Mounting device for toilet fitting

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting device for mounting a fitting part on a toilet body so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, comprising a first fastening device with a pin section which can be arranged in a receiving recess of a block of the fitting part and can be secured against falling out in the direction of the rotation axis by means of form-locking elements, wherein the pin section has a first form-locking element on a radially outwardly directed outer circumferential surface which can be connected in a form-locking manner to a second form-locking element, characterized in that the second form-locking element is formed in one piece with a radially inwardly directed inner circumferential surface, and in that the receiving recess is formed as a blind hole.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting device for the detachable mounting of a fitting part on a toilet body.

[0002] Toilets (water closets) have a toilet body, often made of ceramic, with a toilet bowl. Furthermore, a toilet seat ring and a toilet lid are usually provided. The toilet seat ring is a toilet seat, which can sometimes be ring-shaped (i.e., also interrupted by a slit), and which the user sits on. This can usually be folded up around a transverse axis at the rear of the toilet. The same applies to a toilet lid, which is also usually provided to close the toilet bowl and usually also covers the seat. However, in special applications, it can be useful to provide only a toilet seat ring, for example to improve the usability of the toilet for certain user groups. This is often the case in daycare centers, hospitals, care facilities for people with disabilities, or even publicly accessible toilet facilities.

[0003] In the following, the toilet seat ring and toilet lid are generally referred to as a "fitting component," which can be mounted on the toilet body. A toilet seat ring can also be combined with a toilet lid, thus forming a complete toilet fitting.

[0004] It goes without saying that toilets in the described applications can be subject to intensive use, with the corresponding risk of soiling and even vandalism. Accordingly, it is generally known that toilets for the described applications must be easy to clean yet stable. It is particularly important that the elements used to attach the fittings to the toilet body are permanently and securely connected.

[0005] DE 11 2016 003 371 B4 proposes a joint arrangement with a securing element, whereby the securing element is intended to prevent a rotary damper arranged in a clamp of the fitting part from falling out.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an assembly device which is improved in terms of practical usage properties and which in particular facilitates the cleaning of the fitting part.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a mounting device for mounting a fitting part on a toilet body so that it can rotate about a rotation axis, comprising complementary form-locking elements. As explained in detail below, the form-locking elements are specially designed and arranged relative to one another, preventing the first fastening device from falling out of the clamp. Furthermore, the design of the fitting part, with a receiving recess formed as a blind hole for receiving the mounting device, facilitates cleaning of the fitting part.

[0008] Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and the entire disclosure, whereby the presentation of the features does not always distinguish in detail between device and method or use aspects; implicitly, the disclosure is to be read with regard to all claim categories. For example, if the advantages of the assembly device for a specific purpose or application are described, this is simultaneously to be considered a disclosure of a corresponding use.

[0009] The mounting device recited in claim 1 comprises the first fastening device with the pin portion. The pin portion is configured complementarily to the receiving recess of the block of the fitting part and is rotatably received in a second fastening device such that the fitting part can be rotated about the rotation axis relative to the second receiving device. Thus, the fitting part can be pivoted about the rotation axis and thereby moved between a position resting on the toilet body (i.e., horizontal) and an open or folded-away (i.e., approximately vertical) position.

[0010] The pin section has an outer circumferential surface directed radially outwards (i.e. radially away from the axis of rotation), on which the first form-locking element is arranged. The outer circumferential surface is cylindrical at least in sections, i.e., in a section through the pin section orthogonal to the axis of rotation, it has at least segmental circular arcs. Put simply, the pin section consists of one or more, preferably concentric, cylindrical outer surfaces, which, however, can be interrupted in places by sections of different geometry, in particular flattened areas. The first form-locking element is arranged on at least one of these outer circumferential surfaces and can be connected in a form-fitting manner to a second form-locking element formed on a radially inwardly directed inner circumferential surface of the receiving recess, and can thereby secure the first fastening device against falling out of the block.The second form-locking element is formed in one piece, i.e. integrally, with the radially inwardly directed inner circumferential surface, and is therefore preferably manufactured with the clamp in a single or a few consecutive manufacturing steps.

[0011] In addition, the receiving recess is designed as a blind hole in the clamp, i.e. it does not completely penetrate it in the axial direction (i.e. as seen along the axis of rotation). Rather, the receiving recess is such that it essentially only has the opening for receiving the first fastening device or its pin section, which, however, after assembly of the first fastening device is essentially covered or filled by its pin section (as seen along the axis of rotation). Of course, without departing from the subject matter of the invention, the receiving recess can additionally be connected to an outer side of the fitting part via one or more (venting) bores extending outwards from the axis of rotation, as long as a diameter of these bores is smaller than one tenth of an inner diameter of the receiving recess.

[0012] Due to the one-piece design of the second form-locking element with the inner peripheral surface of the clamp, additional, separate locking means can be dispensed with; preferably, none are required. In particular, this makes it possible to arrange the first fastening device directly in the receiving recess, i.e., without additional interposed elements, and to secure it against falling out by the form-locking connection between the first and second form-locking elements.

[0013] In general, and especially in the applications described, toilets are exposed to an increased risk of soiling, so the components used must be easy to clean. Furthermore, especially in areas where small children (sometimes unsupervised) use the toilets, it can be advantageous if the toilets do not have any separate, detachable, or even swallowable small parts. The design of the recess as a blind hole and the arrangement of the first fastening device in this blind hole without additional fastening elements extending to the outside of the fitting part both facilitates cleaning and reduces the risk to children from detachable small parts.In particular, the absence of additional panels or cover caps (as is common in the state of the art) simplifies the cleaning of the toilet considerably and therefore leads to a significant improvement in hygiene and safety, especially in the applications described.

[0014] As already described above, the pin section of the first fastening device has a plurality of surfaces that are at least segmentally cylindrical. The inner circumferential surface of the receiving recess, which is complementary thereto, also has corresponding cylinder segments. Compared to these at least partially cylindrical outer and inner circumferential surfaces, the first form-locking element is preferably set back, and the second form-locking element preferably protrudes. More precisely, the first form-locking element is preferably set back in the radial direction compared to a next adjacent cylindrical surface, i.e. a surface directly adjacent to this form-locking element; thus, it forms a recess compared to this (next adjacent) surface.Complementary to this, the second form-locking element preferably protrudes radially from its next adjacent cylindrical inner circumferential surface in order to ensure a sufficient form-locking connection between the first and second form-locking elements in the assembled state.

[0015] The mutually complementary arrangement of the first and second form-locking elements as a recess or recess (first form-locking element) or as a material accumulation or projection (second form-locking element) enables the first and second form-locking elements to be manufactured in a single work step with the pin portion and the receiving recess, respectively, thereby generally improving the manufacturability of the components. Furthermore, the design of the second form-locking element as a material accumulation enables its demolding using a manufacturing tool designed as a slide, which is demolded from the preferably still-warm fitting part using a certain demolding force.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the first form-locking element is set back by a first distance from the next adjacent cylindrical outer circumferential surface, this first distance being at most 1.5 mm, preferably 1.0 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm or 0.4 mm, but independently of this at least 0.2 mm. The first distance is defined as the maximum distance which is defined in a section along the axis of rotation through the pin section at the location of the first form-locking element between the next adjacent cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the pin section (to the first form-locking element) and a base (i.e. a lowest point seen in the radial direction) of the first form-locking element.Complementary to this, the second form-locking element protrudes by a second distance from the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the receiving recess which is next adjacent to the second form-locking element, this second distance being at most 0.4 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, but at least 0.1 mm.

[0017] In this technical field, plastic parts, particularly injection-molded parts, are common and also preferred in the present case. Such components have a material-related inherent elasticity, which, particularly in conjunction with the described design of the form-locking elements, makes it possible, on the one hand, to mount the first fastening device in the receiving recess by applying a certain assembly force, but on the other hand, also to secure it against falling out through the form-locking (and the associated holding force). Put simply, this inherent elasticity makes it possible to initially overcome the form-locking during assembly of the first fastening device, but to then use this same force to axially secure the first fastening device after assembly.

[0018] By designing the mounting device with the previously described first and second distances and the advantageous inherent elasticity, it is possible to influence the mounting force and the holding force in such a way that the first fastening device can be easily mounted and yet held securely.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one first form-locking element is arranged on at least one of the circular-arc-shaped outer peripheral surfaces of the pin portion, preferably on each.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one first form-locking element extends over at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 70%, of a circumference of one of the circular arc segments of the outer circumferential surface. The preferred extension of the at least one first form-locking element over the circumference of at least one of the circular arc segments specifically influences the assembly and holding force, and also distributes the load on the material during assembly and in the assembled state over a larger area; this increases the longevity of the assembly device.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the second and particularly preferably also the first positive locking element have an insertion bevel and / or a locking surface in a section along the axis of rotation. The insertion bevel refers to the surface of one of the positive locking elements which must be overcome to produce the positive connection when inserting (i.e. mounting) the pin section into the clamp, and the locking surface refers to the surface which secures the pin section against falling out of the clamp. The insertion surface is set at an insertion angle measured relative to the axis of rotation; this insertion angle is smaller than a locking angle measured relative to the axis of rotation by which the locking surface is set relative to the axis of rotation. The insertion angle, which is smaller than the locking angle, facilitates the insertion (i.e. mounting) of the first fastening device in the clamp.Conversely, the locking angle, which is larger than the insertion angle, ensures reliable positive locking and thus adequate protection against the first fastening device falling out of the clamp. In the case of a curved insertion or locking surface, the insertion or locking angle refers to the angle determined in a section along the rotation axis through the respective surface between a regression line of the curved surface and the rotation axis.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the first fastening device has a connecting portion that is rotatably received in the second fastening device about the rotation axis. This enables relative mobility between the first and second fastening devices, and the first fastening device, with the fitting part arranged thereon, can be pivoted about the rotation axis relative to the second fastening device.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the pin portion is received in the receiving recess of the block in a rotationally secure manner, and rotation of the first fastening device relative to the second fastening device is dampened in at least one direction of rotation by a damping arrangement. With the rotationally secure reception, a torque can be transmitted between the fitting part and the damping arrangement, and it becomes possible to dampen the fitting part during closing and / or opening, thereby preventing, for example, a hard or loud impact on the toilet body or a wall behind the toilet.

[0024] For mounting the fitting part on the toilet bowl, a plurality of mounting devices can also be used, of which, for example, only one has the described anti-twist feature and dampens movement of the fitting part by means of the damping arrangement. A further mounting device, in contrast, could have the described (undamped) relative rotation between the first and second fastening devices, whereby it exerts no damping effect. Alternatively (or in combination with this), the pin section can also have a certain degree of relative rotation (around the rotation axis) in the receiving recess, which enables undamped movement of the fitting part, at least in sections.

[0025] The invention also relates to a fitting part with a mounting device of the aforementioned aspects.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the fitting part is made of a thermoset material, preferably urea, in the area of the clamp, preferably in the area immediately adjacent to the receiving recess. This makes it possible to form the advantageous form-locking elements integrally with the pin section or the receiving recess while still providing them with the previously described, preferred inherent elasticity.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the fitting part is a toilet seat ring. This design facilitates operation in the aforementioned applications and also allows for a particularly robust construction, especially in the area of the toilet seat, thus providing increased protection against vandalism and damage.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a mounting device according to the invention for mounting a fitting part on a toilet body.

[0029] A preferred use relates to the installation in day-care centers, hospitals and / or public toilets by means of the installation device according to the invention.

[0030] In detail, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting device for the rotatable mounting of a fitting part on a toilet body; Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the Figure 1 shown perspective view; Figure 3 shows an enlarged sectional view through the fitting part with a mounting device arranged therein and a pin portion according to a first embodiment; Figure 4 shows an enlarged sectional view through the fitting part with a mounting device arranged therein and a pin portion according to a second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 1shows a perspective view of a mounting device 1 for mounting a fitting part 40 on a toilet body 50, rotatable about a rotation axis X1. The fitting part 40 is shown in vertical section along the rotation axis X1, revealing the mounting device 1 arranged therein. The mounting device 1 has a first fastening device 10, which is arranged in a clamp 43 of the fitting part 40 (shown here using the example of a toilet seat ring 41 with lateral gripping surfaces designed as "wings").

[0032] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the Figure 1shown perspective view. Here it can be seen that the first fastening device 10 has a pin section 11, 11', which is arranged in a receiving recess 44 of the block 43 and has an outer peripheral surface 15 which is directed radially outwards with respect to the rotational axis X1 and is at least partially cylindrical. However, this cylindrical outer peripheral surface 15 is interrupted by a bearing surface 17 which is flattened relative to it. In the cylindrical region of the outer peripheral surface 15, a first form-locking element 16 is formed, which is in form-locking engagement with a second form-locking element 46 arranged on an inner peripheral surface 45 of the receiving recess 44. The first fastening device 10 further has a connecting section 12 (in the Figure 2In the example shown, this is hidden and therefore only indicated by dashed lines), which is arranged in a second fastening device 20 so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation and is thereby rotatable relative to it. The second fastening device 20 is directly or (as in Figure 1 shown as an example) is connected to the toilet body 50 via a third fastening device 30 (see Figure 1 ).

[0033] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the Figure 1 and Figure 2shown section through the block 43 and shows the mounting device 1 with a first embodiment of the pin section 11. The pin section 11 has an outer diameter that is constant over its length (i.e. along the rotation axis X1) in the region of the cylindrical outer circumferential surface 15, which is only interrupted by the first form-locking element 16. The first form-locking element 16 forms a recess relative to this first cylindrical outer circumferential surface 15, which is complementary to the second form-locking element 46 formed in the receiving recess 40. The second form-locking element 46 has for this purpose an insertion bevel with an insertion angle α, which is at most 50°, at least 0°, particularly preferably 20°, and a locking surface with an locking angle β, which is at most 90°, at least 20°, particularly preferably 60° (see enlarged area in Figure 3 ), where the insertion angle α is smaller than the inhibition angle β.

[0034] In the enlarged area of Figure 3 It can also be seen that the first form-locking element 16 is set back by a first distance D1, which in the example shown is 0.5 mm, from the next adjacent cylindrical outer circumferential surface 15 of the pin portion 11. This first distance D1 is defined as the maximum radial distance between the next adjacent cylindrical outer circumferential surface 15 to the first form-locking element 16 and a base (i.e. a lowest point or point radially closest to the rotation axis X1) of the first form-locking element 16.

[0035] The second form-locking element 46 protrudes by a second distance D2, which in the example shown is 0.2 mm, from the next adjacent cylindrical inner circumferential surface 45 of the receiving recess 44. This second distance D2 is defined as the maximum radial distance between the next adjacent cylindrical inner circumferential surface 45 to the second form-locking element 46 and a tip (i.e., a highest point or point radially closest to the rotation axis X1) of the second form-locking element 46.

[0036] Figure 4 is a sectional view through the block 43 and shows the mounting device 1 with a pin portion 11' according to a second embodiment. Compared to the pin portion 11 of the first embodiment, that of the second embodiment has two cylindrical outer peripheral surfaces 15, 15' concentric about the rotation axis X1, which are separated from one another by the first form-locking element 16.

[0037] Two adjacent cylindrical outer peripheral surfaces 15, 15' are shown relative to the first form-locking element 16. The reference value for determining the first distance D1 is (in general) that of the adjacent cylindrical outer peripheral surfaces 15, 15' which has a larger radius relative to the rotation axis X1 (in this example, the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 15). Reference symbol

[0038] 1Mounting device 10First fastening device 11, 11'Pin section 12Connecting section 15Outer peripheral surface 16First positive locking element 17Bearing surface 20Second fastening device 30Third fastening device 31Mounting pin 32Flange section 33External thread section 34Blocking element 40Trim part 41WC seat ring 42WC cover 43Clamp 44Receiving recess 45Inner peripheral surface 46Second positive locking element 50WC body X1Axis of rotation αInsertion angle βBlocking angle D1First distance D2Second distance

Claims

1. Mounting device (1) for the rotatable mounting of a fitting part (40) on a toilet body (50) about a rotation axis (X1), comprising a first fastening device (10) with a pin section (11, 11'), which can be arranged in a receiving recess (44) of a block (43) of the fitting part (40) and can be secured against falling out in the direction of the rotation axis (X1) by means of form-locking elements (16, 46), wherein the pin section (11, 11') has a first form-locking element (16) on a radially outwardly directed outer circumferential surface (15), which first form-locking element can be connected in a form-locking manner to a second form-locking element (46), characterized in that the second form-locking element (46) is formed integrally with a radially inwardly directed inner circumferential surface (45), and in that the receiving recess (44) is formed as a blind hole.

2. Mounting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first form-locking element (16) is set back radially with respect to a next adjacent cylindrical outer circumferential surface (15) of the pin portion (11, 11') and the second form-locking element (46) protrudes radially with respect to a next adjacent cylindrical inner circumferential surface (45) of the receiving recess (44).

3. Mounting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first form-locking element (16) is set back by a first distance (D1), which in a section along the axis of rotation (X1) through the pin portion (11, 11') at the location of the first form-locking element (16) is defined as the maximum radial distance between the next adjacent cylindrical outer peripheral surface (15) of the pin portion (11, 11') and a base of the first form-locking element (16), wherein the first distance (D1) is at most 1.5 mm, but at least 0.2 mm;and in which the second form-locking element (46) protrudes by a second distance (D2), which in a section along the axis of rotation (X1) through the block (43) at the location of the second form-locking element (46) is defined as the maximum radial distance between the next adjacent cylindrical inner circumferential surface (45) of the receiving recess (44) and a tip of the second form-locking element (46), wherein the second distance (D2) is at most 0.4 mm, but at least 0.1 mm.; 4. Mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the outer circumferential surface (15) of the pin section (11, 11') in a section through the pin section (11, 11') orthogonal to the axis of rotation (X1) has circular arcs at least in segments at the location of the first form-locking element (16) and at least one first form-locking element (16) is arranged on one of the circular arc segments, preferably on each one.

5. Mounting device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first form-locking element (16) extends at least over 20%, preferably at least over 50%, particularly preferably at least over 70%, of a circumference of one of the circular arc segments of the outer circumferential surface (15).

6. Mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which, in a section along the axis of rotation (X1), an insertion bevel of at least one of the form-locking elements (16, 46), which must be overcome to produce the form-locking when inserting the pin section (11, 11') into the block (43), has an insertion angle (α) which is smaller than a blocking angle (β) of a blocking surface of at least one of the form-locking elements (16, 46), which secures the pin section (11, 11') against falling out of the block (43).

7. Mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening device (10) has a connecting section (12) which is rotatably received in a second fastening device (20) about the axis of rotation (X1).

8. Mounting device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the pin portion (11, 11') can be received in the receiving recess (44) of the clamp (43) in a rotationally secure manner; and wherein rotation of the first fastening device (10) relative to the second fastening device (20) is dampened by a damping arrangement at least in one direction of rotation.

9. Fitting part (40) with a mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Fitting part (40) according to claim 9, which in the region of the clamp (43), preferably in the region immediately adjacent to the receiving recess (44), is made of a thermosetting material, preferably UREA.

11. Fitting part (40) according to claim 9 or 10, which is a toilet seat ring (41).

12. Use of a mounting device (1) according to one of claims 1-8 for mounting a fitting part (40) on a toilet body (50).

13. Use according to claim 12, wherein the fitting part (40) is mounted in day-care centers, hospitals and / or public toilets by means of the mounting device (1).

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