TECHNICAL BOX AND TOILET SEAT SET

Description

[0001] 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.

[0002] For some time now, there has been a trend toward integrating as many functions as possible into a toilet seat. For example, DE 10 2016 108 379 A1, which originates from the applicant, proposes incorporating sensors for recording health-related parameters (vital signs) into a toilet seat, and evaluating and reading these parameters via a docking station.

[0003] The applicant's further patent application DE 10 2018 106 727 A1 describes a toilet seat assembly in which a seat heater, a temperature sensor, a presence sensor and a control unit for controlling / evaluating the aforementioned components are integrated.

[0004] WO 2016 / 020409 A1 discloses a toilet seat assembly in which electrical devices, such as a seat heater and a sensor, are integrated into the seat. These devices are powered by a control unit integrated into a control box. The control box is mounted on the ceramic, and the seat and lid are preferably mounted on the control box. This makes it part of the toilet seat assembly.

[0005] US 2018 / 0220859A1 discloses a toilet seat set in which a lighting module is integrated into a type of technical box, which illuminates the interior of the ceramic.

[0006] The two publications DE 10 2019 110 287 A1 and DE 10 2019 110 281 A1, both of which originate from the applicant, describe toilet seat sets in which elements for contactless data and energy transmission are arranged in a technology box. These elements are operatively connected to functional components of the toilet seat of the toilet seat set with regard to energy and data transmission. In one embodiment, the seat heating is arranged on a carrier, which also contains parts of the functional components enabling contactless near-field transmission and the associated control electronics.

[0007] The document DE 20 2011 108 948 U1 discloses a similar toilet seat assembly in which the functional components and the control electronics are also arranged in a type of technology box, whereby the energy supply to consumers accommodated in the toilet seat, for example a seat heater, is also contactless.

[0008] Further prior art is known from US 2008 000017 A1, WO 2008 030761 A1 and US 2020 199860 A1.

[0009] Toilet seat sets are also known, for example, in which a replaceable fragrance capsule can be inserted into the toilet seat, releasing a fragrance to neutralize odors or mask odors. With this type of odor masking, conventional solutions emit the fragrance toward the room, so that the entire room is permeated with the fragrance and can therefore be perceived as unpleasant by some individuals. Solutions are also known in which air is extracted from the ceramic and filtered to neutralize odors. Such solutions require considerable technical effort.

[0010] JP 2019-178548 A discloses a toilet seat assembly with a technical box, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid, which includes a deodorizer within the technical box. Air is extracted from the ceramic, passed through the deodorizer within the technical box, and then released from the technical box into the ambient air.

[0011] For example, US 2018 / 0 245 326 A1 discloses a method for deodorizing a toilet, as well as a deodorizing toilet. Such a toilet has a technical box, via which a toilet seat and a toilet lid are pivotably mounted in the form of a detachable connection. Several functional units are provided within the technical box, one of which is a deodorizer. Air is drawn from the ceramic, passed over the deodorizer, and then redirected back into the ceramic.

[0012] In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a technology box and a toilet seat set which enables a targeted masking of odors arising during the use of a toilet seat set with little effort.

[0013] This object is achieved by a technology box having the features of patent claim 1 and by a toilet seat set designed with such a technology box.

[0014] Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0015] The technology box according to the invention is designed for a toilet seat fitting which is connected to the technology box via swivel joints and which in turn can be secured to a ceramic piece via fastening means. According to the invention, functional components and control electronics / power electronics of the toilet seat fitting are arranged in a housing of the technology box, one of these functional components being a deodorizer (device for masking odors). This is designed with a fan, via which air is sucked in through an air inlet formed in the technology box and released via an air outlet towards the ceramic piece. A fragrance agent is arranged in the air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet, which can be designed as fragrance pellets or granules, for example. The air flows over or around the fragrance agent, so that the air is loaded with the fragrance and directed towards the ceramic piece, i.e.towards the receiving space enclosed by the ceramic. This ensures direct and exclusive fragrance for the ceramic and not the entire toilet / bathroom, ensuring a neutral odor. The fragrance is stored in a removable container that can be reused and removed from the technical box. This makes it easy for users to replace the fragrance.

[0016] Preferably, the fragrance is arranged in a drawer that is guided in a deodorizer housing in such a way that the drawer can be pulled out of the technical box to replace the fragrance. Such a drawer solution allows the user to replace the fragrance and select a new drawer load from a variety of fragrances.

[0017] As an alternative to a drawer, solutions are conceivable in which the fragrance is contained in a container that can be inserted into the equipment box. This container can be held within the equipment box via a latch and / or a type of bayonet lock. Alternatively, the container can have a thread that can be engaged with a thread on the equipment box side to secure the container in position.

[0018] Alternatively, the container can be held in a plug-in position by a type of spring-loaded flap. Alternative flaps, latches, or threaded closures for positioning the container using an additional component are also feasible.

[0019] Replacing the fragrance is particularly easy if the fragrance is contained in a cassette / capsule, which in turn is held in the drawer for easy replacement. This holder is preferably designed to ensure the cassette is stored in the correct position (poka-yoke solution). Such cassettes / capsules are offered by various manufacturers as fragrance enhancers, so that in a modular system, several drawers can be used for different cassette types.

[0020] Adaptation to different cassette / capsule types can also be achieved using suitable adapters that are inserted into the drawer's receiving space. In principle, it is also possible to assign multiple drawers to one technology box, allowing the user to select the drawer based on their preferred cassette / capsule system.

[0021] The charging of the air with the fragrance is particularly effective if the receiving space for the cassette is open in the direction of flow, so that the air can enter the receiving space without excessive pressure loss and can be discharged loaded from the receiving space of the drawer.

[0022] In the case where the technology box is equipped with additional electronic control elements or heat-emitting functional components, the air flow can also be directed past these elements for cooling purposes.

[0023] Depending on the odor nuisance, it may be advantageous if the fan can be operated at a variable speed via the control electronics.

[0024] The stability of the technology box is particularly high when the housing has a housing base that is connected to a housing support to form a kind of inner housing. It is preferred if functional components and control electronics are arranged in a space encompassed by the housing base and the housing support and are covered on the outside by an outer shell that determines the visual appearance. Stability is then provided by the inner housing with the housing base and the housing support, while the design is essentially determined by the outer shell.

[0025] The air flow is particularly compact if the air inlet is located on a rear wall of the technical box and the air outlet, as mentioned above, is located on the ceramic side, so that the air can be guided approximately in a vertical plane, for example.

[0026] The construction of the technology box is further simplified if the deodorizer housing is formed or held on the housing base, whereby flow cross sections for guiding the air flow can be limited in sections by the housing base and the housing support together.

[0027] The flow guidance within the technical box is particularly precise if an outlet duct is formed downstream of the drawer, which extends in sections along the bottom of the housing and is covered by a cover at the top (towards the housing support). This ensures precise airflow with minimal pressure loss.

[0028] The installation of the system is particularly easy if the fan is held on the housing support, so that the positioning of the fan can be done by screwing the housing support to the housing base.

[0029] As explained above, the air flow is particularly simple if it is guided approximately in a vertical plane or in a vertical area with respect to the support surface of the technology box on the ceramic.

[0030] It is particularly preferred if the air inlet is arranged higher than the air outlet with respect to this support surface, so that the air flow is directed downwards towards the ceramic.

[0031] In a variant of the invention, the technology box can be designed with a communication module to which an external control element, for example a handheld device, is assigned, via which the fan and possibly also other functional components of the toilet seat set or the technology box can be controlled.

[0032] Such functional components can be, for example, a swivel drive for the toilet seat or the toilet lid, toilet seat joint assemblies, sensors, lighting, an energy source and / or other components required for the operation of the toilet seat set.

[0033] The design of the technology box is particularly compact if its housing is stepped back towards the air outlet.

[0034] The aforementioned sensor system may, for example, comprise an occupancy sensor, a proximity sensor, a sensor for recording vital parameters, a temperature sensor (seat heating) and / or an acceleration sensor.

[0035] As an alternative to the external control unit described above, the fan can also be controlled via a button or switch located on the technical box or the toilet seat, or automatically via the control electronics. This allows the deodorizer, especially the fan, to be controlled as needed or automatically after a toilet visit.

[0036] The drawer system described above is also designed, for example, to accommodate fragrances from our own production, so that the user is not limited to the existing fragrance capsules.

[0037] The toilet seat set according to the invention is designed with such a technology box.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Figure 1a simplified overall view of a toilet seat set according to the invention; Figure 2 a side view of the toilet seat set according to Figure 1 ; Figure 3 a rear view of the toilet seat according to the 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 a rear view of the technology box according to Figure 4 ; Figure 6 a bottom view of the technical box according to the Figures 4 and 5 ; Figure 7 the technology box according to the Figures 4 and 5 with swivel joints; Figures 8, 9 Views of a housing base of the technology box; Figures 10, 11 Views of a housing support of the technology box; Figures 12, 13 Views of an outer shell of the technology box; Figure 14 an interior view of the housing carrier with integrated functional components and control boards; Figure 15 a view of the housing base with a rotary actuator and a damper; Figure 16another illustration of the case back 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 with a cassette / capsule housed therein; Figure 19 a section along line AA through the technical box; Figure 20 an embodiment of a toilet seat with inductive energy supply when the toilet seat is open; Figure 21 the toilet seat according to Figure 20 when closed; Figure 22 a schematic diagram to explain a remote control of the toilet seat according to the invention and Figure 23 a handheld for remote control of the toilet seat set according to the invention.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a toilet seat assembly 1 according to the invention, which is designed with a technology box 2, to which a toilet lid 4 and a toilet seat 10 (see Figure 2) are pivotally mounted, the latter being shown in the illustration according to Figure 1 is covered by the toilet lid 4. The toilet seat assembly 1 is Figure 1 The embodiment shown is designed in a flat design, with the technology box 2 being integrated flush into the toilet lid 4 (when closed).

[0040] 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 edge, supported on the ceramic (not shown). As will be explained in more detail below, the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10 are pivotally connected to the technology box 2 via pivot joint arrangements. This is connected to the technology box 2 via fastening means 12, 14 (see Figure 3) 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 assembly 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 that is inserted into a bore in the ceramic. The position is fixed by a nut 18 that can be tightened using a pivoting handle 21.

[0041] From the Figure 2 A cable 22 exits the rear wall 20 of the technology box 2, shown on the right. This cable 22 connects the technology box 2 to a power supply. This cable 22 can also be configured as a signal cable to transmit data acquired by sensors to an evaluation unit. Wireless data transmission is also possible, of course.

[0042] In Figure 3is the toilet seat set 1 with the technology box 2, of which Figure 3 Only the rear wall 20 is visible, and includes the toilet lid 4, the toilet seat 10, and the buffers 8a, 8b (the front buffers 6a, 6b are covered). As explained, the pipe 22 exits the rear wall 20. In Figure 3 Next to this line 22 there is a drawer 24 with recessed grips 26a, 26b, which protrude from the rear wall 20 towards the viewer ( Figure 3 ) and which contains a fragrance from a deodorizer, which is described in more detail below.

[0043] In the representation according to Figure 3One can also see two pivot joints 28, 30, which are attached to the technical box 2 and via which the toilet lid 4 is pivotably mounted. The structure of these pivot 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.

[0044] In Figure 3 Above the drawer 24 there is an air inlet 32 ​​of the deodorizer, which opens into the rear wall 20 and is formed with three inlet recesses 34a, 34b, 34c in the illustrated embodiment.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, three light exit openings 36a, 36b, 36c are formed in the rear wall 20, through which light emitted by a light module 190 radiates outward, so that the toilet seat assembly 1 is indirectly illuminated. A light exit element is formed in each of these exit openings 36a, 36b, 36c. In the illustrated embodiment, this element is designed as a glass insert 37a, 37b, 37c that is precisely inserted into the exit openings 36a, 36b, 36c and thus acts as a type of exit optic. This light module 190 is also explained below.

[0046] The Figures 4 and 5 show views of the Figure 1 illustrated technical box 2 of the toilet seat set 1, whereby the previously described swivel joints 28, 30, which are held on this technical box 2 and other installations and removals are not shown.

[0047] Figure 4shows a front view of the technology box 2, which in the assembled state is aligned with the receiving space defined by the ceramic. Figure 4 Openings 39, 42 are formed in the side wall 38 shown on the right, through which the pivot joints 28, 30 extend towards the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10, respectively. Figure 5 In the other side wall 40 of the technical box 2 shown, further openings 44, 46 are provided for pivot pins of the pivot joints 28, 30. The rear wall 20 of the technical box 2 accordingly contains 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. As explained above, a cover surface 50 of the technical box 2 is flush with the Figure 1The two sides are arranged on the visible large surface 52 of the toilet lid 4, with both together forming approximately a horizontal plane. In the area next to the openings 39, 42 of the side wall 39, recesses 54, 56 are formed through which centering pins of the pivot joints 28, 30 extend. These pins engage in guide grooves in the clamps of the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 10 and support / guide their pivoting movement. A further passage 68 for cables or the like is provided between the recess 56 and the opening 42.

[0048] The technical box 2 is stepped back towards the ceramic, with an intermediate step 60 adjoining the cover surface 50, which in turn transitions into a flat outlet step 62, each of which is slightly inclined to the horizontal. The outlet step 62 is designed with a constriction 64 in its central region, which reduces the height H of an end face 66 of the technical box 2 and thus also of the outlet step 62 in a trough-like manner. In the area of ​​this constriction 64, an air outlet 68 of the deodorizer opens into the end face 66. Accordingly, the flow cross-section of the deodorizer channel towards the air outlet 68 is reduced via the cover surface of the constriction 64 – this flow guidance will be discussed in more detail below. In the area of ​​this groove-shaped constriction 64, the end face 66 is designed with an approximately U-shaped curvature 67 into which the air outlet 68 opens.

[0049] Figure 6shows a bottom view of the technology box 2, in which a housing base 84 is visible, which closes the technology box 2 downwards, towards the ceramic, essentially airtight and liquid-tight. In the illustration according to Figure 6 Although a series of openings is shown, these are covered by corresponding internal components. Also visible are impressions that are also designed according to the functional components accommodated in the technology box 2 and through which the torsional rigidity of the housing base 84 is optimized. One of these impressions is shown as an example in Figure 6 provided with the reference number 87.

[0050] As explained above, the toilet seat assembly 1 and the technical box 2 are detachably attached to the ceramic via a take-off system. The two fastening elements 12, 14, or more precisely their threaded bolts 16a, 16b (see Figure 3) into two receptacles 88, 90 of the case back 84 and are releasably anchored there via the take-off system in such a way that they project downwards towards the ceramic.

[0051] Further details of this housing base 84 and the other components of the technology box 2 are explained below.

[0052] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the previously described technology box 2, showing the pivot pins 70 of the pivot joints 28, 30 extending from the side wall 40 through the openings 44, 46, as well as the pivot joint components extending from the opposite side wall 39. 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.

[0053] Next to the pivot pins 70, 72 there is a guide pin 80 or 82 which, as explained above, guides the pivoting movement of the toilet lid 4 or the toilet seat 10.

[0054] The pivot pin 70 and the rotary piston 76 are arranged coaxially to each other and serve to pivotally support the toilet lid 4. Both components each engage a bracket of the toilet lid 4. The associated guide pin 82 is also guided in an arcuate pin guide of the respective lid bracket. Similarly, the pivot pin 72, arranged coaxially to the drive shaft 74, and the guide pin 80 engage the bracket of the toilet lid 4 to pivotally support it.

[0055] In the representation according to Figure 7one can also see the stepped design of the technology box 2 with the cover surface 50 which is flush with the toilet lid 4 and the intermediate step 60 and outlet step 62 which are stepped back compared to it. In the area of ​​the constriction 64, the air outlet 68 is formed, as explained above.

[0056] The Technikbox 2 described above is characterized by a very compact design with an attractive exterior and high stability. The reasons for this are explained below.

[0057] The housing of the technology box 2 consists essentially of three components - the housing base 84, a housing support 92 (see Figures 10, 11) and the previously described outer shell 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing base 84 and the housing support 92 are screwed together or connected in some other way, whereby these components are designed such that they can absorb the forces / moments absorbed during operation of the toilet seat assembly 1 and also accommodate / support the functional components and 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.

[0058] Figure 8 shows a top view of the housing base 84. This is designed according to the support surface of the technology box 2 with an approximately rectangular base plate 94, which is arranged along a longitudinal edge (front in Figure 8 ) is provided with the concavity 67. InIn this area, walls 96, 98 of an outlet channel 100 are formed on the base plate 94, which is bounded at the front by an outlet wall 102 in which four outlet openings 104 are formed, of which Figure 8 only one is provided with a reference symbol. The outlet channel 100 of the deodorizer opens into a deodorizer housing 106 projecting upward from the base plate 94, in which, as explained in more detail below, a capsule / cassette containing fragrance is accommodated.

[0059] The deodorizer housing 106 has an upper flange surface 108, to which a fan of the deodorizer is attached. 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 containing the fragrance, and the laden air flow then exits via the outlet channel 100 and the outlet openings 104 towards 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 is enlarged towards the interior of the deodorizer housing 106. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of domes 111 (only one in Figure 8provided with a reference symbol), via which, for example, the housing support 92 and / or other functional components of the technology box 2 can be attached. The indentations 87a, 87b formed in the housing base 84 form 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 supporting a damper of the swivel joint 28, 30 of the toilet seat 10 are formed on the indentation 87a. A fixing pin 115 for fixing the position of the damper is arranged on the rounded support surface of the damper bracket 114.

[0060] On the opposite indentation 87b of the base plate 94, a support wall 116 is provided, on which the previously described pivot pins 70, 72 and the guide pins 80, 82 are laterally supported. In the illustrated embodiment, these are held on the housing support 92 described below.

[0061] From the base plate 94, the two receptacles 88, 90 project into the interior of the housing, into which the two threaded bolts 16a, 16b (see Figure 2 ) are inserted. As explained in more detail below, the upwardly open area of ​​the outlet channel 100 is covered by a cover, which also covers part of the concave groove 110. A plurality of further support and holding structures are formed on the base plate 94, which, however, are of secondary importance for understanding the invention, so that explanations in this regard are unnecessary.

[0062] In Figure 9 The underside of the housing base 84 is shown. It can be seen, similar to Figure 6 , the two impressions 87a, 87b, whereby from the impression 87a - as described above - the bearing bracket 112 (not visible in Figure 9) and the damper console 114, next to which one of the domes 111 for fastening the housing support 92 is arranged.

[0063] Between the two impressions 87a, 87b extends downwards from the base plate 94 (view Figure 9 ) the deodorizer housing 106, wherein support ribs 118 are formed in the transition region to stabilize the deodorizer housing 106. Corresponding support structures for the other elements of the housing base 84 are formed on the base plate 94 in an injection-molded manner. These support structures allow the housing base 84, in particular the base plate 94, to be designed with high rigidity, so that even high loads on the toilet seat assembly 1 can be absorbed and transmitted into the ceramic.

[0064] Figure 10shows a three-dimensional plan view of the housing support 92, which in the illustrated embodiment is screwed to the housing base 84 and essentially rests 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 that tapers towards the ceramic, with a large surface 120 corresponding to the cover surface 50, an adjoining middle step 122 and an outlet step 124 sloping towards the ceramic, the dimensions of which are adapted to the cover surface 50 or the intermediate step 60 or the outlet step 62, so that the outer shell 86 can preferably rest flat on the housing support 92. The outlet step 124 is again formed on an end face 126 facing the ceramic with a groove-shaped constriction 64 and a curvature 67, into the apex of which the outlet channel 100 opens.In the area of ​​the constriction 64, a rectangular recess 128 is provided, which complements the outlet wall 102 and the outlet openings 104 to form the air outlet 68.

[0065] In the transition area from the constriction 64 covering the outlet channel 100 to the Figure 10 In the deodorizer housing 106, which is not visible, an approximately rectangular opening is formed in the area of ​​the step 122, which serves as a sensor receptacle 130 for an occupancy sensor, for example a radar sensor.

[0066] In the Figure 10In the area of ​​the outlet step 124 formed to the right of the constriction 64, a round recess 132 is formed, into which, in the illustrated embodiment, a transmitter coil mounted on the housing base 84 for inductive energy transmission to components accommodated in the toilet seat 10 is inserted. In the peripheral area of ​​the recess 132, several centering walls 178 are formed for fixing the position of the transmitter coil. This can be arranged on the housing base side, for example, on a bottom surface of the impression 87b (see Figure 8 ) be stored.

[0067] On one side wall 134 are elongated, extending to the left (view from Figure 10 ) tapered openings 136, 138 for the pivot pins 70, 72 and the guide pins 80, 82 are formed.

[0068] The housing support 92 is also designed along its peripheral surfaces with support structures, for example stiffening ribs 140, by means of which the rigidity of the housing support 92 is improved.

[0069] Figure 11 shows an interior view of the housing support 92, looking toward a support cover surface 142, which is covered outwardly by the large surface 120 of the outer shell 86. This support cover surface 142 is surrounded by the previously described side wall 134, a further side wall 144, and a rear wall 146 extending transversely thereto. The support cover surface 142 then transitions, in the manner described above, into the step 122 and the outlet step 124, through which the height of the housing support 92 is gradually reduced. Openings 148, 150 for the pivot pins 70, 72 are formed in the side wall 144, which—as explained below—are held on the side wall 144.

[0070] As explained above, the recess 132 for the transmitter coil is formed adjacent to the constriction 64 or the bulge 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 illustration according to Figure 11 It can also be seen that wedge-shaped side wall sections 152, 154 of the outlet channel 100 are formed in the area of ​​the outlet step 124 adjoining the recess 128.

[0071] A window 156 for the deodorizer drawer 24 is formed in the rear wall 146, and a cable duct 158 ​​for the cable 22 is formed laterally next to this window 156. In the area of ​​the rear wall 146 adjacent to 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.

[0072] In the view according to Figure 11Below the window 156, a bracket 162 for the deodorizer fan is provided on the support cover surface 142. In the illustrated embodiment, this bracket 162 is frame-shaped, with a connection to the air inlet 32 ​​via an intake opening 163. The fan can be screwed to the corner areas of the bracket 162.

[0073] The reference numeral 164 denotes, by way of example, a support dome projecting from the support cover surface 142, by means of which further functional components of the technology box 2 can be held or by means of which a connection to the housing base 84 is made, for example by means of screws.

[0074] 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 Figure 4 , so that further explanations are unnecessary and with regard to the individual elements, Figure 4Accordingly, the outer shell 86 is smooth on the outside and designed with an optimal design in mind. Accordingly, the Figure 13The interior of the outer shell 86 shown is designed with relatively few structural elements, so that during production, preferably during injection molding, optimal quality of the visible surfaces is ensured 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, explained in more detail below, is inserted. Next to the drawer opening 166, a passage 168 for the cable 22 is formed, which is aligned with the cable passage 158. A few hollow nozzles 172 are formed on an outer shell cover 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 support 92. The air outlet 68 opens in the manner described above into the end face 66 of the constriction 64 or the curvature 67.A fixing ring 176 for the transmitter coil is arranged on an inner surface 174 of the outlet stage 124. This fixing ring 176 is coaxial with the recess 132.

[0075] Based on the Figures 8 to 13 The basic structure of the three-part housing of the Technikbox 2 is explained above. In the following Figures 14 and 15 Some of the described functional components and parts of the control electronics are integrated into the supporting structural elements, ie into the housing support 92 ( Figure 14 ) and the case back 84 ( Figure 15 ) installed.

[0076] In Figure 14 the housing carrier 92 is in an approximately Figure 11shown in a corresponding view. One can see the cable 22 routed through the cable entry 158 into the housing interior, via which the control boards 180, 182, 184, and 186 are supplied with electrical energy. The latter control board 186 controls a fan 188, which—as explained above—is attached to the holder 162 of the housing support 92. The power electronics with the control boards 180, 182, 184, and 186 also control a light module 190, which is attached in the area of ​​the rear wall 146 and emits the light via the previously described light exit openings 36 of the outer shell 86.

[0077] The control electronics are further connected to several sensors for power and signal transmission, for example, to the previously described radar sensor 191, which is inserted into the sensor receptacle 130. This radar sensor 191 can detect the approach of a user to the toilet seat assembly 1, so that after detection, the functional components can be controlled in a suitable manner, for example, to raise the toilet lid 4 or the like.

[0078] In Figure 14 A transmitter coil 192 is also shown, although it is covered by a cover 194. This transmitter coil 192 serves for inductive signal / energy transmission to components integrated in the toilet seat 10 or the toilet lid 4, for example, a seat heater.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot pins 70, 72 and the guide pins 80, 82 formed adjacent thereto are held 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 cover surface 142 of the housing support 92. In In this area, a further sensor 198 can also be provided, via which, for example, the pivoting 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. In Depending on its signal, for example, the Figure 15 shown drive motor 202 of the cardan shaft 74 can be controlled.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, an occupancy sensor 206 is optionally provided, which detects the use of the toilet seat 10. This occupancy sensor 207 detects the load on the seat-side pivot pin 70, 72 and uses it via the control electronics / cable electronics to control functional components, such as a seat heater or the like.

[0081] In the Figure 15 the case back 84 is in a Figure 8corresponding view. Accordingly, the drive motor 202 is mounted on the bearing bracket 112 of the base plate 94 and projects from the technology box 2 with the cardan shaft 74. This cardan shaft 74 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a block of the toilet lid 4, so that when the drive motor 202 is activated, the toilet lid 4 is opened (raised) or closed (lowered). The motor or its gear is preferably designed such that the self-locking is relatively low, so that the toilet seat assembly 1 can also be opened or closed manually without power. This drive motor 202 can, in principle, also be used to open and close the toilet seat 10. In the specific embodiment, the drive motor 202 is assigned only to the toilet lid 4.

[0082] The lowering movement of the toilet seat 10 from an open position towards a closed position (resting on the ceramic) is carried out by a conventional toilet seat hinge damper 204, whose rotary piston 76 projects parallel to the drive shaft 74 from the technology box 2. The two pivot pins 70, 72 are arranged coaxially to the drive shaft 74 and the rotary piston 76, respectively. The damper 204 is supported on the damper bracket 114 of the base plate 94. In the illustration according to Figure 15 A cover 206 is also visible, which covers the outlet channel 100 formed on the base plate 94 and the adjoining groove 110 and which rests against the deodorizer housing 106. This illustration also shows the flange surface 108, on which the fan 188 rests in a sealed manner. Further details of the air flow will be explained in more detail below.

[0083] In the arrangement according to the Figures 14 and 15A radio module can also be integrated, allowing the individual functional components to be controlled via an external control device, such as a handheld or smartphone. In principle, additional data, such as weather data or similar, can also be loaded via this radio module, which can then be accessed by the user. Signal processing / evaluation of vital parameters or other signals recorded by sensors can also be performed via this external control device.

[0084] As stated above, the technical box 2 is equipped with a deodorizer. This is located in the Figure 16 provided with the reference numeral 208. In this embodiment, the deodorizer 208 is arranged essentially on the housing base 84. In principle, however, it can also be integrated into the technology box 2 in another form. Figure 16 shows a Figure 8corresponding representation of the housing base 84, wherein, in contrast to this representation, the drawer 24 is inserted into the deodorizer housing 106. Furthermore, the outlet channel 100 with the outlet openings 104 is covered by the concavely curved cover 206. In the representation according to Figure 16 Furthermore, the fan 188 is mounted on the deodorizer housing 106.

[0085] As explained, the drawer 24 serves to hold a fragrance. Figures 17a, 17bshow a top view and a bottom view of the drawer 24, respectively, which is inserted into a guide of the deodorizer housing 106. As explained, the drawer 24 has two recessed grips 26a, 26b formed on a handle body 210. The end face of the handle body 210 facing the user is formed by an end wall 212, which, when the drawer 24 is inserted, is flush with the rear wall 20 of the technology box 2. This end wall 212 protrudes laterally slightly beyond the outer circumference of the handle body 210, so that the guide of the drawer 24 is covered in the technology box 2, more precisely in the outer shell 86, the housing support 92, and the housing base 84. Adjacent to the handle body 210 is a receiving space 214 for the fragrance agent, which is delimited at the rear by a transverse wall 216. The lateral limitation is provided by side walls 218, 220, which extend between the handle body 210 and the transverse wall 216.

[0086] As shown in the bottom view Figure 17b removable, the receiving space 214 is limited downwards by a base frame 224, whereby an outlet opening 226 encompassed by this allows a flow through the drawer 24 in the vertical direction (see arrow in Figure 17a ). In the illustrated embodiment, the fragrance is contained in cassettes / capsules 228, which are designed according to the Figures 18a, 18bcan be inserted precisely into the receiving space 214 of the drawer 24. The cassettes 228 are filled with granules loaded with the fragrance agent, so that the air is loaded with the fragrance as it flows through the cassette 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow through the cassette 228 is enabled 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 significant pressure loss. Such cassettes / capsules 228 are known, for example, in ventilation systems for vehicles / rooms, so that further explanations are unnecessary.

[0087] Depending on the type of cassettes / capsules 228 used, drawers 24 can be provided with differently shaped receiving spaces 214. In principle, however, it is also possible to adapt the receiving space 214 to different cassettes / capsules 228 by means of inserted adapters. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse wall 216 and the handle body 210 are each designed as hollow bodies, with hollow chamber structures being introduced to prevent material accumulation - these are in Figure 17a provided with the reference number 232 for example.

[0088] Figure 19 shows a section AA through the technical box 2, with the cutting line in Figure 19 top right corner. This means that the cutting plane has two transverse (horizontal in Figure 19 ) offset cutting areas.

[0089] Accordingly, section AA shows the housing base 84 formed according to the above explanations, which is screwed or otherwise connected to the housing support 92. Towards 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 above, the air inlet 32 ​​is formed in this outer shell 86, through which air can enter the interior of the technology box 2. According to the above explanations, the drawer 24 with the cassette 228 is inserted into the deodorizer housing 106. In the section according to Figure 19 one can see the handle body 210 formed with one of the grip recesses 26 and the transverse wall 216, between which the receiving space 214 for the cassette 228 is formed. As explained, the drawer 24 opens in the illustration according to Figure 19downwards via the outlet opening 226 to the interior of the deodorizer housing 106, which is in flow connection with the outlet channel 100, which is covered at the top by the cover 206. 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. The fan 188 is, as explained above, attached to the housing support 92 and rests on the flange surface 108 of the deodorizer housing 106.

[0090] When the fan 188 is controlled via the described control / power electronics, air is blown out as shown in Figure 19As shown, the air 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 intake opening 163. The air flow is then guided via the fan 188 and the peripheral walls of the deodorizer housing 106 through the cassette 228 accommodated in the drawer 24, so that the air is charged with the fragrance / fragrance. 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 towards the outlet channel 100 until it finally flows out of the technical box 2 towards the ceramic via the air outlet 68.

[0091] As explained above, the fan 188 can be operated depending on the signal from an occupancy sensor or the like. In principle, it is of course also possible to control the fan 188 via a control unit such as a remote control. In simpler solutions, the fan 188 can also be operated manually using a button or switch.

[0092] A special feature of the air flow guidance described above is that it is essentially along a vertical plane (section plane in Figure 19), with the air supply being located above the air outlet in the vertical direction, with the air flowing through the cassette 228 in the vertical direction. In principle, a different flow pattern is also possible depending on the design of the technology box 2. However, the flow pattern described above has the advantage that the deodorizer 208 is very compact, leaving sufficient space to the side for additional components of the toilet seat assembly 1.

[0093] The basic concept of inductive energy / data transmission is explained below using the Figures 20 , 21 explained, whereby reference can be made to the state of the art described at the beginning according to the documents DE 10 2019 110 281 A1 and DE 10 2019 110 287 A1.

[0094] Figure 20shows an embodiment of a toilet seat assembly 1 according to the invention, although the technical box 2 is designed with smaller dimensions than in the previously described embodiments. As explained, a toilet lid 4 and a toilet seat 10 are hinged to the technical box 2, with the pivot joints described above (cardan shaft 74, rotary piston 76 of the damper 78, pivot pins 70, 72) each engaging in the clamps 234 of the toilet seat 10 and the toilet lid 4 to pivotally mount them. Figure 20 only the clamp 234 of the toilet seat 10 is provided with a reference symbol.

[0095] As explained above, the transmitter coil 192 is held in the technology box 2. It is arranged, for example, on a support 236 and fixed in position within the technology box 2. This preferably occurs close to the area of ​​the outer shell 86 that faces the toilet seat 10 in its closed position. The power supply and power electronics for the transmitter coil 192 are, as explained, housed in the technology box 2.

[0096] 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 illustrated embodiment, the receiver coil 244 is also arranged on a support 246 and fixed in position in the receiving space 242. In principle, however, the toilet seat 10 can also be formed as a single piece, in which case the receiver coil 244 is then directly pressed in during the pressing process.

[0097] At the Figure 20In the relative position of the receiver coil 244 and the transmitter coil 192 shown, no inductive energy transfer takes place. When the toilet seat 10 is lowered, the receiver coil 244 is Figure 21aligned with respect to the transmitter coil 192 in such a way that an inductive alternating electromagnetic field is generated via the two coils. The energy transfer then occurs through mutual induction between the two coils (receiver coil 244 and transmitter coil 192), whereby the alternating voltage induced in the receiver coil 244 can be rectified via the control electronics and passed on to the functional components integrated in the toilet seat 10, for example a seat heater, sensors, LEDs or the like. This inductive energy transfer, as explained above, only takes place when the toilet seat 10 is lowered. As soon as it is pivoted upwards into the open position, the inductive coupling between the coils 244, 192 is canceled, so that no energy transfer takes place and thus no supply to the consumers.Of course, an energy storage device, 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.

[0098] State-of-the-art toilet seat sets are controlled either via the sensors described above or by pressing buttons / switches. Solutions with button or membrane remote controls are also known, in which the control signals are transmitted wirelessly to the toilet seat set.

[0099] In one embodiment of a toilet seat 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. The screen also enables monitoring of the function and evaluation of data acquired by the sensors. The basic concept of such a system is described in Figure 22shown. Accordingly, the control element is designed, for example, as a tablet or handheld device 250 with a touch display 252, via which the functions of the toilet seat assembly 1 can be controlled. As explained above, a radio module is integrated into the toilet seat assembly 1, so that data exchange between the toilet seat assembly 1 and the handheld device 250 is possible. This data exchange can take place, for example, via Bluetooth or WLAN or in some other way. By actuating the handheld device 250 accordingly, the toilet lid 4, the deodorizer 208, a seat heater, or other components of the toilet lid 4 can then be controlled, or data can be retrieved from another station, for example from a weather station 254, in order to show it on the display 252 during use.

[0100] Of course, instead of such weather data, other messages or information can also be retrieved and displayed on the display 252.

[0101] Figure 23 shows a possible embodiment of such a handheld device 250. Accordingly, it has a preferably touch-sensitive operating surface 252, on which, for example, a gesture field 254 is formed. This makes it possible to link different single-touch gestures with functions, so that the relevant function for controlling the toilet seat assembly 1 can be called up via corresponding movement with one or more fingers on the gesture surface 254. Such single-touch gestures can, for example, be movements up, down, left, right, or along a circle in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, so that a multitude of unique gestures are available for controlling the functions.

[0102] Further touch-sensitive control elements are implemented on the control surface 252 of the described embodiment. Field 256 denotes a scroll area or a slider, which can be used to navigate through a menu structure stored in the handheld device 250. This menu structure can be shown on a central display 258, with the respective function being brought into the selection area 260 by actuating the scroll area 258. The menu structure can be selected to display various data or to select various functions. For example, in the Figure 23 The connection to the weather station is established according to the selected setting, so that the corresponding weather data can be retrieved. Figure 23 Vital parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc. are retrieved and processed using the symbol above. Figure 23The deodorizer 208 is controlled by the selection below. Similarly, symbols for activating the seat heating, raising and lowering the toilet lid 4 and / or the toilet seat 10, or controlling the lighting can be selected. The final selection is made via an OK button 262. Figure 23 A return button 264 is shown below the OK button 262. With appropriate software design, such a handheld device 250 can be used to control all essential functions of a toilet seat assembly 1 and, if necessary, also to evaluate measured data.

[0103] It is preferred if the Handheld 250 is equipped with a permanently integrated battery, which can be charged, for example, via a micro-USB interface or similar of the toilet seat 1 or inductively.

[0104] This handheld 250 can also be used to access operating instructions for the toilet seat set 1 or maintenance instructions from the manufacturer.

[0105] As explained, the function of the Handheld 250 can also be taken over by an app that can be downloaded onto a smartphone, through which the corresponding signals and inputs from the user are then sent to the toilet seat set 1 for control / evaluation.

[0106] Disclosed is a toilet seat set with a technology box according to claim 1, in which a deodorizer is arranged to mask odors. List of reference symbols:

[0107] 1 Toilet seat set 2 Technical box 4 Toilet lid 6 Buffer 8 Buffer 10 Toilet seat 12 Fasteners 14 Fasteners 16 Threaded bolt 18 Nut 20 Rear wall 22 Cable 24 Drawer 26 Grip recess 28 Swivel joint 30 Swivel joint 32 Air inlet 34 Inlet recess 36 Light exit opening 37 Glass insert 38 Side wall 39 Opening 40 Side wall 42 Opening 44 Opening 46 Opening 48 Opening 50 Cover surface 52 Large surface 54 Recess 56 Recess 58 Opening 60 Intermediate step 62 Exit step 64 Constriction 66 Front surface 67 Curvature 68 Air outlet 70 Pivot pin 72 Pivot pin 74 Joint shaft 76 Rotary piston 78 Damper 80 Guide pin 82 Guide pin 84 Housing base 86 Outer shell 87 Indentation 88 Mount 90 Mount 92 Housing support 94 Base plate 96 Wall 98 Wall 100 Outlet channel 102 Outlet wall 104 Outlet openings 106 Deodorizer housing 108 Flange surface 110 Fillet 111 Dome 112 Bearing bracket 114 Damper bracket 115 Fixing pin 116 Support wall 118 Support rib 120 Large surface 122 Step 124 Outlet step 126 Front end128 Cutout 130 Sensor holder 132 Recess 134 Side wall 136 Opening 138 Opening 140 Reinforcing ribs 142 Support cover surface 144 Side wall 146 Rear wall 148 Opening 150 Opening 152 Side wall section 154 Side wall section 156 Window 158 Cable feedthrough 160 Light exit opening 162 Bracket 163 Intake opening 164 Support dome 166 Drawer opening 168 Feedthrough 170 Outer shell cover 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 Occupancy sensor 208 Deodorizer 210 Handle body 212 End wall 214 Receiving space 216 Cross wall 218 Side wall 220 Side wall 224 Base frame 226 Exit opening 228 Cassette / capsule 230 Slot 232 Hollow chamber structure 234 Clamp 236 Carrier 238 Tray 240 Tray 242 Receiving space 244 Receiver coil 246 Carrier 250 Handheld 252 Operating surface (display)254Gestenfeld 256Scrollfläche 258Display 260Auswahlbereich 262OK-Button 264Zurück-(Return)-Button

Claims

1. Technical box (2) for a toilet seat set (1), which is connected via pivot joints (28, 30) to the technical box (2), which in turn is fixable to a ceramic via fastening means (12, 14), wherein functional components and control electronics of the toilet seat set (1) are arranged in a housing of the technical box (2), wherein one functional component is a deodorizer (208) which has a fan (188) via which air is drawn in through an air inlet (32) formed on the technical box (2) and discharged via an air outlet (68), wherein an fragrance agent is arranged in the air flow path between the air inlet (32) and the air outlet (68), wherein the fragrance agent is arranged in a container which is positioned in a deodorizer housing (106) in such a way that the container is removable from the technical box (2) in order to replace the fragrance agent, characterized in that the air outlet (68) is oriented in such a way that, during operation, the air is loaded with the fragrance agent and discharged in the direction of a receiving space delimited by the ceramic.

2. Technical box (2) according to patent claim 1, wherein the fragrance agent is arranged in a drawer (24) which is guided in a deodorizer housing (106) in such a way that this can be pulled out of the technical box (2) to replace the fragrance agent and / or wherein the container with the fragrance agent can be inserted into the technical box and is held in the technical box by means of a latching and / or a type of bayonet lock and / or wherein the container can be connected to a thread in the technical box by means of a thread and / or wherein the container can be fixed in position in the technical box by means of an additional component.

3. Technical box (2) according to patent claim 1 or 2, wherein the fragrance agent is accommodated in a cassette (228), which in turn is held replaceably in the container, in particular in the drawer (24).

4. Technical box (2) according to patent claim 2 or 3, wherein the container, in particular the drawer (24), has a receiving space (214) for the cassette (228) which is open in the direction of flow.

5. Technical box (2) according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the air flow is also guided past the control electronics and / or wherein the fan (188) is operable at variable speed via the control electronics.

6. Technical box (2) according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the housing has a housing base (84) which is connected to a housing support (92), wherein the housing support and the housing base (84) substantially carry functional components and the 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) on the outside and / or wherein the air inlet (32) is arranged on a rear wall (20) of the technical box (2) and the air outlet (68) is arranged on the ceramic side of the housing support (92), which covers the housing support (92) on the outside and / or wherein the air inlet (32) is formed on a rear wall (20) of the technical box (2) and the air outlet (68) is formed on the ceramic side and / or wherein the deodorizer housing (106) is formed or held on the housing base (84), wherein flow cross-sections for guiding the air flow are jointly delimited in sections by the housing base (84) and the housing support (92) and / or with an outlet duct (100) arranged downstream of the drawer (24), which is formed in sections on the housing base (84) and covered by a cover (206) and / or wherein the fan (188) is held on the housing support (92).

7. Technical box (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow is guided approximately in a vertical plane with respect to the supporting surface of the technical box (2) on the ceramic.

8. Technical box (2) according to patent claim 7, wherein the air inlet (32) is arranged higher than the air outlet (68) with respect to the support surface and / or wherein the housing is stepped back towards the air outlet (68).

9. Technical box (2) according to one of the preceding patent claims, comprising a radio module and an external operating element assigned thereto, in particular a handheld (250) for controlling the fan (188) and other functional components of the technical box (2), wherein preferably further functional components are a swivel drive, toilet seat hinge arrangements, a sensor system, illuminants, an energy source and / or other components required for operating the toilet seat set (1).

10. Technical box (2) according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the sensor system comprises at least one occupancy sensor, a proximity sensor, a sensor for detecting vital parameters, a temperature sensor and / or an acceleration sensor.

11. Technical box (2) according to one of the preceding patent claims, comprising a pushbutton or switch for controlling the fan (188).

12. Toilet seat set (1) with a technical box (2) according to one of the preceding patent claims.