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EP 2 993 274 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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05.04.2017 Bulletin 2017/14 |
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Date of filing: 04.09.2015 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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WC WITH LOW NOISE
GERÄUSCHARMES WC
WC AVEC UN FAIBLE BRUIT
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL
NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
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Priority: |
05.09.2014 IT RM20140503
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Date of publication of application: |
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09.03.2016 Bulletin 2016/10 |
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Proprietors: |
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- Ceramica Catalano S.p.A.
Fabrica Di Roma (VT) (IT)
- Gruppo Sanitari Italia - G.S.I S.p.A.
Gallese (VT) (IT)
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Inventor: |
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- Rossi, Mario
01033 Civita Castellana (IT)
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Representative: Bosman, Cesare et al |
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Studio Torta S.p.A.
Via Viotti, 9 10121 Torino 10121 Torino (IT) |
(56) |
References cited: :
EP-A1- 2 604 761 GB-A- 2 431 937
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FR-A1- 2 744 744 US-A- 5 926 863
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The present invention relates to a WC with improved noise characteristics. Examples
of WC'S can be found in
GB 2431937A and
EP 2604761 A1.
[0002] One of the most important aspects that research in the field of sanitary fixtures
has focused on is that relating to noise.
[0003] Over time said aspect has become more and more critical in the choice of buying sanitary
fixtures.
[0004] For a more complete understanding of the problem relating to noise, one may contemplate
hotel accommodations, where substantially the number of bathrooms is comparable with
that of the rooms. It is evident that in these cases the ability to lower the bathroom
noise level would contribute significantly to a greater quality of the accommodation
itself.
[0005] The sanitary fixture that is found to have the greatest noise problem is the WC.
In fact, the water which is released inside the WC for discharging operations usually
produces a particularly loud and annoying noise.
[0006] Therefore the need was felt to produce a WC having the technical characteristics
for reducing the noise level of the flushing water during discharging operations.
[0007] Subject of the present invention is a WC, whose essential characteristics are disclosed
in claim 1, and whose preferred and/or auxiliary characteristics are set forth in
claims 2-10.
[0008] In the following an example of embodiment is provided purely by way of illustrative
and non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying figures, wherein:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a WC according to the present invention;
Figure 1a is an enlargement of a detail of the section of Figure 1;
Figure 1b is a section along the line I-I of Figure 1a;
Figure 2 is a section along the line II-II of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a section along the line III-III of Figure 2.
[0009] In Figures 1 and 2 is indicated, as a whole, with 1 a WC according to the present
invention.
[0010] The WC 1 comprises a single piece structure 2 made of ceramic defining a basin 3,
a discharge duct 4 connected to a bottom portion of the basin 3, and a supply duct
5 of the flushing water which communicates with the basin 3 through only one flushing
opening 6. The duct is obtained inside a rear portion 2a of the structure 2 so as
to be connected to a water network.
[0011] The duct 5 extends along a longitudinal axis X and is defined in sequence by an inlet
portion 7 where the connection with the water network is obtained and having a standard
size regulated by specific requirements, by a flowing portion 8, and by an outlet
portion 9 on a lateral wall 10 in which the flushing opening 6 is obtained.
[0012] As made evident from Figures 1 and 1b, the outlet portion 9 has a flow-through section
equal to about half of the flow-through section of the flowing portion 8. This means
that from the flowing portion 8 to the outlet portion 9 there is a narrowing of the
flow-through section equal to about a half.
[0013] Preferably, the flow-through section of the outlet portion 9 has an area ranging
from 35 to 65%, more preferably ranging from 45 to 55%, of the area of the flow-through
section of the flowing portion 8.
[0014] The flushing opening 6 is obtained on the lateral wall 10 of the outlet portion 9
and has a flow-through section with an area equal to approximately 35% of the area
of the flow-through section of the outlet portion 9. The flow-through section of the
opening 6 has an area ranging from 20 to 50%, preferably ranging from 30 to 40%, of
the area of the flow-through section of the outlet portion 9.
[0015] In particular, as made apparent from Figure 1, the outlet portion 9 comprises a bottom
wall 11 inclined upwards with respect to the axis X. The inclined position of the
bottom wall 11 causes the outlet portion 9 to extend beyond the flushing opening 6.
In this way a diminished load of the flow of the flushing water occurs which further
facilitates the effectiveness of the present invention.
[0016] As made evident from Figure 3, the basin 3 is defined by an asymmetric wall 12 that
joins inferiorly with the discharge duct 4. In particular, following the flow of water
as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2, the wall 12 is defined by a first lateral
portion 13, by a front portion 14, by a second lateral portion 15 and by a bottom
portion 16. The flushing opening 6 is obtained at the bottom portion 16 and faces
the first lateral portion 13. The asymmetry of the wall 12 is due to the different
conformation of its two lateral portions 13 and 15. Both lateral portions 13 and 15
comprise a concave upper part 13a and 15a, followed by a substantially vertical lower
part 13b and 15b which joins inferiorly to the discharge duct 4.
[0017] Both concave upper parts 13a and 15a have a variable bending radius. Here and hereinafter
the concept that the concave upper part 13a of the first lateral portion 13 has a
greater depth concavity than the concave upper part 15a of the second lateral portion
15 means that the smallest bending radius of the concave upper part 13a is less than
the smallest bending radius of the concave upper part 15a.
[0018] The concave upper part 13a has a vertical extension less than the concave upper part
15a and, consequently, has a substantially vertical lower part 13b greater than that
of the lateral portion 15.
[0019] In particular, the concave upper part 13a is defined by a variation of its bending
radius which, from the top to the bottom, assumes in sequence the values 64 mm, 30.8
mm and 213.9 mm; while, the concave upper part 15a is defined by a variation of its
bending radius, which, from the top to the bottom, assumes in sequence the values
64 mm, 37.2 mm and 103.7 mm.
[0020] As is apparent from Figure 1, the front portion 14 of the lateral wall 12 has a more
pronounced concavity with respect to the WC of the prior art and is defined by a variation
of the bending radius which, from the top to the bottom, assumes in sequence the values
48.1 mm, 69.1 mm and 232.9 mm.
[0021] The values of the above radii of curvature are expressed in mm.
[0022] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 3, the lateral wall 12 is rimless, thus ensuring
greater hygiene. In fact, a rimless lateral wall guarantees the absence of recesses
difficult to reach during cleaning operations and therefore can represent possible
locations of bacterial proliferation.
[0023] The presence of a single lateral flushing opening 6 and the particular shape of the
two lateral portions 13a, 15a of the lateral wall 12 allow to significantly lessen
the noise level caused by the flushing water during discharge. The effectiveness of
the flow of the flushing water in terms of directionality and pressure, however, is
made possible by conformational features of the supply duct 5 of the discharge water.
[0024] Finally, the shape of the front portion 14 of the lateral wall 12 further ensures
the proper flow of the discharge water and consequential low noise.
[0025] As indicated by the arrows of Figure 2, the water produced from the flushing opening
6 generates a spiral flow that flows along the lateral wall 12. The spiral path of
the flushing water flow ensures, therefore, that along the path itself there is no
impact between different water portions. In fact, the flushing water first passes
through the concave upper part 13a, then the concavity of the front portion 14 and,
once crossed the concave upper part 15a, is located in a position lower than the water
flowing along the concave upper part 13a. In this way, therefore, the water leaving
the concave upper part 15a, instead of encountering the water flowing along the concave
upper part 13a, flows until impact against the substantially vertical lower part 13b,
then continues towards the discharge duct 4.
[0026] The present invention offers the great advantage of being able to ensure a low noise
level of the flushing water during the discharge operation, along with a high efficiency
in the cleaning of the inner walls of the WC.
[0027] Furthermore, when the characteristics are also associated with the absence of a rim
of the WC, the advantage concerning a high level of hygiene is also accomplished.
1. A WC (1) comprising a structure (2) defining at least one basin (3) delimited by an
asymmetrical lateral wall (12) and a flushing water supply duct (5) obtained in a
rear portion (2a) of the structure (2) to be connected to a water network, extending
along an axis X and communicating with said basin (3) so as to allow the flushing
water to flow;
said WC being
characterized in that said flushing water supply duct (5) is defined by at least a flowing portion (8)
and by an outlet portion (9) directly connected to said flowing portion, the outlet
portion (9) comprising a lateral wall (10) in which only one flushing opening (6)
for the flowing of water from the duct (5) to the basin (3) is obtained; said opening
(6) having a flow-through section with an area ranging from 20 to 50% of the area
of the flow-through section of the outlet portion (9) and said outlet portion (9)
having a flow-through section with an area ranging from 35 to 65% of the area of the
flow-through section of said flowing portion (8);
and in that said lateral wall (12) defining the basin (3) has an asymmetrical shape and comprises:
- a first lateral portion (13), which is faced by said flushing opening (6) and comprises:
a concave upper part (13a) and a substantially vertical lower part (13b), and
- a second lateral portion (15) facing the first lateral portion (13) and arranged
in front of it and comprising:
a concave upper part (15a) having a larger vertical extension than the concave upper
part (13a) of the first lateral portion (13) and a substantially vertical lower part
(15b) with smaller dimensions than the substantially vertical lower part (13b) of
the first lateral portion (13).
2. The WC according to claim 1, characterized in that said opening (6) has a flow-through section with an area ranging from 30 to 40% of
the area of the flow-through section of the outlet portion (9).
3. The WC according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlet portion (9) has a flow-through section with an area ranging from 45 to
55% of the area of the flow-through section of said flowing portion (8).
4. The WC according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outlet portion (9) extends beyond said flushing opening (6).
5. The WC according to claim 4, characterized in that the outlet portion (9) comprises a bottom wall (11), which is inclined upwards with
respect to the axis X.
6. The WC according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concave upper part (13a) of the first lateral portion (13) has a greater depth
concavity than the concave upper part (15a) of the second lateral portion (15).
7. The WC according to claim 6, characterized in that the concave upper part (13a) of the first lateral portion (13) is defined by a variation
of its bending radius, which, from the top to the bottom, assumes in sequence the
values 64 mm, 30.8 mm and 213.9 mm; and in that the concave upper part (15a) of the second lateral portion (15) is defined by a variation
of its bending radius, which, from the top to the bottom, assumes in sequence the
values 64 mm, 37.2 mm and 103, 7 mm.
8. WC according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral wall (12) comprises a front portion (14) which is defined by a variation
of its bending radius, which, from the top to the bottom, assumes, in sequence, the
values 48.1 mm, 69.1 mm and 232.9 mm.
9. The WC according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lateral wall (12) is rimless.
10. The WC according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said structure (2) is one single piece made of ceramic.
1. WC (1) mit einem Aufbau (2), der mindestens ein Becken (3) definiert, das von einer
asymmetrischen Seitenwand (12) begrenzt wird, und mit einer Spülwasserzufuhrleitung
(5), die in einem hinteren Teil (2a) des Aufbaus (2) enthalten ist, und an ein Wassernetz
anzuschließen ist, wobei die Spülwasserzufuhrleitung (5) sich entlang einer Achse
X erstreckt und mit dem Becken (3) in Verbindung steht, um es dem Spülwasser zu ermöglichen
zu fließen,
wobei das WC
dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass die Spülwasserzufuhrleitung (5) definiert ist durch mindestens einen Förderabschnitt
(8) und durch einen Auslassabschnitt (9), der direkt mit dem Förderabschnitt verbunden
ist, wobei der Auslassabschnitt (9) eine Seitenwand (10) aufweist, in der nur eine
Spülöffnung (6) zum Fördern von Wasser aus der Leitung (5) in das Becken (3) enthalten
ist, wobei die Öffnung (6) einen Durchflussquerschnitt aufweist mit einer Fläche im
Bereich von 20 bis 50% der Fläche des Durchflussquerschnitts des Auslassabschnitts
(9), und wobei der Auslassabschnitt (9) einen Durchflussquerschnitt mit einer Fläche
im Bereich von 35 bis 65% der Fläche des Durchflussquerschnitts des Förderabschnitts
(8) aufweist,
und dadurch, dass die das Becken (3) definierende Seitenwand (12) eine asymmetrische
Form hat und aufweist:
- einen ersten seitlichen Bereich (13), dem die Spülöffnung (6) gegenüberliegt, und
der aufweist:
einen konkaven oberen Teil (13a) und einen im Wesentlichen senkrechten unteren Teil
(13b), und
- einen zweiten seitlichen Bereich (15), der dem ersten seitlichen Bereich (13) gegenüberliegt
und davor liegt und aufweist:
einen konkaven oberen Teil (15a) mit einer größeren senkrechten Erstreckung als der
konkave obere Teil (13a) des ersten seitlichen Bereichs (13) und einen im Wesentlichen
senkrechten unteren Teil (15b) mit kleineren Abmessungen als der im Wesentlichen senkrechte
untere Teil (13b) des ersten seitlichen Bereichs (13).
2. WC nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Öffnung (6) einen Durchflussquerschnitt mit einer Fläche im Bereich von 30 bis
40% der Fläche des Durchflussquerschnitts des Auslassabschnitts (9) aufweist.
3. WC nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Auslassabschnitt (9) einen Durchflussquerschnitt mit einer Fläche im Bereich
von 45 bis 55% der Fläche des Durchflussbereichs des Förderabschnitts (8) aufweist.
4. WC nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Auslassabschnitt (9) sich über die Spülöffnung (6) hinaus erstreckt.
5. WC nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Auslassabschnitt (9) eine Bodenwand (11) aufweist, die bezüglich der X-Achse
nach oben geneigt ist.
6. WC nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der konkave obere Teil (13a) des ersten seitlichen Bereichs (13) eine größere Höhlungstiefe
als der konkave obere Teil (15a) des zweiten seitlichen Bereichs (15) aufweist.
7. WC nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der konkave obere Teil (13a) des ersten seitlichen Bereichs (13) definiert ist durch
eine Änderung seines Krümmungsradius, der von oben nach unten die Werte 64 mm, 30,8
mm und 213,9 mm in dieser Reihenfolge annimmt, und dadurch, dass der konkave obere
Teil (15a) des zweiten seitlichen Bereichs (15) definiert ist durch eine Änderung
seines Krümmungsradius, der von oben nach unten die Werte 64 mm, 37,2 mm und 103,7
mm in dieser Reihenfolge annimmt.
8. WC nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Seitenwand (12) einen Stirnbereich (14) aufweist, der definiert ist durch eine
Änderung seines Krümmungsradius, der von oben nach unten die Werte 48,1 mm, 69,1 mm
und 232,9 mm in dieser Reihenfolge annimmt.
9. WC nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Seitenwand (12) randlos ist.
10. WC nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Aufbau (2) einstückig aus Keramik gefertigt ist.
1. WC (1) comprenant une structure (2) définissant au moins un bassin (3) délimité par
une paroi latérale asymétrique (12) et un conduit d'alimentation en eau de rinçage
(5) prévu dans une portion arrière (2a) de la structure (2) à connecter à un réseau
d'alimentation en eau, s'étendant le long d'un axe X et communiquant avec ledit bassin
(3) de manière à permettre à l'eau de rinçage de s'écouler ;
ledit WC étant
caractérisé en ce que ledit conduit d'alimentation en eau de rinçage (5) est défini par au moins une portion
d'écoulement (8) et par une portion de sortie (9) connectée directement à ladite portion
d'écoulement, la portion de sortie (9) comprenant une paroi latérale (10) dans laquelle
est prévue seulement une ouverture de rinçage (6) pour l'écoulement d'eau provenant
du conduit (5) vers le bassin (3), ladite ouverture (6) ayant une section d'écoulement
avec une zone représentant entre 20 et 50 % de la zone de la section d'écoulement
de la portion de sortie (9) et ladite portion de sortie (9) ayant une section d'écoulement
avec une zone représentant entre 35 et 65 % de la zone de la section d'écoulement
de ladite portion d'écoulement (8) ;
et
en ce que ladite paroi latérale (12) définissant le bassin (3) présente une forme asymétrique
et comprend :
- une première portion latérale (13) en regard de laquelle se trouve ladite ouverture
de rinçage (6), et qui comprend :
une partie supérieure concave (13a) et une partie inférieure sensiblement verticale
(13b), et
- une deuxième portion latérale (15) en regard de la première portion latérale (13)
et disposée devant elle, et comprenant :
une partie supérieure concave (15a) ayant une étendue verticale plus grande que la
partie supérieure concave (13a) de la première portion latérale (13) et une partie
inférieure sensiblement verticale (15b) ayant de plus petites dimensions que la partie
inférieure sensiblement verticale (13b) de la première portion latérale (13).
2. WC selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite ouverture (6) présente une section d'écoulement avec une zone représentant
30 à 40 % de la zone de la section d'écoulement de la portion de sortie (9).
3. WC selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la portion de sortie (9) présente une section d'écoulement avec une zone représentant
45 à 55 % de la zone de la section d'écoulement de ladite portion d'écoulement (8).
4. WC selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite portion de sortie (9) s'étend au-delà de ladite ouverture de rinçage (6).
5. WC selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la portion de sortie (9) comprend une paroi inférieure (11) qui est inclinée vers
le haut par rapport à l'axe X.
6. WC selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la partie supérieure concave (13a) de la première portion latérale (13) présente
une plus grande profondeur de concavité que la partie supérieure concave (15a) de
la deuxième portion latérale (15).
7. WC selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la partie supérieure concave (13a) de la première portion latérale (13) est définie
par une variation de son rayon de courbure qui, de haut en bas, adopte, en succession,
les valeurs de 64 mm, 30,8 mm et 213,9 mm ; et en ce que la partie supérieure concave (15a) de la deuxième portion latérale (15) est définie
par une variation de son rayon de courbure qui, de haut en bas, adopte, en succession,
les valeurs de 64 mm, 37,2 mm et 103,7 mm.
8. WC selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la paroi latérale (12) comprend une portion avant (14) qui est définie par une variation
de son rayon de courbure qui, de haut en bas, adopte, en succession, les valeurs de
48,1 mm, 69,1 mm et 232,9 mm.
9. WC selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite paroi latérale (12) est dépourvue de bordure.
10. WC selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite structure (2) est une pièce unique fabriquée en céramique.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description