Toilet bowl with spiral flow path

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a toilet bowl. The toilet bowl comprises an inner surface and an inlet port located at an upper portion of the inner surface. The inlet port is configured for feeding flushing water in a direction which is substantially horizontal and substantially tangential to the inner surface. The toilet bowl also comprise a water drain located at a bottom portion of the toilet bowl. The inner surface is configured for guiding the flushing water from the inlet port to the water drain along a substantially spiral flow path having more than one turn. Besides, the inner surface has a wall defining an end portion of the spiral flow path and configured for directing the flushing water substantially towards a center of the water drain. The present disclosure relates also to a water closet comprising such a toilet bowl and to a use of such a water closet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to toilet bowls and, more particularly, to toilet bowls comprising an inner wall with a surface defining a substantially spiral flow path for guiding flushing water from an inlet port to a water drain.BACKGROUND

[0002] Water closets comprising toilet bowls with different shapes and configurations are known in the art. Most conventional water closets comprise a toilet bowl with an inner surface exhibiting a substantially symmetric shape. Such toilet bowls typically comprise an upper rim, which provides a circumferential channel. Flushing water flows in a substantially downward path from the circumferential upper rim to a water drain arranged at a bottom part of the toilet bowl. Accordingly, flushing water typically crashes vertically against the water. Such water closets are known to generate significant noise and aerosol droplets. Furthermore, the washing of the inner surface is not very efficient, which results in a relatively high water consumption.

[0003] Water closets are also known in which the flushing water follows a spiral flow path. In this case, flushing water is typically fed into the toilet bowl through a water inlet that is configured to provide a mostly horizontal velocity to the flushing water in a tangential direction with respect to the surface of the toilet bowl. The inner surface of the toilet bowl provides a surface that guides the flushing water in a spiral-shaped flow path as it flows downward from the water inlet, which is located in an upper position of the toilet bowl, to a water drain located in a bottom position of the toilet bowl.

[0004] By providing such a rotating or spiral movement to the flushing water, a more efficient washing of the surface of the toilet bowl is provided. Accordingly, water consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, water closets with spiral-shaped flow paths are less noisy than previously mentioned conventional closets, i.e. water closets comprising simply a substantially downward flow path in a shower-like configuration from an upper rim. Indeed, the provision of a rotating movement results in a smoother flow entry of the flushing water into the water drain region, which results in less splashing, thus reducing both noise and splashing of aerosol droplets.

[0005] Moreover, most water closets comprise a water siphon, which is arranged downstream of the water drain of the toilet bowl. The siphon plays an important role in flushing water and waste removal. Typical siphon mechanisms comprise an internal trap, which includes a U-shaped bend in a drain pipe. The water siphon ensures efficient removal of all waste from the toilet bowl and it also acts as an odor preventive mechanism, i.e. and odor trap, as water remaining at the bottom of the water closet acts as a seal that prevents entry of sewer gases.

[0006] As indicated, water closets comprising spiral flow paths exhibit certain advantages over the most conventional water closets. Nevertheless, they are not exempt from certain limitations or drawbacks. It has been found that high water consumption is also required in these water closets to achieve a satisfactory washing of the toilet bowl. In particular, the flushing water lacks enough energy to effectively drag all the waste and to get over the internal trap of the water siphon. Furthermore, in some cases, water closets can be connected to a flushing water supply comprising a pressurized water utility line. In such cases, the performance of the water closes has been found to be affected by variations in the pressure of the water supply line.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to at least partially reduce one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks so as to provide a toilet bowl with improved washing results at reduced water consumption and / or at reduced pressure.SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a toilet bowl is provided. The toilet bowl comprises an inner surface. An inlet port is located an at upper portion of the inner surface and it is configured for feeding flushing water in a direction substantially horizontal and substantially tangential to the inner surface. The toilet bowl also comprises a water drain located at a bottom portion of the toilet bowl. The inner surface is configured for guiding the flushing water from the inlet port to the water drain along a substantially spiral flow path having more than one turn. Furthermore, the inner surface has a wall defining an end portion of the spiral flow path and configured for directing the flushing water substantially towards a center of the water drain.

[0009] According to this aspect of the disclosure, an optimized flushing action is achieved. The rotational movement of the flushing water results in an a more efficient distribution of the water over the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Consequently, an improved washing of the surface of the toilet bowl is achieved. Furthermore, such rotational movement of the flushing water results in a more quiet and gentle operation of the water closet, which avoids unnecessary noise and / or splashing of droplets.

[0010] Furthermore, the toilet bowl comprises a wall on the inner surface of the toilet bowl that results in an abrupt change in the rotational direction of the flushing water. Indeed, the wall is shaped such that it induces a disruption in the water flow path. Therefore, flushing water is deflected at an end portion of the water flow, i.e. at a portion right before the water drain. Hence, the flushing water is guided in the direction of the water drain and, more particularly, in a direction pointing at a center location of the water drain. To this end, the inner surface of the toilet bowl in the corresponding region is shaped such that a tangent to the surface is also aligned with, or at least parallel to, a direction oriented towards the center of the water drain. The specific angle defined by the flushing water can be adjusted by selecting the angular position of the wall in the last turn of the spiral water flow.

[0011] Such change in direction reduces or breaks the spinning movement component of the flushing water. On the other hand, the energy or momentum of the flushing water in the direction pointing towards the center of the water drain is increased. In this manner, the speed of the flushing water in a direction pointing to the center of the water drain is boosted. Consequently, a more effective flushing in the last part of the toilet bowl is obtained. In particular, the flushing water exhibits high energy in the end portion of the flow path which allows a more optimum water usage as relatively small quantities of flushing water are enough to wash the inner surface of the toilet bowl, particularly the bottom portion, while retaining enough energy at the end of the water flow to ensure a proper discharge or drainage.

[0012] More particularly, in water closets comprising a siphon, the energy of the flushing water reaching the water drain is enough to get over the slope of such siphon, thus ensuring a proper drainage of the flushing water carrying waste.

[0013] Accordingly, the good washing properties of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, especially at upper or intermediate heights, which are achieved by means of the spiral flow path, are combined with an improved washing at lower heights and a proper draining of the flushing water, which is achieved by the provision of a wall directing the flushing water towards the center of the water drain.

[0014] In another aspect of the disclosure, a water closet comprising a toilet bowl according to the previous aspect is provided. The water closes comprising a flushing water supply in fluid communication with the inlet port. The flushing water supply comprises a cistern, a pressurized water line, or a pressure-assisted pump system.

[0015] According to this aspect of the disclosure, different systems can be provided for the provision of the flushing water. Such flushing water supplies are in fluid communication with the inlet port. In some cases, a cistern may be used. In this manner, the volume and energy of the feeding water may be properly controlled.

[0016] In other cases, the provision of flushing water may comprise a pressurized water line, i.e. a utility public pressurized line. In such case, pressure conditions may oscillate due to different factors, e.g. varying water usage by consumers. Nevertheless, due to the optimized shape of the inner surface of the toilet bowl and, more specifically, to the provision of a wall to increase the momentum of the flushing water in the last portion of the flow path, such pressure oscillations may be compensated and an efficient washing of the toilet bowl may be provided.

[0017] In still other examples, the provision of flushing water may comprise a pressure-assisted pump system. In these examples, a pump may be used to force water into the toilet bowl with enhanced velocity. In particular, a pump may be used to create a high pressure by compressing air in a chamber inside a water tank. Upon flushing, the compressed air may force water into the toilet bowl.

[0018] Furthermore, according to still a further aspect of the disclosure, the use of a water closet according to the previous aspect of the disclosure is provided. The use comprises that the amount of flushing water per actuation of the water closet is of 4,5 liters or less.

[0019] According to this further aspect of the disclosure, the optimized geometry of the toilet offers significant benefits in terms of water usage. This is advantageous in terms of water conservation, e.g. to reduce environmental impact and to improve resource management in areas with water scarcity, and it terms of cost savings.

[0020] Throughout this disclosure, a flow path is understood as a virtual path defining the average trajectory of substantially all the flushing water. In particular, a spiral flow path refers to the scenario wherein the flushing water follows a spiral-like trajectory as it descends from the inlet port to the water drain. It is noted that, even if the flow path represents the main path for the flushing water, this is not strictly restricted to the spiral flow path, so that a small portion of the flushing water may, due to gravity, leave the spiral flow path and flow down towards the water drain without completing the whole spiral flow path. This may be particularly the case for small amounts of flushing water or for low pressure situations. Accordingly, the present disclosure, referring to the inner surface being configured for guiding the flushing water along a substantially spiral flow path, is understood as referring to a situation in which most of the flushing water follows such a spiral movement.

[0021] Moreover, although a flow path will be represented as a simple line in the drawings, it is understood that a flow path comprises a certain width. Specifically, the width of the flow path may define an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner edge is understood as the edge of the flow path that is closer to the water drain, whereas the outer edge is understood as the edge of the flow path that is closer to the outer perimeter of the toilet bowl.

[0022] Furthermore, a water drain is understood as an opening located at the bottom of the toilet bowl when the water closet is mounted in an operating position. The flushing water is directed towards the opening when the water closet is flushed. In particular, the water drain is understood as an opening in a substantially horizontal plane. The vertical position or height of the plane is determined by the level of the water resting at the bottom of the toilet bowl when the water closet is in an operating state but water is not being flushed. In other words, the water drain can be defined as the opening of the toilet bowl that results from the intersection of the toilet bowl with a horizontal plane corresponding to the surface level of the water resting at the bottom part of the toilet bowl when the water closet is installed. Such intersection defines both the shape and dimension of the opening, i.e. of the water drain. In water closets comprising a siphon, the mentioned water level between flushes may be maintained by the siphon.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1B provide a perspective view of a toilet bow according to an example; Figure 2 shows a top view of the toilet bowl of Figures 1A and 1B; Figure 3 show a top view of an example of a toilet bowl in area around a water drain; Figures 4A and 4B provide respective top views of a toilet bowl according to an example of the present disclosure (4A) and a toilet bowl according to the prior-art (4B); Figure 5 shows another top view of an example of a toilet bowl in an area around a water drain; Figure 6 shows a cross section perspective view taken along a vertical plane aligned with line A-A' of Figure 2; Figure 7 shows a cross section perspective view taken along a vertical plane aligned with line B-B' of Figure 2; Figure 8 shows a cross section perspective view taken along a vertical plane aligned with line C-C' of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0024] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the teaching. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] Figures 1A and 1B show a perspective view of a toilet bowl 1 according to an example of the disclosure and Figure 2 provides a top view of the toilet bowl 1. As shown in the figures, the toilet bowl 1 comprises an inner surface 20. An inlet port 10 is located an at upper portion of the inner surface 20 and it is configured for feeding flushing water in a substantially horizontal direction and substantially tangential to the inner surface 20. The toilet bowl 1 also comprises a water drain 30 located at a bottom portion of the toilet bowl 1. The inner surface 20 is configured for guiding the flushing water from the inlet port 10 to the water drain 30 along a substantially spiral flow path 50 having more than one turn. Furthermore, the inner surface 20 has a wall 40 defining an end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 and configured for directing the flushing water substantially towards a center of the water drain 30.

[0026] In an example, the inlet port 10 may be located at an upper rear position of the toilet bowl 1, i.e. at a position close to a mounting surface 60 of the toilet bowl 1. Flushing water is fed in a substantially horizontal and substantially tangential direction of the inner surface 20, i.e. with a substantially horizontal speed. In this manner, flushing water is not initially directed in a clear downwards direction towards the water drain 30 as in some prior-art toilet bowls. On the contrary, by providing a substantially horizontal component to its initial speed, flushing water is allowed to remain on the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 for an extended period of time. Furthermore, the inner surface 20 is shaped such that the movement of the flushing water is not only dictated by the initial horizontal speed and by the gravity force but also by the shape of the inner surface 20, which guides the flushing water in a spiral flow path 50 with optimizes washing.

[0027] Furthermore, the inner surface 20 comprises a wall 40 which, as more clearly seen in Figure 2, guides substantially all the flushing water, i.e. the spiral flow path 50, such that an end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 is directed towards the center of the water drain 30. The wall 40 is effectively directing all the flushing water that reaches the wall 40. Nevertheless, a small portion of the flushing water may flow downwardly towards the water drain 30 under the influence of gravity before reaching the wall 40, i.e. without travelling along the complete spiral flow path 50. In particular, such portion of flushing water may correspond to the last portion of the flushing water supplied to the inlet 10, which may have less energy and which as a result, may reach the water drain 30 with a predominant downward direction.

[0028] However, due to the shape of the inner surface 20 and, more particularly, to the provision of the wall 40 on the inner surface 20, most of the flushing water, whose energy is indeed enough to complete the spiral flow path 50, reaches the water drain 30 with a direction oriented towards a center region of the water drain 30 and with an increased momentum. Accordingly, a more effective washing of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 can be achieved and the flushed water can be effectively drained through the water drain 30 even when a siphon, or similar system, is arranged downstream.

[0029] In an example, the spiral flow path 50 of the toilet bowl 1 may comprise less than three turns. Specifically, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise less than two turns and, even more specifically, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise substantially one and a half turns. On the one hand, the spiral flow path 50 may be sufficiently long to allow flushing water to flow along the whole inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 in a substantially uniform manner. On the other hand, the flow path 50 may be short enough to ensure flushing water maintains enough energy when reaching the water drain 30. Relatively long flow paths comprising, e.g. more than two turns, may be used in systems wherein flushing water is provided with relatively higher energy. This may be the case, for instance, in implementations comprising elevated cisterns or pump-assisted systems. In other cases, a shorter flow path 50 comprising, e.g. one a half turn, may be employed to ensure sufficient kinetic energy of the flushing water during the flushing operation.

[0030] In order to define the characteristics of the spiral trajectory, the inner surface of the toilet bowl may comprise different portions or segments. The inner surface in those different portions may exhibit a downward inclination, i.e. an inclination with respect to a horizontal plane that is directed towards the water drain located at the bottom of the toilet bowl. More particularly, sections can be defined at those different portions of the inner surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the spiral flow path. At each of those sections, the inner surface of the toilet bowl may exhibit an absolute downward inclination that is determined by a combination of a tangential inclination, i.e. an inclination in the direction of the water flow, and a radial inclination, i.e. an inclination substantially perpendicular to the water flow and substantially pointing towards a center of the water drain. The downward inclinations along the different portions of the inner surface of the toilet bowl may be defined such that a flow path with the desired characteristics is achieved.

[0031] Specifically, in an example, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a first stretch comprising a first turn. During the first turn, the flushing water may be configured to rotate around the water drain 30 before returning to an angular position corresponding to the position of the inlet port 10. In other words, the flushing water may flow for about 360°, with 0° being associated to the angular position of the inlet port 10. Such first turn may occur while the flushing water retains significant speed or momentum in the horizontal direction. During such first rotation, the flushing water may reduce its height in a monotonically non-increasing manner, i.e. without any height increase along the flow path, under the influence of both gravity and the shape of the inner surface 20.

[0032] In examples of the disclosure, and as schematically depicted in Figure 3, the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 may form an angle, α, of between 10° and 90° with respect to a center axis 33 of the toilet bowl 1 in a horizontal plane. The center axis 33 is defined as an axis passing substantially through a center 34 of the water drain 30 and being substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface 60 of the toilet bowl 1. Specifically, in an example, the angle α may be between 30° and 60°. Even more specifically, an angle α of approximately 45° may be provided in a variant.

[0033] The angle, α, may be selected to optimize the momentum of the flushing water at the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50, right before the water drain 30. Figure 3 schematically depicts an example with an angle, α, of about 40°. In the example depicted in Figure 3, the spiral flow path 50 comprises about 540°, i.e. one and a half turns. An abrupt change in the direction of the flushing water is provided after completion of about one and a quarter turns. Different physical features may be used in the inner surface 20 to define and characterize the wall 40 in such a manner that the wall 40 directs the end portion 51 of the flow path 50 according to the desired angle, α.

[0034] In order to further describe the present disclosure, Figures 4A and 4B provide a top view with a comparison between a toilet bowl 1 according to an example of the present disclosure and a toilet bowl 1' according to the prior-art. Both toilet bowls 1, 1' comprise an inner surface 20, 20' and a water drain 30, 30'. Furthermore, in both cases, a spiral flow path, including an end portion 51, 51', is defined for the flushing water by the corresponding inner surfaces 20, 20'.

[0035] The toilet bowl 1 according to the present disclosure exhibits a wall 40 whose shape is configured to define an end portion 51 of the flow path in such a manner that the end portion 51 is pointing towards a center of the water drain 30 with a certain angle. The wall 40 is a substantially vertical wall that extends from a lower part of the toilet bowl corresponding to an outer edge of the flow path during a lower portion of the flow path to an upper part of the toilet bowl corresponding to an inner edge of the flow path of the flushing water during an upper portion of the flow path. In other words, the wall 40 extends from an outer edge of the flow path 50 in the end portion 51 portion to an inner edge of the flow path 50 in the first longitudinal portion 52.

[0036] The toilet bowl 1' according to the prior-art also comprises a steep wall 40'. The steep wall 40' also defines an end portion 51' of the flow path and it also extends from an outer edge of the flow path 50 in a lower end portion 51 to an inner edge of the flow path 50 in an upper portion of the flow path. Nevertheless, in this case, the shape of the wall 40' is such that the spinning movement of the flushing water is maintained and the flushing water reaches the water drain 30' with a direction that is substantially tangential to the outer perimeter of the water drain 30'.

[0037] In particular, when comparing Figures 4A and 4B, a carve-out or recess 41 is present in the toilet bow 1 according to the example of the disclosure. Such recess 41 results in the definition of a shape for the wall 40, which is faced by the incoming flushing water and which guides the flushing water towards the center of the water drain 30 at an angle with respect to the center axis of the toilet bowl 1.

[0038] As schematically shown in Figure 1 (or, later on, in Figures 7 or 8), the wall 40 may be substantially vertical or, at least, highly steep. Hence, in an example, the wall 40 may exhibit an angle of at least 80° with respect to a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the wall 40 may have a height of at least 70 mm, specifically a height of at least 100 mm.

[0039] By providing a substantially vertical wall 40, an effective guiding of the flushing water may be obtained, such that all the flushing water is effectively guided by the wall 40. Furthermore, the wall 40 may be provided with a certain minimum height to ensure that all the flushing water is effectively guided by the wall 40 towards the water drain 30, i.e. no significant among of water can flow over the wall 40.

[0040] According to an example, the toilet bowl 1 may be configured such that directing the flushing water substantially towards the center of the water drain 30 may comprise directing the flushing water towards a substantially circular area 36 arranged around a center 34 of the water drain 30. In particular, a center of the water drain 30 may be defined as schematically represented in Figure 5. Hence, as already described, the water drain 30 comprises an opening located at the bottom of the toilet bowl 1. The dimensions and shape of the water drain 30 can be defined by the intersection of the toilet bowl 1 and a horizontal plane corresponding to the water level in the toilet bowl 1 when mounted in an operating position and in between flushes. Regarding the position of the center 34 of the water drain 30, this may be located at a point corresponding to the middle distance of the segments defining the maximum dimensions of the water drain 30 along a first direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 60 of the toilet bowl and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, when looking at Figure 5, the first direction corresponds to a vertical direction whereas the second direction corresponds to a horizontal direction.

[0041] By directing the flushing water at an area around a center 34 of the water drain 30, a more efficient draining of the water may be provided, thus contributing to a more efficient operation of the toilet bowl 1.

[0042] Specifically, the substantially circular area 36 may comprise a diameter in the range of 45 to 75 mm, specifically a range of 50 to 70 mm, more specifically a diameter of substantially 60 mm. It is noted that the substantially circular area 36 is understood as a geometrical area, i.e. not as a separate physical feature of the toilet bowl 1. The area is centered at center 34 of the water drain 30 and it is defined by an equivalent diameter.

[0043] Different parameters may be used to characterized the formation of the wall 40 defining the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50. In an example, the toilet bowl 1 may be such that the inner surface 20 comprises different radii of curvature in a horizontal plane to guide the flushing water along the substantially spiral flow path 50. Accordingly, the wall 40 defining the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a region of the inner surface 20 of the toilet 1 with an equivalent minimum radius of curvature, R0, in a horizontal plane.

[0044] The equivalent minimum radius of curvature, R0, is schematically represented in in Figure 5. By defining such a small radius of curvature, R0, the flushing water may experience an abrupt change of direction. Consequently, the spinning or whirling component of the movement may be reduced and the drag component towards the water drain 30 may be enhanced. In an example, the equivalent minimum radius of curvature, R0, may exhibit a value in a range from 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0045] As already exemplified with reference to Figure 3 or Figure 4A, the provision of such a minimum radius of curvature may be achieved by defining a recess 41 on the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1. As also shown in Figure 5, such recess 41 may, in some examples, be implemented as a change of curvature. Thus, the shape of the inner surface 20 in a horizontal cross section, as depicted in Figures 4A or 5, may exhibit an inflection point 61 with a curvature changing from a concave curvature 62 to a convex curvature 63 (as seen from a center location of the toilet bowl 1). The precise location of the inflection point 61 and the radii of curvature of the concave 62 and convex 63 curves may be adjusted to achieve the desired direction for the end portion 51 of the flow path 50.

[0046] In some examples, the toilet bowl 1 may comprise a spiral flow path 50 with a first longitudinal portion 52. The first longitudinal portion 52 may start at the inlet port 10 and it may extend for at least half a turn. The inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 in the corresponding first longitudinal portion 52 may have a downward inclination with respect to a horizontal plane. The downward inclination may be lower than a first predetermined inclination value. Specifically, the first predetermined inclination value may be equal or less than 40°.

[0047] In an example, the first longitudinal portion 52 may extend from the inlet port 10 to a point between half a turn and three quarters of a turn from the inlet port 10, i.e. up to a point between 180° and 270° from the inlet port 10. The first longitudinal portion 52 may extend along an upper peripheral part of the toilet bowl 1 as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, in a variant, the first longitudinal portion 52 may extend up to a point at 270° from the inlet port 10.

[0048] An example of such first longitudinal portion 52 can be seen in the top view of Figure 2. Thus, in this example, the inlet port 10 may be located at an upper position of the toilet bowl 1 and in a rear position, i.e. in a position that lies in a rear half part of flow path 50 when the latter is viewed from above. The first longitudinal portion 52 may extend for about 270°, i.e. up to a point in the surroundings of the rearmost point of the flow path 50. A rearmost point in the flow path 50 is understood as the point of the flow path 50 that lies closest to the mounting surface 60 when in the mounted position.

[0049] The first longitudinal portion 52 may be slightly inclined such that an inner peripheral edge of the flow path 50 in this first longitudinal portion 52 is at a slightly lower height than an outer peripheral edge. In other words, the inner surface 20 in the first longitudinal portion 52 may be slighting inclined in a downwards direction towards the water drain 30, i.e. in a substantially radial direction perpendicular to the main direction of the flow path 50. Such inclination can be more clearly seen in Figure 6, which shows a perspective cross section of the toilet bowl 1 along a vertical plane defined by the line A-A' of Figure 2. In particular, Figure 6 shows an inclination 111 of the first longitudinal portion 52 at a point relatively close to the inlet port 10 and a second inclination I12 of the first longitudinal portion 52 at a point corresponding to about half a turn of the flow path 50 from the inlet port 10. Both inclinations 111, 112 may exhibit moderate values, i.e. lower than 40°. The definition of the inclination with respect to a horizontal plane is schematically represented by β in Figure 6.

[0050] The use of slight inclinations 111, I12, i.e. lower than 40° with respect to the horizontal direction, may facilitate a uniform distribution of flushing water. Hence, such inclinations may prevent flushing water from flowing downwards too quickly. Instead, flushing water may be held and it may circulate along an elevated part of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 while descending only slowly and in a controlled manner in a spiraling trajectory. Consequently, a complete washing of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 may be achieved.

[0051] In a variant of the previous example, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a second longitudinal portion 53 arranged between the first longitudinal portion 52 and the end portion 51. The second longitudinal portion 53 may extend for at least a quarter of a turn. Furthermore, a downward inclination of the inner surface 20 with respect to the horizontal plane of the inner in the corresponding second longitudinal portion 53 may be between a second predetermined inclination value and a maximum predetermined inclination value.

[0052] Specifically, the second predetermined inclination value may be equal or higher than the first predetermined inclination value.

[0053] The second longitudinal portion 53 is also schematically represented in Figure 2. In an example, the second longitudinal portion 53 may extend from an angular position of 270° from the inlet port 10, i.e. from three quarters of a turn, up to an angular position of 450°, i.e. one turn and a quarter from the inlet port 10. A section of the second longitudinal portion 53 is also visible in Figure 6, which shows an inclination I21 at a certain point of such second longitudinal portion 53. In this example, the slope defined by the inclination of the second longitudinal portion 53 may be more pronounced than the inclinations in the first longitudinal portion 52. Accordingly, an increased downward acceleration of the flushing water in this part of the spiral flow path 50 may be obtained.

[0054] In this variant, the flushing water, which in the first longitudinal portion 52 may be allowed to rotate along an upper peripheral region of the toilet bowl 1, may acquire increased kinetic energy in this second longitudinal portion 53. Together with the subsequent presence of the abrupt change of direction induced by the wall 40, this may result in an increased momentum at the end portion 51 of the flow path 50, which may result in a more efficient washing of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 even when using small amounts of flushing water.

[0055] In still a further variant, the downward inclination with respect to a horizontal plane of the inner surface 20 at the corresponding end portion 51 of the flow path 50 may be lower than the second predetermined inclination value of the second longitudinal portion 53.

[0056] According to this further variant, the vertical or downward component of the speed of the flushing water may be reduced at the last stage of the spiral flow path 50, i.e. at the stage closest to the water drain 30. In this manner, most of the flushing water may be effectively directed towards the wall 40 instead of falling directly into the water drain 30. In this manner, a more efficient washing of the corresponding region of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 may be provided and an improved guiding of the flushing water into the water drain 30 may be obtained.

[0057] Such variant is schematically depicted in Figure 7, which shows a perspective cross section view across a vertical plane defined by line B-B' in Figure 2. Hence, Figure 7 shows an inclination, I31, at a point in the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50. Although the inclinations at the different sections are not clearly visible in Figure 7, one can clearly see that the inclination I31 exhibits a low value.

[0058] In still some other variants, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a transition portion 54 between the first longitudinal portion 52 and the second longitudinal portion 53. The transition portion 54 may comprise less than a quarter of a turn. Furthermore, a downward inclination with respect to the horizontal plane of the inner surface 20 in the corresponding transition portion 54 may be between the above-mentioned first predetermined value and maximum predetermined value.

[0059] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the position of such a transition portion 54 in the overall trajectory of the spiral flow path 50 according to an example. In this case, the transition portion 54 may extend from an angular position of about 270° up to an angular position of about 360° with respect to the inlet port 10, i.e. the transition portion 54 may extend for about the last quarter of the first turn of the spiral flow path 50.

[0060] Figure 7 also provides a schematic view of the transition portion 54 and, more particularly, of an inclination I41 at a section of the transition portion 54, according to an example. As seen in Figure 7, the inclination I41 may exhibit a relatively high value. In an example, maximum predetermined inclination values in the range of 80° may be selected. In this manner, the transition portion 54 may facilitate acceleration of the flushing water after the first longitudinal portion 52. The resulting increase in the kinetic energy may facilitate effective washing of the inner parts of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl, i.e. of the parts disposed between an inner edge of the first longitudinal portion 52 of the spiral flow path 50 and the water drain 30.

[0061] In some examples, the transition portion 54 may be configured such that an inclination of the inner surface 20 between the first longitudinal portion 52 and the second longitudinal portion 53 may be gradual.

[0062] In another aspect of the disclosure, a water closet comprising a toilet bowl 1 according to any of the previous examples may be provided. The water closet may comprise a flushing water supply in fluid communication with the inlet port 10. In an example, the flushing water supply may comprise a cistern whereas, in another example, the flushing water supply may comprise a pressurized water line. In still other examples, the flushing water supply may comprise a pump in a pressure-assisted pump system.

[0063] In particular, a toilet bowl 1 like the one described in previous examples may be beneficial to reduce water consumption due to the efficient washing of the inner surface 20.

[0064] Apart from direct cost savings and environmental benefits, the use of a lower quantity of water may have additional effects on the design of water closets. In case of using a flushing water supply comprising a cistern, the toilet bowls 1 of the present disclosure may allow the use of a cistern with a reduced volume, thus facilitating integration and installation. Furthermore, for those systems using a pressurized water line, the technical effects of the present disclosure may facilitate use with lower pressure. Besides, reliability of the water closet in front of pressure variations in the pressurized water line may also.

[0065] In an example, a water closet comprising a siphon 70 may be provided (see Figure 8). The siphon 70 may be arranged downstream of the water drain 30 of the toilet bowl 1. Figure 8 shows a cross section perspective view of such a toilet bowl 1 across a vertical plane defined by line C-C' in Figure 2. In this example, the toilet bowl 1 may comprise a siphon 70, which may be connected to a draining pipe 80. The siphon 70 may also define the water level at the water drain 30, i.e. the level of water in between flushes when the water closet is mounted in its operating position.

[0066] A siphon 70 may be used to improve waste removal during flushing, to maintain water level in the water drain 30 between flushes, and to prevent odor by ensuring some water remains in the bottom of the toilet bowl 1 to act as a barrier preventing sewer gases from entering. In some prior-art water closets comprising spiral flow paths, a challenge is found to ensure flushing water has enough energy at the end of the spiral flow path to effectively get over a siphon 70. For this reason, such prior-art water closets are not very efficient and increased quantities of water are required. Conversely, toilet bowls 1 according to examples of the present disclosure are capable of providing enough momentum to the flushing water during the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 such that flushing water can effectively get over the slope of the siphon 70.

[0067] In still another aspect of this disclosure, a use of a water closet is provided. In particular, a use wherein an amount of flushing water per actuation of the water closet is of 4,5 liters or less. Thus, the improved washing capabilities of the toilet bowl according to the disclosure may enable the usage of relatively small quantities of water.

[0068] This written description uses examples to disclose a teaching, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to put the teaching into practice, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspects, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the teaching. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025]Figures 1A and 1B show a perspective view of a toilet bowl 1 according to an example of the disclosure and Figure 2 provides a top view of the toilet bowl 1. As shown in the figures, the toilet bowl 1 comprises an inner surface 20. An inlet port 10 is located ...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to toilet bowls and, more particularly, to toilet bowls comprising an inner wall with a surface defining a substantially spiral flow path for guiding flushing water from an inlet port to a water drain.BACKGROUND

[0002] Water closets comprising toilet bowls with different shapes and configurations are known in the art. Most conventional water closets comprise a toilet bowl with an inner surface exhibiting a substantially symmetric shape. Such toilet bowls typically comprise an upper rim, which provides a circumferential channel. Flushing water flows in a substantially downward path from the circumferential upper rim to a water drain arranged at a bottom part of the toilet bowl. Accordingly, flushing water typically crashes vertically against the water. Such water closets are known to generate significant noise and aerosol droplets. Furthermore, the washing of the inner surface is not very efficient, which results in a relatively high water consumption.

[0003] Water closets are also known in which the flushing water follows a spiral flow path. In this case, flushing water is typically fed into the toilet bowl through a water inlet that is configured to provide a mostly horizontal velocity to the flushing water in a tangential direction with respect to the surface of the toilet bowl. The inner surface of the toilet bowl provides a surface that guides the flushing water in a spiral-shaped flow path as it flows downward from the water inlet, which is located in an upper position of the toilet bowl, to a water drain located in a bottom position of the toilet bowl.

[0004] By providing such a rotating or spiral movement to the flushing water, a more efficient washing of the surface of the toilet bowl is provided. Accordingly, water consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, water closets with spiral-shaped flow paths are less noisy than previously mentioned conventional closets, i.e. water closets comprising simply a substantially downward flow path in a shower-like configuration from an upper rim. Indeed, the provision of a rotating movement results in a smoother flow entry of the flushing water into the water drain region, which results in less splashing, thus reducing both noise and splashing of aerosol droplets.

[0005] Moreover, most water closets comprise a water siphon, which is arranged downstream of the water drain of the toilet bowl. The siphon plays an important role in flushing water and waste removal. Typical siphon mechanisms comprise an internal trap, which includes a U-shaped bend in a drain pipe. The water siphon ensures efficient removal of all waste from the toilet bowl and it also acts as an odor preventive mechanism, i.e. and odor trap, as water remaining at the bottom of the water closet acts as a seal that prevents entry of sewer gases.

[0006] As indicated, water closets comprising spiral flow paths exhibit certain advantages over the most conventional water closets. Nevertheless, they are not exempt from certain limitations or drawbacks. It has been found that high water consumption is also required in these water closets to achieve a satisfactory washing of the toilet bowl. In particular, the flushing water lacks enough energy to effectively drag all the waste and to get over the internal trap of the water siphon. Furthermore, in some cases, water closets can be connected to a flushing water supply comprising a pressurized water utility line. In such cases, the performance of the water closes has been found to be affected by variations in the pressure of the water supply line.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to at least partially reduce one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks so as to provide a toilet bowl with improved washing results at reduced water consumption and / or at reduced pressure.SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a toilet bowl is provided. The toilet bowl comprises an inner surface. An inlet port is located an at upper portion of the inner surface and it is configured for feeding flushing water in a direction substantially horizontal and substantially tangential to the inner surface. The toilet bowl also comprises a water drain located at a bottom portion of the toilet bowl. The inner surface is configured for guiding the flushing water from the inlet port to the water drain along a substantially spiral flow path having more than one turn. Furthermore, the inner surface has a wall defining an end portion of the spiral flow path and configured for directing the flushing water substantially towards a center of the water drain.

[0009] According to this aspect of the disclosure, an optimized flushing action is achieved. The rotational movement of the flushing water results in an a more efficient distribution of the water over the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Consequently, an improved washing of the surface of the toilet bowl is achieved. Furthermore, such rotational movement of the flushing water results in a more quiet and gentle operation of the water closet, which avoids unnecessary noise and / or splashing of droplets.

[0010] Furthermore, the toilet bowl comprises a wall on the inner surface of the toilet bowl that results in an abrupt change in the rotational direction of the flushing water. Indeed, the wall is shaped such that it induces a disruption in the water flow path. Therefore, flushing water is deflected at an end portion of the water flow, i.e. at a portion right before the water drain. Hence, the flushing water is guided in the direction of the water drain and, more particularly, in a direction pointing at a center location of the water drain. To this end, the inner surface of the toilet bowl in the corresponding region is shaped such that a tangent to the surface is also aligned with, or at least parallel to, a direction oriented towards the center of the water drain. The specific angle defined by the flushing water can be adjusted by selecting the angular position of the wall in the last turn of the spiral water flow.

[0011] Such change in direction reduces or breaks the spinning movement component of the flushing water. On the other hand, the energy or momentum of the flushing water in the direction pointing towards the center of the water drain is increased. In this manner, the speed of the flushing water in a direction pointing to the center of the water drain is boosted. Consequently, a more effective flushing in the last part of the toilet bowl is obtained. In particular, the flushing water exhibits high energy in the end portion of the flow path which allows a more optimum water usage as relatively small quantities of flushing water are enough to wash the inner surface of the toilet bowl, particularly the bottom portion, while retaining enough energy at the end of the water flow to ensure a proper discharge or drainage.

[0012] More particularly, in water closets comprising a siphon, the energy of the flushing water reaching the water drain is enough to get over the slope of such siphon, thus ensuring a proper drainage of the flushing water carrying waste.

[0013] Accordingly, the good washing properties of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, especially at upper or intermediate heights, which are achieved by means of the spiral flow path, are combined with an improved washing at lower heights and a proper draining of the flushing water, which is achieved by the provision of a wall directing the flushing water towards the center of the water drain.

[0014] In another aspect of the disclosure, a water closet comprising a toilet bowl according to the previous aspect is provided. The water closes comprising a flushing water supply in fluid communication with the inlet port. The flushing water supply comprises a cistern, a pressurized water line, or a pressure-assisted pump system.

[0015] According to this aspect of the disclosure, different systems can be provided for the provision of the flushing water. Such flushing water supplies are in fluid communication with the inlet port. In some cases, a cistern may be used. In this manner, the volume and energy of the feeding water may be properly controlled.

[0016] In other cases, the provision of flushing water may comprise a pressurized water line, i.e. a utility public pressurized line. In such case, pressure conditions may oscillate due to different factors, e.g. varying water usage by consumers. Nevertheless, due to the optimized shape of the inner surface of the toilet bowl and, more specifically, to the provision of a wall to increase the momentum of the flushing water in the last portion of the flow path, such pressure oscillations may be compensated and an efficient washing of the toilet bowl may be provided.

[0017] In still other examples, the provision of flushing water may comprise a pressure-assisted pump system. In these examples, a pump may be used to force water into the toilet bowl with enhanced velocity. In particular, a pump may be used to create a high pressure by compressing air in a chamber inside a water tank. Upon flushing, the compressed air may force water into the toilet bowl.

[0018] Furthermore, according to still a further aspect of the disclosure, the use of a water closet according to the previous aspect of the disclosure is provided. The use comprises that the amount of flushing water per actuation of the water closet is of 4,5 liters or less.

[0019] According to this further aspect of the disclosure, the optimized geometry of the toilet offers significant benefits in terms of water usage. This is advantageous in terms of water conservation, e.g. to reduce environmental impact and to improve resource management in areas with water scarcity, and it terms of cost savings.

[0020] Throughout this disclosure, a flow path is understood as a virtual path defining the average trajectory of substantially all the flushing water. In particular, a spiral flow path refers to the scenario wherein the flushing water follows a spiral-like trajectory as it descends from the inlet port to the water drain. It is noted that, even if the flow path represents the main path for the flushing water, this is not strictly restricted to the spiral flow path, so that a small portion of the flushing water may, due to gravity, leave the spiral flow path and flow down towards the water drain without completing the whole spiral flow path. This may be particularly the case for small amounts of flushing water or for low pressure situations. Accordingly, the present disclosure, referring to the inner surface being configured for guiding the flushing water along a substantially spiral flow path, is understood as referring to a situation in which most of the flushing water follows such a spiral movement.

[0021] Moreover, although a flow path will be represented as a simple line in the drawings, it is understood that a flow path comprises a certain width. Specifically, the width of the flow path may define an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner edge is understood as the edge of the flow path that is closer to the water drain, whereas the outer edge is understood as the edge of the flow path that is closer to the outer perimeter of the toilet bowl.

[0022] Furthermore, a water drain is understood as an opening located at the bottom of the toilet bowl when the water closet is mounted in an operating position. The flushing water is directed towards the opening when the water closet is flushed. In particular, the water drain is understood as an opening in a substantially horizontal plane. The vertical position or height of the plane is determined by the level of the water resting at the bottom of the toilet bowl when the water closet is in an operating state but water is not being flushed. In other words, the water drain can be defined as the opening of the toilet bowl that results from the intersection of the toilet bowl with a horizontal plane corresponding to the surface level of the water resting at the bottom part of the toilet bowl when the water closet is installed. Such intersection defines both the shape and dimension of the opening, i.e. of the water drain. In water closets comprising a siphon, the mentioned water level between flushes may be maintained by the siphon.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1B provide a perspective view of a toilet bow according to an example; Figure 2 shows a top view of the toilet bowl of Figures 1A and 1B; Figure 3 show a top view of an example of a toilet bowl in area around a water drain; Figures 4A and 4B provide respective top views of a toilet bowl according to an example of the present disclosure (4A) and a toilet bowl according to the prior-art (4B); Figure 5 shows another top view of an example of a toilet bowl in an area around a water drain; Figure 6 shows a cross section perspective view taken along a vertical plane aligned with line A-A' of Figure 2; Figure 7 shows a cross section perspective view taken along a vertical plane aligned with line B-B' of Figure 2; Figure 8 shows a cross section perspective view taken along a vertical plane aligned with line C-C' of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0024] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the teaching. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] Figures 1A and 1B show a perspective view of a toilet bowl 1 according to an example of the disclosure and Figure 2 provides a top view of the toilet bowl 1. As shown in the figures, the toilet bowl 1 comprises an inner surface 20. An inlet port 10 is located an at upper portion of the inner surface 20 and it is configured for feeding flushing water in a substantially horizontal direction and substantially tangential to the inner surface 20. The toilet bowl 1 also comprises a water drain 30 located at a bottom portion of the toilet bowl 1. The inner surface 20 is configured for guiding the flushing water from the inlet port 10 to the water drain 30 along a substantially spiral flow path 50 having more than one turn. Furthermore, the inner surface 20 has a wall 40 defining an end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 and configured for directing the flushing water substantially towards a center of the water drain 30.

[0026] In an example, the inlet port 10 may be located at an upper rear position of the toilet bowl 1, i.e. at a position close to a mounting surface 60 of the toilet bowl 1. Flushing water is fed in a substantially horizontal and substantially tangential direction of the inner surface 20, i.e. with a substantially horizontal speed. In this manner, flushing water is not initially directed in a clear downwards direction towards the water drain 30 as in some prior-art toilet bowls. On the contrary, by providing a substantially horizontal component to its initial speed, flushing water is allowed to remain on the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 for an extended period of time. Furthermore, the inner surface 20 is shaped such that the movement of the flushing water is not only dictated by the initial horizontal speed and by the gravity force but also by the shape of the inner surface 20, which guides the flushing water in a spiral flow path 50 with optimizes washing.

[0027] Furthermore, the inner surface 20 comprises a wall 40 which, as more clearly seen in Figure 2, guides substantially all the flushing water, i.e. the spiral flow path 50, such that an end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 is directed towards the center of the water drain 30. The wall 40 is effectively directing all the flushing water that reaches the wall 40. Nevertheless, a small portion of the flushing water may flow downwardly towards the water drain 30 under the influence of gravity before reaching the wall 40, i.e. without travelling along the complete spiral flow path 50. In particular, such portion of flushing water may correspond to the last portion of the flushing water supplied to the inlet 10, which may have less energy and which as a result, may reach the water drain 30 with a predominant downward direction.

[0028] However, due to the shape of the inner surface 20 and, more particularly, to the provision of the wall 40 on the inner surface 20, most of the flushing water, whose energy is indeed enough to complete the spiral flow path 50, reaches the water drain 30 with a direction oriented towards a center region of the water drain 30 and with an increased momentum. Accordingly, a more effective washing of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 can be achieved and the flushed water can be effectively drained through the water drain 30 even when a siphon, or similar system, is arranged downstream.

[0029] In an example, the spiral flow path 50 of the toilet bowl 1 may comprise less than three turns. Specifically, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise less than two turns and, even more specifically, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise substantially one and a half turns. On the one hand, the spiral flow path 50 may be sufficiently long to allow flushing water to flow along the whole inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 in a substantially uniform manner. On the other hand, the flow path 50 may be short enough to ensure flushing water maintains enough energy when reaching the water drain 30. Relatively long flow paths comprising, e.g. more than two turns, may be used in systems wherein flushing water is provided with relatively higher energy. This may be the case, for instance, in implementations comprising elevated cisterns or pump-assisted systems. In other cases, a shorter flow path 50 comprising, e.g. one a half turn, may be employed to ensure sufficient kinetic energy of the flushing water during the flushing operation.

[0030] In order to define the characteristics of the spiral trajectory, the inner surface of the toilet bowl may comprise different portions or segments. The inner surface in those different portions may exhibit a downward inclination, i.e. an inclination with respect to a horizontal plane that is directed towards the water drain located at the bottom of the toilet bowl. More particularly, sections can be defined at those different portions of the inner surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the spiral flow path. At each of those sections, the inner surface of the toilet bowl may exhibit an absolute downward inclination that is determined by a combination of a tangential inclination, i.e. an inclination in the direction of the water flow, and a radial inclination, i.e. an inclination substantially perpendicular to the water flow and substantially pointing towards a center of the water drain. The downward inclinations along the different portions of the inner surface of the toilet bowl may be defined such that a flow path with the desired characteristics is achieved.

[0031] Specifically, in an example, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a first stretch comprising a first turn. During the first turn, the flushing water may be configured to rotate around the water drain 30 before returning to an angular position corresponding to the position of the inlet port 10. In other words, the flushing water may flow for about 360°, with 0° being associated to the angular position of the inlet port 10. Such first turn may occur while the flushing water retains significant speed or momentum in the horizontal direction. During such first rotation, the flushing water may reduce its height in a monotonically non-increasing manner, i.e. without any height increase along the flow path, under the influence of both gravity and the shape of the inner surface 20.

[0032] In examples of the disclosure, and as schematically depicted in Figure 3, the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 may form an angle, α, of between 10° and 90° with respect to a center axis 33 of the toilet bowl 1 in a horizontal plane. The center axis 33 is defined as an axis passing substantially through a center 34 of the water drain 30 and being substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface 60 of the toilet bowl 1. Specifically, in an example, the angle α may be between 30° and 60°. Even more specifically, an angle α of approximately 45° may be provided in a variant.

[0033] The angle, α, may be selected to optimize the momentum of the flushing water at the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50, right before the water drain 30. Figure 3 schematically depicts an example with an angle, α, of about 40°. In the example depicted in Figure 3, the spiral flow path 50 comprises about 540°, i.e. one and a half turns. An abrupt change in the direction of the flushing water is provided after completion of about one and a quarter turns. Different physical features may be used in the inner surface 20 to define and characterize the wall 40 in such a manner that the wall 40 directs the end portion 51 of the flow path 50 according to the desired angle, α.

[0034] In order to further describe the present disclosure, Figures 4A and 4B provide a top view with a comparison between a toilet bowl 1 according to an example of the present disclosure and a toilet bowl 1' according to the prior-art. Both toilet bowls 1, 1' comprise an inner surface 20, 20' and a water drain 30, 30'. Furthermore, in both cases, a spiral flow path, including an end portion 51, 51', is defined for the flushing water by the corresponding inner surfaces 20, 20'.

[0035] The toilet bowl 1 according to the present disclosure exhibits a wall 40 whose shape is configured to define an end portion 51 of the flow path in such a manner that the end portion 51 is pointing towards a center of the water drain 30 with a certain angle. The wall 40 is a substantially vertical wall that extends from a lower part of the toilet bowl corresponding to an outer edge of the flow path during a lower portion of the flow path to an upper part of the toilet bowl corresponding to an inner edge of the flow path of the flushing water during an upper portion of the flow path. In other words, the wall 40 extends from an outer edge of the flow path 50 in the end portion 51 portion to an inner edge of the flow path 50 in the first longitudinal portion 52.

[0036] The toilet bowl 1' according to the prior-art also comprises a steep wall 40'. The steep wall 40' also defines an end portion 51' of the flow path and it also extends from an outer edge of the flow path 50 in a lower end portion 51 to an inner edge of the flow path 50 in an upper portion of the flow path. Nevertheless, in this case, the shape of the wall 40' is such that the spinning movement of the flushing water is maintained and the flushing water reaches the water drain 30' with a direction that is substantially tangential to the outer perimeter of the water drain 30'.

[0037] In particular, when comparing Figures 4A and 4B, a carve-out or recess 41 is present in the toilet bow 1 according to the example of the disclosure. Such recess 41 results in the definition of a shape for the wall 40, which is faced by the incoming flushing water and which guides the flushing water towards the center of the water drain 30 at an angle with respect to the center axis of the toilet bowl 1.

[0038] As schematically shown in Figure 1 (or, later on, in Figures 7 or 8), the wall 40 may be substantially vertical or, at least, highly steep. Hence, in an example, the wall 40 may exhibit an angle of at least 80° with respect to a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the wall 40 may have a height of at least 70 mm, specifically a height of at least 100 mm.

[0039] By providing a substantially vertical wall 40, an effective guiding of the flushing water may be obtained, such that all the flushing water is effectively guided by the wall 40. Furthermore, the wall 40 may be provided with a certain minimum height to ensure that all the flushing water is effectively guided by the wall 40 towards the water drain 30, i.e. no significant among of water can flow over the wall 40.

[0040] According to an example, the toilet bowl 1 may be configured such that directing the flushing water substantially towards the center of the water drain 30 may comprise directing the flushing water towards a substantially circular area 36 arranged around a center 34 of the water drain 30. In particular, a center of the water drain 30 may be defined as schematically represented in Figure 5. Hence, as already described, the water drain 30 comprises an opening located at the bottom of the toilet bowl 1. The dimensions and shape of the water drain 30 can be defined by the intersection of the toilet bowl 1 and a horizontal plane corresponding to the water level in the toilet bowl 1 when mounted in an operating position and in between flushes. Regarding the position of the center 34 of the water drain 30, this may be located at a point corresponding to the middle distance of the segments defining the maximum dimensions of the water drain 30 along a first direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 60 of the toilet bowl and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, when looking at Figure 5, the first direction corresponds to a vertical direction whereas the second direction corresponds to a horizontal direction.

[0041] By directing the flushing water at an area around a center 34 of the water drain 30, a more efficient draining of the water may be provided, thus contributing to a more efficient operation of the toilet bowl 1.

[0042] Specifically, the substantially circular area 36 may comprise a diameter in the range of 45 to 75 mm, specifically a range of 50 to 70 mm, more specifically a diameter of substantially 60 mm. It is noted that the substantially circular area 36 is understood as a geometrical area, i.e. not as a separate physical feature of the toilet bowl 1. The area is centered at center 34 of the water drain 30 and it is defined by an equivalent diameter.

[0043] Different parameters may be used to characterized the formation of the wall 40 defining the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50. In an example, the toilet bowl 1 may be such that the inner surface 20 comprises different radii of curvature in a horizontal plane to guide the flushing water along the substantially spiral flow path 50. Accordingly, the wall 40 defining the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a region of the inner surface 20 of the toilet 1 with an equivalent minimum radius of curvature, R0, in a horizontal plane.

[0044] The equivalent minimum radius of curvature, R0, is schematically represented in in Figure 5. By defining such a small radius of curvature, R0, the flushing water may experience an abrupt change of direction. Consequently, the spinning or whirling component of the movement may be reduced and the drag component towards the water drain 30 may be enhanced. In an example, the equivalent minimum radius of curvature, R0, may exhibit a value in a range from 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0045] As already exemplified with reference to Figure 3 or Figure 4A, the provision of such a minimum radius of curvature may be achieved by defining a recess 41 on the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1. As also shown in Figure 5, such recess 41 may, in some examples, be implemented as a change of curvature. Thus, the shape of the inner surface 20 in a horizontal cross section, as depicted in Figures 4A or 5, may exhibit an inflection point 61 with a curvature changing from a concave curvature 62 to a convex curvature 63 (as seen from a center location of the toilet bowl 1). The precise location of the inflection point 61 and the radii of curvature of the concave 62 and convex 63 curves may be adjusted to achieve the desired direction for the end portion 51 of the flow path 50.

[0046] In some examples, the toilet bowl 1 may comprise a spiral flow path 50 with a first longitudinal portion 52. The first longitudinal portion 52 may start at the inlet port 10 and it may extend for at least half a turn. The inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 in the corresponding first longitudinal portion 52 may have a downward inclination with respect to a horizontal plane. The downward inclination may be lower than a first predetermined inclination value. Specifically, the first predetermined inclination value may be equal or less than 40°.

[0047] In an example, the first longitudinal portion 52 may extend from the inlet port 10 to a point between half a turn and three quarters of a turn from the inlet port 10, i.e. up to a point between 180° and 270° from the inlet port 10. The first longitudinal portion 52 may extend along an upper peripheral part of the toilet bowl 1 as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, in a variant, the first longitudinal portion 52 may extend up to a point at 270° from the inlet port 10.

[0048] An example of such first longitudinal portion 52 can be seen in the top view of Figure 2. Thus, in this example, the inlet port 10 may be located at an upper position of the toilet bowl 1 and in a rear position, i.e. in a position that lies in a rear half part of flow path 50 when the latter is viewed from above. The first longitudinal portion 52 may extend for about 270°, i.e. up to a point in the surroundings of the rearmost point of the flow path 50. A rearmost point in the flow path 50 is understood as the point of the flow path 50 that lies closest to the mounting surface 60 when in the mounted position.

[0049] The first longitudinal portion 52 may be slightly inclined such that an inner peripheral edge of the flow path 50 in this first longitudinal portion 52 is at a slightly lower height than an outer peripheral edge. In other words, the inner surface 20 in the first longitudinal portion 52 may be slighting inclined in a downwards direction towards the water drain 30, i.e. in a substantially radial direction perpendicular to the main direction of the flow path 50. Such inclination can be more clearly seen in Figure 6, which shows a perspective cross section of the toilet bowl 1 along a vertical plane defined by the line A-A' of Figure 2. In particular, Figure 6 shows an inclination 111 of the first longitudinal portion 52 at a point relatively close to the inlet port 10 and a second inclination I12 of the first longitudinal portion 52 at a point corresponding to about half a turn of the flow path 50 from the inlet port 10. Both inclinations 111, 112 may exhibit moderate values, i.e. lower than 40°. The definition of the inclination with respect to a horizontal plane is schematically represented by β in Figure 6.

[0050] The use of slight inclinations 111, I12, i.e. lower than 40° with respect to the horizontal direction, may facilitate a uniform distribution of flushing water. Hence, such inclinations may prevent flushing water from flowing downwards too quickly. Instead, flushing water may be held and it may circulate along an elevated part of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 while descending only slowly and in a controlled manner in a spiraling trajectory. Consequently, a complete washing of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 may be achieved.

[0051] In a variant of the previous example, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a second longitudinal portion 53 arranged between the first longitudinal portion 52 and the end portion 51. The second longitudinal portion 53 may extend for at least a quarter of a turn. Furthermore, a downward inclination of the inner surface 20 with respect to the horizontal plane of the inner in the corresponding second longitudinal portion 53 may be between a second predetermined inclination value and a maximum predetermined inclination value.

[0052] Specifically, the second predetermined inclination value may be equal or higher than the first predetermined inclination value.

[0053] The second longitudinal portion 53 is also schematically represented in Figure 2. In an example, the second longitudinal portion 53 may extend from an angular position of 270° from the inlet port 10, i.e. from three quarters of a turn, up to an angular position of 450°, i.e. one turn and a quarter from the inlet port 10. A section of the second longitudinal portion 53 is also visible in Figure 6, which shows an inclination I21 at a certain point of such second longitudinal portion 53. In this example, the slope defined by the inclination of the second longitudinal portion 53 may be more pronounced than the inclinations in the first longitudinal portion 52. Accordingly, an increased downward acceleration of the flushing water in this part of the spiral flow path 50 may be obtained.

[0054] In this variant, the flushing water, which in the first longitudinal portion 52 may be allowed to rotate along an upper peripheral region of the toilet bowl 1, may acquire increased kinetic energy in this second longitudinal portion 53. Together with the subsequent presence of the abrupt change of direction induced by the wall 40, this may result in an increased momentum at the end portion 51 of the flow path 50, which may result in a more efficient washing of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 even when using small amounts of flushing water.

[0055] In still a further variant, the downward inclination with respect to a horizontal plane of the inner surface 20 at the corresponding end portion 51 of the flow path 50 may be lower than the second predetermined inclination value of the second longitudinal portion 53.

[0056] According to this further variant, the vertical or downward component of the speed of the flushing water may be reduced at the last stage of the spiral flow path 50, i.e. at the stage closest to the water drain 30. In this manner, most of the flushing water may be effectively directed towards the wall 40 instead of falling directly into the water drain 30. In this manner, a more efficient washing of the corresponding region of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl 1 may be provided and an improved guiding of the flushing water into the water drain 30 may be obtained.

[0057] Such variant is schematically depicted in Figure 7, which shows a perspective cross section view across a vertical plane defined by line B-B' in Figure 2. Hence, Figure 7 shows an inclination, I31, at a point in the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50. Although the inclinations at the different sections are not clearly visible in Figure 7, one can clearly see that the inclination I31 exhibits a low value.

[0058] In still some other variants, the spiral flow path 50 may comprise a transition portion 54 between the first longitudinal portion 52 and the second longitudinal portion 53. The transition portion 54 may comprise less than a quarter of a turn. Furthermore, a downward inclination with respect to the horizontal plane of the inner surface 20 in the corresponding transition portion 54 may be between the above-mentioned first predetermined value and maximum predetermined value.

[0059] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the position of such a transition portion 54 in the overall trajectory of the spiral flow path 50 according to an example. In this case, the transition portion 54 may extend from an angular position of about 270° up to an angular position of about 360° with respect to the inlet port 10, i.e. the transition portion 54 may extend for about the last quarter of the first turn of the spiral flow path 50.

[0060] Figure 7 also provides a schematic view of the transition portion 54 and, more particularly, of an inclination I41 at a section of the transition portion 54, according to an example. As seen in Figure 7, the inclination I41 may exhibit a relatively high value. In an example, maximum predetermined inclination values in the range of 80° may be selected. In this manner, the transition portion 54 may facilitate acceleration of the flushing water after the first longitudinal portion 52. The resulting increase in the kinetic energy may facilitate effective washing of the inner parts of the inner surface 20 of the toilet bowl, i.e. of the parts disposed between an inner edge of the first longitudinal portion 52 of the spiral flow path 50 and the water drain 30.

[0061] In some examples, the transition portion 54 may be configured such that an inclination of the inner surface 20 between the first longitudinal portion 52 and the second longitudinal portion 53 may be gradual.

[0062] In another aspect of the disclosure, a water closet comprising a toilet bowl 1 according to any of the previous examples may be provided. The water closet may comprise a flushing water supply in fluid communication with the inlet port 10. In an example, the flushing water supply may comprise a cistern whereas, in another example, the flushing water supply may comprise a pressurized water line. In still other examples, the flushing water supply may comprise a pump in a pressure-assisted pump system.

[0063] In particular, a toilet bowl 1 like the one described in previous examples may be beneficial to reduce water consumption due to the efficient washing of the inner surface 20.

[0064] Apart from direct cost savings and environmental benefits, the use of a lower quantity of water may have additional effects on the design of water closets. In case of using a flushing water supply comprising a cistern, the toilet bowls 1 of the present disclosure may allow the use of a cistern with a reduced volume, thus facilitating integration and installation. Furthermore, for those systems using a pressurized water line, the technical effects of the present disclosure may facilitate use with lower pressure. Besides, reliability of the water closet in front of pressure variations in the pressurized water line may also.

[0065] In an example, a water closet comprising a siphon 70 may be provided (see Figure 8). The siphon 70 may be arranged downstream of the water drain 30 of the toilet bowl 1. Figure 8 shows a cross section perspective view of such a toilet bowl 1 across a vertical plane defined by line C-C' in Figure 2. In this example, the toilet bowl 1 may comprise a siphon 70, which may be connected to a draining pipe 80. The siphon 70 may also define the water level at the water drain 30, i.e. the level of water in between flushes when the water closet is mounted in its operating position.

[0066] A siphon 70 may be used to improve waste removal during flushing, to maintain water level in the water drain 30 between flushes, and to prevent odor by ensuring some water remains in the bottom of the toilet bowl 1 to act as a barrier preventing sewer gases from entering. In some prior-art water closets comprising spiral flow paths, a challenge is found to ensure flushing water has enough energy at the end of the spiral flow path to effectively get over a siphon 70. For this reason, such prior-art water closets are not very efficient and increased quantities of water are required. Conversely, toilet bowls 1 according to examples of the present disclosure are capable of providing enough momentum to the flushing water during the end portion 51 of the spiral flow path 50 such that flushing water can effectively get over the slope of the siphon 70.

[0067] In still another aspect of this disclosure, a use of a water closet is provided. In particular, a use wherein an amount of flushing water per actuation of the water closet is of 4,5 liters or less. Thus, the improved washing capabilities of the toilet bowl according to the disclosure may enable the usage of relatively small quantities of water.

[0068] This written description uses examples to disclose a teaching, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to put the teaching into practice, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspects, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the teaching. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025]Figures 1A and 1B show a perspective view of a toilet bowl 1 according to an example of the disclosure and Figure 2 provides a top view of the toilet bowl 1. As shown in the figures, the toilet bowl 1 comprises an inner surface 20. An inlet port 10 is located ...

Claims

1. A toilet bowl comprising: an inner surface; an inlet port located at an upper portion of the inner surface, the inlet port being configured for feeding flushing water in a direction which is substantially horizontal and substantially tangential to the inner surface; a water drain located at a bottom portion of the toilet bowl; the inner surface configured for guiding the flushing water from the inlet port to the water drain along a substantially spiral flow path having more than one turn, the inner surface having a wall defining an end portion of the spiral flow path and configured for directing the flushing water substantially towards a center of the water drain.

2. The toilet bowl of claim 1, wherein the spiral flow path comprises less than three turns, specifically wherein the spiral flow path comprises substantially one and a half turns.

3. The toilet bowl of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the end portion of the spiral flow path forms an angle, α, of between 10° and 90° with respect to a centre axis of the toilet bowl in a horizontal plane, the centre axis passing substantially through a center of the water drain and being substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface of the toilet bowl.

4. The toilet bowl on any previous claim, wherein the wall has an angle of at least 80° with respect to a horizontal plane, and a height of at least 70 mm, specifically a height of at least 100 mm.

5. The toilet bowl of any previous claim, wherein the wall is configured for directing the flushing water towards a substantially circular area arranged around a center of the water drain.

6. The toilet bowl of claim 5, wherein the substantially circular area comprises a diameter in the range of 45 to 75 mm, specifically a range of 50 to 70 mm, more specifically a diameter of substantially 60 mm.

7. The toilet bowl of any previous claim, wherein the inner surface of the toilet comprises different radius of curvature in a horizontal plane to guide the flushing water along the substantially spiral flow path, and further wherein the wall defining the end portion of the spiral flow comprises a region of the inner surface of the toilet with a minimum radius of curvature in a horizontal plane.

8. The toilet bowl of any previous claim, wherein the inner surface of the toilet is shaped such that a horizontal cross section of the inner surface at a height corresponding to the end portion of the spiral flow path comprises a change of curvature with a corresponding inflection point.

9. The toilet bowl of any previous claim, wherein the spiral flow path comprises a first longitudinal portion starting at the inlet port and extending for at least half a turn, a downward inclination with respect to a horizontal plane of the inner surface in the corresponding first longitudinal portion being lower than a first predetermined inclination value, specifically wherein the first predetermined inclination value if equal or less than 40°.

10. The toilet bowl of claim 9, wherein the spiral flow path comprises a second longitudinal portion arranged between the first longitudinal portion and the end portion, the second longitudinal portion extending for at least a quarter of a turn, a downward inclination of the inner surface in the corresponding second longitudinal portion with respect to the horizontal plane being between a second predetermined inclination value and a maximum predetermined inclination value.

11. The toilet bowl of claim 10, wherein the second predetermined inclination value is equal or higher than the first predetermined inclination value.

12. The toilet bowl of any of claims 10 or 11, wherein a downward inclination with respect to a horizontal plane of the inner surface in the corresponding end portion is lower than the second predetermined inclination value.

13. A water closet comprising a toilet bowl according to any of claims 1 to 12, and a flushing water supply in fluid communication with the inlet port, wherein the flushing water supply comprises a cistern or, a pressurized water line or a pressure-assisted pump system.

14. The water closet of claim 13, comprising a siphon arranged downstream of the water drain of the toilet bowl.

15. Use of a water closet according to any of claims 13 or 14, wherein an amount of flushing water per actuation of the water closet is 4,5 liters or less.

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