Damper for the rotational movement of a toilet lid or toilet seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary damper, in particular for a toilet lid and a toilet seat, having a rotatable adjustment element (12) for adjusting the flow cross section of a viscous damping medium, wherein the flow cross section can be changed by adjusting the degree of coincidence of an adjustment opening and a cover edge (26) which can be moved as a result of the rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotational damper, i.e., a device for damping rotational motion about a rotational axis. This damper is particularly useful for damping the rotational motion of a toilet seat or toilet lid mounted on a toilet. This, for example, can prevent a violent impact at the end of the descent. Background Technology

[0002] Such dampers are known in principle and are widely used. A damper typically has a housing from which a pin-shaped component extends. Here, the housing is coupled to one device component, and the pin is coupled to another device component involved in rotational motion. The relative motion causes compression of the viscous damping medium within the housing, which is related to the actual damping effect and the flow resistance of the damping medium caused by viscosity.

[0003] The compression is caused by the relative motion of two damping elements, one of which is coupled (or integrated) with the housing and the other is coupled to the pin or another component that may be supplied separately from the housing and typically extends from the housing. In this relative motion, the damping medium is compressed through a flow path and simultaneously generates flow resistance due to its viscosity.

[0004] It is known in principle that dampers can be installed in this regard. Typically, the corresponding adjusting element is accessible from the outside and has, for example, a tool engagement. Rotatable adjusting elements are particularly known, by which the flow cross-section in the flow path that is important for the damping effect can be changed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to advantageously improve the adjustability of a damper equipped with such a rotatable adjusting element.

[0006] This invention relates to a damper for rotational movement, particularly of a toilet seat or toilet lid, about a rotation axis. The damper has a viscous damping medium, two damping elements movable relative to each other, and a rotatable adjusting element. The relative movement of the damping elements causes the damping medium to be displaced and displaced through a flow path. The adjusting element is used to adjust the flow cross-section in the flow path. The invention is characterized in that the adjusting element has an adjusting opening that is rotatable and arranged in the flow path, the adjusting opening coinciding with a covering edge in at least a portion of the rotatable movement path, wherein the degree of coincidence is adjusted by rotation, thereby adjusting the flow cross-section.

[0007] The present invention also relates to advantageous applications and toilet fittings equipped with dampers according to the invention.

[0008] According to the present invention, a rotatable adjusting element is provided, the adjusting element having an adjusting opening that is variable by rotation of the adjusting element. Here, the component with the opening and the rest of the adjusting element do not necessarily need to be designed as a single piece, but are coupled in terms of rotational movement. The adjusting opening is arranged in the flow path and its movement can change the flow cross-section. For this purpose, the adjusting opening coincides with a covering edge. That is, depending on the adjustment, the covering edge covers different sizes of the adjusting opening, and the degree of overlap is adjusted by rotation.

[0009] For example, the covering edge can be another opening boundary edge (or a combination of multiple boundary edges) that is adjacent to the regulating opening in the flow path.

[0010] This rotatability is set relative to one damping element or another; importantly, the rotatability causes a change in the overlap.

[0011] An alternative known in the prior art is that the rotatable adjusting element undergoes axial movement during its rotation by being guided in a thread and adjusted like a screw. Thus, instead of the aforementioned adjusting opening, the axial movement of the end face of the adjusting element acts on the flow cross-section.

[0012] This invention realizes various design schemes with varying degrees of importance depending on the application. On one hand, according to this invention, the adjustment opening can be radially spaced from the rotation axis of the adjustment element, which in most cases coincides with the rotation axis of the damper, thereby achieving greater design freedom.

[0013] Axial movement of the adjusting element can also be avoided, as this is not necessary for adjustment (and is therefore possible in the general sense of the invention). Thus, the rotation is a pure rotation without an axial component, i.e., without helical motion. Therefore, the adjusting element does not change in its axial position from the outside and remains in the same location axially, for example, in terms of operation. For example, there is no further entry into or exit from the damper component, which is housed within the damper. Furthermore, the adjustment element falling out and the damper becoming unsealed in case of erroneous operation can be prevented, which is possible in adjusting elements guided by threads according to the prior art.

[0014] According to a preferred design, the regulating opening can be arranged in the return region of the flow path. This flow path connects two volumes, one decreasing in size through relative motion or movement while the other increases. In this design, the flow path has a central axial component. The regulating opening is located between the axial component of the flow path and the radially outer one of the two volumes. The damping medium can thus be introduced (or vice versa) via the axial component of the regulating opening. The two volumes are preferably located on either side of the moving damping element in an axial view, and thus one of them is close to the regulating opening and connected to the axial flow path component via the regulating opening. Refer to the embodiment for clarity.

[0015] In this design, adjusting the radial offset of the opening from the axis allows the axis position to be used for the axial components of the flow path.

[0016] A valve element can be advantageously positioned within the flow path of the damping medium to alter the damper's function in relation to the flow direction. The valve element can move in relation to the flow direction and switch a bypass port into the flow path or block the bypass port. The bypass port significantly reduces the overall flow resistance of the flow path and thus lowers the damping ratio. For example, it may be desirable to overcome relatively small damping resistance to lift a toilet seat or lid while ensuring sufficient attenuation of the downward motion.

[0017] If the bypass port is not completely closed in the flow direction, but only significantly narrowed, this causes a similar technical effect and is therefore included. Conversely, the valve element does not necessarily need to move to a precisely defined other position in the other flow direction. Elastomer valve elements are particularly preferred, wherein the flowing damping medium causes a portion or the entire valve element to move against the restoring force of the elastomeric material, allowing for varying degrees of deflection of the valve element depending on the flow velocity. This is especially true in significantly altering the flow resistance at the corresponding location in relation to the flow direction, or completely interrupting the flow of the damping medium in the blocking direction.

[0018] In a particularly simple design, the regulating element is a check valve, which opens or closes according to the flow direction and is located in the part of the flow path guided by a bypass port.

[0019] Advantageously, the bypass port is connected in parallel with the regulating opening of the regulating element when it is open. When the bypass port or the portion of the flow path guided by the bypass opening is open, the regulating opening is essentially deactivated, causing a significant decrease in the direction of rotation of the damper due to adjustment via the regulating element.

[0020] In another preferred design, a storage cavity for the damping medium is immediately following the adjustment opening. "Immediately following" here means that the storage cavity is directly adjacent to the adjustment opening or there is no narrowing between them that significantly affects the flow resistance of the damping medium. Furthermore, this involves achieving a flow direction with damping effect that can be set by the adjustment opening (and not, for example, a direction with significantly less flow resistance set by the aforementioned bypass).

[0021] The storage chamber functions to store a certain amount of damping medium, allowing the damping medium forced through the regulating opening during its damping function to merge with the damping medium stored in the storage chamber. Typically, the damping medium exhibits a temporarily lower viscosity after being forced through narrow sections, especially after the regulating opening, due to a corresponding pressure drop. Thus, downstream of the regulating opening, the flow resistance at this point in the flow path decreases as the motion traverses a certain distance, particularly under a large force load. The storage chamber, in turn, causes the damping medium passing through the regulating opening to mix with other damping media.

[0022] The storage cavity may be, in particular, a funnel-shaped widening of a channel that extends generally radially in the flow path, as shown in the embodiments.

[0023] The adjustment opening itself can be located in a recess on the outer surface of the damper member (or an adjacent member) containing the channel, connected to the channel, especially its widened portion. Preferably, it is a recess on the cylindrical outer surface of the damper member. This embodiment also exhibits this characteristic. Such a recess can be well manufactured in a small size and has the advantage that its size can be slightly altered according to the sample or to match a new application, for example, by finishing the casting mold or replacing small parts of a multi-piece casting mold. Thus, in the production department, in addition to the adjustment scheme according to the invention, the damping characteristics (in any case, in the important direction here) can also be adjusted.

[0024] In another design of this recess, the recess has a shape that narrows in at least one direction, specifically from the beginning of the channel. The direction referred to by the term "narrow" is here perpendicular to the direction of relative motion of the damping element (and naturally perpendicular to the radial direction). The narrowing gradually increases from the beginning of the channel toward the direction of relative motion. Preferably, the recess is also shallower (this relates to the radial direction).

[0025] The overlap with the covering edge (as the adjusting element rotates) gradually increases in the direction of relative movement of the damping element, such that the narrower and shallower portion of the recess remains unoccupied by increasing the overlap. Therefore, due to the shape of the recess, although the spiral shape of the covering edge is preferably uniform in pitch, a nonlinear response with adjustable possibilities is achieved to some extent. In particular, the response performance in the sense described above can be matched by changing the recess.

[0026] Preferably, the damper has a first damping element and a second damping element. The first damping element has a first portion in the housing and a second portion outside the housing that is non-rotatably connected to the first portion, and the first and second portions together are rotatable relative to the housing about a rotation axis. The second damping element is fixedly coupled to the housing and to the first damping element non-rotatable about the rotation axis, such that rotation of the first damping element relative to the housing causes axial movement of the second damping element relative to the first damping element and displaces the damping medium through the second damping element along a flow path in the housing. The second damping element is coupled to the first damping element by means of a threaded engagement and is housed in the first damping element at least radially, such that the first damping element has a threaded engagement and the threaded engagement and the resulting displacement of the damping medium through the second damping element act bidirectionally.

[0027] In this damping variant, the axial movement of the second damping element relative to the first damping element is caused by the relative rotation of the two damping elements. This is achieved through a threaded connection between the two damping elements, specifically radially (about the axis of rotation). In other words, the second damping element should be accommodated at least radially within the first damping element (thus they coincide radially), such that the threaded connection is located in the accommodated region and within the first damping element (i.e., in the overlapping region).

[0028] Therefore, this does not involve the interaction between the axially adjacent helical end faces, but rather the radially outer region of the second damping element and the inner region of the first damping element, which are threaded together.

[0029] This form allows for a robust and structurally uncomplicated mechanical solution for generating the expulsion of damping media.

[0030] In particular, this threaded joint can induce axial movement in two directions, while only inducing force in one direction at the axial end and given its helical shape. If interaction in both directions is desired, the structure must be doubled to some extent. An alternative in the prior art is to provide an additional spring and pre-stress the force in the second direction to some extent. Therefore, the present invention is simpler because the threaded joint itself acts bidirectionally.

[0031] Preferably, the second damping element is housed within the first damping element in any case for the threaded engagement, such that the first damping element is radially located outside the second damping element in this region. Because the first damping element has a second portion (generally a cylindrical pin with cut-out portions on opposite sides) outside the damper housing, force is thus introduced into the threaded engagement via the radially outer portion. Consequently, the lever length is relatively large and the first damping element is particularly stable in transmitting force.

[0032] In principle, threaded engagement can be achieved by providing threads only on one of the two damping elements, i.e., a set consisting of at least two helical faces. In the other damping element, for example, only a simple protrusion (e.g., with a rounded bottom surface) or recess can be provided, wherein the protrusion can engage between the two helical faces of the other damping element, or the two helical faces can engage into the recess.

[0033] However, it is preferable that the two damping elements each have two helical surfaces and the threads engage with each other.

[0034] However, the thread lengths on both sides need not be equal, and for example, one of the damping elements has only a short protrusion, but the protrusion has two helical faces on its side, while the groove, as a mating part of the other damping element, is constructed to be much longer along the circumference.

[0035] Furthermore, the two helical faces of a damping element do not necessarily need to be different; that is, they can be connected to each other by extending around a circumference. In other words, number 2 refers to a view at a specific circumferential location.

[0036] The spiral surfaces, or threads, on the two damping elements are used for force distribution over a larger surface and for a more stable design.

[0037] Preferably, the second damping element is fully radially housed within the first damping element, at least in a portion of the location where axial movement occurs. This housing is not limited to the axial section of the second damping element. This configuration allows for a particularly compact structure.

[0038] Preferably, apart from the threaded engagement, there is no other interaction between the helical shaped surfaces on the axial end sides of the first and second damping elements. Preferably, the mechanical interaction between the two damping elements is limited to the threaded engagement, wherein there may be multiple threaded engagements.

[0039] Preferably, the threaded section formed by the helical surface extends at a relatively small rotation angle (relative to the axis of rotation), specifically at least 50°. This achieves better stability of the damper and a generally robust implementation. Furthermore, the preferred lower limit is 60°, 70°, or even 80°.

[0040] Here, the extension of this angle does not need to be equal for the threaded sections of the two damping elements. For example, in the embodiment described below, the threaded section of the inner second damping element extends at a greater than 90°, but the threaded section of the outer first damping element extends at a significantly greater than 200°, because it covers the total rotational motion of the damper and, additionally, should coincide completely or, in any case, to the maximum extent possible with the inner threaded section in all positions. In the case of this embodiment, this means that for the second damping element, the total rotation angle is 120° plus 90°, which is greater than 210°. The aforementioned minimum requirement refers to the correspondingly shorter threaded sections of the damping elements.

[0041] Another or alternative preferred control scheme for the damper according to the invention is independent of direction but related to the rotation angle, thereby involving a portion of the total rotation path of the damper. Therefore, the damping effect is enhanced in the terminal region of this total rotation path, specifically where another opening in the flow path narrows, thus contributing as another significant flow resistance to the damping effect of the adjusting opening.

[0042] This is advantageously achieved by the second damping element narrowing or closing the through opening of the damping medium as completely as possible in the end region of the movement by increasing the overlap during its axial movement. In the latter case, this forces the damping medium through a parallel flow path section with correspondingly high flow resistance.

[0043] In any case, this method can, for example, enhance or increase attenuation in the final stage of the low-damped or undamped lifting motion of a toilet seat or toilet lid, immediately before impact. In this case, a second control scheme can be added to both the orientation-dependent and the aforementioned schemes.

[0044] In an advantageous design, the aforementioned through opening is connected to the aforementioned axial component of the flow path of the damping medium. Therefore, the through opening is, to some extent, opposite to (but asymmetrical to) the regulating opening regarding this axial component of the flow path. This embodiment illustrates this design.

[0045] For example, the final phase of the closing motion can be attenuated to a greater extent, so as to achieve a particularly gentle contact at the end position of the closing motion, while ensuring that the closing motion itself is not too slow. Therefore, there is a corresponding through-opening in the other end region of the movement of the second damping element (in two embodiments). The through-opening significantly reduces damping in the initial phase of the closing motion, but closes in the final phase, allowing actual damping to be achieved by adjusting the opening. Therefore, the above-described basic idea of ​​a through-opening covered by the damping element in the final phase of the movement of the second damping element can be implemented twice.

[0046] The adjustability according to the invention is particularly flexible in structure and can be implemented very sensitively (especially through the spiral shape covering the edges). In a preferred application of the invention, the adjustability allows a number of dampers with the same preferred structure to be matched to individual cases. This is particularly relevant to toilet seats or lids of different masses (or components that decay during their movement). Thus, one or a small number of damper structure types can be used to advantageously cover a larger number of different masses by making the adjustability suitable for personalized solutions.

[0047] In special cases, this involves multiple dampers with the same damping medium, such as the same type of grease. Distinctions are typically made between different damping media to account for components of varying masses to be damped. However, it is much simpler to fill a small number of damper types with a few different damping medium types, or even just a single type of damper, and to match them using only the adjustment possibilities.

[0048] Finally, the invention also relates to a toilet fitting having at least one damper according to the invention. The toilet fitting is referred to herein as at least one toilet seat or toilet base, preferably a combination thereof, for mounting on a toilet. The damper according to the invention is used to dampen the rotational movement of the fitting, wherein preferably, dampers are provided for both the toilet base and the toilet seat. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments. In addition, various features of the technical solutions of the present invention may also be important to the present invention in other combinations and are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] The diagram shows: Figure 1 A perspective view of a toilet equipped with a toilet fitting according to the invention is shown, wherein the toilet seat is shown in a vertical and semi-lowered position. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the damper according to the invention in a toilet fitting, wherein the various components are separated from each other along the axis of rotation; Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view and perspective view of the main components of the rotation damper along the rotation axis. Figure 4 Enlarged to show Figure 3 A partial view of the diagram in the image; Figure 5 It shows the relationship with Figure 3 The corresponding schematic diagram is shown, but in a side view perpendicular to the cutting plane and the axis of rotation; Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 It shows something similar to Figure 5 The view is shown, but the position of the component has changed; Figure 9 It shows something similar to Figure 3 The diagram is shown, but it is based on... Figure 8 The location of the components; Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged view of the adjusting element 12, which has a relative to Figure 2 Slightly altered rotation position, and Figure 11 Similarly, it is shown Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of shaft component 7. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the toilet from the upper left front. Here, toilet accessories are mounted on the toilet body 1, including a toilet seat 2 and a toilet base 3. The toilet seat 2 and toilet base 3 can be flipped open and closed respectively around a rear transverse rotation axis. For clarity, the toilet seat 2 is shown in a semi-lowered position, in addition to its vertical position, and is also semi-transparent.

[0052] The toilet fittings are equipped with two dampers according to the invention in a slightly thickened area 4 of the toilet seat 3, which will be described in detail with reference to the following figures. The dampers are used to dampen the rotational movement of the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3. Here, by means of corresponding rotatable or rotationally locking guides / connections, the rotational damper dampens only the rotational movement of the toilet lid 2 and can rotate relative to the toilet seat 3, while the other rotational damper does the opposite.

[0053] exist Figure 2 The damper, as can be seen, is decomposed into a row of individual components along the axis of rotation, wherein, with reference to, Figure 1 The two positions 4 are on the left side. The damper housing 5 is visible on the far right. The housing 5 opens to the left and provides a roughly cylindrical cavity therein to accommodate the other components.

[0054] The right side portion of the damper housing 5, also shown, is used for fixing to a vertical mounting mandrel, which is fixed in a conventional manner. Figure 1 The toilet body 1 and penetrating Figure 2 The vertical hole is indicated by 6. Additionally, for further explanation, please refer to the applicant's earlier application EP 20 152 653.0, which describes the details of this fixing. These are not essential to the present invention.

[0055] From right to left, we also see shaft 7, whose right end has a star-shaped disc with rounded tips, which is rotatably and form-fitted into a corresponding recess in the invisible, end-side end face of a cavity in housing 5. Shaft 7 also has two external longitudinal ribs parallel to the axis of rotation, one of which is shown here, and this longitudinal rib is used to form-fit (with respect to rotation) into a corresponding slot in element 8 shown to the left. This element is the so-called second damping element 8 and has an external threaded section 9 as shown; the other... Figure 2 It is not visible in the middle and is located after element 8.

[0056] Further to the left are two elastomer O-rings 10 and 11, which will be described, and a sleeve-shaped adjusting element 12.

[0057] Then comes the so-called first damping element 13, according to Figure 2 The first damping element 13 has a cylindrical first portion on the right side and a second portion on the left side for housing in the housing 5, the first and second portions being integrally formed with each other. The second portion of the first damping element is used to transmit torque to the fittings 2 or 3 that are attenuated by the damper, for which flattened portions on both sides are used. This damper is constructed similarly to a conventional damper.

[0058] Further to the left, you can see seal 14, another disc 15, and sealing cap 16.

[0059] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Parts 12 and 7 are shown separately and in enlarged form.

[0060] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4-9 The image shows these components in their assembled state, with only the right side of the damper housing 5 omitted. Figure 3 and Figure 9 On the one hand, it includes the axis of rotation and about Figure 2 It is cut in a vertical plane, and on the other hand, it is three-dimensional and related to... Figure 2 similar. Figures 5 to 8Cut in the same cutting plane, but shown in a top view perpendicular to the cutting plane, wherein, Figures 5 to 8 The first damping element 13 and the second damping element 8 are shown in comparison to each other, and the different positions of the adjusting element 12 are also shown. Regarding these positions, Figure 3 and Figure 5 Corresponding to one aspect Figure 8 and Figure 9 Corresponding to the other side.

[0061] First, the interaction between the first damping element 13, the second damping element 8, and the shaft 7 is described. In the accompanying drawings, the housing 5 is stationary with respect to rotation (and on the toilet body 1), and this rotational locking due to the form-locking engagement also applies to the shaft 7. Since the ribs of the shaft, as also described, engage in the grooves of the second damping element 8, the second damping element 8 is also stationary with respect to rotation and can only move axially. The first damping element 13, however, is rotatable.

[0062] The external threaded section 9 of the second damping element 8 engages with the internal thread of the first damping element 13, specifically its first portion. A correspondingly inwardly extending threaded section is shown as 17 in the accompanying drawing, wherein, due to... Figure 2 The cutting plane of threaded section 9 in the middle is Figures 3 to 9 It is not visible in the middle (because the threaded section is located behind or before the cutting plane). This interaction causes the rotational motion of the first damping element 13 to be converted into the axial movement of the second damping element 8, which can be seen from... Figure 5-8 (or Figure 3 and Figure 9 The comparison is read from the figures. The order of the figure numbers relates to the lifting movement of the fittings, in which the second damping element 8 moves from left to right and it can be clearly seen in the figures that the volume 20 on its axial right side increases while the other volume 21 on its axial left side decreases. The cavity is filled with a high-viscosity damping medium (special grease) in a known manner, so that the damping medium is squeezed out from the right cavity and squeezed into the left cavity via the flow path.

[0063] Here, according to the accompanying drawings, the second damping element 8 is entirely contained radially within the first damping element 13, specifically within its first portion. It can also be seen that, at a correspondingly large radius, i.e., considering the lever effect of a structure with finite force or stability, torque is transmitted from the second portion (on the left in the drawings) of the first damping element 13 to the first portion (on the right in the drawings) and from this first portion of the first damping element 13 to the second damping element 8 (i.e., radially inward).

[0064] It can also be seen, for example, in Figure 3 and Figure 5 For example in Figure 5The first damping element and its internal thread can also be seen in the lower right corner of the first damping element. Figure 8 As can also be seen in the upper left, the external threaded element 9 surrounds the second damping element 8 on both sides through the corresponding helical surface. In this respect, the threaded engagement is bidirectional.

[0065] In the motion shown in the attached diagram, firstly, that is, in... Figures 5 to 6 During this phase, the damping medium is forced from the right-side volume 20 through the radial through-hole indicated by 22 into the central and axial components 23 of the flow path, i.e., into the shaft 7 in the middle. From here, the damping medium continues to flow axially to the left, and then flows into the central channel section 24 at the right end of the adjusting element 12 and from here flows radially outward toward the elastomer O-ring 10 after about one-third of its length.

[0066] Its location is Figure 4 The diagram is enlarged as a partial view, showing the closed position opposite to the operating state described herein. That is, the O-ring 10 is a valve element similar to a one-way valve and can be slightly deformed by the radially outward flow just described. The O-ring is positioned in a generally V-shaped receiving portion and is soft enough that the damping medium can lift it outward, thereby obtaining a sufficient flow cross-section.

[0067] Additionally, there is another through-hole for the flow medium between the inner edges of the right end of the regulating element 12 and the left end of the shaft 7. This inner edge also leads to the valve element or O-ring 10 and, in the same manner, continues radially outward to connect with the volume 21 in terms of flow technology via the deformation of the valve element 10. This relates to the volume 21 to the left of the second damping element 8.

[0068] The longer path that exists to the left and then radially upward through channel section 24 is not significant in this direction of movement because the flow cross-section is too small, and will be described in detail below. In the opposite direction of movement, valve element 10 closes the path just described radially outward because valve element 10 is pressed into the position shown in the figures or, depending on the pressure, further pressed inward. Thus, valve element 10 is positioned in the bypass port described earlier in the specification.

[0069] In this context, it should be briefly noted that the other two O-rings or sealing rings 11 and 14 are used for conventional sealing purposes, namely, sealing between the first damping element 13 and the housing 5 on the one hand, and between the first damping element and the adjusting element 12 on the other hand, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Compare Figure 5-7 As shown, the second damping element 8 is gradually pushed onto the through opening 22 and from... Figures 5 to 6The flow cross-section that can be used for damping media has become significantly limited, from Figures 6 to 7 Even more limited. Based on Figure 8 In the state of , the flow cross-section is the smallest, where also reaches the end of the rotational motion segment.

[0071] This relationship causes the movement of accessory 2 or 3 to gradually decrease in its final stage. The user can flip the toilet seat 3 and toilet lid 2 from the horizontal position backward and finally release them without much resistance, and then brake them to make the contact as smooth as possible.

[0072] This article also references Figure 11 And the brief description that follows, according to the description, is that a small recess is connected to the right at hole 22, the recess being in Figure 5-8 It is not visible in the middle.

[0073] In addition, the maximum total stroke of the rotational motion in the damper in this case is approximately 120°. This maximum total stroke consists of 90° for the motion from horizontal to vertical, an additional 10° typically used for the fitting to tilt backward to a stable position (e.g., against a wall or against a cover), plus a buffer of 10° at both ends.

[0074] The reverse process can be described using the same accompanying drawings, simply arranged in descending order of their numbers. At this point, the movement of the second damping element 8 displaces the damping medium in volume 21 and forces the damping medium to move towards volume 20 via the flow path. After one segment of rotational motion, according to... Figure 6 The through opening 25 is gradually covered by the second damping element 8 and finally according to Figure 5 As shown, it is blocked.

[0075] As described, the elastomeric O-ring 10, which is compressed inward by the damping medium, also blocks the bypass port as a valve element, so that the damping medium must pass by it and continue to flow to the left along the axial direction, as can be seen in the upper region of the cross-section.

[0076] Here, due to the small edge 26 on the inner surface of the first damping element, which is also cylindrical, there exists a space extending at a certain rotation angle. According to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The space, in the axial direction, is actually entirely contained in a small, gradually increasing-depth recess 27 on the outer surface of the rightmost region of the adjusting element 12. Damping medium is forced through this gap into the funnel-shaped widened portion of the adjusting element 12, and the damping medium flows radially inward from the widened portion into the aforementioned channel section 24.

[0077] The damping medium then flows from the channel section 24 into the axial component 23 of the flow path within the shaft 7. After the flow medium passes through the through opening 22, the flow medium can flow in the opposite direction from the central flow path portion 23 in the shaft 7, but still passes between the second damping element 8 and the shaft 7 as previously described, wherein the leftward movement of the second damping element 8 here always weakens the corresponding damping.

[0078] The direction of motion corresponds to the direction of descent and is significantly attenuated in the final stage. The increased effect of gravity during descent also needs to be considered in this paper. Adjustability (see below) is particularly important here due to the weight of the components.

[0079] The lifting motion, especially the final portion, is significantly attenuated, as just mentioned, so that the impact of the toilet seat 2 on the wall or tank is as slow as possible. No elastomeric dampers are used here, such as... Figure 1 The toilet seat 2 shown collided with the toilet seat 3 at the end of its descent (and similarly, the toilet seat 3 collided with the toilet body 1 on its underside).

[0080] In the above description, with Figure 3-9 Conversely, it is assumed that the relationship between the first damping element 13 and the adjusting element 12 is constant, which corresponds to actual operation. The adjusting element 12 can be adjusted via... Figure 2 The end face of the tool engagement portion and the corresponding hole in the end face of the first damping element 13, which are clearly visible, rotate relative to the damping element. Rotation is relatively difficult to achieve due to the contact surfaces between them and, in particular, the sealing ring 11, making adjustment impossible without tool intervention.

[0081] But in Figure 3-9 In particular, the comparison in 5-8 shows the adjusting element 12 in different positions relative to the first damping element 13. This can be easily achieved, as the adjusting element 12 is always shown in the same cross-sectional plane in the figures, as are elements 5-8, while the first damping element 13 rotates as described above.

[0082] exist Figure 5-8 The relative positioning of the left edge 26 at the end of the space with respect to the adjusting element 12, and especially the recess 27 therein, was compared, thus showing that... Figures 5 to 8 Edge 26 moves gradually to the left or the opposite direction. Therefore, with a similar rotation of the adjusting element 12 relative to the first damping element 13, the axial alignment between the adjustable space and the recess 27... Figure 8 The two are almost completely overlapping, in Figure 5The overlap is very small. Therefore, the flow resistance at this location changes, which is important in the final stage of the descent. That is, unlike the lifting motion, the valve in the form of valve body 10 is closed in its seat, and the damping medium must thus pass through the constriction.

[0083] In this adjustment element 12, it is only rotatable, i.e., it is not simultaneously axially changeable as in a helical motion. This is particularly important because of the aforementioned reasons and because its internal plug-in installation, as can be seen in the accompanying drawings, prevents loss.

[0084] The adjustment opening is clearly a hole formed by a recess 27 in the cylindrical outer surface of the right-side section of the adjustment element 12. The adjustment opening more or less coincides with the step at the left end of the space 26 in relation to the rotation angle, thus the step forms a spiral covering edge.

[0085] Finally, the adjusting element 12, which takes the form of a funnel-shaped widened portion 18 that guides the channel radially inward, also has a storage cavity for the damping medium, which has the advantageous function described at the beginning and (in the direction of movement important for the adjustable damping effect) immediately follows the adjusting opening.

[0086] exist Figure 10 The recessed portion 27 is particularly clearly visible in the upper right corner, where the adjustment element 12 is shown separately. Figure 11 As shown separately with shaft 7, there is a similar recess immediately following the through openings 22 and 25. This recess also serves to allow for finer adjustment when the flow cross-section has been significantly reduced.

[0087] The adjustable damping according to the invention is not only particularly simple, robust, and reliable to achieve, but also particularly precise and set over a wide range. Thus, the invention allows for the wide matching of different damping purposes, such as fittings 2 and 3 of different weights, wherein advantageously a small number of different damping media can be used, or even the same damping media can be used.

[0088] This paper also presents a matching solution in production, namely, changing the shape of different recesses, especially the axial length and radial depth, through small joints. For example, small finishing parts can be used in casting molds or other components, or corresponding parts of the casting mold can be replaced.

Claims

1. A damper for the rotational movement of a toilet seat (2) or toilet base (3) about a rotation axis, said damper having Viscous damping medium, Two damping elements (8, 13) capable of motion relative to each other, the relative motion of the damping elements causing the damping medium to be displaced and thus displaced through the flow path, and A rotatable adjusting element (12) is provided for adjusting the flow cross-section in the flow path. Its features are, The adjusting element (12) has an adjusting opening that is movable by rotation and is arranged in the flow path. The adjusting opening coincides with the covering edge (26) in at least a portion of the rotatable movement path, wherein the degree of this coincidence is adjusted by rotation and thereby adjusts the flow cross-section. The first damping element (13) of the damping elements (8, 13) has a first portion inside the housing (5) and a second portion outside the housing (5) and is rotatable relative to the housing (5) about the rotation axis together with the first portion and the second portion. The second damping element (8) of the damping elements (8, 13) is fixedly coupled to the housing (5) without rotation about the axis of rotation and coupled to the first damping element (13) by means of a threaded engagement, such that rotation of the first damping element (13) relative to the housing (5) causes axial movement of the second damping element (8) relative to the first damping element (13) and displaces the damping medium in the housing (5) through the second damping element (8).

2. The damper according to claim 1, wherein, The rotation of the adjusting element (12) has no axial component.

3. The damper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The covering edge (26) has at least a partial spiral shape.

4. The damper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adjustment opening is located in the region of the flow path of the damping medium between the volume (21) that changes by the movement of one of the damping elements (8) and the axial central portion (23) of the flow path, between the volume (21) and the volume (20) that changes in the opposite direction to the volume (21) by the movement of the one damping element (8), wherein the two variable volumes (20, 21) are located on both sides of the one damping element (8) and include the damping medium.

5. The damper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the damper has a valve element (10) disposed in the flow path of the damping medium, the valve element being movable in relation to the flow direction of the damping medium and thus releasing more in one flow direction of the damping medium and less in the other flow direction to reduce the total flow resistance of the damping medium.

6. The damper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Downstream of the adjustment opening is a storage cavity (18) for the damping medium, which opens radially outward relative to the damper member in which it is located.

7. The damper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adjustment opening is located on a radially inwardly guided channel connected to the flow path, and the channel is perpendicular to the radially widened recess (27).

8. The damper according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment opening becomes narrower in the direction of relative motion from the channel in a direction perpendicular to the channel and the overlap with the covering edge (26) gradually increases in the direction of relative motion as the adjustment element (12) rotates.

9. The damper according to claim 1, wherein the second damping element (8) is accommodated in the first damping element (13) at least radially, such that a threaded engagement is present in the first damping element (13).

10. The damper according to claim 9, wherein, The second damping element (8) is fully contained radially within the first damping element (13) at least in a portion of its possible position with respect to its axial movement, and the threaded engagement and the resulting dissipation of the damping medium through the second damping element (8) act bidirectionally.

11. The damper according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the second damping element (8) in an axially moving end region narrows or closes the radial through opening (22, 25) for damping medium by coinciding with the through opening (22, 25), thereby causing higher damping in the end region.

12. The damper according to claim 11, wherein, The second damping element (8) narrows or closes the radial through opening (25, 22) for damping medium by coinciding with another through opening (25, 22) in the other end region of its axial movement, thereby causing higher damping in the other end region.

13. The damper according to claim 11, wherein, At least one radial through opening (22, 25) is adjacent to the central portion (23) of the flow path.

14. The damper according to claim 4 or 12, wherein, At least one radial through opening (22, 25) is adjacent to the central portion (23) of the flow path.

15. The damper according to claim 1, wherein, The second damping element (8) has a threaded engagement forming element (9), and the first damping element (13) has a threaded engagement forming element, which are threaded sections that engage with each other.

16. An application of a plurality of dampers according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of dampers are filled with the same type of damping medium, the dampers being used for different application purposes of the force to be attenuated, for toilet seats (2) or toilet seats (3) of different weights.

17. A toilet fitting having a toilet seat (2) and / or a toilet base (3), the toilet fitting being for mounting on a toilet (1) and having at least one damper according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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