Sanitary grinder

Abstract

Sanitary grinder (10) comprising - a tank (12) intended to receive water to be evacuated, - a grinding unit (20) comprising a water evacuation pump (16) and a pump drive motor (30), and - a device for controlling the motor (50) on a given pumping cycle as a function of at least one value of an operating parameter of the evacuation pump at a past pumping cycle, called "historical value". Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Sanitary grinder Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a sanitary grinder, in particular for the evacuation of waste water and a method for controlling the operation of such a grinder. Technological background

[0002] Sanitary macerators are devices that are generally connected to a toilet bowl and allow the evacuation of waste water and solid matter. In order for the solid matter to be evacuated through these pipes, sanitary macerators include a shredding device that shreds the solid matter coming from the toilet bowl and evacuates the waste water and shredded waste.

[0003] Current sanitary macerators have the disadvantage of not adapting or adapting only slightly to installation conditions. As the rotation speed of their pump is constant, the output flow rate is maximum, even at low lifting heights. This results in significant hydraulic noise.

[0004] There is therefore a need to further improve sanitary grinders, in particular their control in order to improve their performance, in particular the reduction of noise emitted, while adapting as best as possible to the needs of users. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to meet this need and achieves this by means of a sanitary grinder comprising: - a tank intended to receive water to be evacuated, - a shredding unit comprising a water discharge pump and a pump drive motor, and - a device for controlling the motor on a given pumping cycle as a function of at least one value of an operating parameter of the discharge pump at a past pumping cycle, called a “historical value”.

[0006] The control of the sanitary macerator takes into account the operating parameter values ​​of the evacuation pump measured in the past. These values ​​provide information on the operating conditions of the sanitary macerator and on the actual water evacuation requirements. This makes it possible in particular to reduce the acoustic power in comparison with conventional sanitary macerators.

[0007] Furthermore, the sanitary grinder according to the invention, by adapting the operation of the evacuation pump to the actual needs, makes it possible to delay the aging of said pump. Indeed, the latter may not operate at its maximum when the conditions of use do not justify it, particularly in the case of low operating flow.

[0008] The given pumping cycle and the past pumping cycle may correspond to two successive pumping cycles of the evacuation pump.

[0009] By "pumping cycle" is meant a period between the water level in the tank reaching a set point at which the drain pump starts and a set point at which the drain pump stops.

[0010] Preferably, the operating parameter is the discharge flow rate of the discharge pump.

[0011] Also, the invention makes it possible to adjust the operation of the motor according to the actual discharge flow rate requirements. This makes it possible to ensure optimal operation of the discharge pump by avoiding maximum operation of the pump when the discharge flow rate is low.

[0012] Adjusting the operation of the motor may include adjusting its rotational speed and / or its torque.

[0013] In embodiments, the control device is configured to adapt the rotational speed of the motor according to said historical value.

[0014] In particular, when the operating parameter is the discharge flow rate, the control device is configured to adapt the rotation speed of the motor to allow the evacuation of the water according to the historical value of the discharge flow rate.

[0015] Preferably, the control device is further configured to prevent water overflow at the given pumping cycle.

[0016] Also, if the shutdown of the discharge pump is not achieved after a predetermined time after the start of the given pumping cycle, the controller is preferably configured to readjust the operation of the motor to accelerate the discharge of the water, beyond the predetermined time.

[0017] Also, on the given pumping cycle, the control device can be configured to: - at the start of the given pumping cycle: adapt the operation of the motor according to the historical value of the operating parameter; and - beyond the predetermined duration: further adjust the motor operation to accelerate water evacuation.

[0018] In particular, beyond the predetermined duration, the control device is configured to increase the speed of rotation of the motor to force the water out of the tank.

[0019] The predetermined duration may be less than 1 min.

[0020] The control device may comprise an electronic card comprising one or more processors and a memory in which a set is stored instructions to be executed by the processor(s) in order to control the motor as described above.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the motor of the evacuation pump is an electric motor, in particular a brushless motor.

[0022] Brushless motors have several advantages. Since they do not have brushes, these motors have less friction than brushed motors, making them more efficient and quieter. In addition, brushless motors are more energy efficient than brushed motors. They also consume less energy to produce the same power. Finally, they are easy to maintain, thus reducing the associated maintenance cost.

[0023] The shredding unit may comprise a shredding member, in particular driven in rotation by said motor. Said device may comprise one or more blades.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method for controlling the operation of a sanitary grinder, said grinder comprising a tank receiving water to be evacuated and a grinding unit comprising a evacuation pump and a motor for driving the pump, the operation of the motor on a given pumping cycle being adapted as a function of at least one value of an operating parameter of the pump at a past pumping cycle, called "historical value".

[0025] Preferably, the given and past pumping cycles are successive pumping cycles of the evacuation pump.

[0026] The operating parameter is preferably a discharge flow rate of the pump.

[0027] The method may comprise, at the given pumping cycle, and at each pumping cycle of said evacuation pump, the calculation of the value of the discharge flow rate on the basis of a time elapsed between the triggering of the evacuation pump and its stopping, the calculated value of the discharge flow rate serving as a historical value for future pumping cycles.

[0028] Preferably, the adaptation of the operation of the engine is carried out by adapting the rotation speed of the engine as a function of said historical value.

[0029] Preferably, the adaptation of the operation of the motor is carried out by maintaining the absorbed intensity of the motor below a maximum absorbed intensity.

[0030] Preferably, the method makes it possible to prevent water overflow at the given pumping cycle.

[0031] Preferably, when the pump stop is not reached after a predetermined duration from the start of the given pumping cycle, the method comprises adjusting the operation of the motor again to accelerate the evacuation of water on the same given pumping cycle beyond said predetermined duration.

[0032] Also, the method may comprise on the given pumping cycle, the following steps: following provisions: (a) at the start of the given pumping cycle: adapting the operation of the discharge pump motor according to the historical value; and (b) if the pump stop is not reached after the predetermined time, adjusting the operation of the drain pump motor again beyond the predetermined time to accelerate the evacuation of water.

[0033] In particular, step b) comprises increasing the speed of the motor beyond the predetermined duration of the given pumping cycle to force the water out of the tank.

[0034] The predetermined duration may be less than 1 min.

[0035] The motor is preferably a brushless motor. Brief description of the figures

[0036] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, of a non-limiting example of implementation of the invention, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0037] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a sanitary grinder in partial section;

[0038] [Fig.2a] [Fig.2a] is a front view of a dilaceration unit according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2b] [Fig.2b] is an exploded view of the unit of [Fig.2a],

[0040] [Fig.2c] [Fig.2c] is a top view of the unit of [Fig.2a],

[0041] [Fig.3a] [Fig.3a] represents in isolation the rotor of the motor of figures 2a-c,

[0042] [Fig.3b] [Fig.3b] is an exploded view of the rotor of [Fig.3a],

[0043] [Fig.3c] [Fig.3c] is a top view of the rotor of [Fig.3a],

[0044] [Fig.4a] [Fig.3a] represents in isolation the control device according to the invention,

[0045] [Fig.4b] [Fig.4b] is an exploded view of the control device of [Fig.4a], and

[0046] [Fig.4c] [Fig.4c] is a top view of the control device of [Fig.4a]. Description of embodiment(s)

[0047] [Fig.l] shows a sanitary grinder 10 according to the invention.

[0048] As illustrated, the sanitary grinder 10 comprises a tank 12, a connecting pipe 14 connection to a toilet bowl for example, the latter receiving waste water and solid matter from the toilet, and a shredding unit 20.

[0049] In the example illustrated in [Fig.2a]-c, the dilaceration unit 20 comprises: - a perforated basket 21 to which the pipe 14 is connected at an opening 23 provided for this purpose and into which the waste water and solid matter from the toilets are discharged, - a shredding member 22 configured to shred the solid materials coming from the toilet and discharged into the perforated basket, - a water evacuation pump 16 comprising a turbine 34, and - an electric motor 30 driving said turbine 34.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.2b], the motor 30 is of the brushless motor type. The motor 30 comprises: - a 31 casing; - a rotor 32 housed inside the casing 31 and rotating around a rotation shaft 33; - a stator housed inside the casing 31 and surrounding the rotor 32, - a motor cover 35.

[0051] The turbine 34 as well as the dilaceration member 22 are mounted on the rotary shaft 33. They thus have an axis of rotation which coincides with the rotation shaft 33 of the motor 30.

[0052] In the example illustrated in Figures 3a-c, the rotor 32 comprises a plurality of magnets 42 arranged in a spaced manner, on an outer surface of a cylindrical rotor body 44, around the rotation shaft 33. The rotor further comprises an insulating piece 46 interposed between the rotation shaft 33 and the rotor body 44. Said insulating piece is mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the rotary shaft 33.

[0053] The sanitary grinder 10 further comprises a control device 50 for the motor 30. This control device 50 is arranged within the tank 12, as illustrated.

[0054] Thus, when a user, for example, flushes the toilet, the water and solid matter are drawn into the connecting pipe 14 and are discharged into the perforated basket 21. The solid matter is then retained in the perforated basket 21 while the waste water partially flows into the tank 12 through perforations 21a of the perforated basket 21. The increase in the level of the waste water in the tank 12 makes it possible to activate the motor 30 via the control device 50, according to an operating mode which will be described later. The engagement of the motor 30 causes the rotation of the shredder 22 and the turbine 34. The turbine 34 then creates a downward suction movement of the contents of the perforated basket 21. The solid materials encounter the rotating shredder 22 and are therefore shredded and then evacuated with the residual water by the turbine 34 towards the discharge pipe 18.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4a-d, the control device 50 comprises a body 51, a cover 52 enclosing the body and an elastically deformable membrane 53 arranged at the lower end of the body 51. The device further comprises a rod 56 which extends along the body 51 and which rests by gravity, via its lower end 56a, on the inner face of the membrane 53. The rod 56 is capable of moving vertically in response to a deformation of the membrane 53.

[0056] The control device 50 also comprises an electrical control system comprising, in the example illustrated, a microswitch 57. The microswitch 57 is arranged inside the body 51 so that the movement of the rod 56 upwards (towards the cover 52) activates this microswitch 57.

[0057] The control device 50 further comprises an electronic card 55 comprising one or more processors and a memory in which is stored a set of instructions to be executed by the processor(s) so as to control the electrical control system.

[0058] In order to allow optimal operation of the sanitary grinder 10, the control device 50 is configured to control the motor on a given pumping cycle as a function of at least one value of an operating parameter of the pump at a past pumping cycle.

[0059] In the example illustrated, the operating parameter is the discharge flow rate of the evacuation pump.

[0060] In this example, the control device 50 adapts the rotation speed of the motor 30 according to the historical value of the delivery flow rate calculated in the previous pumping cycle.

[0061] The control device 50 is further configured to prevent water overflow at the given pumping cycle.

[0062] When the engine stops after a predetermined time, the control device adjusts the operation again to accelerate the evacuation of the water.

[0063] In other words, the control device 50 is capable of adjusting the operation of the motors at least twice. - The first time, at the beginning of the cycle, it adapts the operation of the motor 30 according to the historical value of the operating flow rate; and - Beyond the predetermined duration (if the engine stop is not reached), it further adjusts the operation of the engine 30 to accelerate the evacuation of the water. - In the example illustrated, the control device increases the speed of the motor 30 to force the water out of the tank 12 beyond the predetermined duration.

[0064] The predetermined duration is in this example of the order of 20 s.

[0065] We will now describe the operation of the control device 20 according to the invention during a given pumping cycle N.

[0066] When the water reaches a predetermined level in the tank 12, the water exerts pressure on the membrane. Under the effect of this pressure, the membrane deforms. In response to this deformation of the membrane, the rod 56 moves vertically upwards, which actuates the microswitch 57. The electrical control system is actuated, thus causing the motor 30 to start operating. The control device 50 via the electronic card 55 adapts the operating rotation speed of the motor 30 to evacuate the water according to the value of the discharge flow rate calculated in the previous pumping cycle N1. After 20s of operation, if the pump stops is not reached, the control device 50 then increases the rotation speed of the motor 30 to discharge the water out of the tank through the discharge pipe. At the end of the pumping pump cycle N, the control device 50 determines the time elapsed between the pump being triggered and stopped, and deduces therefrom the value of the discharge flow rate of pumping cycle N. This value will be used to adapt the operation of the motor during the following pumping cycle N+1.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the example which has just been described.

[0068] For example, the operation of the motors can be adapted by adjusting their torque.

Claims

Claims

1. Sanitary grinder (10) comprising: - a tank (12) intended to receive water to be evacuated, - a grinding unit (20) comprising a water evacuation pump (16) and a pump drive motor (30), and - a device for controlling the motor (50) on a given pumping cycle as a function of at least one value of an operating parameter of the evacuation pump at a past pumping cycle, called "historical value".

2. Sanitary grinder according to claim 1, the operating parameter being a discharge flow rate of the discharge pump.

3. Sanitary grinder according to claim 1 or 2, the given pumping cycle and the past pumping cycle being two successive pumping cycles of the evacuation pump (16).

4. Sanitary grinder according to any one of the preceding claims, the control device (50) being configured to adapt the rotation speed of the motor according to said historical value, in particular to allow the evacuation of water from the tank according to the historical value of the discharge flow rate.

5. A sanitary macerator according to any preceding claim, wherein when the shutdown of the discharge pump (16) is not reached after a predetermined duration from the start of the given pumping cycle, the controller (50) is further configured to readjust the operation of the motor beyond the predetermined duration in order to accelerate the discharge of the water.

6. Sanitary grinder according to the preceding claim, in which the control device (50) is configured to increase the rotation speed of the motor beyond the predetermined duration.

7. Sanitary grinder according to claim 5 or 6, the predetermined duration being less than 1 min.

8. Sanitary macerator according to any one of the preceding claims, the motor (30) of the evacuation pump (16) being a brushless motor.

9. Method for controlling the operation of a sanitary macerator (10) for discharging water, said macerator (10) comprising a tank (12) receiving water to be discharged and a shredding unit (20) comprising a discharge pump (16) and a pump drive motor (30), the operation of the motor (30) on a given pumping cycle being adapted as a function of at least one value of an operating parameter of the pump at a past pumping cycle, called “historical value”, the given and past pumping cycles preferably being successive pumping cycles of the evacuation pump.

10. Method according to the preceding claim, said operating parameter being a delivery flow rate of the pump.

11. Method according to one of claims 9 and 10, the adaptation of the operation of the motor being carried out by maintaining the absorbed intensity of the motor below a maximum absorbed intensity.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, when stopping of the pump (16) is not reached after a predetermined duration from the start of the given pumping cycle, the method comprising on the same given pumping cycle adjusting again the operation of the motor beyond said predetermined duration to accelerate the evacuation of the water.

13. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising on the given pumping cycle, the following successive steps: a. at the start of the given pumping cycle: adapting the operation of the evacuation pump motor as a function of the historical value of the operating parameter; and b. if the pump is not stopped after the predetermined duration, adjusting again the operation of the evacuation pump motor beyond the predetermined duration to accelerate the evacuation of the water.

14. A method according to either of claims 12 and 13, wherein further adjusting the operation of the motor beyond the predetermined duration includes increasing the rotational speed of the motor to force the water out of the tank.

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