Concealed urinal installation for integrated wall mounting

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a concealed urinal arrangement for the integrated wall installation of a urinal in a residential building.

[0002] It is a well-established practice to install sanitary facilities in permanently installed residential buildings, also known as properties. In private homes, these sanitary facilities are often referred to as toilets or bathrooms. These rooms are characterized by tiled floors and at least sections of tiled walls to create a comfortable living environment while simultaneously ensuring hygienic cleaning and a degree of water resistance.

[0003] Micturition refers to the excretion of urine from the bladder of a human body. In men, urination occurs primarily while standing, via the penis.

[0004] Over the decades, this has led to the development of so-called wall-mounted urinals. In private homes, these are mostly surface-mounted installations made of ceramic; that is, a ceramic urinal is mounted to a wall or onto tiles.

[0005] In particular, this offers improved hygiene for the user, as the person urinating doesn't have to sit on a toilet but can urinate while standing. However, this also has disadvantages, especially in private homes. For one thing, a wall-mounted urinal is rather unsightly. Furthermore, urine splashing is a common occurrence. Bathrooms, toilets, and guest toilets in private homes are often limited in size and dimensions, so that, for example, a conventional toilet and a urinal are located close together. If another person sits on the toilet, their view or upper body is often close to a wall-mounted urinal, which is perceived as bothersome or unpleasant. Moreover, a wall-mounted urinal that protrudes from the wall is usually positioned at hand height.In the event of unintentional movement, a hand could at least touch the edge of a urinal, which is perceived as unhygienic and also as disturbing.

[0006] Wall-mounted urinals are known from DE 73 17 910 U, FR 1 537 878 ​​A, and DE 41 05 979 A1. A mounting frame for hydraulic connections in a bathroom is known from IT 2019 0001 8950 A1.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a way to improve the function and, at the same time, the visual integration of a urinal into a property.

[0008] The aforementioned problem is solved according to the invention with a concealed urinal arrangement for the integrated wall installation of a urinal in a residential building or a property with the features in claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous design variants are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, a concealed urinal assembly is claimed which is suitable for installation in a wall of a property or residential building. This can be a permanent installation, such as being embedded in masonry. However, it can also be installed in a drywall or cavity wall. A mounting frame and a pivoting collection container are provided. A drain and, at least indirectly, an inlet for flushing water are connected to the collection container. The urinal is thus installed behind the front surface of a wall and, when not in use, is therefore completely integrated into the wall. The collection container can be pivoted out of the wall for use of the urinal.

[0011] According to the invention, the arrangement is characterized in that an outwardly oriented cover plate of the collection container has a cover frame with a tile insert for receiving wall tiles, such that visual integration into a tiled wall is achieved when the urinal or collection container is in the swung-in, unused state. The respective wall surface, in particular a tile, is thus placed onto the outwardly oriented cover plate of the collection container. Depending on the individual design of the bathroom or toilet, the concealed urinal can therefore be almost completely integrated into the wall. This particularly addresses the disadvantage that a neighboring urinal can be perceived as disruptive when a person is sitting on a toilet in the same bathroom.The complete visual integration also makes it possible for the urinal to be barely or not at all perceived, and thus the presence of a urinal behind the wall is not perceived as disturbing.

[0012] The mounting frame preferably has a height of 70 cm to 140 cm when installed. In particular, the mounting frame is made of a steel material. It can also be made of stainless steel. The collection container is pivotally mounted within the mounting frame. The collection container has a rear side facing outwards, i.e., towards the wall or visible wall surface. This rear side features a cover frame with a tile insert. A wall surface, in particular a wall tile, can be accommodated in this tile insert. The cover frame can slightly or completely overlap the tile itself at the edges. When closed and pivoted inwards, the collection container is almost completely integrated into the wall. When folded down, a barely perceptible gap remains around the outer cover plate. In particular, the cover plate or the gap is rectangular in frontal or top view.The cover is rectangular in shape. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cover has a rounded shape when viewed from the front. In the case of a tile cover, this would be cut out using a laser beam cutter, for example, and then placed onto the cover plate or inserted into the cover frame.

[0013] Instead of a tile or tile insert, a so-called cover plate insert can be placed on the outside of the cover plate or inserted into the cover frame, according to a less demanding variant. This could, for example, be a cover plate with a surface-mounted plaster finish. It could also be a decorative panel. The main goal is to integrate seamlessly into the wall surface surrounding the urinal.

[0014] In another design variant, the cover plate can also be shaped as a trapezoid that increases in size towards the top in the vertical direction.

[0015] The collection container and the cover frame are made of stainless steel. The collection container itself, particularly its lower section, is preferably curved or container-shaped.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, a collection tray is arranged within the mounting frame, with the drain located in a lower section of the tray. A lower portion of the collection container itself projects into the tray, allowing it to be tilted and pivoted. Urine collected in the container then flows vertically downwards in its lower section and drips into the tray. The tray contains a drain that directs the collected urine to a sewer system. A siphon or trap can be installed between the tray and the urinal. A particular advantage is that the trap can be installed and maintained from the inside when the urinal is opened. A conventional siphon located below the urinal would be difficult to access during replacement or maintenance.Repairs would require opening the wall in front of it. A maintenance hatch would also visually detract from the wall. A trap can, for example, be a single-sided membrane made of a rubber-like or silicone-like material. Such a trap can be serviced or replaced from the inside, thus minimizing maintenance work on a urinal according to the invention and, in particular, completely avoiding destructive installations after installation. Inspection can be carried out from the inside.

[0017] Furthermore, a flushing system is integrated into the collection container or tray. Specifically, the flushing system is designed such that when the collection container is closed, the flushing process begins, directing water into the container and / or tray. In particular, a spray mist is generated. This ensures that any remaining urine and urine splashes are rinsed away as completely as possible, thus preventing odor formation from splashes or residual urine stains, while maintaining hygiene standards. A control unit, preferably a control module, can be used for the flushing process. This preferably includes a sensor, for example, an inductive sensor. When the collection container is closed, the sensor is triggered. This triggers a valve connected to a domestic water supply, which then initiates a flushing cycle. This valve is preferably electrically or electromagnetically controlled.The control system described above then controls the valve, for example, with a flushing time or opening time of preferably 1 to 30 seconds, in particular 2 to 10 seconds, and can in particular trigger flushing durations of 3 seconds, 5 seconds or 8 seconds.

[0018] In a preferred version, the flushing process can be customized for each user, allowing, for example, the residents of a house to individually select whether they prefer a shorter or longer flush. This is necessary based on personal preference, as some users find a short flush sufficient, while others prefer a longer flush, which might involve a longer or even doubled flushing time.

[0019] Preferably, the control system described above is visible from the outside, especially when the collection container is open. Preferably, the level of the buildup is visible in the upper part of the opening and / or can be controlled via smaller operating buttons.

[0020] The control unit can also be completely concealed behind the wall within the mounting frame, allowing it to be operated with indirect visibility even when the collection container is open. Specifically, the control unit features a status LED that indicates the operating status. When the collection container is opened, a green LED indicates "System ready," while a red LED indicates a malfunction. This eliminates the need to close the collection container and wait for an audible "flushing" signal.

[0021] The control unit is preferably connected to a local mains supply in Europe. In Germany and many other countries, this is typically 230 V. The valve, in particular a cheek valve, can then be connected via a low-voltage system, preferably between 10 V and 50 V, more preferably between 20 V and 30 V, and most preferably between 24 V. The same applies to a sensor, in particular an inductive sensor. This can also be connected in the aforementioned low-voltage range. A corresponding LED module can also be connected.

[0022] Furthermore, the cover plate can be equipped with a push-to-open mechanism, allowing it to be folded outwards, at least partially, by pressing against it towards the wall. This enables seamless integration, eliminating the need for an external handle or similar mechanism to operate the drip tray and move it from a folded-in, unused position to an extended, used position.

[0023] Furthermore, a pivot axis is arranged in the lower third of the height of the mounting frame. Specifically, the pivot axis is located at least 5 mm above a lower edge of the mounting frame. However, the pivot axis should not be higher than 100 mm, and preferably not higher than 60 mm, or even more preferably not higher than 40 mm, above a lower edge of the installation space. This ensures pivotability while simultaneously minimizing the gap between the upper and lower edges of the mounting frame and the rest of the wall, so that only a circumferential gap around the mounting frame remains visible when pivoted into position.

[0024] Further advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention are the subject of the following description. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in schematic figures. These serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. They show: Figures 1a to c show a lateral longitudinal section view through a wall of a property with a built-in concealed urinal in the folded and unfolded state, Figures 2a and b show a top view of a built-in concealed urinal arrangement in the folded state in two different design variants.

[0025] The same reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or similar components, even if a repeated description is omitted for the sake of simplicity. The embodiment variants described below can also be applied individually or in combination to the general description without extending the scope of disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a wall 1 of a property not shown in detail. A mounting frame 2 is installed in the wall 1. A pivotable collection container 3 is arranged within the mounting frame 2. The mounting frame 2 itself has a collection tray 4 in its lower section. Alternatively, a mounting plate 23 can be arranged in a corresponding stud wall of the wall 1. The mounting frame 2 of the concealed urinal can then be placed on the mounting plate 23 for subsequent installation. The mounting frame 2 preferably has a height of 40 cm to 70 cm. In particular, the mounting frame 2 is positioned 35 cm to 50 cm, more preferably 37 cm to 40 cm, and preferably 39 cm, above the floor or substrate. The resulting opening 5 for the collection container 3 is positioned higher. Furthermore, the mounting frame 2 is preferably, at least partially, equipped with sound insulation and / or soundproofing.For example, a soundproofing panel, particularly in the form of a bitumen sheet, can be attached to the back of the mounting frame 2. Drum noises would be eliminated at this point.

[0027] As in Figure 1b As shown, a lower opening 5 of the collection container 3 can then protrude into the collection tray 4. A drain 6 is located in the lower part of the collection tray 4 itself. The drain 6 may have a siphon or odor trap (not shown in detail).

[0028] Urine can be introduced into the collection container 3 from an upper opening 7. Due to gravity, the urine then flows downwards in the vertical direction V of the collection container 3 and thus flows or drips into the collection tray 4. The urine is then conveyed to a sewer (not shown) via the drain 6. A flushing device, serving as an inlet 8, is located above the collection container 3. This device can be automatically flushed in the folded position according to... Figure 1c triggered by the folding process. For example, a sensor 21 can be arranged that detects the unfolded state in Figure 1b ) and folding according to Figure 1c ) is sensed, after which the collection container 3 is folded down and then the flushing is triggered. A control device 22 can be arranged for this purpose, which then controls the flushing device. Is as in Figure 1bWith the collection container 3 unfolded, the control unit 22 would not be directly visible. It could be accessed to make settings or for maintenance when the collection container 3 is removed. However, the control unit 22 could also be located deeper according to... Figure 1c ) arranged so that the control unit 22 would be visible when the collection container 3 is unfolded. Furthermore, and particularly preferably, the control unit 22, as well as optionally the valve, and optionally a sensor 21, are arranged on a mounting plate, also called a valve plate. This can then be inserted through the opening 5 of the collection container 3 into the mounting frame 2 from bottom to top in the vertical direction V, so that it aligns with the Figure 1cThe mounting plate assumes the position shown. For maintenance or adjustment purposes, this mounting plate could then be removed. The flushing device then flushes the collection container 3 and the drip tray 4, so that the flushing water is also directed to a sewer via the drain 6 (not shown). The flushing device can be designed, in particular, as a spray device, so that the collection container 3 and the drip tray 4 are flushed as completely and evenly as possible. In the folded state according to... Figure 1aThe rinse water then flows over the top 8 of the collection container 3 into it and through it to the drain 6. Furthermore, a pivot axis 9 is arranged. For this purpose, a cover plate 10 is formed in the front visible area. A tile 11 is inserted into the cover plate 10 itself. The cover plate 10 is formed by an outer, surrounding cover frame 12. The cover frame 12 with the cover plate 10 thus forms a receiving surface, i.e., an insert for receiving tiles 11. The tile 11 can be glued in place, for example, with a construction adhesive, tile adhesive, or mounting tape. The tile 11, or several tiles, or other surface of the wall 1 is thus cut to the inner size of the cover frame 12 and inserted into the cover frame 12. This allows for seamless integration into the rest of the wall tile structure 13.Wall 1 itself can be made of Rigips 14 or plasterboard. However, the concealed urinal, for example, can also be installed in a masonry wall.

[0029] In plan view according to Figures 2a and 2b Two different design variants are shown. In the folded state, the front view shows tile 11, which is enclosed by the mounting frame 2. An opening 15 in the wall tiles 13 is slightly larger than the mounting frame 2 itself. This leaves a gap 16 around the perimeter as a visible edge. In the example of Figure 2a The cover plate 10 is designed in top view in the form of an upwardly opening trapezoid. According to Figure 2bThe cover plate 10 is designed with the tile 11 arranged on it in the form of a rectangle. For actuation, a push mechanism can be provided in the upper area, relative to the vertical direction, so that to actuate it, a push is made against the upper side of the tile 11, and then the collection container 3 is at least partially swung out and, by further folding out, the contents are removed. Figure 1b The depicted position is assumed. For example, a lower surface 17 can be arranged on the collection container 3, which then rests against the rear 18 of the collection tray 4 and thus limits the swiveling movement. A front surface 19 of the collection container 3, in turn, can be arranged according to Figure 1aThe pivoting movement is limited by the lower area of ​​the front cover plate 3. Specifically, the pivot axis is located in a lower third of the front cover plate 3 relative to the vertical direction, but at least 5 mm, preferably 10 mm, above a lower edge 20 of the front cover plate 10. Reference symbol:

[0030] 1 - Wall 2 - Mounting frame 3 - Collection container 4 - Drip tray 5 - Opening to 3 6 - Drain 7 - Top to 3 8 - Inlet 9 - Swivel axis 10 - Cover plate 11 - Tile 12 - Cover frame 13 - Wall tile 14 - Plasterboard 15 - Opening 16 - Gap 17 - Surface 18 - Back 19 - Front to 3 20 - Bottom edge 21 - Sensor 22 - Control unit 23 - Mounting plate V - Vertical direction

Claims

1. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement for integrated wall installation of a urinal in a residential building, having a tiled wall (1), an installation frame (2) and a swivellable collection container (3) arranged therein to which a drain (6) is at least indirectly connected, an inlet (8) for flushing water and an outwardly facing cover plate (10) of the collection container (3), wherein the collection container (3) is swivellably mounted in the installation frame (2) and is made of stainless steel material, characterised in that the cover plate (10) of the collection container (3) has a cover frame (12) with a tile insert for receiving wall tiles (11), such that a visual integration into the tiled wall (1) is obtained when the collection container (3) is swivelled in and in that the cover frame (12) is made of stainless steel material.

2. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the installation frame (2) has a height of 70 to 140 cm.

3. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover frame (12) is configured as a square, or in that the cover frame (12) has a trapezoidal shape that increases upwards, or in that the cover frame is configured as a round shape.

4. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collection container (3) has a rounded basin-like configuration at its lowest point.

5. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an automatic flushing system is integrated, such that the collection container (3) is swivelled in and a flushing process is thereby triggered.

6. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collection container (3) and / or the cover frame (12) are made of a stainless steel material.

7. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collection container (3) has a push mechanism for swivelling out the collection container (3).

8. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the collection container (3) is swivellably arranged in the frame, wherein a lowest point of the collection container (3) is arranged below a lower edge (20) of the cover frame (12).

9. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a collection tray (4) is arranged in the installation frame (2), wherein the collection container (3) is arranged so as to be swivellable relative to the collection tray (4) and the drain (6) is connected to the collection tray (4), wherein a lower outlet of the swivellable collection container (3) projects into the collection tray in the open and closed state.

10. Flush-mounted urinal arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that a rotation axis is arranged in a lower third of the height of the installation frame (2), wherein the rotation axis (9) is arranged at least 5 mm above a lower edge (20) of the installation frame (2).