DE102015112819A1 - Toilet seat set and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a toilet seat set with a heated seat. This has a seat heating, which is applied to a substantially contour of the seat forming main body and is covered by a very thin cover layer.

Description

The invention relates to a toilet seat set with a running with a seat heating seat and a method for producing a toilet seat.

Such toilet seats are for example in the GB 2 181 167 A disclosed.

In this solution, an electric seat heater, such as a heating foil is applied to a base body of a seat and then covered by means of a shell which forms the actual seat of the seat. The main body and the shell are then connected together in a suitable manner.

The disadvantage of such a solution that the actual seat forming shell has a comparatively large wall thickness and has a correspondingly large heat capacity, so that comparatively much energy and a long time are required until the actual seat is brought to the desired temperature.

A similar solution is also in the US 6,294,758 B1 disclosed.

Also known are solutions in which the seat is designed with channels, which are flowed through by a fluid, for example, heated water. However, such toilet seats are very complicated in construction and have not enforced on the European market practically.

In contrast, the invention has the object to provide a toilet seat set with a simple structure. The invention is further based on the object to provide a simplified manufacturing process.

This object is achieved by a toilet seat set with the features of claim 1, or by a method having the features of the independent claim 13.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The toilet seat assembly according to the invention has a seat which has a seat shape / geometry substantially forming body and a seat heater for heating a seat. The seat heating is integrated according to the invention in a covering the seat surface, applied to the base cover layer or covered by the very thin cover layer.

D. h., The actual seat is formed by the body, wherein the seat heating is applied to the cover layer on this. This can be done during pressing / injection molding of the seat or afterwards with a separate operation.

According to the independent claim, the production of the toilet seat set preferably takes place in that first a main body of a toilet seat (or the toilet lid) is made by pressing. It is preferred to produce the toilet seat set from a thermosetting material. After pressing the base body, the pressing tool is opened and inserted into the cavity, the actual seat heating, that is, for example, formed on a carrier foil Heizdrahtanordnung. Then the pressing tool is closed again and the seat heating is pressed with the still warm body. It is preferred to produce the carrier film from a resin-impregnated material, so that an intimate connection between the thermoset body and the resin (thermoset) takes place.

The compressed with the seat heating body is then removed from the pressing tool, optionally post-processed and then applied the topcoat. In a preferred embodiment, a filler material for leveling the surface is first applied to the seat heating.

This application can be done for example by spraying. In a further operation, a cover / lacquer layer is then applied whose color and surface properties correspond to those of the other, unpainted areas of the toilet seat set. This cover layer can also be applied by spraying.

The seat heating is preferably carried out in such a way that its carrier film / carrier material is oriented towards the wall of the cavity, so that during pressing the actual heating wire arrangement is covered by the carrier film.

Since this cover layer is made thin with low mass, the seat can be brought very quickly to the required temperature, so that the energy consumption is low.

Such a seat heating can in principle be retrofitted to existing toilet seats. This is an essential difference to conventional solutions where a special toilet seat assembly and corresponding pressing tools are required.

In one embodiment, the seat heater is formed meander-shaped, so that practically the entire seat is covered.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the seat heater is disposed on a foil or a resin-impregnated paper, for example a melamine resin paper. Such film-like materials can be very easily on a body, especially on a thermoset existing body, apply.

The seat heating is preferably applied seat side. In this case, the actual seating surface can then be formed by a surface layer covering the seat heating, for example with a lacquer layer.

Instead of the lacquer layer, it is also possible to apply another suitable cover layer or surface layer, for example a press layer or a foil layer, which, however, is made very thin. To even out a filler can be applied to the seat heating before applying the topcoat.

Preferably, the thickness of the cover layer or surface layer is not more than 1 mm, so that within a few seconds to a maximum of one minute after the start of the heating there is a noticeable heating of the seat. In order to be able to comply with any existing national regulations, the thickness of the cover layer can also be greater than or equal to 1 mm and about none equal to 2 mm.

The seat heater may be implemented by a heating wire, a conductive ink layer, a conductive foil, a heat conductor sheet deposited by a suitable deposition method, or the like. In one variant, the heating wire is applied by ultrasonic welding on a carrier foil.

The energy consumption for the heating is minimal when the toilet seat set is equipped with a sensor for turning on the heating in use.

For example, the heating temperature and the heating duration can be preset individually via a suitable setting device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor for detecting the state of use of the toilet seat set is arranged on the rear side, that is, in a seat hinge-side region of the toilet seat. This sensor may for example be covered by a lacquer layer or surface layer, so that it is not visible from the outside.

It is particularly advantageous if the thermostat controls the heat output in steps. For example, the use of the toilet seat set can be detected via the sensor and a signal for controlling the seat heating can be given to the thermostat. This is initially operated with a comparatively high heating power to bring the toilet seat as soon as possible to the operating temperature. As a result, depending on the time, the heat output can be stepped down in order to supply only the heat that is lost through exchange with the environment - overheating of the toilet seat is thus reliably prevented.

In a variant of this step-shaped control of the heating power, it can be lowered during use to a minimum value or switched off completely, so that the energy requirement is minimized. After expiration of a predetermined blocking time or decrease in the temperature of the toilet seat in use, the heating power can then be increased again.

In a simplified variant, the heating remains constantly switched on, with only the heat losses must be compensated through the heater. The advantage of this variant is that it can be dispensed with a complex electronics for controlling the heating, so that the investment costs for the toilet seat set are reduced. However, this advantage is associated with higher operating costs due to the continuous heating. The user has it in hand, the continuous heating, for example, by plugging in the power supply in operation or turn off accordingly. Of course, a separate switch for switching on and off the heater can be provided. The applicant reserves the right to make a separate claim to this continuous operation.

The control of the seat heating can be optically visible via a suitable display. This display can be designed so that the respective heating level is recognizable.

The seat heating can be operated with mains voltage or can be supplied independently from the mains via a rechargeable battery. The voltage used can be designed as safe low voltage less than 60 volts DC or 25 volts AC.

A connection cable of the heater may have a coupling that is uncoupled when removing the toilet seat set (Take Off), so that the toilet seat set can be easily cleaned or replaced.

The sensor for detecting a use of the toilet can react, for example, to a change in light or a brief touch by the hand, so that the heater is also activated when the lid has risen before use. In principle, however, the heater can be activated by opening the lid.

In one embodiment of the invention, a board is embedded with the electronics for controlling the seat heating in the main body of the seat, with a separate housing is attached or this board is inserted into a recess of the body back. The electronics are always waterproof.

The toilet seat set can be made both from a thermoplastic and from a thermosetting plastic or else from compressed wood or other material. It is preferred to manufacture the toilet seat from duroplastic.

To further improve the ease of use, the toilet seat set can be designed with a lighting and / or a night light, which can be controlled via the above-mentioned electronics, for example in the sense of a twilight circuit function.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic diagram of a toilet seat assembly according to the invention;

2 a plan view of a toilet seat of the toilet seat according to 1 ;

3 a schematic section through the toilet seat according to 2 ;

4 a diagram illustrating a gradual reduction of heating power and

5 a plan view of a variant of the toilet seat according to 2 ,

In 1 is a toilet seat set 1 represented by a seat hinge assembly 4 on a ceramic 2 is attached. The toilet seat set 1 has a lid 6 and a seat 8th by means of the seat hinge assembly 4 are hingedly connected. This can be carried out with a "softclose function", in which the lowering movement is damped by means of a damper arrangement. Such a damper assembly is in the initially described prior art according to the EP 1 199 020 B1 described.

The seat is with a dashed line indicated seat heating 10 their heating temperature and heating time via a thermostat 12 is adjustable, which is integrated, for example, in the region of the seat hinge assembly in a housing.

The toilet seat according to the invention 1 also has a sensor 14 , through which the use of the toilet can be detected. This sensor 14 can in the seat 8th be integrated (see 1 ) or in the lid 6 or similar.

In the illustrated embodiment, the seat heating 10 according to 2 through a heating wire 16 trained on the in 2 visible body 18 of the seat 8th is applied. The end sections 19a . 19b of the heating wire 16 are at the example in the housing of the seat hinge assembly 4 integrated thermostat 12 connected. The actual contour of the seat 8th is predetermined by the basic body. The wire thickness of the heating wire 16 is extremely small, so that this little applies. The actual seat can then pass through a cover 20 are formed, which the heating wire 16 covered. This topcoat 20 For example, it may be formed by a film, a melamine resin-soaked paper, or a lacquer layer that contains the heating wire 16 covered. In particular, prior to the application of a lacquer layer, a filler can first be used to improve the surface quality on the heating wire 21 be applied. This uniform layer is then covered by a layer of varnish whose color and surface quality that of the other viewing areas of the toilet seat 1 equivalent.

This basic structure is in 3 shown schematically. One recognizes the actual basic body 18 in other words the substrate of the seat 8th , On this then the seat heating, in this case the heating wire 16 arranged in turn by a thin (d ≤ 1 mm) cover layer (cover layer) 20 and if necessary from the filler 21 is covered, which thus forms part of the cover layer.

The production of the toilet seat set is particularly simple when the seat heating, in the present case, the heating wire 16 already in advance with the topcoat 20 connected so that both components simultaneously on the base body 18 be applied.

In a manufacturing process that is easier to implement in practice, the basic body produced by pressing is used 18 initially applied the Heizdrahtanordnung. In this case, the heating wire 16 For example, be arranged on a carrier foil, which on the body 18 is hung up. In a further process step then the filler 21 applied, which covers the set back areas (gaps) between the meandering Heizdrahtabschnitten. A lacquer layer or another layer is then applied to this uniformed surface in a further step.

This application of the cover layer regions can take place in a separate operation outside of the pressing tool. In a preferred variant of the method, the main body 18 initially produced by pressing, the pressing tool ascended after the pressing process, the toilet seat 8th For example, remains on the press tool shell and moves with it, so to speak, upwards. The heating wire arrangement is then inserted into the remaining cavity in the pressing tool lower part. It is particularly preferred if the heating wire arrangement is arranged on a carrier film, which is then arranged to the wall of the cavity in the pressing tool lower part and the heating wire 16 is positioned towards the base body. After inserting the heating wire 16 (if necessary. With carrier film), the pressing tool is closed again and the Heizdrahtanordnung with the main body 18 pressed. After pressing and opening the pressing tool is provided with the Heizdrahtanordnung basic body 18 removed and deburred, etc. The carrier film may be, for example, a resin-impregnated paper, which then during pressing an intimate connection with the thermoset body 18 enters and the heating wire 16 protects.

After removing the with the heating wire 16 provided basic body 18 this is the filler 21 applied to compensate for unevenness in the surface, for example, recessed areas between the Heizdrahtabschnitten. This filler 21 is preferably made of a plastic, which is a good connection with the body 18 and a cover layer is received and is applied for example by wet coating.

After curing the filler 21 becomes the area of the toilet seat provided with the heating wire arrangement 8th ground and then applied - for example, also by wet painting - a topcoat. The color of this cover layer corresponds to that of the base material, wherein this cover layer is formed so that it with regard to the surface quality and surface appearance of those of the other areas of the toilet seat 1 equivalent. In other words, after applying the topcoat 20 is the seat heating 10 not visible from the outside.

In the procedure described above, the electronics, which will be explained in more detail below, that is, the drive elements and the power supply of the seat heating 10 preferably mounted before painting.

As already explained, in an alternative method, the heating wire arrangement 16 be introduced together with the press material into the cavity of the pressing tool. In this variant, thus the pressing and integrating the heating wire arrangement takes place in a pressing operation.

In the above and in connection with the following embodiments explained seat heaters 10 For example, the heating wire arrangement can be arranged on the carrier film, for example a resin-impregnated paper, by ultrasonic welding.

In a variant of the embodiment described above, the sensor 14 ' not to the in 1 left, from the seat hinge assembly 4 distant area of the seat 8th arranged, but rearward, in the area of the seat hinge assembly 4 , As explained, the sensor is 14 ' designed so that the use of the toilet, especially the use of toilet seat 8th is detectable. In such use, the sensor outputs 14 . 14 ' a signal to the thermostat 12 so that over this the seat heating 10 is controlled. In 4 is the output heating power as a function of time, that is, represented as a function of the activation duration of the seat heating. According to this diagram, the heating power P initially increases relatively quickly to a maximum value (PMAX). This heating power is maintained until the time t1 is reached and is sufficient for the seat 8th to bring to the comfort temperature of the user. As a result, the heating power P is then gradually reduced after reaching the time t1, wherein, for example, only 50% of the maximum heating power PMAX are set in the time interval t1 to t2. In the time interval t2 to t3 then this heating power is further reduced. When user time t3 is exceeded, the heating power is completely reduced (seat heating switched off). If the use extends beyond the time t4, the seat heating is then controlled again. That is, the time interval t3 to t4 represents a blocking time in which the seat heating is not activated - overheating can be reliably prevented.

In 4 shown on the top right is an ad 24 , for example, in the range of the sensor 14 ' in the toilet seat 8th or in the seat hinge assembly 4 can be integrated and at the three heat levels are readable. For example, with maximum heating power, all three display fields can light up. This display is then changed according to the heating power reduction, so that only a display area lights up at the third, lowest heat level. Of course, other display elements, such as a digital display or a color change or the like can be realized.

As explained above, the seat heating 10 remain switched on constantly or over a long period of time. D. h, the seat heating 10 becomes Once put into operation by the user and then remains switched on, leaving the toilet seat 8th is constantly heated. The required energy is supplied via the power supply. It can, however, on its own electronics for controlling the seat heating 10 be waived. In the simplest solution, a suitable temperature is preset at the factory. In a somewhat more comfortable solution, the temperature can be adjusted via a controller and monitored by a thermostat - the seat heating remains in continuous operation, so that the circuit complexity compared to the solution described above is significantly reduced.

In a simple solution, the seat heater is simply switched on or off by plugging in or pulling out a power supply or plug.

5 shows a variant of the embodiment according to 2 in which the heating wires or the 16 are arranged meandering. In the embodiment according to 5 follow the heating wires or the 16 the contour of the toilet seat 8th , This can be several heating wires 16 be connected in parallel or one or more heating wires 16 be looped following the contour following.

As in the previously explained embodiment, the heating wire arrangement can be arranged on a carrier foil, for example a resin-impregnated paper, and with the base body 18 be pressed in the manner described above. The application of the topcoat 20 and the filler 21 takes place accordingly.

In 5 also indicated is a control unit 28 about which the seat heater 10 is controlled. This control unit, usually consisting of a board carrying the electronics, can be embedded on the rear side, that is to say on the side remote from the seat surface, into the rear area of the WC lid. For example, a recess may be provided, into which then the control unit 28 is used watertight. In principle, it is also possible, the control unit 28 provided in a sealed housing, which then back to the lid 8th is set. At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the control unit may be formed in the region of there quite voluminous executed seat hinge assembly. This control unit 28 is also in signal connection with the display 24 , the thermostat 12 and / or the sensor 14 ,

Instead of the heating wires described in the above embodiments, other heating elements, such as tracks, PTC resistor elements or the like may be used.

The power supply of the seat heating 10 is done either by mains voltage, in which case the toilet seat set with a corresponding 220V / 110V connection or a low-voltage connection (for example, 60 volts DC or 25 volts AC) is executed. This connection can also about the ceramic 2 take place, in which case the power supply is integrated into the ceramic. Alternatively, a battery for power supply may be provided. It is advisable, this battery in the area of the seat hinge assembly 4 to integrate.

To cover the heating wire 16 and for coloration, of course, alternatively or additionally, a lacquer layer can be applied.

The seat heater may, in principle, also be formed from an electrically conductive foil, an electrically conductive color layer or a heating element body deposited by a suitable application method, for example by PVD or CVD.

As explained, the actual coloring of the seat can take place via a paint layer applied to the cover layer or directly to the seat heating. Alternatively, of course, a film or a resin-impregnated paper, such as a melamine resin paper can be applied. Such "papers" are known from the production of laminate flooring and can also be adapted to complex three-dimensional geometries.

The seat heating is arranged directly in the area of the seat, so that between the person using the toilet and the seat heater possibly the thin cover layer 20 for example, with the filler 21 and the lacquer layer or the like remains - the heat capacity of this cover layer 20 is extremely small, so that the seat can be brought very quickly to the desired temperature.

In the event that in 5 indicated control unit 28 , in a corresponding manner, of course, in the embodiment according to 2 can be provided, is connected via a cable to the power supply, it is preferred that this cable is designed with a clutch or the like, so that the toilet seat set 1 can be removed after loosening the clutch in a simple way for cleaning.

The described sensor preferably reacts automatically, for example to a change in light. In principle, the sensor can also be activated by hand, for example with a short touch, so that the heater in the case in Operation, in which the lid is open before use.

The lid 6 and / or the seat 8th can be made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Alternatively, however, another suitable material, such as compressed wood or the like may be provided.

The toilet seat set 1 can also be designed with a lighting, such as a night light, which also via the control unit 28 is controllable and can have a twilight circuit function.

The Applicant reserves the right to submit subclaims to the options mentioned above.

Disclosed is a toilet seat set with a heated seat. This has a seat heating, which is applied to a substantially contour of the seat forming main body and is covered by a very thin cover layer.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Toilet seat set

2

 ceramics

4

 Seat hinge assembly

6

 cover

8th

 Seat

10

 Heated seats

12

 thermostat

14

 sensor

16

 heating wire

18

 body

19a

 end

19b

 end

20

 topcoat

21

 ink pen

24

 display

26

 battery pack

28

 control unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• GB 2181167 A [0002]
• US 6294758 B1 [0005]
• EP 1199020 B1 [0043]

Claims (14)

Toilet seat set with a seat containing a basic body ( 18 ) and a seat heating ( 10 ) for heating a seat, characterized in that the seat heating ( 10 ) in a covering the seat, on the base body ( 18 ) applied thin cover layer ( 20 ) is integrated or covered by this. A seat set according to claim 1, wherein the seat heating ( 10 ) is meander-shaped or formed with parallel tracks in the region of the seat. Seating kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat heating - preferably seat surface side - is arranged on a film or a resin-impregnated paper. Seating kit according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover layer ( 20 ) is provided with a varnish layer. Seating kit according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover layer ( 20 ) has a thin surface layer. Seating kit according to claim 5, wherein the cover layer ( 20 ) or the surface layer is a lacquer layer, a press layer or a foil layer. Sofa according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat heating by a heating wire ( 16 ), a conductive ink layer, a conductive film, preferably a deposited Heizleiterbahn, PTC heating elements or the like is formed. Seating kit according to one of the preceding claims, with a sensor ( 14 ) for activating the seat heating ( 10 ) when using. Seat heating according to claim 8, wherein the sensor ( 14 ' ) at the rear in a seat hinge-side region of the seat ( 8th ) is arranged. Seating kit according to one of the preceding claims, with a thermostat ( 10 ) for adjusting the heating temperature and / or the heating time, wherein preferably the heating power (P) can be lowered stepwise from a maximum. Seat heating according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover layer ( 20 ) has a thickness (d) of less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Seat heating according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control unit ( 28 ) in the seat ( 8th ) or a toilet seat hinge assembly ( 4 ) is used fluid-tight. Method for producing a toilet seat set, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - producing a main body ( 18 ) by pressing in a pressing tool, - opening the pressing tool and inserting a seat heating in a cavity of the pressing tool, - pressing the seat heating ( 10 ) with the basic body ( 18 ) and - covering the seat heating ( 10 ) by means of a cover layer ( 20 ). Method according to claim 13, wherein the cover layer ( 20 ) a paint layer and one of a filler ( 21 ) has formed layer.

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