EP0615026A1 - Flushing apparatus for a water closet - Google Patents

Abstract

The flushing apparatus for a water closet contains a water tank (4) which serves as flushing-water storage means. The water tank (4) exhibits a removable cladding (20) which at least partially conceals the water tank (4). Said cladding is designed as an embellishment for the water tank (4). A plurality of claddings of extremely different forms can be optionally fastened on the water tank. The cladding (20) can be fastened releasably on the water tank (4) and/or on a wall surface on which the water tank is mounted. It is supported on a floor surface of the room. The flushing device exhibits at least one fastening element (62) which is arranged on the water tank and/or on the wall surface and, once the cladding (20) has been fitted, interacts with a fastening element (64) arranged on the inner side of the cladding (20). Fitted on the water tank is a fastening element (62) which exhibits a receiving hollow which extends in the vertical direction and into which a fastening element (64) which is fastened on the cladding is latched from above.

Description

The invention relates to a flushing device for a water closet with a water tank serving as a flushing water reservoir.

The vast majority of the water closets are equipped with flushing devices, the water tanks of which are mounted on the wall behind the toilet bowl. The external appearance of these flushing devices is determined by the water tank, the walls and lids of which form the visible surfaces of the flushing device towards the room. To improve the appearance and to adapt to other sanitary fittings installed in the room, a variety of differently shaped and colored water boxes made of plastic or porcelain are offered. In the case of a redesign, however, the entire flushing device, including the flushing valve arranged inside the water tank and the internals required to actuate and automatically close the flushing valve, must be replaced. On the one hand, this results in relatively high costs, on the other hand, the replacement is labor-intensive, since to remove the old water tank, the flushing water pipe leading to the toilet bowl is separated, the fastening screws holding the water tank on the wall surface are loosened, and new screws are screwed in for installing the new water tank and the flushing water pipes are installed Need to become.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to improve the flushing device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it can be redesigned relatively simply and inexpensively.

This object is achieved in that its visible surface is formed by a removable cover from the water tank, which at least partially, preferably completely covers the water tank.

The solution according to the invention enables the manufacturer to offer a large number of flushing devices with different designs or to adapt their appearance to a changing public taste without high tool costs, since the water tank, the internals contained therein and the flushing water line leading to the toilet bowl are each designed identically and therefore without changing the tool can be produced in large quantities, while only the tool for the cladding has to be changed. The manufacturer is able to offer its customers affordable prices with a high degree of variability. In addition, the cladding has a high level of noise insulation.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that differently designed linings can be detachably attached to the water tank and / or on the wall surface and are designed such that they can be easily replaced for redesigning a flushing device and that a water tank can be offered with different linings without further measures . In order to cover the flushing water pipe leading from the water box to the toilet bowl and / or a sewage pipe leading from the toilet bowl to the wall, the cladding can additionally extend to a floor surface of a room and be supported against it.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides at least one fastening element which is arranged on an outer surface of the water tank and / or the wall surface and which, after the cladding has been attached, interacts with a fastening element arranged on an inner side of the cladding, in which case a plurality of externally differently shaped claddings each suitably have the same fastening element in shape and arrangement.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the water tank has at least one fastening element in cross-section which is hook-shaped and protrudes beyond a wall of the water tank for hanging in a fastening element which is integrally formed on an inside of the lining and is advantageously designed as a tab, the fastening elements advantageously being designed such that the lining is held immovably on the water tank by its own weight and can be detached from the water tank by lifting it.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides latching elements which are arranged on the water tank and on a non-visible inside of the cladding and which latch together when the cladding is attached.

The panel can also be attached to the water tank by means of a permanent magnet which, after the panel has been attached, bears against a fastening element made of magnetizable material, the permanent magnet being able to be arranged both on the panel and on the water tank.

In addition, it is possible to attach the cladding to the water tank or to the wall holding the water tank using a variety of connection techniques. In particular, detachable and non-detachable connections can be used. Self-adjusting connection means, for example clamp connections and screw connections, have proven themselves in a special way. In addition, however, adhesive bonds with potting and adhesive agents can also be used.

With all types of attachment, the panel is expedient after attaching z. B. pressed by their own weight against the water tank and / or against the wall surface. The cladding can be bowl-shaped and have a circumferential edge that lies against the wall surface after attachment, so that a closed appearance is ensured and the external cleaning of the cladding is facilitated.

In order to avoid vibrations or vibrations of the wall surface, e.g. B. due to passing motor vehicles to prevent rattling or clinking of the plastic or porcelain cladding, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention between the water tank and the cladding, a preferably made of a rubber-elastic damping element is arranged.

The cladding can be formed in one piece with recesses for an actuating member connected to a flushing valve of the water tank, or it can have a lower part which can be detachably connected to the water tank and a lid which can be detachably placed on the lower part, the actuating member for the flushing valve then also leading outwards between the lid and the lower part can be.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, actuating elements for triggering a flushing process can be integrated into the cladding. In particular, actuating means are provided that fit into the surface of the cladding without paragraphs. Actuators for electrical actuation of the washing process are provided as particularly effective. Servomotors can be used.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to two exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawing. Show it:

• Figure 1: A sectional front view of a flushing device with a water tank and a panel detachably attached to the water tank;
• Figure 2: A plan view of the flushing device of Figure 1, with the trim cover removed;
• FIG. 3: A side view of the flushing device from FIG. 1, sectioned along line A-A;
• Figure 4: Schematic top views of differently shaped panels;
• Figure 5: A sectional front view of another embodiment of a flushing device;
• Figure 6: A side view of the flushing device of Figure 5 cut along the line B-B;
• FIGS. 7 a to d: Different embodiments for fastening elements arranged between the water tank and the cladding;
• Figures 8 to 29: partial cross sections through different connections between the water tank and the cladding;
• Figure 30: A side view of a mounting strip;
• Figure 31: A plan view of a mounting strip;
• Figure 32: A cross section through a mounting strip according to section line IX-IX in Fig. 7;
• Figure 33: A cross section through a fastening strip according to the section line X-X in Fig. 7;
• Figure 34: A longitudinal section through a water tank with a cladding along the section line XI-XI in Fig. 4;
• Figure 35: A view of a water closet with a shell as a cladding for a water box;
• Figure 36: A longitudinal section through a water tank with cladding along the section line 11-11 in Fig. 3;
• Figure 37: A cross section through a water tank and a cladding according to section line 111-111 in Fig. 2;
• Figure 38: A longitudinal section through another water tank and another cladding with a movable lid;
• Figure 39: A cross section through a water tank and a cladding along the section line V-V in Fig. 4;
• Figure 40: A side view of a water closet with a mounted water box and a mounted panel and
• Figure 41: A side view of another water closet with a mounted water box and a cladding supported on the water closet.

The flushing devices (2) shown protruding from a wall surface (50) of a room (22) essentially consist of a water tank (4), a flushing water line (6) leading from the water tank (4) to a water closet (101) , a rinsing valve (8) arranged at the mouth of the rinsing water line (6) in the water tank (4), a diving body (12) closing the rinsing valve (8) and connected to an actuating member (10), one of a floating body (14) a control rod (16) regulated water supply valve (18), and a cover (20) which removably attaches to the water tank (4) and covers the water tank (4) towards the room (22) and forms the visible surface.

The water box (4) is suspended from hook screws (19), the head of which protrudes beyond the wall surface (50) and engages in slot-shaped recesses (23) made above the water surface (24) in the rear wall (25) of the water box (4).

The connection between the actuator (10) designed as a pushbutton and the immersion body (12) arranged under the water surface (24) in the water tank (4) consists of a two-armed lever (28) pivotably mounted in a swivel joint (26) of the water tank (4) which is articulated at its two ends to vertical connecting members (30) or (32) leading to the actuating member (10) or to the immersion body (12).

The shell-shaped, curved cladding (20) is formed in two parts and consists of a lower part (34) enclosing the water tank (4) to the front and down, and a cover (38) resting on an upper edge (36) of the lower part (34) the inside (42) of which guide elements (40) are arranged, each lying laterally against a wall (44, 45) of the water tank (4) and preventing the cover (38) from slipping relative to the lower part (34). Both the lower part (34) and the cover (38) lie against the wall surface (50) with an edge (46) or (48). The lower part (34) has an open-edge recess (54) for the flushing water line (6) leading from the water tank (4) to the water closet (101), the recess (54) corresponding to the guidance of the flushing water line (6) from the edge ( 46) can be made shorter (Figure 5) or longer (Figure 3). A recess (56) provided in the cover (38) is closed after the attachment by the actuating member designed as a push button (10).

A water line (58) leading from the wall surface to the water supply valve (18) can, as shown in FIG. 2, be led through a passage opening (60) into the interior of the casing (20). As an alternative to this, however, it is also possible to design the covering (20) so wide that it completely covers the water pipe (58) and a manual shut-off valve (not shown) arranged in the water pipe (58).

The cover (20) can be fastened to the water tank (4), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 6 and 7a and b, with the fastening elements (62) and (64) which are attached to the water tank (4th ) or on the invisible inside (66) of the panel (20) and interlock after the panel (20) has been attached.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the fastening elements (62) and (64) are hook-shaped in profile with upward or downward hooks and have mutually abutting inclined surfaces (68) that the It is easier for the fasteners (62, 64) to slide into each other when attaching the covering (20) and, by the lack of a stop, ensure that the inclined surfaces of the fastener (64) slide downward on the inclined surfaces of the fastener (62) until the edge ( 46) of the lower part (34) is pressed against the wall surface (50) by the weight of the cladding (20). While in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, four fastening elements (62) each protrude beyond the front wall (44) of the water tank facing the space (22), the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 has on the front wall (44 ) only two fasteners (62). Both exemplary embodiments have two fastening elements (62 and 64) arranged between the side walls (45) of the water tank (4) and the cladding (20).

In contrast to this, the fastening elements (62 and 64) in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 a and b are designed such that they snap into one another when the casing (20) is attached to the water tank (4). The fastening element (64) projecting over the inside (66) of the covering (20) can, as shown in FIG. 7 a, have a cylindrical reinforcement (70) at its downward-pointing free end. The reinforcement (70) can, as shown in Figure 7 a, engage in an upwardly open slot-shaped recess (76) of the fastening element (62), which is delimited by mutually opposite elastic jaws (78), the gap width at the upper free end of the Jaw (78) is selected so that the recess (76) is widened when the cylindrical reinforcement (70) is inserted.

In contrast, the fastening element (62) in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7b has an essentially U-shaped, firmly attached leaf spring (80) which, when the cylindrical reinforcement (70) of the fastening element (62) is inserted, in the region of its yoke (81 ) pressed together against the spring force and relieved after passing through the cylindrical reinforcement (70), thus ensuring that the fastening elements (62, 64) snap into place.

FIG. 7 c shows a further exemplary embodiment in which the fastening elements (64 or 62) have a permanent magnet (82) or an angle element (84) made of steel with a flat surface, against which the permanent magnet (82) after attaching the cover ( 20) is present.

As shown in FIG. 7 c, a damping element formed by a rubber-elastic layer (86) can be arranged between the fastening elements (62 and 64).

Finally, it is also possible to move the covering (20) in an essentially horizontal direction onto the water tank (4) and to fasten it in a holder (90). This is designed as an essentially cylindrical extension (91), the longitudinal axis of which extends essentially in the horizontal direction. Concentric to the longitudinal axis extends through the extension (91) a blind hole (92), the cross section of which corresponds approximately to that of a pin (93) which is attached with its foot to the inside (66) of the casing (20) and with it Longitudinal axis similar to the blind hole (92) extends substantially in the horizontal direction. In addition, a radial thickening (94) can be provided on the pin (93), which, after the pin (93) has been inserted into the blind hole (92), engages in a radial annular recess (95) which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the blind hole (92) extends through the side wall (96). This mounting option has advantages in particular when there is no space for guiding the cladding (20) to be hung in on the side above or below the water tank (4).

The cladding (20) is expediently produced from plastic, metal or porcelain. The water tank (4) can be made of the same materials as the cladding (4), but is probably mostly made of plastic for cost reasons.

In the flushing device for a water closet (10) shown in Fig. 38, the water tank (4) is provided with a flushing water line (6), a water supply valve (18) and a flushing valve (8) which, when a flushing process is triggered, is carried out by a valve seat (106 ) is lifted off. The flushing water line (6) opens into a bottom (107) which faces the water closet (101) connected to the flushing water line. The flushing water line (6) is held in this base (107) by means of a screw connection (108) via a seal. This screw connection (108) clamps an upper end (110) protruding into the interior (109) of the water tank (4), on which the valve seat (106) is formed, relative to the floor (107). A lower end (111) of the flushing water line (6) facing away from the upper end (110) opens into the water closet (101).

A tubular valve rod (112) is connected to the flushing valve (8) and extends through its interior (109) in the direction of an upper end (113) of the water tank (4) opposite the base (107). At its upper limit (114) facing away from the flushing valve (8), the valve rod (112) carries a holder (115) with which it is connected via a rocker arm (116) to a pressure transmission (117) which is connected via a swivel joint (118). is connected to the rocker arm (116). This rocker arm (116) is designed as a two-armed lever which can execute pivoting movements via a support (119) when pressure is exerted on the swivel joint (118) by means of the pressure transmission (117). In this case, together with the lever end (120) facing away from the swivel joint (118), the holder (115) is raised, so that the flushing valve (8) is lifted off the valve seat (106) via the valve rod (112), so that in the interior (109) stored rinsing water (121) can run through the rinsing water line (6) towards the water closet (101).

The pressure transmission (117) can be fastened to a cover (124) which is slidable in guides (122, 123) in the vertical direction. This cover (124) closes a covering (125), which surrounds the water tank (4), in its upper area facing the upper end (113). The cover (124) prevents dirt from falling into the water tank (4) which is open in the area of the upper end (113). The dimensions of the cover (124) are adapted to the covering (125) which, depending on its design, surrounds the water tank (4) relatively widely. Thus, the casing (125) encloses both the water supply valve (18) and large parts of the flushing water line (6), which are only in the area where they open (126) into the water closet (101) through an opening provided in the casing (125) ( 127) protrudes.

The cladding (125) can be adapted to any taste in terms of its design. So it is z. B. possible to design the cladding as a cuboid, the water closet (101) facing away from the rear edge (128) abuts a wall (129). An elastic seal (130), for example made of rubber, can be provided for flush termination of the rear edge (128) on the wall (129).

In addition, however, it is also conceivable to design the cladding (125) in the form of a shell (131) which covers the water tank (4) with its wide-ranging upper part (132). Shell-shaped partial fields (133) extend from the upper part (132) in the direction of a common star point (134), in which the opening (127) is provided for the passage of the flushing water line (6). The individual subfields (133) are raised in a direction facing away from the wall (129) between two boundary lines (135, 136). Also in the case of the shell (131), the upper part (132) can be designed as a cover which is displaceably mounted in guides (122, 123) and is provided with a pressure transmission (117) for triggering a rinsing process. The covering (125) can, however, also be designed in a large number of other forms, so that it can represent an artistic element in a bathroom or a toilet room.

In addition, however, it is also possible to provide electrical switches (137, 138, 139) in a casing (125) which are used to control lifting operations of the valve rod (112). These electrical switches (137, 138, 139) can be designed as pressure switches. However, it is also possible to design these switches (137, 138, 139) as inductive or capacitive switches. In this case, they are either not touched at all for the purpose of performing rinsing processes or are only touched - in the case of capacitive switches. The electrical switching pulse triggered by the switches (137, 138, 139) is expediently used to control lifting means, for example to control an electric motor, which can be designed, for example, in the form of a servo motor. The electric drives are expediently actuated with the aid of an electric accumulator or a battery. In addition, all electrical installations are conceivable that are permitted within the framework of legal regulations.

The switches (137, 138, 139) can expediently be integrated in an outer surface (140) facing away from the wall (129) in such a way that they are flush with the outer surface (140). Each of the switches (137, 138, 139) is used to trigger a different amount of rinse water. However, it is also possible to use only one switch instead of the three switches (137, 138, 139), which has, for example, three switch positions via which the respective relay can be controlled.

In the case of a pivotable arrangement of the casing (125), both the rinsing water line (6) and the inlet pipe (104) can be divided into two pipe sections that can be separated from one another. These pipe sections can each be connected to one another by quick-release fasteners (146, 147), which can be designed, for example, as bayonet fasteners. The quick-release fastener (147) of the flushing water line (6) is arranged in a region of the flushing water line (6) which is located outside the casing (125). In contrast, the bayonet lock (146) of the inlet pipe (104) can be provided below a removable cover (124) of the casing (125), so that it is easily accessible after the cover (124) has been removed.

According to the two different embodiments of the invention - releasable or fixed connection of the cladding (125) to the water tank (4) - the cladding (125) is attached to supports (148) and brackets (149) connected to them. These supports (148) and brackets (149) are conceivable in very different embodiments. They can either be releasably or non-releasably connected to one another. In the case of non-detachable connections between the water tank (4) on the one hand and the cladding (125) on the other hand, the cladding (125) is pivotally attached directly to the wall (129) with the aid of the swivel joints (141, 142). The cover (125) can be pivoted, for example, on account of storage in hinge joints.

A support (148) can be provided on the upper end (113) of the water tank (4). For example, it is conceivable to provide the covering (125) with correspondingly provided holders on an upper edge (150) forming the upper end (113). For this purpose, a mounting arm (151), which is fastened to an inner wall (152) of the cladding (125) facing the water tank (4), grips over the upper edge (150) with a gripper claw (153).

In addition, both the cladding (125) and the water tank (4) can be supported on the water closet (101). For this purpose, the water closet (101) in the region of the mouth (126) of the flushing water line (6) is provided with an extension (320), on the upper edge (321) of which the lining (125) is supported with its lower edge (322). In addition, a guide pin (323) can be provided for fixing, which, starting from the upper edge (320), guides the cladding (125) on its lower edge (322). In this way, the cover (125) can be lowered from above in the direction of the water closet (101), so that it is easily guided on the guide pin (323) and thus assumes a fixed position with respect to the water closet (101). Such attachment of the cladding (125) is particularly useful when the water box is firmly connected to the water closet (101), for example as a ceramic box. In such cases, the cladding (125) can be designed to give the impression of a one-piece connection between the toilet bowl (101) and the cladding (125).

However, it is also possible to connect a support strip (154) directly to the wall (129). Screw holes (155, 156, 157, 158) are provided in this support bar (154), through which screws (159, 160) reach, by means of which the support bar (154) is screwed to the wall (129). For precise alignment of the support strip (154), the screw holes (155, 156, 157, 158) are designed as elongated holes, the longitudinal axis of which is on one side the support bar (154) in the vertical direction and on the other side in the horizontal direction. In this way, an exact alignment of the support bar (154) is possible.

In the area of the screw holes (155, 156, 157, 158), the support strip (154) with support surfaces (161, 162, 163) lies flush against the wall (129), against which the support surfaces (161, 162, 163) are supported the screws (159, 160) are pressed.

On its side facing away from the support surfaces (161, 162, 163), the support strip (154) carries support hooks (164, 165, 166, 167), the central axis of which extends perpendicular to a central axis of the support strip (154). The support hooks (164, 165, 166, 167) preferably extend in the area of the screw holes (155, 156, 157, 158). This ensures a good load-bearing capacity of the support bar (154) in the area of the support hooks (164, 165, 166, 167).

The support hooks (164, 165, 167) protrude into receiving pockets (168, 169) which are provided at the upper end (113) of the water box (4). These receiving pockets (168, 169) extend in the vertical direction in the area of a rear wall (170) of the water tank (4). The depth of the receiving pockets (168, 169) is such that they fit over the carrying hooks (164, 165) without great play when the water box (4) slides over the carrying hooks (164, 165, 166, 167). As a rule, only two carrying hooks (165, 166) are each acted upon by a receiving pocket (168, 169).

In addition, the receiving pockets (168, 169) can be made so wide that guide slats (171, 172) can engage in them. These guide slats can be fastened, for example, to a roof covering (173) which closes off the covering (125). In this way, the lining (125) is particularly well aligned with respect to the water tank (4). In addition, the covering (125) can easily be lifted out of the guides of the receiving pockets (168, 169). Similarly, additional guidance of the cladding (125) can be provided in a lower part (174) adjacent to the flushing water line (6), so that the cladding (125) hangs firmly on the wall (129) when it is in the area of its roof covering (173) and additionally in the lower part (174). It is conceivable that the cladding (125) is limited by an engaging edge which engages in correspondingly provided tabs on the water tank (4). These tabs can be distributed over a boundary of the water box (4) close to the wall. In order to be able to provide good guidance of the casing (125) on the water tank (4), it is possible to design the water tank (4) in such a way that it has a configuration which follows the edge limitation of the casing (125).

In the case of a firm connection between the water tank (4) and the casing (125), the pivotable fastening of the casing (125) is selected with the aid of swivel joints (141, 142) which are connected to the wall (129). In this case, the connection between the water tank (4) and the cladding (125) can be established in a variety of ways. Which of the relevant connection practices is used depends on the individual case. The selection is made on the basis of the existing assembly and disassembly options, the specialist staff trained for the various activities and last but not least with regard to the speed with which the connection can be established.

For example, it is conceivable that a bracket (149), which is connected to the casing (125) via a bracket arm (151), is connected to a support (148) via a sealing compound (175). This is applied to a correspondingly prepared surface (176), which can be provided with knobs (177), for example. Then a holder provided with corresponding counter knobs (178) is adapted to the surface (176) and connected to it by means of a casting compound (175).

Another possibility is that the holder (149) is designed as a sleeve (179) which is connected to the casing (125) via a holder arm (151). This sleeve (179) protrudes into an opening (180) which is provided in a support (148) and is adapted to the cross section of the sleeve (179). Then flanged edges (181) are formed on both sides of the opening (180) on the sleeve (179). These flanged edges (181) secure the sleeve (179) within the opening (180).

In addition, a fitting part (182) can also be embedded in a wall (183) of the water tank (4). For this purpose, for example, a circular fitting part (182) is produced, which is fitted into the wall (183). This fitting part (182) is connected via a bolt (184) to the cover (125) which is attached to the end (185) thereof which faces away from the fitting part (182).

If there is a need for an elastic adaptation of the casing (125) to the water tank (4), a connection (186) can be provided, in which a hook (187) is hooked into a plate (188) which is inside a sleeve (189 ) is held under tension by a spiral spring (190). The sleeve (189) is attached to a wall of the water tank (4), for example via a weld seam (191). In this Sleeve (189) is guided a bolt (192) in which the hook (187) is fastened. If the hook (187) engages behind a corresponding slot provided in the plate (188), the connection is held in tension due to the tension stored in the spiral spring. In this way, the lining (125) is elastically supported in relation to the water tank (4).

Another connection is made by a fold (193). This is provided at the end of two connecting pieces (194, 195), one of which is attached to the water tank (4) and the panel (125). The mutually facing ends of the connecting pieces (194, 195) are pressed together by deflection by 180 to the folds (193).

Another connection is made by attaching a staple (96) to a support piece (97). This staple (96) is attached to the support piece (97). It is connected to the water tank (4) via a support arm (98). The staple (96) is pushed onto the support piece (97) and jammed with it. A precise adjustment of the staple (96) with respect to the support piece (97) takes place in accordance with the precise fixing of the cover (125) with respect to the water box (4). The support piece (97) is fastened between two support elements (199, 200) which are firmly connected to the casing (125).

A very practical and quick connection between the water tank (4) and the cladding (125) is achieved with the aid of a grooved pin (201). This notch pin (201) connects a mounting plate (202) to a mounting eye (203). This is pressed against the holding plate (202) by means of a notched end (204) of the notch pin (201) via a pressure plate (205). The mounting plate (202) is connected to a wall of the water tank (4) via corresponding support arms (206, 207), while the fastening eye (203) is connected to the casing (125) via support elements (208, 209).

Another connection possibility is that a support arm (210) connected to the water tank (4) is connected to a support element (211) via a cement connection (212). This putty connection (212) consists of a guide bar (213) provided by the support arm (210), on which the support element (211) is guided. On the side of the support element (211) facing away from the guide bar (213), this is firmly cemented into the support arm (210).

In addition, the cover (125) can also be glued to the water tank (4). An adhesive seam (214) can be produced directly between two connecting pieces (215, 216) that overlap one another. The connecting piece (215) is connected to a wall of the water tank (4) and the connecting piece (216) to the casing (125).

However, it is also possible to produce the adhesive seams (214) on an elastic connecting piece (217) which extends between mutually facing parts (218, 219) of the water tank (4) on the one hand and the covering (125). This elastic connecting piece (217) can be designed in the form of a corrugated film which is glued to the parts (218, 219) in the region of its corrugated crests.

A clamp connection (FIG. 17) has proven to be easy to manufacture and also releasable. This consists of a clamping jaw (220) and a clamping rod (221) which projects from the water tank (4) in the direction of the clamping jaw (220) attached to the casing (125). In the relaxed state of the clamping jaw (220), the clamping rod (221) is inserted between the two clamping jaws (220) until the desired distance between the casing (125) and the water tank (4) is maintained. A clamping screw (222) is then tightened, with the aid of which the two clamping jaws (220) are pressed around the clamping rod (221) extending between them. In this way, a fine adjustment of the cladding (125) relative to the water tank (4) is possible.

A solder or adhesive connection (FIG. 22) can also be produced in a similar manner. This consists of two tubular or rod-shaped connecting ends (223, 224), one of which is connected to the water tank (4) and the other to the casing (125). The two connecting ends (223, 224) have the same cross sections, so that they can be connected to one another by a connecting sleeve (225). A connecting end (223, 224) projects from one of its two ends (226, 227) into this connecting sleeve (225). One of these two connection ends (223) is connected to the water tank, the other to the casing.

Depending on the type of material used, the connecting sleeve (225) is soldered or glued to the two connecting ends (223, 224). A fine adjustment of the cladding (125) relative to the water tank (4) is possible in that the two connecting ends (223, 224) are pushed more or less far into the connecting sleeve (225) and then connected to it.

A nail connection (Fig. 19) can also be used to connect the casing (125) to the water tank (4). For this purpose, one nail end (228, 229) each protrudes from both the water tank (4) and the cladding (125). They overlap in a nail area (230). This is done with the help of nails (231) connected to each other. These nails can penetrate from the upper nail end (229), which is expediently connected to the covering (125), into the lower nail end (228) on which the upper nail end (229) rests. In this way, the lower nail end (228) is firmly connected to the upper nail end (229) as a support. It is also possible for the nails (231) to be non-positively fastened within the upper nail end (229) and to open into the corresponding nail holes (232) in the lower nail end.

The casing (125) can also be connected to the water tank (4) via a rivet connection (Fig. 20). For this purpose, a support surface (235, 236) is connected to the water box (4) via support arms (233, 234), which are designed as a plane running approximately plane-parallel to the surface of the water box (4). Angled rivet ends (237, 238) lie on these surfaces (235, 236) on their surfaces facing the cladding (125) and are connected to the cladding (125) by means of supporting elements (239, 240). The contact surfaces (235, 236) and the rivet ends (237, 238) are penetrated by bores (241, 242) through which a rivet (243, 244) extends. The rivets (243, 244) rest with their rivet heads on mutually facing surfaces of the bearing surfaces (235, 236) on the one hand and the rivet ends (237, 238) on the other.

In addition, it is also possible, in the case of correspondingly thick-walled designs of the water box (4), to rivet the support elements (239, 240) directly to the surface of the water box (4) opposite the cladding (125). In this case, explosive rivets are expediently used, which allow watertight riveting of the support elements (239, 240) to the water tank (4). Correspondingly, direct riveting between the contact surfaces (235, 236) and the cladding (125) is also possible. However, it must be ensured that the rivet heads visible on the outer surface (140) of the covering (125) do not disturb the appearance of the covering (125).

A press connection (Fig. 21) allows extensive adjustment of the panel (125) relative to the water tank (4). It essentially consists of a bolt (246) pressed into a bore (245), which has a positive interference fit within the bore (245). In the case of a thick-walled design of the water box (4), the bore can be formed as a blind hole made in a wall of the water box (4), into which the bolt (246) protrudes more or less deeply. However, since the wall of the water tank (4) usually does not permit such an embodiment, a perforated plate (247) is expediently attached to the water tank (4) with the aid of at least two support arms (248, 249). In this perforated plate (247) there is a bore (245) into which the bolt (246) connected to the casing (125) projects. By using a sufficient pressure, the bolt (246) is pressed more or less far into the bore (245) depending on the desired position of the covering (125) with respect to the water box (4).

A snap connection (Fig. 22) is easy to manufacture and to release again. This consists of a catch (250) which projects into a recess (251) and is guided in a form-fitting manner therein. The catch (250) essentially consists of a guide part (252) guided in the recess (251), to which a snap part (253) is connected in a resilient manner. This snap part (253) is also guided in the recess (251), but protrudes in the snap-in state with an elevation (254) into an actuation opening (255) in which the elevation (254) locks the guide part (252) so that this cannot slide out of the recess (251) again without the snap part (253) being resiliently deformed so that the elevation (254) can be received by the recess (251) and pulled out of it. In order to enable such a deformation of the snap part (253), the catch (250) has a wedge-shaped free space (256) in the direction of deformation of the snap part (253), into which the snap part (253) is lowered by pressing on the elevation (254) can. After the snap part (253) has been lowered, the catch (250) is displaceably mounted within the recess (251).

The catch (250) is expediently fastened to a support element (257) which is connected to the casing (125). In contrast, the recess (251) is arranged in a support arm (258) connected to the water tank (4) at its end facing the cladding (125), so that the catch (250) when the cladding (125) is placed in the recess (251 ) can be pushed in.

A screw connection (FIG. 23) is also easy to manufacture and detachable. This consists essentially of two plane-parallel surfaces (259, 260) which can be pressed together by means of a screw (261). This screw (261) extends through one of these two surfaces (259), in which it is freely rotatably mounted, into the adjacent surface (260) in which a drilled hole (262) is provided. This borehole (262) has threads in which those of the screw (261) are guided so that the two surfaces (259, 260) are pressed against one another by tightening the screw (261). However, it is also possible that the borehole (262) has no threads and receives the screw (261) in a freely rotatable manner. In this case, the screw (261) is secured on its side facing away from the screw head (263) with the aid of a nut, not shown, which acts on the surface (260) on its side facing away from the surface (259).

However, it is also possible for the surface (260) to bear directly against an outer surface (264) of the water tank (4) facing the cladding (125). In this case - in particular in the case of a thick-walled design of the water box (4) - a threaded blind hole is provided in the outer surface (264) of a wall (265) of the water box (4) facing the cladding (125), into which the screw (261) can be screwed into it. This screw then presses the surface (260) with its screw head (263) against the outer surface (264) of the water tank (4). A screw with a self-tapping thread can be provided as the screw (261), so that only a hole has to be provided in the outer surface (264), but a thread does not have to be cut into it.

A largely inseparable connection between the water tank (4) and the casing (125) can be made by shrinking. For this purpose, a bore (269) or other openings are provided in a receiving surface (268) attached to support arms (266, 267). This bore (269) has a narrow guide relative to a pin (270) to be fastened in it, which enables the production of a shrink fit. To insert the pin (270) into the bore (269), either the bore (269) is enlarged by heating or the diameter of the pin (270) is reduced by supercooling. Then the pin (270) with its load-bearing cross section (271) can be inserted into the bore (269). By adjusting the temperatures, the bore (269) surrounds the pin (270) so tightly that the latter is immovably stuck in the bore (269). Before this shrink fit occurs, the covering (125) can be adjusted relative to the water tank (4) within the available area of the pin (270).

In view of the fact that such a shrink connection creates a very tight fit of the pin (270) in the bore (269), the bore (269) can also be in a part of the wall (265) of the water tank (4 ) can be provided. The resulting fit is watertight so that the pin (270) firmly connected to the casing (125) can be connected directly to the wall of the water tank (4).

Another possibility of permanently connecting the cladding (125) to the water tank (4) is to produce a weld seam (277) which has a support element (273), which is formed on the cladding (125), with a wall ( 265) of the water tank (4) either directly or via a support arm (274). Any weld connections are conceivable, for example the formation of a V-seam which extends between two opposing surfaces (275, 276) of the support arm (274) or the support element. However, it is also possible to directly butt weld the support element (273) to the wall (265) of the water tank (4). In particular in the case of a thick-walled design of the water tank (4), a hole can also be provided within the wall (265), into which the support element (273) protrudes more or less far with its end facing away from the lining (125). After a precise alignment of the support element (273) in the correspondingly designed opening of the wall (265), the support element (273) can be welded in the corresponding opening.

In addition, the casing (125) can be connected to the water tank (4) by mechanical deformation of a connecting element (277). For this purpose, the connecting element (277) can be firmly connected to the water tank (4), for example by a weld seam (278). A sleeve (279) with a circular cross section is expediently used as the connecting element.

This protrudes through an opening (280) which projects through a connecting surface (283) connected to the covering (125) via support elements (281, 282). After the sleeve (279) has been fitted into the opening (280), it is deformed with the aid of two beads (284, 285), one of which is provided on each side of the connecting surface (283). Due to a close fit of the beads (284, 285) on each side of the connecting surface (283), this sits positively on the connecting element (277). For this purpose, the beads (284, 285) are most advantageously designed as circular deformations which enlarge the cross section of the sleeve (279).

In individual cases it is also possible to lead the connecting element (277) directly through a bore provided in the covering (125), in which the sleeve (279) is adjusted with the aid of the beads (284, 285). In a sol Chen case, however, must be provided for an elegant cover of a beyond the bead (285) from the cover (125) projecting end with which the connecting element (277) protrudes from an outer surface (140) of the panel (125).

A detachable connection which can be adjusted in its desired position between the casing (125) and the water tank (4) can also be brought about with the aid of a tensioning connection (FIG. 27). For this purpose, a support element (286), which is connected to the casing (125), is passed through a connecting surface (287) which is connected to a wall (265) of the water tank (4) via two support arms (288, 289) . In this connection surface (287) there is an opening (290) in which the support element (286) is guided. A groove (291) is machined into the support element (286) and extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the support element (286) and is so deep that a wedge (292) can be guided in the groove (291). This wedge (292) extends with its wedge-shaped shaft part (293) through the groove (291) in the region of the opening (290). It is supported in the groove (291) with its lower surface (294) extending parallel to the surface of the groove (291), while a surface (295) opposite the lower surface (294) in the form of an inclined plane falling towards one end of the wedge (292) runs, which is inserted into the opening (290).

The shaft part (293) ends outside the opening (290) in a hook (296) which protrudes from the shaft part (293) in the direction of the connecting surface (287). This hook (296) has a head surface facing away from the shaft part (293), which is acted upon in order to drive the shaft part (293) into the opening (290). The shaft part (293) clamps between the opening (290) and the groove (291), so that the support element (286) is held securely against displacement within the opening (290).

A further possible connection between the water tank (4) and the cladding (125) is brought about with the aid of a clamping pin (297), which projects from a connecting plate (298) in the direction of clamping knobs (299, 300), which on a fastening plate (301 ) are arranged. These clamping knobs (299, 300) project with free ends (302, 303) beyond a plane spanned by the fastening plate (301) and are fastened to the fastening plate (301) with their connecting ends opposite the free ends (302, 303). It is possible to punch out the clamping knobs (299, 300) from the fastening plate (301) in the region of the free ends (302, 303) and to lift them above the level of the fastening plate (301). It should be ensured that the free ends (302, 303) in the longitudinal direction of the clamping pin (297) are arranged one behind the other on the mounting plate (301) and rise above the mounting plate (301) to such an extent that they are able to clamp pin (297) pushed under the free ends (302, 303). The clamping knobs (299, 300) are arranged so that they act on opposite sides of the clamping pin (297) extending between them. This is both guided in the longitudinal direction and secured against displacement.

The connecting plate (298) is connected to the casing (125) via support elements (304, 305). The mounting plate (301) is attached to the water tank (4), either directly or via support arms (317, 318), which can be welded or glued to a wall of the water tank (4), for example.

When the casing (125) is placed on the water tank (4), the clamping pin (297) is passed between the free ends (302, 303) and the fastening plate (301). The free ends (302, 303) act on the clamping pin (297) so that it is pressed firmly onto the mounting plate (301). The panel (125) is advanced towards the water tank (4) to such an extent that the connecting plate (298) lies against a front edge (306) of the fastening plate (301) facing it. In this way, a precisely guided connection, which is secure against displacement, is established between the casing (125) and the water tank (4).

From a large number of other connections, a pin connection (FIG. 29) should also be mentioned, in which a connection pin (307) protrudes from the casing (125) in the direction of the water tank (4). This connecting pin (307) is firmly connected to the casing (125), for example via a weld seam (308). It is of course also possible to let the connecting pin protrude from the water tank in the direction of the casing (125).

In any case, the connecting pin (307) with its free tip (309) penetrates two mounting plates (310, 311) which act on one another, one of which via support elements (312, 313) with the casing and the other via support arms (314, 315) is connected to the water tank (4). The free tip (309) of the connecting pins (307) protruding through the mounting plates (310, 311) is secured with the aid of a tightly wound wire spiral (316).

Depending on the design of the cladding (125), it is expediently provided with a mounting plate (310) which runs in the horizontal plane and on a mounting plate (311) which is connected to the water tank (4) and which is flat if it runs in a horizontal plane. In this way, the weight forces of the covering (125) can be transmitted from the mounting plate (310, 311) to the water tank (4). With such an arrangement, the connecting pin (307) secured with the wire spiral (316) penetrates the two mounting plates in the vertical direction and in this way prevents them from moving against one another.

In the case of the connection shown in FIG. 29 via mounting plates (310, 311) running in vertical planes, the assembly of the casing (125) is facilitated in that the connecting pin (307) together with the casing (125) in the direction of the water tank ( 4) is shifted until the connecting pin (307) penetrates the two plates (310, 311) at a point at which the two mounting plates (310, 311) have a bore formed corresponding to the connecting pin (307). Depending on the weight of the panel (125), a correspondingly selected connecting pin (307) must be selected in order to be able to hold the panel (125) on the water tank (4) permanently. In addition, several connecting pins (307) are distributed over the surface of the lining (125) on the one hand or the water box (4) on the other.

It is possible in any case to form the covering (125) in one or more parts. Depending on the type of cladding (125), it can be expedient to form partial claddings that meet one another along vertical or horizontal dividing lines. However, it is also possible for an appropriate subdivision to be made along other dividing lines which, for example, run obliquely to the horizontal or in the form of angular lines. In any case, the dividing lines should be such that they either represent an outstanding design feature in the overall design of the cistern, for example form a strongly emphasized vertical or horizontal component, or that the sub-boxes collide so that the dividing line formed in the overall design of the water tank (4) not noticeable.

Claims (20)

1. Flushing device for a water closet, with a water tank serving as a rinse water reservoir, characterized by a cover (20) which is removable from the water tank (4) and at least partially covers the water tank (4). 2. Flushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lining is designed as an ornament of the water tank (4). 3. Flushing device according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that a plurality of externally differently shaped panels (20) can optionally be attached to the water tank (4). 4. Flushing device according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the covering (20) is releasably attachable to the water tank (4) and / or to a wall surface (50) on which the water tank (4) is mounted. 5. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lining (20) is supported against a floor surface of a room (22). 6. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the covering (20) by lifting from the water tank (4) is removable. 7. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by at least one on the water tank (4) and / or on the wall surface (50) arranged fastening element (62), which after attaching the panel (20) with an inside ( 66) of the lining (20) arranged fastening element (64) cooperates. 8. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a fastening element (62) is attached to the water tank (4), which has a receiving trough (97) extending in the vertical direction, into which a on the panel (20) fastened fastening element (64) engages from above. 9. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the covering (20) is pressed after attachment against the water tank (4) and / or the wall surface (50). 10. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the covering (20) is cup-shaped and has an edge edge (46, 48) which bears against the wall surface (50) after attachment. 11. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the covering (20) has a lower part (34) and one Has lower part closing lid (38) and the lid (38) is releasably attachable to the lower part (34). 12. Flushing device according to claim 11, characterized by on an inner side (44) of the cover (38) arranged guide elements (40) which bear against the water tank (4) and / or against the lower part (34) after attachment. 13. Flushing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lining (25) with the water tank (4) is connected via a fixed connection and the water tank (4) and the lining (25) form a jointly movable unit. 14. Flushing device according to claim 1 to 12, characterized in that gripper claws (53) are attached to an upper edge (50) of the water tank (4) and are distributed in such a way that the covering (25) connected to them by means of mounting arms (51) its rear edge (28) facing the wall (29) is flush with the wall (29). 15. Flushing device according to claim 14, characterized in that an over the upper edge (50) of the water tank (4) projecting part of the lining (25) with respect to a water tank (4) enveloping lower part is designed as a movably mounted cover (24) . 16. Flushing device according to claim 15, characterized in that the cover (24) is designed as an actuating means for a flushing valve (5) provided in the water tank (4). 17. Flushing device according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that for actuating a flush valve (5) arranged in the water tank (5) an actuating means is provided which is guided and / or fastened in the casing (25). 18. Flushing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuating means is designed as at least one electrical switch (37, 38, 39) which is electrically connected to an electrical control of the flushing valve (5). 19. Flushing device according to claim 18, characterized in that the flushing valve (5) is provided with an electric motor control. 20. Flushing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuating means is connected to a pneumatic control of the flushing valve (5).

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