DEVICE FOR FILLING A CISTERN

Description

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of sanitary equipment.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates in particular to a device for filling a flush tank.

[0003] Toilet blocks typically include a bowl and a flush cistern that sits above the bowl to allow the bowl to be rinsed and cleaned after use.

[0004] To do this, a user activates a flush trigger device which empties the tank, the water then being directed towards the bowl to flush out any material present and rinse it.

[0005] When the tank is empty, or almost empty, water is injected into the tank to fill it to a predetermined maximum level and thus allow a future flush.

[0006] For this, the tanks generally include a tap associated with an automatic shut-off mechanism to stop the flow of water when a maximum water level is reached.

[0007] The faucet is coupled directly or indirectly to a building's water pipe.

[0008] The shut-off mechanism generally comprises a float movable relative to the tap and associated with shut-off means.

[0009] When filling, the float, which floats on the surface of the water, rises with the water level and drives the shut-off means. When the water reaches its predetermined maximum level in the tank, the shut-off means completely shut off the water inlet.

[0010] Conventionally, the taps are mounted in the flush tank through an orifice in the wall defining the water reserve.

[0011] To do this, the taps have a lower end intended to extend out of the tank, this lower end comprising means of cooperation with a member for fixing the tap to the tank.

[0012] Documents CN203977526U, CN1375047A, WO2013 / 181835A1, KR100634086B1, US5904176A, WO00 / 19135A1 and GB1588216A describe filling devices intended to be installed in a toilet tank, said devices comprising a sealing element between the main body of the tap and the internal face of the tank.

[0013] To ensure the tightness of the tap with the tank, it is known to use a sealing element which is inserted between the orifice and the main body of the tap.

[0014] However, it has been found that over time, or through faulty mounting of the tap to the tank, water leaks may appear along the lower end of the tap, or through the hole in the tank wall.

[0015] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a device for filling a flush tank that limits the risk of leaks between the tap and the tank.

[0017] The invention also aims to provide such a filling device which is simple to implement for a user.

[0018] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a device according to claim 1.

[0019] By fitting into a peripheral groove, the bead ensures a seal between the inside and the outside of the tank.

[0020] More specifically, when the filling device is mounted in the tank, the cooperation of the sealing element with the internal face of the tank causes the bead to be pushed into the peripheral groove which receives it.

[0021] The insertion of the bead into the peripheral groove then causes the peripheral groove to fill, which has the effect of preventing the passage of water, and therefore of creating a seal between the inside and the outside of the tank, the sealing element cooperating both with the main body of the tap and with the internal face of the tank.

[0022] This is further enhanced when the sealing element is conical and inserted through the orifice.

[0023] According to an advantageous aspect, the main body of the tap comprises a plurality of peripheral grooves.

[0024] It is then possible to position the sealing element in several positions on the main body, so as to modify the height of the tap in the tank.

[0025] This can in particular help to meet various standards, particularly those on siphoning.

[0026] According to another advantageous aspect, the main body is telescopic along a mobility zone and comprising a first part and a second part movable in height relative to each other, the second part carrying the water distribution means, the water circulation opening / closing means, a connection end, the second part having a plurality of peripheral grooves.

[0027] The telescopic aspect of the main body of the faucet facilitates the height adjustment of the faucet while avoiding the displacement of the sealing element on the main body.

[0028] This feature is particularly valuable when the valve is removed from a tank that needs to be replaced and then reassembled in a new tank. Repeated movement of the sealing element can, over time, damage it and reduce its effectiveness.

[0029] According to another advantageous aspect, the tap comprises an annular seal ensuring sealing between the first part and the second part.

[0030] This helps to limit the risk of leaks between the first part and the second part of the main body, which could cause too much water in the tank and therefore waste water.

[0031] According to another advantageous aspect, the annular seal is carried by the second part, and in that the first part has a smooth portion extending over a height defining the mobility zone, the smooth portion being designed in diameter to ensure a sealed connection with the annular seal.

[0032] According to another advantageous aspect, the connecting end has an end thread, the filling device also comprising a clamping nut intended to cooperate with the end thread to securely couple the tap to the tank.

[0033] The tank wall can then be pinched between the nut on one hand, and the end stop on the other, which allows the tap to be held securely on the tank.

[0034] Furthermore, this has the effect of compressing the sealing element between the tank wall and the end stop, which ensures sealing and prevents water from leaking out of the tank. According to another advantageous aspect, the tightening nut has a collar intended to be brought into abutment against the external face of the tank and, opposite the collar, an external thread intended to allow coupling with the supply means.

[0035] The collar allows for better distribution of clamping forces on the tank and to compensate for potential manufacturing defects in the tank wall, in particular poor condition of the external face.

[0036] In addition, the collar ensures, together with the end stop of the first part of the tap body, a vice-like clamping of the tank wall, and therefore a robust fixing of the tap on the tank wall.

[0037] According to another advantageous aspect, the device comprises an external seal mounted in an annular groove formed in the end thread of the connecting end, the clamping nut having a smooth bore in the extension of a thread, the smooth bore being designed in diameter to ensure a sealed connection with the external seal.

[0038] This external seal also prevents the water contained in the tank from leaking through the hole in the wall through which the second part of the tap passes.

[0039] During installation, it is thus easy for the user to position the external seal and then screw the nut.

[0040] The smooth bore can then cooperate with the external seal to ensure the tap is watertight without the risk of the tapping damaging the external seal.

[0041] Furthermore, the thread allows the tap, and therefore the filling device, to be securely fixed to the tank wall.

[0042] Finally, the presence of the smooth bore and the thread contributes to the possibility of adjusting the height of the tap and therefore of the filling device.

[0043] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings presented below: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of a detail of a tank on which a filling device is mounted according to a general principle of the invention, this figure including a detail medallion in cross section; figure 2 is a schematic sectional representation of a tank on which a filling device according to the invention is mounted, according to a first embodiment, the filling device comprising a tap set in a high position; the figure 3 is a schematic sectional representation of a tank on which the filling device is mounted. figure 2 , the filling device comprising a tap set in a low height position; the figure 4 an exploded perspective view from above of the filling device of the figure 2 ; there figure 5 is a perspective view of a first part of a main body of the tap of the filling device of the figure 2 ; there figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a tank on which the filling device is mounted. figure 2 ; there figure 7 is a detailed perspective view from above of means for locking the height of the tap of the filling device of the figure 2 , the tap being in the height locking configuration; the figure 8 is a detailed perspective view from above of means for locking the height of the tap of the filling device of the figure 2 , the tap being in the height adjustment configuration, the figure 9 is a schematic sectional representation of an alternative embodiment of a nut of the filling device of the figure 2 ; there figure 10 is a schematic sectional representation of a tank on which a filling device according to the invention is mounted, according to a second embodiment; figure 11 is an exploded perspective view from above of the filling device of the figure 10 ; there figure 12 is a detailed sectional view of the filling device of the figure 10 ; there figure 13 is a sectional view of a first part of a main body of the tap of the filling device of the figure 10 , there figure 14 is a side view of a second part of a main body of a tap of the filling device of the figure 10 ; there figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a detail of the tap of the filling device according to the invention.

[0044] There figure 1 illustrates a filling device 1 intended to be installed in a toilet tank 2 and to be coupled to water supply means 100.

[0045] The tank 2 has a wall 21 provided with an orifice 22 dedicated to the passage of a part of the filling device 1, this orifice 22 extending between an internal face 23 and an external face 24 of the wall 21. By way of example, the wall 21 is a lower wall of the tank 2.

[0046] The filling device 1 comprises a tap 3 intended to be coupled to the water supply means 100.

[0047] As seen on the figure 1 , the tap 3 of the filling device 1 is inserted into the orifice 22 of the wall 21 of the tank 2.

[0048] In reference to the figure 1 , tap 3 includes: a main body 31 intended to extend in height inside the tank 2, along an extension axis A; a connection end 32 dedicated to extending outside the tank 2.

[0049] As illustrated on the figures 1 à 3 , the main body 31 of the tap 3 carries water circulation opening / closing means 33 and water distribution means 34.

[0050] The water circulation opening / closing means 33 are located between the water supply means 100 and the water distribution means 34.

[0051] As seen on the figures 2 And 3 , the filling device 1 also comprises means 4 for controlling the water circulation opening / closing means 33.

[0052] These control means 4 are in the form of a float 41 mounted to slide along the main body 31, and a rod 42 connecting the float 41 to the water circulation opening / closing means 33.

[0053] In operation, the float 41, which floats on the surface of the water contained in the tank 2, moves along the main body 31 and drives the rod 42 which controls the water circulation opening / closing means 33 to allow water to enter the tank via the distribution means 34 until a maximum level is reached. When the maximum water level in the tank 3 is reached, the float 41 causes, via the rod 42, the movement of the water circulation opening / closing means 33 and therefore the stopping of the filling of the tank 2.

[0054] The filling device 1 also comprises a sealing element 6 intended to form a sealed barrier between the main body 31 of the tap 3 and the internal face 23 of the tank 2. The sealing element 6 takes the form of a conical seal intended to be housed in the orifice 22 of the tank 2.

[0055] As illustrated by the figures 1 And15 , the sealing element 6 has a central barrel 60 intended to receive a part of the main body 31

[0056] The sealing element 6 also has a bead 61 projecting into the central barrel 60. The bead 61 is annular and extends radially towards the inside of the barrel 60, in the direction of the extension axis A.

[0057] The bead 61 is intended to be housed in a peripheral groove 31211 of the main body 31 of the tap 3.

[0058] More specifically, the main body 31 of the tap 3 has a plurality of peripheral grooves 31211 opening outwards.

[0059] The sealing element 6 can thus be mounted in each of the grooves 31211 as required.

[0060] This makes it possible in particular to adjust the height of the tap 3 according to the tank 2 in which it is mounted.

[0061] More precisely, this makes it possible to position the water distribution means 34 in relation to a maximum water height in the tank 2. So as to avoid the risks of water suction during siphoning.

[0062] According to a principle of the invention, the main body 31 is telescopic and comprises a first part 311 and a second part 312 movable in height relative to each other.

[0063] More specifically, the second part 312 is movably mounted inside the first part 311.

[0064] In other words, and as it is visible on the figures 6 And 7 , the second part 312 of the main body 31 has a male tubular part 3121 and the first part 311 of the main body 31 has a female tubular part 3112 capable of sliding along a mobility zone on the male tubular part 3121.

[0065] In other words, the male tubular part 3121 and the female tubular part 3112 are telescopic relative to each other and the male tubular part 3121 is inserted inside the female tubular part 3112.

[0066] The main body 31 of the tap 3 is thus movable between a large height illustrated on the figure 2 and a small height illustrated on the figure 3 .

[0067] As seen on the figures 2 And 3 , the second part 312 carries the water distribution means 34 and the water circulation opening / closing means 33.

[0068] With reference to the exploded view of the figure 4 , the filling device 1, and more precisely the tap 3, comprises an annular seal 5 ensuring the seal between the first part 311 and the second part 312 of the tap 3.

[0069] As illustrated on the figures 2 à 5 , the first part 311 of the tap 3 has an end stop 3111 intended to be fixedly mounted on the internal face 23 of the tank 2.

[0070] In reference to the figure 5 , the female tubular part 3112 has a smooth portion 3113 inside which the male tubular part 3121 can slide. The smooth portion 3113 thus defines the mobility zone of the male tubular part 3121 relative to the female tubular part 3112.

[0071] In reference to the figure 5 , the female tubular part 3112 carries at least one lug 3115 projecting radially centripetally relative to the female tubular part 3112.

[0072] More particularly, the female tubular part 3112 carries two lugs 3115 located at an upper end 3114 of the female tubular part 3112.

[0073] The two lugs 3115 are diametrically opposed to each other.

[0074] The lugs 3115 extend radially inwardly from the female tubular portion 3112.

[0075] Each lug 3115 is carried by an elastically deformable tab 3116.

[0076] Each elastically deformable tab 3116 is formed in the female tubular part 3112 by cutting out two slots 3117 framing the elastically deformable tab 3116.

[0077] The two slots 3117 are made from the upper end 3114 towards the end stop 3111.

[0078] At the upper end 3114, each elastically deformable tab 3116 has a rim 3119 extending radially outwardly from the female tubular portion 3112. The function of this rim 3119 will be explained below.

[0079] Furthermore, on an outer face, the female tubular part 3112 has at least one stop 3118 forming a radial projection towards the outside of the female tubular part 3112. In other words, the stop 3118 projects radially in a centrifugal manner relative to the tubular part 3112.

[0080] Like the rim 3119 previously described, the function of this stop 3118 will be explained below.

[0081] More particularly, the tubular part carries two stops 3118. The two stops 3118 are each carried by one of the elastically deformable tabs 3116.

[0082] The female tubular part 3112 is advantageously made of a plastic material allowing elastic deformation of the elastically deformable tabs 3116. This ensures the return of the elastic tabs to an initial position making it possible to block the translation of the male tubular part 3121 in the female tubular part 3112 as explained below.

[0083] In reference to the figures 6 , 7 And 8 , the male tubular part 3121 is now described.

[0084] The male tubular part 3121 has at least two circumferential zones including: a retaining zone 3122 in the height position of a lug 3115 of the female tubular part 3112, and a height passage zone 3123 of the lug 3115.

[0085] The overhead passage zone 3123 allows the second part 312 to slide into the first part 311.

[0086] In other words, the height passage zone 3123 allows the male tubular part 3121 to slide into the female tubular part 3112.

[0087] More particularly, the male tubular part 3121 carries at least two retaining zones 3122 and at least two height passage zones 3123.

[0088] According to the embodiment illustrated by the figure 7 , the male tubular part 3121 carries two retaining zones 3122 and two height passage zones 3123.

[0089] The retention zones 3122 are diametrically opposed to each other.

[0090] Also, the two overhead passage areas 3123 are diametrically opposed to each other.

[0091] The two retention areas 3122 are separated from each other by the overhead passage areas 3123.

[0092] In other words, depending on the circumference of the male tubular part 3121, a retention zone 3122 precedes a height passage zone 3123, and vice versa.

[0093] In other words, following the periphery of the male tubular part 3121, we see an alternation of retention zones 3122 and passage zones 3123.

[0094] Each retaining zone 3122 is formed by a plurality of housings 3124 axially spaced from each other along the extension axis A.

[0095] In other words, the 3124 housings are regularly spaced from each other along the extension axis A.

[0096] Alternatively, the 3124 housings could be irregularly spaced along the extension axis A.

[0097] Each housing 3124 is hollowed out towards the inside of the male tubular part 3121 and forms a non-opening reserve opening onto the outside of the male tubular part 3121.

[0098] Each overhead passage area 3123 communicates with the accommodations 3124.

[0099] The height passage zone 3123 forms a local diameter reduction of the male tubular part 3121.

[0100] According to the embodiment illustrated on the figures 7 And 8 , the diameter of the male tubular part 3121 at the height passage zone 3123 is identical to the diameter of the male tubular part 3121 at the housings 3124.

[0101] In other words, when a cross-section at the extension axis A is made at right angles to a housing 3124, the diameter of the male tubular part 3121 is identical in the height passage zone 3123 and in the retention zone 3122, that is to say in the housings 3124.

[0102] As illustrated on the figures 7 And 8, each overhead passage area 3123 is physically separated from a retention area 3122 by a boss 3125 extending along the extension axis A. This boss 3125 allows an installer of the faucet 3 to physically feel when the lugs 3115 move from the overhead passage area 3123 to the retention area 3122, or vice versa.

[0103] This makes it easier to handle and adjust the height of the tap 3.

[0104] In reference to the figures 7 And 8 , each height passage zone 3123 has, between each housing 3124 of the retaining zone 3122, a protuberance 3126 extending radially towards the outside of the male tubular body 3121.

[0105] These protrusions 3126 make it possible to create a notch on the male tubular part 3121, thus ensuring positioning of each lug 3125 opposite a housing 3124, which makes adjustment even easier for a user.

[0106] Indeed, when the lug 3115 is located between two protrusions 3126, it is then opposite a housing 3124 of the retaining zone 3122. The rotation of the male tubular part 3121 relative to the female tubular part 3112, along the extension axis A, makes it possible to easily position each lug 3115 in a housing 3124 of the retaining zone 3122 and therefore to keep the height of the tap 3 adjusted.

[0107] When a lug 3115 crosses a protrusion 3126, then the elastically deformable tab 3116 which carries it deforms in order to allow the male tubular part 3121 to slide into the female tubular part 3112.

[0108] In reference to the figures 7 And 8 , each protrusion 3126 is delimited along the extension axis A by two ramps 3127 making it easier for the lug 3115 to cross the protrusion 3126.

[0109] To ensure that the male tubular part 3121 is kept in the adjusted position relative to the female tubular part 3112, the filling device 1 comprises means for locking the second part 312 in the height position on the first part 311 of the main body 31.

[0110] The locking means comprise a ring 10 slidably mounted on the outside of the female tubular part 3112.

[0111] Ring 10 is slidably mounted between: a locking position of each lug 3115 in a retaining zone 3122 of the male tubular part 3121, and a release position of each lug 3115.

[0112] More specifically, in the locking position, each lug 3115 is received in a housing 3124 of the retaining area 3122.

[0113] The stop 3118 also forms part of the retaining means. The same applies to the edges 3119 of the female tubular part 3112 which also form part of the retaining means.

[0114] Indeed, when the ring 10 is located between the stop 3118 and the edge 3119 of an elastically deformable tab 3116, it is then in its locking position.

[0115] The lugs 3115 are thus blocked in the retaining zone 3122 of the male tubular part 3121, which prevents the sliding of the male tubular part 3121 relative to the female tubular part 3112.

[0116] On the other hand, when the ring 10 is moved away from both the rim 3119 and the stop 3188 of the elastically deformable legs 3116, the ring 10 is then in its release position allowing the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable legs 3116 and therefore the sliding of the male tubular part 3121 relative to the female tubular part 3112 along the extension axis A.

[0117] As can be seen on the figure 6 , the annular seal 5 is carried by the second part 312 of the main body 31.

[0118] For this, the second part 312 of the main body 31 of the valve 3 has at least one annular groove 3128 in which the annular seal 5 is intended to be housed in a sealed manner.

[0119] Although only one annular groove 3128 is shown in the sectional view of the figure 6 , the male tubular part 3121 may have a plurality of annular grooves 3128.

[0120] When the main body 31 is assembled, the annular seal 5 is compressed between the annular groove 3128, in which it is received, and the smooth portion 3113 of the female tubular part 3112.

[0121] Thus, when the male tubular part 3121 slides relative to the female tubular part 3112, the annular seal 5 seals the female tubular part 3112 and the male tubular part 3121 by cooperation with the smooth portion 3113.

[0122] In other words, the smooth portion 3113 is designed in diameter to ensure a tight connection with the annular seal 5.

[0123] Furthermore, the filling device 1 comprises a tightening nut 7 intended to cooperate with the connection end 32 of the tap 3.

[0124] More specifically, the connecting end 32 has an end thread 321, the clamping nut 7 being intended to cooperate with the end thread to securely couple the tap 3 to the tank 2.

[0125] Thus, the tap 3 is blocked on the tank 2 by pinching between the tightening nut 7 and the end stop 3111.

[0126] The tightening nut 7 has a collar 71 intended to be brought into contact with the external face 24 of the tank 2.

[0127] Opposite the collar 71, the tightening nut 7 has an external thread 72 intended to allow coupling with the water supply means 100.

[0128] The external thread 72 of the clamping nut 7 is located on an end part of the clamping nut 7 and is for example produced by a brass overmolding.

[0129] The filling device 1 also comprises an external seal 8 intended to ensure sealing between the tightening nut 7 and the connection end 32.

[0130] The external seal 8 is carried by the connecting end 32.

[0131] More particularly, the connecting end 32 has at least one annular groove 322 formed in the end thread 321.

[0132] As illustrated by the figures 2 , 3 , 4 And 6 , the tightening nut 7 is of the standard type and has a low height.

[0133] According to an embodiment variant illustrated by the figure 9 , the tightening nut 7 has a smooth bore 73 in the extension of a thread 74, the smooth bore 73 being designed in diameter to ensure a sealed connection with the external seal 8.

[0134] In use, when the user wishes to adjust the height of the tap 3, he positions the ring 10 of the locking means in its release position, which allows the deformation of the elastically deformable legs 3116.

[0135] The user then pivots the male tubular part 3112 around the extension axis A of the main body 31 to position each lug 3115 in the height passage zone 3123 of the male tubular part 3121.

[0136] The user can then adjust the height of the tap 3 and thus position each lug 3115 between two protrusions 3126 of the height passage zone 3123.

[0137] When the height of the tap 3 is determined, the user pivots the male tubular part 3121 around the extension axis A, to position each lug 3115 in a housing 3124 of the retaining zone 3122 of the male tubular part 3121.

[0138] When each lug 3115 is received in a housing 3124 of the retaining zone 3122 of the male tubular part 3121, the user positions the ring 10 in its locking position, that is to say, between each stop 3118 and each rim 3119 of the female tubular part 3112.

[0139] The positioning of the ring 10 in its locking position has the effect of preventing the deformation of the elastically deformable tabs 3116 of the female tubular part 3112, and therefore of exerting a pinching force on the male tubular part 3121 by each lug 3115.

[0140] This has the effect of preventing the lugs 3115 from coming out of the housings 3124 in which they are received, that is to say, of preventing the mobility in height, along the extension axis A, of the male tubular part 3121 relative to the female tubular part 3112.

[0141] When the position of the male tubular part 3121 is adjusted relative to the female tubular part 3112, the annular seal 5 is then compressed between the smooth portion 3113 of the female tubular part 3112 and the annular groove 3128 of the male tubular part 3121 in which it is received, which ensures the sealing of the main body 31.

[0142] The user then positions the sealing element 6 around the second part 312 of the main body 31 of the tap 3 and then inserts the second part 312 of the main body 31 of the tap 3 into the dedicated orifice 22 of the wall 21 of the tank 2.

[0143] Subsequently, the user positions the external seal 8 on the first part 311 of the main body 31 and then screws the tightening nut 7 so that the smooth bore 73 cooperates with the external seal 8 to ensure sealing outside the tank 2.

[0144] The user can then connect the connection end 32 to the water supply means 100.

[0145] A second embodiment of the filling device 1 according to the invention is now described with reference to figures 10 à 14 .

[0146] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the female tubular part 3112 and the male tubular part 3121 are threaded.

[0147] The male tubular part 3121 of the second part 312 is mounted to move in height by screwing / unscrewing onto the female tubular part 3112 of the first part 311 of the main body 31, along the mobility zone 310.

[0148] Like the first embodiment, the annular seal 5 is carried by the second part 312 of the main body 31, as illustrated by the figure 12 .

[0149] For this, the second part 312 of the main body 31 of the valve 3 has at least one annular groove 3128 in which the annular seal 5 is intended to be housed in a sealed manner.

[0150] Each annular groove 3128 is formed within the male tubular part 3121.

[0151] According to this second embodiment, and as illustrated by the figures 10 , 11 , 11 And 13 , the second part 31 of the main body 31 has a plurality of annular grooves 3128, that is to say at least two annular grooves 3128.

[0152] More particularly, as illustrated in the figure 14 , the second part 312 of the main body 31 has more than two annular grooves 3128.

[0153] The annular seal 5 is intended to be housed in a sealed manner in one of the annular grooves 3128.

[0154] The first part 311 of the main body 31 has, for its part, the smooth portion 3113 extending the female tubular part 3112 over a height defining the mobility zone 310.

[0155] In reference to the figure 12 , when the first part 311 and the second part 312 of the main body 31 are assembled, the annular seal 5 is located against the smooth portion 3113 and between the first part 311 and the second part 312 of the main body 31.

[0156] As illustrated by the sectional view of the figure 13 , the female tubular portion 3112 extends from the end stop 3111, and the smooth portion 3113 extends from the first threaded portion 3112 to the upper end 3114 of the first part 311.

[0157] The upper end 3114 is opposite the end stop 3111.

[0158] The filling device 1 according to this second embodiment may comprise a simple type nut 7, as illustrated by the figures 10 And 12 , or a nut according to the embodiment variant, that is to say a nut 7 as illustrated by the figures 9 And 11 .

[0159] When the main body 31 of the tap 3 is telescopic, as illustrated by the figures 12 , 14 And 15 , the sealing element 6 is intended to be compressed between the end stop 3111 and the internal face 23 of the tank 2.

[0160] Tightening the nut 7 then causes the sealing element to compress and therefore to be embedded in the orifice 22 of the wall 21 of the tank 2.

[0161] This then allows the sealing of the orifice 22 to prevent water from leaking through said orifice 22.

[0162] Furthermore, the compression of the sealing element 6, and therefore its embedding in the orifice 22, makes it possible to compensate for a possible defect in the end stop 3111 and / or the wall 21 with which the sealing element 6 cooperates.

[0163] Furthermore, the compression of the sealing element 6 between the upper face 23 and the end stop 3111 has the effect of further pushing the bead 61 into the peripheral groove 31211 in which it is received.

[0164] This then contributes to the sealing of device 1 by preventing water leakage along the main body 31 of the tap 3.

[0165] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 15 in particular, the presence of the peripheral grooves 31211 makes it possible to break the external thread allowing the fixing of the nut 7 by helical cooperation, which also contributes to the sealing of the filling device 1.

[0166] Indeed, given that it is difficult, or even impossible, to achieve effective sealing of a thread with a seal, the presence of the peripheral grooves 31211 ensures effective cooperation with the bead 61 of the sealing element 6, which promotes sealing, and in fact prevents water leaks along the thread.

[0167] In reference to the figure 10 in particular, the annular grooves 322 can become peripheral grooves 31211. Indeed, depending on the desired height of the tap 3 in the tank 2, it is possible that the connection end 32 does not protrude sufficiently to allow the external seal 8 to be put in place. However, thanks to the bead 61 of the sealing element 6, the risks of leakage are eliminated despite the absence of the external seal 8.

[0168] The presence of the or each lug and its cooperation with the retention zone and the height passage zone make it possible to position and adjust the height of the tap when the lug cooperates with the passage zone and to maintain in the height position, that is to say in an adjusted position, the height of the tap when the lug is in the retention zone in the height position.

[0169] Finally, the position of the seal in the height mobility zone allows for maintaining a seal despite the adjustment possibility offered by the design of the tap.

[0170] The cooperation of the seal with the smooth bore then ensures a continuous seal.

[0171] In addition, changing the height of the tap helps to ensure the air reserve in relation to the maximum water level in the tank.

[0172] The smooth portion can cooperate with the annular seal to ensure the valve is watertight without the risk of the threaded portion damaging the annular seal.

[0173] Furthermore, the threaded portion allows the tap, and therefore the filling device, to be securely fixed to the tank wall.

[0174] This architecture of the filling device ensures good distribution of forces and good holding in the set position of the tap.

[0175] The presence of two diametrically opposed lugs on the female part and the presence of two retention zones and two height passage zones diametrically opposed to each other, on the male part, makes it possible to ensure retention of the male part by the female part between the two lugs.

[0176] This facilitates on the one hand the guiding of the male part in the female part, and on the other hand, the retention since the forces exerted by the lugs are directed directly towards each other.

[0177] In other words, the male part is pinched between the lugs carried by the female part.

[0178] The locking means allow the height of the male tubular part to be maintained in the adjusted position relative to the female tubular part.

[0179] This prevents the height of the tap water outlet from decreasing over time, which would be detrimental to compliance with the water height criterion.

[0180] The use of a ring for the locking means provides easy and quick handling for height adjustment of the main body of the tap.

[0181] In fact, when the ring is moved from its locking position to its release position, it allows the translation of the male tubular part into the female tubular part.

[0182] On the other hand, the passage of the ring from its release position to its locking position blocks the translation of the male tubular part into the female tubular part.

[0183] More particularly, when the ring is in its release position, it allows the elastic deformation of the legs carrying the lugs, which allows the movement of the male tubular body to be released relative to the female tubular body.

[0184] Conversely, when the ring is in its locking position, it then exerts a force which prevents the radial elastic deformation of the legs of the female tubular part which then causes the pinching of the male tubular part between the lugs carried by the elastically deformable legs.

[0185] The presence of the stop makes it possible to delimit the positions of the ring, i.e. the locking position and the release position.

[0186] When the ring is held by the stop, it is in its locking position which blocks the translation of the male tubular part into the female tubular part.

[0187] On the other hand, when the ring does not cooperate with the stop, then the male tubular part can slide freely in the female tubular part and thus allow the height of the main body of the tap to be adjusted.

[0188] The screwing / unscrewing between the two parts of the body 31 of the tap 3 allows a quick and precise adjustment of the height of the filling device 1, in a simple manner and without tools.

[0189] The smooth portion can then cooperate with the annular seal to ensure the tap is watertight without the risk of the threaded portion damaging the annular seal.

[0190] Furthermore, the threaded portion allows the tap, and therefore the filling device, to be securely fixed to the tank wall.

Claims

1. Filling device (1) intended to be installed on a toilet tank (2) and to be coupled to water supply means (100), the device (1) comprising a valve (3) intended to be coupled to water supply means (100) and the tank (2) having a wall (21) provided with an orifice (22) dedicated to the passage of the valve (3) and extending between an inner face (23) and an outer face (24) of the tank (2), the valve (3) comprising: - a main body (31) intended to extend in height inside the tank (2), the main body (31) bearing means (34) for distributing water and means (33) for opening / closing water circulation between said supply means (100) and the distribution means (34), - a connecting end (32) intended to extend outside the reservoir (2), and the filling device (1) also comprising a sealing element (6) intended to form a sealed barrier between the main body (31) of the valve (3) and the inner face (23) of the reservoir (2), the sealing element (6) having a central barrel (60) which is intended to receive a portion of the main body (31), the sealing element (6), when not installed, having a bead (61) projecting into the central barrel (60), the bead (61) being intended to be housed, when the sealing element is installed, in a peripheral groove (31211) of the main body (31) of the valve (3).

2. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the main body (31) of the valve (3) comprises a plurality of peripheral grooves (31211).

3. Filling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the main body (31) is telescopic along a mobility zone (310) and comprising a first part (311) and a second part (312) movable in height with respect to one another, the second part (312) bearing the means for distributing water (34), the means for opening / closing (33) water circulation, and a connection end (32), the second part having a plurality of peripheral grooves (31211).

4. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the valve (3) comprises an annular seal (5) ensuring the sealing between the first part (311) and the second part (312).

5. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the annular seal (5) is carried by the second part (312), and in that the first part (311) has a smooth portion (3113) extending over a height defining the mobility zone (310), the smooth portion (3113) being designed in diameter to ensure a watertight connection with the annular seal (5).

6. Filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting end (32) has an end thread (321), the filling device (1) also comprising a clamping nut (7) intended to cooperate with the end thread (321) to securely couple the valve (3) to the reservoir (2).

7. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the clamping nut (7) has a collar (71) intended to be brought into abutment against the outer face (24) of the reservoir (2) and, opposite the collar (71), an external thread (72) intended to allow coupling with the supply means (100).

8. Filling device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that it comprises an external seal (8) mounted in an annular groove (322) provided in the end thread (321) of the connecting end (32), the clamping nut (7) having a smooth bore (73) in line with a tapped bore (74), the smooth bore (73) being designed in diameter to ensure a watertight connection with the external seal (8).