Wireless power transmission in a toilet seat set

Abstract

Toilet seat set (1) comprising a seat (2) and a lid (4) pivotably connected to a technical box (6) which can be connected to ceramic-side fastening means, wherein the toilet seat set (1) can be configured with at least one electrical consumer and a device for supplying power to the electrical consumer is provided, which has a power transmission device designed for contactless, wireless power transmission, wherein the power transmission takes place between the technical box (6) and the seat (2), wherein a carrier (20) pressed onto the seat (2) is arranged at least sectionally in the seat (2), characterized by a receiver coil (22) provided in the carrier (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a toilet seat set according to the preamble of claim 1 and a system according to claim 11.

[0002] For toilet seat sets with a seat and a lid, there are various approaches to supplying integrated electrical consumers with electrical energy.

[0003] In publication WO 2016 / 020409 A1, which originates from the applicant, a toilet seat assembly is disclosed in which electrical components, such as a seat heater and a sensor, are integrated into the seat. These components are powered by a control unit, referred to as a "technical box," which is mounted on the ceramic bowl and to which the seat and lid are preferably attached. Electrical contact is made via wires that run from the electrical components in the seat or lid to the control unit. If the seat or lid is to be removed, this wiring connection must first be disconnected. A further problem with such solutions is that the wiring connection between the power supply and the toilet seat assembly must be carefully covered to prevent contamination.

[0004] Recently, there has been a trend to integrate additional functions into toilet seat sets, beyond just seat heating. For example, as with the solution mentioned above, a sensor can be incorporated to detect when the toilet seat is in use, enabling automatic closing of the lid after use. Furthermore, an attractive appearance is emphasized, so the seats are preferably slim.

[0005] Patent DE 10 2016 108 379 A1, filed by the applicant, describes a toilet seat set in which additional sensors are integrated for the direct or indirect recording of physiological or health-related parameters / vital data of a user. These sensors can record the parameter itself or a value required for calculating the parameter. For example, a BMI (Body Mass Index) can be calculated from the recorded weight and known height. In principle, vital data such as pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, body fat percentage, blood glucose level, etc., can also be recorded via such a sensor arrangement.

[0006] Supplying power to these electrical components and facilitating data exchange between the control box and the sensors is problematic, as there is very little space within the toilet seat assembly for routing cables and wires. Solutions exist where individual wires are routed through the hinges and the seat joint assembly into the control box. This number of wires requires considerable installation space in an area that also houses dampers and actuators / motors.

[0007] In WO 2017 / 029369 A1, the applicant describes a toilet seat hinge assembly in which the power supply is provided via cables. A plug connector is provided in the area of ​​a damper within the toilet seat hinge assembly, to which a corresponding plug connector on the seat and / or lid side is assigned. This allows for a relatively simple electrical connection during the installation of the toilet seat assembly, when the toilet seat hinge assembly is brought into operative contact with the toilet seat and lid, by connecting the plug connector to the corresponding plug connector. In a preferred embodiment described in the latter document, the connection to the external power supply is then made via the ceramic-side mounting pins, so that an electrical plug connection is also provided in the connection area of ​​the mounting pin to an adapter piece of the damper.

[0008] However, this version, optimized for assembly, also has the aforementioned disadvantage that a high level of effort is required for the electrical contact between the external power supply and the electrical consumers on the seat assembly side.

[0009] With such solutions, the electrical consumers (seat heating, sensors) can be integrated into the lid or seat during pressing / injection molding – however, the wiring / conduction outside these components remains problematic, especially in the area of ​​the toilet seat joint assembly.

[0010] In the publication DE 10 2010 010 881 A1, also attributable to the applicant, a toilet seat set with a motorized drive for opening / closing the seat or the lid is depicted. The actuator is powered via the pins described above.

[0011] In the subsequently published patent application DE 10 2019 110 281 A1, also filed by the applicant, a toilet seat assembly is described that solves the aforementioned problems regarding wiring. It proposes wireless power transmission, with opposing coupling coils arranged in the seat and lid, enabling power transfer between the lid and the seat. Alternatively and / or additionally, the coupling coils can also transfer power between a ceramic component and the seat and / or between a wall or a cistern and the lid. The power supply for each primary coil, i.e., an energy-emitting transmitter, can be wired, so that only one cable is sufficient to supply the electrical components of the toilet seat assembly with electrical power.Other embodiments feature electrical storage elements that are mounted in the seat and / or the lid, so that the electrical consumers can still perform their function independently of a permanent power supply.

[0012] Further state of the art is also known from DE 20 2011 108 948 U1, JP 2009 201 559 A, JP 2010 125 241 A, US 2019 0 203 455 A1 and US 2019 0 038 090 A1.

[0013] The problem with the solution described above is that the power supply to the electrical components in the seat depends on a pivoting position of the lid, or that in addition to the toilet seat set, a matching ceramic component must be present, whose coupling coils must be aligned opposite the receiver coils of the seat.

[0014] In contrast, the invention is based on the objective of creating a toilet seat set and a system in which an electrical power supply, for example for an electrical consumer, such as a sensor, is ensured within the toilet seat set with minimal equipment and assembly effort, regardless of external conditions.

[0015] This problem is solved by a toilet seat set with the features of claim 1 and a system with the features of claim 11.

[0016] Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0017] The toilet seat assembly according to the invention comprises a toilet seat and a toilet lid (hereinafter referred to as seat and lid) which are pivotably connected to a technical box. The technical box can be, and preferably can be, connected to ceramic-side fixing means. The toilet seat assembly is equipped with at least one electrical component, for example, a seat heater, sensors, motors, and / or actuators, which are powered via a power supply unit. The power supply unit includes a power transmission device designed for wireless / contactless power transmission.

[0018] According to the invention, energy transfer takes place between the technology box and the seat, so that no wired connection is required in this critical area with regard to splashing water and contamination.

[0019] Furthermore according to the invention, a support pressed into the seat is arranged at least section by section in the seat and an energy coil is additionally provided in the support.

[0020] The aforementioned pressing process can be integrated into the standard manufacturing process of a seat without requiring significant effort. It is a known technique to press seat heaters into the seat during the manufacturing process, thus eliminating the need for a new production step.

[0021] A particular advantage is that the control box is integrated into the toilet seat assembly. This eliminates the disadvantages of prior art designs that rely on external power sources for the toilet seat assembly. Only the control box requires an external power supply, which can be provided via simple wiring in the rear of the control box, via the ceramic mounting hardware, or even via a wireless power supply.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the support is designed to match the shape of the seat so that it is invisibly integrated into the seat from the outside. The support is preferably covered by the seat and not visible to the user. The support can preferably serve as a carrier for the aforementioned electrical components and / or be provided as a stabilizing element within the seat.

[0023] It is further advantageous if the receiver coil is embedded in the carrier.

[0024] Preferably, energy transfer between the technical box and the seat is inductive. Inductive energy transfer can be implemented, for example, via coupling coils. These are preferably completely shielded from the user and from splashing water.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, a transmitter coil is arranged in the technical box. Such transmitter coils are well known from the prior art, are inexpensive to manufacture and safe to handle.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if the technical box has a housing section facing the seat and sloping down towards a ceramic surface. This housing section will also be referred to as the angled housing section in the following.

[0027] For reasons of practicality and aesthetics, it is advantageous for the angled housing section to extend below the seat. In other words, the angled housing section extends from a generally box-shaped housing section towards the space between the ceramic and the lowered seat. This angled housing section preferably has a stepped design, with the steps being rounded. The angled and stepped design allows the angled housing section to be integrated particularly attractively into the overall appearance of the toilet seat assembly. The first step of the angled housing section preferably begins a short distance from the rear of the seat, so that only a narrow gap remains between the seat and the mechanism when the seat is closed.A second step, following the shape of the seat, occurs at a lower rear end of the seat, so that the inclined housing section extends a short distance below the seat. This extension preferably ends below the seat, so that the inclined housing section does not protrude visibly from beneath it.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter coil is arranged in the angled housing section of the technical box. This places the transmitter coil directly below the seat. It is particularly preferred if the transmitter coil is arranged in or on a wall section facing the seat. The transmitter coil can be mounted similarly to the receiver coil described above.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the toilet seat assembly according to the invention, the transmitter coil and the receiver coil are arranged such that they are directly opposite each other when the seat is lowered. This improves the energy transfer between the two coils.

[0030] If the transmitter coil and the receiver coil are arranged opposite each other, then the distance between the coils is advantageously a maximum of 20 mm, particularly a maximum of 15 mm, and especially a maximum of 10 mm. With such a small distance between the coils, energy transfer is improved and interfering factors have a significantly reduced influence on energy transfer.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferred that the seat has a maximum thickness of 20 mm, and in particular a maximum of 15 mm. This achieves a particular aesthetic appeal that is generally demanded by the discerning market for seats and toilet seat sets.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the technical box is arranged between two hinges of the seat and the lid. This arrangement also enables the pivotable connection between the seat and the lid and the technical box according to the invention.

[0033] The technical box preferably has mountings for the seat and the lid, to which the seat and the lid are pivotally connected. Two mountings are provided for the seat and two for the lid, so that a separate pivot axis is formed for the seat and for the lid.

[0034] A system according to the invention comprises a toilet seat assembly as described above and at least one additional control and display element that can be wirelessly connected to the toilet seat assembly. This wireless connection is, for example, a Bluetooth or WLAN connection, although other connections such as radio connections are also conceivable. With a preferred WLAN connection, the toilet seat assembly and / or the control and display element can be integrated into a network, enabling Internet of Things (IoT) communication.

[0035] An embodiment of a toilet seat set and a system according to the invention is shown in the figures.

[0036] They show Fig. 1 a three-dimensional view of a toilet seat set according to the invention, Fig. 2 another view of the toilet seat set Fig. 1, Fig. 3. A detailed view of a section of a technical box, based on one of the previous figures. Fig. 4 a seat with integrated support, Fig. 5 a carrier to Fig. 4 in a detailed view, Fig. 6 a section of a three-dimensional view of the toilet seat set according to the previous figures, Fig. 7a a sectional view in the area of ​​an energy transmission device of the WC seat set according to one of the preceding figures, Fig. 7b a detailed representation from Fig. 7a, Fig. 8 a connection diagram of a system according to the invention.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a toilet seat assembly 1 according to the invention. Such a toilet seat assembly 1 consists of a toilet seat 2 and a toilet lid 4 (hereinafter referred to as seat and lid), as well as a technical box 6. The technical box 6 is arranged between two hinges 16 of the seat 2 and between two hinges 18 of the lid 4. In the three-dimensional, perspective view, it can be seen that the technical box 6 forms a pivot axis with the lid 4, about which the lid 4 can be pivoted. A further separate pivot axis is formed by the technical box 6 and the seat 2. The toilet seat assembly 1 thus has two separate pivot axes, one each for the seat 2 and the lid 4.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows the WC seat set 1 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a view from below, i.e., from a ceramic surface not shown. A transmitter coil 8 is provided in the control box 6 in an area located below the seat 2. Next to the transmitter coil 8, the control box has two receiving sleeves 10. These receiving sleeves 10 are placed onto fastening means (not shown), preferably designed as pins, which in turn are attached to the ceramic surface (also not shown). The control box 6 is held firmly and preferably releasably to the ceramic surface by these fastening means. In the area of ​​the clamps 16, 18, the control box has pins (receptacles) 12, 14 that extend from the control box 6. These pins 12, 14 are designed as hollow pins in the present figure and are formed integrally with the control box 6.Of course, other variations of the pins 12, 14 are conceivable, such that they are made of solid material and / or are inserted as additional components independent of the technical box 6 into recesses of the technical box 6. The pins 12 closer to the seat receive the clamps 16 of the seat 2, while the pins 14 furthest from the seat receive the clamps 18 of the cover 4. The opposing pivot axes of the seat 2 and the cover 4 preferably each lie on a common axis.

[0039] In the partially shown technical box 6 in Fig. The aforementioned details are more clearly visible in point 3. For the sake of clarity, in this case, as well as in the following, Fig. Reference markings are provided on only one side of each side, as the technical box 6, apart from the transmitter coil 8, is built in a mirror-symmetrical manner. On the side shown here on the right, the pins 12 for the seat 2 and the pins 14 for the cover 4 are clearly recognizable as hollow pins. As already discussed above, a large number of variants are conceivable that can accommodate the clamps 16 of the seat 2 and the clamps 18 of the cover 4 shown on the left, so that these are pivotably mounted on them.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows a seat 2 of the previously described toilet seat set with a support 20 arranged in this seat 2. In this representation of the seat, the clamps 3 and the clamps 16 formed thereon of the seat 2 with integrated recesses for the pins 12 of the technical box 6 (not shown) are clearly visible. The representation also shows that Fig. 4. It is emphasized that the support 20 is designed such that its shape is adapted to the geometry of the seat 2 in such a way that it is preferably completely covered by the seat 2. It is particularly preferred if the support 20 is pressed together with the seat 2 during production.

[0041] The representation according to Fig. Figure 5 shows the support 20 isolated from the seat 2 and from a bottom view, i.e., from a ceramic surface not shown. A receiver coil 22 is arranged on the support 20. This coil is integrated into the support 20. Furthermore, this support can incorporate other electrical components, such as sensors, a seat heater, or similar devices. Numerous electrical components in toilet seat assemblies 1, and particularly in seats 2, are known from the prior art and therefore need not be exhaustively listed here. In addition, the support 20 can provide stiffening support within the seat 2, which is preferably made of SMC material.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional sectional view through the closed toilet seat assembly 1 according to the invention. The seat 2 with the integrated support 20 below the lid 4 is clearly visible. The technical housing 6 is shown in the right-hand part of the illustration. The technical housing 6 has an inclined housing section 24 on its left side. This section is stepped, extending to below the seat 2 but not beyond. The closed lid 4 covers a first stepped section 25, which, when the lid 4 is open, is separated from a rear end of the seat 2 by only a small gap. A gap between the technical housing 6 and the lid 4 is also kept minimal when the lid 4 is closed, thus ensuring an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the toilet seat assembly. A second stepped section 27 of the inclined housing section 24 extends below the seat 2.The distance between seat 2 and the second stepped section 27 is also kept small.

[0043] In the schematic sectional view of the WC seat set 1 in the area of ​​an energy transmission device according to the Fig. Figure 7a shows the technical box 6 and a part of the seat 2 facing the technical box. This illustration shows that the transmitter coil 8 and the receiver coil 22 are directly opposite each other and are largely parallel to each other.

[0044] In the more detailed view of the Fig. Figure 7b also shows the seat 2, the technical box 6 with the second stepped section 27 of the inclined housing section 24, and the transmitter coil 8 and receiver coil 22 installed therein. The distance A between windings 26 of the receiver coil 22 and windings 28 of the transmitter coil 8 is between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably 5 mm to 15 mm, and particularly preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm. Within this distance range, the efficiency of inductive coupling coils for use in toilet seat assemblies is greatest.

[0045] A system according to the invention is in the Fig.Figure 8 is shown schematically as a circuit diagram or flowchart. The main components of the system, namely the toilet seat assembly 1 with its components shown here as subgroups (seat 2 and technical box 6), as well as an operating and display element 30, are shown in their functional connection. The operating and display element serves, firstly, to control the functions of the toilet seat assembly 1 and, secondly, to display parameters determined by the toilet seat assembly 1 and / or status messages from electrical devices. This operating and display element 30 can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a handheld device, or a similar portable system equipped with an app for communication with the toilet seat assembly 1.

[0046] This control and display unit 30 is wirelessly connected to the toilet seat set. This connection can be radio frequency, Bluetooth, or preferably Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi connection has the advantage of enabling integration into an IoT network via a network protocol. The control and display unit can thus serve as a control element for the toilet seat set. Furthermore, an IoT connection also allows for additional, external control of the toilet seat set 1, since at least the toilet seat set, or at least the control and display unit itself, operates on a network with an IP address and can therefore be controlled remotely via a remote app or similar device. This ensures complete integration into a smart home system.

[0047] Within the toilet seat set 1, at least two sub-functional areas are provided. One is the technical box 6, the functions of which are described in the right-hand box, and the other is the seat 2, whose functions are described in the left-hand box.

[0048] The technology box 6 is connected to the control and display unit 30 via the previously established wireless connection. The technology box 6 is controlled by a microcontroller, which can also communicate with the control and display unit 30. For example, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC) is connected to the microcontroller via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The microcontroller receives the temperature inside the technology box 6 as input and transmits this information to the control and display unit 30.

[0049] Furthermore, the Technology Box 6 features a distance sensor and a brightness sensor. The distance sensor detects an approaching user, while the brightness sensor measures the ambient light. The information from these two sensors is used to transmit a control signal (distance sensor) to one or more LEDs contained within the Technology Box, switching them on, and to adjust their brightness to the ambient light (brightness sensor). Additionally, the Technology Box 6 may contain a weather station that, for example, retrieves current weather data online and visualizes it for the user in near real-time or as a forecast on the control and display element 30.

[0050] The technical box 6 also contains a so-called deodorizer, which, depending on an occupancy sensor that can determine the duration of a user's presence, sprays, vaporizes, or otherwise emits a pre-defined fragrance or a mixture, for example, a blend of different fragrances from a reservoir (not shown), into the ceramic bowl or elsewhere in the vicinity of the toilet or toilet seat assembly 1. Furthermore, the technical box 6 may contain or be controlled by at least one motor. This motor can automatically open and / or close the lid 4 and / or the seat 2 when a person approaches or when controlled via the operating and display element 30.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the technology box 6 has a so-called wireless power transmitter, which comprises, on the one hand, an induction coil and, on the other hand, control electronics for this induction coil. The induction coil is referred to in the present application as transmitter coil 8.

[0052] All electrical components included in the Technology Box 6 can be connected via wired connections using the aforementioned SPI interfaces, via Inter-Integrated Circuit (12C), or via other bus systems, or they can be connected wirelessly. A power supply is connected to the wireless power transmitter via a cable.

[0053] Seat 2 can also contain a microcontroller, which is connected, for example, via Bluetooth to the microcontroller of the technology box 6. Seat 2 can have a seat heater that is controlled depending on an NTC thermistor installed in Seat 2, the occupancy sensor of the technology box, and / or user input at the control and display element 30. Additionally, Seat 2 can have sensors or other elements that detect and / or determine the user's vital parameters and transmit these to the control and display element 30 in real time.

[0054] Through IoT connectivity, this data can be stored in a cloud, for example, so that the user can retrieve the data at any time to identify any deviations that may occur. Furthermore, a so-called wireless power receiver is integrated into seat 2. This consists of an induction coil and associated electronics. The induction coil is referred to in the present application as receiver coil 22 and is arranged in seat 2 such that it is opposite the transmitter coil 8 of the technical box 6.

[0055] All electrical components contained in seat 2 can be connected via wired connections using the aforementioned SPIs, via Inter-Integrated Circuit (12C), or via other bus systems, or they can be wirelessly connected. A power supply is connected to the wireless power transmitter via a wired connection.

[0056] A toilet seat set consisting of a seat, a lid, and a technical box is disclosed. A power transfer device for wireless energy transmission is integrated into the toilet seat set in such a way that energy is transferred between the technical box and the seat. Reference symbol list 1 toilet seat set 2 toilet seats 3 hinges 4 toilet seats 6 Tech Box 8 Transmitter coil 10 Mounting sleeve 12 pins (receptacle) seat 14 pins (receptacles) lid 16-bolt seat 18 hinge lids 20 carriers 22 Receiver coil 24 slanted housing section 25 first staged section 26 winding receiver coil 27 second staged section 28 windings transmitter coil 30 Control / display element

Claims

[1] Toilet seat assembly (1) with a seat (2) and a lid (4) which are pivotally connected to a technology box (6) which can be connected to ceramic-side fastening means, wherein the toilet seat assembly (1) can be designed with at least one electrical consumer and a device for supplying power to the electrical consumer is provided, which device has an energy transmission device which is designed for contactless, wireless energy transmission, wherein the energy transmission takes place between the technology box (6) and the seat (2), wherein a carrier (20) which is pressed onto the seat (2) is arranged at least in sections in the seat (2), characterized by a receiver coil (22) provided in the carrier (20). [2] Toilet seat set (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the energy transmission device is designed for inductive energy transmission. [3] Toilet seat set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a transmitter coil (8) is arranged in the technology box (6). [4] Toilet seat set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the technology box (6) has a housing section (24) facing the seat (2) and sloping towards a ceramic. [5] Toilet seat set (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the inclined housing section (24) extends below the seat (2). [6] Toilet seat (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by that the transmitter coil (8) is arranged in the inclined housing section (24). [7] Toilet seat (1) according to claims 4 and 6, characterized by that the transmitter coil (8) and the receiver coil (22) are arranged opposite each other. [8] Toilet seat set (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the distance between the transmitter coil (8) and the receiver coil (22) when the seat (2) is lowered is a maximum of 20 mm, in particular a maximum of 15 mm, in particular a maximum of 10 mm. [9] Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the technology box (6) is arranged in a recess between two clamps (16) of the seat (2) and / or between two clamps (18) of the cover (4). [10] Toilet seat set (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the technology box (6) forms receptacles (12, 14) for the seat (2) and the lid (4), wherein a separate pivot axis is formed for the seat (2) and a separate second pivot axis is formed for the lid (4). [11] System with a toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an operating display element (30) can be connected to the toilet seat set (1) via a wireless connection.

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