EP3995636B1 - Toilet shower system with telescopic shower arm - Google Patents

Description

Shower systems for toilets have been known for a long time and are also becoming increasingly common in Europe. They regularly have a shower arm with a shower nozzle at a distal end of the shower arm, with water being able to be ejected through the shower nozzle for cleaning the abdomen. A water pump is usually provided to supply the shower arm and generate the necessary water pressure.

Such shower systems can be integrated on the one hand with a toilet as a shower toilet, on the other hand z. B. as so-called attachment devices on an otherwise conventional toilet, be it now as a combination for new sales or as a retrofit solution.

In many cases, the intensity of the shower can be adjusted by the toilet user. In addition to the selection of differently designed shower nozzles, which will not be discussed in more detail below, the water pump output in particular can be adjusted for this purpose. The water pressure applied to the shower nozzle changes accordingly.

With regard to the shower arm, telescopic mechanisms for extending are common. The shower nozzle attached to a distal end can thus be moved further into the toilet bowl. It is therefore easier on the one hand to achieve a favorable position for the shower nozzle for cleaning the abdomen and on the other hand to disturb the use of the toilet outside of showering as little as possible.

It is also known to pre-rinse the shower arm in the retracted state of the telescopic mechanism before it is extended and before an actual shower process using water from the water pump, on the one hand to achieve cleaning and/or on the other hand in the case of water heating for to ensure that there is hot water directly at the shower nozzle during the shower process, i.e. to drain stagnant water from the pipe in advance.

The state of the art EP 2 657 416 A2 shows a toilet shower system in which the water pumps used are measured during manufacture to compensate for sample variations in the water pumps used and the supply voltage of a constant voltage circuit for supplying the installed water pump is adjusted accordingly.

The object of the invention is to improve a toilet shower system with regard to the availability of a suitable water pressure.

The invention is aimed specifically at those shower systems in which the flow cross section for the shower water delivered by the water pump changes significantly during the extension of the shower arm. This can e.g. This can be done, for example, by one or more openings provided for the aforementioned pre-rinsing becoming inactive, e.g. B. because they are blocked during the extension movement or as a result of the extension movement no pressure difference is applied to them. Additionally or alternatively, the (at least one) shower nozzle itself can only be free (or freer) by the extension movement, because in the retracted state, e.g. B. is covered by an element lying outside in this state or no or little shower water can result for other reasons.

According to the invention, a measured variable relating to the water transported by the water pump is recorded during the extension and a change (over time) in this measured variable is detected. This change is based on the change in flow cross section described, in which case the flow cross section could in principle become larger or smaller.

The measured variable mentioned can on the one hand be a hydraulic measured variable of the water itself, i.e. in particular the water pressure and the water flow rate. On the other hand, however, electrical variables of the water pump also come into consideration, in which the flow resistance encountered by the water pump is shown, in particular the current consumed by the water pump or the water pump output. The hydraulic quantities are preferred, in particular the flow rate.

In this way, the measured variable recorded can more or less depict or signal the change in flow cross-section. The invention uses this to operate the water pump after this change has been detected (by means of the change in the measured variable) with reduced power relative to the operation before this detection. This applies in any case if a reduced performance of the water pump corresponds to the actual specification for shower operation. This can be the case with a smaller production-side specification, but above all with the adjustability of the water pump output (or the water pressure) by the toilet user, which is preferred within the scope of this invention, and when the pump output is set to less than the maximum possible.

The invention is also based on the fact that a particularly simple way of extending a shower arm with a telescopic mechanism is the water pressure of the shower water itself. The water pump can therefore extend the shower arm through the transported water and move it against the friction between the telescopic elements and typically also against the force of a restoring device, in particular a spring. In order for this to succeed relatively quickly and reliably despite the opposing forces and the frictional forces possibly caused by wear, calcification or production tolerances, the maximum adjustable or at least a relatively large water pump output is typically used to extend the shower arm.

Despite the use of a high or maximum water pump capacity to extend the shower arm, the invention can prevent the shower jet from being generated with a correspondingly high intensity for too long a time or at all. This can be done with relatively little effort because the shower arm movement itself does not have to be monitored. At the same time, the invention is particularly reliable insofar as, depending on the individual condition of the shower arm, the extension movement does not necessarily have to succeed at precisely the same speed and insofar as the invention uses the actual extension movement and not an assumption about its duration for the reduction of the water pump output.

The change in flow cross-section can be read off from all the possible measured variables already mentioned. In particular, it changes the flow rate, the detection of which is preferred according to the invention.

In this regard, there is a simple and economical solution to measuring the flow rate when using a water heater to heat the shower water. Such a continuous-flow heater often has a controller with a flow meter, for example an impeller in a section of water pipe, because the control of the continuous-flow heater, in particular the regulation, can be improved with the corresponding measurement signal. In the case of a continuous-flow heater, there is no constant temperature as a result of the larger amount of water present in a boiler, and in this respect the demands on the control/regulation are somewhat increased. If such a flow measuring device is now available, its measuring signal can also be used according to the invention. A further flow measuring device is then superfluous.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more pre-rinsing openings are provided, which can drain water before and/or during the extension of the shower arm in order to clean in the manner already mentioned and/or to drain cold water. The pre-flushing openings become inactive during extension, at the latest when they are fully extended, which can result in the flow cross-section change used according to the invention. However, the (at least one) shower nozzle can also be opened during extension, so that despite the pre-rinsing opening(s) becoming inactive, the flow cross-section may also increase overall. In the exemplary embodiment, however, the reduction in the flow cross section due to the pre-purge openings becoming inactive is dominant.

A stabilization of its value is preferably initially awaited during the detection of the measured variable. For example, it can increase performance the water pump to extend the shower arm can lead to temporal instabilities. But if when extending over a period of time, z. B. over a few (about five) samples at a distance of z. B. 0.1 s, changes remain below a certain threshold value, a subsequent temporal change can be used according to the invention. Reference is made to the exemplary embodiment.

In the just described determination of a stabilization of the measured variable and/or in the detection of the subsequent change in this measured variable over time, the changes or threshold values can be specified in absolute or relative terms. More specifically, the threshold within which stabilization is determined may be proportional to the detected value of the measurand, but it is preferred here to use an absolute predetermined difference. In addition, the subsequent change over time can be determined when a threshold value, which is again defined relatively or absolutely, is exceeded, it being preferable to work here again with an absolutely predefined difference from the value previously determined individually during stabilization.

In this respect, it is also preferred to work with the determined values of the measured variable itself, although differentiation would of course also be possible, in particular to determine the change over time that the change in pump power should entail.

The change in pump performance does not necessarily have to be triggered immediately in terms of time by detecting the change over time. Time delays can also be interposed here, for example to wait for the complete extension. However, within the scope of the invention, intentionally interposed delay elements are preferably dispensed with, that is to say reacting "immediately" within the scope of the technical time sequences.

A preferred embodiment relates to a mobile shower system with a shower device that can be mounted on a toilet bowl. In this case, however, it is only temporarily mounted on the bowl in order to implement a pelvic shower function for a user sitting over the bowl or on the bowl during assembly. For this purpose, the shower device has a fastening area with a fastening device. It also includes the shower arm with the shower nozzle inside, the shower arm of course being connected to the attachment means.

The telescoping mechanism may have two or three elements (or more) with a third element being received or moved within the second element in the same manner as the first and second elements. Such telescopic mechanisms are known per se from permanently and permanently installed shower arms in shower toilets. In connection with a mobile shower device, there is also the advantage of being able to move the shower nozzle relatively far from the edge of the bowl into the bowl with a relatively compact design and thus to achieve a favorable starting point for the shower jet to be directed at certain body zones. On the other hand, the shower arm can remain compact and short when it is retracted and is therefore particularly less prone to soiling. Typically, the telescopic members are essentially cylindrical members.

Furthermore, a shower water opening for dispensing shower water when the shower arm is not extended is preferably provided. Preferably there is a shower water channel in a first (proximal) member, preferably as a channel in the wall thereof such as a channel-like indentation or closed channel actually formed in the wall of the first member. In a retracted state of the telescopic mechanism, shower water, e.g. B. at a seal between the first and contained therein second element of the telescopic mechanism past. This shower water can then have further leaks, for example through a distal annular gap between the two elements, to the outside.

In particular, in this form an intermediate space between the first and the second telescopic element can be flushed before and/or after the shower arm is or has been extended. Alternatively or additionally, in this form, the contents of the water pipe from a water heater, z. B. in the base unit, are already ejected to the shower nozzle before the actual shower process, so that the user does not come into contact with this already cold shower water. For example, this can be done by initially working with a lower water pressure, so that the spray arm is not yet extending, and this water pressure is only increased afterwards, ie after the cleaning and cold water drainage process.

A very similar design option relates to an intermediate space between the second element and a third element that may be contained therein. In this case, in particular, the shower nozzle can be used to access this intermediate space, which can be arranged inside the second element when the telescopic mechanism is in the retracted state. The water can then penetrate into this space via the shower nozzle and z. B. via a similar annular gap as just described (here between the second and the third element) or via an additional opening provided in this distal area.

It is preferred that the shower water openings are deactivated by extending the shower arm. This can be done by sealing elements coming into contact during or at the end of the extension.

In particular, the second telescopic element (and, if present, preferably also the third) can have a step outwards at a proximal end, ie in the radial direction, and a sealing ring lying against it. When extending the sealing ring then comes into contact with a counter surface on the distal End of the first telescopic element (or the second, if there is talk of extending the third element), whereby a seal takes place. In the exemplary embodiment, the shower water can then only emerge via the (at least one) shower nozzle when the shower arm is in the fully extended state. The exemplary embodiment shows that in particular the lateral channel depression on the inside of the first element is then virtually short-circuited because it no longer offers a way to the outside.

With regard to simple production and/or good cleaning options, it can be advantageous to connect the shower arm to the rest of the shower device in a snap-in manner and, accordingly, to be able to disassemble it in a snap-in manner. Then z. B. snapped a more or less cylindrically shaped shower arm in a corresponding receptacle and thus connected to this also with regard to the water supply, the shower arm being removed without the need to dismantle the complete shower device and z. B. can be cleaned separately. Even if the entire shower installation is to be removed for cleaning purposes, cleaning with the shower arm separated is easier and certain areas are more accessible. In this context, the part held in place does not necessarily have to be the complete shower arm, but the base can, so to speak, already contain a piece that could be referred to as a shower arm part. This does not change anything fundamental about the above advantages. The telescopic mechanism, however, should belong entirely to the part that can be unlatched and removed.

The shower device can have a one-piece plastic part which contains the snap-in connection device for the shower arm already mentioned. In a preferred variant, this plastic part can make up the entire shower device in addition to the shower arm with the exception of an element carrying the fastening surface, if present, and a flexible water pipe part, insofar as this is attached to the bowl (i.e. with the exception of the base unit). The transition between the dimensionally stable water pipe part and the flexible one Water line part can also be realized on the shower arm, as in the embodiment. The structure is therefore simple and inexpensive.

In a preferred embodiment, the shower device discussed here is to be attached to the (toilet) bowl and connected via a water line to a supply device that accommodates further technical devices, in particular those that require more space. In particular, a water heater can be provided in this basic device, in particular a flow heater. The base unit has a water tank with a water pump. In this respect, a shower device that is as small and compact as possible with the elements that make sense at exactly this point is then attached in the area of the actual bowl.

The shower device can be attached in various ways, for example by snapping or clamping with the production of a positive fit with the edge of the bowl, by gluing, by means of suction cups and the like. The use of at least one adhesive pad, i.e. a flat pad, has proven to be particularly favorable, which preferably adheres without residue to a smooth bowl surface, for example to the surface of sanitary ceramics, by a large number of microscopic suction devices. This solution is residue-free (in contrast to adhesives), simple and easy to clean as well as flat to implement (in contrast to clamping devices or conventional suction cups) and after a simple cleaning under e.g. B. running water can be used many times. So e.g. For example, if cleaning is due anyway, the adhesive pad can also be cleaned before the shower device is installed the next time. A commercially available example is the Fischer brand "Vacuum Pad".

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Duscheinrichtung für ein erfindungsgemäßes Duschsystem, und zwar von unten links einschließlich eines Stücks eines flexiblen Wasserleitungsteils;

Figur 2

die Ansicht aus Figur 1, jedoch mit entferntem Duscharm und ohne den Wasserleitungsteil aus Figur 1 ;

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die Duscheinrichtung aus Figur 1, jedoch aus ungefähr entgegengesetzter Richtung und mit eingefahrenem Duscharm;

Figur 4

den in Figur 2 fehlenden Duscharm in ausgefahrenem Zustand und als perspektivische Schnittdarstellung;

Figur 5

eine Schnittansicht des Duscharms in eingefahrenem Zustand;

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Gesamtansicht eines Basisgeräts zu der Duscheinrichtung aus den Figuren 1-5;

Figur 7

eine Unteransicht des Basisgeräts aus Figur 6 und

Figur 8

eine Darstellung des unteren Teils des Basisgeräts aus Figur 6 bei teilweise abgebautem Gehäuse,

Figur 9

ein Schaltdiagramm mit Einzelheiten des Durchlauferhitzers und mit der Steuerung der Wasserpumpe des Ausführungsbeispiels nach den Figuren 1-8 und

Figur 10

ein Zeitverlaufsdiagramm.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. It shows:

figure 1

a perspective view of a shower device for a shower system according to the invention, from the bottom left including a piece of a flexible water pipe part;

figure 2

the view off figure 1 , but with the shower arm removed and without the water pipe part figure 1 ;

figure 3

a perspective view of the shower device figure 1 , but from roughly the opposite direction and with the shower arm retracted;

figure 4

the in figure 2 missing shower arm in the extended state and as a perspective sectional view;

figure 5

a sectional view of the shower arm in the retracted state;

figure 6

a perspective overall view of a base unit for the shower device from the Figures 1-5 ;

figure 7

a bottom view of the base unit figure 6 and

figure 8

a representation of the lower part of the base unit figure 6 with partially dismantled housing,

figure 9

a circuit diagram with details of the water heater and with the control of the water pump of the embodiment according to the Figures 1-8 and

figure 10

a timing diagram.

The exemplary embodiment relates to a mobile shower system consisting of a first part, the shower device, shown in the first figures, and a second part, which is shown in the last figures, namely the basic device for this. Both are to be connected during use via a water pipe, which will be discussed in more detail later. Together they form a particularly simple and mobile shower system, with the invention of course also being executable with a conventional shower toilet, whether integrated or as a non-integrated solution with an attachment device on a toilet body.

figure 1 shows the shower device with a shower arm 1, which is here in an extended state, ie protruding from the rest of the shower device on the right Telescopic elements 8 and 9 is shown. The shower arm 1 is held in a latching manner in what is otherwise a largely one-piece plastic part 2, which in figure 2 is shown without the shower arm 1 for comparison. In addition, FIG. 1 shows a flexible water pipe part 23 on the left edge, albeit only partially. This leads over a certain length from the actual position of use of the shower facility (on the edge of a toilet bowl) to a base unit standing on the floor next to the toilet according to Figures 6-8 .

To fasten the plastic part 2 , two adhesive pads are attached as fastening means 4 in a fastening area 3 on an underside of the plastic part 2 . With these, the shower facility can be switched off figure 1 be pressed flat onto an equally flat rim of a standard toilet bowl and then adheres there. When the edge of the bowl and the adhesive pads as the fastening device 4 are sufficiently clean, many microscopic suction devices on the underside of the adhesive pads as the fastening device 4 come into effect. This means that the shower device can be removed again at will and without leaving any residue, and it may need to be cleaned before it is reinstalled.

The attachment area 3 is in the left part of the figure 1 recognizable flat area, which merges in a kink area 5 into a holding device 6 which is arranged deep and forms a latching device for holding the shower arm 1. This holding device 6 has (seen in the axial direction of the shower arm 1) essentially an inverted U-shape which is open towards the bottom, compare figure 2 and 3 , Wherein it covers the shower arm 1 like a roof upwards and to the sides. Numeral 7 designates locking projections for holding the shower arm 1; in addition, one is in the figures 1 and 2 right-facing opening for the telescopic elements 8 and 9 of the shower arm 1 narrowed down slightly, as above all figure 2 shows.

There is a gap between the two adhesive pads as a fastening device 4, in which the flexible water pipe part 23 runs, and at one in the figures 4 and 5 easily recognizable connecting piece 10 on a rear part of the Shower arm 1 is connected. For this purpose, the flexible water line part 3 is simply pushed onto the socket 10 .

The connecting piece 10 leads via a rigid water line part 11 into the actual cylinder part 12 of the shower arm 1, in which the telescopic elements 8 and 9 are also housed when retracted, compare those figures 4 and 5 . The rigid water line part 11 runs at an angle to the horizontal or the direction of the connecting piece 10.

This means that shower water can be fed to the shower arm 1 via the flexible water pipe part 3, which in turn is held in place by the plastic part 2 via an adhesive connection to the toilet bowl, but can be released from this plastic part 2 in a latching manner. Accordingly, the shower arm 1 can be removed without complete dismantling of the shower device and z. B. be cleaned. Furthermore, the separation into the two latchingly connected parts, namely the shower arm 1 and the plastic part 2, has advantages in terms of production technology.

As already mentioned, the shower arm 1 has a telescopic mechanism with two movable telescopic elements 8 and 9, the cylinder part 12 forming the first telescopic element, which correspondingly accommodates the second telescopic element 8 (which accommodates the third telescopic element 9). The figures 1 and 4 compared to the Figures 3 and 5 show the extended and retracted state, with the figures 4 and 5 show a helical spring 24 tensioned between the rear inclined wall of the cylinder part 12 on the one hand and a holding arm 13 in the third telescopic element 9 on the other hand. This counteracts the water pressure supplied via the water pipe, so that the retracting and extending of the shower arm can be controlled via the water pressure.

The second and third telescopic elements 8 and 9 have radial outward projections at their respective proximal ends, which are denoted by reference numerals 14 and 15 and each carry an O-ring for sealing. As the figure 4 shows, this sealing occurs in the extended state by abutment against an inwardly pointing radial collar at the respective distal end of the first and second telescopic element 12 and 8, respectively. In the retracted state, however, this seal does not exist. Rather then bridges an in figure 5 recognizable channel depression as a pre-rinse opening 16, which is actually distributed three times over the circumference, the proximal radial projection 14 and guides water past this into the intermediate space 17 ( figure 5 ) between the cylinder part 12, i.e. the first telescopic element 12, and the second telescopic element 8.

In addition, one leads to the figures 4 and 5 clearly visible shower nozzle 18 water into an intermediate space 19 between the second telescopic element 8 and the third telescopic element 9. The water from the first-mentioned intermediate space 17 can flow through a distal annular gap within the radially inward-pointing distal collar of the cylinder part 12, but above all through an in figure 5 with 20 designated small opening in the lower part of the annular gap exit. In the retracted state, this opening 20 is covered by a nose 21 pointing downwards at the distal end of the third telescopic element 9 . The water from the intermediate space 19 similarly exits through the distal annular gap between the second telescopic element 8 and the third telescopic element 9 .

So if there is a certain water pressure which is not yet sufficient for the extension of the shower arm 1, the gaps 17 and 19 and thus the corresponding surfaces of the telescopic elements are flushed. This also applies while driving out. If the water pressure is not switched off abruptly at the end of a shower, the same applies to running in and any time afterwards.

The figures 4 and 5 Incidentally, show below and upstream of the shower nozzle 18 a turbulence chamber 22, to that of the prior art EP 2 628 546 B1 is referenced and those located at one proximal thereof Internal cavity in the third telescopic member 9 (and incidentally the internal cavities in the second and first telescopic members) is connected via a short axially extending duct piece.

For the supply of in the Figures 1-5 illustrated and explained above shower device is a base unit 30 according to Figures 6-8 responsible, which together with a shower system is given as a mobile solution for upgrading an ordinary toilet to a shower toilet.

figure 6 shows a water tank 31 with an essentially cuboid shape, which is placed on a base part 32 and covered by a cover 33 at the top. The base part 32 also essentially has the shape of a cuboid. It has no external switches or other controls other than what is related to figure 7 is explained. If the in figure 6 visible housing cover is removed, the result is a view like in figure 8 , which is not explained in detail.

In any case, there is a central elastomeric element 35 for which the housing cover has a central recess and into which a valve of the water tank 31 engages. A central pin 36 can be seen within the elastomer part 35, with which the valve of the water tank 31 is automatically opened (and closed again when lifted off). Moreover, the elastomer part 35 is made in one piece with a hose 37 that leads to the water pump 38 . The water pump 38 is mounted in a vibration-insulated manner to reduce noise and is connected to a flow heater as a water heating device 39 in a manner that is not shown in detail.

figure 8 shows an approximately vertically upward-pointing lever 40 in front of the continuous-flow heater, which has a second lever arm, not shown here, close to the ground and running approximately at right angles thereto. The second lever arm can be connected via an in figure 7 Push button 41 shown above can be pushed up and is opposite to its transition (to the second arm). Articulated end. Accordingly, depressing button 41 results in inward movement of the in figure 8 shown vertical arm of the lever 40, which actuates an electric button concealed behind it and the reset function of an overheating protection of the instantaneous water heater as a water heating device 39 is triggered.

Incidentally, the base portion 32 includes an electronic controller 42 and some other parts that are not particularly relevant to the understanding of the present invention. The controller 42 has an interface according to the "Low Energy Bluetooth" standard and can, for. B. be addressed via an app on a mobile phone. The user can thus operate the shower function and also program the controller 42 without touching the base unit 30 . Only the reset function with the mechanical button 41 is an exception here.

figure 7 12 shows a bottom view of the base part 32. FIG figure 6 . In addition to the button 41 already mentioned, there is a connecting piece 43 for a not shown here and in figure 1 visible with its other end visible flexible water pipe part 23, which is quite a length of z. B. can have more than a meter to a flexible arrangement of the base unit figure 6 next to the toilet bowl allow. The water line leading to the socket 43 is in figure 8 numbered with 44 and leads from the water heater 39 forth.

Furthermore, one sees in figure 7 an electrical connection cable, the continuing portion and plug of which are omitted, and which bears the symbol 45. This cable is wrapped around a flat spigot 46 which can be found in figure 7 with its lowest section, which is somewhat enlarged compared to the "remaining part" behind it. Accordingly, the remainder of the cable 45 lies behind the visible surface but is wrapped around a remainder of the spigot 46 approximately corresponding to the central oval 47 . At the same time, the visible part of the pin 46 forms a support and ensures that the in figure 6 visible lower edge of the base part 32 is about 3 mm above the ground.

figure 9 shows a block diagram in which the controller 42 is entered at the bottom left and the instantaneous water heater integrated with its own controller as a water heating device 39 is entered at the top right. They are each represented only symbolically by rectangles and also the rest of the figure 9 is symbolic. So you can see the water pump 38 with its motor M below it to the left of the flow heater (in figure 6 the block below the water pump 38) and to the left of it the water tank 31 figure 6 . The water line path from there to the pump 38 has already been explained and is in figure 9 only hinted at; The same applies to the water pipe path from the water pump 38 to the instantaneous water heater as a water heating device 39.

In this there is first of all a symbolically represented ceramic heating element 50 for the actual heating of the shower water. This is, as shown by an arrow, controlled by its own controller 51 of the instantaneous water heater as a water heating device 39. For the most stable possible temperature control, this receives measurement signals from two thermocouples marked with the symbol T on the water line path upstream and downstream of the heating element 50 and also the measurement signal from a flow rate measuring device 52 with an impeller in the water pipe path. There V` is drawn symbolically to symbolize the time derivative of the water volume. Downstream of the instantaneous water heater as the water heating device 39, as explained in more detail with reference to the previous figures, is the water line path to the shower arm 1.

According to the invention, the controller 42 receives a data signal from the controller 51 via the signal line labeled 53 (or could also receive the data signal from the flow rate measuring device 52 directly). As already indicated, it supplies the motor M for the pump 38 and supplies it with a supply voltage U (arrow in figure 9 ) out of. How figure 9 also shows the current I drawn by the motor M detected and fed back to the controller, e.g. B. to notice a short circuit and then switch off.

Specifically is in figure 9 A unit 54 is drawn within the controller 42, which represents part of the controller 42, namely a pump driver for the motor M together with a simple circuit for the processes described below.

The controller 42 can thus in particular detect changes in the flow rate V′ over time, which is based on figure 10 will be explained in more detail, and thus draw conclusions about the progressive extension of the shower arm 1 . As already explained above, initially in the retracted state (e.g. figure 5 ) rinsing is carried out on the one hand via the channel depressions (pre-rinsing openings 16), on the other hand the shower nozzle 18 and, moreover, front-side openings for drainage. In this situation, the available flow area is relatively large. If the water pump 38 is now operated with a high pump output for extending, i.e. specifically the motor M is operated with a high output, the shower arm moves into the in figure 4 illustrated situation, on the way there when driving along the ring seal (at the proximal end of the middle telescopic element 8) at the distal end of the channel recesses (pre-flushing openings 16), these flushing openings become inactive. This manifests itself in a reduction in the effective flow cross section and thus in a reduction in the flow rate of the shower water.

Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the shower nozzle 18 is already in the retracted state according to FIG figure 5 not blocked so much that its release makes a significant difference in comparison. In this exemplary embodiment, the controller 42 effectively detects a clear (temporal) drop in the flow rate, which represents a progress in the extension movement of the shower arm 1 . Accordingly, the controller can then supply the motor M with a voltage U that is adapted to the set showering intensity. Since the maximum motor/pump output is used when extending, this means that it will drop if the user has not exceptionally set the greatest available shower intensity (which here is the pump output when extending would correspond).

Incidentally, the user can make these and other settings via the Bluetooth module (antenna symbol) shown symbolically in the lower right corner of the controller 42, using a remote control or, preferably, a mobile phone with a specific app.

figure 10 shows a typical course with time on the horizontal axis and flow rate on the vertical. One recognizes a phase 1, which corresponds to the pre-rinse described in the state figure 8 is equivalent to. In phase 2 the pump power is increased to the extension power, whereby the flow rate V' increases. When the flow rate value is sampled every 0.1 s, the controller 42 waits for five consecutive values within a predetermined tolerance range and concludes from this that the plateau of the flow rate V` can be clearly seen in phase 2 in FIG. When it has determined this plateau, it is virtually unlocked for detecting the drop in flow rate, which actually occurs in phase 3, namely as the shower arm is progressively extended. If the drop in the flow rate over time is above a certain threshold value, the controller 42 reduces the engine power of the motor M and thus the pump power of the pump 38 to the set value, which is shown in phase 4 . The drop in flow rate V' in phase 4 is therefore due to the change in pump performance and no longer to the change in the flow cross section in shower arm 1. Phase 5 follows, in which normal showering takes place with the set showering intensity. Incidentally, the pump performance would be significantly greater than in phase 1 even if the flow rate were similar due to the setting, because the effective flow cross section in shower arm 1 is significantly smaller.

It takes long enough for the drop in flow rate to be detected and translated into motor power in this example for the deployment move to be completed quickly and completely.

The actual change in the motor power of the motor M takes place by changing the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated control signal for a motor driver, which is in the in figure 9 box 54 is integrated together with the logic elementary to the present invention and forms part of the controller 42.

Claims (13)

1. Shower system for a toilet for cleaning the abdomen of a toilet user having a shower arm (1) with a shower nozzle (18) for ejecting water for cleaning and

   a water pump (38) for supplying the shower arm (1) with water for cleaning,

   wherein the shower arm (1) comprises a telescopic mechanism for extending an end of the shower arm (1) carrying the shower nozzle (18), which telescopic mechanism is operable by a water pressure generated by the water pump (38), and

   wherein the flow cross-section for shower water emerging at and in the shower arm (1) changes during the extension,

   characterised in that the shower system is adapted to detect, during the extension, a change in a measurand (V') related to the water transported by the water pump (38) to the shower arm (1) to supply it, caused by the change in the flow cross-section and

   the water pump (38) is operated at reduced power after the detection of the change relative to its operation before the detection.
2. Shower system according to claim 1, in which a shower intensity can be adjusted by the toilet user and an adjustment causes a change in the water pump power during showering for this purpose, the water pump (38) being operated with a water pump power corresponding to the shower intensity set by the toilet user after the change in the measurand (V') has been detected.
3. Shower system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detected measurand (V') is a flow rate of the water.
4. Shower system according to claim 3 with an instantaneous water heater as water heating device (39) comprising a flow measuring device (52) for improving its control, which flow measuring device (52) is designed for detecting the flow rate according to claim 1.
5. Shower system according to one of the preceding claims, in which shower water can already emerge before the shower arm (1) is fully extended as part of a pre-rinse, namely for pre-rinsing parts of the shower arm and/or in conjunction with a water heating device (39) for discharging unheated stagnant water from a water conduit leading to the shower arm (1), pre-rinse openings (16) provided for the pre-rinse becoming inactive during the extension.
6. Shower system according to one of the preceding claims, in which, during the detection of the measurand (V'), a stabilisation of the values of the measurand (V') is first waited for and then the change in the measurand (V') is detected.
7. Shower system according to claim 6, in which the measurand (V') is compared with a reference value and, if the reference value is exceeded, the change in measurand is detected, the reference value being dependent on the previous stabilised value of the measurand.
8. Combination of a mobile base unit (30) and a shower device, the combination comprising the shower system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base unit serves to supply the shower device and comprises a water tank (31) and the water pump (38) and preferably a water heater (39) and is connectable to the shower device via a flexible water conduit part (23).
9. Combination according to claim 8, wherein the shower device is designed for fastening on a toilet bowl and for this purpose has a fastening area (3) comprising fastening means (4) for fastening on the bowl, the fastening means (4) being designed for temporary fastening to the toilet bowl and preferably comprising a glue surface, an adhesive pad or a suction cup.
10. Combination according to claim 9, wherein the shower device comprises a latching connection means (7) for latchingly holding the shower arm (1).
11. Combination according to claim 10, wherein the shower device comprises a one-piece plastic part (2) incorporating the latching connection device (7), being in one piece at most with the exception of an element supporting the fastening surface and a flexible water conduit part (23).
12. A toilet body comprising a toilet bowl with a shower system according to one of claims 1 to 7 or with a combination of one of claims 8 to 11.
13. Method of operating a shower system according to one of claims 1 to 7, or a combination according to any one of claims 8 to 11, or a toilet body comprising a toilet bowl according to claim 12, in which method a change, caused by the change in flow cross-section, in a measurand (V') related to the water carried by the water pump (38) to the shower arm (1) to supply it is detected during extension, and the water pump (38) is operated at reduced power after the change is detected relative to its operation before the detection.

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