EP3964111A1 - Technical box and toilet seat fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a toilet seat set with a technology box, which essentially consists of a housing base that determines the statics and a housing support, which are covered by an outer shell that determines the visual appearance.

Description

The invention relates to a technology box according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a toilet seat set designed with such a technology box.

For some time there has been a trend towards integrating as many functions as possible into a toilet seat set. Thus, for example, in the going back to the applicant DE 10 2016 108 379 A1 proposed to include a sensor system for recording health-specific parameters (vital parameters) in a toilet seat set and to carry out the evaluation and reading of the parameters via a docking station.

In the further patent application of the applicant DE 10 2018 106 727 A1 a toilet seat set is described in which a seat heater, a temperature sensor, a presence sensor and a control unit for controlling/evaluating the aforementioned components are integrated.

In the WO 2016/020409 A1 discloses a toilet seat set in which electrical consumers, for example a seat heater and a sensor, are integrated on the seat side. These consumers are supplied with power via a control unit integrated in a technology box, the technology box being placed on the ceramic and preferably the seat and the cover being mounted on the technology box. This is therefore part of the toilet seat set.

In the U.S. 2018/0220859A1 discloses a toilet seat set in which a lighting module is integrated in a type of technology box, via which the interior of the ceramic is illuminated.

In the two documents originating from the applicant DE 10 2019 110 287 A1 and DE 10 2019 110 281 A1 toilet seat sets are described in which elements for contactless data and energy transmission are arranged in a technology box, which are connected to functional components of the toilet seat of the toilet seat set are in operative connection with regard to the energy or data transmission. In one exemplary embodiment, the seat heating is arranged on a carrier that also contains parts of the functional components that enable contactless near-field transmission and the associated control electronics.

In the pamphlet DE 20 2011 108 948 U1 a similar toilet seat set is disclosed, in which the functional components and the control electronics are also arranged in a type of technology box, with the energy supply of consumers accommodated in the toilet seat, for example a seat heater, also being contactless.

From the JP 2019-178548 A a toilet seat set with a technology box, a toilet seat and a toilet lid is known, which has a deodorizer inside the technology box. Air is extracted from the ceramics, guided through the deodorizer inside the technology box and then passed out of the technology box into the ambient air.

For example from the US 2018/0 245 326 A1 a method for deodorizing a toilet and a deodorizing toilet are known. Such a toilet has a technology box, via which a toilet seat and a toilet lid are held pivotably in the form of a detachable connection. Several functional units are provided within the technology box, one of the functional units being a deodorizer. Air is sucked in from the ceramic, guided over the deodorizer and fed back into the ceramic.

A disadvantage of such technology boxes is that the articulation of the toilet seat set on the technology box and the integration of the functional components and control electronics in the technology box means that it has to be made with a comparatively large wall thickness in order to ensure the required stability. The focus on the technical stability of the technology box, however, has disadvantages in terms of aesthetic appeal, since the quality of the technology box's outer skin does not meet high standards due to the large wall thicknesses and the manufacturing problems associated with this accumulation of material, especially during injection molding.

In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a stable technology box designed with improved visual appeal and a toilet seat set designed with such a technology box.

This object is achieved with regard to the technology box by the combination of features of patent claim 1 and with regard to the toilet seat set by the features of patent claim 14 .

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The technology box according to the invention is designed for a toilet seat set that is connected to the technology box via swivel joints. This is in turn attached to a ceramic by means of fasteners, so that the toilet seat set with the toilet lid and the toilet seat can also be removed by detaching the technology box from the ceramic. The technology box according to the invention has a housing that accommodates functional components and control electronics of the toilet seat set, this housing having a housing base which is connected to a housing support and thus forms a type of inner housing. This housing base and the housing support carry the aforementioned functional components and the control electronics, these preferably being arranged in a space surrounded by this inner housing (housing base and housing support). The housing support and the housing base are designed with regard to the stability of the technology box. The visual appearance to the outside is essentially determined by an outer shell that is placed on the housing support or the inner housing so that the assemblies that ensure the actual stability of the technology box are covered on the outside. The design of the technology box can thus be adapted to different tasks by simply replacing the outer shell.

In this way it is ensured that the outer shell can be manufactured in a simple manner with an optically flawless outer surface, with no consideration having to be taken of the elements ensuring stability.

In one embodiment of the invention, the outer shell is supported at least in sections on the housing support.

The technology box according to the invention can, for example, accommodate at least one drive shaft driven by a drive motor and/or a damper of the swivel joints, which are mounted, for example, at a parallel distance from one another on one side of the housing base. The swiveling or the damping of the swiveling movement takes place via the cardan shaft driven by a drive motor or via the damper. Further guidance is by means of pivot pins, which are preferably arranged coaxially with the respective articulated shaft and/or with the associated damper on the opposite side of the housing support. In this variant, these components assigned to the swivel joints are therefore fastened on the one hand to the housing base and preferably on the other hand to the housing support and then pass through the outer shell accordingly. Of course, it is also possible to fasten the drive motor with the cardan shaft and/or the dampers both on the housing floor or on the housing support. It is essential that these two stable components, alone or together, support the drive/damping elements subjected to high torques.

In addition to the above-described drive and/or the swivel joints/dampers, the functional components can be, for example, a deodorizer, sensors, lamps, an energy supply, a radio module, seat heating and/or other components required to operate the toilet seat set.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the deodorizer can be designed with a fan arranged on the housing support, which draws in air through an air inlet arranged in the housing support and discharges it via an air outlet preferably delimited by the housing base and the housing support. In the air flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, a scenting agent held on the housing support can be arranged, via which the air flow is charged with scenting agent.

The removal of the toilet seat set and the technology box is particularly easy if the latter is detachably connected to the ceramics via a take-off connection. This allows the entire unit to be removed without tools for replacement or cleaning.

The stability of the technology box is further improved if the housing base and the housing support are connected to one another in a non-positive and/or positive manner. It is particularly preferred to screw the two components together so that the functional components supported by the housing base and the housing carrier and/or the control electronics can be easily accessed by loosening the screw connection. In principle, however, the housing base and the housing support can also be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner.

The visual appearance of the technology box is further improved if the outer shell is pressed with the housing support and/or the housing base, in particular hot-pressed, so that no screw elements or the like affecting the visual appearance have to be provided on the outer shell side.

The air flow of the deodorizer is particularly compact if the air flow is guided approximately in a vertical plane in relation to the bearing surface of the ceramic.

In this case, it is particularly preferred if the air inlet is arranged higher than the air outlet in relation to the support surface, so that the charged air is discharged in a plane that lies below the inlet plane.

In order to create more space for a toilet seat and/or a toilet lid, the housing can be stepped back towards the air outlet.

The sensor system held by the housing base and/or by the housing support can have, for example, a document sensor, a proximity sensor, a sensor for detecting vital parameters, a temperature sensor and/or an acceleration sensor.

If the components integrated in the toilet seat or in the toilet lid are supplied with energy via the technology box, a transmitter coil can be integrated in it, which is inductively coupled to a receiving coil on the lid or seat.

The toilet seat set according to the invention is designed with such a technology box.

• Figur 1 eine vereinfachte Gesamtdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen WC-Sitzgarnitur;
• Figur 2 eine Seitenansicht der WC-Sitzgarnitur gemäß Figur 1 ;
• Figur 3 eine Rückansicht der WC-Sitzgarnitur gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2;
• Figur 4 eine dreidimensionale Vorderansicht einer Technikbox der WC-Sitzgarnitur gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 3;
• Figur 5 eine Rückansicht der Technikbox gemäß Figur 4;
• Figur 6 eine Unteransicht der Technikbox gemäß den Figuren 4 und 5;
• Figur 7 die Technikbox gemäß den Figuren 4 und 5 mit Schwenkgelenken;
• Figur 8, 9 Ansichten eines Gehäusebodens der Technikbox;
• Figur 10, 11 Ansichten eines Gehäuseträgers der Technikbox;
• Figur 12, 13 Ansichten einer Außenschale der Technikbox;
• Figur 14 eine Innenansicht des Gehäuseträgers mit integrierten Funktionskomponenten und Steuerplatinen;
• Figur 15 eine Ansicht des Gehäusebodens mi einem Schwenkantrieb und einem Dämpfer;
• Figur 16 eine weitere Darstellung des Gehäusebodens mit Komponenten eines Deodorizers;
• Figuren 17a, 17b Ansichten einer Schublade des Deodorizers gemäß Figur 16;
• Figuren 18a, 18b Ansichten der Schublade gemäß den Figuren 17a, 17b mit einer darin aufgenommenen Kassette/Kapsel;
• Figur 19 einen Schnitt entlang der Linie A-A durch die Technikbox;
• Figur 20 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer WC-Sitzgarnitur mit induktiver Energieversorgung bei geöffneter WC-Sitzgarnitur;
• Figur 21 die WC-Sitzgarnitur gemäß Figur 20 im geschlossenen Zustand;
• Figur 22 eine Prinzipskizze zur Erläuterung einer Fernbedienung der erfindungsgemäßen WC-Sitzgarnitur und
• Figur 23 ein Handheld zur Fernbedienung der erfindungsgemäßen WC-Sitzgarnitur.

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

• figure 1 a simplified overall view of a toilet seat set according to the invention;
• figure 2 according to a side view of the toilet seat set figure 1 ;
• figure 3 a rear view of the toilet seat set according to Figures 1 and 2 ;
• figure 4 a three-dimensional front view of a technical box of the toilet seat set according to the Figures 1 to 3 ;
• figure 5 according to a rear view of the technology box figure 4 ;
• figure 6 a bottom view of the technology box according to Figures 4 and 5 ;
• figure 7 the technical box according to the Figures 4 and 5 with swivel joints;
• Figure 8, 9 Views of a bottom of the technology box;
• Figure 10, 11 Views of a housing support of the technology box;
• Figure 12, 13 Views of an outer shell of the technology box;
• figure 14 an interior view of the housing support with integrated functional components and control boards;
• figure 15 a view of the bottom of the housing with a swivel drive and a damper;
• figure 16 another representation of the bottom of the case with components of a deodorizer;
• Figures 17a, 17b Views of a drawer of the deodorizer according to figure 16 ;
• Figures 18a, 18b Views of the drawer according to the Figures 17a, 17b having a cartridge/capsule housed therein;
• figure 19 a section along the line AA through the technique box;
• figure 20 an embodiment of a toilet seat set with inductive energy supply when the toilet seat set is open;
• figure 21 the toilet seat set according to figure 20 when closed;
• figure 22 a schematic diagram to explain a remote control of the toilet seat set according to the invention and
• figure 23 a handheld for remote control of the toilet seat set according to the invention.

figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a toilet seat set 1 according to the invention, which is designed with a technology box 2 on which a toilet lid 4 and a toilet seat 10 (see figure 2 ) are pivotally held, the latter in the representation according to figure 1 is covered by the toilet lid 4. The toilet seat set 1 is in the in figure 1 illustrated embodiment in a flat design, the technology box 2 is integrated flush into the toilet lid 4 (in the closed state).

In the side view according to figure 2 buffers 6, 8 are shown, with which the toilet seat 10, from which one can figure 2 only sees an inner rim on which ceramic (not shown) is supported. As will be explained in more detail below, the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10 are pivotably connected to the technology box 2 via pivot joint arrangements. This is via fasteners 12, 14 (see figure 3 ) attached to the ceramic. The fastening means 12, 14 and the corresponding fastening elements of the technology box 2 are designed as a take-off system, so that the toilet seat set 1 can be easily removed from the ceramic for cleaning or replacement. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means 12, 14 are each designed with a threaded bolt 16 which is inserted into a bore in the ceramic, the position being fixed via a nut 18 which can be tightened via a pivotable handle 21.

from the inside figure 2 A line 22 emerges from the rear wall 20 of the technology box 2 shown on the right, via which the technology box 2 is connected to a power supply. This line 22 can also be in the form of a signal line in order to transfer data recorded by sensors to an evaluation unit. Of course, wireless data transmission is also possible.

In figure 3 is the toilet seat set 1 with the technology box 2, from which in figure 3 only the rear wall 20 is visible, and can be seen with the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10 and the buffers 8a, 8b (the front buffers 6a, 6b are covered). As explained, the line 22 emerges from the rear wall 20 . In figure 3 next to this line 22 is a drawer 24 with recessed grips 26a, 26b, which extends from the rear wall 20 towards the viewer ( figure 3 ) is removable and carries a fragrance of a deodorizer, which will be described in more detail below.

In the representation according to figure 3 one can also see two sections of pivot joints 28, 30 which are held on the technology box 2 and via which the toilet lid 4 is pivotably mounted. The construction of these swivel joints 28, 30, which can be designed on the one hand by a cardan shaft driven by a drive motor and a damper and on the other hand as pivot pins, will be discussed in more detail below.

In figure 3 An air inlet 32 of the deodorizer is arranged above the drawer 24, which air inlet opens into the rear wall 20 and is designed with three inlet recesses 34a, 34b, 34c in the exemplary embodiment shown.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall 20 also has three light exit openings 36a, 36b, 36c, through which light emitted by a light module 190 radiates outwards, so that the toilet seat set 1 is indirectly illuminated. A light exit element is formed in each of these exit openings 36a, 36b, 36c, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a glass insert 37a, 37b, 37c, which is inserted with a precise fit into the exit openings 36a, 36b, 36c and thus acts as a kind of exit optics . This light module 190 is also explained below.

the Figures 4 and 5 show views of the in figure 1 Technology box 2 of the toilet seat set 1 shown, the above-described swivel joints 28, 30, which are held on this technology box 2, and other installations and removals are not shown.

figure 4 shows a front view of the technology box 2, which is aligned in the mounted state to the storage space delimited by the ceramic. at the in figure 4 Perforations 39, 42 are formed in the side wall 38 shown on the right, through which the swivel joints 28, 30 extend to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10, respectively. at the in figure 5 illustrated other side wall 40 of the technology box 2 are further openings 44, 46 for pivot pins of the pivot joints 28, 30 are provided. In the rear wall 20 of the technology box 2, the three outlet openings 36a, 36b, 36c of the light module, the drawer 24 and the air inlet 32 of the deodorizer as well as a passage 48 for the line 22 are formed accordingly. As above explained, a top surface 50 of the technology box 2 is flush with the in figure 1 visible large area 52 of the toilet seat 4 arranged, both together form approximately a horizontal plane. In the area next to the openings 39, 42 of the side wall 39, recesses 54, 56 are also formed, through which centering pins of the pivot joints 28, 30 extend, which dip into guide grooves of the block of the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10 and their Support/guide pivoting movement. A further passage 68 for cables or the like is provided between the recess 56 and the opening 42 .

The technology box 2 is stepped back towards the ceramic, with an intermediate step 60 adjoining the top surface 50, which in turn merges into a flat exit step 62, with these each being set at a slight angle to the horizontal. The exit step 62 is designed with a constriction 64 in the central region, through which the height H of an end face 66 of the technology box 2 and thus also of the exit step 62 is reduced in the form of a channel. In the area of this constriction 64, an air outlet 68 of the deodorizer opens into the end face 66. Correspondingly, the flow cross section of the deodorizer channel towards the air outlet 68 is reduced over the top surface of the constriction 64--this flow guidance will be discussed in more detail below. In the region of this channel-shaped constriction 64, the end face 66 is designed with an approximately U-shaped indentation 67 into which the air outlet 68 opens.

figure 6 shows a view from below of the technology box 2, in which a housing base 84 is visible, which closes the technology box 2 downwards, towards the ceramics, in an essentially airtight and liquid-tight manner. In the representation according to figure 6 Although a series of openings is shown, these are covered by corresponding internal components. Also visible are embossings, which are also designed according to the functional components accommodated in the technology box 2 and via which the torsional rigidity of the housing base 84 is optimized. One of these impressions is exemplified in figure 6 provided with the reference number 87.

As explained above, the toilet seat set 1 is detachably attached to the technology box 2 via a take-off system on the ceramic. The two fastening means 12, 14, more precisely their threaded bolts 16a, 16b (see figure 3 ) in two receptacles 88, 90 of the housing base 84 and are detachably anchored there via the take-off system in such a way that they protrude downward toward the ceramic.

Further details of this housing base 84 and the other components of the technology box 2 are explained below.

figure 7 shows a basic representation of the above-described technology box 2, wherein the pivot pins 70 of the pivot joints 28, 30 extending out of the side wall 40 through the openings 44, 46 and the pivot joint components extending out of the opposite side wall 39 are shown. The latter are formed on the one hand by a drive shaft 74 driven by a drive motor and a rotary piston 76 of a damper 78 .

In each case next to the pivot pin 70, 72, a guide pin 80 or 82 is arranged, which - as explained above - the pivoting movement of the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10 leads.

The pivot pin 70 and the rotary piston 76 are arranged coaxially to one another and are used for pivoting the toilet seat 4 . Both components each dip into a block of the toilet seat 4 . The associated guide pin 82 is also guided in a curved pin guide of the respective cover block. Correspondingly, the pivot pin 72, which is arranged coaxially with the articulated shaft 74, and the guide pin 80 dip into the block of the toilet lid 4 in order to pivot the latter.

In the representation according to figure 7 one can also see the stepped design of the technology box 2 with the top surface 50 designed flush with the WC lid 4 and the intermediate step 60 and exit step 62 stepped back opposite.

The technology box 2 described above is characterized by a very compact design with an attractive appearance and high stability. The reasons for this are explained below

The housing of the technology box 2 basically consists of three components - the housing base 84, a housing support 92 (see Figures 10, 11 ) and the above-described outer shell 86 - consists. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the housing base 84 and the housing support 92 are screwed together or connected to one another in some other way, with these components being designed in such a way that they can absorb the forces/torques that occur when the toilet seat set 1 is in operation and also the functional components and accommodate/carry the control electronics. The outer shell 86 essentially covers this inner housing and determines the external appearance/design of the technology box 2, but has practically no static function.

figure 8 shows a top view of the housing base 84. This is designed to correspond to the support surface of the technology box 2 with an approximately rectangular base plate 94, which runs along one longitudinal edge (at the front in figure 8 ) is provided with the indentation 67. In this area, walls 96, 98 of an outlet channel 100 are formed on the base plate 94, which is delimited at the end by an outlet wall 102 in which four outlet openings 104 are formed, of which in figure 8 only one is provided with a reference number. The outlet channel 100 of the deodorizer opens into a deodorizer housing 106 which protrudes upwards from the base plate 94 and in which, as will be explained in more detail below, a capsule/cassette with fragrance is accommodated.

The deodorizer housing 106 has a top flange surface 108 to which a fan of the deodorizer attaches. The outlet channel 100 opens into the interior of the housing 106 so that an air flow conveyed by the fan flows around the cassette with the fragrance and the charged air flow then exits via the outlet channel 100 and the outlet openings 104 in the direction of the ceramic. The transition area between the outlet channel 100 and the adjacent end wall of the deodorizer housing 106 is designed with a concave groove 110, through which the cross section of the outlet channel 100 towards the interior of the deodorizer housing 106 is enlarged. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a large number of domes 111 (only one in figure 8 provided with a reference number), via which, for example, the housing support 92 and/or other functional components of the technology box 2 can be attached. Through the in the case back 84 trained impressions 87a, 87b are formed supports for such functional components. For example, a bearing bracket 112 for a drive motor of the swivel joint 28, 30 of the toilet lid 4 and a damper bracket 114 for mounting a damper of the swivel joint 28, 30 of the toilet seat 10 are formed on the impression 87a. A fixing pin 115 for fixing the position of the damper is arranged on the rounded support surface of the damper bracket 114 .

A support wall 116 is provided on the opposite indentation 87b of the base plate 94, on which the above-described pivot pins 70, 72 and the guide pins 80, 82 are laterally supported. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these are held on the housing support 92 described below.

The two receptacles 88, 90, into which the two threaded bolts 16a, 16b (see Fig figure 2 ) are used. As explained in more detail below, the area of the outlet channel 100 that is open toward the top is covered by a cover that also covers part of the groove 110 . A large number of other support and holding structures are also formed on the base plate 94, but these are of secondary importance for understanding the invention, so that explanations in this regard are unnecessary.

In figure 9 the underside of the housing base 84 is shown. One recognizes, similarly as in figure 6 , the two impressions 87a, 87b, whereby the bearing bracket 112 (not visible in Fig figure 9 ) and the damper bracket 114, next to which one of the domes 111 for fastening the housing support 92 is arranged.

Between the two indentations 87a, 87b it extends downwards out of the base plate 94 (view figure 9 ) the deodorizer housing 106, with support ribs 118 being formed in the transition region in order to stabilize the deodorizer housing 106. Corresponding support structures are formed on the base plate 94 for the further elements of the housing base 84 in a manner optimized by injection molding. The housing base 84, in particular the base plate, can be supported by these support structures 94 form with a high rigidity, so that high loads on the toilet seat set 1 can be absorbed and introduced into the ceramic.

figure 10 shows a three-dimensional plan view of the housing support 92, which is screwed to the housing base 84 in the exemplary embodiment shown and is essentially seated on the domes 111 and the base plate 94. The housing support 92 is designed according to the outer contour of the outer shell 86 and thus has a geometry stepped towards the ceramic with a large surface 120 corresponding to the top surface 50, an adjoining middle step 122 and an outlet step 124 sloping down to the ceramic, the dimensions of which correspond to the top surface 50 or the intermediate stage 60 or the exit stage 62 are adapted so that the outer shell 86 can preferably lie flat on the housing support 92 . On an end face 126 pointing towards the ceramic, the outlet step 124 is in turn formed with a channel-shaped constriction 64 and an indentation 67, at the apex of which the outlet channel 100 opens. A rectangular recess 128 is provided in the area of the constriction 64 , which is supplemented with the outlet wall 102 and the outlet openings 104 to form the air outlet 68 .

In the transition area from the constriction 64 covering the outlet channel 100 to the in figure 10 In the non-visible deodorizer housing 106, an approximately rectangular opening is formed in the area of the step 122, which serves as a sensor mount 130 for an occupancy sensor, for example a radar sensor.

in the in figure 10 To the right of the constriction 64 formed area of the outlet step 124 is a round recess 132 formed, in the illustrated embodiment, a mounted on the housing base 84 transmitter coil for inductive energy transmission to components accommodated in the toilet seat 10 dips. A plurality of centering walls 178 for fixing the position of the transmitter coil are formed in the peripheral area of the recess 132 . This can be on the bottom of the housing, for example on a bottom surface of the embossing 87b (see figure 8 ) to be stored.

On a side wall 134 are elongated, extending to the left (as viewed from figure 10 ) towards tapering openings 136, 138 for the pivot pins 70, 72 and the guide pins 80, 82 are formed.

The housing support 92 is also provided with support structures, for example stiffening ribs 140, along its peripheral surfaces, via which the rigidity of the housing support 92 is improved.

figure 11 shows an interior view of the housing support 92 with a view of a support cover surface 142, which is covered on the outside by the large surface 120 of the outer shell 86. This carrier cover surface 142 is surrounded by the side wall 134 described above, a further side wall 144 and a rear wall 146 running transversely thereto. The carrier top surface 142 then transitions into the step 122 and the outlet step 124 in the manner previously described, through which the height of the housing carrier 92 is gradually reduced. Apertures 148, 150 are formed in side wall 144 for pivot pins 70, 72 to be retained on side wall 144 as will be discussed hereinafter.

As explained above, the recess 132 for the transmitter coil is formed adjacent to the constriction 64 or the indentation 67 . The approximately rectangular recess 128 of the outlet channel 100 is provided on the end face 126 of the outlet step 124 . In the representation according to figure 11 one can also see that wedge-shaped side wall sections 152, 154 of the outlet channel 100 are formed in the region of the outlet step 124 adjoining the recess 128.

A window 156 for the drawer 24 of the deodorizer is formed in the rear wall 146 and a cable bushing 158 for the line 22 is formed on the side next to this window 156 . In the area of the rear wall 146 adjoining the support cover surface 142, three light exit openings 160a, 160b, 160c are formed, which are aligned with the light exit openings 36a, 36b, 36c of the outer shell 86 and through which the above-described illuminant emits light.

According to the view figure 11 A holder 162 for the fan of the deodorizer is provided below the window 156 on the carrier cover surface 142 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, this holder 162 is designed in the shape of a frame, with a connection to the air inlet 32 being established via an intake opening 163 . The fan can be screwed to the corner areas of the bracket 162.

The reference numeral 164 designates, for example, a support dome projecting from the carrier cover surface 142, via which further functional components of the technology box 2 can be held or via which a connection to the housing base 84, for example by screws, takes place.

figure 12 shows a top view of the outer shell 86. This view essentially corresponds to the overall view of the technology box 2 according to FIG figure 4 , so that further explanations are unnecessary and with regard to the individual elements on this figure 4 can be referred. Accordingly, the outer shell 86 has a smooth surface on the outside and is designed with regard to an optimal design. Accordingly, this is also in figure 13 The interior of the outer shell 86 shown has relatively few structural elements, so that an optimal quality of the visible surfaces is ensured during manufacture, preferably during injection molding, due to the absence of material accumulations. A drawer opening 166 is formed in the rear wall 20, which is aligned with the window 156 of the housing support 92 and into which the drawer 24, which is explained in more detail below, is inserted. Next to the drawer opening 166 there is a bushing 168 for the line 22 which is aligned with the cable bushing 158 . A few hollow sockets 172 are formed on an outer shell top surface 170 and the large surfaces of the step 122 and the outlet step 124, via which the outer shell 86 is supported on the housing carrier 92. The air outlet 68 opens out in the manner described above in the end face 66 of the constriction 64 or the indentation 67. A fixing ring 176 for the transmitter coil is arranged on an inner surface 174 of the outlet step 124. This fixing ring 176 is coaxial with the recess 132 .

Based on Figures 8 to 13 the basic structure of the three-part housing of the technology box 2 is explained above. In the following Figures 14 and 15 are some of the described functional components and parts of the control electronics in the supporting structural elements, ie in the housing support 92 ( figure 14 ) and the caseback 84 ( figure 15 ) built-in.

In figure 14 is the housing support 92 in an approximately figure 11 corresponding view. You can see the line 22, which is routed through the cable bushing 158 into the interior of the housing, via the control boards 180, 182, 184 and 186 with electrical be supplied with energy. A fan 188 is controlled via the last-mentioned control circuit board 186 and, as explained above, is fastened to the holder 162 of the housing support 92 . The power electronics with the control boards 180, 182, 184, 186 are also used to control a light module 190, which is attached in the area of the rear wall 146 and emits the light via the above-described light exit openings 36 in the outer shell 86.

The control electronics are also connected to some sensors, for example to the radar sensor 191 described above, which is inserted in the sensor mount 130, with regard to the energy and signal transmission. The approach of a user to the toilet seat set 1 can be detected via this radar sensor 191, so that after detection the functional components can be controlled in a suitable manner, for example to lift the toilet lid 4 or the like.

In figure 14 a transmitter coil 192 is also shown, which, however, is covered by a cover 194 . This transmitter coil 192 is used for inductive signal/energy transmission to components integrated in the toilet seat 10 or in the toilet lid 4, for example a seat heater.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot pins 70, 72 and the guide pins 80, 82 formed adjacent thereto are retained on a plate 196 which is supported on the support wall 116 of the housing base 84 and on the inside of the side wall 134 and the support top surface 142 of the housing support 92. A further sensor 198 can also be provided in this area, via which, for example, the pivoted position of the toilet lid 4 and/or the toilet seat 10 is detected and which is inserted into a sensor window 200/(see in particular figure 11 ) is used. Depending on its signal, for example, the in figure 15 illustrated drive motor 202 of the articulated shaft 74 can be controlled.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, an occupancy sensor 206 is optionally provided, via which the use of the toilet seat 10 is recorded. About this document sensor 207, the load on the seat-side pivot pin 70, 72 is detected and used via the control electronics/line electronics to control functional components, for example seat heating or the like.

In the figure 15 is the case back 84 in a figure 8 corresponding view. Accordingly, the drive motor 202 is placed on the bearing bracket 112 of the base plate 94 and cantilevers out of the technology box 2 with the articulated shaft 74 . This articulated shaft 74 is non-rotatably connected to a block of the toilet seat 4, so that when the drive motor 202 is activated, the toilet seat 4 is opened (raised) or closed (lowered). The motor or its gear is preferably designed in such a way that the self-locking is relatively low, so that the toilet seat set 1 can also be opened or closed by hand without current. In principle, this drive motor 202 can also be used to open and close the toilet seat 10 . In the specific exemplary embodiment, the drive motor 202 is assigned only to the toilet seat 4 .

The lowering movement of the toilet seat 10 from an open position in the direction of a closed position (resting on the ceramic) is carried out by a conventional toilet seat joint damper 204 whose rotary piston 76 projects out of the technology box 2 parallel to the articulated shaft 74 . The two pivot pins 70, 72 are arranged coaxially with the articulated shaft 74 and the rotary piston 76, respectively. The damper 204 is supported on the damper bracket 114 of the floor panel 94 . In the representation according to figure 15 A cover 206 is also visible, which covers the outlet channel 100 formed on the base plate 94 and the concave channel 110 adjoining it and which rests against the deodorizer housing 106 . In this representation one can also see its flange surface 108, on which the fan 188 lies sealingly. Further details of the air routing are explained in more detail below.

In the arrangement according to Figures 14 and 15 Furthermore, a radio module can also be integrated, so that the individual functional components can be controlled via an external control device, for example a hand-held device or a smartphone. In principle, this radio module can also be used to load additional data, for example weather data or the like, which can then be called up by the user. Also a signal processing/evaluation of the sensors recorded vital parameters or other signals can be done via this external control device.

As stated above, the toilet seat set 1, in particular the technology box 2, can be designed with a deodorizer. This one is in the figure 16 provided with the reference number 208 . In this exemplary embodiment, the deodorizer 208 is arranged essentially on the housing floor 84 . In principle, however, this can also be integrated into the technology box 2 in a different form. figure 16 shows one figure 8 corresponding representation of the housing bottom 84, in contrast to this representation in the deodorizer housing 106, the drawer 24 is used. Furthermore, the outlet channel 100 with the outlet openings 104 is covered by the concave cover 206 . In the representation according to figure 16 Furthermore, the fan 188 is placed on the deodorizer housing 106.

As explained, the drawer 24 serves to hold a fragrance. Figures 17a, 17b show a top view and a bottom view of the drawer 24, which is pushed into a guide of the deodorizer housing 106. As explained, the drawer 24 has two recessed grips 26a, 26b, which are formed on a handle body 210. The end face of the handle body 210 pointing towards the user is formed by an end wall 212 which, when the drawer 24 is in the inserted state, is flush with the rear wall 20 of the technology box 2 . This end wall 212 protrudes laterally somewhat beyond the outer circumference of the handle body 210, so that the guide of the drawer 24 in the technology box 2, more precisely in the outer shell 86, the housing support 92 and the housing base 84 is covered. Adjoining the handle body 210 is a receiving space 214 for the scenting agent, which is delimited at the rear by a transverse wall 216 . The lateral delimitation takes place via side walls 218, 220 which extend between the handle body 210 and the transverse wall 216.

As per bottom view Figure 17b removable, the receiving space 214 is delimited at the bottom by a base frame 224, with an outlet opening 226 encompassed by this allowing flow through the drawer 24 in the vertical direction (see arrow in Figure 17a ). In the illustrated embodiment, the fragrance is included in cartridges / capsules 228, according to the Figures 18a, 18b perfect fit can be used in the receiving space 214 of the drawer 24. The cassettes 228 are filled with granules loaded with the fragrance, so that the air is loaded with the fragrance as it flows through the cassette 228 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the flow through the cassette 228 is made possible by slots 230 formed on the outer circumference, so that the air can flow through the drawer 24 in the direction of the arrow without any major loss of pressure. Cassettes/capsules 228 of this type are known, for example, in ventilation systems for vehicles/rooms, so that further explanations are unnecessary.

Depending on the type of cassettes/capsules 228 used, drawers 24 with receiving spaces 214 of different shapes can be provided. In principle, however, it is also possible to adapt the receiving space 214 to different cassettes/capsules 228 by inserting adapters. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse wall 216 and the handle body 210 are each designed as a hollow body, with hollow chamber structures being introduced to avoid accumulations of material - these are in Figure 17a provided with the reference number 232 by way of example.

figure 19 shows a section AA through the technology box 2, the course of the section in figure 19 is displayed at the top right. Ie the cutting plane has two in the transverse direction (horizontally in figure 19 ) staggered cutting areas.

Accordingly, the section AA shows the housing base 84, which is designed according to the above statements and is screwed to the housing support 92 or connected in some other way. Toward the outside, the inner housing formed by the housing base 84 and the housing support 92 is covered by the outer shell 86 . As explained at the outset, the air inlet 32 through which air can enter the interior of the technology box 2 is formed in this outer shell 86 . According to the above statements, the drawer 24 with the cassette 228 is inserted into the deodorizer housing 106 . According to the cut figure 19 one sees the handle body 210 formed with one of the recessed grips 26 and the transverse wall 216, between which the receiving space 214 for the cassette 228 is formed. As explained, the drawer 24 is shown opening in accordance with FIG figure 19 downwards via the outlet opening 226 to the interior of the deodorizer housing 106, which is in flow communication with the outlet channel 100, which extends upwards through the cover 206 is covered. The outlet channel 100 opens into the air outlet 68, which is delimited on the one hand by the recess 128 of the housing support 92 and on the other hand by the outlet wall 102 with the outlet openings 104. As discussed above, the fan 188 is attached to the housing support 92 and rests on the flange surface 108 of the deodorizer housing 106 .

When the fan 188 is controlled via the control/power electronics described, air is released as in figure 19 shown, is sucked into the interior of the technical box 2 through the air inlet 32 and enters the interior of the deodorizer housing 106 through the suction opening 163 . The air flow is then directed through the cassette 228 received in the drawer 24 via the fan 188 and the peripheral walls of the deodorizer housing 106, so that the air is charged with the fragrance/perfume. This charged air then enters the lower part of the deodorizer housing 106 via the outlet opening 226 of the drawer 24 and flows from there in the direction of the outlet channel 100 until it finally flows out of the technology box 2 via the air outlet 68 in the direction of the ceramic.

As discussed above, fan 188 may be actuated in response to a signal from an occupancy sensor or the like. In principle it is of course also possible to control the fan 188 via a control device in the manner of a remote control. In the case of simpler solutions, the fan 188 can also be actuated manually with the aid of a button or switch.

A special feature of the airflow routing described above is that it runs essentially along a vertical plane (section plane in figure 19 ) takes place, with the air supply taking place above the air outlet as viewed in the vertical direction, with the flow through the cassette 228 being in the vertical direction. In principle, depending on the configuration of the technology box 2, a different flow guidance is also possible. However, the flow guidance described above has the advantage that the deodorizer 208 is very compact, so that there is enough space for other components of the toilet seat set 1 on the side.

The basic concept of inductive energy/data transmission is explained below using the figures 20 , 21 explained, supplementing the above-described State of the art according to the documents DE 10 2019 110 281 A1 and DE 10 2019 110 287 A1 can be referred.

figure 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat set 1 according to the invention, although the technology box 2 is designed with smaller dimensions than in the exemplary embodiments described above. As explained, a toilet lid 4 and a toilet seat 10 are hinged to the technology box 2, with the pivot joints described at the outset (joint shaft 74, rotary piston 76 of the damper 78, pivot pins 70, 72) each being in block 234 of the toilet seat 10 and the toilet cover 4 engage to pivotally support them. In the figure 20 only the block 234 of the toilet seat 10 is provided with a reference number.

As explained above, the transmitter coil 192 is held in the technology box 2 and is arranged, for example, on a carrier 236 and fixed in position in the technology box 2 . This preferably takes place close to the area of the outer shell 86 which faces the toilet seat 10 in its closed position. As explained, the energy supply and power electronics for the transmitter coil 192 are accommodated in the technology box 2 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the toilet seat 10 is designed with two shells 238, 240, which together form a receiving space 242 for a receiver coil 244. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is likewise arranged on a carrier 246 and fixed in position in the receiving space 242 . In principle, however, the toilet seat 10 can also be designed in one piece, in which case the receiver coil 244 is then pressed directly at the same time during the pressing.

At the in figure 20 shown relative position of receiver coil 244 and transmitter coil 192 no inductive energy transfer takes place. When the toilet seat 10 is lowered, the receiver coil 244 is according to FIG figure 21 oriented in relation to the transmitter coil 192 in such a way that an inductive electromagnetic alternating field is generated via the two coils. The energy is then transmitted by mutual induction between the two coils (receiver coil 244 and transmitter coil 192), with the AC voltage induced in the receiver coil 244 being rectified via the control electronics and transmitted to the functional components integrated in the toilet seat 10, for example a seat heater, sensors, LEDs or the like can be passed on. As explained above, this inductive energy transmission only takes place when the toilet seat 10 is lowered. As soon as this is pivoted upwards into the open position, the inductive coupling between the coils 244, 192 is eliminated, so that no energy is transmitted and therefore no supply to the consumers takes place. Of course, an energy store, for example a capacitor or an accumulator, can also be accommodated in the toilet seat 10 in order to supply the functional components with energy for a predetermined period of time even when the toilet seat 10 is raised.

The toilet seat sets known from the prior art are controlled either by the sensors described above or by pressing buttons/switches. Also known are solutions with key or membrane remote controls in which the control signals are transmitted wirelessly to the toilet seat set.

In one embodiment of a toilet seat set according to the invention, a control element with a display, for example a tablet or a smartphone, is used, via which the functional components explained above can be controlled, with the function being monitored and an evaluation of the Sensory recorded data is possible. The basic concept of such a system is figure 22 shown. Accordingly, the operating element is designed, for example, as a tablet or handheld 250 with a touch display 252, via which the functions of the toilet seat set 1 can be controlled. As explained above, a radio module is integrated in the toilet seat set 1 so that data can be exchanged between the toilet seat set 1 and the handheld device 250 . This data exchange can take place, for example, via Bluetooth or WLAN or in some other way. Appropriate actuation of the handheld 250 can then, for example, control the toilet seat 4, the deodorizer 208, a seat heater or other components of the toilet seat 4, or data can be retrieved from another station, for example from a weather station 254, in order to displayed on display 252 during use.

Of course, instead of weather data of this kind, other messages or information can also be called up and displayed on the display 252 .

figure 23 shows a possible embodiment of such a handheld device 250. Accordingly, this has a preferably touch-sensitive control surface 252, on which a gesture field 254 is formed, for example. This makes it possible to link different single-touch gestures with functions, so that the relevant function for controlling the toilet seat set 1 can be called up by corresponding movement with one or more fingers on the gesture area 254 . Such single-touch gestures can be, for example, movements up, down, left, right or along a circle clockwise or counterclockwise, so that a variety of unique gestures are available to control the functions.

Further touch-sensitive control elements are implemented on the control surface 252 of the exemplary embodiment described. Field 256 identifies a scrolling surface or a slider that can be used to navigate through a menu structure stored in handheld 250 . This menu structure can be displayed on a central display 258, with the respective function being brought into the selection area 260 by actuating the scroll surface 258. The menu structure can be selected to display different data or to select different functions. For example, in the in figure 23 selected setting establishes the connection to the weather station so that the corresponding weather data can be retrieved. When selecting the in figure 23 Vital parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate or the like are retrieved and processed using the symbol above. with the inside figure 23 The selection below controls the deodorizer 208. Correspondingly, symbols for actuating the seat heating, for raising and lowering the toilet lid 4 and/or the toilet seat 10 or for controlling the lighting can be selected. The final selection is made via an OK button 262. In figure 23 a back (return) button 264 is also shown below the OK button 262 . With a corresponding design of the software, all essential functions of a toilet seat set 1 can be controlled via such a handheld 250 and, if necessary, an evaluation of measured data can also be carried out.

It is preferred if the handheld 250 is provided with a permanently integrated rechargeable battery that can be charged, for example, via a micro-USB interface or the like of the toilet seat set 1 or else inductively.

This handheld 250 can also be used to call up operating instructions for the toilet seat set 1 or maintenance instructions from the manufacturer.

As explained, the function of the handheld 250 can also be taken over by an app that can be loaded onto a smartphone, which then sends corresponding signals and inputs from the user to the toilet seat set 1 for control/evaluation.

Disclosed is a toilet seat set with a technology box, which essentially consists of a housing base that determines the statics and a housing support, which are covered by an outer shell that determines the visual appearance.

Reference list:

1

toilet seat set

2

technical box

4

toilet lid

6

buffer

8th

buffer

10

WC seat

12

fasteners

14

fasteners

16

threaded bolt

18

mother

20

rear panel

22

management

24

drawer

26

recessed grip

28

swivel joint

30

swivel joint

32

air intake

34

inlet recess

36

light exit opening

37

glass insert

38

sidewall

39

breakthrough

40

sidewall

42

breakthrough

44

breakthrough

46

breakthrough

48

execution

50

top surface

52

large area

54

recess

56

recess

58

execution

60

intermediate

62

exit stage

64

constriction

66

face

67

indentation

68

air outlet

70

trunnion

72

trunnion

74

cardan shaft

76

rotary piston

78

mute

80

guide pin

82

guide pin

84

caseback

86

outer shell

87

imprint

88

admission

90

admission

92

case carrier

94

bottom plate

96

wall

98

wall

100

exhaust port

102

exit wall

104

exhaust ports

106

Deodorizer case

108

flange face

110

fillet

111

Dom

112

bearing bracket

114

damper console

115

fixing pin

116

retaining wall

118

support rib

120

large area

122

step

124

outlet stage

126

face

128

recess

130

sensor recording

132

recess

134

Side wall

136

breakthrough

138

breakthrough

140

stiffening ribs

142

carrier deck surface

144

Side wall

146

back panel

148

opening

150

opening

152

sidewall section

154

sidewall section

156

window

158

grommet

160

light exit breakthrough

162

bracket

163

intake port

164

support dome

166

drawer opening

168

execution

170

outer shell top surface

172

hollow socket

174

Inner surface

176

fixing ring

178

centering wall

180

control board

182

control board

184

control board

186

control board

188

Fan

190

light module

191

radar sensor

192

transmitter coil

194

cover

196

plate

198

sensor

200

sensor window

202

drive motor

206

cover

207

receipt sensor

208

deodorizer

210

grip body

212

end wall

214

recording room

216

transverse wall

218

sidewall

220

sidewall

224

floor frame

226

exit port

228

Cassette/Capsule

230

slot

232

hollow chamber structure

234

cock

236

carrier

238

Bowl

240

Bowl

242

recording room

244

receiver coil

246

carrier

250

handheld

252

control surface (display)

254

gesture box

256

scroll surface

258

screen

260

selection area

262

OK button

264

Back (Return) button

Claims (14)

Technology box for a toilet seat set (1), which is connected to the technology box (2) via swivel joints (28, 30), which in turn can be fixed to a ceramic using fastening means (12, 14), wherein a housing of the technology box (2nd ) Functional components and control electronics of the toilet seat set (1) are arranged, characterized in that the housing has a housing base (84) which is connected to a housing support (92), this and the housing base (84) containing the functional components and the Wear control electronics, which are preferably arranged in a space surrounded by the housing base (84) and the housing support (92) and with an outer shell (86) which covers the housing support (92). Technology box according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell (86) is supported at least in sections on the housing support (92). Technics box according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein at least one articulated shaft (74) driven by a drive motor (202) and/or a damper (78) of the swivel joints (28, 30) are mounted at a parallel spacing on one side of the housing base (84), wherein Pivot pins (70, 72) are held coaxially with the propeller shaft (74) and the damper (78) on the opposite side of the housing support (92). Technology box according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional components are a drive (202), toilet seat joint arrangements, a deodorizer (208), seat heating, a radio module and/or other components required for operating the toilet seat set (1). Technology box according to Patent Claim 3 or 4, wherein the deodorizer (208) has a fan (188) which is preferably arranged on the housing support side and which draws in air through an air inlet (32) arranged in the housing support (92) and via an air inlet, preferably from the housing base (84) and from the housing support (92) limited air outlet (68), wherein a scenting agent is arranged in the air flow path between the air inlet (32) and the air outlet (68). Technology box according to one of the preceding claims, wherein this is connected to the ceramic via a take-off connection. Technology box according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing base (84) and the housing support (92) are connected to one another in a non-positive and/or positive manner, in particular screwed to one another. Technology box according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer shell (86) is pressed with the housing support (92) and/or the housing base (84), in particular hot-pressed. Technology box according to one of the preceding patent claims, in which the air flow is guided approximately in a vertical plane in relation to the bearing surface on the ceramic. Technology box according to claim 9, wherein the air inlet (32) is arranged higher than the air outlet (68) with respect to the support surface. Technology box according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is stepped back towards the air outlet (68). Technology box according to one of Patent Claims 4 to 11, wherein the sensor system has at least one document sensor, one proximity sensor, one sensor for detecting vital parameters, one temperature sensor and/or one acceleration sensor. Technology box according to one of Patent Claims 4 to 12, wherein this accommodates part of an inductive energy supply, in particular a transmitter coil (192). Toilet seat set with a technology box (2) according to one of the preceding patent claims.

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