(19)
(11) EP 2 898 869 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC

(43) Date of publication:
29.07.2015 Bulletin 2015/31

(21) Application number: 12885125.0

(22) Date of filing: 30.11.2012
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A61H 35/00(2006.01)
E03D 9/06(2006.01)
A47K 3/28(2006.01)
(86) International application number:
PCT/ES2012/070844
(87) International publication number:
WO 2014/044875 (27.03.2014 Gazette 2014/13)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
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
Designated Extension States:
BA ME

(30) Priority: 20.09.2012 ES 201231464
28.11.2012 ES 201231847

(71) Applicant: Griferias Grober, S.L.
50197 Zaragoza (ES)

(72) Inventor:
  • LADRÓN JIMÉNEZ, Roberto
    E-50197 Zaragoza (ES)

(74) Representative: Schäfer, Matthias W. 
Patentanwalt Schwanseestrasse 43
81549 München
81549 München (DE)

   


(54) PERINEAL SHOWER


(57) Perineal shower, of the type used for personal hygiene close to or in the toilet bowl, in place of a bidet, supplying water by means of a hose (3) and a showerhead (4), characterised in that it comprises a tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2) integrated in one single piece, formed by a part to be built in and another external part, positioned on its free end, corresponding to the on/off control knob (2, 2.1), with a similar configuration to the tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2), in terms of size and structure, presenting in its interior a cavity (5) that when positioned vertically allows the fixing of the showerhead (4), with the result that when it is freed from being fixed, the on/off control knob (2, 2.1) can be operated by being turned to the right or the left, resulting in oblique positions that prevent the fixing of the showerhead (4).




Description

Object of the invention



[0001] Perineal shower, of the type used for personal hygiene close to or in the toilet bowl, in place of a bidet, supplying water by means of a hose and a showerhead, characterised in that it comprises a tap integrated in one single piece, formed by a part to be built in and another external part, positioned on its free end, corresponding to the on/off control knob, designed to regulate the flow of water, with a similar configuration to the tap in terms of size and structure, presenting in its interior a cavity that when positioned vertically allows the fixing of the showerhead, with the result that when it is freed from being fixed, the on/off control knob may be operated by being turned to the left or the right, resulting in oblique positions that prevent the fixing of the showerhead.

[0002] It is an object of this invention to achieve, by means of the nature of the tap, safety advantages, ensuring that the hose and the showerhead never remain subject to water pressure, preventing possible splits or leaks and safeguarding their useful life, and also ensuring advantages in its installation and use and, as a result, cost-saving advantages due to the reduction in components.

Prior art



[0003] At this moment in time traditional sanitaryware, corresponding to the bathtub or shower, toilet, washbasin and bidet, is fitted in bathrooms, with the drawback that in many cases and due to a lack of space, either the bidet is not fitted or a very limited amount of space is left if it is.

[0004] There are, however, different known types of taps, commonly built into in the wall, with a showerhead in place of the bidet, designed to allow cleaning and personal hygiene in the toilet, but with the drawback that after they have been used water pressure remains in the shower hose, causing splits in the hose section and water to leak through them.

[0005] There are also other models that have a stopcock to prevent water pressure in the shower hose, although it is possible to leave said stopcock on and the control knob under pressure.

[0006] Spanish utility model U200900652 presents a mono mixer tap with shower designed to replace the bidet but operating either through the tap pipe or the shower, according to the user's needs.

Description of the invention



[0007] In order to solve existing problems, a perineal shower that is the object of this invention has been designed, and is characterised in that it comprises a tap integrated in one single piece, formed by a part to be built in and another external part, positioned on its free end, corresponding to the on/off control knob, with a similar configuration to the tap in terms of size and structure, thereby making its installation easier and reducing costs by reducing components.

[0008] The on/off control knob, designed to control the flow of water, presents in its interior a cavity that when positioned vertically, allows the fixing of the showerhead, with the result that when it is freed from being fixed, the on/off control knob may be operated by being turned to the right or the left, resulting in oblique positions that prevent the fixing of the showerhead, creating a safety system that allows the flow of water from the tap to be opened or closed as the user wishes, ensuring that the hose and the showerhead never remain subject to water pressure, preventing possible splits or leaks, and safeguarding its useful life.

[0009] When the user needs to use the tap they must take the showerhead from the cavity of the on/off control knob, which may as a result be rotated for its use, allowing the switching on, control of flow and switching off of one or more flows of water, the cavity of the control knob thus being positioned in an inclined manner, thereby preventing the fixing of the showerhead. After use of the tap, when it is turned off, the cavity of the "on" control knob is positioned vertically to allow the showerhead to be fixed again.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment this perineal shower consists of a tap with a water inlet from the wall. The switching on, control of flow and switching off of the water is achieved by rotating the on/off control knob by means of a ceramic-type lock. Said control knob is also used to support the showerhead when the system is not in use. The design of the on/off control knob does not allow the introduction of the showerhead if it is not in the closed position. As a result, the hose and the head, which are less resistant to pressure than the ceramic lock, do not remain under constant pressure, thereby making increasing safety.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the perineal shower consists of a tap with a water inlet and allows the switching on, control of flow and switching off of the water. In addition to the water outlet for the shower hose it has another water outlet that allows the mechanism of the WC cistern to be supplied.

[0012] The system may therefore be installed in the same wall inlet as the one used by the cistern. The opening system allows the flow to be controlled in the outlet for the hose and also allows the inlet for the cistern to be opened or closed. It is possible, depending on the position of the lever, to open or close the outlet for the shower hose and the outlet for the cistern separately or simultaneously. This allows the shower hose to be used once the cistern has been filled, the WC cistern to be filled when the hose is not being used, and even the supply to the cistern inlet to be cut off if necessary.

[0013] In another alternative embodiment, the perineal shower consists of a mixer tap, of cold water and hot water respectively, from the wall. The switching on, control of flow and switching off of the water is achieved by rotating the on/off control knob, allowing mixed water to be obtained at the required temperature. This alternative embodiment of a perineal shower is made possible by means of a progressive ceramic cartridge, the switching-on, switchingoff, control of flow and temperature mixing being achieved by rotating the on/off control knob, the same safety system thus being that of the preceding embodiments.

[0014] Another alternative embodiment of the perineal shower consists of a tap with a water inlet incorporated into an thermostatic tap to be built in, which is configured for a part to be built into the wall, concealed by a trim cover and another external part, where the water inlet tap with its corresponding on/off control knob and the temperature control knob of the thermostatic tap are incorporated, the two being positioned parallel to each other and a small gap being maintained between the two of them.

[0015] The installation of the perineal shower incorporated into a thermostatic tap to be built in is achieved by attaching the part built into the wall to the existing installation, with the tap of the perineal shower and the temperature control knob of the thermostatic tap then being attached to it, said assembly being concealed by means of a trim cover, the hose and showerhead then being incorporated into the tap.

[0016] The installation of the perineal shower incorporated into a thermostatic tap to be built in, may also be achieved by integrating, during manufacture and on the part to be built in of the thermostatic tap, the tap of the perineal shower and the temperature control knob, all that is then required is to connect it to the existing installation, with the trim cover then being fitted to conceal the assembly, and the rest of the components then being incorporated.

[0017] Another alternative embodiment of the perineal shower consists of a tap with a water inlet, incorporated into the body of an external thermostatic tap, with its corresponding on/off control knob for controlling flow, with control of the temperature being achieved by adjusting the control knob of the external thermostatic tap.

[0018] The incorporation of a perineal shower into a thermostatic tap offers significant advantages in terms of functionality, as the thermostatic tap is installed in order to adjust the temperature of the water mixture, with no additional control knob for regulating the flow being necessary, as said regulation of the flow is achieved by means of the on/off control knob of the tap of the perineal shower, thereby reducing costs significantly and also considerably reducing the space needed for its installation.

[0019] Another alternative embodiment of the perineal shower consists of a tap with a water inlet, incorporated into the body of an external mixer tap, with its corresponding on/off control knob for controlling flow, with control of the temperature being achieved by adjusting the control knob or lever of the external mixer tap.

[0020] Optionally, the on/off control knob for controlling the flow of the tap of the perineal shower incorporates a small-sized lateral and central wing, designed to make the control knob easier to rotate.

[0021] Additionally, all the embodiments optionally include an accessory for holding the toilet roll and/or a hook for hanging a towel, enabling these accessories to be removed from the bathroom.

Advantages of the invention



[0022] Among those currently available, the perineal shower presented herein offers numerous advantages in terms of adaptability, the most important being that, as well as replacing the bidet, it is comprised of a tap for the supply of water by means of a hose and a showerhead, integrated in one single piece, formed by a part to be built in and another external part, positioned on its free end, corresponding to the on/off control knob, with a similar configuration to the tap in terms of size and structure, allowing the flow of water from the tap to be turned on or off as the user wishes, thereby making its installation easier and also reducing costs as a result of the reduction of components.

[0023] Another fundamental advantage is that the on/off control knob is designed to regulate the flow of water, presenting a cavity designed for the fixing of the vertically positioned showerhead, when the control knob is turned off, preventing the fixing of the showerhead when the control knob is turned on, given that the cavity is positioned in an inclined manner, thereby ensuring that the hose and the showerhead never remain under pressure, thus preventing possible splits or leaks.

[0024] Similarly, another important advantage is that the perineal shower in an alternative embodiment consists of a tap that incorporates an inlet for the cistern, which also allows the cistern to be supplied, it being able to be installed in the existing inlet in the wall for the cistern.

[0025] Another major advantage is that the perineal shower in another alternative embodiment consists of a mixer tap, of cold water and hot water respectively, from the wall, allowing mixed water to be obtained at the temperature required by the user.

[0026] Another equally important advantage is that the perineal shower in another alternative embodiment consists of a mono mixer tap with its corresponding on/off control knob incorporated into a thermostatic tap to be built in.

[0027] Similarly, another important advantage is that the perineal shower in another alternative embodiment consists of a mono mixer tap with its corresponding on/off control knob incorporated into the body of an external thermostatic tap.

[0028] Another important advantage, and one resulting from the preceding ones, is that the incorporation of a perineal shower into a thermostatic tap offers significant advantages in terms of functionality, as the thermostatic tap is installed in order to adjust the temperature of the water mixture, with no additional control knob for regulating the flow being necessary, as said regulation of the flow is achieved by means of the on/off control knob of the tap of the perineal shower, thereby reducing costs significantly and also reducing considerably the space needed for its installation.

[0029] A further important advantage is that the perineal shower, in another alternative embodiment, consists of a mono mixer tap with its corresponding on/off control knob incorporated into the body of an external mixer tap.

[0030] An important advantage is that, optionally, the on/off control knob for controlling the flow of the tap of the perineal shower incorporates a small-sized lateral and central wing, designed to make the control knob easier to rotate.

[0031] One final advantage is that all the embodiments optionally include an accessory for holding the toilet roll and/or a hook for hanging a towel, enabling these accessories to be removed from the bathroom.

Description of the drawings



[0032] To provide a better understanding of the object of the present invention, a preferred practical embodiment of said invention is shown in the drawing attached:

In said drawing Figure 1 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower that consists of a tap with a water inlet.

Figure 2 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower with the accessories for holding the toilet roll and/or a hook for hanging a towel.

Figure 3 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower in an alternative embodiment that incorporates an inlet for the cistern.

Figure 4 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower in an alternative embodiment that incorporates an inlet for the cistern, with the accessories for holding the toilet roll and/or a hook for hanging a towel.

Figure 5 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower in an alternative embodiment that consists of a mixer tap, of cold water and hot water respectively, allowing mixed water to be obtained at the required temperature.

Figure 6 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower in an alternative embodiment that consists of a mixer tap, with the accessories for holding the toilet roll and/or a hook for hanging a towel.

Figure 7 shows a constructive detail of the on/off control knob in the "off" position, allowing the fixing of the showerhead.

Figure 8 shows a constructive detail of the on/off control knob in the "on" position, preventing the fixing of the showerhead.

Figure 9 shows a constructive detail of the optional on/off control knob, with the incorporated showerhead, showing a small-sized wing, designed to make the control knob easier to rotate.

Figure 10 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower with its corresponding hose and a showerhead, incorporated into a thermostatic tap to be built in.

Figure 11 shows a view in perspective of the perineal shower with its corresponding hose and a showerhead, incorporated into a thermostatic tap to be built in, with an accessory for holding the toilet roll or for hanging a towel.

Figure 12 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower with its corresponding hose and a showerhead, incorporated into an external thermostatic tap.

Figure 13 shows a view in perspective of a perineal shower with its corresponding hose and a showerhead, incorporated into an external mixer tap, of a similar appearance to the external thermostatic tap, but with very different internal components.


Preferred embodiment of the invention



[0033] Perineal shower, of the type used for personal hygiene close to or in the toilet bowl, in place of a bidet, supplying water by means of a hose (3) and a showerhead (4), characterised in that it consists of a tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2), integrated in one single piece, formed by a part to be built in and another external part, positioned on its free end, corresponding to the on/off control knob (2, 2.1), designed to regulate the flow of water, with a similar configuration to the tap (1, 1.1. and 1.2) in terms of size and structure, presenting in its interior a cavity (5) that when positioned vertically allows the fixing of the showerhead (4), with the result that when it is freed from being fixed, the on/off control knob (2, 2.1) may be operated by being turned to the right or the left, resulting in oblique positions that prevent the fixing of the showerhead (4).

[0034] In an alternative embodiment the perineal shower consists of a tap (1.1) fitted on the wall, which also incorporates an inlet (6) for the cistern, which allows it to be supplied and emptied, it being able to be installed in the existing inlet in the wall for the cistern.

[0035] In another alternative embodiment the perineal shower consists of a mixer tap (1.2), of cold water and hot water respectively, allowing mixed water to be obtained at the required temperature by means of a progressive ceramic cartridge (7).

[0036] Optionally the on/off control knob (2.1) for regulating the flow of the tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2) of the perineal shower, incorporates a small-sized lateral and central wing (16), designed to make the aforementioned control knob easier to rotate.

[0037] The tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2) of the perineal shower optionally incorporates an accessory (8) for holding the toilet roll and/or a hook for hanging a towel.

[0038] Another alternative embodiment of the perineal shower comprises a tap (1) with a water inlet, with an on/off control knob (2, 2.1), which incorporates a thermostatic tap (9) to be built in, a temperature control switch (10) and a trim cover (11) designed to conceal the built-in part of the thermostatic tap (9), regulation of the flow of water of the perineal shower being activated by means of the on/off control knob (2, 2.1) of the tap (1) and adjustment of the temperature by means of the control switch (10) of thermostatic tap (9) to be built in.

[0039] The perineal shower is installed by attaching the part built into the wall to the existing installation, the tap (1) of the perineal shower and the temperature control switch (10) of thermostatic tap (9) being directly attached to it or pre-incorporated during manufacture, said assembly being concealed by means of a trim cover (11), with the corresponding hose (3) and showerhead (4) then being incorporated into the tap (1), the two being positioned parallel to each other and slightly separated.

[0040] In another alternative embodiment the perineal shower comprises a tap (1) with a water inlet, with an on/off control knob (2, 2.1), incorporated into an external thermostatic tap (12), with a temperature control switch (13), regulation of the flow of water of the perineal shower being activated by means of the on/off control knob (2, 2.1) of the tap (1) and adjustment of the temperature by means of the control switch (13) of the external thermostatic tap (12).

[0041] In another alternative embodiment the perineal shower comprises a tap (1) with a water inlet, with an on/off control knob (2, 2.1) incorporated into an external mixer tap (14), with a temperature control switch (15), regulation of the flow of water of the perineal shower being activated by means of the on/off control knob (2, 2.1) of the tap (1) and adjustment of the temperature by means of the control switch (15) of the external mixer tap (14).


Claims

1. Perineal shower for the supply of water by means of a hose (3) and a showerhead (4), characterised in that it comprises a tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2), integrated in one single piece, formed by a part to be built in and another external part, positioned on its free end, corresponding to the on/off control knob (2, 2.1), for regulating flow, with a similar configuration to the tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2), in terms of size and structure, presenting in its interior a cavity (5).
 
2. Perineal shower, according to claim 1, characterised in that the on/off control knob (2.1) for regulating flow incorporates a small-sized lateral and central wing (16), for rotating it.
 
3. Perineal shower, according to claim 1, characterised in that the tap (1.1) incorporates an inlet (6) for the WC cistern.
 
4. Perineal shower, according to claim 1, characterised in that the tap (1.2) comprises two water inlets, of cold water and hot water respectively, and a progressive ceramic cartridge (7).
 
5. Perineal shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tap (1, 1.1 and 1.2) incorporates an accessory (8) for holding a toilet roll and/or a hook for a towel.
 
6. Perineal shower, according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a tap (1) with a water inlet, with an on/off control knob (2, 2.1), incorporated into a thermostatic tap (9) to be built in, with a temperature control switch (10) and a trim cover (11).
 
7. Perineal shower, according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a tap (1) with a water inlet, with an on/off control knob (2, 2.1), incorporated into the body of an external thermostatic tap (12), with a temperature control switch (13).
 
8. Perineal shower, according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a tap (1) with a water inlet, with an on/off control knob (2, 2.1), incorporated into the body of an external mixer tap (14), with a temperature control switch (15).
 
9. Procedure for the operating of a perineal shower, described in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cavity (5) of the on/off control knob (2, 2.1), when positioned vertically, allows the fixing of the showerhead (4), and when operated by being turned to the right or the left, resulting in oblique positions, prevents it.
 




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Cited references

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