Sanitary water drain and sink-type sanitary equipment provided with such drain

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary water drain comprising: an upper cup (10); a lower drain body (20) having a main inlet (28), a main drain outlet (22), arranged opposite said main inlet (28), a water recovery outlet (24) and an overflow inlet (26) arranged opposite the recovery outlet (24); a shut-off member (50) mounted to rotate between a main drain position, in which it allows water to be evacuated through said main outlet (22) and blocks access to said recovery outlet (24), and a water recovery position, in which it allows water to be evacuated through said recovery outlet (24); an operating handle (14) mechanically connected to said shut-off member (50) to allow it to be moved from said main drain position to said recovery position and vice versa.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a sanitary water drain plug and sanitary equipment, such as a domestic sink or any equivalent device, equipped with such a drain plug. Technological background

[0002] Most sanitary fixtures, such as domestic sinks, are equipped with a wastewater drain. The wastewater drain forms the interface between the sink basin and the sink trap, which carries used water (also referred to hereafter as wastewater) to the sewer through a dedicated network of pipes.

[0003] Throughout the text, the terms "sanitary water" or "domestic water" refer to water used primarily for hygienic, sanitary and / or food purposes.

[0004] Most commercially available drains include a main water inlet arranged at the bottom of the basin, a single water outlet arranged below the water inlet and connected to a fluid communication line with the sewer system, and a water overflow inlet fluidly connected to the upper edge of the basin so as to be able to recover the water before it overflows from the basin and convey it to the drain for the water outlet.

[0005] The user may want to collect the water he pours into the basin for later use, for example to water plants or any other use which can be satisfied with dirty or slightly dirty water depending on the previous use of the water.

[0006] Currently, the main solution for collecting rainwater is to use a reservoir that is manually positioned in the sink above the drain inlet. This solution is impractical and sometimes complicated to implement when a fixed faucet is located above the sink, thus obstructing the placement of the reservoir above the drain.

[0007] Another solution was proposed in document US2018 / 0355588, which describes a drain consisting of a vertical tube whose lower end opens into a wastewater pipe leading to a sewer. A lateral pipe connects to the vertical tube and is linked to a water collection tank. A controllable valve is located between the end of the vertical tube and the lateral pipe, allowing the wastewater to be directed to the outlet. Furthermore, an overflow inlet is provided below the valve so that water about to overflow from the basin can be directed to the sewer regardless of the valve's position.

[0008] This solution is interesting, but it is bulky and cannot be fitted to most sinks currently on the market. In particular, the vertical tube requires significant space under the sink, which is not compatible with all sinks.

[0009] The inventor therefore sought to develop a new compact solution allowing its installation on all types of sanitary equipment, including those with a reduced footprint under the sink. Objectives of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to provide a sanitary water drain plug allowing the water to be recovered or discharged into the sewers, at the user's choice.

[0011] The invention aims in particular to provide such a drain that is compact and can be mounted under most sanitary equipment.

[0012] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, such a drain that can be easily fixed onto a basin of sanitary equipment.

[0013] The invention also aims to provide sanitary equipment, such as a sink, equipped with a sanitary water drain according to the invention. Description of the invention

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a sanitary water drain for use in a washbasin of sanitary equipment, such as a sink, said drain comprising an upper cup centered on an axis, called the main axis, intended to receive sanitary water to be drained, a lower drain body centered on said main axis and having a first inlet, called the main inlet, centered on said main axis and intended to receive the water from said upper cup, and mechanical linking means between said upper cup and said drain body adapted to be able to connect them together on either side of a washbasin of sanitary equipment.

[0015] The drain plug according to the invention is characterized in that said drain plug body further comprises: a first outlet centered on said main axis, called main evacuation outlet, arranged opposite said main inlet of said drain body, a second outlet, called water recovery outlet, centered on an axis perpendicular to said main axis, called secondary axis, a second inlet, called overflow inlet, centered on said secondary axis and arranged opposite said water recovery outlet.

[0016] The drain plug is also characterized by the fact that it includes: a sealing element mounted movable in rotation about said main axis in said drain body between a first position, called main evacuation position, in which it simultaneously allows the evacuation of sanitary water through said main outlet and the supply of said drain body by said overflow inlet while preventing any circulation of sanitary water through said recovery outlet, and a second position, called water recovery position, in which it simultaneously allows the evacuation of sanitary water through said recovery outlet while preventing the supply of said drain body by said overflow inlet and any circulation of sanitary water through said main outlet, an operating handle mechanically connected to said sealing element to be able to move it from said main evacuation position to said recovery position and vice versa.

[0017] Thus, the drain according to the invention allows, by operating the handle, the evacuation of the sanitary water supplying said drain, either to the main outlet or to the recovery outlet. The main outlet can, for example, be fluidly connected to a pipe supplying the sewer system, and the recovery outlet can, for example, be fluidly connected to a water recovery tank for later use.

[0018] Thus, depending on the quality of the water he pours into the basin of the sanitary equipment fitted with the drain according to the invention, the user can decide to recover the water or to discharge it into the sewer of the home.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, the water recovery outlet and the overflow inlet are centered on the same secondary axis, which is horizontal once the drain is mounted on a sanitary fixture basin and perpendicular to the main axis of the drain on which the main outlet is centered. This allows for a particularly compact drain and results from the inventor's choice to block the overflow inlet when water is conveyed to the water recovery outlet. Indeed, the inventor determined that the user is particularly careful when conveying water to their recovery tank and that it is therefore unnecessary to provide an overflow that opens directly below the cover, as in prior solutions.This design allows for a more compact fit, as it enables the overflow inlet to be positioned at the same level as the water recovery outlet and utilizes a shut-off device that simultaneously blocks both the main drain outlet and the overflow inlet when the drain is in the water recovery position, and conversely, simultaneously opens both the main drain and the overflow inlet when the drain is in the main drain position. Therefore, in typical use (i.e., for water discharge to the sewer outlet), the overflow flows directly into the water outlet.

[0020] The drain according to the invention is therefore compact and can be installed under most existing equipment, unlike prior art solutions which require a significant amount of space under the basin for their installation.

[0021] Advantageously and according to the invention, said mechanical means of connection between said upper cup and said drain body comprise: a multi-pronged mechanical part attached to said drain body and provided in its center with a thread centered on said main axis, a screw having a shoulder in mechanical stop against said upper cup and a screw thread conjugate to said thread of said mechanical part.

[0022] According to this advantageous variant, the fastening means are compact and minimize the overall size, particularly the vertical size, of the drain assembly. Specifically, according to this variant, the multi-pronged mechanical part extends horizontally (once the drain assembly is mounted on a basin) inside the drain assembly body. This multi-pronged part is integral with the drain assembly body. For example, the drain assembly body may include a plurality of notches, each of which receives one end of a prong of the multi-pronged mechanical part. According to another variant, the end of each prong may include a mortise that fits into a tenon integral with the drain assembly body. Other fastening methods are possible without altering the principle of the invention.The fixing between the upper part of the drain (formed in particular by the cup) and the lower part of the drain (formed in particular by the drain body) is particularly simple and quick and simply consists of screwing the screw of the fixing means, through the cup, into the bore of the multi-branch part of the drain body, which is mechanically connected to the drain body.

[0023] Advantageously and according to the invention, said screw is hollow and passes through along the main axis and said mechanical handle has a lower end which extends through said through screw and is mechanically engaged with said sealing member.

[0024] According to this advantageous variant, the mechanical handle passes through the screw of the fastening means, which is itself housed in the bore of the multi-pronged part. This allows for a compact drain that integrates, on the same main axis, part of the operating handle, the fastening means, and part of the sealing mechanism.

[0025] Advantageously and according to the invention, said multi-branched mechanical part is a 4-branched cross.

[0026] According to this advantageous variant, the multi-pronged mechanical part of the fastening means is formed of a cross, each prong of which is in mechanical contact with a conjugate part (for example, a notch or a tenon) formed in the body of the drain.

[0027] Advantageously, each branch of said mechanical part further comprises an end formed to a mechanical connecting part integral with said drain body.

[0028] This variant allows for the mechanical connection between the multi-branch part and the drain body.

[0029] Advantageously and according to the invention, said sealing member comprises a half-disc connected to a frustoconical portion extending from said half-disc so as to be able, in the water recovery position, to simultaneously block the main outlet obstructed by a complementary half-disc and said overflow inlet, and in the main discharge position, to block the water recovery outlet while simultaneously allowing the supply of the drain body through said overflow inlet.

[0030] This variant allows, with a single sealing element with a specific architecture, mounted to rotate movably around the main axis, to simultaneously block the main outlet and the overflow inlet in the water recovery position and to simultaneously release, in the main discharge position, said main outlet and said overflow inlet.

[0031] Advantageously and according to the invention, the drain further comprises a basket housed in a removable manner in said upper cup and having a plurality of water flow orifices.

[0032] According to this variant, the drain is equipped with a removable basket so as to be able to collect solid waste and prevent it from flowing into the piping connected to the drain according to the invention.

[0033] The invention also relates to sanitary equipment, such as a sink, comprising a basin, characterized in that said basin is equipped with a drain according to the invention so as to be able to evacuate sanitary water, according to the position of said control handle of said drain, either to a sewer connected to said drain by a pipe fluidly linking said main outlet of said drain to said sewer or to a recovery tank connected to said drain by a pipe fluidly linking said tank and said recovery outlet of said drain.

[0034] The advantages and technical effects of the drain according to the invention apply mutatis mutandis to sanitary equipment according to the invention.

[0035] The invention also relates to a drain plug and sanitary equipment such as a sink equipped with a drain plug according to the invention, characterized in combination by all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. List of figures

[0036] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which: [ FIG 1 ] is a schematic front view of a drain according to one embodiment of the invention, [ FIG 2 ] is a schematic perspective view of a drain according to one embodiment of the invention [ FIG 3 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drain of the figure 2 . [ FIG 4 ] is a schematic exploded perspective view of the drain of the figures 2 And 3 , [ FIG 5 ] is part of the figure 4 limited to the lower elements of the drain according to this embodiment. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0037] In the figures, the scales and proportions are not strictly respected for the purposes of illustration and clarity.

[0038] Identical, similar, or analogous elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all figures. Throughout this text, and unless otherwise stated, the various components constituting the drain assembly are described as arranged once the drain assembly is mounted on a basin of sanitary fixtures. This arrangement is shown, for example, in the... Figures 1 , 2 And 3 .

[0039] The drain according to the invention comprises an upper cup 10 centered on a main axis 30. This upper cup 10 is intended to receive sanitary water to be evacuated.

[0040] The drain also includes a lower drain body 20 centered on the main axis 30. This drain body is provided with a main inlet 28 centered on the main axis 30 and intended to receive water from the upper cup 10, a main discharge outlet 22 centered on the main axis 30 and arranged opposite the main inlet 28 and intended to discharge water to a domestic network connected to the sewers not shown in the figures, a water recovery outlet 24, centered on a secondary axis 32, perpendicular to the main axis 30, and intended to discharge water to a recovery tank fluidly connected to this outlet 24, and an overflow inlet 26, centered on the secondary axis 32, arranged opposite the water recovery outlet 24 and intended to supply the drain with overflow water by an overflow pipe, not shown in the figures.

[0041] The drain according to the invention further comprises a sealing member 50 mounted movable in rotation about the main axis 30 between a main discharge position in which the sealing member 50 allows water to be discharged towards the main outlet 22 while blocking the discharge of water towards the recovery outlet 24 and releasing the water supply through the overflow inlet 26, and a water recovery position, in which the sealing member 50 allows sanitary water to be discharged towards the recovery outlet 24 while simultaneously blocking the supply to the drain body through the overflow inlet 26 and the discharge of water towards the main outlet 22.

[0042] The drain according to the invention also includes an operating handle 14 mechanically connected to the sealing member 50 to allow a user to switch the sealing member 50 from the main evacuation position to the recovery position and vice versa, according to their choices and evacuation needs.

[0043] The drain plug also includes mechanical means for connecting the upper cup 10 to the drain plug body 20, which will be described later in connection with the figures 3 And 5 .

[0044] THE Figures 1 And 2 illustrate respectively from the front and in perspective a drain according to an embodiment of the invention. These figures allow us to see the upper cup 10 of the drain, the body 20 of the drain, the main water evacuation outlet 22, the water recovery outlet 24, the overflow inlet 26, the operating handle 14, as well as the main axis 30 and the secondary axis 32 of the drain.

[0045] There figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of the drain according to the method of execution shown in the figures. In addition to the elements already described in connection with the Figures 1 And 2 , the main inlet 28 of the drain body, centered on the main axis 30 and intended to receive water from the upper cup 10, the mechanical linkage means between the upper cup 10 and the drain body 20, formed of a cross piece 40 and a hollow screw 42.

[0046] We also observe the movable obturator mounted in rotation around the main axis 30.

[0047] Depending on how the figures are shown, this shuttering element 50, visible more precisely on the figure 5 , is formed of a lower half-disk 52 and a portion of frustoconical wall 54.

[0048] As illustrated on the figure 3, the lower half-disc 52 is conjugated to a fixed half-disc 23 formed at the outlet 22 of the drain body in such a way that the rotation of the obturator 50 allows the half-disc 23 to be completed to form a complete disc which prevents any circulation of water through the outlet 22 or on the contrary to superimpose the half-disc 52 on the half-disc 23 to leave free the part of the conduit opposite the outlet 22 not covered by the half-disc 23 so that the water can be evacuated through this outlet 22.

[0049] In addition, the truncated conical wall 54 allows, depending on its position in the drain body (water recovery position or main evacuation position), either to block the overflow water inlet through the inlet 26, or to block the water evacuation through the recovery outlet 24.

[0050] Thus, the figure 3This illustrates the drain in the water recovery position, in which the water poured into the upper cup 10 can pass through the main inlet 28 to reach the drain body 20. This water is then conveyed to the recovery outlet 24, since the shutter 50 blocks access to the outlet 22 (the shutter's half-disc 52 complementing the fixed half-disc 23 of the outlet 22). Furthermore, the overflow inlet 26 is blocked by the shutter's wall 54, which extends fully into the opening.

[0051] If the shutter is rotated around the axis 30 to perform a 180° pivot, then the wall 54 blocks the recovery outlet 24 arranged opposite the inlet 26, while freeing this overflow inlet 26, and the half-disc 52 frees access to the main outlet 22 by coming superimposed on the fixed half-disc 23 of the drain body.

[0052] The rotation of the shutter 50 is achieved by the manipulation by a user of the operating handle 14. This operating handle 14 is mechanically connected to a shaft 15 whose lower end 17 forms a tenon in contact with a mortise 55 integral with the shutter 50. Thus, when a user exerts a rotational force on the operating handle 14, he ensures the rotation of the shutter between the water recovery position and the main discharge position and vice versa.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment, the drain body may further include a stop which blocks the rotation of the sealing member in each of the drain positions, which facilitates actuation by the user.

[0054] There figure 4 illustrates in exploded perspective all the elements that make up the drain according to the method of realization of the figures.

[0055] In particular, this figure allows us to visualize more precisely the means of connection between the upper cup 10 and the drain body 20.

[0056] These connecting means include a cross 40 formed of several branches 41. Each branch 41 includes an end 41a shaped to a mechanical connecting piece 41b integral with the drain body 20.

[0057] In addition, this cross 40 includes an internal threaded bore 45 conforming to the thread pitch of the hollow screw 42 intended to screw into the bore through the upper cup 10. In particular, this screw 42 includes a shoulder which butts against the periphery 11 of the openwork central part of the cup 10 through which the screw 42 can be inserted.

[0058] In addition, the screw 42 being hollow, it allows the shaft 15 of the operating handle 14 to pass through it to engage in the mortise 55 of the shutter 50.

[0059] Depending on the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper cup 10 further includes distinct markings on its upper perimeter to indicate the water recovery position and the main discharge position. This allows a user to see how to position the operating handle to switch the shutter from the main discharge position to the water recovery position.

[0060] The drain according to the invention may also include, in certain embodiments not shown in the figures, additional elements such as a water filter arranged near the water recovery outlet so as to filter the recovered water and obtain the cleanest possible recovered water. Such a filter may be of any known type.

[0061] It is also possible to provide sealing gaskets arranged at each interface of the drain parts according to the invention. Such gaskets can, for example, be provided around the sealing element to ensure a watertight closure of the overflow inlet, the main drain outlet, and the water recovery outlet, depending on the positions of the drain.

[0062] It is also possible to provide means of locking the shutter, in translation along the main axis, so as to prevent it from rising into the body of the drain when water enters the drain.

Claims

1. Sanitary water drain plug intended to equip a basin of sanitary equipment, such as a sink, said drain plug comprising an upper cup (10) centered on an axis, said main axis (30), intended to receive sanitary water to be drained, a lower drain body (20) centered on said main axis (30) and having a first inlet, said main inlet (28), centered on said main axis (30) and intended to receive the water from said upper cup (10), and mechanical linking means (40, 42) between said upper cup (10) and said drain body (20) adapted to be able to mechanically connect them together, characterized in thatsaid drain body (20) further comprises: - a first outlet centered on said main axis (30), called the main drain outlet (22), arranged opposite said main inlet (28) of said drain body, - a second outlet, called the water recovery outlet (24), centered on an axis perpendicular to said main axis, called the secondary axis (32), - a second inlet, called the overflow inlet (26), centered on said secondary axis (32) and arranged opposite said water recovery outlet (24), and in thatsaid drain comprises: - a sealing member (50) mounted movable in rotation about said main axis (30) in said drain body between a first position, called the main discharge position, in which it simultaneously allows the discharge of sanitary water through said main outlet (22) and the supply of said drain body by said overflow inlet (26) while preventing any circulation of sanitary water through said recovery outlet (24), and a second position, called the water recovery position, in which it simultaneously allows the discharge of sanitary water through said recovery outlet (24) while preventing the supply of said drain body by said overflow inlet (26) and any circulation of sanitary water through said main outlet (22),- an operating handle (14) mechanically connected to said sealing device (50) to allow it to be moved from said main evacuation position to said recovery position and vice versa.

2. Drain plug according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanical connection means between said upper cup (10) and said drain body (20) comprise: - a mechanical part (40) with several arms attached to said drain body and provided in its center with a thread (45) centered on said main axis (30), - a screw (42) having a shoulder in mechanical stop against said upper cup (10) and a screw thread coupled to said thread (45) of said mechanical part (40).

3. Drain plug according to claim 2, characterized in thatsaid screw (42) is hollow and passes through along the main axis (30) and said mechanical handle has a lower end (17) which extends through said through screw and engages with said sealing member (50).

4. Drain plug according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that each branch (41) of said mechanical part includes an end (41a) shaped to a mechanical connecting part (41b) integral with said drain body (20).

5. Drain plug according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said mechanical part (40) with several branches is a 4-branch cross.

6. Drain plug according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatsaid sealing member comprises a half-disc (52) connected to a frustoconical portion (54) extending from said half-disc (52) so as to be able, in the water recovery position, to simultaneously block the main outlet (22) obstructed by a complementary half-disc and said overflow inlet (25) and in the main discharge position, to block the water recovery outlet (24) while allowing the supply of the drain body by said overflow inlet (26).

7. Drain plug according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that It further comprises a basket (12) housed removably in said upper cup (10) and having a plurality of water drainage orifices.

8. Sanitary equipment, such as a sink, including a basin, characterized in thatsaid basin is equipped with a drain according to one of claims 1 to 7 so as to be able to evacuate sanitary water, depending on the position of said operating handle (14) of said drain, either to a sewer connected to said drain by a pipe fluidly connecting said main outlet (22) of said drain to said sewer or to a recovery tank connected to said drain by a pipe fluidly connecting said tank and said recovery outlet (24) of said drain.

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