Toilet cover

Abstract

A toilet seat (1) comprises at least one toilet seat element (2) and at least one hinge element (3) with which the at least one toilet seat element (2) can be pivotably connected to a sanitary article, such as a toilet bowl, wherein the hinge element (3) has a hinge receptacle (4) and a hinge pin (5) with a bearing section (6) and a pivot section (7) which is pivotably mounted in the hinge receptacle (4), wherein the at least one toilet seat element (2) has at least one bearing opening (8) into which the bearing section (6) projects, wherein the bearing section (6) and the bearing opening (8) each have a bearing surface (9, 10) with at least one surface section (11, 12), which surface section (11, 12) requires an alignment of the hinge pin (5) with respect to a rotation about its central axis (M) relative to the bearing opening (8),and wherein the bearing section (6) has at least one alignment edge (14) in the region of its front end (13), which is designed such that, during the insertion of the bearing section (6) into the bearing opening (8), the hinge pin (5) pivots about its central axis (M), so that the surface section (11) of the bearing section (6) can be aligned relative to the surface section (12) of the bearing opening (8).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet seat cover according to claim 1. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Toilet seats are known in the art and typically comprise a hinge and at least one toilet seat element, such as a toilet seat ring or a toilet lid.

[0003] A toilet lid is typically pivoted on hinges, which in turn are mounted on the toilet body. Dampers mounted on the hinges allow the toilet lid to be dampened during pivoting. Such hinges are typically complex and therefore difficult to install. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing a toilet seat assembly which can be easily assembled or manufactured.

[0005] This object is achieved by the toilet seat assembly according to claim 1. Accordingly, a toilet seat comprises at least one toilet seat element and at least one hinge element, with which the at least one toilet seat element can be pivotally connected to a sanitary article, such as a toilet bowl. Typically, two hinge elements are present. The hinge element has a hinge receptacle and a hinge pin with a bearing portion and a pivot portion, which is pivotally mounted in the hinge receptacle. The at least one toilet seat element has at least one bearing opening into which the bearing portion projects. Typically, one bearing opening is arranged per hinge element.The bearing section and the bearing opening each have a bearing surface with at least one surface section, which surface section requires the hinge pin to be aligned with respect to a rotation about its central axis relative to the bearing opening. The bearing section has at least one alignment edge in the region of its front end, which is designed such that when the bearing section is inserted into the bearing opening, the hinge pin pivots about its central axis, so that the surface section of the bearing section can be aligned relative to the surface section of the bearing opening.

[0006] The arrangement of the alignment edge has the advantage that the hinge pin is automatically aligned during assembly, in which the hinge pin is moved into the bearing opening along the central axis.

[0007] The alignment edge is designed in particular such that the hinge pin pivots automatically and, in particular, continuously as it moves into the bearing opening. As a result of the movement and the application of force in the direction of the central axis, the hinge pin rotates and aligns itself accordingly.

[0008] The bearing surfaces or surface sections are designed in such a way that a rotationally fixed connection is created between the bearing opening and the bearing section when the hinge pin protrudes into the bearing opening. This means that when the toilet support element pivots, the hinge pin pivots along with it.

[0009] Preferably, the surface section is a flat surface section defined by a plane extending at a distance from the central axis. Alternatively, the surface section is a non-circular or non-cylindrical surface section extending around the central axis.

[0010] Preferably, the alignment edge extends from a front edge to a rear edge, wherein the rear edge is set back relative to the front edge in the direction of insertion of the hinge pin into the bearing opening.

[0011] Preferably, the leading edge and / or the trailing edge extend perpendicular to the central axis, with the leading edge and / or the trailing edge not intersecting the central axis. Preferably, the two edges run parallel to each other, with the two edges lying on different sides of the central axis.

[0012] In other words, the leading edge is positioned closer to the front end of the hinge pin than the trailing edge.

[0013] Depending on the position of the hinge pin, the front edge can also serve for alignment and guide the rotational movement of the bearing pin until the alignment edge comes into contact with an edge of the bearing opening.

[0014] The alignment edge is arranged on one end face of the bearing section.

[0015] Preferably, the alignment edge runs with a gradient on a circular cylinder that extends around the central axis. In other words, the alignment edge runs as a section of a helical line that extends a circular segment around the central axis.

[0016] The alignment edge preferably extends around the circular cylinder at an angle of no more than 90°, in particular in the range of 70° to 90°. The slope of the alignment edge is preferably constant in the direction of the central axis.

[0017] Preferably, the hinge pin further comprises an inner edge which runs with a slope on a circular cylinder extending around the central axis.

[0018] The inner edge preferably extends at an angle of no more than 90° around the circular cylinder. The slope of the inner edge is preferably constant in the direction of the central axis.

[0019] Preferably, the alignment edge extends around the circular cylinder at a smaller angle than the inner edge.

[0020] The circular cylinder on which the alignment edge runs preferably has a larger diameter than the circular cylinder on which the inner edge runs.

[0021] Preferably, the pitch of the inner edge is equal to the pitch of the alignment edge. Alternatively, the pitch of the inner edge is smaller or larger than the pitch of the alignment edge.

[0022] The hinge pin preferably has a pin extension that extends from the at least one alignment edge at the front in the direction of the central axis. The pin extension preferably has a circular-cylindrical shape.

[0023] The pin shoulder has a diameter which is smaller than the smallest clear width of the bearing opening.

[0024] Preferably, the circular cylinder on which the inner edge runs is provided by the outer side of the tenon shoulder.

[0025] Particularly preferably, two alignment edges are arranged, wherein the two alignment edges are opposite each other with respect to the central axis.

[0026] Preferably, the two alignment edges are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the central axis or the two alignment edges are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the central axis.

[0027] Preferably, the two alignment edges are opposite each other with respect to the central axis.

[0028] Preferably, the inner edges and the two alignment edges have the same or a different pitch. Preferably, the leading edges of the two alignment edges lie in a common plane extending perpendicular to the central axis. Preferably, the trailing edges of the two alignment edges lie in a common plane extending perpendicular to the central axis.

[0029] Preferably, the bearing surface of the bearing opening has an edge at the front end of the bearing opening. The at least one alignment edge can be brought into contact with this edge during the insertion process, with alignment being achieved via the contact between the edge and the alignment edge.

[0030] Preferably, two surface sections are arranged on the bearing section and two in the bearing opening. Both surface sections are preferably designed as flat surfaces and run parallel to each other. The surface sections are preferably located opposite each other with respect to the central axis.

[0031] Preferably, the bearing section and the bearing opening have at least one cylindrical, in particular a circular cylindrical, surface which adjoins the at least one surface section on the circumferential side.

[0032] Preferably, a damping element acting on the hinge pin is provided on the hinge receptacle, which dampens the movement of the toilet support element or the hinge pin when moving towards the sanitary article.

[0033] In one variant, the toilet support element is a toilet lid. In another variant, the toilet support element is a seat ring. In another variant, the toilet support element is a toilet lid, with a seat ring mounted on the bearing section.

[0034] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one side of a toilet seat of the present invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a hinge pin of the toilet seat according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the toilet seat cover according to the previous figures during assembly; Fig. 4 the perspective view of the toilet seat cover according to Figure 3 as assembly progresses; Fig. 5 the perspective view of the toilet seat after Figure 4 as assembly progresses; Fig. 6 the perspective view of the toilet seat after Figure 5 as assembly progresses; and Fig. 7 the perspective view of the toilet seat after Figure 6 upon completion of assembly. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] In the Figure 1An exploded view of part of an embodiment of a toilet seat 1 according to the invention is shown. The toilet seat 1 comprises at least one toilet seat element 2 and at least one hinge element 3. Typically, two hinge elements 3 are arranged, with one of the hinge elements 3 being arranged on the left side and another of the hinge elements 3 being arranged on the right side of the toilet seat element 2. The at least one toilet seat element 2 can be pivotally connected to a sanitary article, such as a toilet bowl, via the at least one hinge element 3. For this purpose, the hinge element 3 has a fastening interface, which is not shown in the figures.

[0037] The toilet support element 2 can be a toilet seat ring or a toilet lid, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of a toilet seat ring and a toilet lid is shown.

[0038] The hinge element 3 has a hinge receptacle 4 and a hinge pin 5 with a bearing section 6 and a pivot section 7, which is pivotally mounted in the hinge receptacle 4. The pivot section 7 extends into a pivot opening 27 in the hinge receptacle 4. This means that the hinge pin 5 can pivot relative to the fixed hinge receptacle 4. The hinge receptacle 4 is part of the aforementioned fastening interface or the hinge receptacle 4 is connected to the aforementioned fastening interface. The fastening interface (not shown in the figures) serves to attach the hinge receptacle 4 to a toilet bowl.

[0039] The at least one toilet support element 2 has at least one bearing opening 8 into which the bearing section 6 projects. The cross-section of the bearing opening 8 and the cross-section of the bearing section 6 of the hinge pin 5 are preferably complementary, so that the bearing section 6 can be inserted into the bearing opening 8 and essentially fills the bearing opening 8. Here, the bearing opening 8 is arranged in the toilet lid.

[0040] The toilet seat ring, also shown in the figures, has a continuous opening 25 through which the hinge pin 5 extends. The bearing section 6 lies on one side of this opening 25, and the pivot section 7 lies on the other side of this opening 25. The hinge pin 5 has a bearing point 26, which lies in the opening 25. The bearing point 26 lies between the bearing section 6 and the pivot section 7. If no toilet seat ring is present, the bearing point 26 is preferably not present.

[0041] The bearing section 6 and the bearing opening 8 each have a bearing surface 9, 10 with at least one surface section 11, 12. The at least one surface section 11, 12 is designed such that an orientation of the hinge pin 5 with respect to a rotation about its central axis M relative to the bearing opening 8 is assumed. In the embodiment shown, two surface sections 11, 12 are arranged, which run parallel to one another and are designed as flat surfaces. In each case, one of the surface sections 11 comes into contact with a different one of the surface sections 12.

[0042] A rotationally fixed connection between the hinge pin 5 and the bearing opening 8 is also provided via the surface sections 11, 12.

[0043] In the region of its front end 13, the bearing section 6 has at least one alignment edge 14. The alignment edge 14 is designed such that when the bearing section 6 is pushed into the bearing opening 8, the hinge pin 5 pivots about its central axis M, so that the at least one surface section 11 of the bearing section 6 can be aligned relative to the at least one surface section 12 of the bearing opening 8. This alignment ensures that the hinge pin 5 is positioned relative to the bearing opening 8 such that the bearing section 6 can be pushed into the bearing opening 8. The alignment edge 14 is designed such that the hinge pin 5 pivots automatically and continuously as it moves into the bearing opening 8.

[0044] The preferred alignment edge 14 according to the present embodiment is shown in the Figure 2shown. The alignment edge 14 extends from a front edge 15 to a rear edge 16, wherein the rear edge 16 is set back relative to the front edge 15 in the insertion direction. The front edge 15 and the rear edge 16 extend at right angles and at a distance from the central axis M of the hinge pin 5. In the embodiment shown, two alignment edges 14 are present, wherein the front edges 15 and the rear edges 16 each extend parallel to one another. The front edge 15 of one alignment edge 14 runs collinearly with the rear edge 16 of the other alignment edge 14.

[0045] Furthermore, the hinge pin 5 has an inner edge 17, which runs with a pitch on a circular cylinder 18 extending around the central axis M. The inner edge 17 connects an inner end of the front edge 15 to an inner end of the rear edge 16. The alignment edge 14 connects an outer end of the front edge 15 to an outer end of the rear edge 16. Preferably, the pitch of the alignment edge 14 is constant. The pitch of the inner edge 17 is different from the pitch of the alignment edge 14; however, the pitch can also be the same. In other words, it can also be said that the alignment edge 14 extends essentially helically around the central axis M.

[0046] The alignment edge 14, the inner edge 17, the front edge 15 and the rear edge 16 delimit a surface 19.

[0047] Also from the Figure 2It can be seen that a tenon extension 21 extends from the at least one alignment edge 14 at the front in the direction of the central axis M. The tenon extension 21 here has the shape of a circular cylinder. The aforementioned inner edge 17 runs along the lateral surface of the tenon extension 21.

[0048] Furthermore, the Figure 2 It can be seen that the bearing section 6 and the bearing opening 8 have at least one cylindrical, in particular a circular-cylindrical, surface 23, 24, which adjoins the at least one surface section 11, 12 on the circumferential side. In the embodiment shown, one of the surfaces 23, 24 is arranged between the surface sections 11, 12 on the top and bottom sides.

[0049] Preferably, the alignment edge 14 described above lies on the surface 23.

[0050] Based on the Figures 3 to 7The insertion process of the bearing section 6 of the hinge pin 5 into the bearing opening 8 of the toilet support element 2 is now described.

[0051] The bearing surface 10 of the bearing opening 8 has or defines an edge 22 at the front end of the bearing opening 8. The at least one alignment edge 14 can be brought into contact with this edge 22 during the insertion process. Alignment between the bearing section 6 and the bearing opening 8 is achieved via this contact.

[0052] In the Figure 3 the hinge pin 5 with its bearing section 6 is spaced from the bearing opening 8. Starting from this position, the hinge pin 6 is moved in the direction of the bearing opening 8.

[0053] In the Figure 4The alignment edge 14 is in contact with the edge 22. As the hinge pin 5 moves further into the bearing opening 8, the hinge pin 5 is further aligned due to the interaction between the alignment edge 14 and the edge 22. Alignment occurs as a pivoting movement around the central axis M.

[0054] In the Figure 5 the alignment is almost finished and in the Figure 6 the hinge pin 5 is positioned such that the hinge pin 5 is aligned with the bearing opening 8 and can be fully inserted into the bearing opening 8.

[0055] In the Figure 7 The hinge pin 5 is then shown in the fully inserted state. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0056] 1 Toilet seat 2 Toilet seat element 3 Hinge element 4 Hinge mount 5 Hinge pin 6 Bearing section 7 Pivot section 8 Bearing opening 9 Bearing surface 10 Bearing surface 11 Surface section 12 Surface section 13 Front end 14 Alignment edge 15 Front edge 16 Rear edge 17 Inner edge 18 Circular cylinder 19 Surface 20 Circular cylinder 21 Pin shoulder 22 Edge 23 Surface 24 Surface 25 Opening 26 Bearing point 27 Pivot opening

Claims

1. A toilet seat (1) comprising at least one toilet seat element (2) and at least one hinge element (3), with which the at least one toilet seat element (2) can be pivotally connected to a sanitary article, such as a toilet bowl, wherein the hinge element (3) has a hinge receptacle (4) and a hinge pin (5) with a bearing portion (6) and a pivot portion (7) which is pivotally mounted in the hinge receptacle (4), wherein the at least one toilet seat element (2) has at least one bearing opening (8) into which the bearing portion (6) projects, wherein the bearing portion (6) and the bearing opening (8) each have a bearing surface (9, 10) with at least one surface portion (11, 12), which surface portion (11, 12) requires an orientation of the hinge pin (5) with respect to a rotation about its central axis (M) relative to the bearing opening (8),and wherein the bearing section (6) has at least one alignment edge (14) in the region of its front end (13), which is designed such that when the bearing section (6) is pushed into the bearing opening (8), the hinge pin (5) pivots about its central axis (M), so that the surface section (11) of the bearing section (6) can be aligned relative to the surface section (12) of the bearing opening (8).

2. Toilet seat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the alignment edge (14) extends from a front edge (15) to a rear edge (16), wherein in the insertion direction the rear edge (16) is set back with respect to the front edge (15).

3. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment edge (14) runs with a gradient on a circular cylinder (20) which extends around the central axis (M).

4. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe hinge pin (5) has an inner edge (17) which runs with a gradient on a circular cylinder (18) which extends around the central axis (M).

5. Toilet seat (1) according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that the slope of the inner edge (17) is equal to the slope of the alignment edge (14); or that the slope of the inner edge (17) is smaller or larger than the slope of the alignment edge (14).

6. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge pin (5) has a pin extension (21), in particular with a circular-cylindrical shape, which is arranged on the front side of the hinge pin (5), wherein the pin extension (21) extends away from the at least one alignment edge (14) on the front side in the direction of the central axis (M).

7. Toilet seat (1) according to claim 3 to 6, characterized in thatthe circular cylinder on which the inner edge (17) runs is provided by the outer side of the tenon extension (21).

8. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two alignment edges (14) are arranged, wherein the two alignment edges (14) lie opposite one another with respect to the central axis (M).

9. Toilet seat (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the two alignment edges (14) are arranged symmetrically to one another or wherein the two alignment edges (14) are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the central axis.

10. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe bearing surface (10) of the bearing opening (8) has or defines an edge (22) at the front end of the bearing opening (8), wherein the at least one alignment edge (14) can be brought into contact with this edge (22) during the insertion process, and wherein the alignment takes place via the contact between the edge (22) and the alignment edge (14).

11. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two surface sections (11) on the bearing section (6) and that two surface sections (12) are arranged in the bearing opening (8).

12. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing section (6) and the bearing opening (8) have at least one cylindrical, in particular a circular cylindrical, surface (23, 24) which adjoins the at least one surface section (11, 12) on the circumferential side.

13. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata damping element acting on the hinge pin (5) is provided on or in the hinge receptacle (4), which dampens the movement of the toilet support element (2) or the hinge pin (5) during a movement towards the sanitary article.

14. Toilet seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toilet support element is a toilet lid or a seat ring; or that the toilet support element is a toilet lid and that a seat ring is further arranged which is mounted on the bearing section.

Images