multi-hinge

Abstract

A multi-point hinge for a composting toilet equipped with a hinged separating insert and one or more hinged parts, such as a lid, or another hinged functional part, such as a water collection tray, characterized in that the multi-point hinge consists of a base hinge (1), one or more double hinges (2), and preferably a single hinge (3) at the top, and that the double hinge (2) and the single hinge (3) each have an anchor (8), with or without a thread, which is anchored in a bore (10) in a hinged part (9), so that the hinge parts are connected to the bores orthreads (7), are connected to each other by means of screws (5) and nuts (6), and that the hinge parts may be equipped with or without intermediate spring elements (4), which, if present, are compressed in a controlled manner by the tightening torque of the screws (5), so that they cause friction between the hinge parts, and that the base hinge (1) is equipped with or without fastening holes or threads (7) for fastening to a housing or substructure (12), or can be connected to a housing or substructure (12) by means of a permanent connection, and that instead of a base hinge (1), a single hinge (3) can also be used as a base if a connection to a housing or substructure (12) with an anchor (8) in a bore (10) is possible.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a particularly compact multiple hinge system with friction, which was preferably developed for use in a composting toilet.

[0002] A composting toilet has a separator that keeps liquids and solids separate. Beneath this separator are two containers: one for solids and one for liquids. To empty the containers, they must be removed from the toilet housing. This is usually done from the top by lifting the separator to access the two containers. The toilet is often equipped with an additional lid that covers the separator, similar to a toilet seat. Other functional components can also be integrated between the separator and the lid, such as a shallow washbasin.

[0003] In very basic composting toilets, the separating insert is often designed without a hinge, for example, simply secured against slipping and placed on top. The lid is similarly designed, or it is held in place only by magnets and can be removed manually.

[0004] More convenient solutions use hinges. There are many different designs available. Even conventional toilet seats use double hinges, usually rotating around a central axis.

[0005] Since composting toilets are often installed in vehicles, and weight also plays a major role, manufacturers try to make the lids stable but as thin a material as possible.

[0006] Since composting toilets are frequently installed in vehicles, the required installation space and weight are significant factors. The invention addresses the problem that it is difficult to fold folding units in the same direction without taking up much space and still securely attaching them to thin cross-sections. Furthermore, the hinge should have adjustable friction to prevent the folding part, such as the lid, from uncontrollably losing its set position.

[0007] To solve all these points economically and with an appealing design, a hinge system was developed which can be used modularly for a larger number of folding parts, with the advantage that the folding parts all fold in the same direction to optimally access the two containers.

[0008] To manufacture the hinges economically and with as few components as possible, they feature anchor pins or threaded studs that allow them to be anchored in a thin plate in a deeper hole without additional fasteners. The anchors can be glued in place or have a threaded section that is screwed in. Each hinge system consists of a base hinge, which is attached to the housing or a fixed component, one or more double hinges, and a single hinge.

[0009] The hinge components are connected using fasteners, preferably a screw and nut, or even just a screw. Depending on the application, the holes for connecting the hinge components can also be threaded; this can be advantageous if a screw is screwed directly into the opposite hinge component and an additional lock nut is used for securing it.

[0010] Spring elements with a specific preload can be installed between the hinge components to create friction between them. The preload force is determined by the tightening torque of the screw.

[0011] Since it is desirable to make the hinged parts, such as lids and dividers, as lightweight as possible, they should have the thinnest possible panel thickness. A wooden panel for a lid only needs to be about 10 mm thick when using these hinges. The long anchors, which extend deep into the holes of the hinged parts, distribute the forces evenly within the holes. Conventional hinges often require larger mounting plates with screws, or milled recesses, for secure attachment. The problem here is that the mounting plates of conventional hinges take up a lot of space, and with such thin panels, the mounting screws are often too short.

[0012] The new hinges, on the other hand, are inserted into a corresponding bore in the component from the front, with the anchor pointing towards the end. This saves space, and the surfaces of the lid and divider are free of interfering contours and are very easy to clean. Another advantage is the use of spring elements between the surfaces of the hinge components. The spring elements are pre-tensioned more or less as desired using the hinge mounting screws, so that the hinged parts receive friction, and the degree of resistance for opening can be adjusted.

[0013] Furthermore, the spring tension can be readjusted after extended use. Another advantage is the cost-effective manufacturing of the hinges. The new hinges are simple steel components, which are automatically cut from sheet material, preferably using an automatic flame cutting machine. Depending on the combination, various applications are possible. Several components can be mounted on top of each other and opened or closed individually or together.

[0014] Instead of a base hinge in plate form with mounting holes for screws or rivets, an end hinge can also be used as a base hinge. Base hinges can also be attached without drilling by welding, gluing, or other permanent connections. Fig. Figure 1 shows a basic hinge (1) with bore or thread (7), a double hinge (2) with two bores or threads (7) and anchor (8), a single hinge (3) with one bore or thread (7) and an anchor pin (8). Fig. Figure 2 shows a basic hinge (1) with holes or threads (7), a double hinge (2) with anchor (8), a single hinge (3) with anchor (8), spring assemblies (4) with screws (5) and nut (6) in assembled condition. Fig. Figure 3 shows a triple arrangement for three stacked folding parts, consisting of a base hinge (1), two double hinges (2), and a single hinge (3), in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 4 shows a basic hinge (1), a double hinge (2) with anchor (8) in a bore (10) in a hinged part (9) and a single hinge (3) with anchor (8) in a bore (10) in a hinged part (9) in the assembled state, connected with screw (5) and nut (6), both hinged parts (9) in a horizontal position. Fig. Figure 5 shows a basic hinge (1), a double hinge (2) with anchor (8) in a bore (10) in a hinged part (9) and a single hinge (3) with anchor (8) in a bore (10) in a hinged part (9) in the assembled state, connected with screw (5) and nut (6), both hinged parts (9) in the folded-up position. Fig. Figure 6 shows a frontal view of the base hinge part (1), the double hinge part (2) and the single hinge part (3), with the intermediate spring elements (4) and the connecting elements screw (5) and nut (6). Fig. Figure 7 shows a housing or substructure (12) to which a base hinge (1) is attached, a folded-up lid (14) and a separating attachment (13) in a horizontal position. Fig. Figure 8 shows a housing or substructure (12) to which a base hinge (1) is attached, a raised lid (14) and a raised divider attachment (13). Reference symbol list 1 Base hinge 2 double hinges 3 single hinges 4 spring element 5 screws 6 Mother 7. Hole or thread 8 Anchor pin 9 Hinged part (e.g. lid, or divider attachment) 10 Holes for hinge in the lid 11 attacks 12 Housing or substructure 13 Separating attachment 14 lids for composting toilets

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