EP1544361A1

EP1544361A1 - Closing element for sanitary fixture drains adapted for being actuated remotely

Info

Publication number: EP1544361A1
Application number: EP03425810A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Oscar Seneci
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-19
Filing date: 2003-12-19
Publication date: 2005-06-22

Abstract

A closing element (10) for sanitary fixture drains adapted for being actuated remotely, comprises a disc-shaped element (12) adapted for coming into contact with at least one edge of a drain. A development axis (14) of the closing element is substantially perpendicular to the disc-shaped element (12). An actuating portion (16) is associated to the disc-shaped element (12) and adapted for interacting with remote actuating means associated to the drain for opening and closing the drain itself. Bar-shaped elements (18) or stems extend from the disc-shaped element (12) in the vicinity of an external circumference of the disc-shaped element itself, and along the development axis (14) of the closing element (10).

Description

The object of the present invention is a closing element for sanitary fixture drains adapted for being actuated remotely.
In particular, the present invention relates to a so-called pop-up drain type, for example for bathroom fixtures, bidet, washbasins, baths, showers or the like.
The closing elements known so far comprise a disc-shaped element adapted for sealingly resting on an edge of the drain into which there is inserted the closing element itself. The closing element generally comprises an actuating portion, for example realised by a cylindrical bar that extends from a central portion of the disc-shaped element itself and in a direction substantially perpendicular to it. Such cylindrical bar is adapted for interacting with remote actuation means such as compound levers or the like, which are controlled by the user by an external control.
Besides the actuating portion, known closing elements exhibit guiding elements, for example realised by a ring fitted with spokes on the actuating portion or by fins that extend radially from the actuating portion.
In any case, the guiding elements, needed to prevent the closing element from getting stuck or from turning over, exhibit quite wide surfaces that create obstacles to the quick outflow of water and that are breeding ground for germs, bacteria, mildew and bad smelling patinas.
The problem at the basis of the present invention is that of proposing a closing element which, thanks to its new shape, should allow a higher water outflow than the known shapes, and should not hold any dirt present in the water thanks to its configuration and to the high outflow speed.
This problem is solved by a closing element according to claim 1.
Further features and advantages of the closing element according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred embodiments, made by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
figure 1 shows a side view of a possible embodiment of a closing element according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows a bottom view of the closing element of figure 1;
figure 3 shows a side view of a portion of a closing element according to a further possible embodiment;
figure 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of a closing element according to a possible embodiment, for example adapted for being assembled with the portion of figure 3;
figure 5 shows a top view of a portion of a closing element according to a possible embodiment, for example realised by assembling the portion of figure 3 and the portion of figure 4;
figure 6 shows an exploded side view of a possible embodiment of a closing element according to the present invention;
figure 7 shows a bottom view of the closing element of figure 6 assembled;
figure 8 shows a side section view of a mould for the realisation of a closing element according to the present invention, wherein the mould is shown in open position;
figure 9 shows a side section view of a portion of the mould of figure 8, wherein the mould is shown in intermediate closing position;
figure 10 shows a side section view of a portion of the mould of figure 8, wherein the mould is shown in closing position with realisation of the closing element;
figure 11 shows a side view of a possible embodiment of a punch for a mould for the realisation of a closing element according to the present invention;
figure 12 shows a plan view of the punch of figure 11 inside a die for the realisation of a closing element according to the present invention;
figure 13 shows a side view of a possible embodiment of a punch for a mould for the realisation of a closing element according to the present invention;
figure 14 shows a plan view of the punch of figure 13 inside a die for the realisation of a closing element according to the present invention;
figure 15 shows a partly sectioned side view of a drain with a remotely controlled closing element;
figure 16 shows a perspective view of a detail of figure 15.
With reference to the above figures, reference numeral globally indicates a closing element for sanitary fixture drains adapted for being actuated remotely. In the industry, the above closing element is also known as "pop-up drain".
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the closing element according to the present invention. Said embodiment exhibits a monolithic body realised by hot pressing, using the procedure and the mould described hereinafter.
The closing element 10 comprises disc-shaped or cylindrical element 12 adapted for coming into contact with at least one edge of a drain when the closing element is positioned inside the drain itself.
Reference numeral 14 denotes an axis of development of the closing element that is substantially perpendicular to the disc-shaped element 12.
According to a possible embodiment, such as for example shown in figure 1, the disc-shaped element exhibits an arched top surface 12a and a truncated-cone side surface 12b that tapers downwards. Reference numeral 12c indicates an arched bottom surface for example so as to follow the pattern of the top surface.
An actuating portion 16 is associated to the disc-shaped element 12 and is adapted for interacting with remote actuating means 17 (one of which for example is shown in figure 15) associated to the drain for opening and closing the drain itself. The actuating portion 16 for example is realised by a bar or a cylindrical structure that extends from the bottom surface 12c of the disc-shaped element along the development axis 14 starting from a central portion of the disc-shaped element itself.
Advantageously, there are provided bar-shaped elements 18 or stems that extend from the disc-shaped element 12 in the vicinity of an external circumference of the disc-shaped element itself, and along the development axis of the closing element. The elongated structure that defines the actuating portion and the bar-shaped elements extend from the same side as the disc-shaped element.
In particular, there are provided three bar-shaped elements that extend from the disc-shaped element at about 120° from one another, in a direction substantially parallel to the actuating portion 16.
In the examples shows wherein the disc-shaped element exhibits a truncated-cone side surface, the bar-shaped elements extend from the bottom external circumference of the side surface 12b, substantially along a bottom ring 12d of the disc-shaped element 12.
Advantageously, the bar-shaped elements are longer than the actuating portion 16 thereby being adapted for realising a guide to the vertical high/low movement of the closing element, which therefore is steadier in its opening and closing of the drain without the risk of being stuck or turning over.
According to a possible embodiment, a bar-shaped element exhibits - transversally to the development axis 14 - a substantially constant section along the development axis itself. With reference to the embodiment of figure 1, realised in a monolith part by hot pressing, the term "constant section" means that the section variation along the development axis of the closing element is only due to the need of withdrawing the pattern of the closing element from the relevant mould and therefore to the presence of necessary side rakes.
According to an advantageous embodiment, a bar-shaped element 18 exhibits - transversally to the development axis 14 - a section exhibiting a limited extension in a radial direction relative to the development axis itself, compared to the radial dimensions of the disc-shaped element 12.
According to another advantageous embodiment, a bar-shaped element 18 exhibits - transversally to the development axis 14 - a section exhibiting a limited extension in a tangential direction relative to the development axis itself, compared to the radial dimensions of the disc-shaped element 12.
If three bar-shaped elements 18 are advantageously provided, such bar-shaped elements exhibit - transversally to the development axis 14 - a section exhibiting a limited extension in a radial direction compared to the radial dimensions of the disc-shaped element 12 and such as to leave a gap between a bar-shaped element and the next one close to 120°.
According to a possible embodiment, transversally to the development axis 14 the actuating portion 14 exhibits a section having a larger size than the transversal section of the bar-shaped elements 18.
Figure 3-5 and 6-7 respectively show two embodiments of the closing element according to the present invention realised in more parts assembled with one another. The elements in common with the embodiment of figure 1-2 are indicated with the same reference numeral.
Figure 3 shows a portion of the closing element 10 comprising the disc-shaped element 12 and the actuating portion 16, realised in a single piece, for example by hot pressing, or according to other methods of realisation.
The bar-shaped elements 18 are obtained in parts that are distinct from the disc-shaped element and adapted for being assembled to it. According to a possible embodiment, each of said bar-shaped elements 18 is obtained by a foil adapted for being fixed to the disc-shaped element. For example, the disc-shaped elements are bent as an "L" to form arms 20 that join the bar-shaped elements to one another to create a single structure. Advantageously, arms 20 are connected, to form an opening 22 adapted for being fitted onto the actuating portion 16 of the closing element. According to a possible embodiment, arms 20 are connected into a ring 24 that delimits the above opening 22.
According to a possible embodiment, opening 22 exhibits suitable dimensions for realising a coupling with interference with the actuating portion 16. Optionally it is possible to provide for distinct locking means of the arms on the actuating portion.
The shape of the arms preferably is such as to follow the arched pattern of the bottom surface 14c so that the bar-shaped elements 18 extend from the disc-shaped element in the vicinity of an external circumference of the same.
It is evident that the bar-shaped elements cam also be realised with different shapes, for example without using bent foils, and in any case connected by arms adapted for realising an opening for seating the actuating portion.
According to the embodiment of figure 6-7, the bar-shaped elements are realised by cylindrical bars having a threaded end 18a adapted for being tightened into a threaded seat 26 obtained in the disc-shaped element.
The actuating portion can be realised integral with the disc-shaped element 12 or as a distinct element, for example realised by a cylindrical bar having a threaded end 16a adapted for being tightened into a threaded seat 28 obtained centrally in the bottom surface 12c of the disc-shaped element 12.
Advantageously, seats 26 of the bar-shaped elements 18 are obtained at the bottom ring 12d of the disc-shaped element 12.
In any embodiment of the closing element 10, a bar-shaped element 18 extends projecting from the disc-shaped element 12, that is, it exhibits a free end at an opposed side of the disc-shaped element itself.
Figure 15 shows a drain for sanitary fixtures wherein it is possible to use a closing element 10 according to the present invention.
Reference numeral 30 globally indicates a piping adapted for being attached to the sanitary fixture and housing the closing element 10 mobile between an open position and a closed position of the piping itself. In the example shown, the closing element 10 comprises a seal or O-ring 10a fitted on the side surface of the closing element itself for realising the seal with the drain walls.
According to a possible embodiment, the piping comprises a first portion 32 or "drain" that on top defines the sanitary fixture drain, and a second portion 34 or drain body that is attached to the first one with the interposition of the bottom wall of the sanitary fixture on which the drain is installed.
Reference numeral 17 indicates the remote actuating means operatively connected to the closing element for moving it from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. The remote actuating means comprise an external control 36 for example realised by a rotating knob. Through a connection coil 38, the external control 36 is connected to a cam 40 or eccentric adapted for being rotated around an axis. The cam interacts with the actuating portion 16 of the closing element for moving it at least between the above closed position and the above open position. In the example shown, the actuating portion 16 comprises an adjustment screw 42 connected to the actuating portion 16 itself and extending to rest on the cam 40
The connection between the coil and the cam, for example, is realised by a shaft 44 that extends through the walls of the drain body and connects to the external rotating control. The seal is ensured by gaskets or O-rings 46.
In the connection between coil and cam, the second portion 34 comprises a swell 48 that advantageously extends inwards of the second portion itself, leaving the outside surface free. Advantageously, the second portion 34 is obtained by pressing. The outside surface free from swells can be suitably polished thereby allowing its use also in washbasins with visible drain.
Figures 8-10 show a section of a mould 100 for hot pressing the closing element 10, in three different operating conditions.
Figure 8 shows the mould in open position with a billet 102 ready to be pressed.
Mould 100 comprises a first plate 104, or bottom plate, and a second plate 106, or top plate. The "top" or "bottom" indication is unimportant for the scope of protection of the present invention. The two plates are reciprocally mobile from each other in reciprocal approach and removal. The two plates integrally support a first punch 108, or bottom punch, and a second punch 110, or top punch, respectively. The first and second punch are respectively positioned into a first die 112, or bottom die, and a second die 114, or top die.
The two dies are in contrast to elastic means 116 and sliding relative to the support plates. The two sided dies are adapted for realising a pre-compression chamber 118 adapted for preventing burrs in the end product (figure 9).
The second punch, or top punch, advantageously exhibits elongated seats 120 for realising stems or bar-shaped elements 18 of the closing element 10. Optionally, the seats can be provided in the first punch or bottom punch.
The elongated seats 120 are preferably arranged at 120° from one another along the outside surface of the punch. In particular, the elongated seats 120 are shaped as grooves obtained on the outside surface of the punch.
The punch exhibiting the elongated seats adapted for realising the bar-shaped elements of the closing element can further comprise a central seat 122 for realising the actuating portion 16 of the closing element 10.
Starting from the open position of figure 8, the two plates are moved closer until the two dies come into contact with one another and form the pre-compression chamber 118 in an intermediate closing position of the mould (figure 9). The pre-compression chamber prevents metal leaks outwards (burrs).
Moving the two plates still closer, the dies come into reciprocal contact cause the sliding of the relevant plates and of the relevant punches against the action of the elastic means. The punches press the billet in the respective prints to obtain the desired shape (figure 10). In particular, the metal spreads into the elongated seats 120 and in the central seat 122 to form the bar-shaped elements 18 and the actuating portion 108 until the stroke of the punches in contrast with the action of the elastic means ends.
The opening of the moulds follows the reverse process so moving the plates back causes the punches to move back for the stroke given by the elastic means, and until also the relevant dies are pulled, reaching the open position of figure 8.
Thanks to the hot deformation of the billet after the closing of the dies and the consequent forming of the pre-compression chamber, the bar-shaped elements obtained are quite long and thin, without burrs, so as to ensure the steady sliding of the closing element when inserted into the drain.
Figures 8-10 provide for the elongated seats 120 and the central seat 122 to be obtained in the top punch 110 whereas the bottom one comprises a concave portion for realising the disc-shaped element of the closing element. Of course, the elongated seats and the central seat may be provided in the bottom punch 108 whereas the top punch 110 exhibits the concave portion for realising the disc-shaped element of the closing element.
A punch according to the embodiment described above is also shown in figure 11, while figure 12 shows the piston of figure 11 viewed from the bottom and inside the relevant die.
Figures 13 and 14 show a different configuration of punch and die. In this embodiment, the punch only exhibits the central seat 122 whereas the elongated seats 120, to obtain the bar-shaped elements, are realised in the relevant die rather than on the punch.
From the description above it is possible to note that providing for a closing element according to the present invention allows obtaining a quick water outflow without the interposition of obstacles closing the water flow gap. The absence of obstacles and the higher water outflow speed allows preventing the dirt present in the water from collecting on the closing element, preventing the collection of germs, bacteria, mildew or bad smelling patinas both on the closing element and inside the drain.
The above is achieved ensuring at the same time that the closing element is steady and can be moved in opening and closing without any risk of being stuck or turning over.
The monolithic configuration of the closing element is particularly advantageous since the component assembly phases are eliminated. Moreover, the hot pressing method described above allows obtaining very long parts with small diameter, such as the bar-shaped elements described above, without burrs and reducing the production costs up to 40%.
It is clear that variants and/or additions to what described and illustrated above can be provided.
In order to meet specific requirements, a man skilled in the art will be able to make several variants, adaptations and replacement of elements with other technically equivalent to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described above, without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Closing element (10) for sanitary fixture drains adapted for being actuated remotely, comprising:

a disc-shaped element (12) adapted for coming into contact with at least one edge of a drain, a development axis (14) of the closing element being substantially perpendicular to said disc-shaped element (12),

an actuating portion (16) associated to said disc-shaped element (12) and adapted for interacting with remote actuating means associated to the drain for opening and closing said drain,

characterised in that it comprises bar-shaped elements (18) or stems that extend from the disc-shaped element (12) in the vicinity of an external circumference of the disc-shaped element itself, and along said development axis (14) of the closing element (10).
Closing element according to claim 1, wherein a bar-shaped element (18) exhibits - transversally to said development axis (14) - a substantially constant section along said development axis itself.
Closing element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a bar-shaped element (18) exhibits - transversally to said development axis (14) - a section exhibiting a limited extension in a radial direction relative to said development axis (14), compared to the radial dimensions of said disc-shaped element (12).
Closing element according to one of the previous claims, wherein a bar-shaped element (18) exhibits - transversally to said development axis - a section exhibiting a limited extension in a tangential direction relative to said development axis, compared to the radial dimensions of said disc-shaped element.
Closing element according to one of the previous claims, wherein there are provided three bar-shaped elements (18) arranged at about 120° from one another.
Closing element according to claim 5, wherein said bar-shaped elements (18) exhibit - transversally to said development axis - a section exhibiting a limited extension in a radial direction compared to the radial dimensions of the disc-shaped element and such as to leave a gap between a bar-shaped element and the next one close to 120°.
Closing element according to one of the previous claims, wherein said bar-shaped elements (18) are obtained in a single piece with the disc-shaped element (12).
Closing element according to claim 7, wherein said bar-shaped elements (18) and said disc-shaped element (12) are obtained in a single piece with said actuating portion (16).
Closing element according to claim 7 or 8, obtained by hot pressing.
Closing element according to one of claims from 1 to 6, wherein said bar-shaped elements (18) and said disc-shaped element (12) are obtained in distinct pieces and adapted for being assembled.
Closing element according to claim 10, wherein said bar-shaped elements are connected to one another by arms (20).
Closing element according to claim 11, wherein said arms (20) are connected to form an opening (22) adapted for being fitted onto said actuating portion (16) of the closing element (10).
Closing element according to claim 12, wherein said arms are connected into a ring (24).
Closing element according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said opening (22) exhibits suitable dimensions for realising a coupling with interference with said actuating portion (16).
Closing element according to claim 12 or 13, wherein there are provided distinct locking means of said arms (20) on said actuating portion (16).
Closing element according to one of claims from 10 to 15, wherein each of said bar-shaped elements (18) is obtained by a foil adapted for being fixed to said disc-shaped element (12).
Closing element according to claim 16 and to one of claims from 11 to 15, wherein said bar-shaped elements (18) are bent as an L to form said arms (20).
Closing element according to claim 10, wherein a bar-shaped element (18) exhibits a threaded end (18a) adapted for being tightened into a threaded seat (26) obtained into said disc-shaped element (12).
Closing element according to one of the previous claims, wherein a bar-shaped element (18) extends projecting from said disc-shaped element (12), exhibiting a free end at an opposed side of said disc-shaped element (12).
Closing element according to one of the previous claims, wherein said actuating portion (16) comprises an elongated structure extending from a central portion of said disc-shaped element (12) along said development axis (14), from the same side as said bar-shaped elements (18).
Closing element according to claim 20, wherein said actuating portion (16) exhibits a cylindrical structure.
Closing element according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said actuating portion (16) exhibits, transversally to said development axis, a section having a larger size than the transversal section of said bar-shaped elements (18).
Closing element according to one of the previous claims, wherein said actuating portion (16) is obtained in a single piece with said disc-shaped element (12).
Closing element according to one of claims from 1 to 22, wherein said actuating portion (16) exhibits a threaded end (16a) adapted for being tightened into a threaded seat (28) obtained into said disc-shaped element (12).
Drain for sanitary fixtures comprising:

a piping (30) adapted for being attached to said sanitary fixture, realised in a first portion and a second portion, a closing element (10) adapted for being remotely controlled, said closing element (10) being inserted into said piping and mobile between an open position and a closed position of said piping,

remote actuating means (17) operatively connected to said closing element (10) for moving it from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, wherein the remote actuating means cross a wall of the piping (30)

characterised in that
the outside surface of the piping (30) is free from swells and adapted for being easily subject to a polishing process.
Drain according to claim 25, wherein there is provided a swell (48) at the area at which the remote actuating means cross a wall of the piping (30), said swell extending inwards of the piping (30).
Drain according to claim 25 or 26, wherein said remote actuating means comprise a cam (40) adapted for being rotated around an axis, said cam interacting with an actuating portion (16) of said closing element for moving it at least between said closed position and said open position.
Drain for sanitary fixtures according to claim 27, wherein said closing element (10) rests on said cam (40) by said actuating portion (16).
Drain for sanitary fixtures according to claim 27 or 28, wherein said cam comprises a shaft (44) connected to a rotating control (36) adapted for being actuated by the user.
Drain for sanitary fixtures according to one of claims from 25 to 29, comprising a closing element (10) according to one of claims from 1 to 24.
Mould (100) for the realisation of a closing element (10) according to one of claims from 1 to 9, comprising a first plate (104) and a second plate (106) reciprocally mobile with respect to one another, and integrally supporting respectively a first punch (108) and a second punch (110), said first and second punch being respectively arranged into a first and a second die (112, 114) sliding relative to the support plates and adapted for realising a pre-compression chamber (118) adapted for preventing burrs, characterised in that at least one of said first and second punch (108, 110) or at least one of said first and second die (112, 114) exhibits elongated seats (120) for realising stems or bar-shaped elements (18) of said closing element (10).
Mould according to claim 31, wherein the second punch (110) exhibits three elongated seats (120) arranged at about 120° for realising three bar-shaped elements (18) of said closing element (10).
Mould according to claim 31 or 32, wherein said second punch (110) exhibits a central seat (122) for realising said actuating portion (16) of the closing element (10).
Mould according to claim 31, wherein the second die (114) exhibits three seats at about 120° for realising three bar-shaped elements (18) of said closing element (10).
Mould according to claim 31 or 34, wherein the second punch (110) exhibits a central seat (122) for realising said actuating portion (16) of said closing element (10).
Mould according to one of claims from 31 to 35, wherein the second punch (110) or the second die (114) comprise elongated seats (120) for obtaining said bar-shaped elements (18) of said closing element (10) and wherein said first punch (108) comprises a concave portion for realising said disc-shaped element (12) of said closing element (10).