Toilet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) with a toilet bowl (1) having a toilet interior (12), having a mounting (4) which is preferably arranged in a fixed manner on the toilet bowl (1), having a toilet seat (2) which is arranged on the mounting (4) such that it can be moved, preferably pivoted, particularly preferably vertically pivoted, between a use position and a non-use position, or is formed by the toilet bowl (1), and having a toilet lid (3) which is formed and arranged on the mounting (4), such that it can be moved, preferably pivoted, particularly preferably vertically pivoted, in order to close or release the toilet interior (12) by moving, preferably pivoting. The toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) is characterised by at least one fan (33, 44), which is designed and arranged to generate a circulating air flow in the toilet interior (12) of the toilet bowl (1), which is preferably closed by means of the toilet lid (3), and by at least one ioniser (34, 46), preferably at least one ozone generator (34, 46), which is designed and arranged to generate ionised air, preferably ozone, and to dispense it into the circulating air flow.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] toilet

[0003] The present invention relates to a toilet.

[0004] Nowadays it is common practice to use toilets which can be used by a person sitting down. A toilet is a sanitary device for collecting bodily excretions such as feces and urine. A toilet usually has a toilet bowl or toilet bowl which forms an interior space into which the bodily excretions can be placed. The person can do this by sitting on a toilet seat or toilet lid of the toilet, which is designed as a separate component of the toilet which can be pivoted relative to the toilet bowl and which has its seating area. Alternatively, the upper rim of the toilet bowl can also form the seating area of ​​the toilet. The bodily excretions can usually be flushed away through a drain into a sewer system.

[0005] In addition to bodily excretions, gases can also be released by the person using the toilet and / or generated by the bodily excretions, which can enter the ambient air in the immediate vicinity of the toilet and lead to unpleasant odors. The interior of the toilet, i.e., the inside of the toilet bowl, must also be cleaned regularly.

[0006] For the automatic cleaning of the interior of toilets or toilet bowls, the use of so-called toilet flushers is known. These are hung on the rim of the toilet bowl. When the water is flushed, water flows around the toilet bowl and a portion of a cleaning agent is released into the water. This allows the interior of the toilet to be cleaned to a certain extent wherever the water mixed with the cleaning agent can reach it. The cleaning agent can also contain a fragrance, which can then be released into the ambient air. Both of these processes can occur automatically whenever the water is flushed.

[0007] The disadvantage of this method is that the cleaning effect can only be achieved in the interior of the toilet where the water mixed with the cleaning agent reaches it. This can lead to uneven cleaning of the surface of the interior of the toilet. Furthermore, only the interior surface of the toilet bowl itself can be cleaned this way. In particular, the toilet seat, and especially its seat surface, are not reached at all by this type of cleaning.

[0008] Another disadvantage is that any unpleasant odors that occur can only be masked by the scent of the cleaning agent, but they remain in themselves.

[0009] The disadvantage is that the cleaning and fragrance effectiveness depends on the amount of cleaning agent dissolved or released by the flushing water. Accordingly, as the cleaning agent dwindles, the effectiveness can diminish.

[0010] The overall disadvantage is that the cleaning agent is consumed through use of the toilet and must be replaced or refilled. This can result in costs and effort for the user. In particular, the functions may not be available if or as long as the cleaning agent is used up.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a toilet so that cleaning and, in particular, disinfection of a toilet, in particular the seat surface of a toilet, can be improved and / or simplified. Additionally or alternatively, unpleasant odors during and / or after use of a toilet should be avoided or at least reduced. This should be possible in a way that is as simple, automatic, robust, compact, and / or cost-effective as possible. At the very least, an alternative to the corresponding known possibilities should be created.

[0012] The object is achieved according to the invention by a toilet, a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a holder, and a fragrance unit having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0013] Thus, the invention relates to a toilet with a toilet bowl with a toilet interior, with a holder, with a toilet seat which is arranged on the holder so as to be movable between a position of use and a position of non-use or is formed by the toilet bowl, and with a toilet lid which is designed and arranged to be movable on the holder so as to close or release the toilet interior by moving it.

[0014] Such toilets are well known, commercially available, and widespread. Depending on the design or application, the toilet bowl can be made of ceramic. In this case, the use of toilet seats made of plastic or wood is common. However, metal toilet bowls are also known which do not have a separate toilet seat but instead form the seating area for the user. If the toilet seat is separate, the user can move the toilet seat away from the rim by hand; this represents the non-use position, since in this position the toilet seat cannot be used by the user to sit down on the toilet. This non-use position can be used in particular for cleaning the toilet bowl, including the rim.In the use position, the rim of the toilet bowl is covered by the toilet seat and the user can use the toilet seat in this position for sitting.

[0015] In any case, it is known and common practice to provide a movable toilet lid, which can be moved manually by the user to open and close the toilet interior, and can usually be pivoted or folded vertically. When the toilet lid is open, the toilet seat can be used by the user in the use position. The toilet seat can also be moved with the toilet lid open, as described above. To close the toilet lid, the toilet seat must be moved to the use position. When the toilet lid is closed, the toilet seat and the toilet interior are covered at the top.

[0016] The toilet according to the invention is characterized by at least one fan which is designed and arranged to generate a circulating air flow within the toilet interior of the toilet bowl, and by at least one ionizer which is designed and arranged to generate ionized air and to deliver it to the circulating air flow.

[0017] The blower can, for example, be implemented as a fan or similar device and can in any case be used to circulate air. To do this, the blower can draw in air from the toilet interior, force it through itself, and then release this air back into the toilet interior as an airflow, thus creating a circulating airflow within or through the toilet interior. This allows the air within the toilet interior to be specifically conveyed and ionized, so that the surface, particularly the toilet interior, can be cleaned and / or disinfected using the ionized air in the circulating airflow. At the same time, odors can be removed by ionizing the air in the circulating airflow.

[0018] The interior of the toilet essentially represents the volume enclosed by the toilet bowl or its bowl body, which is open at the top. For the purposes of the present invention, however, further areas can also be assigned to the toilet interior, which are enclosed by the toilet bowl, the holder, the toilet seat and / or the toilet lid when the toilet lid is closed. The toilet interior can therefore also include, in particular, the areas between the rim of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat or the toilet lid and / or between the toilet seat and the toilet lid. The air in the air stream is ionized using the ionizer using high voltage. The toilet itself can provide the high voltage required to operate the ionizer using a suitable high voltage generator. The ionized air orThe radicals generated in the ionized air can trigger chemical degradation processes that can be used for disinfection and / or odor removal. Using an ozone generator as an ionizer can be one way to achieve the air ionization described above.

[0019] In any case, operation of at least the blower and the ionizer can be carried out by means of a control unit of the toilet, which can perform the corresponding functions as well as further functions such as the evaluation of sensor information, the activation of the functions according to time sequences or at predetermined times, and the like, as will be described in more detail below. The required electrical supply of the toilet and in particular its electrical and electronic components can be provided by an integrated electrical, preferably replaceable and / or rechargeable, energy storage device, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, the toilet can also be connected to an electrical supply network via a cable or wirelessly, for example inductively.

[0020] In any case, a toilet according to the invention can be designed to generate an ionized air stream and to circulate it within the toilet interior so that odors can be extracted from the toilet interior. The ionizer can then eliminate or at least reduce the odors in the sucked-in air by ionizing the sucked-in air and / or mixing it with ionized air. The excess ionized air can be conveyed back into the toilet bowl with reduced or completely eliminated odors in order to reach the surfaces of the toilet interior and clean or disinfect them. This can eliminate or at least reduce any odor nuisance that can arise when using a toilet. At the same time, the toilet interior can be cleaned and / or disinfected. This allows the simplest and / or cheapest possible solution.or as complete as possible automatic cleaning or disinfection of the toilet.

[0021] For this purpose, at least one blower with an ionizer can be used, which can be arranged anywhere within the toilet in order to perform the functions described above. Thus, the blower and ionizer can be arranged in or on a component of the toilet such as the toilet bowl, the toilet seat, the toilet lid or the toilet holder. The blower and the ionizer can be arranged in or on the same component of the toilet or on different components. Multiple blowers can also be used with an ionizer or one blower with multiple ionizers can be used in combination. However, multiple blowers with multiple ionizers can also be used. If multiple blowers and / or multiple ionizers are provided, only individual blowers and / or individual ionizers can be operated simultaneously.If multiple fans are operated simultaneously, a circulating airflow can be generated, whereby the circulating airflows can also complement, overlap, or mix. The degree to which multiple circulating airflows complement, overlap, or mix can be influenced by the design and arrangement of the fans, their air inlets and / or outlets, as well as by the fan speed and / or fan speed. All of this can increase the design flexibility and usage possibilities for providing a toilet according to the invention.

[0022] Preferably, at least one neutralizer may also be arranged in or on a component of the toilet to neutralize excess ionized air, as will be described in more detail below. Multiple neutralizers may also be used.

[0023] Preferably, the bracket is fixedly mounted on the toilet bowl. This can ensure a secure hold of the bracket, while the toilet seat and / or lid can be moved relative to it.

[0024] The mobility of the toilet seat and / or toilet lid can be varied as required in order to implement the functions described above. Being able to pivot the toilet seat and / or toilet lid relative to the toilet bowl can simplify implementation, as comparatively simple mechanical means such as hinges and the like can be used for this. Pivoting can be implemented both horizontally and vertically, which can increase the design options. Implementing pivoting preferably vertically, for example by means of a pair of hinges, can enable particularly simple implementation. In this case, pivoting can also take place directly above the interior of the toilet, so that the space required for this can be kept to a minimum.

[0025] Closing the toilet interior with the toilet lid during circulating airflow can particularly enhance the cleaning or disinfecting effect of the circulating airflow of ionized air, as the ionized air is kept as far as possible within the toilet interior and can thus exert its effect there. This can also keep ionized air away from the area surrounding the toilet, which could otherwise be perceived by the user as an unpleasant odor. Implementing the ionizer as an ozone generator can be advantageous in that the circulating airflow can be enriched with ozone in this way, achieving the previously described effects using ozone.

[0026] In any case, the operation of the blower and the ionizer, preferably and / or the blower and a neutralizer, can preferably begin, be interrupted or end at at least one predetermined point in time, after at least a predetermined period of time and / or as a function of a sensor-detected event, as will be described in more detail below. In this way, in particular the function of cleaning and / or disinfection by means of ionized air can be used in a time-controlled or time-delayed manner. On the one hand, the cleaning and / or disinfection can take place automatically at predetermined points in time in order to ensure regular cleaning and / or disinfection. Additionally or alternatively, cleaning and / oror disinfection after use of the toilet, which can take place automatically, preferably limited to a predetermined period of time, after the end of use of the toilet.

[0027] The end of toilet use can be detected by sensors similar to the start of toilet use, as described above. When a motion sensor is used, the end of toilet use can be detected by the person's absence. When a force or pressure sensor is used, the release of the force or pressure sensor can indicate the end of toilet use. In any case, this ensures that the toilet is automatically cleaned and / or disinfected after each use. This also applies to the odor reduction function that this also provides.

[0028] Preferably, the operation of the blower and the ionizer, preferably and / or the blower and a neutralizer, can end automatically after a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period of time can be selected appropriately to ensure the appropriate effectiveness of the respective function and to keep the operating time and electrical energy consumption of the toilet as low as possible.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, at least the toilet seat comprises a fan and an ionizer, preferably an ozone generator. This allows the toilet seat to implement the aforementioned corresponding properties and functions solely or partially.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the toilet seat has a neutralizer, preferably a catalyst, particularly preferably an ozone catalyst, and the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to operate the blower and the ionizer of the toilet seat or the blower and the neutralizer of the toilet seat.

[0031] The neutralizer can be used to remove excess ionized air or ozone that was not used for odor neutralization and / or cleaning and / or disinfection from the circulating air stream to prevent the user or the surrounding area from being unpleasantly odorized by the excess ionized air or ozone. To this end, the circulating air stream can also be passed through the neutralizer, the catalyst, or the ozone catalyst, so that excess ionized air can be broken down by the neutralizer or catalyst, or excess ozone can be broken down by the ozone catalyst, and thus kept away from the area around the toilet. This can prevent ionized air or ozone from entering the area around the toilet, as the smell of the ionized air or ozone could be perceived as unpleasant by the user.Ionized air or ozone can also be harmful to health and the environment.

[0032] Accordingly, the blower and the ionizer of the toilet seat can be operated in combination to generate a circulating flow of ionized air as described above, which can clean and / or disinfect and / or reduce odors within the toilet interior. Alternatively, the blower and the neutralizer of the toilet seat can be operated in combination to neutralize excess ionized air as described above. In particular, the blower and ionizer can be operated first, followed by the blower and neutralizer.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet seat has at least one air inlet for sucking in the circulating air flow by means of the fan, and the toilet seat has at least one air outlet for expelling the circulating air flow by means of the fan. This allows air to be sucked into the toilet seat by the fan from the toilet interior via the air inlet and expelled into the toilet interior via the air outlet to generate the circulating air flow as described above. For this purpose, multiple air inlets and / or multiple air outlets can also be used, which can increase the design flexibility. In particular, multiple air inlets and / or multiple air outlets can enable or bring about a more even distribution of the air within the toilet interior, which can improve the uniform cleaning, disinfecting, and / or odor-reducing effect of the ionized air.Preferably aligning the air inlet horizontally towards the interior of the toilet, i.e. in the horizontal plane towards the opening of the toilet seat, can be advantageous in order to be able to suck in air precisely from there and thus centrally.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, orienting the air outlet preferably towards the toilet lid, i.e. vertically upwards towards the inside of the toilet lid, can be advantageous in that the escaping ionized air from the toilet lid can be redirected or redirected towards the seat of the toilet seat, which can promote cleaning and / or disinfection of the seat of the toilet seat with ionized air from the circulating air flow.

[0035] Preferably, arranging the air inlet and air outlet of the toilet seat as far apart as possible can be advantageous in that this increases the distance the air outside the toilet seat has to travel between the air outlet and the air inlet. This allows the circulating airflow to flow through a larger portion of the toilet interior, which can improve the cleaning, disinfecting, and / or odor-reducing effect of the ionized air.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the toilet lid comprises a fan and an ionizer, preferably an ozone generator. This allows the toilet lid to implement the previously described corresponding properties and functions solely or partially.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the toilet lid has a neutralizer, preferably a catalyst, particularly preferably an ozone catalyst, and the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to operate the fan and the ionizer of the toilet lid or the fan and the neutralizer of the toilet lid. This allows the previously described corresponding properties and functions to be implemented solely or partially by the toilet lid.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet lid has at least one air inlet for sucking in the circulating air flow by means of the fan, and the toilet lid has at least one air outlet for discharging the circulating air flow by means of the fan. As a result, the previously described corresponding properties and functions can be implemented solely or partially by the toilet lid. In this case, too, the air inlet can preferably be oriented horizontally towards the toilet interior, which can bring about the advantages already described. Preferably orienting the air outlet towards the toilet seat, particularly preferably towards the seat surface, can bring about a corresponding cleaning and / or disinfecting effect of the toilet seat or its seat surface, as already mentioned.This applies accordingly to the advantages of preferably arranging the air inlet and the air outlet of the toilet lid as far apart as possible from each other.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet lid has a plurality of air outlets directed toward the toilet seat. This can improve the cleaning and / or disinfecting effect of the circulating air flow for the toilet seat or its seating surface, since the ionized air of the circulating air flow can be discharged from the toilet lid at multiple locations, directed toward the toilet seat or its seating surface. This can be further improved by preferably arranging the plurality of air outlets evenly distributed.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the fan is arranged centrally in the toilet lid, directly connected to the air inlet, and connected to at least the air outlet, preferably to the plurality of air outlets, via at least one air duct. The central arrangement of the fan in the toilet lid can be advantageous in that the installation space and weight of the fan can be easily accommodated in the toilet lid. Providing the air inlet there can enable the fan to draw in air as directly as possible, which can then be released from the toilet lid via the air outlet. Providing a plurality of air outlets, which can preferably be distributed as evenly as possible and / or directed towards the toilet seat or its seating surface, can improve the air flow through the toilet interior by means of the circulating air stream.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the toilet holder comprises a fan and an ionizer, preferably an ozone generator. This allows the previously described corresponding properties and functions to be implemented solely or partially by the toilet holder.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the toilet support comprises a neutralizer, preferably a catalyst, particularly preferably an ozone catalyst, and the toilet, preferably a control unit of the support, is designed and configured to operate the fan and the ionizer of the toilet support or the fan and the neutralizer of the toilet support. This allows the previously described corresponding properties and functions to be implemented solely or partially by the toilet support.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet holder has at least one air inlet for drawing in the circulating air flow by means of the fan, and the toilet holder has at least one air outlet for discharging the circulating air flow by means of the fan. This allows the toilet holder to implement the previously described corresponding properties and functions solely or partially.

[0044] In this case, too, the air inlet can preferably be aligned horizontally toward the toilet interior, which can provide the advantages already described. Preferably, the air outlet can also be aligned horizontally toward the toilet interior, which can cause the air to be released back into the central area of ​​the toilet interior, which can promote airflow circulation there. This also applies to the advantages of preferably arranging the air inlet and air outlet of the toilet support as far apart as possible from each other.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet seat has at least one air outlet, which is designed to be at least partially aligned with the air outlet of the toilet holder when the toilet seat is in use. This can make it possible to arrange at least the fan and preferably also the ionizer, particularly preferably also the neutralizer, in the toilet holder, where the required installation space can be provided relatively easily. At the same time, however, the circulating air flow can be fed via the air outlet of the toilet holder to the air outlet of the toilet seat in order to be discharged into the toilet interior via the air outlet of the toilet seat. This can promote the circulation of the air flow through the toilet interior.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet seat has at least one channel inlet, which is connected to a channel outlet in an air-conducting manner by means of at least one flow channel, wherein the channel outlet is designed to be at least partially aligned with the air inlet of the toilet holder when the toilet seat is in use. In this way, the location of the intake of air from the toilet interior can be relocated away from the holder, which can promote the circulation of the air flow through the toilet interior. Orienting the channel inlet, preferably horizontally towards the toilet interior, can be advantageous in that this can also promote the circulation of the air flow through the toilet interior. According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the

[0047] Holder, designed and configured to operate the blower and the ionizer of the toilet seat and the blower and the ionizer of the toilet holder, or the blower and the ionizer of the toilet seat and the blower and the neutralizer of the toilet holder. This allows the previously described corresponding properties and functions to be implemented in these combinations. In particular, this allows simultaneous cleaning and / or disinfection of the toilet seat and the toilet interior. Alternatively, cleaning and / or disinfection of the toilet seat with simultaneous neutralization of the excess ionized air can take place. This will be described in more detail or in a comparable manner with reference to the following aspect of the invention.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to operate the blower and the ionizer of the toilet lid and the blower and the ionizer of the toilet holder or the blower and the ionizer of the toilet lid and the blower and the neutralizer of the toilet holder.

[0049] Accordingly, on the one hand, a first circulating airflow can be generated using the blower and the ionizer on the toilet lid, which can specifically clean and / or disinfect the toilet seat or its seating surface. At the same time, a second circulating airflow can be generated using the blower and the ionizer on the toilet holder, which can reach the rest of the toilet interior, reduce odors there, and clean and / or disinfect the surfaces. This allows the respective effects to be achieved particularly effectively, although this requires more effort. If the blower on the toilet lid orIf its air inlet is located centrally in the toilet lid, this can result in particularly effective mixing of the two circulating air streams, which can promote the most complete penetration of the toilet interior with ionized air. On the other hand, the first circulating air stream can be generated as described above using the blower and the ionizer on the toilet lid. At the same time, the ionized air in the first circulating air stream can be neutralized using the blower and its catalyst on the toilet holder, which can partially reach the second circulating air stream of the blower on the toilet holder. If the blower on the toilet holder is rotated faster or...operated more powerfully than the toilet lid fan, a substantially complete neutralization of the ionized air generated and emitted by the toilet lid fan and ionizer can take place.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet bowl, the toilet seat and / or the toilet lid is / are designed to seal the interior of the toilet at least substantially airtight when the toilet bowl is closed by means of the toilet lid. This can be achieved by at least one suitable sealing element which can act airtight when the toilet lid is closed in order to seal the interior of the toilet airtight. For this purpose, a sealing element can be used which is arranged and acts accordingly between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl, so that the toilet seat can be enclosed by the sealing element on the radial outside. Alternatively, a suitable sealing element can be arranged between the toilet bowl rim and the toilet seat and a further suitable sealing element can be arranged between the toilet seat and the toilet lid, each preferably on the radial outside, in order to likewise achieve this effect.In any case, it may be advantageous to arrange the toilet seat, and in particular its seating surface, as completely as possible within the sealing element so that the seating surface of the toilet seat can be reached by the circulating air flow for cleaning and / or disinfection. This can also be facilitated by arranging the sealing element preferably on the rim of the toilet bowl and / or on the rim of the toilet lid. In any case, the sealing element can consist of or comprise a spring-elastic material to compensate for unevenness and improve an airtight seal. Elastomeric materials, in particular, can be used for this purpose.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet has at least one sensor which is designed and arranged to detect the upcoming, the ongoing and / or the completed use of the toilet, wherein the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to recognize the upcoming, the ongoing and / or the completed use of the toilet from the detected sensor data of the sensor and to operate at least one fan and an ionizer in response thereto. This enables the toilet to recognize that at least one circulating air flow is to be carried out automatically as described above. This can relieve a person as a user of having to initiate this function themselves. In particular, this can prevent the user from forgetting to initiate this function.

[0052] The respective function may vary depending on whether the user is about to use the toilet (i.e., should use it soon), whether the user has already used the toilet, or whether the user is about to finish using the toilet. This can be detected by the same sensor or by different sensors and recognized by a control unit by evaluating the recorded sensor data.

[0053] For example, a proximity, movement or distance sensor can be used to detect and recognize that a person is moving towards the toilet, moving within a certain distance of the toilet, or falling below a predetermined distance from the toilet. For this purpose, the proximity, movement or distance sensor can be arranged on the toilet bowl, toilet seat, toilet lid or holder in such a way that the proximity, movement or distance sensor can be sufficiently directed towards the surroundings of the toilet and in particular in the area in front of the toilet, particularly when the toilet seat is in the position of use and / or when the toilet lid is closed. Additionally or alternatively, at least one light barrier can also be used for this purpose.This can be interpreted as a sign that a user wants to use the toilet, so a circulating stream of ionized air can be generated, preferably by a fan and ionizer in the holder, and directed into the toilet interior, preferably below the toilet seat. This can primarily serve to reduce odors.

[0054] By means of the previously described proximity, movement or distance sensor or the previously described light barrier, the presence of a user in such close proximity to the toilet or to the sensor can be detected and recognized, for example by correspondingly small distance values, so that it can be concluded that the user is using the toilet or sitting on the toilet seat. Additionally or alternatively, this can also be detected by at least one force or pressure sensor or by several force or pressure sensors, preferably distributed as evenly as possible, and the use of the toilet or the user sitting on the toilet seat can be determined on the basis of the weight or load, preferably by at least one corresponding limit value. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature sensor orSeveral temperature sensors, preferably on the surface of the toilet seat, can be used. This also applies to at least one brightness sensor, which can preferably be arranged within the toilet interior. In any case, a circulating air flow of ionized air can be generated, preferably by a fan and ionizer of the holder, and directed into the toilet interior, preferably below the toilet seat.

[0055] Likewise, such sensors and the like can be used to detect and evaluate whether the user has finished using the toilet or has left the toilet seat, for example, by exceeding certain distance limits and / or by falling below certain pressure or temperature limits. In this case, an already flowing circulating air stream can be continued as a follow-up, preferably for a predetermined period of time, in order to reduce residual odors and to improve the cleaning and / or disinfection of the toilet interior.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, a circulating air stream of ionized air can now be generated in the area of ​​the toilet seat to clean and / or disinfect the seat immediately after use. Preferably, the circulating air stream can generally be generated with sufficient strength to also transport particles from the seat into the opening of the toilet seat and thus remove them. This can also preferably be done for a predetermined period of time.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one sensor is designed and arranged to detect the presence or absence and / or approach or removal of a user, and the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and arranged to detect the presence or absence and / or approach and / or removal of a user from the sensor data of the sensor. This can enable a concrete implementation of previously described functions and properties of the toilet according to the invention.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one sensor is a force sensor or pressure sensor of the toilet bowl or toilet seat, which is designed and arranged to detect a force or pressure depending on the presence or absence of the user. This can enable a concrete implementation of previously described functions and properties of the toilet according to the invention. The force or pressure sensor can preferably be arranged between a rim of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat. In other words, in this way, a load on the toilet seat caused by the weight of the user can be detected by sensors, so that use of the toilet can be detected alternatively or additionally in this way. The pressure sensor can also be regarded as a force sensor. If necessary, a force sensor can be arranged between the force or pressure sensor and the rim of the toilet bowl and / orAn elastically deformable element, such as a rubber element, can be arranged on the toilet seat or the toilet bowl to establish vertical contact between the rim of the toilet bowl and the force or pressure sensor and / or between the toilet seat and the force or pressure sensor, so that forces or pressures can be transmitted effectively and, in particular, a contactless gap can be avoided. This can promote or ensure the functioning of the force or pressure sensor.

[0059] In any case, the detection of toilet use may take longer than with a motion sensor focused on the area surrounding the toilet or the area above the toilet seat, since the person must already have sat down on the toilet seat to load the force or pressure sensor. However, toilet use can be reliably and directly detected this way, since user movements in the area around the toilet or even above the toilet interior cannot be inadvertently detected as toilet use without actually being such, as can be the case with a proximity, motion, or distance sensor.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet seat, the toilet lid and / or the holder has at least one motion sensor which is designed and configured to detect the approach and / or departure of the user. This can enable a concrete implementation of previously described functions and properties of the toilet according to the invention. Such a motion sensor can thus detect the movement of the person or user towards the toilet or to sit on the toilet seat and from this can infer that the toilet is about to be used. This can in particular activate the function of reducing odors in order to be able to immediately extract, eliminate or reduce them. The motion sensor can be arranged and aligned on the toilet in such a way that the corresponding area can be detected by sensors.In particular, the motion sensor can be arranged and aligned in such a way that its detection area cannot be obscured by a raised toilet lid. Placing the motion sensor on the outside of the toilet lid can make it possible to use the corresponding functions even when the toilet lid is closed.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet seat, the toilet lid, and / or the holder comprise at least one distance sensor designed and configured to detect the presence and / or absence of the user. This can enable a concrete implementation of previously described functions of the toilet according to the invention. Providing the distance sensor externally on the toilet lid can make it possible to use the corresponding functions even when the toilet lid is closed.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, the holder has at least one drive unit, which is designed and arranged to move the toilet lid relative to the toilet bowl in order to close or open the toilet interior. In this way, the user can be relieved of this task. Furthermore, this can make it possible for the toilet or a control unit of the toilet to automatically move the toilet lid to close or open, as will be described in more detail below. In any case, it can be advantageous for the drive unit to have a geared motor with a slip clutch in order to protect the drive unit from damage.

[0063] According to this aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to close the toilet interior by moving the toilet lid if the end of the user's presence and / or removal is detected by means of the sensor data. As a result, the toilet interior can be closed automatically by means of the toilet lid, preferably in an airtight manner, so that odors within the toilet interior can be retained and reduced or eliminated there as described above. Furthermore, this can promote the cleaning and / or disinfection of the toilet interior by means of the circulating ionized air. In this case, closing the toilet interior by means of the toilet lid with a time delay when the user's presence and / or removal is terminated can promote orEnsure that the user has actually left the area above the toilet seat. Moving the toilet lid, preferably by pivoting, and especially preferably by vertical pivoting, can enable the use of the corresponding features and advantages described above.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, according to this aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to release the toilet interior by moving the toilet lid if the approach of the user is detected by the sensor data. This can keep the toilet closed for as long as possible by keeping the toilet lid closed, which may be perceived by the user as more visually appealing. At the same time, the toilet can then be automatically released by opening the toilet lid when a user wishes to use the toilet, thus relieving the user of the burden of moving the toilet lid, which can also save time.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, according to this aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to release the toilet interior by moving the toilet lid if operation of at least one blower, at least one ionizer and / or at least one neutralizer is terminated. This allows the toilet to be released automatically when the blower, the ionizer and / or the neutralizer have completed a function and neither odors nor ionized air can escape into the environment when the toilet lid is opened. Preferably, moving the toilet lid with a time delay to release the toilet can ensure that these functions are completed.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, according to this aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to leave the toilet interior open by not moving the toilet lid if the presence of the user is detected by the sensor data. This can be considered a safety function to prevent the toilet lid from moving to close the toilet as long as the toilet is being used by a user.

[0067] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to operate the fan and the ionizer of the toilet holder at least for the duration of the detected user presence. This can ensure that the odor reduction or odor prevention function can be used at least for the duration of the user's use of the toilet. Continuing to operate this function for a predetermined period of time thereafter can ensure sufficient follow-up to completely reduce the odors as reliably as possible.

[0068] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to operate the blower and the ionizer of the toilet seat, the blower and the ionizer of the toilet lid and / or the blower and the neutralizer of the toilet holder if the end of the user's presence and / or removal is detected by means of the sensor data. This allows the corresponding functions and properties already described to be combined with one another in order to interact or complement one another in a particularly advantageous manner. In particular, this allows the toilet seat or its seating surface to be cleaned using the ionized air and, at the same time, the ionized air can then be neutralized again using the neutralizer of the toilet holder in order to keep the ionized air away from the environment of the toilet.Performing this function, preferably with the toilet interior closed, can increase the effectiveness of the ionized air and the neutralization of excess ionized air. Performing one or more of these functions, preferably after a predetermined period of time and / or for a predetermined period of time, can also improve the effectiveness of the function.

[0069] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the holder, is designed and configured to operate the blower and neutralizer of the toilet seat, the blower and neutralizer of the toilet lid and / or the blower and neutralizer of the toilet holder if the cessation of the user's presence and / or removal is detected by means of the sensor data. This can ensure that ionized air generated during the user's presence can be kept away from the environment of the toilet. Preferably performing this with the toilet interior closed can increase the effectiveness of the neutralization of the ionized air. Performing one or more of these functions preferably after a predetermined period of time and / or for a predetermined period of time can also improve the effectiveness of the function.

[0070] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet has at least one fragrance unit, which is designed and configured to release a fragrance into the environment of the toilet. In particular, at least one fragrance generator can be provided as the fragrance unit, which can be designed and configured to release at least one fragrance, and preferably alternatively at least two fragrances, to the outside of the toilet. For this purpose, a reservoir or storage space of the fragrance unit, preferably within the toilet, can be provided to store at least one corresponding fragrance, in particular in liquid, pasty, or solid form, which can be reached in particular by the air flow of a blower of the fragrance unit. As a result, fragrance particles of the fragrance can be released into the environment and, in particular, carried along by the air flow of the blower of the fragrance unit in order to spread the fragrance in the environment of the toilet as effectively as possible.This can be combined with the odor reduction function to provide a pleasant fragrance in the air surrounding the toilet, which can mask any remaining unpleasant odors. Using at least two different fragrances can expand the range of possible uses.

[0071] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet, preferably a control unit of the

[0072] Holder, designed and configured to operate the fragrance unit to release the fragrance if the sensor data from the sensor detects the end of the user's presence and / or removal and / or if the toilet interior is closed or released by moving the toilet lid.

[0073] Thus, according to the invention, a targeted fragrance release from the fragrance unit can occur in response to sensory or otherwise detected situations or conditions in the toilet. Releasing the fragrance when the user finishes using the toilet can be advantageous in order to mask any remaining odors outside the toilet interior with the fragrance and / or to specifically scent the area around the toilet. Doing this additionally or alternatively depending on the closing of the toilet interior by moving the toilet lid can be advantageous for the same reasons.Doing this additionally or alternatively depending on the opening of the toilet interior by moving the toilet lid can be advantageous in that in this case it can be assumed that the odors within the toilet interior have been reduced as completely as possible as described above and thus the fragrance can be used as completely as possible to provide the area around the toilet with the fragrance, which can be perceived as pleasant by the user instead of masking odors.

[0074] According to a further aspect of the invention, the fragrance unit has a fragrance cassette with a fragrance and a fragrance blower for generating an air flow, wherein the fragrance blower is designed and arranged to carry the fragrance with the air flow into the environment of the toilet. This can enable a concrete implementation of a fragrance unit as already described above. Providing the fragrance cassette, preferably in an exchangeable manner, can make it easier for the user to refill the fragrance, since the user can replace the entire fragrance cassette quickly and easily. Preferably using a liquid fragrance can promote the transfer of the fragrance into the air, i.e. into the gaseous form.

[0075] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet has at least one display element and / or a voice output, which is designed and arranged to visually display or verbally output information, preferably a cleaning and / or operating status, of the toilet to a user. This can be done in particular using symbols, colors, text and / or numbers. For this purpose, the display element can be arranged on any component of the toilet, wherein the display element can preferably be arranged on the holder, in particular in its upper region or on top thereof. In any case, at least one piece of information, such as a status of the toilet, a function of the toilet being performed, an energy status of an electrical energy storage device in the toilet, a fill level of a fragrance unit in the toilet and the like, can be visually displayed to the user.Alternatively or additionally, this can also be implemented using voice output. This can support the user in using the toilet or simplify the process.

[0076] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet has at least one operating element which is designed and arranged to be actuated by a user at least to generate at least one circulating ionized air flow. The operating element can in particular be a push button, a rotary knob, a toggle switch, a push-button, a slider, a touch sensor or the like. Preferably, the functions of a display element and an operating element can also be combined with one another using a touchscreen. In any case, an operating element can enable the user to activate or deactivate at least one function of the toilet themselves. The toilet as a whole can also be switched on and off in this way. Additionally or alternatively, however, at least one function of the toilet can also be terminated prematurely.Additionally or alternatively, this can also be used to open or close the toilet lid using the corresponding drive unit. Additionally or alternatively, this can also activate or trigger the fragrance unit. This can expand the range of functions available to the user.

[0077] According to a further aspect of the invention, the toilet seat, the toilet lid and / or the holder, preferably and / or the fragrance unit, is / are designed and configured to be operated by means of an electrical energy store. This can preferably be done by means of a rechargeable and / or removable electrical energy store. Such an electrical energy store can be implemented as a battery, which can be inserted into the toilet in a charged state, and removed from the toilet by the user in a discharged state, in particular by opening a flap or the like. Such an electrical energy store can also be designed to be rechargeable and permanently arranged in the toilet in order to be recharged there, for example by connecting a charging cable.However, a rechargeable electrical energy storage device can also be removed from the toilet for charging, similar to the battery described above, and then reinserted after being charged. This applies accordingly to each of the components of the toilet. In any case, this allows electrical energy to be supplied without the need for a cable to a socket or the like. This can particularly reduce or avoid the wiring effort if the electrical energy storage device and the electrical consumers to be powered by it, such as a fan, an ionizer, a neutralizer, a control unit, and the like, are arranged in a movable component of the toilet, such as the toilet seat or the toilet lid. The present invention also relates to a toilet seat for use in a toilet as described above.In this way, a toilet seat can be provided in order to be able to use its properties, functions and advantages in a toilet application according to the invention.

[0078] The present invention further relates to a toilet lid for use in a toilet as described above. In this way, a toilet lid can be provided to utilize its properties, functions, and advantages in a toilet application according to the invention.

[0079] The present invention further relates to a holder for use with a toilet as described above. In this way, a holder can be provided to utilize its properties, functions, and advantages in a toilet application according to the invention.

[0080] The present invention further relates to a fragrance unit for use in a toilet as described above. In this way, a fragrance unit can be provided to utilize its properties, functions, and advantages in a toilet application according to the invention.

[0081] An embodiment and further advantages of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail below in conjunction with the following figures.

[0082] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic representation of a toilet according to the invention with a closed toilet interior viewed diagonally from the top left front;

[0083] Figure 2 shows the representation of Figure 1 with the toilet seat in the position of use and the toilet lid open;

[0084] Figure 3 shows the representation of Figure 2 from the top left at the back;

[0085] Figure 4 shows the representation of Figure 2 from the top right corner at an angle without the housing cover;

[0086] Figure 5 shows the representation of Figure 2 with the toilet seat in the non-use position; and

[0087] Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section through the representation of Figure 1.

[0088] The above figures are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. There is a longitudinal direction X, which can also be referred to as depth X or length X. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X extends a transverse direction Y, which can also be referred to as width Y. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y extends a vertical direction Z, which can also be referred to as height Z and corresponds to the direction of gravity. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X, Y, which can also be referred to as the horizontal plane X, Y.

[0089] A toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 according to the invention comprises, as components, a toilet bowl 1, a toilet seat 2, a toilet lid 3, a holder 4, and a fragrance unit 5. The toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 can therefore also be referred to as a toilet system 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0090] The toilet bowl 1 can also be referred to as a toilet bowl 1 and is made in one piece from a ceramic material. The toilet bowl 1 consists of a ceramic key body 10, which essentially encloses a toilet interior 12 and terminates in the vertical direction Z at the top with a toilet rim 11, which can also be referred to as the toilet bowl rim 11. Towards the bottom or rear, the key body 10 merges into a toilet outlet 13, which is connected to a sewer system via a drainpipe (not shown) for discharging flush water and excretions from the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0091] The toilet seat 2 can also be referred to as a toilet seat 2 and is made of a plastic material. The toilet seat 2 consists of the seat body 20 as a multi-part injection-molded part, which, in the use position, has a seat surface 20a facing upwards in the vertical direction Z. The seat body 20 encloses a through-opening 21 in a substantially annular manner, so that the seat body 20 of the toilet seat 2 rests on the rim 11 of the toilet bowl 1 in the use position and the through-opening 21 of the toilet seat 2 is aligned with the interior space 12 of the key body 10 of the toilet bowl 1. The seat body 20 is mounted on the bracket 4 via a pair of folding elements 22 in the form of hinges 22, pivotable by approximately 90° between the horizontal X, Y as the use position and the vertical direction Z as the non-use position.

[0092] A linear sealing element 23 is provided on the edge of the seat body 20. The sealing element 23 extends completely around the edge of the seat body 20. The sealing element 23 is designed and arranged such that, when the toilet seat 2 is in the use position and when the toilet lid 3 is closed, the light element 23 can act as an airtight seal against the toilet rim 11 of the toilet bowl rim 1 and against a lid edge 31 of the toilet lid 3. As a result, when the toilet lid 3 is closed, the interior space 12 of the toilet bowl 1 can be hermetically sealed from the environment. The toilet seat 2 is located completely within the airtight interior space 12.The toilet seat 2 has a channel inlet 24 centrally located in the transverse direction Y and aligned horizontally X, Y towards the through opening 21. Two flow channels 25 running parallel on both sides of the channel inlet 24 are connected in the transverse direction Y, each of which opens into a channel outlet 26 at the rear of the toilet seat 2, which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction Y. An air outlet 27 is arranged centrally in the transverse direction Y between the two channel outlets 26 and points from the rear of the toilet seat 2 underneath the seat body 20 to the toilet interior 12 of the toilet bowl rim 1. The channel inlet 24, the two flow channels 25, the two channel outlets 26 and the air outlet 27 are formed by the seat body 20 of the toilet seat 2.

[0093] The toilet lid 3 has a lid body 30, which is also made of a plastic material. The toilet lid 3 essentially corresponds to the contour of the toilet seat 2. The lid body 30 has the aforementioned lid edge 31, which, when the toilet lid 3 is closed, extends sufficiently in the vertical direction Z toward the toilet bowl 1 to essentially enclose the edge of the toilet seat 2.

[0094] On the front side, the toilet lid 3 has a first sensor 32a in the form of a motion sensor 32a, which, when the toilet lid 3 is closed, is directed in the area in front of and above the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Movements in this area can thus be detected by means of the motion sensor 32a. The toilet lid 3 further has a second sensor 32b in the form of a distance sensor 32b, which is arranged on the edge within the lid body 30 in such a way that the distance sensor 32b is directed in the area above the toilet seat 2 when the toilet lid 3 is open or folded up. Accordingly, the presence or absence of a user on the toilet seat 2 can be detected by means of the distance sensor 32b.

[0095] Arranged centrally in the toilet lid 3 or in its lid body 30 is a blower 33, which can also be referred to as a fan 33. The blower 33 is connected to the toilet interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1 via a central air inlet 35 located centrally in the lid body 30 when the toilet lid 3 is closed or folded down. The blower 33 is connected to an ionizer 34 in the form of an ozone generator 34 in an air-conducting manner, so that the blower 33 can suck in air from the toilet interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1 via the air inlet 35 and pass it through the ozone generator 34. The ozone generator 34 is connected to a plurality of air outlets 37, which can also be referred to as air slots 37, via a plurality of air ducts 36. The air slots 37 extend in a slot-like manner near the lid edge 31 on the inside and are arranged continuously in the circumferential direction of the toilet lid 3.The air slots 37 are essentially of the same design and evenly spaced from one another and point towards the seat surface 20a of the seat body 20 of the toilet seat 2 when the toilet lid 3 is folded down or closed.

[0096] The holder 4 is box-shaped and fixedly arranged on the rear edge, viewed in the longitudinal direction X, on the key body 10 of the toilet bowl 1. The holder 4 has a housing 40, the interior of which is closed from the rear in the longitudinal direction X by a removable housing cover 41. As already mentioned, the toilet seat 2 is arranged on the holder 4 so that it can be pivoted vertically or folded vertically by means of the pair of hinges 22. In the vertical direction Z above the hinges 22 of the toilet seat 2, a further pair of folding elements 42 in the form of hinges 42 is arranged, which connect the toilet lid 3 to the holder 4 so that it can also be pivoted vertically or folded vertically by 90° between the horizontal X, Y and the vertical direction Z.Furthermore, a drive unit 43 in the form of a geared motor with a slip clutch 43 is arranged within the housing 40 of the holder 4 and is connected to the toilet lid 3 on the output side, so that the toilet lid 3 can be folded or pivoted by the drive unit 43 of the holder 4.

[0097] A blower 44 in the form of a fan 44 is arranged within the housing 40 of the holder 4. An air inlet (not shown) of the blower 44 of the holder 4 is aligned with the left channel outlet 26 of the seat body 20 of the toilet seat 2 when the toilet seat 2 is folded down into the use position. A neutralizer 45 in the form of a catalyst 45 or an ozone catalyst 45 is connected to the blower 44 of the holder 4, so that an air flow can be generated from the blower 44 to the ozone catalyst 45. An ionizer 46 in the form of an ozone generator 46 is connected to the ozone catalyst 45. The outlet of the ozone generator 46 is connected to an air outlet 47, which is aligned with the air outlet 27 of the seat body 20 of the toilet seat 2 when the toilet seat 2 is folded down into the use position.

[0098] The holder 4 further comprises a control unit 48, which operates or controls all of the electronic parts and components of the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The holder 4 further comprises a replaceable, rechargeable electrical energy storage device (not shown), which can electrically supply the control unit 48 as well as all of the other electronic parts and components of the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0099] On the left side of the holder 4, the fragrance unit 5 is provided, which is also arranged within the housing 40 of the holder 4. The fragrance unit 5 forms a separate space, which is hermetically separated from the blower 44 of the holder 4 by a fragrance channel wall 51. The fragrance unit 5, in turn, has an air inlet 53 of a fragrance channel 50, through which air can be sucked into the fragrance channel 50 by a fragrance blower 52 from the environment when the toilet lid 3 is open, and from the interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1 between the toilet seat 2 and the toilet lid 3 when the toilet lid 3 is closed. Within the fragrance unit 5, a replaceable fragrance cassette 55 containing a liquid fragrance is held by a fragrance cassette holder 54, so that the air flow from the fragrance blower 52 can reach the liquid fragrance of the fragrance cassette 55 and carry it along as a gas.The air flow including fragrance can be released via an air outlet 56 of the fragrance channel 50 in the transverse direction Y to the left to the surroundings of the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0100] The toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 according to the invention can now be operated and used as follows by means of the control unit 48 of the holder 4 and the other electronic components as described above.

[0101] When not in use, the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is in a rest or standby state, in which the blower 33 and the ionizer 34 of the toilet lid 3, as well as the blower 44, the ozone catalyst 45, and the ozone generator 46 of the holder 4, are not operated. The fragrance unit 5 or the fragrance blower 52 is also not operated, although this can be done at certain times or at certain intervals even in the rest state in order to regularly scent the area surrounding the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0102] In this rest state, the toilet seat 2 is folded down or pivoted into the horizontal X, Y. Likewise, in the rest state, the toilet lid 3 is closed by the drive unit 43 of the holder 4 or pivoted into the horizontal X, Y. This creates a visually appealing impression for the user. In this way, the motion sensor 32a of the toilet lid 3 can also be used in the rest state to monitor the surroundings of the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for movement and thus for the approach of a user.

[0103] If the control unit 48 of the holder 4 detects a movement of a user towards toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 from the sensor data of the motion sensor 32a of the toilet lid 3, the toilet lid 3 is pivoted or folded up in the vertical direction Z by means of the drive unit 43 of the holder 4 in order to release the seat surface 20a of the toilet seat 2 for the user.

[0104] At the same time, the blower 44 and the ozone generator 46 of the holder 4 can begin operating, so that the blower 44 of the holder 4 generates an air flow from the interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1 via the channel inlet 24 of the toilet seat 2 into its left flow channel 25, which then passes through the left channel outlets 26 of the toilet seat 2 into the air inlet of the holder 4. The air flow is sucked into the blower 44 of the holder 4 and expelled again in the direction of the ozone generator 46, so that the air flow is enriched with ozone.

[0105] The ionized air or ozone flows back via the air outlet 47 of the holder 4 into the air outlet 27 of the seat body 20 of the toilet seat 2 and from there into the toilet interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1.

[0106] Thus, the blower 44 of the holder 4 generates a circulating airflow, which feeds ozone into the interior space 12 of the toilet bowl 1, so that the ozone can be used to clean and / or disinfect the surfaces there during use of the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. At the same time, the ozone can counteract or neutralize odors, thus eliminating or at least reducing them directly at the point of origin. This operation of the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 can be maintained for the duration of use by the user, wherein the user's presence can be detected by the distance sensor 32b of the toilet lid 3. The fragrance unit 5 can be operated independently of this.

[0107] If the user finishes using the toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and leaves the toilet seat 2, this is detected by the control unit 48 of the holder 4 from the sensor data of the distance sensor 32b of the toilet lid 3. After a predetermined time delay, at the instigation of the control unit 48 of the holder 4, the toilet lid 3 is folded down into the horizontal X, Y by means of the drive unit 43 of the holder 4, thus closing the toilet interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1. The sealing element 23 of the toilet seat 2 acts to form an airtight seal against the toilet rim 11 of the toilet bowl 1 and against the lid rim 31 of the toilet lid 3. During this time, the operation of the blower 44 and the ozone generator 46 of the holder 4 can continue.

[0108] Once the interior space 12 of the toilet bowl 1 is hermetically sealed, the control unit 48 of the holder 4 starts operating the blower 33 and the ozone generator 34 of the toilet lid 3. This generates a further circulating airflow by drawing air into the blower 33 through its air inlet 35 located centrally on the underside of the toilet lid 3 and towards the blower 33. This airflow passes through the ozone generator 34 of the toilet lid 3, so that this airflow is also enriched with ozone before the airflow is expelled via the air slots 37 onto the seat surface 20a of the toilet seat 2. This allows for the most complete cleaning and / or disinfection of the seat surface 20a of the toilet seat 2 using ozone.In order to convey particles from the seat surface 20a of the toilet seat into the through-opening 21 of the toilet seat 2, the air flow of the blower 33 of the toilet lid 3 can be designed and operated with a correspondingly high intensity. In any case, this air flow can be sucked in again by the blower 33 of the toilet lid 3, thus creating a circulating air flow containing ozone.

[0109] Meanwhile, the operation of the blower 44 and the ozone generator 46 of the holder 4 can continue. This allows both circulating air streams to mix, as they meet in the upper area of ​​the toilet interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1. Alternatively, the operation of the blower 44 and the ozone generator 46 of the holder 4 can be stopped immediately or after a time delay as soon as the user has finished using the toilet. The fragrance unit 5 can be operated independently of this.

[0110] After a predetermined period of time, after which a desired cleaning and / or disinfecting effect is usually achieved, the ozone generator 34 of the toilet lid 3 can be switched off by the control unit 48 of the holder 4. The fan 33 of the toilet lid 3 can continue to operate to convey any remaining ozone from the interior of the toilet lid 3 and from the space between the toilet lid 3 and the toilet seat 2 into the center of the toilet interior 12 of the toilet bowl 1. At the same time, the fan 44 and the ozone catalyst 45 of the holder 4 can be operated to suck the remaining ozone into the holder 4 and have it neutralized there by the ozone catalyst 45. This can prevent the user from experiencing any remaining ozone as unpleasant when the toilet lid 3 is opened again. This can be done for a predetermined period of time.Toilets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 can then return to the previously described idle state. Independently of this, fragrance unit 5 can be operated.

[0111] According to the invention, a cleaned and disinfected toilet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 can always be made available to a user, which can increase the hygiene of use for the user. In particular, a cleaned and disinfected seat surface 20a of the toilet seat 2 can be provided. This can occur automatically.

[0112] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (part of the description)

[0113] X longitudinal direction; depth; length

[0114] Y transverse direction; width

[0115] Z vertical direction; height

[0116] X, Y Horizontal; horizontal plane

[0117] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 toilet; toilet system

[0118] 1 toilet bowl; toilet bowl

[0119] 10 bowl bodies

[0120] 11 Toilet rim; toilet bowl rim

[0121] 12 Toilet interior

[0122] 13 Toilet outlet

[0123] 2 toilet seats; toilet seat

[0124] 20 seat bodies

[0125] 20a Seat surface of the seat body 20

[0126] 21 Passage opening

[0127] 22 folding elements; hinges

[0128] 23 Sealing element

[0129] 24 channel input

[0130] 25 flow channel

[0131] 26 channel outputs

[0132] 27 air outlets

[0133] 3 toilet lids

[0134] 30 lid bodies

[0135] 31 Lid edge

[0136] 32a first sensor; motion sensor

[0137] 32b second sensor; distance sensor

[0138] 33 Blower; Fan

[0139] 34 Ionizer; Ozone generator

[0140] 35 Air intake

[0141] 36 air ducts

[0142] 37 air outlets; air slots 4 bracket

[0143] 40 housings

[0144] 41 Housing cover

[0145] 42 folding elements; hinges

[0146] 43 Drive unit; gear motor with slip clutch

[0147] 44 Blower; Fan

[0148] 45 neutralizer; Catalyst; Ozone catalyst

[0149] 46 Ionizer; Ozone generator

[0150] 47 Air outlet

[0151] 48 Control unit

[0152] 5 fragrance units

[0153] 50 scent channel

[0154] 51 scent channel wall

[0155] 52 fragrance blowers

[0156] 53 Air inlet of the fragrance channel 50

[0157] 54 fragrance cassette recording

[0158] 55 fragrance cassettes

[0159] 56 Air outlet of the fragrance channel 50

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) comprising a toilet bowl (1) with a toilet interior (12), a support (4) which is preferably fixedly arranged on the toilet bowl (1), a toilet seat (2) which is movable between a use position and a non-use position, preferably pivotable, particularly preferably vertically pivotable, and is arranged on the support (4) or is formed by the toilet bowl (1), and a toilet lid (3) which is movable, preferably pivotable, particularly preferably vertically pivotable, and is formed and arranged on the support (4) to close or open the toilet interior (12) by moving, preferably by pivoting, characterized by at least one blower (33, 44) which is formed and arranged to circulate an airflow within the, preferably by means of the toilet lid (3), closed,to generate the interior of the toilet (12) of the toilet bowl (1), and to generate ionized air, preferably ozone, by means of at least one ionizer (34, 46), preferably at least one ozone generator (34, 46), which is designed and arranged, and to release it to the circulating airflow.

2. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein at least the toilet seat (2) has a blower and an ionizer, preferably an ozone generator.

3. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 2, wherein at least the toilet seat (2) has a neutralizer, preferably a catalyst, particularly preferably an ozone catalyst, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to operate the blower and ionizer of the toilet seat (2) or the blower and neutralizer of the toilet seat (2).

4. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the toilet seat (2) has at least one air inlet, preferably horizontal to the oriented towards the toilet interior (12) to draw in the circulating airflow by means of the blower, and wherein the toilet seat (2) has at least one air outlet, preferably oriented towards the toilet lid (3), to release the circulating airflow by means of the blower, wherein preferably the air inlet and the air outlet of the toilet seat (2) are arranged as far apart as possible.

5. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the toilet lid (3) has a blower (33) and an ionizer (34), preferably an ozone generator (34).

6. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 5, wherein at least the toilet seat (3) has a neutralizer, preferably a catalyst, particularly preferably an ozone catalyst, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to operate the blower (33) and the ionizer (34) of the toilet seat (3) or the blower (33) and the neutralizer of the toilet seat (3).

7. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the toilet seat (3) has at least one air inlet (35), preferably horizontal to the The toilet interior (12) is oriented towards the blower (33) to draw in the circulating airflow, and wherein the toilet lid (3) has at least one air outlet (37), preferably towards the toilet seat (2), particularly preferably directed towards the seat (20a), in order to release the circulating airflow by means of the blower (33), wherein preferably the air inlet and the air outlet of the toilet seat (3) are arranged as far apart from each other as possible.

8. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 7, wherein the toilet lid (3) has a plurality of air outlets (37) which are directed towards the toilet seat (2), particularly preferably towards the seat surface (20a), and are preferably evenly distributed.

9. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the blower (33) is arranged centrally in the toilet lid (3), is directly connected to the air inlet (35) and is connected via at least one air duct (36) to at least the air outlet (37), preferably to the plurality of air outlets (37).

10. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the toilet holder (4) has a blower (44) and an ionizer (46), preferably an ozone generator (46).

11. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 10, wherein at least the toilet holder (4) has a neutralizer (45), preferably a catalyst (45), particularly preferably an ozone catalyst (45), wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to operate the blower (44) and the ionizer (46) of the toilet holder (4) or the blower (44) and the neutralizer (45) of the toilet holder (4).

12. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the toilet holder (4) has at least one air inlet, preferably horizontal to the toilet interior (12) is oriented towards, in order to circulate the airflow by means of theto draw in air from the blower (44), and wherein the toilet holder (4) has at least one air outlet (47), preferably oriented horizontally towards the toilet interior (12), to discharge the circulating airflow by means of the blower (44), wherein preferably the air inlet and the air outlet of the toilet holder (4) are arranged as far apart from each other as possible. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 12, wherein the toilet seat (2) has at least one air outlet (27) which is configured to be at least partially aligned with the air outlet (47) of the toilet holder (4) in the operating position of the toilet seat (2).Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the toilet seat (2) has at least one channel inlet (24), preferably oriented horizontally towards the toilet interior (12), which is connected to a channel outlet (26) by means of at least one flow channel (25) in an air-carrying manner, wherein the channel outlet (26) is designed to be at least partially in line with the air inlet of the toilet housing (4) in the operating position of the toilet seat (2). Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 2 to 4 and according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to operate the blower and ionizer of the toilet seat (2) and the blower (44) and ionizer (46) of the toilet holder (4) or the blower and ionizer of the toilet seat (2) and the blower (44) and neutralizer (45) of the toilet holder (4).Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 5 to 9 and according to one of claims 11 to 14. wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to operate the blower (33) and the ionizer (34) of the toilet lid (3) and the blower (44) and the ionizer (46) of the toilet holder (4) or the blower (33) and the ionizer (34) of the toilet lid (3) and the blower (44) and the neutralizer (45) of the toilet holder (4). Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet bowl (1), preferably a toilet rim (11) of the toilet bowl (1), the toilet seat (2) and / or the toilet lid (3), preferably a lid rim (31) of the toilet lid (3), is / are designed to seal the toilet interior (12) at least substantially airtight when the toilet bowl (1) is closed by means of the toilet lid (3).Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) has at least one sensor (32a, 32b) which is designed and arranged to detect the pending, ongoing and / or completed use of the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to recognize the pending, ongoing and / or completed use of the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) from the detected sensor data of the sensor (32a, 32b) and to operate at least one fan (33, 44) and one ionizer (34, 46) in response thereto.Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 18, wherein at least one sensor (32a, 32b) is designed and arranged to detect the presence or absence and / or the approach or departure of a user, and wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to recognize the presence or absence and / or the approach or departure of a user from the sensor data of the sensor (32a, 32b).

20. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein at least one sensor (32a, 32b) is a force sensor or pressure sensor of the toilet bowl (1) or the toilet seat (2), which is designed and arranged to detect a force or pressure depending on the presence or absence of the user.

21. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the toilet seat (2), the toilet lid (3), preferably external, and / or the holder (4) has at least one motion sensor (32a) which is designed and configured to detect the approach and / or departure of the user.

22. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the toilet seat (2), the toilet lid (3), preferably internal, and / or the holder (4) has at least one distance sensor (32b) which is designed and configured to detect the presence and / or absence of the user.

23. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the holder (4) has at least one drive unit (43), preferably a geared motor (43) with a slip clutch, which is designed and arranged to move the toilet lid (3) relative to the toilet bowl (1), preferably to pivot it, and particularly preferably to pivot it vertically, in order to close or release the toilet interior (12), wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to close the toilet interior (12) by moving the toilet lid (3), preferably with a time delay, if the sensor data of the sensor (32a, 32b) detects the cessation of presence and / or the departure of the user, and / or to release the toilet interior (12) by moving the toilet lid (3) if the sensor data of the sensor (32a, 32b) the user's approach is detected,and / or to release the toilet interior (12) by moving the toilet lid (3), preferably with a time delay, if the operation of at least one fan (33, 44) is required, at least, a toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 10 to 14 and according to one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to operate the blower (44) and the ionizer (46) of the toilet holder (4) at least for the duration of the detected presence of the user, preferably and thereafter for a predetermined period of time.Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 2 to 4, according to one of claims 5 to 9 and / or according to one of claims 10 to 14 and according to one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured, preferably with the toilet interior (12) closed, to operate the blower and the ionizer of the toilet seat (2), the blower (33) and the ionizer (34) of the toilet lid (3) and / or the blower (44) and the neutralizer (45) of the toilet holder (4), preferably after a predetermined time period and / or for a predetermined time period, if the cessation of presence and / or the departure of the user is detected by means of the sensor data of the sensor (32a, 32b).Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and equipped, preferably with a closed toilet interior (12), the blower and the neutralizer of the toilet seat (2), the blower (33) and the neutralizer of the toilet lid (3) and / or the blower (44) and the neutralizer (45) of the toilet holder (4). preferably after a predetermined period of time and / or after the end of the operation of at least one ionizer (34, 45) and / or for a predetermined period of time, if the end of the presence and / or the departure of the user is detected by means of the sensor data of the sensor (32a, 32b).

27. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fragrance unit (5) which is designed and configured to release a fragrance to the surroundings of the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

28. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of claims 18 to 26 and according to claim 27, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), preferably a control unit (48) of the holder (4), is designed and configured to operate the fragrance unit (5) to release the fragrance if the sensor data of the sensor (32a, 32b) detects the cessation of presence and / or the departure of the user and / or if the toilet interior (12) is closed or released by moving the toilet lid (3).

29. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to claim 1 or 28, wherein the fragrance unit (5) comprises a, preferably replaceable, fragrance cassette (55) containing a, preferably liquid, fragrance substance and a fragrance blower (52) for generating an airflow, wherein the fragrance blower (52) is designed and arranged to carry the fragrance substance with the airflow into the vicinity of the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

30. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) has at least one display element and / or a voice output which is designed and arranged to visually display or verbally output information, preferably a cleaning and / or operating status, to a user of the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

31. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) has at least one control element which is designed and arranged to be operated by a user at least to generate at least one circulating ionized airflow.

32. Toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet seat (2), the toilet lid (3) and / or the holder (4), preferably and / or the fragrance unit (5), is designed and equipped to be operated by means of an electrical energy storage device, preferably rechargeable and / or removable.

33. Toilet seat (2) for use with a toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. Toilet lid (3) for use with a toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

35. Holder (4) for use with a toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

36. Fragrance unit (5) for use in a toilet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 27 to 32.

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