Toilet flush actuation device

Abstract

Flush Actuator Device The actuator device (1) with axis (A1) comprises: - a housing (10) mounted in a hole in a tank lid; - a set of buttons (30) mounted in the housing, comprising a first push button (31) and a second push button; - a rod (60) rotationally fixed to the housing and axially movable; - a coupling piece (70) fixed to the first button and axially fixed to the rod. First connecting means (78) of the coupling piece cooperate with second connecting means (64, 65) of the rod to rotationally link the housing and the set of buttons in the coupled state. They can transition to a decoupled state when the set of buttons rotates about the axis and a sufficient resisting torque is applied to the housing (10) to orient the set of buttons relative to the housing. Figure 14

Description

Title of the invention: Toilet flushing actuation device

[0001] The invention relates to a toilet flushing actuation device intended to be mounted on a tank, the tank comprising a bowl and a lid and receiving a flushing mechanism assembled to the bowl.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to such an actuation device comprising a cylindrical housing containing a set of buttons comprising a first and a second button, namely a button pressed to trigger a large-volume flush and a button pressed to trigger a smaller-volume flush. In this type of actuation device, the small-flush button is generally arranged in the button set in an off-center and circumferentially localized manner. In other words, the button set exhibits a rotational asymmetry about the axis of the actuation device.

[0003] To install such an actuation device, the housing is inserted into a hole in the tank lid and then screwed into a fixed part of the flushing mechanism mounted in the tank until the appropriate tightness is achieved. During this screwing process, the housing rotates around its vertical axis, and the button assembly rotates with the housing.

[0004] It follows that, when the housing is properly tightened, the small flush button is very often positioned asymmetrically with respect to a median vertical plane of the tank lid. This is undesirable because it detracts from the aesthetics and may lead a user to doubt the overall quality of the device or its assembly. This asymmetrical positioning can be particularly problematic when one or both buttons have an inscription, which may end up being poorly oriented relative to the user and therefore difficult to read.

[0005] To resolve this problem and correctly orient the button assembly, it is not feasible to rotate the housing further relative to the cover in the direction of tightening, as this could damage the flushing mechanism, particularly by cracking some of its component parts. Conversely, rotating the housing less would result in insufficient tightening, which could lead to malfunctions and, ultimately, to damage to the flushing mechanism.

[0006] The invention aims to remedy the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0007] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a toilet flushing actuation device intended to be mounted on a tank, the tank comprising a basin and a lid and receiving a flushing mechanism assembled to the tank. The actuation device defines an axis arranged substantially vertically in the raised position and comprises: - a housing comprising a cylindrical peripheral wall and a bottom wall which define a housing whose upper end is open, the housing further comprising a collar extending substantially radially outwards from the upper end of the peripheral wall, the housing being intended to be mounted in a hole in the lid with the collar pressed tightly against the outer face of the lid; - a sleeve attached to the housing protruding axially and downwards from the bottom wall of the housing, the sleeve being coaxial with the housing and opening into the housing through an opening in the bottom wall, the sleeve having an external thread and being intended to be mounted on a fixed part of the flushing mechanism; - a set of buttons mounted in the housing of the case, said set having a revolutional asymmetry around the axis and comprising a first button and a second button, said first button and said second button being movable in axial translation relative to the case between a high position and a first low position, respectively a second low position different from the first, said buttons being fixed in rotation around the axis; - a means of recalling said buttons to the up position; - a rod engaged in the sleeve and in the orifice provided in the bottom wall of the case, the rod having an upper part located in the housing and a lower part located beyond the lower end of the sleeve and intended to cooperate with a moving part of the flushing mechanism, the rod being rotationally fixed to the case and able to pass, by axial translation relative to the case, from an inactive position to an active position under the action of one of the buttons moving from the high position to the low position.

[0008] According to a general definition of the invention, the actuation device further comprises a coupling piece mounted rigidly on the first button, on the housing side, and fixed axially translationally on the upper part of the stem. The coupling piece comprises first connecting means and the stem comprises second connecting means, said first and second connecting means being configured to cooperate, in a coupled state, such that the button assembly and the housing are rotationally linked via the stem and the coupling piece, and the first and second connecting means being configured to be able to transition to a decoupled state when the button assembly is rotated about the axis and it a resistive torque greater than a predefined threshold is exerted on the casing, so that the set of buttons can rotate around the axis relative to the casing.

[0009] Thus, when installing the actuation device on the tank, an operator rotates the housing around its axis so that the sleeve screws onto a fixed part of the flushing mechanism, that is, a part of the flushing mechanism that is fixed relative to the tank. The flushing mechanism is generally fixed to the bottom wall of the tank, around a drain hole substantially aligned vertically with the hole in the lid. During this movement, and before tightening occurs, the resisting torque exerted on the housing is nonexistent or very low. Under these conditions, the housing and the button assembly are rotationally linked by means of the rod and the coupling piece, via the first and second connecting means, which are then in a coupled state. The connecting means are therefore rotationally connected.

[0010] Tightening the screw causes the housing to descend axially, bringing the housing's flange closer to the upper surface of the lid. The operator then tightens the housing against the lid in the usual way. The flange is then firmly pressed against the outer face of the tank, i.e., in contact with virtually no axial play. Since the knob assembly rotates simultaneously with the housing, it may not be correctly oriented.

[0011] The operator can then act on the button assembly to rotate it around the axis. Due to the tight fit of the housing, a significant resisting torque is exerted on the housing. Under these conditions, according to the invention, the first and second connecting means transition to a decoupled state, allowing the button assembly to rotate independently of the housing, within the housing itself, the housing remaining fixed relative to the tank lid. The button assembly can thus be oriented as desired.

[0012] It should be noted that this decoupling occurs regardless of the direction in which the button assembly rotates around the axis. Indeed, if the button assembly is rotated in the direction of screwing the housing, or more precisely, screwing the sleeve into the fixed part of the flushing mechanism, the resisting torque exerted on the housing is due to the difficulty of further tightening the housing against the cover. Conversely, if the button assembly is rotated in the direction of unscrewing the housing, the resisting torque exerted on the housing is due to friction between the threads of the sleeve and those of the fixed part of the flushing mechanism, which are in tight axial contact.

[0013] In other words and succinctly, if the housing is free to rotate around its axis, then the set of buttons rotates with it, and if the housing is held fixed in rotation by a sufficient force, then it is possible to rotate the set of buttons around the axis, relative to the housing and inside it.

[0014] The invention allows the button assembly to be oriented appropriately relative to the tank lid using a device with few parts, which is highly advantageous. Furthermore, since orienting the button assembly does not require rotating the housing in its tight configuration, the risk of damaging the lid by friction between the housing and the lid is avoided.

[0015] The button assembly and the housing are indirectly rotationally linked, in the coupled state, via the coupling piece and the stem. However, the button assembly and the housing are not directly rotationally linked to each other; that is, there is no component belonging to the housing and no component belonging to the button assembly that cooperate to ensure this rotational coupling. In other words, the button assembly and the housing, considered independently of the other components of the device, are free to rotate relative to each other.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the coupling piece comprises an inner skirt into which the upper part of the rod is engaged, the first connecting means being provided on the inner face of the inner skirt and the second connecting means being provided on the outer face of the rod opposite said inner skirt. Furthermore, the first connecting means have a plurality of axial grooves separated by ribs, and the second connecting means have at least one axial relief capable of being housed in a groove, or vice versa.

[0017] With this arrangement, the rib prevents the coupling piece from rotating relative to the rod in the coupled state. However, by applying sufficient force, it is possible to move the relief beyond the rib to reach the next groove, and so on, thereby disengaging the first and second connecting means. With this arrangement, the operator adjusting the orientation of the button assembly has the sensation of making angular adjustments in increments.

[0018] The grooves and ribs can be provided on the outer face of the rod, preferably arranged over substantially all of said outer face of the rod and preferably being substantially regularly spaced circumferentially, that is to say, substantially regularly distributed around the circumference of the rod. It should be noted that the outer face of the rod does not necessarily form a complete cylinder.

[0019] It can also be provided that the inner face of the inner skirt has N reliefs, N being for example between 2 and 5, in particular equal to three, the reliefs being preferably substantially regularly spaced circumferentially.

[0020] It should be noted that a person skilled in the art knows how to dimension the connecting means to maintain them in a coupled state during the screwing of the housing, and then to achieve their decoupling once the housing has been tightened. In particular, a person skilled in the art knows how to dimension the radial dimensions of the ribs and the relief(s) to ensure a relative locking during the screwing of the case, but also so that the relief can pass over a rib in the orientation phase of the button assembly.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the coupling piece includes an annular bead projecting towards the axis and engaging in an annular groove formed in the upper part of the rod. This ensures axial translational locking of the rod relative to the coupling piece. The bead may be formed at the lower end of the skirt.

[0022] Furthermore, the coupling piece may include an outer skirt press-fitted into a cylindrical wall of the first button. This allows the coupling piece and the first button to be joined together.

[0023] The coupling piece may include at least one notch into which a radial lug formed on the first button and projecting towards the axis is engaged, in order to lock the coupling piece and the first button in rotation. This notably prevents any relative slippage of the parts rotating around the axis.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the button assembly has a substantially cylindrical peripheral face having a diameter substantially identical to the inner diameter of the peripheral wall of the housing, with a functional clearance, so that the button assembly can rotate relative to the housing, around the axis of the actuation device, substantially without friction between the peripheral face of the button assembly and the peripheral wall of the housing.

[0025] For example, the first lower position is located lower than the second lower position, the first button being able to operate a larger volume flush than the second button.

[0026] According to one possible embodiment, the first button has the general shape of a flat cylinder having a cavity in the shape of an angular sector of a cylinder, with an angle strictly less than 180°, preferably less than 120°, the second button having a shape complementary to the shape of the cavity.

[0027] The invention also relates to a toilet flushing system comprising a flushing actuation device as previously described and a flushing mechanism intended to be received in a tank comprising a bowl and a lid, the flushing mechanism comprising: - a body equipped with means of attachment to the tank of the reservoir; - a valve mounted axially movable relative to the body between a position a lower position for closing a drain hole provided in the tank of the reservoir, and a higher position for releasing said drain hole.

[0028] Furthermore, in the mounted position, the sleeve is screwed into a chimney mounted on the body, the chimney having a vertical axis and an internal thread, and the part The lower part of the stem is coupled to the valve so that it can cause the valve to move from the closed position to the released position when the stem moves from its inactive position to its active position.

[0029] The invention also relates to a toilet flushing assembly comprising: - a reservoir comprising a tank having a discharge opening, and a lid mounted on the tank and having a hole; - a toilet flushing system as previously described;

[0030] in which the housing is mounted in the hole in the lid with the collar resting against the outer face of the lid.

[0031] Finally, the invention relates to a method for installing a toilet flushing actuation device as previously described on a tank comprising a bowl and a lid, and receiving a flushing mechanism assembled to the bowl. The method comprises the following steps: - the actuation device is inserted into a hole in the lid, with its vertical axis and the housing located at the top; - the housing is rotated around the axis, relative to the cover, so as to screw the sleeve into a fixed part of the flushing mechanism, until the collar of the housing is pressed tightly against the outer face of the cover; - the button whose lowest position is located is pressed, to move said button to its lowest position, the other button consequently moving to its lowest position and being shifted upwards in the set of buttons; - by pressing the button offset upwards, the set of buttons is rotated around the axis, relative to the case, so as to orient said set of buttons in the desired way relative to the cover.

[0032] The button, thus offset, forms a grip for the operator. Alternatively, a tool, preferably a flat tool, could be used, slid between the first and second buttons, to cause the entire set of buttons to rotate.

[0033] A possible embodiment of the invention is now described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures:

[0034] [Fig.1] is a front view of a toilet flushing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a reservoir having a tank and a lid, a flushing mechanism received in the reservoir and a toilet flushing actuation device;

[0035] [Fig.2] is a top view of the cover showing the actuation device in which a set of buttons is not oriented appropriately;

[0036] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of the flushing mechanism and the actuation device;

[0037] [Fig.4] is a partial view of a detail of [Fig.3];

[0038] [Fig.5] is an axial cross-sectional view of the actuation device;

[0039] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the housing of the actuation device;

[0040] [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] are perspective views, from two different angles, of a first button of the set of buttons of the actuation device;

[0041] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a second button of the button assembly;

[0042] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view with an axial section of the button assembly;

[0043] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of the stem of the actuation device;

[0044] [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 13] are perspective views, from two different angles, of the coupling piece of the actuation device;

[0045] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view with a radial section of the actuation device;

[0046] [Fig. 15] is a partial radial cross-sectional view of the actuation device, showing the rod and coupling piece;

[0047] [Fig. 16] is a top view of the cover showing the actuation device in which a set of buttons is not oriented appropriately.

[0048] Fig. 1 represents a flushing assembly 100, which includes a reservoir 120 and a flushing system 140. The flushing system 140 includes a flushing mechanism 150 received in the reservoir 120 and a flushing actuation device 1.

[0049] The reservoir 120 comprises a tank 121 having a peripheral wall 122 and a bottom wall 123 in which is provided a discharge orifice 124 having an axis A124. In the embodiment shown, the tank 121 is substantially parallelepiped-shaped, and the discharge orifice 124 is substantially centered in the bottom wall 123.

[0050] The reservoir 120 also includes a lid 125 mounted on the tank 121. The lid 125 has, for example, a substantially rectangular main wall 126 and a peripheral rim 127 extending downwards and resting on the upper edge 128 of the peripheral wall 122 of the tank 121. The main wall 126 has an outer face 129. A hole 130 is provided in the main wall 126 of the lid 125. Preferably, the hole 130 is substantially centered in the main wall 126, and substantially coaxial with the discharge port 124.

[0051] The main wall 126 has two median planes, namely a median plane PI substantially parallel to the short sides of the main wall 126, and a median plane P2 substantially parallel to the long sides of the main wall 126. The hole 130 is substantially centered on the intersection of these planes PI, P2.

[0052] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the flushing mechanism 150 includes a body 151 which belongs to a fixed part of the flushing mechanism.

[0053] By "fixed part," we mean here a part of the flushing mechanism 150 that is fixed relative to the tank 121 in the mounted position, in particular fixed in the vertical direction. This does not preclude certain parts of the fixed part of the flushing mechanism 150 from being movable during an adjustment phase during assembly.

[0054] The body 151 is fixed by its lower part to the bottom wall 123 of the tank 121, extends overall vertically in the tank 121, substantially up to the lid 125, and is fixed at the level of its upper part to the actuation device 1.

[0055] The body 151 has, in its lower part, an assembly portion provided with means for attaching it to the tank 121 of the reservoir 120. The assembly portion includes, for example, a cylinder 152 having an external thread that is engaged in the discharge port 124 of the tank 121. A flange 153 projecting radially near the upper end of the cylinder 152 bears against the lower face of the bottom wall 123 of the tank 121, with an interposed sealing gasket (not shown). A threaded ring 154 is screwed onto the cylinder 152 from outside the tank 121, the bottom wall 123 of the tank 121 thus being sandwiched between the threaded ring 154 and the flange 153.

[0056] The body 151 also includes a middle portion extending upwards from the assembly portion, and may include a housing 155 that is at least partially cylindrical, fixed to the cylinder 152. The housing 155 is not shown in [Fig.3].

[0057] In its upper part, the body 151 may include a bracket 156. The bracket 156 has, on the one hand, a base 157 which may be in the form of a plate arranged substantially horizontally, the base 157 being provided with an opening 158. The bracket 156 also has, on the other hand, two vertical arms 159 extending downwards from the base 157. The arms 159 are assembled on the housing 155 in an adjustable manner along the vertical direction, so that the height of the flushing mechanism 150 can be adapted to the height of the tank 121.

[0058] The fixed part of the flushing mechanism 150 may also include a connecting piece 160 visible in particular on [Fig.4].

[0059] According to one possible embodiment, the connecting piece 160 comprises a base 161 forming a cavity 162 open downwards and having an upper wall 163 that extends substantially horizontally. A vertically oriented chimney 164 projects from the upper wall 163 and opens into the cavity 162 through an orifice provided in the upper wall 163. The chimney 164 has an internal thread.

[0060] The connecting piece 160 can be engaged in the opening 158 of the stirrup 156 and assembled to the base 157 of the stirrup 156 by means of an adjustment piece 165 which allows the position of the chimney axis 164 to be adjusted relative to the stirrup 156, according to two orthogonal horizontal directions.

[0061] The adjustment piece 165 is, for example, in the form of a substantially rectangular frame arranged horizontally, two sides of which are orthogonal to the two arms 159 of the stirrup 156. According to one possible embodiment, the adjustment piece 165 is mounted parallel to and under the base 157, sliding along a first horizontal direction, here a direction orthogonal to a median vertical plane common to the two arms 159. In addition, the connecting piece 160 is mounted on the adjustment piece 165 or in the frame formed by it, sliding along a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, that is to say here by approaching one or the other of the arms 159 of the stirrup 156.

[0062] In the mounted position, the chimney 164 can protrude upwards beyond the base 157 of the stirrup 156.

[0063] The flushing mechanism 150 also includes a valve 170 which belongs to the moving part of the flushing mechanism 150.

[0064] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the valve 170 comprises a vertically oriented arm 171 which is axially movable relative to the body 151, substantially coaxially with the cylinder 152. The valve 170 can be partially mounted within the housing 155. The valve 170 also comprises a disc-shaped obturator 172 which is integral with the lower end of the arm 171. A sealing gasket 173 is mounted around the periphery of the obturator 172. At its upper end, the arm 171 is extended by an overflow tube 174.

[0065] The moving part of the flushing mechanism 150 may further include a lifting system 180 for the flap 160.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the lifting system 180 includes a lever 181 that can pivot about an axis Al81 which is arranged horizontally, and which is located substantially in the middle area of ​​the lever 181. Specifically, the lever 181 may have two studs 182 engaged in hooks 166 provided on the connecting piece 160.

[0067] According to one possible embodiment, the lever 181 comprises a first part located in the cavity 162 of the connecting piece 160 and having two tabs 183 orthogonal to the axis Al81 and spaced apart. Also housed in the cavity 162 is a ring 190 provided with two horizontal lugs 191, diametrically opposed and parallel to the studs 182, each lug 191 resting on a tab 183. The ring 190 may further have a vertical projection 192 engaging in a groove (not visible) opening towards the cavity 162, for guiding the ring 190 in vertical translation relative to the connecting piece 160.

[0068] The lever 181 further includes a second part 184 which extends the first part on the other side of the axis A181, and which extends outside the cavity 162 of the connecting piece 160. In the vicinity of its free end, for example provided with a hook 185, the second part 184 is linked to a connecting lug 186 which is also linked to the arm 171 of the valve 170.

[0069] Thus, at rest, the valve 170 is in a low position of closing the discharge orifice 124. From this position, the downward movement of the ring 190, by pressing on the first part of the lever 181, leads to the upward movement of the free end of the second part 184 of the lever 181 and, via the connecting tab 186, to the lifting of the valve 170 which thus passes to a high position of releasing the discharge orifice 124.

[0070] The flush actuation device 1 is now described.

[0071] The actuation device 1 is mounted on a tank 120, more specifically on the cover 125, in the hole 130. The actuation device 1 defines an axis Al which, in the mounted position, is arranged substantially vertically and is substantially coincident with the axis of the hole 130.

[0072] The actuation device 1 comprises a housing 10, more specifically shown in [Fig. 6]. The housing 10 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 11 with axis A1 and a bottom wall 12 which define a recess 13. The upper end of the recess 13 is open. In addition, a collar 14 extends substantially radially outwards from the upper end of the peripheral wall 11. The collar 14 can be extended by a downward-projecting annular return 15, as seen in [Fig. 5].

[0073] The actuation device 1 also includes a sleeve 20 integral with the housing 10, projecting axially and downwards from the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10. The sleeve 20 is coaxial with the housing 10 and opens into the recess 13 through an opening 16 provided in the bottom wall 12. The sleeve 20 has an external thread 21. The sleeve 20 and the housing 10 can be made in one piece.

[0074] The sleeve 20 is mounted on a fixed part of the flushing mechanism 150. More specifically, in the mounted position, the sleeve 20 is screwed into the chimney 164 of the connecting piece 160. In addition, in the mounted position, the housing 10 is mounted in the hole 130 of the cover 125 and the collar 14 is pressed tightly against the outer face 126 of the cover 125. The actuation device 1 then holds the cover 125 in position on the tank 121 and also holds in position the fixed part of the flushing mechanism 150 to which it is assembled.

[0075] According to one possible embodiment, and as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10 comprises an annular area 17 adjacent to the orifice 16, an annular recess 18 with a larger diameter than the annular area 17, and a annular rib 19 of greater diameter than the annular recess 18 and whose upper edge is located higher than the annular zone 17.

[0076] The actuation device 1 further includes a set 30 of buttons mounted in the housing 13 of the casing 10. The set 30 of buttons has an axis coinciding with the axis Al and includes a first button 31 and a second button 32, one possible embodiment of which is more particularly illustrated in figures 7 to 10.

[0077] The first button 31, shown in Figures 7 and 8, comprises a disc-shaped upper wall 33 lacking an angular sector with an angle α between 80° and 120°, for example on the order of 100°. The upper wall 33 therefore has a peripheral edge 34 in the form of a circular arc and two edges 35 forming radii.

[0078] The set of buttons 30 preferably has a plane of symmetry P30 which contains the axis Al and the bisector of the angular sector.

[0079] The first button 31 includes a peripheral wall 36 projecting downwards from the peripheral edge 34 of the upper wall 33, the peripheral wall 36 thus forming a portion of a cylinder and extending between two axial edges 37 each located in the continuation of one of the edges 35. The peripheral wall 36 has a lower edge 38 located substantially in a horizontal plane.

[0080] A cavity 39 in the shape of an angular sector of a cylinder is thus formed in the first button 31.

[0081] The first button 31 comprises a support wall 40 which is substantially parallel to the upper wall 33 and offset downwards from it. The support wall 40 comprises, on the one hand, a main portion 40a in the form of an angular sector with angle α which is located in the cavity 39 and which has a circular edge 41 having a radius smaller than that of the upper wall 33. The support wall 40 comprises, on the other hand, an elongated portion 40b extending substantially from the axis A1 opposite the main portion 40a and over a distance substantially equal to the radius of the circular edge 4L

[0082] A cylindrical strip 42 with axis Al extends downwards into the cavity 39 from the circular edge 41, substantially to the horizontal plane defined by the lower edge 38 of the peripheral wall 36. The strip 42 and the main part 40a of the supporting wall 40 thus form a step in the cavity 39. In addition, an annular lower wall 43 extends into the cavity 39, parallel to the upper wall 33, from the lower edge of the strip 42 to an outer circular edge 44 which has a radius substantially identical to that of the upper wall 33.

[0083] The cavity 39 is delimited angularly by two partitions 45, each partition 45 being delimited by the axis Al, the step, the lower annular wall 43, an axial edge 37 of the peripheral wall 36, and the corresponding edge 35 of the upper wall 33.

[0084] The first button 31 further includes a wall 46 which projects downwards from the upper wall 33, substantially to the horizontal plane defined by the lower edge 38 of the peripheral wall 36. The wall 46 which has the shape of a portion of a cylinder of the same diameter as the band 42 and extends between the two partitions 45. The whole of the wall 46 and the band 42 thus forms a cylindrical wall 47 over 360°.

[0085] Two lugs 48 project radially from the cylindrical wall 47 in the direction of the AL axis. The lugs 48 may be diametrically opposed and may be located substantially in the plane P30. One of the lugs 48 may project from the wall 46 in the vicinity of the elongated portion 40b of the support wall 40, and the other may project from the strip 42.

[0086] The second button 32, shown in [Fig.9], has a shape complementary to that of the cavity 39.

[0087] The second button 32 thus has an upper wall 51 in the shape of an angular sector with angle α, which has a peripheral edge 52 in the form of a circular arc. The second button 32 also includes a peripheral wall 53 that projects downwards from the peripheral edge 52 of the upper wall 51, and which therefore has the shape of a portion of a cylinder. In addition, the second button 32 includes two lateral walls 54 that have shapes similar to those of the partitions 45, and which meet in the vicinity of the axis AL

[0088] A leg 55 with a hook 56 at its lower end protrudes in line with each of the lateral walls 54 of the second button 32. Each of the legs 55 is designed to engage in an opening 49 provided in the lower annular wall 43 of the first button 31, for the assembly of the second button 32 to the first button 31, the hooks 56 preventing the unintentional separation of the two buttons 31, 32.

[0089] In the mounted position, as seen in Figures 5 and 10, the second button 32 conforms to the shape of the cavity 39, the button assembly 30 thus having the general shape of a flat cylinder. The second button 32 rests on the step formed by the strip 42 and the main part 40a of the support wall 40. Furthermore, the side walls 54 of the second button 32 are adjacent to the partitions 45.

[0090] The first button 31 and the second button 32 are therefore fixed in rotation around the axis Al, but mobile in axial translation relative to the housing 10.

[0091] As can be seen in [Fig. 5], preferably, the button assembly 30 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral face having a diameter substantially identical to the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 11 of the housing 10, with a functional clearance. In this way, the button assembly 30 can be moved relative to the housing 10 substantially without friction between the peripheral face of the assembly and buttons 30 and the peripheral wall 11 of the housing 10, whether in rotation around the axis Al or in translation parallel to the axis Al.

[0092] The actuation device 1 also includes a rod 60 which is engaged in the sleeve 20 and in the orifice 16 provided in the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10.

[0093] As can be seen in Figures 5 and 11, the rod 60 has an upper part 61 located in the housing 13 of the casing 10 and a lower part 62 located beyond the lower end of the sleeve 20. The lower part 62 is intended to cooperate with the moving part of the flushing mechanism 150. For example, the lower part 62 is threaded and, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], it is engaged in the ring 190 itself having an internal thread.

[0094] The rod 60 is rotationally fixed to the housing 10. For this purpose, it may be provided that the orifice 16 provided in the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10 is not circular but of polygonal section and / or provided with a radial lug, so as to block the rotation of the rod 60.

[0095] An annular groove 63 can be provided at the upper part of the stem 60.

[0096] Furthermore, the upper part 61 of the stem 60 comprises, above the throat annular 63, a plurality of grooves 64 which extend axially and which are separated by ribs 65. The grooves 64 and the ribs 65 are provided on the outer face of the stem 60, preferably on substantially the entire outer face of the stem 60. The ribs 65 are preferably substantially regularly spaced circumferentially.

[0097] The actuation device 1 further comprises a coupling piece 70 which is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 14, the coupling piece 70 is mounted on the first button 31 in a fixed manner, on the side of the housing 13 i.e. in the lower part of the first button 31. In addition, the coupling piece 70 is mounted on the upper part of the rod 60, in a fixed manner against axial translation.

[0098] The coupling piece 70 has an axis substantially coinciding with the axis AL. The coupling piece 70 comprises a disc-shaped upper wall 71 and an outer skirt 72 projecting downwards from the periphery of the upper wall 71. The outer skirt 72 is press-fitted into the cylindrical wall 47 of the first button 31, the upper wall 71 abutting against the lower face of the support wall 40. The lower edge 73 of the outer skirt 72 can then be substantially in the same horizontal plane as the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 47.

[0099] In the outer skirt 72, two notches 74 may be provided, for example diametrically opposed. Each of the notches 74 receives a lug 48 of the first button 31, as seen in [Fig. 14], thus ensuring rotational locking of the coupling piece 70 and the housing 10.

[0100] The coupling piece 70 also includes an inner skirt 75, cylindrical and with axis Al, which projects downwards, and which has a height greater than the height of the outer skirt 72. The inner skirt 75 thus has a lower edge 76 located lower than the lower edge 73 of the outer skirt 72. The inner skirt 75 includes an annular bead 77 projecting towards the axis Al, for example arranged in the vicinity of the lower edge 76 of the inner skirt 75.

[0101] Furthermore, the inner face of the inner skirt 75 has at least one raised feature 78 that projects towards the axis A1 and extends axially. Preferably, between two and five such features are provided, for example three 78. The 78 features are preferably substantially regularly spaced circumferentially.

[0102] In the mounted position of the actuation device 1, as seen in [Fig.5], the coupling piece 70 is secured under the first button 31 by press fitting into the cylindrical wall 47 and engagement of the lugs 48 in the notches 74.

[0103] Furthermore, the upper part of the rod 60 is engaged in the inner skirt 75 of the coupling piece 70. More precisely, the annular ridge 77 formed on the inner skirt 75 of the coupling piece 70 is engaged in the annular groove 63 of the rod 60, thus securing the coupling piece 70 and the rod 60 in axial translation. The set of grooves 64 and ribs 65 formed on the outer face of the rod 60 is then located opposite the ridges 78 formed on the inner face of the inner skirt 75, the ridge(s) 78 being housed in a groove 64. The ridges 78 form first means of connection, and the set of grooves 64 and ribs 65 form second means of connection which can be in the coupled or uncoupled state, as will be seen later.

[0104] The first and second buttons 31, 32 are in the upper position, in which the upper wall 33 of the first button 31 and the upper wall 51 of the second button 32 are substantially flush with the collar 14 of the housing 10. The first button 31 and the second button 32 are movable in axial translation relative to the housing 10 between this upper position and a first lower position, respectively a second lower position different from the first.

[0105] The actuation device 1 includes a means for returning the first and second buttons 31, 32 to this upper position. This return means may include a helical spring 80 arranged around the rod 60. For example, the lower end of the spring 80 bears in the annular recess 18 of the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10 and the upper end of the spring 80 is housed in the coupling piece 70 and bears against the lower face of the upper wall 71 of the coupling piece 70.

[0106] In this position, the upper end of the rod 60 is, for example, located under the elongated part 40b of the support wall 40 of the first button 31. Preferably, the upper end of the rod 60 is located at an axial distance from the set of buttons 30. In other words, the rod 60 is not directly connected to the first and second buttons 31, 32.

[0107] The actuation device 1 thus assembled is placed in the tank 120 as explained below, it being specified that the flushing mechanism 150 is already fixed to the tank 121, and that the cover 125 is placed on the tank 121.

[0108] First, the actuation device 1 is inserted into the hole 130 of the cover 125, with its vertical axis and the housing 10 located in the upper part.

[0109] Then, the operator rotates the housing 10 around the axis Al, relative to the cover 125. This causes the sleeve 20 to screw into the channel 164 of the connecting piece 160 belonging to the flushing mechanism 150. Simultaneously, the lower part 62 of the rod 60 screws into the ring 190. The screwing continues until the collar 14 of the housing 10 is pressed tightly against the outer face 129 of the cover 125. The sleeve 20 is then clamped in the channel 164. However, there is no clamping between the lower part 62 of the rod 60 and the ring 190.

[0110] During this screwing motion, before tightening, the ridges 78 of the coupling piece remain engaged in a groove 64 of the rod 60. The ridges 78 and the assembly of grooves 64 and ribs 65 are then coupled and cooperate. Consequently, the button assembly 30 and the housing 10 are rotationally linked via the rod 60 and the coupling piece 70. This is because, before tightening, the button assembly 30 exerts only a very low resisting torque on the housing 10, and the ridges 78 cannot therefore pass beyond the ribs 65.

[0111] Once tightened, the button assembly 30 is very often incorrectly oriented relative to the reservoir 120. Indeed, due to the shape of the cavity 39 in an angular sector of a cylinder with an angle different from 180°, the button assembly 30 has an asymmetry of revolution around the AL axis. However, the final angular orientation of the housing 10 is fixed by obtaining the required tightening and determines the final angular orientation of the button assembly 30 since the button assembly 30 rotates simultaneously with the housing 10.

[0112] We therefore very often find ourselves with the configuration illustrated in [Fig.2], where the plane of symmetry P30 of the set of buttons 30 is not parallel to any of the median planes PI, P2 of the main wall 126 of the cover 125.

[0113] From this configuration, it is possible to modify the angular orientation of the set of buttons 30 without acting on the tightening or loosening of the housing 10 on the reservoir 120.

[0114] To do this, the operator rotates the button assembly 30 around the axis Al. Consequently, due to the engagement of the lugs 48 in the notches 74, the coupling piece 70 rotates in conjunction with the button assembly 30. However, since the housing 10 is clamped onto the reservoir 120, a significant resisting torque is exerted on the housing 10, preventing it from rotating relative to the reservoir 120. The same resisting torque is therefore exerted on the rod 60, since it is fixed to the rotating housing 10. Consequently, by applying sufficient force, an operator can cause the reliefs 78 to pass beyond the ribs 65. In other words, the operator can move the reliefs 78 and the assembly of grooves 64 and ribs 65 to a decoupled state. [Fig.[Fig. 15] shows a configuration where the reliefs 78 (or at least some of them) are radially aligned with a rib 65, which corresponds to a fixed point in the movement of the rotating button assembly 30. Thus, the button assembly 30 can rotate about the axis Al relative to the housing 10. The button assembly 30 can therefore be oriented as desired relative to the cover 125. In particular, the configuration of [Fig. 16] can be obtained, in which the plane of symmetry P30 of the button assembly 30 is parallel to, or substantially coincides with, the median plane PI of the main wall 126 of the cover 125.

[0115] The operation of the assembled 100 flushing toilet assembly is as follows.

[0116] When a user presses the first button 31, it simultaneously causes the coupling piece 70 to move downwards. The user moves the first button 31 from its upper position to the first lower position, which is defined by the stop between the lower edge 76 of the inner skirt 75 of the coupling piece 70 and the annular area 17 of the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10. Due to the engagement of the annular bead 77 of the coupling piece 70 in the annular groove 63 of the rod 60, the rod 60 is also moved axially downwards relative to the housing 10. The rod 60 thus moves from an inactive position - namely its upper rest position - to an active position - namely a lower position. With the lower part 62 of the rod 60 engaged in the ring 190 of the flushing mechanism 150, it follows that the valve 170 moves to its upper position of release of the discharge orifice 124, as explained previously.

[0117] It should be noted that, when the first button 31 is pressed, the second button 32 moves axially downwards under the effect of gravity, remaining in contact with the step provided in the cavity 39 of the first button 31.

[0118] When a user presses the second button 32, it moves to the second lower position, which is defined by the stop between the lower end of the hook 56 of the tabs 55 of the second button 32 and the annular rib 19 of the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10. Identical to what is described above, This triggers the passage of the valve 170 to its upper position, releasing the discharge orifice 124.

[0119] The actuation device 1 is designed so that the second lower position is different from the first lower position. More precisely, the second lower position is located higher than the first lower position. In other words, the first button 31 is capable of flushing a larger volume of water than the second button 32. It should be noted that, when the second button 32 is pressed, it causes the first button 31 to move axially downwards by pressing on the step, although the first button 31 does not reach the first lower position.

[0120] The engagement of the lugs 55 of the second button 32 in the orifices 49 of the first button 31 ensures axial translational guidance between the first and second buttons 31, 32. For this purpose, a lug 57 projecting downwards from the upper wall 51 of the second button 32, substantially in the plane P30, may also be provided, engaging in an orifice 50 provided in the lower annular wall 43 of the first button 31.

[0121] Rotating the button assembly 30 relative to the housing 10, to obtain the desired orientation, can be done more easily in the following way.

[0122] The operator can press the first button 31 until it reaches the first lower position. The second button 32 is then in the second lower position, i.e., shifted upwards. The second button 32 can then be grasped by the operator to rotate the set of buttons 30.

[0123] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example but includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

[0124] Thus, an inverse arrangement of the first and second connecting means can be envisaged, that is to say, a set of grooves and ribs formed on the inner face of the inner skirt of the coupling piece, and reliefs formed on the outer face of the upper part of the stem. Furthermore, the first and second buttons could have different shapes.

Claims

1. Demands A flushing actuation device (1) intended to be mounted on a tank (120), the tank (120) comprising a bowl (121) and a lid (125) and receiving a flushing mechanism (150) assembled to the bowl (121), said actuation device (1) defining an axis (Al) arranged substantially vertically in the mounted position and comprising: - a housing (10) comprising a cylindrical peripheral wall (11) and a bottom wall (12) which define a housing (13) whose upper end is open, the housing (10) further comprising a collar (14) extending substantially radially outwards from the upper end of the peripheral wall (11), the housing (10) being intended to be mounted in a hole (130) of the cover (125) with the collar (14) pressed tightly against the outer face of the cover (125); - a sleeve (20) attached to the housing (10) projecting axially and downwards from the bottom wall (12) of the housing (10), the sleeve (20) being coaxial with the housing (10) and opening into the housing (13) through an orifice (16) provided in the bottom wall (12), the sleeve (20) having an external thread (21) and being intended to be mounted on a fixed part of the flushing mechanism (150); - a set of buttons (30) mounted in the housing (13) of the casing (10), said set of buttons (30) having an asymmetry of revolution about the axis (Al) and comprising a first button (31) and a second button (32), said first button (31) and said second button (32) being movable in axial translation relative to the casing (10) between a high position and a first low position, respectively a second low position different from the first, said buttons (31, 32) being fixed in rotation about the axis (Al); - a means (80) for returning said buttons (31, 32) to the raised position; - a rod (60) engaged in the sleeve (20) and in the opening (16) provided in the bottom wall (12) of the housing (10), the rod (60) having an upper portion (61) located in the housing (13) and a lower portion (62) located beyond the lower end of the sleeve (20) and intended to cooperate with a moving part of the flushing mechanism (150), the rod (60) being rotationally fixed

2.

3. of the housing (10) and able to pass, by axial translation relative to the housing (10), from an inactive position to an active position under the action of one of the buttons (31, 32) passing from the high position to the low position; characterized in that it further comprises a coupling piece (70) rigidly mounted on the first button (31) on the housing side (13), and fixed axially translationally mounted on the upper part (61) of the rod (60), the coupling piece (70) comprising first connecting means (78) and the rod (60) comprising second connecting means (64, 65), said first and second connecting means being configured to cooperate in a coupled state, such that the button assembly (30) and the housing (10) are rotationally linked via the rod (60) and the coupling piece (70), and the first and second connecting means being configured to be able to transition to a decoupled state when the button assembly (30) is rotated about the axis (A1) and a resisting torque exceeding a predefined threshold is applied to the housing (10), so that the button assembly (30) can rotate about the axis (Al) relative to the housing (10). Actuating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling piece (70) comprises an inner skirt (75) in which the upper part (61) of the rod (60) is engaged, the first connecting means being provided on the inner face of the inner skirt (75) and the second connecting means being provided on the outer face of the rod (60) opposite said inner skirt (75), the first and second connecting means comprising the former a plurality of axial grooves (64) separated by ribs (65), and the latter at least one axial relief (78) suitable for being housed in a groove (64). Actuating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the grooves (64) and ribs (65) are provided on the outer face of the rod (60), preferably arranged over substantially all of said outer face of the rod (60) and preferably being substantially regularly spaced circumferentially, and / or in that the inner face of the inner skirt (75) has N reliefs (78), N being for example between 2 and 5, the reliefs (78) preferably being substantially regularly spaced circumferentially.

4. Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coupling piece (70) comprises an annular bead (77) projecting towards the axis (Al) and engaging in an annular groove (63) formed in the upper part (61) of the rod (60).

5. Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coupling piece (70) comprises an outer skirt (72) press-fitted into a cylindrical wall (47) of the first button (31).

6. Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the coupling piece (70) includes at least one notch (74) in which is engaged a radial lug (48) formed on the first button (31) and projecting in the direction of the axis (Al), in order to lock in rotation the coupling piece (70) and the first button (31).

7. Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the button assembly (30) has a substantially cylindrical peripheral face having a diameter substantially identical to the inner diameter of the peripheral wall (11) of the housing (10), with a functional clearance, so that the button assembly (30) can rotate relative to the housing (10), around the axis (Al) of the actuating device (1), substantially without friction between the peripheral face of the button assembly (30) and the peripheral wall (11) of the housing (10).

8. Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first lower position is located lower than the second lower position, the first button (31) being able to operate a flush of greater volume than the second button (32).

9. A toilet flushing system (140) comprising a flushing actuation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a flushing mechanism (150) intended to be received in a reservoir (120) comprising a tank (121) and a cover (125), the flushing mechanism (150) comprising: - a body (151) provided with means for fixing to the tank (121) of the reservoir (120); - a valve (170) mounted to move axially relative to the body (151) between a lower position of closing a discharge orifice (124) provided in the tank (121) of the reservoir (120), and a high release position of said discharge orifice (124); in which, in the mounted position, the sleeve (20) is screwed into a chimney (164) mounted on the body (151), the chimney (164) having a vertical axis and an internal thread, and the lower part (62) of the rod (60) is coupled to the valve (170) so as to be able to cause the valve (170) to move from the closed position to the release position when the rod (60) moves from its inactive position to its active position.

10. A toilet flushing assembly (100) comprising: - a reservoir (120) having a tank (121) having an outlet (124), and a cover (125) mounted on the tank (121) and having a hole (130); - a toilet flushing system (140) according to claim 9; in which the housing (10) is mounted in the hole (130) of the cover (125) with the collar (14) bearing against the outer face (129) of the cover (125).

11. Method of installing a flushing actuation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 on a tank (120) comprising a bowl (121) and a lid (125) and receiving a flushing mechanism (150) assembled to the bowl (121), said method comprising the following steps: - the actuation device (1) is inserted into a hole (130) in the lid (125), with its axis (Al) vertical and the housing (10) located in the upper part; - the housing (10) is rotated around the axis (Al), relative to the lid (125), so as to screw the sleeve (20) into a fixed part (164) of the flushing mechanism (150), until the collar (14) of the housing (10) is in tight contact with the outer face (129) of the lid (125);- The button (31) whose lowest position is located is pressed, to move said button (31) to its lower position, the other button (32) consequently moving to its lower position and being shifted upwards in the set of buttons (30); - by acting on the upwardly shifted button (32), the set of buttons (30) is rotated around the axis (Al), relative to the housing (10), so as to orient said set of buttons (30) in the desired way relative to the cover (125).

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