Moistening device for toilets

Abstract

The invention relates to a moistening device for the inner surfaces of toilet bowls. In particular, the invention relates to a moistening device which is designed to be retrofitted to a toilet bowl. The moistening device (1) comprises a reservoir (3), a mounting bracket (4), a pump unit (5), and a spray unit (6), wherein the mounting bracket (4) is designed to laterally attach the moistening device (1) to the rim of the toilet bowl (2) and has a height (H) which is less than the clearance between the toilet bowl (2) and a seat or lid (7) that can be lowered onto said toilet bowl, wherein the spray unit (6) is oriented at all times obliquely downwards and towards the central rear region of the toilet bowl (2), and is designed to emit a directed jet of non-airborne liquid droplets.

Description

[0001] Humidification device for toilets

[0002] Introduction

[0003] The invention relates to a humidification device for the inner surfaces of toilet bowls. In particular, the invention relates to a humidification device intended for retrofitting a toilet bowl.

[0004] State of the art and disadvantages

[0005] It is known that moistening the inner surface of a toilet bowl, which is very often glazed ceramic, can reduce or completely prevent the build-up of dirt. Various devices utilize this effect by moistening the inner surfaces with a liquid before or after using the toilet.

[0006] So of fenbaren Druckschr ft EP 2 707 549 Bl and Druckschr ft WO 2016 / 058753 Al an der Deckelinnen antragbare Vorrichtungen zum Sprühen des Toiletteschüssel- Innen mit einer Reinigungsflüssig mit beim geschlossenen Deckel .

[0007] EP 3 438 360 Bl , JP 6 603 869 B2 and JP 6 982 807 B2 open solutions in which a device, in particular arranged behind the bowl and integrated with the base of the lid, is used to moisten the interior with washing foam.

[0008] A disadvantage of these and other known solutions is their unsuitability for easily retrofitting an existing toilet bowl with its lid and, if applicable, seat ring. Mounting the device on the inside of the lid can cause it to interfere with toilet use when a person leans back. Devices integrated into the rear lid base in the hinge area do not have this disadvantage and require T. Kri z 2 isipat

[0009] However, the ventilation device WO TK03WO-P requires a complete replacement of the original cover with one that can be attached to the base containing the technology; moreover, such devices are quite tall and can thus undesirably increase the seat height.

[0010] Devices are also known that are hung laterally over the rim of the toilet bowl and can remain there even when the seat ring is folded down. These solutions, intended particularly to prevent unpleasant odors, spray a fine mist from the side, which is distributed throughout the entire volume of the toilet bowl to ensure the most complete possible reaction with odor molecules present in that volume. Such a solution can be found, for example, in German patent application DE 10 2019 131 850 A1. However, these devices are neither designed nor suitable for preventing residue buildup.

[0011] Problem of the invention and solution

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] According to the invention, it is intended to provide a moistening device for the inside of a toilet bowl that prevents adhesion and is suitable for easy retrofitting.

[0014] The problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures. T. Kriz 3 isipat

[0015] Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P

[0016] Description

[0017] The humidifying device is used to moisten the inside of a toilet bowl for the purpose of preventing or reducing the build-up of deposits through its use.

[0018] The humidification device comprises a container for liquid, which is preferably water. A fragrance, descaler, or disinfectant may optionally be added to the liquid. However, it should be noted that the effect according to the invention can in any case be achieved with simple tap water, which is used for toilet use anyway.

[0019] It comprises a bracket by means of which it can be attached to the side of the toilet bowl. "Laterally" here means that it should be located near the center of the toilet bowl when viewed longitudinally, with deviations of 2 cm, 5 cm, or even up to 10 cm in either direction being permissible. Furthermore, the device includes a pump for conveying the liquid and a spray device for dispensing the liquid into the interior of the toilet bowl. The pressure of the pump is between 0.1 and 3 bar, preferably between 0.3 and 2.0 bar, and particularly preferably between 0.5 and 1.0 bar.

[0020] The bracket is designed for side mounting of the humidifying device on the rim of the toilet bowl and has a height that is less than the distance between the toilet bowl and a seat ring or lid that can be lowered onto it, so that the humidifying device allows the seat ring or lid to be fully lowered. This flat bracket design allows an existing toilet bowl to be easily retrofitted with the humidifying device. Since the lid can still be closed with the humidifying device attached, there is no need to replace it, or possibly the associated seat ring.

[0021] Humidification device WO TK03WO-P is required. The humidification device does not interfere with toilet use, as it can remain attached to the side of the toilet bowl at all times. Furthermore, it does not affect the seat height.

[0022] According to the invention, the spray device is always directed obliquely downwards and towards the central rear area of ​​the toilet bowl. This means that, despite the lateral mounting, the design ensures that the liquid dispensed by the spray device – without any further manual adjustment by a person using the device – immediately after being attached to the side of the toilet bowl, only wets the central rear area, and not the opposite side or the front area.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention, the spray device is configured to rapidly dispense a directed jet of non-suspension liquid droplets. A "jet of non-suspension liquid droplets" within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a liquid discharge in which the liquid exits the spray device either as a continuous stream or as individual, relatively large droplets. Specifically excluded is a fine spray mist in which the liquid is ejected in the form of very small droplets that, due to their low mass, float in the air and disperse diffusely in space. Rather, in the case according to the invention, the liquid falls downwards by gravity (without further acceleration) without possessing any significant ability to float in the air.Only by providing sufficient acceleration of the liquid droplets by the pumping device before and especially during ejection can it be ensured that said.

[0024] Liquid drops can also be deliberately directed into the middle rear area of ​​the toilet bowl. T. Kriz 5 isipat

[0025] Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P

[0026] The dispensed liquid droplets therefore have a diameter of at least 20 micrometers, as this represents the limit for droplets that are essentially no longer suspended. Preferably, the liquid droplets have a diameter of 50, 100, preferably over 200, and particularly preferably over 300, 400, or 500 micrometers. The pumping device and the design of the spraying device are configured to produce such liquid droplets. The dispensing rate is between 0.1 and 50 ml / sec, preferably between 0.25 and 20 ml / sec, and particularly preferably between 0.5 and 2.0 ml / sec. The dispensing time is short compared to the prior art and is between 0.1 and 5 seconds, preferably between 0.3 and 4 seconds, and particularly preferably between 1.5 and 3.0 seconds.All this allows for a particularly rapid application of the amount of liquid required for wetting, which also means that any air movements within the toilet bowl - for example when opening the lid - do not significantly affect the desired direction of the jet, and thus the location of the area actually to be wetted.

[0027] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art. Accordingly, the invention provides a non-adherent moistening device for the central rear area of ​​the inside of a toilet bowl, which is particularly suitable for easy retrofitting. Due to the targeted application only to the central rear area, liquid consumption is also limited.

[0028] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the holder, on its side facing the interior of the toilet bowl, includes the spray device for dispensing the liquid. Particularly preferably, the width of the spray device is equal to or less than the width of the holder. In other words, the spray device is integrated into the holder. It does not protrude laterally or inwards.

[0030] Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P

[0031] protrudes from the holder towards the toilet bowl, which improves cleanability, as this provides a smooth, uniform surface to which fewer aqueous or solid particles can adhere, or from which such particles can be more easily removed.

[0032] The spray mechanism is designed to produce a fine mist that quickly settles on the inside of the toilet bowl. It is understood that the spray mechanism should be aimed so that this mist is also directed into the interior; however, precise aiming is not strictly necessary, as the mist disperses itself. If desired, it can be aimed so that the mist specifically targets those areas where deposits are most likely to accumulate (the rear of the toilet bowl).

[0033] Optionally, a fan or similar device is provided to deliver the beam even faster and / or more precisely to the point of action. The fan can be located in the bracket or upstream of it.

[0034] According to a preferred definition, the "middle rear region" is located in the rear half of the toilet bowl and is defined by a center point that deviates from the sagittal plane of the toilet bowl by at most 5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm, and most preferably at most 1 cm, and whose position is between 15% and 80%, preferably between 20% and 65%, and most preferably between 30% and 50% of the depth of the toilet bowl, measured from its rear upper rim. This rear middle wall section of the toilet bowl is the area where, during use, there is typically the highest probability of deposits accumulating; it lies between the rear upper rim of the toilet bowl and the drainage region, but outside the immediate drainage zone.

[0035] Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P

[0036] According to another definition, the "middle rear area" lies in an area that is located longitudinally between the drain opening and the rear upper edge of the toilet bowl, but is at least 5 cm and at most 15 cm away from this rear edge.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the spray device - more precisely: the end of the same which dispenses the liquid droplets, where the liquid jet begins - is directed downwards at a fixed angle between 10° and 80°, preferably between 15° and 70°, and particularly preferably between 30° and 55° when viewed from the front.

[0038] Alternatively, or preferably in addition, the spray device, viewed from above, is directed "towards the center" towards the rear of the toilet bowl at a fixed angle of between 10° and 80°, preferably between 20° and 60°, and particularly preferably between 30° and 60°, to a plane of the toilet bowl parallel to the sagittal plane and passing through the beginning of the liquid jet. (An angle of 0° here is equivalent to an orientation parallel to the sagittal plane to the rear; an angle of 90° would direct the jet towards the opposite side of the toilet bowl.)

[0039] Due to the fixed choice of angles, it can always be ensured that the beam is brought to the desired location without the need for adjustment by a person using the device, which simplifies the handling of the device.

[0040] The humidification device preferably includes a power supply by means of which the pump can be operated. This can be electrical or mechanical (e.g., spring-driven). It is also possible to temporarily store mechanical or electrical energy, which is provided by the movement of the lid or the load on the seat ring and, if necessary,

[0041] The WO TK03WO-P ventilation device is converted. In this way, an external

[0042] Energy supply is dispensable.

[0043] Preferably, the energy supply includes a rechargeable energy storage device. If this is an electrical energy storage device, the humidification device may also include solar cells, which enable continuous recharging of the energy storage device. These can also be integrated into a special toilet seat, thus complementing the humidification device.

[0044] It is also conceivable to recharge the electrical energy storage device via a USB port. Ideally, the energy storage device should indicate an impending low charge in good time.

[0045] In another embodiment, the humidification device includes a sensor for detecting when the lid is opened. Due to the targeted and rapid dispensing of the liquid jet according to the invention, the position of the wetted area is not affected by opening the lid.

[0046] In another embodiment, the humidifying device includes a sensor to detect the presence of a person; i.e., as soon as a person approaches the toilet, the jet is emitted, giving it more time to wet the inside of the toilet before the lid is opened.

[0047] Another version includes a light-sensitive sensor; if the toilet has no daylight and the artificial light is only switched on temporarily before its use, this can be used as a start signal to operate the device.

[0048] Preferably, the jet is emitted for only a short period of time (e.g., 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 seconds). The sensor thus triggers time-limited operation of the pumping device.

[0049] Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P

[0050] In another embodiment, the humidification device includes a manually operated switch for time-limited operation of the pump. The switch, preferably a push button or switch, can preferably be arranged on the top of the humidification device.

[0051] In another embodiment, the humidifying device comprises a spray gun connected by means of a hose to the aforementioned pump unit or to a separate pump unit, but which is always supplied by the container. This spray gun is used for manually spraying the inner walls of the toilet bowl. This is helpful in the case of stubborn deposits that have formed despite humidification before using the toilet. According to the invention, the spray gun is supplied by the container and is preferably attachable to the container, for example, to the side of it, or is already attached when not in use, and is thus also designed for said attachment. Such a spray gun can also help to make a toilet brush unnecessary. Advantageously, the pressure in the spray gun can be increased, e.g.doubled, its (for example by a two-stage pumping device) to allow improved removal of adhesions.

[0052] Provided the liquid is skin-friendly, the spray gun can also be used to clean the user (bidet function).

[0053] It is conceivable that the velocity of the liquid jet exiting the spray gun is higher than the velocity of the jet wetting the rear central area. The former could, for example, be in the range of 0.5 m / s to 10 m / s, the latter more likely in the range of 0.1 m / s to 1.0 m / s. With an identical pumping system, this can be achieved by a suitably designed system, particularly in comparison to the spraying system T. Kriz 10 isipat.

[0054] The WO TK03WO-P air conditioning device allows for a narrower nozzle of the spray gun, for example one with a diameter reduced by 20-70%.

[0055] The advantage of a container-fed spray gun is that no external liquid supply is required (water line, toilet cistern), which significantly simplifies the device's use. It should be noted that the output volume of the spray device is not identical to that of a spray gun; in particular, the output of the spray gun may be higher and / or last longer, for example, 1-100 ml and 2-10 seconds.

[0056] A particularly desirable feature is that the reservoir is removable from the humidifier. This allows for easy refilling without removing the rest of the humidifier from the toilet bowl. It can be equipped with a fill level indicator or a fill level warning system to alert the user when refilling is necessary.

[0057] Preferably, the height of the bracket is between 0.5 and 1.0 cm, and / or the width of the bracket is between 5.0 and 10.0 cm. A bracket of this size fits in the gap under most lids / seat rings and can simultaneously dispense a sufficient amount of liquid / mist into the interior.

[0058] Preferably, the container has a volume between 0.1 and 1.0 liters. This represents a good compromise between filling intervals and space requirements.

[0059] The dispensing volume of liquid per wetting process is preferably between 0.1 and 50 ml, and particularly preferably between approximately 0.5 and 1.0 ml. The dispensing time is preferably between 0.5 and 5 s, and particularly preferably between 2 and 3 s.

[0060] According to one design, the bracket has a T. Kri z 11 isipat on the underside of its distal (towards the interior of the toilet bowl) side.

[0061] The humidification device WO TK03WO-P has a retaining claw at its end, pointing towards the bottom of the toilet bowl. This claw is designed to grip the upper edge of the toilet bowl, allowing the humidification device to be "hooked" onto the rim. Preferably, the distance gripped by the retaining claw is adjustable to allow the humidification device to be attached to toilet bowls of varying wall thicknesses.

[0062] In another design, the mounting bracket and / or a wall of the humidifying device facing the outside of the toilet bowl include one or more suction devices, such as suction cups, designed for attachment to said outside. These devices allow the humidifying device to be stably attached to the toilet for an extended period, independent of the geometry of the toilet bowl's rim, provided the mounting surface is sufficiently smooth, which should be the case in most instances.

[0063] In another version, the holder can be attached without tools to a base that is permanently fixed to the rim of the toilet bowl. The base is permanently fixed to the toilet bowl, for example, using double-sided adhesive tape. On its side facing away from the toilet bowl, it provides geometries that interlock with the holder. This version is largely independent of the width of the toilet bowl rim and can also be used on rough surfaces.

[0064] Character description

[0065] The invention is explained below by way of example using figures. T. Kriz 12 isipat shows this.

[0066] Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P

[0067] Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view through a

[0068] Toilet bowl with lid and humidification device;

[0069] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a toilet bowl with a humidifying device, but without a lid.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view through a toilet bowl 2 with a lid 7 and a humidifying device 1. The humidifying device 1 comprises a container 3 for liquid (not shown), a bracket 4, a pump 5 for conveying the liquid, and a spray device 6 for dispensing the liquid into the interior of the toilet bowl 2. The bracket 4 serves to laterally mount the humidifying device 1 to the rim of the toilet bowl 2. The bracket 4 has a height H that is less than the distance between the toilet bowl 2 and a lid 7 that can be lowered onto it. Thus, the humidifying device 1 allows the lid 7 to be fully lowered without the humidifying device 1 having to be removed or otherwise modified (e.g., moved to a rest position).It should be noted that the height H of the bracket is also less than or equal to the distance between the toilet bowl 2 and a seat ring (not shown) that is present in many cases. Thus, a lid 7 with a seat ring, or the seat ring alone, can be folded down while the humidifying device 1 is attached to the toilet bowl 2.

[0071] The bracket 4 includes the spray device 6 on its side facing the interior of the toilet bowl 2 (right end of the bracket 4 in the image). In this case, the spray device does not project beyond the bracket 4 but is housed within it. This provides a design with smooth outer surfaces that are visually appealing and easy to clean. Any electrical and electronic components (power supply, control unit, switches, sensors, etc.) are not shown. As can be seen, the spray device 6 is angled downwards to achieve better wetting of the relevant surfaces. In particular, the spray device 6 – more precisely, the end that dispenses the liquid droplets, where the liquid jet begins – is angled at a fixed angle W1 of approximately [value missing] when viewed from the front to the horizontal.The jet of liquid is directed downwards at a 50° angle, so that the liquid jet is also discharged in this direction. The liquid jet (without reference symbol) is indicated by a very narrow cone (e.g., 1° to 10°) of separated liquid droplets. The liquid jet wets the central rear area of ​​the toilet bowl 2, which is indicated by the dotted area (without reference symbol). This area lies above the centrally located drain opening (circle at the lower end of the rear wall of the toilet bowl 2).

[0072] The holder 4 has a retaining claw 8 on the underside of its distal end (right in the image), pointing towards the bottom of the toilet bowl. This claw allows the humidifying device 1 to be hooked onto the side edge of the toilet bowl 2. In this way, the humidifying device 1 can also be easily removed from the toilet bowl 2 if necessary.

[0073] Preferably, the container 3 is designed to be removable from the rest of the humidification device 1 in order to be easily refilled (removability not shown).

[0074] Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of the toilet bowl 2, depicted without a lid, with a spray device 1 attached to the side. Viewed from above, this spray device is directed at a fixed angle W2 of approximately 40° "towards the center" in the central rear region of the toilet bowl 2 (indicated again by the dotted area), towards a plane parallel to the sagittal plane 9 and passing through the beginning of the liquid jet (without reference symbol). In this region, deposits are found on the toilet bowl 2.

[0075] The most likely cause of the liquid jet is always precisely directed towards this area after the device is attached, thanks to the WO TK03WO-P ventilation device.

[0076] Fig. 2 also shows a spray gun 10, which is connected to the container 3 of the humidifying device by means of a hose.

[0077] 1 is connected and thus powered by it. If necessary, stubborn areas can also be manually treated using spray gun 10.

[0078] Adhesions are removed.

[0079] T. Kriz 15 isipat

[0080] Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P

[0081] Reference character list

[0082] 1. Air conditioning device

[0083] 2 toilet bowls

[0084] 3 containers

[0085] 4 brackets

[0086] 5 Pumping unit

[0087] 6 Spray device

[0088] 7 lids

[0089] 8 Retaining claw

[0090] 9 Sagittal plane

[0091] 10 spray gun

[0092] H height

[0093] Wl , W2 angle

Claims

T. Kriz 16 isipat Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P Patent claims 1. Humidifying device (1) for the interior of a toilet bowl (2), the humidifying device (1) comprising a container (3) for liquid, a holder (4), a pumping device (5) for conveying the liquid, and a spraying device (6) for dispensing the liquid into the interior of the toilet bowl (2), wherein the holder (4) is designed for laterally mounting the humidifying device (1) on the rim of the toilet bowl (2), and has a height (H) which is less than a distance between the toilet bowl (2) and a seat ring or lid (7) that can be lowered on it, so that the humidifying device (1) allows the seat ring or lid (7) to be lowered completely, characterized in that the spraying device (6) is always directed obliquely downwards and into the central rear area of ​​the toilet bowl (2),and is designed for the rapid delivery of a directed jet of non-sustaining liquid droplets.

2. Humidifying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the holder (4) comprises on its side facing the interior of the toilet bowl (2) the spray device (6) for dispensing the liquid, wherein the width of the latter corresponds to or is less than the width of the holder (4).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the middle rear area is located in the rear half of the toilet bowl (2) and is defined by a center point that deviates by no more than 5 cm from the sagittal plane (9) of the toilet bowl (2) and whose position is between 30% and 50% of the depth of the toilet bowl (2), measured from its rear upper rim, and / or T. Kriz 17 isipat Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P - the spray device (6) is directed downwards at a fixed angle (Wl) between 10° and 80° and towards the rear of the toilet bowl (2) at a fixed angle (W2) between 10° and 80°.

4. Humidification device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the same comprises a power supply by means of which the pump device (5) can be operated.

5. Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy supply comprises a rechargeable energy storage device.

6. Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor for detecting the opening of the lid (7) , and / or a sensor for detecting the presence of a person, each for operating the pump device (5) for a limited time.

7. Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a manually operable switch for time-limited operation of the pump device (5) .

8. Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spray gun (10) supplied by means of a hose to the said pumping device or to a further pumping device, supplied by the container (3) for manually spraying the inner walls of the toilet bowl (2) .

9. Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) is removable from the humidification device (1).

10. Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height (H) of the holder (4) is between 0.5 and 1.0 cm, and / or the width of the holder (4) is between 5.0 and 10.0 cm, and / or the container (3) has a volume between 0.1 and 1.0 l, and / or the T. Kriz 18 isipat Air conditioning device WO TK03WO-P The dispensed volume of liquid is between 0.1 and 50 ml, and / or the dispensed time is preferably between 0.5 and 5 s.

11. Humidification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the holder (4) has a retaining claw (8) on the underside of its distal end pointing towards the bottom of the toilet bowl, and / or - wherein the holder (4) and / or the wall of the humidifying device (1) facing the outside of the toilet bowl comprise one or more suction devices intended for attachment to said outside, and / or wherein the holder (4) can be attached without tools to a base that can be permanently fixed to the rim of the toilet bowl (2).

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