Wc with a specific shape of inner bowl

Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet whose bowl inner shape has a first flow path 10 which rotates around a water level 8 and thereby descends, which is terminated by an inflow stage 18, which inflow stage 18 redirects part of the flushing water flow inwards into a central region of the water level 8.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a water closet (WC) with a special design of the inner shape of the WC bowl.

[0002] Toilets have been around for a long time and are defined by the water flushing inside the bowl. The water can be fed to an inlet opening in the bowl, for example, at a certain gradient or using pipe pressure via a flush valve and a flush pipe. In conventional toilets, the water is distributed around the top edge of the bowl via a so-called classic flushing rim, like a ring shower, and flows downwards through a number of inlet openings before flowing along the inside of the bowl to a drain opening. As an alternative to this, various forms of circulating water flow inside the bowl are known and widespread. For this purpose, the flush water is fed into the bowl via at least one inlet opening with a largely tangential entry direction and flows in a combination of a circulating and a downward movement.

[0003] EP 2 604 761 B1 describes such a case, in which the bowl's inner shape is designed asymmetrically. A flow path defined between an outer concave edge and an inner convex edge adjoins the flushing water inlet opening. This flow path encircles the drain opening on the one hand and slopes downwards on the other hand, thus promoting the described combination of a circulating and descending flushing water flow and bringing the flushing water to the drain opening with a relatively high degree of momentum.

[0004] In addition, reference can be made to EP 3 412 840 B1, in which a further second flow path is provided over a limited angular range (defined in a plan view of the bowl opening), with which the risk of splashing out can be minimized, in particular in the case of an undercut-free upper inner edge of the bowl.

[0005] On this basis, the object of the present invention is to provide a toilet with a further optimized bowl interior shape.

[0006] The task is solved by a WC with a bowl, which has a bowl opening upwards and an inlet opening for the entry of flushing water into the bowl, and an inner bowl shape with a flow path defined between an outer first concave edge and an inner first convex edge, the bowl having a drain with a drain opening and the first flow path circulating around the drain opening and descending as it circulates, the first flow path being adjacent at its lower end to an inflow step, the inflow step being defined between a part of the first concave edge and the second convex edge on a side of the inflow step facing away from the first flow path and rising from the first concave edge to the second convex edge, the inflow step thus being designed to divert rinsing water into the drain opening, an end of the inflow step proximal to a water level in the drain opening being directed, in projection from above, towards an outer edge of the water level in a two-thirds area of the outer edge.

[0007] Also according to the present invention, the inner bowl shape of the toilet according to the invention has a flow path defined analogously to the cited prior art ("first"). The outer "first" concave edge and the inner "first" convex edge are also defined here as lines of extreme curvature values (maxima and minima, depending on the concavity or convexity) occurring in vertical section planes from the outside to the inside (towards the center of the water level in the drain opening). These extreme values then result in extreme value lines or edges through the variety of possible vertical sections. In other words, the edges are lines of greatest curvature with respect to the profile shape of the inner bowl shape (seen from the outside to the inside).

[0008] The corresponding first flow path has a circumferential shape, where the term "circumference" refers to the drain opening, specifically the water level therein. As in the cited prior art, the first flow path slopes downwards during its rotation. This slope means that the shape of the flow path supports, or in other words, accommodates, the downward tendency of the water flow, which is inevitable due to gravity and also desirable for the flushing effect. In particular, this means that with respect to a vertical plane dividing the toilet into a left and right half (which, so to speak, also divides the user in the middle when sitting on the toilet and, when wall-mounted, stands perpendicular to the wall), a lower and a higher side of the first flow path can be distinguished.

[0009] In this sense, the first flow path has a lower end at the lower part, whereby the present invention proposes a so-called inflow step adjacent to this lower end. As the exemplary embodiment shows, this is, in a sense, a "barrier" occurring at the lower end of the first flow path. To distinguish it from the concave and convex edges discussed above, it is not referred to as an "edge."

[0010] This barrier or inflow step is defined between a convex edge and a concave edge, whereby the concave edge is the first concave edge that delimits the first flow path to the outside, at least where the first flow path and the inflow step adjoin each other, while the "second" convex edge that also defines the inflow step is accordingly located on the side of the inflow step facing away from the first flow path.

[0011] Accordingly, the inflow stage can also be described as having an outer convex edge and an inner concave edge (as opposed to the outer concave and inner convex edges of the flow path). The inflow stage (in the sense of the barrier) rises from the concave to the convex edge. It is designed to deflect flushing water flowing along the first flow path. Accordingly, the inflow stage, as explained in more detail below, runs from the outside to the inside toward the drain opening.

[0012] The orientation of the flow step relative to the drain opening, specifically the water level within it, refers to the view from above, i.e., a vertical projection from above. Accordingly, there is an end of the flow step that is proximal to the water level. This proximal end, again projected from above, should be directed toward an outer edge of the water level in a front two-thirds area of the water level. "Front" here means in front from the user's perspective, i.e., in front of a user standing in front of a toilet, or adjacent to the knees of a user sitting on the toilet. Typically, "front" is directed away from the wall on or in front of which the toilet is or will be mounted.

[0013] "Directed" means that the proximal end meets the outer edge of the water table or, if the inflow stage extends beyond the outer edge, intersects it, or, if the inflow stage ends before that, that an extension of the proximal end meets the edge.

[0014] The water level, however, does not mean that there must actually be water in the drain opening. Rather, a toilet with a standard odor trap is designed so that, when installed in the "resting" position, i.e., without flushing water flow, a certain (maximum) water level is maintained in the drain opening. This does not include possible evaporation losses, which could lead to a slightly lower water level. Typically, the water level is determined by an overflow edge on the other side of the odor trap, i.e., the side facing the sewer system.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the above statements apply not only to the front two-thirds of the water surface, but also to the front half and, particularly preferably, even to the front third. In the exemplary embodiment, the point of impact of the inflow stage is on the outer edge, approximately at a division ratio of 3:1, i.e., at the edge of the front quarter.

[0016] We have just considered the conceivable case where the approach flow stage ends above the outer edge of the water surface and no longer reaches it (which is not preferred, but possible). Then, in the sense of the present definitions, the end of the approach flow stage proximal to the edge (in projection from above) should be considered to be extended in the sense of its local direction. In the same sense, one can consider the equally conceivable, albeit not preferred, case where the approach flow stage, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment, is not delimited by such a lower concave edge, which is a direct continuation of the outer concave edge of the first flow path (i.e., the "first" concave edge).Even then, one can imagine an intermediate section between the distal end of the approach stage from the outer edge of the water surface and the outer concave edge of the first flow path, as an extension of the distal end (with its local direction in vertical projection). To simplify terminology and explanation, the lower concave edge of the approach stage will also be considered the "first" concave edge in such cases, even though there may be a gap between it and the outer concave edge of the first flow path. In this sense, the first flow path "ends" at the approach stage, or the approach stage forms the lower end of the flow path.

[0017] The described alignment of the proximal end of the inflow stage to the front two-thirds area serves to align the portion of the flushing water deflected by the inflow stage so that it does not reach the outlet opening, or more precisely, the water level, at the very "back" (in the sense defined above). However, another portion of the flushing water, which has flowed along the first flow path or near it (especially slightly outside on a steeper wall section beyond the first concave edge), can pass over the inflow stage instead of flowing along it to the outlet opening. This portion then reaches the outlet opening further back. In simplified terms, one can therefore imagine at least two portions of the flushing water flow, one of which is directed slightly further forward into the outlet opening by the inflow stage than the other.

[0018] As already explained in the previously cited prior art, in particular the older patent EP 2 604 761 B1, the first flow path serves a vortex-like flushing water flow that, on the one hand, rotates and, on the other, descends into the drain opening. This correspondingly also leads to a rotating and, in the sense of the cited prior art, as "vigorous" a flushing water flow as possible in the drain opening. However, it happens that in the "eye" of such a rotating flow, especially buoyant objects, such as toilet paper, collect and are not flushed out, or not flushed out particularly quickly, despite the otherwise extremely efficient flushing water flow (especially with regard to feces). If, with the inflow stage, a portion of the flushing water flow deviates from this rotating flow in the drain opening and is directed further forward into the drain opening, such phenomena can be reduced or prevented.

[0019] This problem has already been addressed in prior art document US 2014 / 0289947 A1, where the flushing water flow is to be divided into two partial flows through two openings, one of which is stronger and is to be partially reflected by a relatively deep rear surface (reference numeral 42 in Figure 12), ultimately resulting in three partial flows. One partial flow is to impact the rear surface described above, not by being deflected in another direction, but rather by mixing the flow in multiple directions. This is intended to destroy the vortex in the discharge opening and achieve the most statistically uniform velocity distribution possible in the discharge opening. The concept thus involves a quasi-chaotic disturbance of the rotating flushing water flow shortly before the discharge opening.

[0020] Instead, the present invention pursues the concept of a bowl interior shape that maintains as much momentum as possible while disturbing the flow as little as possible and maintaining the momentum.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle of impact of the proximal end of the inflow step or its extension onto the outer edge of the water surface is not too small, namely at least 30°, preferably at least 40°, 50°, 60°, or even 70°. The inflow step is therefore preferably not tangential to the outer edge to further promote the described effect.

[0022] Preferably, the inflow step has a certain minimum height of, for example, 10 mm, preferably even at least 12 mm or 14 mm. Conversely, the height is preferably less than 30 mm, 28 mm, 26 mm, or even 24 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, the value is approximately 20 mm.

[0023] The inflow stage should of course not have the mentioned minimum heights over its entire extent, but at least at its highest point.

[0024] Furthermore, an arc shape of the inflow stage is preferred, whereby this should be concave from the perspective of the water flowing in on the first flow path. This initially refers to the fact that it should be concave in this sense at least in sections and preferably at least for the most part (i.e. seen in projection from above), particularly preferably not convex in sections and very particularly preferably concave throughout. Preferably, the concave arc shape sweeps out an overall angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 40° or even at least 50° or 60°. In the exemplary embodiment, it is almost 90°. The definition of the distal end of the inflow stage will be discussed further below. This and the proximal end are decisive for the angle characteristic.

[0025] It has already been explained that a portion of the flushing water not diverted by the flow stage can flow beyond it and enter the drain opening in a different form, particularly further back. In this context, the area "on the other side" of the flow stage is preferably designed as a further flow path, namely a second flow path. The edges delimiting this second flow path are, on the one hand, the second convex edge already discussed in connection with the flow stage, and, on the other hand, a second concave edge on the side of the second flow path facing away from the inflow stage. In this form, this flow path preferably runs directly near the water level or into it (depending on whether a convex extreme value line still exists above the water level).

[0026] This second flow path, similar to the first flow path, forms a favorable area of the bowl's interior shape for the generally desired rotating and downward flow of flushing water. Accordingly, the second flow path preferably also slopes downward, although it typically extends less far than the first flow path in terms of encircling the drain opening and the water level therein, and accordingly typically also represents a smaller height difference.

[0027] The described second flow path is not to be confused with the second flow path referred to in EP 3 412 840 B1. A further flow path according to this document also exists in the present exemplary embodiment, and in the present context, it is also a preferred design feature of the invention. However, it is discussed subordinately here because it is less connected to the flow stage than the second flow path and is accordingly also referred to as the "third" flow path. In the present context, the third flow path has the same function and design as in the cited document, so reference can be made to it for details.

[0028] In contrast to this third flow path (e.g., according to the exemplary embodiment), the second flow path preferably has at least, and particularly preferably, exactly three pointed ends (again in projection from above), wherein, as already discussed above, alternatively a convex edge proximal to the water level or the water level itself forms a boundary line. For illustration, reference is made to the figures of the exemplary embodiment. There it can also be seen that the third flow path has exactly two pointed ends and, furthermore, taking the height dimension into account (i.e., not only in vertical projection), neither borders the water level nor comes particularly close to it. In particular, the third flow path has a step below it and, in the exemplary embodiment, between it and the second flow path, which could be defined analogously to the inflow step.This step has a significantly greater height than the inflow step, namely in the exemplary embodiment approximately 60 mm (and preferably at least 40 mm, preferably at least 45 mm or 50 mm).

[0029] In addition, the second flow path is relatively wide (and the third rather narrow, in each case in the vertical projection), namely in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the toilet, i.e. in its width direction, at least 30 mm, preferably even at least 30 mm, preferably even at least 35 mm or 40 mm (in the exemplary embodiment it is 45 mm).

[0030] As already explained, the first flow path encircles the outlet opening, specifically the water surface. If this water surface defines an intersection point of the axes and thus a center point with a longitudinal center axis running from front to back (as defined above) and a transverse center axis dividing this center perpendicular to it, a minimum quantitative statement about the encirclement can be made starting from this center point. For this purpose, the first flow path can be represented by a center line between the first convex and the first concave edge (in vertical projection). Respective connecting lines between points on the center line and the just defined center point then preferably cover at least 160°, 170°, 180°, or even 190°.

[0031] As explained above, the downward slope of the first flow path during the circulation makes it possible to distinguish a lower side from a higher side of the first flow path. In this sense, "circulation" also means that the flushing water, as it follows the first flow path, ultimately loses height, although local deviations cannot necessarily be ruled out. However, the first flow path should preferably decrease monotonically (in the mathematical sense, i.e., without any intermediate rises), preferably strictly monotonically (i.e., without any horizontal intermediate sections). For this purpose, the center line just defined should again be used as a reference line.

[0032] The geometric features of the bowl's inner shape described so far are preferably realized in a one-piece design, for example in a one-piece plastic molded part or ceramic part. Accordingly, the bowl preferably has a one-piece bowl inner shape below its bowl opening containing the first flow path and the inflow stage. A separate supply line can, of course, be connected to the inlet opening for the rinsing water. However, additional separate elements provided in the bowl's inner shape, for example, an attached inflow stage that is glued on as a separate part, are excluded. Instead, the inflow stage in this design is to be formed in the bowl material itself.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, an end of the inflow step distal to the water level should be aligned and arranged such that an extension line of this distal end with the local direction (in projection from above) meets the upper edge of the bowl's inner shape in the front half of the bowl, preferably even in its front third or even its front quarter. Accordingly, the inflow step begins somewhat far forward and has a small or negligible angle to the steep wall region from which the inflow step emerges, whereby the deflection function of the inflow step can be implemented particularly well. In the exemplary embodiment, this transition into the steep wall region is tangential.

[0034] It is also preferred that the water level be located in the rear two-thirds of the bowl opening (in vertical projection) with respect to the longitudinal direction (from front to back), preferably in the rear half as in the exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, the longitudinal axes (on the one hand, the water level, on the other hand, the bowl opening) are aligned.

[0035] In cases where the first concave edge delimiting the inflow stage merges continuously into the region in which it merely externally delimits the first flow path, the distal end of the inflow stage is defined by the foremost end of the second flow path, see the exemplary embodiment. Due to the seamless transition of the concave edge, the definition must in this respect be based on the separation of the second convex edge, which delimits the inflow stage on the one hand and the second flow path on the other. If such a seamless transition of the concave edge does not exist, and a distinction can be made between the first concave edge as the boundary of the first flow path and as the boundary of the inflow stage, the front end of the first concave edge in the region of the inflow stage is to be understood as the distal end. The exemplary embodiment clarifies this relationship.

[0036] In addition, the inflow step should preferably achieve a certain minimum steepness, namely an angle of rise relative to the horizontal of at least 75°, preferably at least 80° or even 85°. This is achieved between the two limiting edges, i.e., between the second convex edge and the first concave edge.

[0037] Many previously known toilet bowls with a circulating flush water flow utilize multiple inlet openings for the flush water, for example, the US document cited at the beginning. In contrast, the present invention preferably uses only a single inlet opening for the flush water, at least upstream of the water level. The favorable interior shape of the bowl nevertheless allows for a flush that encompasses the entire bowl, is efficient for cleaning, and, according to the invention, also flushes objects floating within the water level.

[0038] In the last-mentioned case, the third flow path mentioned above can also be designed to completely surround the drain opening, i.e., to be continuous. This helps distribute the flushing water over the entire interior of the bowl, especially when flushing small amounts of water.

[0039] The first flow path preferably adjoins the inlet opening in such a way that it is traversed by the flushing water entering it and further distributes this flushing water. This does not necessarily mean that all of the flushing water flows along the first flow path; rather, a portion will usually flow further outward, i.e., outside the first concave edge and, due to its velocity, in a steeper section of the bowl wall, and another portion will also flow further inward over the first convex edge.

[0040] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, whereby the individual features may also be essential to the invention in other combinations within the scope of the claims. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a toilet seat according to the invention; Figure 2 also, but in a different perspective; Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of the toilet with auxiliary lines; Figure 4 shows a top view as in Figure 4 , but with different lines to illustrate the concave and convex edges; Figure 5 shows a variant of Figure 6 to illustrate an angle; Figure 6 shows a variant of Figure 6 with further lines to illustrate a length ratio at the edge of the water level; Figure 7 shows a perspective view analogous Figure 1 to illustrate two heights and Figure 8 shows a photographic representation of a real water flow in the embodiment in a perspective corresponding to the Figures 4-6 .

[0041] Figure 1 shows a WC 1, specifically a ceramic WC body, with a WC bowl 2 clearly visible at the front left.

[0042] The following is about the bowl's inner shape. Figure 1 and the connection pieces for flushing water and waste water, which can also be seen in the other figures, reference is made to the prior art EP 3 444 408 B1; the type of connections is not important for the following.

[0043] The Figures 1-3 show the inside shape of the bowl through shades of grey, the other figures in lines.

[0044] In Figure 3 you can see WC 1 in longitudinal section. In particular, you can see a relatively steep wall area 3 of the bowl's inner shape on the left, which, according to the Figures 1 and 2 , apart from a few details to be explained later, runs around and with its upper edge 4 limits the shape of the inside of the bowl at the top.

[0045] In addition, a classic odor trap 5 in the form of a knee can be seen, which is to be connected to the wastewater pipe on the right with a nozzle 6, whereby an edge area 7, which is visible just upstream of it at the bottom, defines the water level 8 shown further to the left. In this respect, reference can be made to the water level 8 regardless of whether there is actually water in the odor trap 5. It results from a vertical alignment of the right surface of the toilet in Figure 4 and accordingly horizontal alignment of the top, i.e. in the assembly position, from the geometry itself. Above the water level 8 there is still a circumferentially steep area of the bowl shape for a certain height as the entrance area of the drain opening 9.

[0046] To the left of it, and as an intermediate area between the just described inlet area of the drain opening 9 and the steep wall section 3 also mentioned above, lies the first flow path 10, already discussed in the description, here in its foremost (in relation to the longitudinal direction of the toilet) area in longitudinal section. It is bounded on both sides by points of greatest curvature, marked with X-marks, namely on the left with a concave curvature and on the right with a convex curvature. In this form, any number of vertical cutting planes can be imagined, each passing through the center of the water level (cf. Figures 5 to 7 ), which results in lines from the points marked with X-marks. These extreme value lines are shown in Figure 5-7 drawn, namely dash-dotted.

[0047] These are a first (outer) concave edge 11 of the first flow path 10, a first inner convex edge 12 of the first flow path 10, a second convex edge 13 of a second flow path 14, which will be explained in more detail later, and a second concave edge 15 of the second flow path 14. In Figure 4 Furthermore, a center line 16 of the first flow path 10 is drawn, namely a center line (in perspective from above) between the edges 11 and 12 defining the first flow path 10.

[0048] In Figure 3 However, one can see a series of unnumbered auxiliary lines (of the CAD program) that separate different surface areas with different shapes from each other, for example, largely cylindrical shapes as in the steep wall area 3 from those that are also curved in section (as below), etc. These auxiliary lines are not the same as the dotted lines from the Figures 4 to 6to be confused, but in combination with Figure 1 an idea of geometry.

[0049] Furthermore, the Figures 2 , 4-6 an inlet opening 17 for the flushing water, which is connected in a manner not recognizable to the flushing water connection piece 18. In the case of a flush with the WC 1 connected, flushing water flows from this inlet opening 17 into the WC bowl 2 in an approximately tangential (in perspective from above) and otherwise approximately horizontal main flow direction. The flushing water thereby hits the area of the first flow path 10 with the largest area ( Figure 5), which in this sense connects to the inlet opening 17. On the other hand, a part of the first flow path 10 also exists, somewhat counterclockwise, next to the inlet opening 17 (in projection from above), and is therefore not immediately affected by the incoming flushing water. This area begins, strictly speaking, at the rear, where the first flow path disappears according to the figures, i.e., approximately at the intersection point of the vertical part of the axis cross, which in Figure 4 and 5 is drawn into the water level 8 to define its center.

[0050] From this beginning, the first flow path 10 descends continuously and strictly monotonically, particularly with its center line 16, and thereby circulates (again with the center line 16 as a reference) the water level 8. Due to the quasi-asymptotic narrowing of the first flow path 10 at its beginning in the aforementioned rear region, one could, in a mathematical sense, actually use the rearmost point of the bowl's inner shape as the starting point, resulting in an angle of this circling around the water level 8 (relative to the marked center point therein and defined from the center line 16) of a good 230°. If, due to the initially barely perceptible existence of the first flow path 10 there, one only observes it "later" (clockwise) at a clearly recognizable width of 30° (relative to the vertical line through the water level 8 in Figure 5 ), the angle is still about 200°.

[0051] The outer concave edge, the so-called first concave edge 11, runs during the described circulation of the first flow path 10 approximately at the lower edge of the already mentioned steep wall area 3 of the bowl inner shape, compare e.g. the X-mark on the left in Figure 3 and of course Figure 4 This applies from the "back" in a clockwise direction to the "bottom" and a little further. Then it runs continuously, arched and concave further inwards, with a gap between it and the steep wall area 3 according to Figure 5 additional structures are created. This concerns the already mentioned second convex edge 13 and the second concave edge 15 and a second flow path 14 defined between them. This becomes clearer from Figure 1, according to which, where the first concave edge 11 leaves the steep wall area 3, a step, namely the inflow step 18, branches off from this steep wall area 3. This inflow step 18 continues in a concave arc shape further inwards and opens into the inlet area of the outlet opening, slightly above the water level 8. In particular, the inflow step 18 begins relatively far forward, i.e. far in the front half of the bowl opening 2, as the Figures 4-6 show. (In Figure 4-6 Incidentally, the center line between edges 11 and 13 is drawn as a solid line and numbered 18 because it represents the inflow stage.)

[0052] Based on Figure 1 one can clearly see that the inflow stage 18, so to speak, shifts the first flow path 10 a little in height, whereby their qualitative form is then, i.e. according to Figure 4clockwise beyond the flow step 18, continues similarly to, for example, the two EP documents cited at the beginning. However, since the flow path is defined as between an outer concave and an inner convex edge, it is consistent to consider the first flow path 10 as terminated by the inwardly running shape of the first concave edge 11 due to the inflow step 18; hence the clearly inwardly bending course of the center line 16 in Figure 4 .

[0053] In this sense, the second convex edge 13 and the second concave edge 15 define a second flow path 14 between them, wherein Figure 4The second convex edge 13 bends just before the edge of the outlet opening, because this is where the strongest convex curvatures occur. At the same time, the second concave edge 15, apart from the height offset caused by the inflow step 18, forms in a certain sense a continuation of the first concave edge 11, compare the Figures 1 and 4-6 . The second flow path 14 thus has a pointed end at the front and rear, as seen from above, and another corner approximately in the middle inside.

[0054] The second flow path 14 is considerably wider than the third flow path 19, namely approximately 45 mm. This refers to the transverse direction according to the Figures 4-6 , i.e. to the widest point at the inner corner of the second flow path 14.

[0055] Based on the figures, it is easy to imagine that the flushing water flowing out of the inlet opening 17 initially flows clockwise, mostly along the first flow path 10 and, due to centrifugal force, also somewhat outside of it. The flushing water flow then enters the area of the inflow stage 18, a portion of which is directed inward through the inflow stage 18 approximately into the center of the water level 8, and another portion continues beyond the inflow stage 18 via the second flow path 14, at least approximately maintaining the original rotating flow. The latter portion, apart from the inflow stage 18 (up to and from this point again), decreases in height along the second flow path 14.In this respect, it ensures a vigorous rotating flushing water flow also in the drain opening, as already described in the cited prior art, wherein the inflow stage 18 additionally directs a part of the flow approximately into the eye of the rotating flow in the drain opening.

[0056] Figure 8 shows the just described water flow with a photo of a real example analogous to the other figures. The perspective corresponds to the top view of the Figures 4-6 The water is colored, which explains the dark hue, especially in the lower part. For further details, please refer to the explanation just given.

[0057] In particular, the exemplary embodiment also shows a third flow path 19, already mentioned abstractly earlier, clearly above and, in the perspective from above, slightly offset clockwise relative to the leading edge 18. Regarding this third flow path 19, reference can be made to the second EP document cited at the beginning, in which it is discussed in detail. Essentially, it holds a portion of the rotating flushing water flow, which initially runs outside the first flow path 10 and, due to centrifugal force, along the steep wall area 3, at a certain height. This portion is, on the one hand, somewhat prevented from sinking too far downwards, especially after it has reached the Figure 4lower area of the bowl's inner shape and the radii of curvature relevant for the centrifugal force increase. This prevents flushing water from splashing out of the bowl opening 2 as a result of collisions of flushing water sinking down in this way with, for example, the second flow path 14. On the other hand, such a part of the flushing water flow held at the top is directed via the third flow path 19 after passing through the rearmost part (in Figure 4 above) of the bowl opening 2 is transferred to the initial area of the first flow path 10 and also wets this.

[0058] In Figure 5Two dashed lines 20 and 21 are visible. Line 20 is a tangential line to the outer edge of the water surface 8, and line 21 is an extension of the proximal end of the inflow stage 18 to this edge. Both lines 20 and 21 meet at an angle of just under 90°, with line 21 pointing approximately towards the center of the water surface 8. The intersection point of line 21 with the edge of the water surface 8 lies, in the longitudinal direction from front to back, according to Figure 6clearly within the foremost third of the central longitudinal axis of the water level 8, namely approximately three-quarters (thus dividing this central longitudinal axis in a ratio of 3:1). Thus, the portion of the flushing water flow deflected by the inflow stage 18, although directed approximately toward the center of the water level 8, is not too strongly deflected from the original main flow direction of the flushing water flow and can thus still retain a significant portion of the original "momentum" (i.e., the kinetic energy and momentum). In this context, it is also advantageous that the drain opening and thus the water level 8 are located significantly toward the rear of the bowl opening 2.

[0059] Figure 5 and 6also show that the direction of line 21, i.e. the local direction of the inflow step 18 at its inner end, is rotated by almost 90° compared to the local direction of the inflow step 18 at its outer end, i.e. compared to the part of the inflow step 18 where it disappears outside or merges into the steep wall area 3 (in the Figures 4 and 5 where edges 13 and 15 meet). The curved shape of the inflow stage 18 thus spans a substantial angular range, which is very streamlined due to its concave, rounded shape.

[0060] Finally, in Figure 7For illustration and comparison, two vertical heights 22 and 23 are shown. The height 22 is the vertical offset between the first concave edge 11 and the second convex edge 13 and thus, in a sense, the height of the inflow step 18, while the height 23 is the vertical offset between the second concave edge 15 and the inner convex edge of the third flow path 19, i.e. the height of the third flow path 19 above the second flow path 14. The latter is significantly larger and is approximately 60 mm compared to approximately 20 mm for the former. Figure 7 These heights are without the Figures 4-6 drawn (dash-dotted) edges; however, they refer to these, in particular with the numerical values just given.

[0061] The inflow step reaches a steepness of approximately 90° relative to the horizontal between the two edges 11 and 13.

[0062] The entire toilet body 1 is a one-piece ceramic part in the form shown, which applies in particular to the complete inner shape of the bowl.

[0063] This also follows from Figure 8 , which also shows the details described above, although due to the photographic representation, not with a clarity comparable to the line drawings.

Claims

1. Toilet (1) with a bowl, which has a bowl opening (2) facing upwards and an inlet opening (17) for the entry of flushing water into the bowl, and a bowl inner shape with a first flow path (10) which is defined between an outer first concave edge (11) and an inner first convex edge (12), wherein the bowl has a drain with a drain opening and wherein the first flow path (10) circulates around the drain opening and drops down during this circulation, wherein the first flow path (10) adjoins at its lower end an inflow step (18), which inflow step (18) is defined between a part of the first concave edge (11) and a second convex edge (13) on a side of the inflow step (18) facing away from the first flow path (10) and rises from the first concave edge (11) to the second convex edge (13), whereby the inflow step (18) is designed to divert flushing water into the drain opening,wherein an end of the inflow stage proximal to a water level (8) in the outlet opening is directed in projection from above onto an outer edge of the water level (8) in a two-thirds area of the outer edge.

2. WC (1) according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the inflow step (18) forms an angle of at least 30° with the outer edge.

3. WC (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflow step (18) between the first concave edge (11) and the second convex edge (13) is at least partially at least 10mm high.

4. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inflow step (18) between the first concave edge (11) and the second convex edge (13) reaches an angle of rise to the horizontal of at least 75°.

5. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inflow step (18) is curved, namely concave as seen from the first flow path (10).

6. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which on a side of the inflow step (18) opposite to the first flow path (10) there exists a second flow path (14) which is defined between the second convex edge (13) and a second concave edge (15).

7. WC (1) according to claim 6, wherein the second flow path (14) has at least and preferably exactly three corners, in projection from above.

8. WC (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second flow path (14) is at least 30 mm wide in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the WC (1) from front to rear.

9. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flow path (10) rotates around an angle of at least 160° defined from a center of the water level (8).

10. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first flow path (10) decreases monotonously, preferably strictly monotonously, when circulating around the drain opening.

11. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bowl below the bowl opening (2) has a one-piece bowl inner shape containing the first flow path (10) and the inflow step (18).

12. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inflow step (18) is aligned and arranged at an end distal to the water level (8) in the drain opening such that an extension line of this distal end, projected from above, meets the upper edge of the bowl inner shape in its front half.

13. WC (1) according to one of the preceding claims with exactly one inlet opening (17) for flushing water.

14. Toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first flow path (10) adjoins the inlet opening (17) mentioned in claim 1 in order to be flowed through by the incoming flushing water.

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