Sanitary device having a liquid feed

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary device having a liquid feed, comprising a device inner region and a device edge which delimits the device inner region, a water feed which can be actuated by means of a water feed controller and a controllable, preferably electrical and / or pneumatic feed valve, wherein the water feed controller has a sensor for providing a feed request signal, wherein the sensor is arranged under the surface of the device edge, wherein the water feed is arranged in the device inner region and has a slot opening.

Description

[0001] Sanitary facility with liquid supply

[0002] The invention relates to a sanitary device with liquid inlet and improved cleaning capability.

[0003] It is currently known that sanitary facilities such as washbasins, showers, bidets and bathtubs are equipped with water inlet fittings that are predominantly chrome-plated or colored, allowing the fluid inlet, usually water inlet, from a fitting above the surface of the facility.

[0004] In the case of toilets and urinals, the fluid flow occurs within the bowl (interior of the facility), but is redirected by the design of the upper edge of the bowl (edge ​​of the facility) in such a way that the water rinses the inner surface of the bowl free of any urine and excrement.

[0005] Primarily in some publicly accessible sanitary facilities, especially washbasins, attempts are also being made, for hygiene reasons, to activate the water supply with a sensor-controlled water valve. These valves incorporate an infrared sensor built into the inlet fitting, which electrically activates the water supply valve. When the user attempts to access the otherwise conventional, usually side-mounted rotary valves, this movement is detected by the infrared sensor in the inlet fitting and the water supply is started, eliminating the need to operate the rotary valve with wet or soapy hands. Nevertheless, the water outlet fitting must be cleaned frequently.

[0006] Furthermore, shower toilet seats with bidet function have separate control panels with various function buttons that can be used to select the passive or active water supply option.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide sanitary facilities which enable more hygienic handling, have simplified assembly and maintenance, and are less susceptible to wear or vandalism and / or in which a separate water supply can be provided into the sanitary facility without the otherwise usual water supply fittings.

[0008] This object is solved in one aspect by the features recited in claim 1. In addition, the object is solved in further aspects disclosed herein.

[0009] The particular advantage of the invention is that the cost and time-consuming cleaning of inlet fittings is eliminated and the remaining fixture area, preferably made of mineral and / or acrylic, can be cleaned more quickly, more thoroughly and more hygienically. Furthermore, joints, which are usually susceptible to contamination, mold, bacteria or the like, can advantageously be reduced. Particularly for use in public sanitary facilities, where vandalism and destruction of inlet fittings can occur, the inlet fitting is eliminated as a point of attack for such destruction. The sanitary fixture or basin is preferably made of a mineral or acrylic stone, such as that available from Dupont, Wilmington, USA under the name "Corian®". However, it can also consist of or comprise other materials, such as stainless steel, polyester, plastic or ceramic.

[0010] With a contactless sensor, such as an infrared, capacitive, inductive, radar, or photoelectric sensor, preferably arranged in the front interior of the device, the water supply can be activated as soon as the user's hand approaches the upper edge of the device. It is equally preferred to arrange the contactless sensor in the rear interior of the device, particularly preferably below a water inlet. However, the sensor can also be arranged on a lateral side of the sanitary device or the washbasin. The sensor particularly preferably comprises a detection area in which the sensor detects movement, in particular a movement of a body part, in particular a hand, wherein the detection area particularly preferably comprises the area in which water emerges from the water inlet. In this way, it can advantageously be ensured that the sensor detects movement during the washing process.detects a body part. The sensor is thus arranged such that the hand (or the object and / or the movement) is detected inside the sink or sanitary fixture. However, there may also be embodiments in which the sensor's detection range does not include, or only partially includes, the area where water exits the water inlet. In this case, a time control is preferably provided which, after the water inlet has been activated, releases water for a predetermined period of time based on the sensor signal. Such a period of time may, for example, be ten seconds.

[0011] According to the invention, the water inlet is designed as a slotted opening. This design advantageously reduces water consumption compared to conventional circular outlets. Furthermore, the body parts to be cleaned are moistened more evenly and evenly.

[0012] If the user desires a more intensive and / or temperate water supply, this can also be controlled via a control panel that controls the water quantity and / or temperature. It should be understood that a control panel for controlling the temperature and / or water quantity, and aspects relating to embodiments or further developments of the control panel, can also be provided independently of a slotted opening as a water outlet.

[0013] Further advantages of the invention are achieved with the features of the subclaims, in particular in that the invention enables rapid and hygienic cleaning of the sanitary facility without having to forego the convenience of individual control of the water supply.

[0014] Preferably, the water inlet is designed as an outlet slot for a torrential water outlet. A torrential water outlet is a water outlet in which the water essentially exits over the length of the slot and falls in an arc at a distance from the exit point. In particular, a torrential water outlet differs from a trickling out of the opening, in which water runs down a pool wall or shower wall without any distance from the slot opening. Furthermore, a torrential water outlet differs from spraying out under high pressure and / or through a plurality of nozzles and / or in different directions. However, other forms of water inlet are also feasible. In particular, a plurality of outlet slots can be provided, which are arranged horizontally next to one another, vertically one above the other, and / or offset from one another.

[0015] It is also preferred that the sanitary fixture be designed without fittings. This means that, in addition to the slotted opening, no additional element is provided screwed to the surface of the fixture's edge, at least not as an element for the water outlet. Water is then supplied exclusively through the water inlet, which is designed as a slotted opening. This advantageously reduces joints and separate parts, making the sanitary fixture more sustainable overall because significantly less material can be used. Cleaning is simplified because the surface of the fixture's edge is no longer interrupted by a fitting and can therefore be wiped and / or disinfected more easily. Potential dead spots during disinfection or cleaning are reduced.

[0016] Preferably, a retention cavity for providing water is arranged upstream of the slot opening. This means that a supply hose or pipe does not directly feed the slot opening, but first fills a retention cavity. Such a retention cavity can also be referred to as a chamber or storage space. The function of the retention cavity is to provide water evenly across the entire width of the slot opening. In particular, an approximately constant water pressure can be maintained within the retention cavity, so that water can advantageously escape along the slot opening under approximately uniform pressure conditions and as a homogeneous surge.

[0017] Water is supplied from the retention cavity to the slot opening, preferably over the entire length of the slot opening. The slot opening is preferably designed in the form of a straight slot with a small width compared to its length. The slot opening, in particular the width of the slot opening, is preferably small compared to the retention cavity. The retention cavity preferably provides a volume in the range of 0.1 cm per millimeter of length of the slot opening. 3 up to 5 cm 3 , more preferably 0.5 cm 3 up to 3 cm 3 and especially preferably 0.5 cm 3 up to 1.5 cm 3 The water, or rather the water surge, emerging from the slotted opening then emerges particularly homogeneously.

[0018] For a homogeneous outlet, it is also advantageous and preferred that the slot opening narrows in the direction of flow, i.e. the slot opening has a nozzle effect. This achieves a particularly uniform, directed outlet of the water. Particularly preferably, a narrow side, i.e. a width of the slot opening, narrows. Such a narrowing can be achieved in particular by a chamfer along a length of the slot opening. Such a chamfer can taper at a constant angle, preferably at angles of 20° to 70°. A chamfer angle of approximately 60° is particularly preferred. Instead of a chamfer, however, it can also be provided that the narrowing occurs progressively or degressively, e.g. a radius can be provided.

[0019] It should be understood that the chamfer does not need to encompass the entire flow path from the retention cavity to the water outlet into the basin (although this is also possible and preferred). It is also preferred that parallel walls extend before or after the constriction, essentially parallel to the flow direction, and guide the water. For example, this can initially balance flow turbulence and achieve a more laminar flow before increasing the flow velocity in the constriction.

[0020] The ends of the length of the slot opening—that is, if the slot is arranged horizontally, the left and right ends of the slot opening—are preferably rounded or at least have a radius. Such a design is easy to manufacture because it can be achieved, for example, using appropriately selected drills. Furthermore, it results in an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Particularly preferably, the ends of the length of the slot opening also have a chamfer, which narrows the cross-section in the direction of flow. The nozzle effect described above can thus be realized additionally or alternatively at the ends of the length of the slot opening.

[0021] The constriction preferably opens into the basin wall facing the sanitary fixture. However, it can also be designed so that the constriction reaches its narrowest point before reaching this basin wall and then continues through the slotted opening immediately before the water outlet without any additional constriction.

[0022] It can be provided that the wall of the sanitary fixture itself has a constriction, i.e. that a storage cavity is provided on the side of the wall facing away from the operator. The water is then directed from the storage cavity through the constriction in the wall. Alternatively, it is also possible for a storage cavity wall to have the constriction and for the water - accelerated by the constriction - to lead towards the slotted opening where it ultimately exits, whereby no additional constriction is provided in the wall of the basin itself. However, it is also possible to provide both, i.e. that a storage cavity wall initially has a first constriction and directs water towards a second constriction, which is then provided in the wall of the basin. It should be understood that the storage cavity wall can be made of the same material or comprise the same material as the sanitary fixture itself.However, it is also preferred to provide the storage cavity wall from a different material. Such a material can preferably be an injection-molded plastic, or a cast metal and / or milled part. The storage cavity wall is preferably provided integrally with the slotted opening, i.e., one part equally encompasses the storage cavity and the slotted opening. Such a part can then particularly preferably be inserted as a module into a sanitary fixture. This means that the sanitary fixture has a recess into which the module can be inserted. The module can then be screwed, clipped, glued, and / or welded to the sanitary fixture, with sealing rings or other sealants preferably being used to ensure a watertight joining or connection of the module to the storage cavity wall of the sanitary fixture.

[0023] Particularly preferred is a sharp-edged outlet, i.e., the point where the slotted opening opens into the basin wall, or where the water exits. It has been shown that the water splash is particularly uniform with a sharp-edged outlet.

[0024] The slot opening preferably has a central axis that is inclined upwards at an angle to the horizontal. The central axis is the central axis that represents the general direction of water flow in the slot opening. It can be an axis of symmetry of the slot opening. The central axis of the slot opening is aligned such that it forms an acute angle with the outlet axis of a drain of the sanitary fixture.

[0025] With an upward angle of attack, the torrent initially follows the angle of attack before descending, i.e. it has a parabolic shape with the apex of the parabola above the slot opening. This is particularly advantageous because users do not have to place their hands too deeply into the sanitary fixture or sink, and thus in particular do not have to touch the bottom of the sink. This also allows for shallower sinks to be created. This advantageously saves space, material and costs and is also aesthetically pleasing. Angles of attack in the range of 0° to 30°, preferably 10°-20°, and most preferably around 15°, have proven particularly suitable.

[0026] Preferably, the sanitary device has an inlet valve arranged upstream of the retention cavity, which is designed to provide a water retention pressure of 1 bar to 5 bar within the retention cavity. The inlet valve can advantageously ensure that a suitable pressure is always present within the retention cavity, so that the water surge emerges in the desired form.

[0027] The storage cavity preferably has a volume in the range of 1 cm 3 up to 50 cm 3 , more preferably 10 cm 3 up to 45 cm 3 , further preferably 20 cm 3 up to 40 cm 3 and especially preferably 25 cm 3 up to 35 cm 3Such a volume is sufficiently large compared to the slot opening so that it forms a sufficiently large reservoir. Thus, water can escape evenly along the slot. However, it is also preferable to select the volume of the storage cavity depending on the longitudinal extent of the slot opening, ie depending on the long side of the slot, preferably so that per millimeter of length of the longitudinal extent a volume in the range of 0.1 cm 3 up to 5 cm 3 , more preferably 0.5 cm 3 up to 3 cm 3 and especially preferably 0.5 cm 3 up to 1.5 cm 3 is provided.

[0028] Preferably, walls of the storage cavity are spaced apart from the slot opening, for example at least 0.5 cm away, so that advantageously there are no or less severe inflow disturbances and turbulences when the water flows into the slot opening, and the water flows out evenly.

[0029] It is preferred that the retention cavity is supplied by an inlet hose or pipe that opens into an inlet opening of the retention cavity. Downstream of the inlet opening, a widened flow cross-section is preferably provided compared to the inlet hose or pipe, which is designed to evenly distribute water along the cross-section of the slot opening. Such a widened flow cross-section advantageously achieves a diffuser effect, i.e., the pressure in the retention cavity increases while the flow velocity decreases. This enables a particularly even discharge of the water surge through the slot opening.

[0030] The water inlet or slotted opening is preferably oriented so that water flows toward the operator during operation. For example, if the sanitary fixture is a sink that is positioned or attached to a bathroom wall, the water flows preferentially away from the edge of the sink closest to the bathroom wall and toward the operator. This advantageously ensures that the water outlet or surge is clearly visible to the operator.

[0031] The sanitary fixture is preferably equipped with a wall that defines the sanitary fixture on a side opposite the slot opening, wherein the wall is oriented upwards, at least in sections, at an incline of at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, and particularly preferably 90°, relative to the horizontal. The water surge emerges from the liquid inlet toward this wall. The aforementioned incline of the wall advantageously ensures that water does not splash out of the sanitary fixture.

[0032] The slot opening preferably has a width to length ratio of at least 1:20, preferably 1:30, more preferably at least 1:40, particularly preferably at least 1:50, and preferably at most 1:800, preferably at most 1:500, more preferably at most 1:300, and particularly preferably at most 1:100. The width refers to the narrow side of the slot opening, and the length refers to the long side of the slot opening. The width is particularly preferably in a range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and more preferably in a range from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, and is even more preferably approximately 1 mm. The slot opening preferably has the shape of a straight line. However, it is also preferred for the slot opening to have wave shapes, curves, or arcs, the aforementioned preferred lengths in this case referring to the center line of the wave shape, curve, or arc.Furthermore, the water supply can also take on any other shape, or the slot shape can be divided into several sections by several interruptions.

[0033] A preferred sensor is an infrared, inductive, radar, capacitive, or photoelectric sensor. Advantageously, such a sensor can be configured so that water movement, especially a water surge, does not trigger the sensor.

[0034] A particular advantage is when the control panel is seamlessly integrated beneath the surface of the sanitary fixture, for example using a thinner layer of mineral or acrylic material, so that no joints are created in which germs could settle, thus even enabling use in clean rooms.

[0035] A further advantage of a fixture inlet arranged in a recess or groove, preferably in the rear and upper area of ​​the inner fixture wall, is that it also prevents water from splashing onto the otherwise usual outlet fitting.

[0036] Preferably, a typically horizontal outlet slot for a torrential water flow can also be used to achieve more economical water consumption, as the outflowing water is spread widely over the hands, thus requiring less water than with a circular stream. With additional spray nozzles arranged within it, the horizontal outlet slot can be supplemented and / or, if necessary, arranged vertically, for example, in showers.

[0037] Depending on the positioning of the inlet control, the respective status of the water inlet can be recognized on the right, optionally left, front or rear edge of the device and a quick, particularly optical, detection and control according to water quantity and temperature can be achieved.

[0038] In a shower facility, a control panel can also be arranged on the rear or side of the raised shower wall, and a separate control panel also allows additional activation of the water supply.

[0039] The tactile design of a guide groove for fingertip operation, with Braille and with or without an acoustic output, also allows disabled users to simultaneously control the amount of water and be informed about the water temperature.

[0040] Further advantages of the invention include the possibility of adding additional sensor-controlled control units for volume and / or room lighting. All of these controls and information outputs, especially the control of water temperature and / or water flow, can be controlled via a smart home connection, preferably via an app using a Bluetooth connection.

[0041] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1: a schematic plan view of a sanitary facility designed as a washbasin with an integrated water inlet,

[0043] Figure 2: a central section through the device according to Fig. 1 with a control panel arranged laterally under the edge of the pool,

[0044] Figure 3: a schematic plan view of another control panel, and

[0045] Figure 4: a section through the control panel according to Fig. 3,

[0046] Figure 5: a section through a schematic second embodiment of a sanitary device designed as a washbasin, Figure 6: a view of a wall of a sanitary device with inlet sensor and slotted opening,

[0047] Figure 7: a section of a detailed view of a storage cavity in a sanitary facility,

[0048] Figure 8: a sectional view of a storage cavity,

[0049] Figure 9: a view of a second wall of a sanitary facility with inlet sensor and slot opening,

[0050] Figure 10: a view of a third wall of a sanitary facility with inlet sensor and slot opening, and

[0051] Figure 11: a view of a fourth wall of a sanitary facility with a module with slotted openings.

[0052] Figures 1-4 show embodiments of a sanitary fixture that can have a slotted opening 13 according to the invention. However, it should be understood that the advantages and features of the sanitary fixture shown therein described with reference to Figures 1-4 can also be provided in other sanitary fixtures, in particular in sanitary fixtures that do not have a slotted opening 13.

[0053] According to Figure 1, a sanitary fixture in the form of a washbasin 10 with a fixture interior 11 comprises a water inlet 12, a water outlet 14, a water overflow 16, and a fixture surround 18 or rim. A water inlet sensor 19 is arranged beneath the surface in the fixture surround 18 in the upper interior 11, and is preferably configured as an infrared, capacitive, inductive, radar, or photoelectric sensor. In other words, the water inlet sensor 19 is offset vertically downward from an upper surface of the rim or fixture surround, preferably at least 5% or 10% of the total depth of the interior 11. It can, for example, be installed in a recess of a side wall delimiting the fixture interior 11, either recessed or substantially flush with the surface.In this way, the water flow is started when a user places his hands into the inner area 11 and comes into a sensor area of ​​the sensor 19.

[0054] The term "fittings area" 18 refers to the edge surrounding the interior 11. This edge does not have to be uniform but can extend to one or more sides, as shown in Fig. 2, in order to provide space for additional controls, shelves, splash guards, holders, or other peripherals. The water inlet 12 can be an annular or circular opening or can have any shape or design in the interior 11 of the washbasin 10, but is preferably designed as a slotted opening 13, from which the escaping water preferably flows horizontally and in a torrential manner. The narrow slotted opening 13 and the resulting broad wetting of the hands can significantly reduce water consumption compared to a normal faucet, depending on the prior adjustment of the flow rate, thus achieving an economic and ecological improvement.

[0055] In other types of fittings and / or shower back walls, the water can also exit from a vertically arranged slot opening 13 and / or via spray nozzles 15 additionally arranged in the slot opening 13, which can preferably be controlled via a water supply control 20 with a switch button 21.

[0056] A particularly convenient control panel 22 for the water supply control 20 is arranged in an intermediate layer 24 below the surface 26 of the washbasin 10 or bidet or in the area of ​​the shower back wall, from which preferably a first control line 28 leads to an inlet valve 30 and / or a second control line 29 leads to a mixing valve 32.

[0057] The intermediate layer 24 can also be made translucent and / or transparent from the mineral material and / or acrylic of the sanitary fixture or bidet or the shower back wall.

[0058] The water supply control 20 is preferably controlled via a control panel 22 with a top side 34, which comprises at least one finger, preferably touch sensor 42, which in a luxurious embodiment comprises a first continuous or punctual light band 36 with preferably white LEDs for displaying the water quantity and a second continuous or punctual light band 38 with preferably at least partially red and / or blue LEDs for displaying the water temperature, as well as preferably a digital display 40 for the actual flowing water temperature.

[0059] To enable hygienic cleaning of the control panel 22, a seamless installation is provided, preferably beneath a particularly thin intermediate layer 24, so that this is formed integrally with the remaining surface of the sanitary fixture, yet still allows the light and digital displays located underneath to shine through. As soon as a finger on the top surface 34 is moved from front to back against the touch sensor 42, which is preferably designed as a groove, this movement is detected by the touch sensor 42 - like a slider - and the inlet valve 30 is opened accordingly. For visually impaired users, Braille can also be printed in the groove to provide the relevant information.

[0060] Of course, a medium inflow can also be started by the water inflow sensor 19 and regulated to a stronger or smaller spray or surge inflow by the touch sensor 42.

[0061] At the same time, the first light band 36, with a preferably white emission surface that widens or intensifies from front to back (or vice versa), indicates the flow rate of water flowing through the inlet valve 30 and exiting from the water inlet 12. Of course, the color of the continuous or punctual light band can also be color-adjustable.

[0062] Similarly, a finger movement on the surface 34 of the touch sensor 42 from front to back (or vice versa) can be detected by the second touch sensor 44, and the mixing valve 32 can be changed from a lower hot water supply to a higher hot water supply. Preferably, the second light strip 38 simultaneously indicates the rising temperature of the hot water flowing through the mixing valve 32, for example, with an area that widens from front to back or changes from blue to red. Of course, the color of the light strips can also be changed optionally.

[0063] In other embodiments, the left and right light strips 36, 38 are swapped or arranged on only one side, or in any other arbitrary positions.

[0064] In a splash-proof, preferably lower area of ​​the sanitary facility, a preferably low-voltage power connection, preferably a battery compartment 50, is provided, which supplies the cable 52 to the water supply control 20 with power.

[0065] From the water inlet control 20, preferably a first control line 28 leads from the control logic 54 to the inlet valve 30 and preferably a second control line 29 leads to the mixing valve 32.

[0066] A temperature sensor 46 near the water inlet 12 supplies the current temperature value, preferably in analog form, to the right-hand LED strip and to a digital display 40, preferably in the area of ​​the top side 34 of the touch sensor 42. A further, third touch sensor 47 can be used to control the connection for room lighting 48, for example, on the underside of the sink 10, and can be optically displayed, preferably with a third, preferably color-adjustable light strip 64. Both the color setting and the activation of the sensors can also be provided via a receiver for a smart home control system.

[0067] Furthermore, a loudspeaker 58 and / or an acoustic transducer is preferably connected to a computing logic 56 in the area of ​​the battery compartment 50. This logic converts the analog or digital temperature value into an acoustic announcement and outputs it acoustically. The acoustic announcement can preferably also be controlled in volume via an acoustic transducer using a fourth touch sensor 60 and displayed with a fourth, preferably color-adjustable light strip 62.

[0068] Alternatively, the third and / or fourth touch sensors 47, 60 can be replaced by a wireless receiver for receiving a corresponding radio signal, for example, via Bluetooth, infrared, or another radio connection. In this way, a remotely located control panel can be used.

[0069] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a sanitary fixture, which in this case is a washbasin 10. The washbasin 10 has an interior area 11 defined by a wall 35. The surface of the fixture edge 18, which is horizontal in this case, adjoins the wall 35. Figure 5 shows a sectional view. A control panel 22 is not provided in the embodiment shown here, but may be provided in other embodiments, such as those described with reference to Figures 1-4.

[0070] The water inlet 12 is controlled by means of an inlet sensor 19, which is arranged below the surface of the device edge 18, i.e. offset vertically downwards from the surface of the device edge 18. The sensor 19 is flush with the wall 35. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the sensor 19 is an infrared sensor. In other embodiments, however, the sensor 19 can also be a different sensor, e.g. a photoelectric sensor. If the sensor 19 detects the presence or movement of a hand of an operator 31, the sensor 19 provides an inlet request signal. In response to the inlet request signal, the inlet valve 30 opens and thus supplies a storage cavity 17 with water. The water inlet control 20 can be designed such that water is provided in response to the inlet request signal for a predetermined period of time, e.g. 10 seconds.However, it can also be provided that water is provided as long as a hand of the operator 31 is in a detection range of the sensor 19, or as long as a movement of the hand of the operator 31 is detected.

[0071] Water is subsequently forced in the direction of the slotted opening 13, where it pours over the hand of the operator 31 in a torrential manner. In Figure 5, this torrential arc shape is indicated by a dotted line 25. In Figure 5, it is also evident that the water does not emerge horizontally from the wall 35, or from the slotted opening 13 arranged in the wall 35, but that a central axis 23 of the slotted opening 13 is set at an angle α to the horizontal 51. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the angle α is approximately 6°. In other exemplary embodiments, however, other angles α can also be provided, preferably in a range from 3° to 20°, further preferably 5° to 15°, even more preferably 8° to 13°.

[0072] In other words, the positioning of the central axis 23 can also be described as forming an acute angle ß with a drain axis 53. The drain axis 53 is the axis of the water drain 14 and is arranged essentially vertically.

[0073] The angle a is an optional feature, and it is also possible for a water surge 25 to exit horizontally from the slotted opening 13. Advantageously, and as Figure 5 also shows, the water, or the water surge 25, first reaches a peak above the slotted opening 13 before pouring onto the hand of the operator 31. Thus, shallow washbasins 10 can also be realized without an operator 31 having to touch the wall 35, or in such a way that the operator 31 still has sufficient distance from the wall 35 of the washbasin 10 to comfortably wash their hands.

[0074] In the example shown here, the storage cavity 17 is delimited by a storage cavity wall 39, which is screwed to the wall 35, with screws 37 indicated by dash-dots in Figure 5. In other embodiments, the storage cavity wall 39 can also be attached using other known fastening means, for example, by gluing. A sealing ring (not shown here, but see Figures 7 and 8) is arranged between the storage cavity wall 39 and the sink 10, or rather the wall 35 of the sink 10, so that water leakage, and in particular contact with the inlet sensor 19 and the water inlet control 20, is prevented.

[0075] In Figure 5 shown here, water enters the storage cavity 17 from below through an inlet opening 27 from an inlet pipe 41. Behind the inlet opening 27, a cross-sectional widening occurs, ie the cross-section of the storage cavity 17 is larger than the cross-section of the inlet pipe 41. Instead of the inlet pipe 41, an inlet hose can just as well be used. Preferably, the inlet pipe 41 (or the inlet hose) has a 3 / 8" connection to the storage cavity 17, or the storage cavity wall 39. The storage cavity 17, which here has a volume of approximately 30 cm 3 serves to buffer possible pressure fluctuations in the water supplied by the inlet pipe 41, or water pressure. This advantageously results in a particularly uniform water surge 25.

[0076] Preferably, a cross section of the inlet pipe 41 at the inlet opening 27 is larger than a cross section of the slot opening 17. For example, the ratio of the cross section of the inlet pipe 41 at the inlet opening 27 to the cross section of the slot opening 17 is at least 1.1:1, preferably at least 1.2:1, more preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 5:1, particularly preferably at least 10:1.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the wall 35 is convex. However, it can also be provided that the wall 35 is formed from a plurality of sections, wherein the sections are essentially flat and arranged at right angles to one another, resulting in a substantially cuboid-shaped washbasin 10. Alternatively, one or more sections of the wall 35 can be inclined, i.e. at an angle to the horizontal 51. Preferably, the wall 35, or the section of the wall 35 opposite the slot opening 13, is formed at least in sections with a gradient of at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, particularly preferably 90°. The wall 35 thus serves as a barrier, so that the water surge 25 does not splash out beyond the wall 35.

[0078] Figure 6 shows a section of the wall 35 of an embodiment of a sanitary fixture, namely the section which, during operation, faces the operator 31 and from which the water surge 25 emerges. The water surge 25 emerges from the slotted opening 13 as soon as the inlet sensor 19 registers that a hand of an operator 31 is located in the interior area 11 of the washbasin 10, or in the detection range of the inlet sensor 19. In the example shown here, the inlet sensor is arranged centrally below the slotted opening 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the slotted opening 13 has a width of 1 mm (the short extent, in the vertical direction in Figure 6) and a length of 150 mm (the long extent, in the horizontal direction in Figure 6). Figure 6 shows in a dashed line the height of the apex of a water surge 25 emerging from the slot opening 13.The water jet 25 pours out from the entire width of the slotted opening 13, so that the hands (or, for example, in a shower, the body) of the operator 31 are widely wetted. The apex is spaced a height H from the bottom of the sink 10. In particular, the height H and thus the apex are farther from the bottom of the sink 10 than the slotted opening 13 itself. This is achieved by the central axis 23 (see Figure 5), which is angled relative to the horizontal 51, as already described.

[0079] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the storage cavity 17, the storage cavity wall 39, and their connection to the wall 35 of the sanitary fixture. The screws 37, which are only shown schematically in Figure 5, are clearly visible here (only one with a reference number). The screws 37 engage in holes 45 in the wall 35, whereby the holes 45 are not continuous, so that the visual appearance of the wall 35 on the side where the water surge 25 exits through the slotted opening 13 is not disrupted. Figure 7 also shows that recesses for a sealing ring 43 are provided on a stop surface of the storage cavity 17 with the back of the wall 35, or with the wash basin 10. The holes 45 and the screws 37 align the storage cavity 17 with respect to the slotted opening 13. The slot opening 13 opens flush with the surface of the basin wall 35.In other embodiments, however, it can also be provided that the slot opening 13 protrudes slightly into the wash basin 10 and is not flush with the surface of the basin wall 35.

[0080] The slotted opening 13 inside the basin wall 35 is shaped so that water coming from the retention cavity 17 is initially guided without any cross-sectional constriction. A step then follows in the direction of flow, from which point a constriction 49 in the form of an angled bevel occurs. Subsequently, in the direction of flow, there is another section with parallel walls that does not taper. The water is thus accelerated and ultimately exits the slotted opening 13 as a water surge 25 (not shown in Figure 7, but see Figure 5). At the point of exit, i.e., where the slotted opening 13 opens into the basin 10, the slotted opening 13 has sharp edges.

[0081] Unlike the previously shown embodiments of Figures 5 and 6, the central axis 23 is aligned horizontally in the example shown here. Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the storage cavity 17, looking in the direction of the slotted opening 13. The screws 37 used in Figure 7 are not shown here. To connect to the sanitary fixture, or to a washbasin 10, the screws 37 are first screwed through the holes 45 in the storage cavity wall 39 and finally into corresponding holes 45 in the sanitary fixture (see Figure 7).

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the retention cavity 17 has an elongated cross-section that is rounded at its ends. The retention cavity 17 is surrounded by recesses for a sealing ring 43, which ensures that no water escapes from the retention cavity 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention cavity 17 is supplied with water via an inlet pipe 41 that opens into the retention cavity 17 on one side.

[0083] When filling the retention cavity 17, water flows from left to right (referring to Figure 8), filling the retention cavity so that the water level rises from bottom to top, finally reaching the height of the slotted opening 13 and exiting through it evenly along the length of the slotted opening 13. Because the slotted opening 13 is smaller than the inlet opening 27 of the retention cavity 17, the retention cavity 17 is completely filled during operation, and water exits evenly and homogeneously through the slotted opening 13 as a water surge 25. Of course, here too, the slotted opening 13 can be tapered, but this is not shown in the sectional view in Figure 8 for reasons of clarity.

[0084] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate, by way of example, that a plurality of slotted openings 13 can also be provided. In Figure 9, three slotted openings 13 are provided next to one another. This allows for special optical effects to be achieved, in the example shown here, three water surges 25. It can be provided that a storage cavity 17 feeds the three slotted openings 13 through three different channels. However, it can also be provided that a separate storage cavity 17 is provided for each slotted opening 13.

[0085] In Figure 10, five slot openings 13 are provided which are arranged next to one another and are arranged obliquely to the pool wall, i.e. at an angle to the horizontal. The angle of attack here is approximately 10°. Figures 9 and 10 are to be understood as further exemplary embodiments and, of course, a multitude of further slot openings 13 or arrangements of slot openings 13 fall within the scope disclosed here. In particular, the slot opening 13 can be round or oval in sections, i.e. ring-shaped or wavy. Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a wall 35 of a sanitary device with inlet sensor 19 and slot openings 13. The slot openings 13 are arranged here in a manner analogous to the slot openings 13 in the wall 35 of Figure 9.However, more or fewer slot openings 13 could also be provided, or the shape and / or orientation of the slot openings 13 could be different, as already described.

[0086] The essential difference between the embodiment according to Figure 11 and the embodiments according to Figures 6, 9 and 10 is that the slotted openings 13 are arranged in an insertable module 33. This means that a wall 35 is provided which has a recess at the position where the module 33 is inserted here. The module 33 was then inserted into this recess and connected to the wall 35 of the washbasin 10. The connection is made using the means already described, for example with screws 37 or by means of adhesive bonding, soldering or welding (depending, among other things, on the selected material and / or the material pairing). In contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 7, not only the storage cavity 17 is screwed on here. Rather, the module 33 includes not only the storage cavity 17 but also the constriction 49, which ultimately opens into the slotted opening 13.Advantageously, a washbasin 10 with a recess can thus be manufactured in series, and the module 33, and in particular the arrangement of the slot openings 13, can be provided in smaller quantities or even as a single product, wherein, for example, special arrangements, orientations and / or shapes of the slot openings 13 can be selected according to customer requirements.

[0087] List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0088] 10 sinks

[0089] 11 Interior furnishings

[0090] 12 Water inlet

[0091] 13 Slot opening

[0092] 14 Water drain

[0093] 15 spray nozzles

[0094] 16 Water overflow

[0095] 17 Storage cavity

[0096] 18 Facility environment

[0097] 19 Inlet sensor

[0098] 20 Water supply control

[0099] 21 Shift key

[0100] 22 Control panel

[0101] 23 Central axis

[0102] 24 Intermediate layer 25 Water surge

[0103] 26 Sanitary fittings surface

[0104] 27 Inlet opening

[0105] 28 first control line

[0106] 29 second control line

[0107] 30 inlet valve

[0108] 31 operators

[0109] 32 Mixing valve

[0110] 33 Module

[0111] 34 Control panel top

[0112] 35 wall

[0113] 36 first light band

[0114] 37 Screw

[0115] 38 second light band

[0116] 39 Storage cavity wall

[0117] 40 digital display

[0118] 41 Inlet pipe

[0119] 42 first touch sensor

[0120] 43 recesses for a sealing ring

[0121] 44 second touch sensor

[0122] 45 bore

[0123] 46 temperature sensors

[0124] 47 third touch sensor

[0125] 48 indirect room lighting

[0126] 49 Constriction

[0127] 50 Battery compartment

[0128] 51 horizontal

[0129] 52 cables

[0130] 53 Drain axis

[0131] 54 Control logic

[0132] 56 Calculation logic

[0133] 58 speakers

[0134] 60 fourth touch sensor

[0135] 62 third light band

[0136] 64 fourth light band

Claims

Claims 1. Sanitary device with a liquid inlet, comprising an interior region (11) of the device and an edge (18) delimiting the interior region (11) of the device, a water inlet (12) which can be actuated by a water inlet control (20) and by a controllable, preferably electrical and / or pneumatic inlet valve (30), wherein the water inlet control (20) has a sensor (19) for providing an inlet request signal, wherein the sensor (19) is arranged below the surface of the edge (18) of the device, wherein the water inlet (12) is arranged in the interior region (11) of the device and has a slot opening (13).

2. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to claim 1, wherein the slot opening (13) is designed as an outlet slot for a torrential water outlet.

3. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitary device is designed without fittings.

4. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, with a storage cavity (17) arranged upstream of the slot opening (13) for providing water to the slot opening (13).

5. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slot opening (13) has a cross-section narrowing in the direction of flow.

6. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a central axis (23) of the slot opening (13) is set at an angle to the horizontal (51).

7. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein the inlet valve (30) is arranged upstream of the storage cavity (17) and is designed to provide a water back pressure in a range of 1 bar to 5 bar within the storage cavity (17).

8. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, wherein the storage cavity (17) has a volume in a range of 1 cm 3 up to 50 cm 3 , preferably 10 cm 3 up to 45 cm 3 , further preferably 20 cm 3 up to 40 cm 3 and especially preferably 25 cm 3 up to 35 cm 3 has.

9. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, wherein the storage cavity (17) downstream of an inlet opening (27) has an extension for uniformly distributing water along the cross section of the slot opening (13).

10. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 9, further comprising a mixer tap upstream of the storage cavity (17) which is designed to provide water at a predetermined, constant temperature.

11. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein water exits through the water inlet in the direction of an operator (31) during operation.

12. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, with a wall (35) which delimits the sanitary device on a side opposite the slot opening (13), wherein the wall (35) is oriented upwards at least in sections at an incline in a range of 45° to 100°, preferably 60° to 90°, particularly preferably 90° to the horizontal (51).

13. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slot opening (13) has a ratio of width to length which is at least 1:20, preferably at least 1:30, more preferably at least 1:40, and particularly preferably at least 1:50 and preferably at most 1:800, preferably at most 1:500, more preferably at most 1:300, and particularly preferably at most 1:

100.

14. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (19) is an infrared or capacitive or radar or inductive or photoelectric sensor.

15. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (19) is arranged below the slot opening (13).

16. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water inlet (12) is designed horizontally or vertically in the form of a slotted opening (13) in the interior region (11) of the device, wherein additional spray nozzles (15) are preferably arranged in the slotted opening (13).

17. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (19) is arranged in the upper edge region of the device interior region (11).

18. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (42; 44) for the water inlet control (20) is preferably concealed in the upper device environment (18).

19. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (42; 44) for the water inlet control (20) in the device environment (18) is designed to be haptically recognizable in the form of a visible and / or tactile, preferably Braille-tactile marking (36; 38; 46).

20. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (42; 44) for the water inlet control (20) in the device environment (18) is designed to be optically recognizable by an optical indicator, preferably a light band (36; 38).

21. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (42) for the water inlet control (20) in the device environment (18) is designed to be recognizable by a first light band (36) for controlling the water quantity, preferably in white color and / or a sensor (44) with a second light band (38) for controlling the water temperature, preferably in at least partially blue and / or red color.

22. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control panel (22) for the water inlet control (20) in the device environment (18) is designed with an additional digital temperature display (40) of the inflowing water in degrees Celsius and / or degrees Fahrenheit.

23. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an intermediate layer (24) between the device environment (18), or surface of the device environment (18) and light band (36; 38) is at least partially translucent and / or transparent.

24. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preferably controllable loudspeaker (58) and / or acoustic transducer is arranged in a splash-water protected area, with which the water quantity and / or water temperature can be acoustically signaled.

25. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor (46) is provided in the control panel (22) of the water inlet control (20), with which the spray nozzles (15) additionally arranged in the slot opening (13) can be switched on and / or off.

26. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection is provided with which the water inlet control (20) can be connected to at least one second control panel (22) under a surface similar to the sanitary device edge (18), preferably in a shower wall and / or control device.

27. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water inlet (12) is designed in the form of a slotted opening (13) with or without additional spray nozzles (15) in a shower wall which extends upwards beyond the device area (11).

28. Sanitary device with liquid inlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further water inlet options, such as a rainforest shower and / or hand shower, can be additionally activated via at least one control valve controllable via the control panel (22).

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