CN111512002A

CN111512002A - Accessory assembly for a toilet with service device

Info

Publication number: CN111512002A
Application number: CN201880084009.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 保罗·拉维佐蒂
Original assignee: New Line Co ltd
Current assignee: New Line Co ltd; New Line Srl
Priority date: 2017-12-28
Filing date: 2018-12-27
Publication date: 2020-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-27
Also published as: JP7281209B2; ES2913952T3; EP3732338B1; CN111512002B; PL3732338T3; RU2020125059A3; RU2020125059A; US20210062492A1; JP2021509455A; EP3732338A1; WO2019130235A1

Abstract

A seat assembly for a toilet, comprising: a frame (20) adapted to be attached to an equipment seat (14) formed in the body (13) of the toilet; a service device (30) comprising a device holder (31) and at least one service means (33) carried by the device holder (31) and arranged to provide an auxiliary function of using the toilet, the device holder being adapted to be detachably coupled to the frame (20) and comprising an upper portion (35) and a lower portion (36) extending from the upper portion (35); and an upper plate (40) carrying a seat (50) for a toilet hinged thereto, the plate being adapted to be removably coupled to the frame (20) or to the upper portion (35) of the equipment support (31) so as to form one whole, wherein the frame (20) and the upper plate (40) enclose at least the upper portion (35) of the equipment support (31).

Description

Accessory assembly for a toilet with service device

Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to a toilet bowl of the type suitable for being equipped with a seat assembly provided with service devices, such as for example devices that increase the functionality of a bidet, detergent dispensers, protective film dispensers for the seat, etc.

Background

There is a perceived need in the art to provide solutions that facilitate the servicing of the seat assembly and the possible replacement or removal of the device.

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the object of the invention is an accessory assembly for a toilet bowl comprising:

a frame adapted to be attached at a device seat formed in a body of the toilet,

a service device comprising a device housing and at least one service arrangement carried by the device housing and adapted to provide an auxiliary function for use with the toilet, the device housing being adapted to be detachably coupled to the frame and comprising an upper portion and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, and

an upper plate adapted to be detachably coupled to the frame or the upper portion of the device housing to form one body, wherein the frame and the upper plate enclose at least the upper portion of the device housing;

wherein the frame comprises a flat portion adapted to be arranged around an edge of the equipment stand, said flat portion having at least one aperture adapted to be penetrated by a lower part of the equipment housing, and

wherein the device housing and the frame have respective connecting means configured for removable connection between the device housing and the frame.

The frame may further comprise a housing portion extending from the flat portion and adapted to enclose a lower portion of the device housing.

In this case, the housing portion may comprise means adapted to be connected on one side to at least one hydraulic or electrical connector of the service device and on the other side to an external water or power supply network to establish at least one liquid or electrical communication between the service device and the external supply network.

Otherwise, a direct connection may be achieved between the hydraulic or electrical connector of the service device and the external supply network.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the equipment housing and the frame are configured for push-push or push-pull mounting of the equipment rack on the frame, and the connecting device is configured for automatic connection to the at least one hydraulic or electrical connector upon mounting of the equipment rack on the frame.

In one embodiment, the flat portion of the frame includes a central bridge extending between opposite sides of the flat portion, the bridge providing support for the upper portion of the device housing.

The frame and the device housing may have respective guiding means configured for guiding the insertion of the service device into the frame.

The upper plate and the equipment housing, or the upper plate and the frame, may be provided with respective connecting means configured for a quick coupling connection between the upper plate and the equipment housing or between the upper plate and the frame.

A control device may be arranged on the upper plate, said control device being adapted to be operated by a user to control the service device.

In particular, the service device may be a bidet device, a detergent dispenser, a protective film dispenser for a seat, or a combination thereof.

Another object of the invention is a toilet comprising:

a toilet body defining an interior receptacle and having an upper surface including a seat portion surrounding the interior receptacle, and a seat attachment portion substantially flush with the seat portion, the equipment seat being formed in the seat attachment portion, and

according to the accessory assembly of the present invention, it is attached to the equipment stand.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, given for purposes of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1-11 and 16 are exploded views of different embodiments of a socket assembly according to the present invention, an

Fig. 12a-b, 13a-b, 14a-b and 15a-b are perspective and sectional views illustrating different connection methods between an upper plate and a frame of a socket assembly according to the present invention.

In the various embodiments shown in the figures, like reference numerals have been assigned to corresponding elements.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, a toilet is shown which includes a toilet body 10, for example of ceramic material. A toilet body 10 defining an inner container 11 and having an upper surface 13 including a seat portion 13a surrounding the inner container, and a seat attachment portion 13b substantially flush with the seat portion 13a and formed with an equipment seat 14. In the example shown, the device holder is formed by two recesses, which are separated by a central bridge. However, the equipment dock 14 may have a different shape.

The toilet further includes a seat assembly adapted to be attached to the equipment seat 14 by conventional means, for example, a tightening device such as a screw, bolt, or expansion plug.

The seat assembly includes a frame 20 adapted to be attached to the equipment seat 14 in the manner described above. In the example of fig. 1, the frame 20 comprises a flat portion 21 adapted to be arranged around the edge of the equipment seat 14. The flat portion 21 of the frame comprises a central bridge 21a extending between opposite sides of the flat portion to define two through holes 23.

The seat assembly further includes a service device 30. In the example shown, the service device 30 comprises a device for adding a bidet function to a toilet. According to embodiments not shown, the service device may comprise a detergent dispenser, a protective film dispenser for the seat or a combination of the aforementioned devices.

Generally, from a constructional point of view, the device 30 comprises a device holder 31, for example a box, which device holder 31 carries means 33 which are generally provided for operating the device. For example, in the case of a bidet device, such devices may include, for example, valves, conduits, water tanks, which are adapted to connect the water dispensing nozzles 34 to an external water supply network to provide a wash water dispensing function. Such means may also comprise, for example, a fan and a duct for providing a drying air function. Furthermore, sensors, heating means and circuits for controlling the device may be provided, which are adapted to be connected to an external power supply network. The types of devices listed above are examples provided for illustrative purposes only, but it should be understood that other devices commonly used in such toilet facilities may also be carried by the equipment rack 31.

The equipment bracket 31 is adapted to be removably coupled to the frame 20 and includes an upper portion 35 and a lower portion 36 extending from the upper portion 35. The upper portion 35 forms a peripheral flange relative to the lower portion 36. In the example shown, both the bracket 30 and the frame 20 may be attached to the toilet body 10 by the same attachment means.

In the example shown, the hydraulic conduit 37 and the electric cable 38 come out of the equipment carrier 31, which equipment carrier 31 is provided with connectors for connection to the hydraulic conduit H and the electric cable E, respectively, of an external network for supplying water and electricity to the device.

The aperture 23 of the flat portion 20 of the frame is adapted to be passed through by the lower portion 36 of the equipment rack 31, while the bridge 21a provides support for the upper portion 35 of the equipment rack 31.

The seat assembly further comprises an upper plate 40 to which a seat 50 for a toilet is hinged, the seat 50 generally comprising a seat face and a cover.

The upper plate 40 is adapted to be removably coupled to the frame 20 or the upper portion 35 of the device holder 31 to form an integral body, wherein the frame 20 and the upper plate 40 enclose at least the upper portion 35 of the device holder 31.

A removable cover 41 may also be mounted on the upper plate 40 to cover any access to the underlying equipment formed in the plate 40, such as an orifice for introducing a scale guard or liquid.

Referring to fig. 2, various embodiments provide that the frame 20 further comprises a housing portion 25, the housing portion 25 extending from the flat portion 21 of the frame and adapted to enclose the lower portion 36 of the equipment rack 31.

The housing portion 25 of the frame comprises

connectors

26a and 26b suitable for being connected on one side to a hydraulic connector 36a and an electrical connector 36b, respectively, integrated into the service device, and on the other side to an external hydraulic conduit H and an electrical cable E.

Referring to fig. 3, another embodiment provides that the frame 20 does not have a bridge 21a, and therefore defines only one aperture.

The hydraulic connector 36a and the electrical connector 36b integrated in the service device are adapted to be connected to the external hydraulic conduit H and to the electrical cable E.

Referring to fig. 4, another embodiment provides the same frame 20 as the embodiment of fig. 1.

With reference to the embodiment in fig. 5, the frame 20 and the equipment rack 31 have respective guiding

means

29, 39 configured for guiding the insertion of the service equipment 31 into the frame 20. In the example shown, the guide means comprise a pair of ribs formed on opposite sides of the frame 20 and extending towards the interior of the aperture 23, and correspondingly a pair of grooves formed on the equipment rack 31. Of course, the arrangement of ribs and grooves could be reversed. Furthermore, the shape of the guiding means may be different.

With reference to the embodiment in fig. 6, the frame 20 and the equipment rack 31 have respective guiding means 29, 39 configured for guiding the insertion of the service equipment 31 into the frame 20. In the example shown, the guide means comprise a pair of ribs formed on opposite sides of the central bridge 21a of the frame 20 and extending towards the inside of the aperture 23, and correspondingly a pair of grooves formed on the equipment bracket 31.

With reference to the embodiment in fig. 7, the equipment rack 31 and the frame 20 have respective connecting

means

61, 63 configured for a quick coupling connection between the equipment rack 31 and the frame 20. In the example shown, the connection means comprise a knob provided with radial tabs (not shown) and rotatably arranged on the upper portion 35 of the equipment holder 31; and a corresponding grooved seat, formed on the frame 21 and shaped to realize a bayonet coupling with the radial tabs of the knob. Of course, the shape of the connecting means may be different. Alternatively, the connecting

means

61, 63 may be configured for a snap connection between the equipment holder 31 and the frame 20. More generally, the connection means 61, 63 are configured for removable connection between the equipment rack 31 and the frame 20.

With reference to the embodiments in fig. 8 to 11, a control device 59 may be provided, which is adapted to be operated by a user to control the service device. Such control means 59 may comprise, for example, knobs, buttons, keyboards, cursors, touch-sensitive displays, etc., and may be arranged on the upper plate 40 (fig. 8-10) or on the seat 50 (fig. 11). According to another embodiment, the service device may be remotely controlled.

With reference to fig. 12a-b, 13a-b, 14a-b and 15a-b, connection means 65, 67 configured for removable connection, in particular quick coupling, may be provided between the upper plate 40 and the equipment rack 31 or between the upper plate 40 and the frame 20. In the example of fig. 12a and 12b, the connection means comprise a knob provided with radial tabs (not shown) and rotatably arranged on the upper plate 40, and a corresponding grooved seat formed on the frame 20 or on the upper portion 35 of the equipment bracket 31 and shaped to realize a bayonet coupling with the radial tabs of the knob. In the example of fig. 13a and 13b, the connection means comprise a pair of slides elastically stressed and integral with respective rods, arranged to slide on the upper plate 40, and corresponding seats formed on the frame 20 or on the upper portion 35 of the equipment support 31 and adapted to receive the free ends of the rods. In the example of fig. 14a and 14b, the connection means comprise a hook-shaped structure, one side of which is formed on the upper plate 40 and the other side is formed on the frame 20 or on the upper part 35 of the equipment holder 31, such hook-shaped structure being configured to enable coupling between the parts by sliding the parts relative to each other. In the example of fig. 15a and 15b, the connection means comprise ribs formed on the upper plate 40 and corresponding grooves formed on the frame 20 or on the upper part 35 of the equipment carrier 31, which ribs and grooves are configured to enable coupling between the parts by sliding the parts relative to each other.

Of course, other forms of connection means may be provided relative to those described above.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the equipment rack 31 and the frame 20 (in the form of fig. 2) are configured for a push-push or push-pull coupling of the equipment rack 31 on the frame 20. In this case, the

connectors

26a and 26b of the frame 20 must be configured to automatically connect to the hydraulic and

electrical connectors

36a and 36b when the equipment rack 31 is mounted on the frame 20.

For the purposes of this specification, push-push refers to a type of assembly in which pressure is applied on the equipment rack 31 against the frame 20, both for engaging the equipment rack 31 to the frame 20 and for effecting subsequent release of the equipment rack from the frame.

Push-pull refers to a type of assembly in which pressure is applied to the equipment bracket 31 against the frame 20 to couple the equipment bracket 31 to the frame 20 and pull the equipment bracket 31 to effect release from the frame.

Referring to fig. 16, there is shown another embodiment which differs from the previous embodiment in that the seat 50 is mounted on the toilet body 13 independently of the assembly. In this case, the upper plate 40 has a simple closing function.

Elements described above with respect to one embodiment may be combined with elements described with respect to other embodiments where possible.

Claims

1. An accessory assembly for a toilet, comprising:

a frame (20) attached at an equipment seat (14) formed in a main body (13) of the toilet,

a service device (30) comprising a device housing (31) and at least one service device (33) carried by the device housing (31) and adapted to provide an auxiliary function of toilet use, the device housing being adapted to be detachably coupled to the frame (20) and comprising an upper portion (35) and a lower portion (36) extending from the upper portion (35), and

an upper plate (40) adapted to be detachably coupled to the frame (20) or to an upper portion (35) of the device housing (31) to form an integral in which the frame (20) and the upper plate (40) enclose at least the upper portion (35) of the device housing (31),

wherein the frame (20) comprises a flat portion (21) adapted to be arranged around an edge of the equipment seat (14), the flat portion having at least one aperture (23) adapted to be passed through by a lower portion (36) of the equipment housing (31), and

wherein the device housing (31) and the frame (20) have respective connecting means (61, 63) configured for removable connection between the device housing (31) and the frame (20).

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the service device (30) comprises: at least one hydraulic or electrical connector (37, 38; 36a, 36b) adapted to be connected to an external supply network (H, E) of water or electricity to establish at least one liquid or electrical communication between the service device (30) and the external supply network.

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame further comprises a housing portion (25) extending from the flat portion (21) and adapted to enclose a lower portion (36) of the device housing (31).

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the housing portion (25) comprises: -connection means (26a, 26b) suitable to be connected, on one side, to at least one hydraulic or electrical connector (36a, 36b) of said service device (30) and, on the other side, to an external supply network (H, E) of water or electricity, so as to establish at least one liquid or electrical communication between said service device (30) and said external supply network.

5. Assembly according to claim 4, wherein the equipment housing and the frame are configured for a push-push or push-pull coupling between the equipment housing (31) and the frame (20), and the connecting means of the frame (20) are configured for automatically connecting to the at least one hydraulic or electrical connector of the equipment housing (31) when mounting the equipment housing (31) on the frame (20).

6. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat portion (21) of the frame (20) comprises a central bridge (21a) extending between opposite sides of the flat portion (21), the bridge providing support for an upper portion (35) of the device housing (31).

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (20) and the device housing (31) have respective guiding means (29, 39) configured for guiding the insertion of the service device (30) into the frame (20).

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper plate (40) and the equipment housing (31), or the upper plate (40) and the frame (20), have respective connection means (65, 67) configured for a quick coupling connection between the upper plate (40) and the equipment housing (31), or between the upper plate (40) and the frame (20).

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the upper plate (40) control means (59) are arranged, adapted to be operated by a user to control the service device (30).

10. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the service device (30) is selected from the group consisting of a bidet device, a detergent dispenser, a dispenser of a seat protection film, and combinations thereof.

11. Assembly according to claim 10, wherein the service device (30) is a bidet device comprising at least one water dispensing nozzle (34) and the service means comprise at least one valve means (33) hydraulically connected to the water dispensing nozzle (34) and adapted to be connected to a water supply network.

12. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper plate (40) carries a seat (50) for a toilet hinged thereto.

13. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, configured to be mounted on the body (13) of a toilet bowl independently of a seat (50) for the toilet bowl.

14. A toilet, comprising:

a tub main body (13) defining an inner housing portion (11) and having an upper surface (13) including a seat portion (13a) surrounding the inner housing portion (11) and a seat attachment portion (13b) substantially flush with the seat portion (13a), and in which an equipment seat (14) is formed, and

the accessory assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, being attached to the tub body at the equipment seat (14).