DE202015009907U1 - Toilet seat set - Google Patents

Abstract

Toilet seat set with a seat which has a base body (18) and a seat heater (10) for heating a seat surface, the seat heater (10) being integrated into a thin cover layer (20) that covers the seat surface and is applied to the base body (18) , or is covered by this, the cover layer (20) being applied to the base body (18) after the seat heater (10) has been pressed, characterized in that the seat heater (10) is arranged on a carrier film made of resin-impregnated material, preferably resin-impregnated paper is.

Description

The invention relates to a toilet seat set with a seat designed with a seat heater.

Such toilet seat sets are for example in the GB 2 181 167 A disclosed.

In this solution, an electric seat heater, for example a heating foil, is applied to a base body of a seat and then covered by a shell which forms the actual seat surface of the seat. The base body and the shell are then connected to one another in a suitable manner.

A disadvantage of such a solution is that the shell forming the actual seat surface has a comparatively large wall thickness and a correspondingly large heat capacity, so that a comparatively large amount of energy and a long time are required until the actual seat surface is brought to the desired temperature.

A similar solution is also in the US 6,294,758 B1 disclosed.

Solutions are also known in which the seat is designed with channels through which a fluid, for example heated water, flows. Such toilet seat sets are very complicated in structure and have practically not established themselves on the European market.

In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a toilet seat set with a simple structure.

This problem is solved by a toilet seat set with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

The toilet seat set according to the invention has a seat which has a base body which essentially forms the seat shape / geometry and a seat heater for heating a seat surface. According to the invention, the seat heater is integrated into a cover layer that covers the seat surface and is applied to the base body or is covered by the very thin cover layer.

That is to say, the actual seat is formed by the base body, with the seat heating and the cover layer being applied to this. This can be done during the pressing / injection molding of the seat or afterwards with a separate operation.

The toilet seat set is preferably produced by first producing a base body of a toilet seat (or also the toilet lid) by pressing. It is preferred to produce the toilet seat set from a thermosetting material. After the base body has been pressed, the pressing tool is opened and the actual seat heater, that is to say a heating wire arrangement formed, for example, on a carrier film, is inserted into the cavity. The pressing tool is then closed again and the seat heating is pressed with the still warm base body. It is preferred here to produce the carrier film from a resin-impregnated material, so that an intimate connection takes place between the thermoset base body and the resin (thermoset).

The base body pressed with the seat heater is then removed from the pressing tool, reworked if necessary, and then the cover layer is applied. In a preferred embodiment, a filler material is first applied to the seat heater to level the surface. This application can take place, for example, by spraying. In a further work step, a topcoat / lacquer layer is then applied, the color and surface properties of which correspond to those of the other, unpainted areas of the toilet seat set. This top layer can also be applied by spraying.

The seat heater is preferably inserted in such a way that its carrier film / carrier material is oriented towards the wall of the cavity, so that the actual heating wire arrangement is covered by the carrier film during pressing.

Since this cover layer is made thin with a low mass, the seat surface can be brought to the required temperature very quickly, so that energy consumption is low.

Such a seat heater can in principle also be retrofitted to existing toilet seats. This is a major difference to conventional solutions, which require a special toilet seat structure and corresponding pressing tools.

In one embodiment, the seat heater is designed in a meandering shape so that practically the entire seat surface is covered.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the seat heater is arranged on a film or a resin-impregnated paper, for example a melamine resin paper. Such film-like materials can be very easily on a Apply base body, in particular on a base body made of thermoset.

The seat heating is preferably applied to the seat surface. The actual seat surface can then be formed by a surface layer covering the seat heater, for example with a layer of lacquer.

Instead of the lacquer layer, another suitable cover layer or surface layer, for example a pressed layer or a film layer, can also be applied, which, however, is made very thin. To even out, a filler can be applied to the seat heater before the top layer is applied.

The thickness of the cover layer or surface layer is preferably no more than 1 mm, so that the seat is noticeably heated within a few seconds to a maximum of one minute after starting the heating. In order to be able to comply with any existing national regulations, the thickness of the top layer can also be made greater than or equal to 1 mm and approximately none equal to 2 mm.

The seat heating can be implemented by a heating wire, a conductive paint layer, a conductive film, a heating conductor path deposited by a suitable deposition process, or the like. In a variant, the heating wire is applied to a carrier film by ultrasonic welding.

The energy consumption for the heating is minimal if the toilet seat set is designed with a sensor for switching on the heating when in use.

For example, the heating temperature and the heating duration can be individually preset via a suitable setting device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor for detecting the state of use of the toilet seat set is arranged on the rear, that is, in an area of the toilet seat on the seat joint side. This sensor can be covered, for example, by a layer of lacquer or a surface layer, so that it is not visible from the outside.

It is particularly advantageous if the thermostat controls the heating output in stages. For example, the use of the toilet seat set can be recorded via the sensor and a signal to control the seat heating can be sent to the thermostat. This is initially operated with a comparatively high heating output in order to bring the toilet seat up to operating temperature as quickly as possible. As a result, the heating output can then be gradually reduced in a time-dependent manner in order to only supply the heat that is lost through exchange with the environment - this reliably prevents the toilet seat from overheating.

In a variant of this stepped control of the heating power, it can be reduced to a minimum value during use or switched off completely, so that the energy requirement is minimized. After a predetermined blocking time has elapsed or the temperature of the toilet seat has fallen during use, the heating output can then also be increased again.

In a simplified variant, the heating remains switched on all the time, with only the heat losses having to be compensated for via the heating. The advantage of this variant is that complex electronics for controlling the heating can be dispensed with, so that the investment costs for the toilet seat set are reduced. However, this advantage is associated with higher operating costs due to the permanent heating. It is up to the user to put the permanent heating into operation, for example by plugging in the power supply unit, or to switch it off accordingly. Of course, a separate switch for switching the heating on and off can also be provided. The applicant reserves the right to make its own claim on this continuous operation.

The activation of the seat heating can be visually visible via a suitable display. This display can be designed in such a way that the respective heating level can be recognized.

The seat heating can be operated with mains voltage or it can also be powered independently of the mains via a rechargeable battery. The voltage used can be designed as a safe extra-low voltage of less than 60 volts DC or 25 volts AC.

A connection cable of the heater can have a coupling which is uncoupled when the toilet seat set is removed (take off) so that the toilet seat set can be cleaned or replaced in a simple manner.

The sensor for detecting the use of the toilet can, for example, react to a change in light or a brief touch by the hand, so that the heater is activated even if the lid was already up before use. In principle, however, the heating can also be activated by opening the cover.

In one embodiment of the invention, a circuit board with the electronics for controlling the seat heating is in the base body of the seat embedded, whereby a separate housing is attached or this board is inserted into a recess of the base body on the back. The electronics are always watertight.

The toilet seat set can be made of a thermoplastic as well as a thermosetting plastic, but also of compressed wood or another material. It is preferred to manufacture the toilet seat from thermoset.

To further improve the ease of use, the toilet seat set can be designed with lighting and / or a night light that can be controlled via the above-mentioned electronics, for example in the sense of a twilight switching function.

• 1 eine Prinzipdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen WC-Sitzanordnung;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf einen WC-Sitz der WC-Sitzgarnitur gemäß 1 ;
• 3 einen schematischen Schnitt durch den WC-Sitz gemäß 2;
• 4 ein Diagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer stufenweise Absenkung der Heizleistung und
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf eine Variante des WC-Sitzes gemäß 2.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic diagram of a toilet seat arrangement according to the invention;
• 2 a plan view of a toilet seat of the toilet seat set according to 1 ;
• 3 a schematic section through the toilet seat according to 2 ;
• 4th a diagram to illustrate a gradual reduction in heating power and
• 5 a plan view of a variant of the toilet seat according to 2 .

In 1 is a toilet seat set 1 shown having a seat hinge assembly 4th on a ceramic 2 is attached. The toilet seat set 1 has a lid 6th and a seat 8th that by means of the seat hinge assembly 4th are articulated. This can be implemented with a "softclose function" in which the lowering movement is dampened by means of a damper arrangement. Such a damper arrangement is in the prior art described at the beginning according to FIG EP 1 199 020 B1 described.

The seat has a seat heater indicated by dashed lines 10 executed, their heating temperature and heating duration via a thermostat 12th is adjustable, which is integrated into a housing, for example, in the area of the seat joint arrangement.

The toilet seat set according to the invention 1 also has a sensor 14th , via which the use of the toilet can be recorded. This sensor 14th can in the seat 8th be integrated (see 1 ) or in the lid 6th or similar.

In the illustrated embodiment, the seat heater is 10 according to 2 by a heating wire 16 trained on the in 2 visible body 18th of the seat 8th is upset. The end sections 19a , 19b of the heating wire 16 are on the example in the housing of the seat hinge assembly 4th integrated thermostat 12th connected. The actual contour of the seat 8th is given by the base body. The wire size of the heating wire 16 is extremely small, so that it is not very bulky. The actual seat can then be covered with a top layer 20th are formed, which is the heating wire 16 covered. This top layer 20th can be formed, for example, by a film, a melamine resin-impregnated paper or a layer of lacquer, which the heating wire 16 covered. In particular, before applying a layer of lacquer, a filler can first be applied to the heating wire to improve the surface quality 21 be applied. This evened-out layer is then covered by a layer of lacquer, the color and surface quality of which is that of the other visible areas of the toilet seat set 1 corresponds to.

This basic structure is in 3 shown schematically. You can see the actual body 18th in other words the substrate of the seat 8th . The seat heating, in this case the heating wire, is then placed on these 16 arranged, which in turn is covered by a thin (d ≤ 1 mm) top layer (top layer) 20th and if necessary from the filler 21 is covered, which thus forms part of the top layer.

The production of the toilet seat set is particularly easy if the seat heating, in the present case the heating wire 16 already in advance with the top layer 20th is connected so that both components are simultaneously on the base body 18th be applied.

In a manufacturing process that is easier to implement in practice, the base body produced by pressing is applied 18th first applied the heating wire arrangement. The heating wire 16 for example, be arranged on a carrier film that is attached to the base body 18th is launched. The filler is then used in a further process step 21 applied, which covers the recessed areas (gaps) between the meandering heating wire sections. In a further step, a layer of lacquer or another layer is applied to this evened-out surface.

This application of the cover layer areas can take place in a separate operation outside of the pressing tool. In a preferred variant of the method, the base body is 18th initially produced by pressing, the pressing tool opened after the pressing process, wherein the toilet seat 8th For example, it remains on the upper part of the press tool and moves upwards with it, so to speak. The heating wire arrangement is then inserted into the remaining cavity in the lower part of the press tool. It is particularly preferred here if the heating wire arrangement is arranged on a carrier film, this being arranged towards the wall of the cavity in the lower part of the pressing tool, and the heating wire being arranged 16 is positioned towards the base body. After inserting the heating wire 16 (if necessary with carrier film) the pressing tool is closed again and the heating wire arrangement with the base body 18th pressed. After pressing and opening the pressing tool, the base body provided with the heating wire arrangement becomes 18th removed and deburred, etc. The carrier film can, for example, be a resin-impregnated paper, which then forms an intimate connection with the thermoset base body when it is pressed 18th enters and the heating wire 16 protects.

After removing the with the heating wire 16 provided base body 18th becomes the filler on this 21 applied to compensate for unevenness in the surface, for example, recessed areas between the heating wire sections. This pen 21 consists preferably of a plastic that has a good connection with the base body 18th and a top layer and is applied, for example, in the wet painting process.

After the filler has hardened 21 becomes the area of the toilet seat provided with the heating wire arrangement 8th sanded and then - for example also by wet painting - a top layer is applied. The color of this cover layer corresponds to that of the base material, this cover layer being designed in such a way that, with regard to the surface quality and surface appearance, it corresponds to that of the other areas of the toilet seat set 1 corresponds to. In other words, after applying the top coat 20th is the seat heating 10 not visible from the outside.

In the procedure described above, the electronics, which will be explained in more detail below, that is, the control elements and the power supply of the seat heating 10 preferably mounted before the painting process.

As already explained, in an alternative method, the heating wire arrangement 16 be introduced together with the press material into the cavity of the press tool. In this variant, the pressing and the integration of the heating wire arrangement thus take place in one pressing process.

In the case of the seat heaters explained above and in connection with the following exemplary embodiments 10 For example, the heating wire arrangement can be arranged on the carrier film, for example a resin-impregnated paper, for example by ultrasonic welding.

In a variant of the exemplary embodiment described above, the sensor 14 'is not connected to the in 1 left, from the seat hinge assembly 4th distant area of the seat 8th arranged, but rearward, in the area of the seat hinge arrangement 4th . As explained, the sensor 14 'is designed so that the use of the toilet, in particular the use of a toilet seat 8th is detectable. When used in this way, the sensor gives 14th , 14 'a signal to the thermostat 12th so that the seat heating is above this 10 is controlled. In 4th the output heating output is shown as a function of time, that is, as a function of the activation duration of the seat heating. According to this diagram, the heating power P initially rises relatively quickly to a maximum value (PMAX). This heating output is maintained until the time t1 is reached and is sufficient to keep the seat 8th bring it to the comfort temperature of the user. As a result, after the time t1 has been reached, the heating power P is gradually reduced, with, for example, only 50% of the maximum heating power PMAX being set in the time interval t1 to t2. This heating power is then further reduced in the time interval t2 to t3. If the usage time t3 is exceeded, the heating output is completely reduced (seat heating switched off). If the use extends beyond the time t4, the seat heating is then activated again. This means that the time interval t3 to t4 represents a blocking time during which the seat heating is not activated - overheating can thus be reliably prevented.

In 4th A display is shown at the top right 24 which, for example, in the area of the sensor 14 'in the toilet seat 8th or also in the seat hinge arrangement 4th can be integrated and on which the three heating levels can be read. For example, all three display fields can light up at maximum heating output. This display is then changed in accordance with the reduction in heating output, so that only one display area lights up at the third, lowest heating level. Of course, other display elements such as a digital display or a color change or the like can also be implemented.

As explained at the beginning, the seat heating 10 remain switched on continuously or for a long period of time. That means the seat heating 10 is put into operation once by the user and then remains switched on, so that the toilet seat 8th is constantly heated. The required energy is supplied via the power supply. However, it can have its own electronics to control the seat heating 10 be waived. In the simplest solution a suitable temperature is preset at the factory. In a somewhat more comfortable solution, the temperature can be set via a controller and monitored via a thermostat - the seat heating, however, remains in continuous operation, so that the circuit complexity is considerably reduced compared to the solution described above.

In a simple solution, the seat heating is switched on or off simply by plugging in or pulling out a power supply unit or plug.

5 shows a variant of the embodiment according to 2 where the heating wire or wires 16 Are arranged in a meander shape. In the embodiment according to 5 follow the heating wire or wires 16 the contour of the toilet seat 8th . Several heating wires can be used 16 be connected in parallel or one or more heating wires 16 be laid in a loop following the contour.

As in the exemplary embodiment explained above, the heating wire arrangement can be arranged on a carrier film, for example a resin-impregnated paper, and with the base body 18th be pressed in the manner described above. The application of the top layer 20th and the pen 21 takes place accordingly.

In 5 a control unit is also indicated 28 over which the seat heating 10 is controlled. This control unit, usually consisting of a circuit board carrying the electronics, can be embedded in the rear area of the toilet lid on the rear, that is to say on the side facing away from the seat surface. For this purpose, a recess can be provided, for example, into which the control unit is then inserted 28 is used watertight. In principle, it is also possible to use the control unit 28 to be provided in a sealed housing, which is then attached to the back of the cover 8th is set. The in 1 The illustrated embodiment, the control unit can also be designed in the area of the seat hinge arrangement, which is designed to be quite voluminous there. This control unit 28 is also in signal connection with the display 24 , the thermostat 12th and / or the sensor 14th .

Instead of the heating wires described in the above exemplary embodiments, other heating elements, for example conductor tracks, PTC resistance elements or the like, can also be used.

The power supply for the seat heating 10 takes place either via mains voltage, in which case the toilet seat set is designed with a corresponding 220V / 110V connection or a low-voltage connection (for example 60 volts DC or 25 volts AC). This connection can also be made via the ceramic 2 take place, in which case the power supply is integrated into the ceramic. Alternatively, a rechargeable battery can also be provided for the power supply. It is advisable to place this battery in the area of the seat joint arrangement 4th to integrate.

For covering the heating wire 16 And of course, alternatively or additionally, a layer of lacquer can be applied for coloring.

The seat heater can in principle also be formed from an electrically conductive film, an electrically conductive paint layer or a heating element body deposited by a suitable application process, for example by PVD or CVD.

As explained, the actual coloring of the seat can take place via a lacquer layer applied to the cover layer or directly to the seat heater. Alternatively, of course, a film or a resin-impregnated paper, for example a melamine resin paper, can also be applied. Such “papers” are known from the manufacture of laminate floors and can also be adapted to complex three-dimensional geometries.

The seat heater is arranged directly in the area of the seat, so that at most the thin cover layer between the person using the toilet and the seat heater 20th for example with the pen 21 and the paint layer or the like remains - the heat capacity of this top layer 20th is extremely small, so that the seat can be brought to the desired temperature very quickly.

In the event that the in 5 indicated control unit 28 , which of course in a corresponding manner in the embodiment according to 2 can be provided, is connected to the power supply via a cable, it is preferred that this cable is designed with a coupling or the like, so that the toilet seat set 1 can be easily removed for cleaning after releasing the coupling.

The described sensor preferably reacts automatically, for example to a change in light. In principle, the sensor can also be activated by hand, for example with a brief touch, so that the heater is also put into operation in the event that the cover is open before use.

The lid 6th and / or the seat 8th can be made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Alternatively, however another suitable material, for example compressed wood or the like, can also be provided.

The toilet seat set 1 can also be designed with lighting, for example a night light, which is also via the control unit 28 is controllable and can have a twilight switching function.

The applicant reserves the right to make subclaims on the options mentioned above.

A toilet seat set with a heated seat is disclosed. This has a seat heater which is applied to a base body which essentially forms the contour of the seat and is covered by a very thin cover layer.

List of reference symbols

1

Toilet seat set

2

Ceramics

4th

Seat hinge arrangement

6th

cover

8th

Seat

10

Seat heating

12th

thermostat

14th

sensor

16

Heating wire

18th

Base body

19a

End section

19b

End section

20th

Top layer

21

ink pen

24

display

26th

battery pack

28

Control unit

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• GB 2181167 A [0002]
• US 6294758 B1 [0005]
• EP 1199020 B1 [0037]

Claims (12)

Toilet seat set with a seat which has a base body (18) and a seat heater (10) for heating a seat surface, the seat heater (10) being integrated into a thin cover layer (20) that covers the seat surface and is applied to the base body (18) , or is covered by this, the cover layer (20) being applied to the base body (18) after the seat heater (10) has been pressed, characterized in that the seat heater (10) is arranged on a carrier film made of resin-impregnated material, preferably resin-impregnated paper is. Toilet seat set according to Claim 1 , wherein the seat heater (10) is designed in a meandering shape or with parallel running tracks in the area of the seat surface. Toilet seat set according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the seat heating is arranged on the seat surface. Toilet seat set according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , wherein the cover layer (20) is provided with a layer of lacquer. Toilet seat set according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein the cover layer (20) has a thin surface layer. Toilet seat set according to Claim 5 wherein the cover layer (20) or the surface layer is a lacquer layer, a pressed layer or a film layer. Toilet seat set according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat heater is formed by a heating wire (16), a conductive paint layer, a conductive film, preferably a separated heating conductor, PTC heating elements or the like. Toilet seat set according to one of the preceding claims, with a sensor (14) for activating the seat heating (10) when in use. Toilet seat set according to Claim 8 , the sensor (14 ') being arranged on the rear in a region of the seat (8) on the seat joint side. Toilet seat set according to one of the preceding claims, with a thermostat (10) for setting the heating temperature and / or the heating duration, the heating power (P) preferably being able to be reduced in steps from a maximum. Toilet seat set according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover layer (20) has a thickness (d) of less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Toilet seat set according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control unit (28) is inserted into the seat (8) or a toilet seat joint arrangement (4) in a fluid-tight manner.

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