Toilet device with a toilet body having a porous inner surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet appliance comprising a toilet bowl (2) and a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the toilet bowl, wherein the flushing water supply device is provided with a water connection (15) for drinking water for use as flushing water. The toilet bowl (2) has a bowl-shaped toilet bowl section (2.2) and a subsequent odor trap (2.3), the function of the odor trap preferably being based on a water seal. The bowl-shaped toilet bowl section (2.2) has a porous inner surface (2.4) which is connected to a device for supplying cleaning fluid for keeping and / or cleaning the porous inner surface (2.4). According to the invention, the device for supplying cleaning fluid and / or the flushing water supply device is / is provided with at least one backflow preventer (17) which prevents backflow of cleaning fluid from the porous inner surface (2.4).4) towards the water connection (15). Thus, a toilet device is created in which, by means of a porous inner surface (2.4) of a bowl-shaped toilet body section (2.2), which is connected to a device for supplying cleaning fluid, the adhesion of excrement or dirt residues to the inner surface of the toilet body (2) is completely or at least largely prevented, and which, by means of a backflow preventer (17), offers hygienically sound protection on the drinking water side.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a toilet device comprising a toilet body and a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the toilet body, wherein the flushing water supply device is provided with a water connection for drinking water for use as flushing water.

[0002] Toilets (toilet systems) come in a wide variety of designs. Conventional toilet bowls feature a trap and a downstream drain outlet, which is connected to a wastewater line via a straight or curved connector. The interior surfaces of toilet bowls and their associated traps are typically smooth and light-colored, usually made of white glazed ceramic.

[0003] Toilet bowls are available as freestanding or wall-mounted versions. Pressure flush valves or cisterns are used to flush toilet bowls. Toilet cisterns come in both exposed and concealed versions, with exposed cisterns typically mounted on or above the toilet bowl as either a top-hung or wall-hung cistern.

[0004] Toilet brushes are commonly used to remove excrement or dirt from toilet bowls. However, users of a toilet facility often fail to use these brushes, or do not use them sufficiently, to clean the bowl in question, leaving the bowl dirty.

[0005] There are already proposals for a solution to this problem. For example, CN 111155608 A proposes a toilet bowl with open micropores on its inner surface. The micropores (microholes) make it more difficult for dirt to adhere to the inner surface. The toilet bowl outlined in CN 111155608 A has an inner and an outer shell, which together define a water supply layer. The water supply layer has evenly distributed micropores that open into the inner shell in the form of concave micropores. Either soapy water, hot water, or a mixture of both is directed through these micropores onto the inner surface to achieve water-saving cleaning of the toilet bowl. For this purpose, the water supply layer is connected to a hot water pipe equipped with a switching valve.

[0006] CN 207685953 U also discloses a toilet bowl with micro-holes on its inner surface. The toilet bowl has a sandwich-like bowl wall with an intermediate layer acting as a water reservoir and an inner shell with micro-holes. The intermediate layer acting as a water reservoir is supplied with water via an automatic constant-pressure valve. The diameter of the micro-holes is selected such that a water film is permanently present on the surface of the inner shell, utilizing the water wetting tension in combination with the function of the constant-pressure valve. This is intended to prevent excessive water leakage from the porous inner shell. The drain of this toilet bowl and the drain of the toilet bowl according to CN 111155608 A are each equipped with a vacuum suction valve.

[0007] However, these known toilet bowls with porous inner surfaces are not marketable, at least in Germany, because there is currently no hygienically perfect, compact drinking water connection for these toilet bowls that meets the requirements for maintaining hygienically perfect drinking water quality. A further disadvantage of the toilet bowls known from CN 111155608 A and CN 207685953 U is that the pore water in the water supply layer or in the intermediate layer acting as a water reservoir above the trap water level can cause odor nuisance. A further disadvantage of these known toilet bowls is that hygienically questionable and odor-provoking pore water is present below the trap water level.

[0008] Based on this, the present invention was based on the object of creating a toilet device of the type mentioned above, in which the adhesion of excrement or dirt residues to the inner surface of the toilet body is completely or at least largely prevented and which also offers hygienically impeccable protection on the drinking water side. The aim is to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art as completely or largely as possible.

[0009] This object is achieved by a toilet device having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are the subject of the subclaims referring back to claim 1.

[0010] The toilet device according to the invention comprises a toilet body and a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the toilet body, wherein the flushing water supply device is provided with a water connection for drinking water for use as flushing water. The toilet body has a bowl-shaped toilet body section and a downstream odor trap. The function of the odor trap is preferably based on sealing water. The bowl-shaped toilet body section has a porous, i.e. open-pored, inner surface, which is connected to a device for supplying cleaning fluid for keeping the porous inner surface clean and / or cleaning it. According to the invention, the device for supplying cleaning fluid and / or the flushing water supply device are provided with at least one backflow prevention device, which prevents backflow (backflow) of cleaning fluid from the porous inner surface to the water connection.

[0011] Thus, a toilet device of the type mentioned above is created, in which a porous inner surface of a bowl-shaped toilet body section, connected to a device for supplying cleaning fluid, completely or at least largely prevents the adhesion of excrement or dirt residues to the inner surface of the toilet body, and which, thanks to the said backflow prevention device, offers hygienically perfect protection on the drinking water side. In other words, a toilet device with a self-cleaning toilet body is created that essentially does not require the use of a toilet brush for cleaning. Furthermore, the toilet device according to the invention also offers protection against backflow (backflow) in accordance with DIN EN 1717.

[0012] According to the invention, the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section can be realized using open-pored material, e.g. sintered ceramic. Preferably, during manufacture of the toilet body, one or more inserts made of open-pored material, e.g. sintered ceramic, are integrated into the wall of the toilet body. The wall has, for example, an outer shell which, apart from one or more connection areas for supplying cleaning fluid into the open-pored material, is designed to be liquid-tight. The open-pored material can be covered at least in regions on the inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body by an inner shell. The inner shell can also be designed to be liquid-tight in regions. Furthermore, the inner shell can also be porous in the sense of being open-pored or perforated, preferably micro-perforated, in regions.

[0013] It is also within the scope of the invention to form water-conducting wall areas in the wall of the toilet body or the bowl-shaped toilet body section, for example in the form of channels and / or flat or slit-shaped cavities, which are liquid-tight to the outside, apart from one or more connection areas for supplying cleaning liquid, and which are delimited to the inside by the porous inner surface.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the term "cleaning fluid" refers in particular to water that is or was at least partially drawn from a drinking water pipe. Water drawn from a drinking water pipe can first be collected in a cistern, preferably a concealed cistern, before a portion of this water is fed to the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section. The cistern or a container connected to a pipe for supplying the water serving as cleaning fluid can be equipped with a chute, mesh basket, or net-like holder for holding solid, soluble cleaning agents.Alternatively, the cistern or container connected to a pipe for supplying the water used as cleaning liquid may also be equipped with another type of mechanism or dispensing device for dosing cleaning agent, in particular liquid cleaning agent.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the flushing water supply device has a cistern, preferably a concealed cistern, a drain valve and a filling valve for filling the cistern with drinking water coming from the water connection, wherein the filling valve has an outlet opening which, in the operating position of the filling valve, defines a free flow path relative to a maximum water level present in the cistern, and wherein the device for supplying cleaning fluid is connected to the cistern, wherein water present in the cistern is used as cleaning fluid for keeping clean and / or cleaning the porous inner surface of the WC body section.

[0016] This embodiment of the invention utilizes proven flushing technology, with the free flow path defined by the outlet opening of the fill valve providing a reliable backflow prevention device that prevents cleaning fluid from being sucked back from the porous inner surface toward the water connection. The fill valve is located in the cistern and is preferably designed as a float-operated fill valve. The cistern has, for example, a flush water outlet for connecting a flush water pipe. When the cistern is installed, the flush water outlet is located higher than the toilet body connected to the flush water pipe. The drain valve of the flush water supply device is preferably located in the cistern.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the device for supplying cleaning liquid has a container as a water reservoir with a drain valve or overflow and a valve for filling the container with drinking water coming from the or a second water connection, wherein the valve for filling the container has an outlet opening which, in the operating position of the valve, defines a free flow path relative to a water level in the container.

[0018] This embodiment of the invention also provides a reliable backflow prevention device that prevents cleaning fluid from being sucked back from the porous inner surface toward the water connection. The container serving as a water reservoir preferably has an inspection opening. With regard to a further development of the previously described embodiment, in which the flush water supply device comprises a cistern, a drain valve, and a fill valve for filling the cistern with drinking water from the water connection, the container serving as a water reservoir can also be referred to as a second cistern. The container serving as a water reservoir can optionally be equipped with a chute, mesh basket, or net-like holder for holding solid, soluble cleaning agents.Alternatively, the container, which is connected to a line for supplying the water serving as cleaning liquid, may also be equipped with another type of mechanism or dispensing device for dosing cleaning agent, in particular liquid cleaning agent.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for supplying cleaning fluid, preferably the container, is provided with a heating device for heating the cleaning fluid. Thus, warm water can also be used to flush the open-pored wall area of ​​the toilet body, including the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section, without neglecting the safety against backflow (backflow) according to DIN EN 1717. A conventional toilet cistern operated in parallel with the container, considered in isolation, serves only for an essentially normal flushing of the toilet body.

[0020] In the optional embodiment mentioned, the heating device for heating the cleaning fluid can be designed, for example, as a continuous flow heater for heating the cleaning fluid flowing through as needed or as a heating coil for permanent or repeated heating of the cleaning fluid stored in the container.

[0021] A further or alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the device for supplying cleaning fluid has an additional water connection for direct connection to a hot or cold water pipe, in particular to a hot or cold water network, an injector defining a free flow path, and an electrically controllable valve, wherein the injector is arranged in a liquid-tight flow-through housing, and wherein the electrically controllable valve is preferably arranged between the additional water connection and the injector. A correspondingly designed and arranged injector also provides reliable backflow prevention, preventing backflow (backflow) of cleaning fluid from the porous inner surface toward the water connection.The liquid-tight flow-through housing ensures the targeted drainage of cleaning fluid, such as water, if a condition, such as contamination, occurs at the injector that causes cleaning fluid to bypass the injector. The electrically controllable valve can be a solenoid valve, for example.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for supplying cleaning fluid is provided with a pump for conveying the cleaning fluid toward the porous inner surface. The pump allows a permanent or temporary flow through the porous inner surface of the toilet body. This makes it particularly effective to prevent adhesions to the inner surface of the toilet body. The pump is preferably designed and / or controllable in such a way that its delivery rate or delivery pressure is variably adjustable. This embodiment further includes a variant in which the pump is controllable in such a way that it generates a temporally changing, for example, pulsating, fluid flow on the porous inner surface. Furthermore, the pump is preferably arranged in a reversible manner in the cistern or in said container.Alternatively, the pump can also be arranged outside the cistern or container in an inspection opening of a wall, in particular a pre-wall, or of the toilet body.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the device for supplying cleaning fluid is provided with at least one sensor and a controller, wherein the controller triggers a supply of cleaning fluid depending on at least one sensor signal from the sensor or sensors. This makes it possible to achieve a needs-based supply of cleaning fluid for keeping clean and / or cleaning the porous inner surface of the toilet body section. Since a permanent supply of cleaning fluid, e.g. water, to the porous inner surface of the toilet body section is usually not necessary, this embodiment of the invention can prevent an unnecessarily high consumption of cleaning fluid. For this purpose, the at least one sensor is preferably designed such that it detects user recognition or usage recognition with regard to the toilet body.An advantageous variant of this embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sensor or at least one of the sensors is arranged in or on a mounting element supporting the toilet body or in or on the toilet body. This variant contributes to the realization of a compact toilet device according to the invention, so that it can be easily installed. The sensor or at least one of the sensors is designed, for example, as a motion sensor, weight sensor, pressure sensor, or noise sensor. Such sensors can reliably enable user detection or usage detection.

[0024] A motion sensor is understood here, in particular, to be a component that converts a change in position into an electrical value, which can then be evaluated using suitable measurement technology. In the device according to the invention, such a motion sensor can be combined with a foldable toilet seat or lid attached to the toilet body, or with a movable, in particular pivotable, operating or lever element of an actuator plate or the like for triggering a toilet flush.

[0025] In particular, the motion sensor can be an electromechanical component, such as a tilt switch. Alternatively, the motion sensor can also be designed as an acceleration sensor. By integrating the measured values ​​from such an acceleration sensor, movements can be calculated with high accuracy. Such sensors are available inexpensively.

[0026] The motion sensor used in a toilet device according to the invention can, for example, have a mechanism that detects the position of the sensor using suitable switching technology and, when the sensor's position changes, emits a sensor signal that corresponds to or represents (signals) a movement. For example, a movable, particularly conductive body can, depending on its position relative to the gravitational force, close a contact at the beginning or end of its movement range or trigger an electrical impulse.

[0027] Furthermore, the optional motion sensor of the toilet device according to the invention can also be a so-called motion detector. In particular, the motion sensor can be an infrared sensor, i.e., a light-sensitive component that can detect infrared radiation. Such a sensor can detect not only mere movements, but also heat emitted by a person.

[0028] Furthermore, the optional motion sensor of the toilet device according to the invention can also be, for example, a light barrier or a distance sensor. The distance sensor, which can be designed as a laser sensor, radar sensor, or ultrasonic sensor, measures the distance between the sensor and a measuring object or a person. A change in the distance is converted into an electrical signal by the sensor or a sensor controller.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the motion sensor designed as a motion detector or distance sensor can be arranged on an actuating device mounted or mountable on the device according to the invention for triggering a toilet flush.

[0030] If the sensor for user recognition or usage detection is a weight or pressure sensor, this sensor can be designed, for example, as a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a strain gauge, or based on the functional principle of a strain gauge. In particular, the weight or pressure sensor for user recognition or usage detection can also be designed as a silicon pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, or a pressure sensor with a Hall element.

[0031] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the function of the odor trap of the toilet body is based on a water seal, with the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section being formed exclusively above a water level defined by the maximum effective water seal height that occurs during normal use of the toilet body. This embodiment is aimed at limiting the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped body section to one or more areas of the inner surface of the bowl-shaped body section that are particularly exposed to the adhesion of excrement. Such limitation enables an optimization of the cost-benefit ratio with regard to the costs associated with the implementation of the porous inner surface.

[0032] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the function of the odor trap is (likewise) based on sealing water, with the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section being formed above and below the water level, which is defined by the maximum effective sealing water height that occurs during normal use of the toilet body. Although this embodiment involves greater effort and cost with regard to the implementation of the porous inner surface than the previously specified embodiment, this alternative embodiment is characterized by improved cleaning and / or maintenance of the toilet body, in that the formation of the porous inner surface below the water level allows excrement drag marks to be completely or largely eliminated, even in the odor trap.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section is hydraulically connected to a fluid-conducting wall section of the toilet body located above the sealing water level. The toilet device according to the invention is designed such that fluid located in the fluid-conducting wall section is at least partially retained in the fluid-conducting wall section of the toilet body after the device for supplying cleaning fluid is switched off. This largely prevents water contaminated with excrement and / or urine from penetrating the fluid-conducting wall section. Accordingly, this design prevents or at least reduces unpleasant odors that may emanate from dirty water and / or urine present in the fluid-conducting wall section.

[0034] Alternatively, another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section is hydraulically connected to a fluid-conducting wall section of the toilet body located above the sealing water level. The toilet device according to the invention is designed such that, after the device for supplying cleaning fluid is switched off, fluid located in the fluid-conducting wall section is drained from the fluid-conducting wall section into the odor trap or into a drainage line, preferably a wastewater line, by means of an automatically opening valve. This also makes it possible to prevent or at least reduce the occurrence of unpleasant odors emanating from dirty water and / or urine possibly present in the fluid-conducting wall section.In this context, a further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the porous inner surface of the bowl-shaped WC body section is hydraulically connected to a liquid-conducting wall section of the WC body located above and below the sealing water level, wherein the WC device according to the invention is designed in such a way that liquid located in the liquid-conducting wall section below the sealing water level is flushed out into a wastewater line connected to the sealing water trap after the device for supplying cleaning liquid is switched off during a normal flushing process of the WC body, analogous to the sealing water in the odor trap.

[0035] The toilet body of the toilet device according to the invention is preferably designed such that its flushing is based on the displacement principle. This design is advantageous from an energy perspective, as it essentially requires no electrical current, in particular no drive energy for suction, to flush the toilet body.

[0036] Alternatively, another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the liquid-conducting wall section of the toilet body is connected to a suction device such that liquid located in the liquid-conducting wall section below and above the sealing water level, or only below or only above the sealing water level, is suctioned away by means of the suction device. While this embodiment requires the generation or presence of drive energy to operate the suction device, it is also characterized by rapid and almost complete temporary emptying of the liquid-conducting wall section of the toilet body, which counteracts the possible occurrence of unpleasant odors.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing illustrating several exemplary embodiments. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a WC device according to the invention with a WC mounting element, a WC body, and a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the WC body, in a side view, wherein the WC body is shown in a vertical sectional view; Fig. 1a shows an enlarged view of the detail X from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2the toilet body from Fig. 1 in a perspective vertical sectional view; Fig. 3 the WC mounting element from Fig. 1 without WC body in front view; Fig. 4 the WC mounting element from Fig. 1 without toilet body in side view; Fig. 5 a backflow prevention device in a perspective view; Fig. 6 an upper section of a concealed cistern mounted in the toilet mounting element with a receptacle for cleaning agents, in a vertical sectional view; and Fig. 7 another example of a toilet body according to the invention, in a vertical sectional view.

[0038] In Fig. 11 shows a toilet device according to the invention with a toilet body (closet body) 2 and a flush water supply device for supplying flush water to the toilet body 2. The flush water supply device comprises a concealed cistern 4, which is attached to a toilet mounting element 6. The toilet mounting element 6 has, in a manner known per se, two vertical metal profile posts 6.1, 6.2, which are connected to one another by metal profile cross members 6.3, 6.4, 6.5. The lower ends of the metal profile posts 6.1, 6.2 are provided with height-adjustable feet. The lower metal profile cross member 6.3 carries a pipe bend 7, to which the wastewater outlet 2.1 of the toilet body 2 is connected via a plug-in sleeve 8. A second metal profile cross member 6.4, which has, for example, a U-shaped profile, is arranged above the lower cross member.

[0039] The second cross member 6.4 is provided with inner and outer mounting holes 9, 10 for receiving threaded rods 11 for attaching the toilet body 2 to the mounting element 6. Furthermore, the second cross member contains a central through-hole 12 for the passage of a flush water pipe 13, wherein the through-hole is circular, for example. The cistern 4, connected to the flush water pipe 13, is arranged above the second cross member 6.4.

[0040] The cistern 4 contains an inspection opening 14 through which various components, in particular a fill valve and a drain valve, can be installed in the cistern 4 and, if necessary, dismantled and removed for maintenance or repair purposes. The cistern 4 is provided with a water connection 15 for connection to a drinking water pipe. The drinking water fed into the cistern 4 is used as flushing water for flushing the toilet body 2. The water connection 15 is arranged, for example, in the upper region of a side wall of the cistern 4. The water connection 15 is designed, for example, as a threaded socket to which a shut-off valve arranged in the cistern 4 is connected. This shut-off valve, in turn, is connected via a water pipe to the fill valve controlled depending on the water level in the cistern 4.An inspection shaft 16 is mounted on the inspection opening 14, which can be shortened to match the wall thickness of a panel 3 attached to the front of the mounting element 6 and a wall covering applied thereto. Finally, the opening of the inspection shaft 16 is covered with a plate that has at least one control element for triggering a flushing process, for example, for operating the drain valve.

[0041] Such a mounting element 6 is also referred to as a mounting frame or pre-wall element.

[0042] The filling valve installed in the cistern 4 has an outlet opening which, in the operating position of the filling valve, defines a free flow path relative to a maximum water level in the cistern 4.

[0043] The toilet body 2 comprises a bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2 and a subsequent odor trap 2.3. The function of the odor trap 2.3 (siphon) integrated into the toilet body 2 is based on a water seal. The bowl-shaped body section 2.2 has a porous inner surface 2.4, which is connected to a device for supplying cleaning fluid to keep the porous inner surface 2.4 clean and / or clean. This creates a self-cleaning toilet body 2. Cleaning the toilet body 2 with a toilet brush is therefore no longer necessary or hardly necessary.

[0044] The cleaning fluid is drinking water diverted upstream or downstream of the water connection 15 of the cistern 4, viewed in the direction of flow, or preferably flushing water drawn from the cistern 4. Cleaning agents can be added to the cleaning fluid or the drawn flushing water, for example, a conventional, commercially available cleaning agent containing, in particular, citric acid and non-ionic and / or anionic surfactants and, optionally, descaling agents (such as maleic acid).

[0045] The porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body 2, from which the cleaning fluid can flow permanently, time-controlled or in a usage-controlled manner, can extend substantially or almost over the entire inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2. As shown in particular in the Figures 1 and 2As shown, the porous inner surface 2.4 preferably extends over a partial area of ​​the inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2, at least over the partial area which is particularly exposed to the adhesion of excrement.

[0046] The porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body 2 is realized by one or more open-pore wall sections of the toilet body 2. For this purpose, one or more inserts made of open-pore material, e.g., sintered ceramic, are preferably integrated into the wall of the toilet body during the manufacture of the toilet body 2.

[0047] The porous insert(s) can be produced, for example, by mixing one or more organic components into a ceramic mass for the production of porcelain or stoneware. These components thermally decompose (burn off) during roasting or sintering, creating a pore structure made up of interconnected pores. The fluid permeability of this open-pore structure, particularly of the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet bowl body 2, depends on the size, number, and type of the pores created. The size and number of the pores, and thus the fluid permeability, are influenced by the proportion of the organic components and their composition in the ceramic mass, the pressing pressure of the ceramic mass, and the firing temperature.

[0048] The wall of the toilet body 2 has an outer layer or shell 2.5, which is designed to be liquid-tight except for one or more connection areas for supplying cleaning fluid into the open-pore material 2.6. The essentially or partially liquid-tight outer shell 2.5 can also be referred to as a liquid-tight skin or liquid-tight outer layer.

[0049] The open-pored wall area 2.6 can be covered at least partially by an inner layer 2.7 on the inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2. The inner layer 2.7, which can also be referred to as the inner shell, is porous in the sense of being open-pored or perforated at least partially. The inner layer 2.7 can also be designed to be liquid-tight in some areas.

[0050] According to the invention, the rinsing water supply device and / or the device for supplying cleaning fluid are provided with at least one backflow prevention device 17, which prevents the backflow of cleaning fluid from the porous inner surface 2.4 in the direction of the water connection 15. The backflow prevention device 17 is designed, for example, in the form of a so-called pipe interrupter or comprises a water line insert or injector 17.1, which defines a free flow path 18 or a free outlet. Such a water line insert or injector 17.1 is shown in Fig. 5 The free flow path 18 is defined by two spaced-apart hose or pipe nipples 17.3, 17.4, which are connected to each other via at least one spacer 17.5 and whose pipe center axes M1, M2 are aligned with each other.

[0051] In the Figures 1 to 4In the embodiment shown, a pump 20 is arranged in the cistern 2, by means of which a portion of the water contained in the cistern 2 is sucked in and supplied as cleaning fluid to the water-conducting wall areas 2.6, in particular the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body 2, via a water line (connecting line) 21 leading out of the cistern. The pump 20 is preferably arranged above the level of the maximum flushing water level in the cistern 4 and is provided with a suction line 22, the suction opening 23 of which preferably opens near the cistern base.

[0052] A backflow prevention device 17 is integrated in the water line 21. The backflow prevention device 17 is, for example, provided by an injector 17.1 according to Fig. 5which defines a free flow path 18 and is inserted into a flow-through housing 17.2. The flow-through housing 17.2 can be essentially cartridge-shaped or cuboid-shaped. It has at least one hose nipple or a connection thread for connecting the water line 21. The injector 17.1 is also provided with at least one connection thread or hose nipple 17.3. The injector 17.1 inserted into the housing 17.2 can be connected or is connected to the housing 17.2 by a force-locking connection, for example a screw or bayonet connection.

[0053] In an embodiment not specifically shown but also preferred, the backflow prevention device 17 integrated in the water line 21 is arranged within the cistern 4. The backflow prevention device 17 is located above the maximum flush water level in the cistern 4, for example, above the lower edge of the inspection opening 14.

[0054] In the Figures 1 , 3 and 4 An alternative embodiment is shown in which the backflow prevention device 17 integrated in the water line 21 is arranged outside the cistern 4. The backflow prevention device 17 is preferably located above the maximum flush water level in the cistern 4, for example, approximately at the level of the inspection opening 14.

[0055] The pump 20 is provided with a controller 25 and at least one sensor 26, wherein the controller activates the pump 20 for a predetermined or adjustable period of time depending on at least one sensor signal from the sensor or sensors. Fig. 2 the controller 25 and the at least one sensor 26 are schematically indicated together by a box.

[0056] The at least one sensor 26 can in particular be integrated into the mounting element (pre-wall element) 6. For example, the sensor 26 can be an infrared sensor that detects movements and / or heat emitted by a person. Such a sensor 26 is preferably integrated into an actuator plate (not shown) mounted in front of the inspection opening 14. Alternatively, the sensor 26 can be a motion sensor that detects movements of a hinged toilet lid (not shown). Such a sensor 26 is preferably arranged on or in the joint of the hinged toilet lid or on the toilet body. Furthermore, the sensor 26 can be a pressure or weight sensor that detects a pressure load on a toilet seat or the toilet body 2 due to a person sitting on it.Such a sensor 26 is preferably integrated in the toilet seat or on the toilet body 2 or in the fastening of the toilet body 2 to the mounting element 6.

[0057] By means of the at least one sensor 26, the use of the toilet body 2 by a user is indirectly detected, so that an activation of the pump 20 and thus a supply of cleaning fluid for keeping clean and / or cleaning the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body 2 can be triggered as needed by means of the control 25 assigned to the pump 20 and the sensor system.

[0058] As in the Figures 1 and 2As can be seen, in the embodiment shown there, the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body does not extend over the entire inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2. Rather, an area 2.8 of the inner surface of the toilet body 2, which is hardly exposed to the adhesion of excrement, does not have a porous inner surface, but is non-porous and smooth. Such a non-porous and smooth area 2.8 of the inner surface of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2 is located, for example, at the height and above the level at which several small through-openings 2.9 of the flush water distributor 2.10, arranged side by side, open. Below this level begins the porous inner surface 2.4 of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2, which is located in the Figures 1 and 2In the embodiment shown, it extends downwards into the visible area of ​​the odor trap 2.3. The porous inner surface 2.4 of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2 is thus formed above and below the water level W, which is defined by the maximum effective water seal height that occurs during normal use of the toilet body 2 after completion of a flushing process.

[0059] The porous inner surface 2.4 of the bowl-shaped body section 2.2 is hydraulically connected to a fluid-conducting wall section 2.6 of the toilet body 2, located above and below the water seal level W. The toilet device according to the invention is designed, for example, such that after the device for supplying cleaning fluid to the porous inner surface 2.4 is switched off, the fluid located in the fluid-conducting wall section 2.6 below the water seal level W is flushed out into a wastewater line connected to the water seal 2.3 during a normal flushing process of the toilet body 2, analogous to the water seal in the odor trap 2.3.

[0060] Another embodiment of a toilet body according to the invention is shown in Fig. 7shown. In the example shown there, the porous inner surface 2.4 of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2 is formed exclusively above the water seal level W, which is defined by the maximum effective water seal height that occurs during normal use of the toilet body 2 after completion of a flushing process. The porous inner surface 2.4 of the bowl-shaped toilet body section 2.2 ends below the height at which several small through-openings 2.9 of the flush water distributor 2.10, arranged next to one another, open. Below the water seal level W of the odor trap 2.3, the inner surface of the toilet body 2 can be classically smooth and pore-free, as well as visually dark, for example black or dark gray.

[0061] The porous inner surface 2.4 of the bowl-shaped body section 2.2 according to Fig. 7is also hydraulically connected to a fluid-conducting wall section 2.6 of the toilet body 2 located above the sealing water level W. The toilet device according to the invention is designed, for example, such that after the device for supplying cleaning fluid to the porous inner surface 2.4 is switched off, the fluid located in the fluid-conducting wall section 2.6 is drained from the fluid-conducting wall section 2.6 into the odor trap 2.3 or into a drainage line, preferably a wastewater line, by means of an automatically opening valve (not shown).

[0062] Alternatively, the two in the Figures 1 , 2 and 7In the exemplary embodiments shown, in which the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body section 2.2 is hydraulically connected to a liquid-conducting wall section 2.6 of the toilet body 2 located above the sealing water level W, the toilet device according to the invention can be designed such that after switching off the device for supplying cleaning liquid to the porous inner surface 2.4, liquid located in the liquid-conducting wall section 2.6 is at least partially retained in the liquid-conducting wall section 2.6 of the toilet body 2.

[0063] The two in the Figures 1 , 2 and 7The examples of the toilet body 2 shown have in common that the flushing of the respective toilet body 2 is based on the displacement principle. The toilet body 2 can therefore also be referred to as a displacement ceramic. As already noted above, cleaning agents can be added to the cleaning fluid that is supplied to the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body 2. Fig. 6An upper section of a concealed cistern 4 with a receptacle 28 for cleaning agent 30 is shown in a vertical sectional view. The cistern 4 is equipped with a mesh basket or flexible insertion chute 28 for holding solid, soluble cleaning agent 30. Such tablet- or star-shaped cleaning agents 30 are also referred to as toilet cleaning tabs. The flexible insertion chute 28 can be inserted into the cistern 4 via the inspection opening 14 and removed for repair or maintenance purposes. The insertion chute 28 comprises two body parts 28.1, 28.2, which are connected to one another by a flexible connecting section 28.3, which is designed like a film hinge.

[0064] The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Rather, numerous embodiments are conceivable which make use of the invention stated in claim 1 or in one of the subclaims even when the design differs from the examples shown. For example, it is also within the scope of the invention for the device for supplying cleaning fluid to the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body to have a container as a water reservoir with a drain valve or overflow and a valve for filling the container with drinking water coming from the one or a second water connection, wherein the valve for filling the container has an outlet opening which, in the operating position of the valve, defines a free flow path relative to a water level in the container.Such a (second) container can be part of the toilet device according to the invention in addition to the cistern 4 described and shown above. The (second) container can contain a mesh basket or insertion shaft 28 for solid, soluble toilet cleaning tablets. Furthermore, the container can be provided with a heating device for heating the cleaning fluid. The heating device can, for example, be designed according to the principle of a continuous-flow heater or as a heating coil. Thus, warm water can also be used to flush the porous wall of the toilet body. The heating device can be designed to permanently maintain a certain temperature in the container that is above the ambient temperature.

[0065] Another embodiment of the toilet device according to the invention provides that the device for supplying cleaning fluid to the porous inner surface 2.4 of the toilet body 2 has an additional water connection for direct connection to a hot or cold water pipe, in particular to a hot or cold water network, as well as an injector 17.1 defining a free flow path 18 and an electrically controllable valve. In this embodiment, the injector 17.1 is arranged in a liquid-tight flow-through housing 17.2, while the electrically controllable valve is preferably arranged between the additional water connection and the injector 17.1.

Claims

1. A toilet device with a toilet body (2) and a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the toilet body, wherein the flushing water supply device is provided with a water connection (15) for drinking water for use as flushing water, wherein the toilet body (2) has a bowl-shaped toilet body section (2.2) and a downstream odor trap (2.3), wherein the function of the odor trap (2.3) is preferably based on sealing water, wherein the bowl-shaped toilet body section (2.2) has a porous inner surface (2.4), wherein the porous inner surface (2.4) is connected to a device for supplying cleaning fluid for keeping clean and / or cleaning the porous inner surface (2.4), and wherein the device for supplying cleaning fluid and / or the flushing water supply device is / are provided with at least one back-suction prevention device (17) which prevents cleaning fluid from being sucked back from the porous inner surface (2.4) to the water connection (15).

2. Toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flushing water supply device has a cistern (4), preferably a concealed cistern, a drain valve and a filling valve for filling the cistern (4) with drinking water coming from the water connection (15), wherein the filling valve has an outlet opening which, in the operating position of the filling valve, defines a free flow path relative to a water level present in the cistern (4), and wherein the device for supplying cleaning fluid is connected to the cistern (4), wherein water present in the cistern (4) is used as cleaning fluid for keeping clean and / or cleaning the porous inner surface (2.4) of the WC body section (2.2).

3. Toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe device for supplying cleaning liquid comprises a container as a water reservoir with a drain valve or overflow and a valve for filling the container with drinking water coming from the or a second water connection, wherein the valve for filling the container has an outlet opening which, in the operating position of the valve, defines a free flow path relative to a water level in the container.

4. Toilet device according to claim 3, characterized in that the device for supplying cleaning liquid, preferably the container, is provided with a heating device for heating the cleaning liquid.

5. Toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe device for supplying cleaning fluid has an additional water connection for direct connection to a hot or cold water pipe, in particular to a hot or cold water network, an injector (17.1) defining a free flow path (18) and an electrically controllable valve, wherein the injector (17.1) is arranged in a liquid-tight flow-through housing (17.2), and wherein the electrically controllable valve is preferably arranged between the additional water connection and the injector (17.1).

6. Toilet device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device for supplying cleaning liquid is provided with a pump (20) for conveying the cleaning liquid towards the porous inner surface (2.4).

7. Toilet device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe device for supplying cleaning fluid is provided with at least one sensor (26) and a controller (25), wherein the controller (25) triggers a supply of cleaning fluid in dependence on at least one sensor signal from the sensor (26) or the sensors.

8. Toilet device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor or at least one of the sensors (26) is arranged in or on a mounting element (6) supporting the toilet body (2) or in or on the toilet body (2).

9. Toilet device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the sensor (26) or at least one of the sensors is designed as a motion sensor, weight sensor, pressure sensor or noise sensor.

10. Toilet device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in thatthe function of the odor trap (2.3) is based on sealing water, wherein the porous inner surface (2.4) of the bowl-shaped body section (2.2) is formed exclusively above a water level (W) which is defined by the maximum effective sealing water height which occurs during normal use of the toilet body (2).

11. Toilet device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the function of the odor trap (2.3) is based on sealing water, wherein the porous inner surface (2.4) of the bowl-shaped body section (2.2) is formed above and below the water level (W), which is defined by the maximum effective sealing water height which occurs during normal use of the toilet body (2).

12. Toilet device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in thatthe porous inner surface (2.4) of the bowl-shaped body section is hydraulically connected to a liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) of the toilet body (2) located above the sealing water level (W), wherein the toilet device is designed such that liquid located in the liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) is at least partially retained in the liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) of the toilet body (2) after the device for supplying cleaning liquid has been switched off.

13. Toilet device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in thatthe porous inner surface (2.4) of the bowl-shaped body section (2.2) is hydraulically connected to a liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) of the toilet body (2) located above the sealing water level (W), wherein the toilet device is designed such that liquid located in the liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) is drained from the liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) into the odor trap (2.3) or into a drainage line, preferably a wastewater line, after the device for supplying cleaning liquid has been switched off by means of an automatically opening valve.

14. Toilet device according to claim 11, characterized in thatthe porous inner surface (2.4) of the bowl-shaped body section (2.2) is hydraulically connected to a liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) of the toilet body located above and below the sealing water level (W), wherein the toilet device is designed in such a way that liquid located in the liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) below the sealing water level (W) is flushed out into a wastewater line connected to the sealing water trap (2.3) after the device for supplying cleaning liquid has been switched off during a normal flushing process of the toilet body (2), analogous to the sealing water in the odor trap (2.3).

15. Toilet device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the toilet body (2) is designed in such a way that its flushing is based on the displacement principle.

16. Toilet device according to claim 12 or 13 in combination with one of the other preceding claims, characterized in thatthe liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) of the toilet body (2) is connected to a suction device such that liquid located in the liquid-conducting wall section (2.6) below and above the sealing water level (W) or liquid located only below or only above the sealing water level (W) is sucked off by means of the suction device.

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