into contact with a surface (18) on the sanitary article (2).

10. Sanitary article arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one latching structure (22) is provided between guide track (21) and guide ridge (20), which latching structure (22) provides a latching connection between securing element (12) and pipe element (3) when the securing element (12) is in the clamping position.

11. Sanitary article arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two guide ridges (20), that are spaced apart from each other, are arranged parallel to one another, and that two guide tracks (21) are arranged opposite each other relative to the central axis (M).

12. Sanitary article arrangement according to claim 5 and any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 11, characterized in that a guide ridge (20) is integrally formed on the fixed end (16) of each spring arm (14) and projects from the spring arm (14) substantially perpendicularly to the spring arm (14).

13. Sanitary article arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing point (10) has a bearing-side stop surface (23), wherein the flush water distributor (1) is pressed against the stop surface by the securing element (12).

14. Method for assembling a sanitary article arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a first step, the flush water distributor is inserted into the receptacle and in that, in a second step the securing element is moved from the initial position into the securing position, wherein the flush water distributor is pressed and held under tension in the bearing point.