Concealed, wall-hung toilet flushing mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet flushing device comprising: a tank (16) having two opposing walls (30, 32) and a frame for holding said tank behind a partition (18); a flushing pipe adapted to extend between said tank and a toilet bowl; a control assembly for controlling the emptying of said tank (16) so that it flows into said flushing pipe. The device further comprises a receptacle (14) opening into said flushing pipe, while said water tank (16) is mounted inside said receptacle (14); and said control assembly includes a drive shaft (36) rotationally linked to one (30) of said two walls and extending through said partition (18), in order to control the tilting of said tank (16) inside said receptacle (14), said drive shaft being free in translation through said one (30) of said two walls.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Concealed suspended toilet flushing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspended, built-in flushing device.

[0002] Known concealed wall-hung flushing devices comprise a metal frame installed behind a partition and a water tank suspended from the frame. A toilet bowl is installed projecting from the front of the partition and is connected to the water tank by means of a flushing pipe that passes through the partition at the level of the toilet bowl.

[0003] The water tank is supplied at the rear of the partition by a water inlet opening at the level of the tank, and which water inlet is controlled by means of a valve operated by a float adapted to extend inside the tank.

[0004] Also, suspended toilet flushing devices usually include a dual flush control assembly to be able to deliver two different quantities of water into the bowl.

[0005] The control assembly is mounted through the partition extending between the toilet bowl and the cistern. Generally, an access panel conceals an opening in the partition opposite the cistern. The access panel also serves as the support for two adjacent push buttons, which control a two-stage tubular device extending into the cistern. One of the two push buttons raises a valve seat located at the bottom of the cistern so that the entire quantity of water from the cistern can be delivered through the flush pipe. The other push button raises another valve seat mounted at a height on a tubular element to deliver a portion of the water from the cistern.

[0006] Such flushing devices are installed at the rear of the partition while it is under construction, so as to allow easy access. After the frame has been sealed to the rear of the partition and the water tank has been suspended from the frame, while the flushing pipe is connected to said water tank and to the toilet bowl through the partition, construction of the partition continues, for example, up to the ceiling wall. The water tank is then enclosed behind the partition and can subsequently only be accessed through the opening, which is covered by the access panel.

[0007] In addition, the partition is usually covered with tiles, the thickness of which varies from one pattern to another.

[0008] Such a toilet flushing device has great aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, it is more complex to install and its maintenance is more delicate.

[0009] In certain circumstances, troubleshooting the device requires opening the partition.

[0010] Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide a suspended, built-in flushing device which is simpler to install and more reliable.

[0011] In order to solve this problem, a concealed suspended flushing device is proposed comprising: a water tank having two opposing walls and a frame for holding said water tank suspended behind a partition; a flushing pipe adapted to extend through said partition between said water tank and a toilet bowl located in front of said partition; a control assembly adapted to be mounted through said partition to control the emptying of all or part of the water from said tank so that it flows inside said flushing pipe; the flushing device further comprises a receptacle opening into said flushing pipe, while said water tank is mounted tilting inside said receptacle;and said control assembly includes a drive shaft rotationally linked to one of said two walls of said water tank and extending through said partition, in order to control the tilting of said tank into said receptacle, said drive shaft being free in translation through said one of said two walls in order to adjust the axial position of said drive shaft according to the thickness of said partition.

[0012] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of a tilting water tank requiring no seal in a concealed, wall-hung toilet flushing system. Indeed, the water tank is open, and when it is tilted, water flows out abundantly through its opening. The water then empties into the receptacle and escapes through the flushing pipe to reach the toilet bowl.

[0013] Moreover, the control assembly includes a drive shaft which is rotationally linked to one of the two walls of the water tank, but on the other hand, which is free in translation through it.

[0014] Thanks to this feature, regardless of the thickness of the partition, the drive shaft can be axially adjusted so that its control end extends sufficiently in front of the partition to receive a control handle.

[0015] It will be observed that the thickness of the partitions is generally standard, but that on the other hand the covering, and in particular the tiling, has different thicknesses depending on the patterns.

[0016] Furthermore, according to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the flushing device further comprises a spacer extending between the two opposing walls of the water tank. In this way, the two opposing walls of the tank remain at a constant distance from each other. The two walls are thus held in place both during the filling and emptying of the water tank. In other words, the water tank is made more rigid.

[0017] It will be noted that it can be molded in one piece from a polymer material. And therefore, the walls can be relatively thin.

[0018] Preferably, the spacer is U-shaped to straddle the drive shaft. In this way, the drive shaft, which extends at least partially into the water tank, forms a more rigid assembly with the spacer. As will be explained below, the drive shaft is fixed to both the tank and the spacer, and the assembly is driven in rotation when the tank is emptied.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous, but not limiting, embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft has a first oblong cross-sectional portion opposed to a second oblong cross-sectional portion, the two oblong cross-sectional portions being separated from each other by a retaining disc. Thus, the first oblong cross-sectional portion of the drive shaft engages, in rotation, with the wall of the water tank, while the second oblong cross-sectional portion can receive a handle into which it also engages. As will be explained in more detail below, the retaining disc is adapted to cooperate with a mounting frame both to limit the rotation of the drive shaft between two extremes by a given amplitude and also to maintain the drive shaft in translation.

[0020] Furthermore, the drive shaft advantageously has a threaded portion between the retaining disc and the first oblong cross-section to receive a threaded ring. In this way, the retaining disc is held against the aforementioned frame by tightening the threaded ring. Preferably, a bearing is inserted between the threaded ring and the frame on the opposite side of the retaining disc. In this way, the drive shaft is free to rotate relative to the frame. However, it is fixed in translation to the frame.

[0021] Furthermore, one of the two walls advantageously features an oblong opening for engaging the first oblong section of the drive shaft. In this way, rotating the drive shaft causes the water tank to tilt.

[0022] Also, according to another embodiment of the invention, said oblong orifice has an annular rim projecting from said one of said two walls and having an oblong cross-section identical to said oblong orifice. Thus, thanks to the rim, a more rigid connection is obtained between the drive shaft and the water tank wall.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flushing device further comprises a geared motor for rotating said drive shaft. The geared motor can be installed on the aforementioned frame, or even inside the water tank.

[0024] We will explain in more detail later in the description how the geared motor can be controlled.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] is a schematic front view of a toilet flushing device conforming to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the object of [Fig.1] along the plane II-II;

[0028] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective detail view of the object in [Fig.2];

[0029] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of elements of the object of [Fig.1]; And,

[0030] [Fig.5] is a schematic exploded perspective view of a toilet flush according to the invention in one embodiment variant;

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a frame 10 erected on a floor wall 12. The frame 10 supports, at a height relative to the floor wall 12, a receptacle 14 inside which a tank 16 is installed. The receptacle 14 is, for example, installed at a height greater than one meter from the floor wall 12.

[0032] The frame 10, the receptacle 14, and the reservoir 16 are located at the rear of a partition 18, which is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. A toilet bowl 20 is installed at the front of the partition 18 and is connected to the receptacle 14 by a flushing pipe 22. The flushing pipe 22 passes through the partition 18 at the location of the toilet bowl 20.

[0033] Furthermore, an evacuation conduit 24, connected to the bowl 20, also passes through the partition 18 below the flushing conduit 22, and is connected, for example, to the wastewater sanitation network.

[0034] On [Fig.2] it will be observed that the receptacle 14 has a front wall 21 opposite a rear wall 23, and a bottom wall 25 opening into the flushing duct 22.

[0035] As for the reservoir 16, housed inside the receptacle 14, it has a bottom 26 extending opposite the bottom wall 25 of the receptacle and, on the opposite side, an opening 28 free. Also, it has two walls opposite each other, an anterior wall 30 opposite the front wall 21 of the receptacle 14 and a posterior wall 32 opposite the rear wall 23.

[0036] The posterior wall 32 has a posterior trunnion 34 extending projecting opposite the anterior wall 30 and in the vicinity of the opening 28. Opposite, the anterior wall 30 has an annular rim 35 extending coaxially with the posterior trunnion 34 and projecting opposite the posterior wall 32. The annular rim extends around an oblong orifice 37 made in the anterior wall 30.

[0037] The rear trunnion 34 is then mounted for rotation in a rear bearing 38 integral with a rear support bearing 40 provided in the rear wall 23 of the receptacle 14.

[0038] On the contrary, the annular rim 35 is mounted for rotation in an anterior bearing 42 integral with an anterior support bearing 44 provided in the front wall 21 of the receptacle 14.

[0039] In addition, and in accordance with the invention, a drive shaft 36 is installed through the annular rim 35 and the oblong orifice 37 which it extends.

[0040] Furthermore, and as will be explained in more detail later in the description, the drive shaft 36 is rotationally linked with a handle 46 extending to the front of the partition 18.

[0041] Reference will again be made to [Fig. 1], in which the reservoir 16 is shown in its equilibrium position. The reservoir 16 is substantially hemisylindrical and has a radius R and two parallel edges 47, 49 that are substantially diametrically opposite.

[0042] Also, the rear trunnion 34 and the annular rim 35 are located substantially above the center of the reservoir 16 so that at equilibrium, the bottom 26 remains in a lowest position, while the opening 28 is in a high position.

[0043] In this equilibrium position, the reservoir 16 is adapted to be filled with water by means of a pressurized water inlet 48 which extends into a spout 50 extending into the opening 28 of the reservoir 16. At the base of the spout 50, a valve 52 is controlled by a pivoting rod 54 equipped at the end with a float 56 extending into the interior of the reservoir 16.

[0044] Thus, when the reservoir 16 is empty, the rod, under the effect of its own weight and that of the float, is tilted towards the bottom 26 of the reservoir 16 and causes the valve 52 to pivot, allowing water to flow through the spout 50. Conversely, as the water rises inside the reservoir 16, the float then causes the rod 54 to pivot in the opposite direction and causes the valve 52 to pivot into a position that blocks the water supply to the spout 52. The water flow is thus stopped when the reservoir 16 is full.

[0045] Thanks to the handle 46 found on this [Fig. 1], rotation is driven in In a clockwise direction, the reservoir 16 is filled to a desired amplitude, indicated for example by a graduation mark. The water from reservoir 16 then flows over one of the parallel edges 49 and spreads inside the receptacle 14, before passing through the flush pipe 22 and reaching the bowl 20.

[0046] As soon as the handle 46 is released, the reservoir 16 tilts in the opposite direction, counterclockwise, to return to its equilibrium position. When there is no water, the rod 54 is tilted, causing the spout 50 to be released by the valve 52 so that the reservoir 16 can be refilled.

[0047] We will refer again to [Fig.2]. Thus, approximately opposite the receptacle 14, the partition 18 has an opening 58, which receives a framework 60 partially embedded in the partition 18 and whose edges rest against the front face of the latter.

[0048] The frame 60 then receives a trim plate 62 which covers the opening 58 and through which the drive shaft 36 passes. The latter in turn receives the handle 46 which then extends opposite the trim plate 62.

[0049] Thus, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is in particular to be able to easily install the water tank control assembly, without being hindered by the different thicknesses of the partition 18.

[0050] Indeed, the partition 18 generally comprises a plasterboard panel, the thickness of which may be standard, but which is covered, where appropriate, by tiles. The thickness of these tiles may vary from one type to another. Consequently, the framework 60 is adjusted at a greater or lesser distance from the water tank 32 and the receptacle 14.

[0051] Consequently, in order not to have to adapt the length of the control shaft 36, it is mounted movable in translation through the receptacle 14, but also, through the water tank 32 as will be explained in more detail below with reference to [Fig.3],

[0052] In [Fig.3], in vertical axial section, the drive shaft 36 is shown, which has a first part 64 extending through the front wall 30 of the water tank 16, and a second opposite part 66 extending outward from the trim plate 62. The two parts are separated from each other by a stop disc 68. And a thread 70 is provided between the stop disc 68 and the first part 64.

[0053] Also, the first part 64, the second part 66 and the stop disc 68 are molded in one piece from plastic material.

[0054] The drive shaft 36 and its mode of cooperation with the reservoir 16 will be described in more detail with regard to [Fig.4].

[0055] Thus, we find the first part 64 of the drive shaft 36. It is generally cylindrical in shape, having two opposing flats. 72, 74 giving it an oblong section.

[0056] The first part 64 then passes through the oblong orifice 37 and the annular rim 35 of the anterior wall 30. The section of the oblong orifice 37 and the annular rim 35 which extends it, is substantially equal, within functional clearance, to the section of the first part 64 of the drive shaft 36.

[0057] In this way, the drive shaft 36 is rotationally bound to the front wall 30 of the reservoir 16. On the other hand, it is free in translation relative to this wall 30.

[0058] Also found on this [Fig.4] is the thread 70 of the first part 64, which is located outside the reservoir 16. Also found is the stop disc 68 and opposite it with respect to the first part 64, the second part 66.

[0059] Also, the second part 66 is also of general cylindrical shape of revolution with two second opposed flats 76, 78. The section of the second part 66 is thus also oblong.

[0060] In addition, it will be observed that the stop disc 68 also has two diametrically opposed arc lights 80, 82.

[0061] Thus, in [Fig.3], the stop disc 68 is found applied against a central upright of the frame 60. The upright has two diametrically opposed indexing fingers 84, 86 which respectively engage in the two arc-shaped slots 80, 82. This limits the rotation of the stop disc 68 and consequently of the drive shaft 36, between two extremes, at an angle of 90° for example.

[0062] In addition, opposite the stop disc 68 with respect to the central upright of the frame 60, a ball bearing 88 is applied against the stop disc 68, while a threaded ring 90 tightened on the thread 70 allows the ball bearing 88 to be held against the stop disc 68 and the drive shaft 36 to be axially secured to the central upright of the frame 60.

[0063] Also, we find the handle 46 in which the second part 66 of the drive shaft 36 is engaged. The second part 66 extends through the entire thickness of the handle 46, and it is rotationally linked to this handle.

[0064] In this way, whatever the distance of the frame 60 from the reservoir 16 and the receptacle 14, the drive shaft 16 can be adjusted in translation through the oblong orifice 37 and the annular rim 35 of the front wall 30. There is therefore no need to provide drive shafts 36 of different lengths or to have to cut it to the correct length.

[0065] As indicated above, the distance between the frame 60 and the tank 16 depends essentially on the thickness of the wall illustrated in [Fig.2], which thickness generally depends on the thickness of the tiles covering it.

[0066] Furthermore, a U-profiled spacer 92 is installed between the two opposite walls 30, 32 of the water tank 16.

[0067] The spacer 92 allows, on the one hand, for the rigidification of the water reservoir 16.

[0068] Also, it is mounted in engagement on the first part 64 of the drive shaft 36 and thus contributes to maintaining it more rigidly to the front wall 30 of the reservoir 16.

[0069] In this way, the handle 46 is totally fixed, in rotation, to the water reservoir 16 by means of the drive shaft 36.

[0070] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the elements are as described above. Elements with the same function have the same reference number with a prime sign: « ' ».

[0071] Thus, we find the reservoir 16' having an anterior wall 30' opposed to a posterior wall 32'. The anterior wall 30' has an oblong orifice 37' extended by an annular rim 35'.

[0072] Furthermore, the oblong opening 37' and the annular rim 35' are adapted to receive a drive shaft 36'. The latter has a first portion 64' opposed to a second portion 66'. The first portion 64' is rotationally engaged in the oblong opening 37' and the annular rim 35'. Conversely, the first portion 64' is free in translation within the oblong opening 37' and the annular rim 35'.

[0073] The frame 60' is also present, which has a light 94 adapted to freely receive the second part 66' of the drive shaft 36'. Thus, the second part 66' extends outward from the frame 60'.

[0074] And, the second part 66' is adapted to come into contact with a geared motor 96 which is mounted in a fixed position against the frame 60'.

[0075] The frame 60' and the geared motor 96 are adapted to be covered by the trim plate 62'. And the latter has touch control elements 46' to be able to control the geared motor 96 and therefore, the tilting of the tank 16'.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the axial position of the drive shaft 36' relative to the tank 16' can be adjusted according to the distance between the frame 60' and the tank 16'. There is no need to provide drive shafts 36' of different lengths or to cut them to the correct length.

Claims

Demands

1. A concealed, wall-hung flushing device comprising: - a water tank (16) having two opposing walls (30, 32) and a frame for holding said water tank suspended behind a partition (18); - a flushing pipe (22) adapted to extend through said partition (18) between said water tank and a toilet bowl located in front of said partition; - a control assembly adapted to be mounted through said partition (18) to control the emptying of all or part of the water from said tank (16) so that it flows into said flushing pipe (22); characterized in that it further comprises a receptacle (14) opening into said flushing pipe (22), while said water tank (16) is mounted to tilt inside said receptacle (14);and in that said control assembly comprises a drive shaft (36) rotationally linked to one (30) of said two walls of said water tank (16) and extending through said partition (18), in order to control the tilting of said tank (16) inside said receptacle (14), said drive shaft being free in translation through said one (30) of said two walls in order to adjust the axial position of said drive shaft (36) according to the thickness of said partition (18).

2. Suspended flushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a spacer extending between said two opposite walls of said water tank.

3. Suspended flushing device according to claim 2, characterized in that said spacer (92) is U-shaped to straddle said drive shaft (36).

4. Suspended flushing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said drive shaft (36) has a first part (64) of oblong cross-section opposed to a second part (66) of oblong cross-section, the two parts of oblong cross-section being separated from each other by a stop disc (68).

5. A suspended flushing device according to claim 4, characterized in that said drive shaft (36) has a threaded portion (70) between said stop disc (68) and said first part (66) of

6.

7.

8. oblong section to receive a threaded ring (90). Suspended flushing device according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said one (30) of said two walls has an oblong orifice (37) to receive in contact said first part (64) of oblong section said drive shaft (36). A suspended flushing device according to claim 6, characterized in that said oblong orifice (37) has an annular rim (35) projecting from said one (30) of said two walls and having an oblong cross-section identical to said oblong orifice (37). A suspended flushing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a geared motor (96) for driving said drive shaft (36) in rotation.

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