EP1754838A2

EP1754838A2 - Drain with lateral inlet

Info

Publication number: EP1754838A2
Application number: EP06425524A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alberto Rossi; Nicola Rossi; Paola Rossi
Original assignee: Valpra by Rossi Srl
Current assignee: Valpra by Rossi Srl
Priority date: 2005-07-27
Filing date: 2006-07-25
Publication date: 2007-02-21
Also published as: EP1754838A3; ITMI20051458A1

Abstract

A drain with lateral inlet for hygienic-sanitary components provided with a water collection vessel, particularly of the sink, washbasin, bidet, bathtub type or the like. The drain comprises a hollow body (2), in which there is a chamber (3) provided with an inlet (4), which has a substantially horizontal axis and can be connected to the drain hole (40) of the hygienic-sanitary component (41), and with an outlet (5), which is spaced from the inlet (4) and is designed to be arranged, when the drain is in use, at a lower height than the inlet (4). The device comprises a closure element (6), which can move on command in the chamber (3) and can engage a sealing region (7) which is arranged between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5) in order to interrupt the direct connection between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5) or can be disengaged from the sealing region (7) in order to allow direct connection between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5). The drain device, if required, can be provided with an overflow duct (8), which connects the inlet (4) to the outlet (5) independently of the engagement or disengagement of the closure element (6) with respect to the sealing region (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a drain with lateral inlet for hygienic-sanitary components provided with a water collection vessel, particularly of the sink, washbasin, bidet, bathtub type or the like.
As is known, hygienic-sanitary components such as sinks, washbasins, bidets or bathtubs are provided with a vessel for collecting the delivered water and generally have, at the bottom of such vessel, a drain hole which is connected, by means of a drain device that can be operated by means of a lever or knob, to a drain pipe for conveying the water to the sewage system.
The drain devices currently used in such hygienic-sanitary components are constituted generally by a hollow body provided with an inlet at its upper end, which is connected below the hygienic-sanitary component at the drain hole provided therein, and an outlet, which generally has a horizontal axis and is connected to the drain pipe.
A plug, constituted in most cases by a gravity-operated plug, is generally arranged in the drain hole of the hygienic-sanitary component. Such plug is connected to an actuation lever, which is usually associated with the water delivery assembly fixed to the hygienic-sanitary component, or to a knob, which is again connected to the hygienic-sanitary component, by acting on which it is possible to lift the plug in order to open the drain hole or allow the plug to descend so as to block the drain hole in order to allow to fill the water collection vessel.
Hygienic-sanitary components of this type are generally provided, on one of the side walls of the water collection vessel, with an overflow hole which, by means of a duct, is constantly connected, regardless of the position of the plug, to the drain pipe, generally by means of a siphon to which the drain is also connected.
Hygienic-sanitary components have recently been designed, with predominantly aesthetic purposes, in which the water contained in the vessel, instead of being drained through a hole having a vertical axis, is drained through a slot which is open on the bottom of the water collection vessel and is connected to a drain hole which has a substantially horizontal axis. Such hygienic-sanitary components, moreover, generally lack an overflow hole on the side walls that delimit the water collection vessel.
Currently commercially available drains, by being provided with an inlet which has a vertical axis, cannot be installed in such new hygienic-sanitary components except by resorting to complex connections and adaptations, which would entail substantial space occupation incompatible with the space usually available to install the hygienic-sanitary component.
The aim of the present invention is to solve the problem described above by providing a drain conceived particularly for hygienic-sanitary components provided with a water collection vessel, particularly of the washbasin, sink, bidet, bathtub type or the like, with a drain hole having a horizontal axis.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a drain that can be actuated in a manner similar to conventional types of drains.
Another object of the invention is to provide a drain which, if required, can integrate an overflow drain duct which does not require an overflow opening on the side walls of the water collection vessel of the hygienic-sanitary component.
Another object of the invention is to provide a drain which is structurally simple, can be manufactured at low cost and is highly reliable in operation.
This aim and these and other objects, which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a drain with lateral inlet for hygienic-sanitary components provided with a water collection vessel, particularly of the sink, washbasin, bidet, bathtub type or the like, characterized in that it comprises a hollow body in which there is a chamber provided with an inlet, which has a substantially horizontal axis and can be connected to the drain hole of the hygienic-sanitary component, and an outlet, which is spaced from said inlet and is designed to be arranged, when the drain is in use, at a lower height than said inlet, a closure element being provided which can move on command in said chamber and can engage a sealing region which is arranged between said inlet and said outlet in order to interrupt the direct connection between said inlet and said outlet or can be disengaged from said sealing region in order to allow direct connection between said inlet and said outlet.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the drain according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 to 4 are views of a first embodiment of the drain according to the invention, and more particularly:
Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the drain;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the drain in the assembled condition;
Figure 3 is an axially sectional view of the drain with the closure element disengaged from the sealing region;
Figure 4 is a sectional view, similar to Figure 3, of the drain with the closure element engaged with the sealing region;
Figures 5 and 6 are schematic axial sectional views of the drain according to the invention in a second embodiment, respectively with the closure element disengaged from the sealing region and with the closure element engaged with the sealing region;
Figures 7 and 8 are schematic axial sectional views of the drain according to the invention in a third embodiment, respectively with the closure element disengaged from the sealing region and with the closure element engaged with the sealing region;
Figure 9 is a sectional view of Figure 8, taken along the line IX-IX;
Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the drain according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;
Figures 11 and 12 are sectional views of Figure 10, taken along the line XI-XI, respectively with the closure element disengaged from the sealing region and with the closure element engaged with the sealing region;
Figure 13 is a sectional view of Figure 11, taken along the line XIII-XIII;
Figures 14 and 15 are schematic axial sectional views of the drain according to the invention in a fifth embodiment, respectively with the closure element disengaged from the sealing region and with the closure element engaged with the sealing region.

With reference to the figures, the drain according to the invention, generally designated in the different embodiments by the reference numerals 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, comprises a hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, in which there is a chamber 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d which has an inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, which has a substantially horizontal axis, and an outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. The inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can be connected to the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, shown only partially for the sake of simplicity, and the outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is spaced from the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and, when the drain is in use, is at a lower height than the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The drain comprises a closure element 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, which can move on command in the chamber 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and can engage a sealing region 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d arranged between the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d to interrupt the direct connection between the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d or can be disengaged from the sealing region 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d to allow the direct connection between the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.
Conveniently, the drain according to the invention can comprise an overflow duct 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, which connects the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to the outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d regardless of the engagement or disengagement of the closure element 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d with the sealing region 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. The overflow duct 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, if provided, has a portion arranged above the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d at a height which corresponds, when the drain is in use and when the closure element 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is engaged with the sealing region 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, to the maximum allowed level for the water in the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41.
Moreover, advantageously, in the different embodiments the portion of the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in which the outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is formed is inserted in a drain trap 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, which is provided with a drain outlet 10, 10a, 10c, 10d, not shown in the third embodiment, which is arranged, when the drain is in use, at a higher level than the outlet 5a, as provided in the second embodiment, or than the exit port of an extension tube 20, 20c, 20d, which is connected to the outlet 5, 5c, 5d as provided in the first embodiment, in the fourth embodiment and in the fifth embodiment, and as can be provided, although this is not shown for the sake of simplicity, in the third embodiment, so as to provide a siphon which keeps the outlet 5a or the exit port of the extension tube 20, 20c, 20d always immersed, avoiding the backflow of malodorous air toward the inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, as will become better apparent hereinafter.
More particularly, the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is substantially cylindrical, with a rectangular transverse cross-section in the fourth embodiment and a circular transverse cross-section in the other embodiments, and is designed to be positioned, during use, so that its axis is substantially vertical. The inlet 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is formed on the lateral surface of the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d at a lateral branch 14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d of the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and the outlet 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is formed at the lower axial end of the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.
The closure element 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d comprises a piston body 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, which is arranged inside the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and can slide axially along the chamber 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in order to engage or disengage, by means of a portion of its lateral surface, the sealing region 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d with the interposition of at least one sealing gasket 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d.
In the first, second, third and fifth embodiments, the piston body 11, 11a, 11b, 11d is arranged coaxially in the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2d.
The piston body 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d is provided with a stem 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, which protrudes from the upper axial end of the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and can be operated to actuate the axial movement of the piston body 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d of the closure element 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d.
More particularly, with reference to the drain in the first embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 4, the hollow body 2 is substantially cylindrical, with a substantially constant diameter along its axial extension, and the inlet 4 is formed in an intermediate region of the axial extension of the hollow body 2. The lower end of the hollow body 2 is fitted hermetically in the upper end of an extension tube 20, which faces, with its lower end, the bottom of the drain trap 9. The lower end of the extension tube 20 is conveniently spaced from the bottom of the drain trap 9 to allow the outflow of the water and is at a lower height than the drain outlet 10 so as to achieve the siphon effect.
In this first embodiment, the sealing region 7 is formed directly below the inlet 4, and the piston body 11 has, at its lower end, a head whose diameter is larger than its remaining part; said head constitutes the portion of the piston body 11 that can engage the sealing region 7. In this case, the gasket 12 is fitted within an appropriately provided seat provided in said head of the piston body 11.
The piston body 11 can slide on command, by acting on its stem 13, as will become better apparent hereinafter, along the chamber 3, in order to pass from a closed position, in which it engages with its head the sealing region 7, as shown in Figure 4, to an open position, in which it is disengaged with its head above the sealing region 7, as shown in Figure 3, or vice versa.
It should be noted that the chamber 3 may have an increased diameter directly below the sealing region 7. In this case, the disengagement of the piston body 11 from the sealing region 7 to allow the connection of the inlet 4 to the outlet 5 might also be provided by sliding downwardly the piston body 11 so that in the open position the piston body 11 is disengaged with its head below the sealing region 7.
If the drain, in this first embodiment, must have an overflow duct 8, said overflow duct 8 can be provided within the piston body 11. In this case, the piston body 11 is hollow and has at least an inflow opening 21 proximate to its upper end and an outflow opening 22 proximate to its lower end. The inflow opening 21, when the piston body 11 is in the closed position, is arranged at a height which corresponds, when the drain is in use, to the maximum level allowed for the water in the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41.
In practice, the outflow opening 22 is constituted by an axial passage which is provided at the lower axial end of the piston body 11, below the portion of the piston body 11 that can engage the sealing region 7.
The drain in the first embodiment is designed to be connected, by means of a conventional sealing union 23, with its inlet 4 to the drain hole 40 with a horizontal axis of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, as shown in particular in Figures 3 and 4.
When the piston body 11 is in the closed position, shown in Figure 4, by acting on the stem 13 the piston body 11 is lifted along the axis of the chamber 3, disengaging it from the sealing region 7, as shown in Figure 3. In this position, the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 is directly connected to the outlet 5, which in turn is connected to the drain outlet 10 of the drain trap 9 to empty the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41. To achieve the closure of the drain, it is sufficient to act again on the stem 13 so as to lower the piston body 11 along the axis of the chamber 3 until it engages, with its head, the sealing region 7. In this condition, shown in Figure 4, the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 is connected to the outlet 5 only through the overflow duct 8 and therefore water draining is allowed only when the level of the water inside the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 reaches a level that is at least equal to the level of the inflow opening 21 of the overflow duct 8. During the filling of the vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, the water, through the drain hole 40, in fact rises along the chamber 3 until it reaches the inflow opening 21 and then flows within the overflow duct 8 and is conveyed to the drain outlet 10 of the drain trap 9.
In the second embodiment, shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sealing region 7a is provided at the outlet 5a. In this embodiment, differently from the first embodiment, the extension tube within the drain trap 9a is formed monolithically with the hollow body 2a and the piston body 11 a is longer, so as to reach the lower end of the hollow body 2a in which the outlet 5a and, at said outlet, the sealing region 7a are provided. In this embodiment also, the chamber 3a has a substantially constant diameter along its extension and the piston body 11a has a head with a larger diameter, on which a gasket 12a is fitted which is designed to engage the sealing region 7a.
In this embodiment, the piston body 11a can move, by sliding along the axis of the chamber 3a, from a closed position, shown in Figure 6, in which it engages with its head the sealing region 7a, to an open position, shown in Figure 5, in which the piston body 11a is disengaged from the sealing region 7a, protruding with its head downwardly from the lower end of the hollow body 2a.
If required, in this embodiment also, the drain can be provided with an overflow duct 8a. In this embodiment also, the overflow duct 8a lies preferably within the piston body 11 a, which is hollow and has inflow openings 21 a proximate to its upper end and at least an outflow opening 22a proximate to its lower end. The inflow openings 21 a, when the piston body 11 a is in the closed position, are arranged at a height which corresponds, when the drain is in use, to the maximum level allowed for water in the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41. In a manner similar to the first embodiment, the outflow opening 22a is constituted by an axial passage provided at the lower axial end of the piston body 11 a, below the portion of the piston body 11 a that can engage the sealing region 7a.
The drain in the second embodiment is designed to be connected with its inlet 4a to the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component by means of a conventional sealing union 23. When the piston body 11a is engaged with the sealing region 7a, as shown in Figure 6, the direct connection of the inlet 4a to the outlet 5a is interrupted and therefore the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 can be filled. If the overflow duct 8a is provided, during filling the water, besides rising inside the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, also rises within the chamber 3a. If the water reaches the inflow opening or openings 21a, the excess water flows, through the overflow duct 8a, into the drain trap 9a and from there it exits through the drain outlet 10a.
To empty the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, it is sufficient to act on the stem 13a of the piston body 11a, pushing it downwardly so as to disengage the piston body 11a from the sealing region 7a, making it protrude downwardly from the hollow body 2a, as shown in Figure 5.
In this manner, the inlet 4a is connected directly to the outlet 5a and through said outlet to the drain outlet 10a of the drain trap 9a.
In the third embodiment, shown in Figures 7 to 9, the hollow body 2b is provided in a manner similar to the hollow body 2 already described with reference to the first embodiment, and if a connection to the drain trap 9b by means of a siphon is required, its lower end is provided with an extension tube, not shown in Figures 7 to 9, which is similar to the extension tube 20 as described with reference to the first embodiment.
In this third embodiment, the chamber 3b has a narrower diameter at the sealing region 7b, which is provided directly below the inlet 4b. The piston body 11b, instead of having a region with an enlarged diameter designed to engage the sealing region 7b, has a substantially constant diameter along its extension. In this case, the gasket 12b, at the sealing region 7b, is accommodated in a seat provided in the lateral surface of the chamber 3b in the region having a narrower diameter.
Conveniently, on the side walls of the chamber 3b there are guiding ribs 30b for the piston body 11b.
In this embodiment also, it is possible to provide an overflow duct 8b, which preferably lies within the piston body 11b, which is hollow and has, at its upper end, an inflow opening 21 b and, at its lower end, an outflow opening 22b, in a manner similar to what has been described with reference to the other embodiments.
The piston body 11b can slide axially along the chamber 3b to pass from a closed position, shown in Figure 8, in which it engages the gasket 12b of the sealing region 7b so as to interrupt the direct connection of the inlet 4b to the outlet 5b, to an open position, in which the piston body 11b is disengaged upwardly from the sealing region 7b, as shown in Figure 7, so as to provide the direct connection of the inlet 4b to the outlet 5b.
With the piston body 1 1b in the closed position, the inlet 4b is in any case connected to the outlet 5b through the overflow duct 8b, if provided. In this case, with the piston body 11b in the closed position, during the filling of the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, the water rises within the chamber 3b and, if it reached the inflow opening 21b, the excess water would be discharged through the overflow duct 8b.
In the fourth embodiment, shown in Figures 10 to 13, the hollow body 2c is substantially cylindrical, with a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section, except for the branch 14c, which is designed to be connected to the hygienic-sanitary component 41, and for the portion of its lower end that is designed to be connected to the drain trap 9c, which have a circular transverse cross-section, and the inlet 4c is provided in an intermediate region of the axial extension of the hollow body 2c. The lower end of the hollow body 2c is fitted hermetically, in a manner similar to what has been described with reference to the first embodiment, in the upper end of an extension tube 20c, which faces, with its lower end, the bottom of the drain trap 9c. In this case also, the lower end of the extension tube 20c is conveniently spaced from the bottom of the drain trap 9c in order to allow the outflow of the water and is at a lower height than the drain outlet 10c, so as to achieve the siphon effect.
In this fourth embodiment, the sealing region 7c is provided directly below the inlet 4c and the piston body 11c has, at its lower end, a head with an enlarged diameter with respect to its remaining part; such head constitutes the portion of the piston body 11c that can engage the sealing region 7c. The gasket 12c is fitted within an appropriately provided seat provided in said head of the piston body 11c.
The piston body 11c can slide on command, by acting on its stem 13c, as will become better apparent hereinafter, along the chamber 3c in order to pass from a closed position, in which it engages the sealing region 7c with its head, as shown in Figure 12, to an open position, in which it is disengaged with its head below the sealing region 7c, as shown in Figure 11, or vice versa.
It should be noted that the chamber 3c, directly below the sealing region 7c, has an increased diameter indeed to allow the connection of the inlet 4c to the outlet 5c following the downward sliding of the piston body 11c which makes the piston body 11c disengage with its head in a downward region from the sealing region 7c.
In this fourth embodiment there is an overflow duct 8c, which is provided within the hollow body 2c in a distinct region with respect to the region occupied by the chamber 3c. The overflow duct 8c has an entry port 21c, which is connected to the inlet 4c, and an exit port 22c, which is connected to the chamber 3c in a region arranged between the sealing region 7c and the outlet 5c.
More particularly, in the hollow body 2c, in the region located above the chamber 3c, there is an internal partition 50, which forms a rising branch 51 and a descending branch 52 of the overflow duct 8c. These two branches 51 and 52 are connected to each other at the upper end of the internal partition 50. The rising branch 51 has the entry port 21 c connected to the inlet 4c and the descending branch 52 has the exit port 22c connected to a region of the chamber 3c that is arranged between the sealing region 7c and the outlet 5. The upper end of the internal partition 50 is located at a height that corresponds, when the drain is in use and when the piston body 11 c is engaged with the sealing region 7c, to the maximum level allowed for the water in the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41.
The drain in the fourth embodiment is designed to be connected, for example in a manner similar to what has been described with reference to the first embodiment, with its inlet 4c to the drain hole 40, having a horizontal axis, of the hygienic-sanitary component 41.
When the piston body 11c is in the closed position, by acting on the stem 13c the piston body 11c is lowered along the axis of the chamber 3c, disengaging it from the sealing region 7c, as shown in Figure 11. In this position, the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 is directly connected to the outlet 5c, which in turn is connected to the drain outlet 10c of the drain trap 9c in order to empty the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41. To close the drain, it is sufficient to act again on the stem 13c so as to lift the piston body 11c along the axis of the chamber 3c until it engages, with its head, the sealing region 7c, as shown in Figure 12. In this condition, the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 is connected to the outlet 5c exclusively through the overflow duct 8c, and therefore the water can be drained only when its level inside the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 reaches a level at least equal to the level of the upper end of the internal partition 50. During the filling of the vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, the water, through the drain hole 40 and the inlet 4c, in fact rises along the rising branch 51 of the overflow duct 8c until it reaches the upper end of the internal partition 50 and then flows in the descending branch 52 of the overflow duct 8c and is conveyed to the drain outlet 10c of the drain trap 9c.
In the fifth embodiment, shown in Figures 14 and 15, the hollow body 2d is substantially cylindrical with a circular transverse cross-section, and the inlet 4d is provided proximate to the upper end of the axial extension of the hollow body 2d. The lower end of the hollow body 2d is fitted hermetically, in a manner similar to what has been described with reference to the first embodiment, in the upper end of an extension tube 20d, which faces, with its lower end, the bottom of the drain trap 9d.
In this fifth embodiment also, the sealing region 7d is provided directly below the inlet 4d and the piston body 11d has, at its lower end, a head with an enlarged diameter with respect to its remaining part; such head constitutes the portion of the piston body 11d that can engage the sealing region 7d. The gasket 12d is fitted within an appropriately provided seat provided in said head of the piston body 11d.
The piston body 11d can slide on command, by acting on its stem 13d, as will become better apparent hereinafter, along the chamber 3d in order to pass from a closed position, in which it engages with its head the sealing region 7d, as shown in Figure 15, to an open position, in which it is disengaged with its head above the sealing region 7d, as shown in Figure 14, or vice versa.
In this fifth embodiment, there is an overflow duct 8d which lies outside the hollow body 2d. More particularly, the overflow duct 8d has an entry port 21d, which is connected to the branch 14d and is connected to the inlet 4d, and an exit port 22d, which is connected to the hollow body 2d in a region arranged between the sealing region 7d and the outlet 5d. The overflow duct 8d forms, outside the hollow body 2d, a bend which reaches a height that corresponds, when the drain is in use and when the piston body 11 d is in the closed position, to the maximum level allowed for the water in the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41.
The drain in the fifth embodiment is designed to be connected, for example in a manner similar to what has been described with reference to the first embodiment, with its inlet 4d to the drain hole 40, having a horizontal axis, of the hygienic-sanitary component 41.
With the piston body 11d in the closed position, by acting on the stem 13d, the piston body 11d is lifted along the axis of the chamber 3d, disengaging it from the sealing region 7d, as shown in Figure 14. In this position, the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 is directly connected to the outlet 5d, which in turn is connected to the drain outlet 10d of the drain trap 9d in order to empty the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41. To close the drain, it is sufficient to act again on the stem 13d so as to lift the piston body 11d along the axis of the chamber 3d until it engages, with its head, the sealing region 7d, as shown in Figure 15. In this condition, the drain hole 40 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 is connected to the outlet 5d exclusively through the overflow duct 8d and therefore the water can be drained only when its level inside the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 reaches a level that is at least equal to the level of the upper end of the bend of the overflow duct 8d. During the filling of the vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41, the water, through the drain hole 40, in fact rises along the overflow duct 8d until it reaches the upper end of its bend and then flows downwardly along the overflow duct 8d, entering the hollow body 2d below the sealing region 7d, and flows from there into the drain trap 9d.
In the different illustrated embodiments, the end of the stem 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d that protrudes upwardly from the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is connected, by means of a joint 24, to an actuation rod, which is arranged on the hygienic-sanitary component 41 and is for example supported by the water dispensing assembly of the hygienic-sanitary component, or by means of a cable or another connection system, to an actuation knob connected to the hygienic-sanitary component 41.
In the different illustrated embodiments, the hollow body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is closed, at its upper end, by a plug 15, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d which is crossed by a central hole for the passage of the stem 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and by auxiliary holes 16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, which connect the chamber 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to the atmosphere in order to avoid triggering the complete emptying of the water collection vessel 42 of the hygienic-sanitary component 41 during the intervention of the overflow duct 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d.
In practice it has been found that the drain according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim; since it allows to connect, without space occupation problems, hygienic-sanitary components with a drain having a horizontal axis to a drain pipe and has an actuation which is similar to drains of the traditional type.
Moreover, if required, the drain according to the invention can be provided with an overflow duct without the need to provide an overflow hole in the side walls of the hygienic-sanitary component.
Although the drain according to the invention has been conceived in particular for hygienic-sanitary components with a drain hole having a horizontal axis, it can in any case be used also for hygienic-sanitary components with a drain hole having a vertical axis simply by using an adapter or an elbow union provided with an inlet having a vertical axis, to be connected to the drain hole of the hygienic-sanitary component, and with an outlet having a horizontal axis, to be connected to the inlet of the drain according to the invention.
The drain thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In the exemplary embodiments described above, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application no. MI2005A001458 , from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A drain with lateral inlet for hygienic-sanitary components provided with a water collection vessel, particularly of the sink, washbasin, bidet, bathtub type or the like, characterized in that it comprises a hollow body in which there is a chamber provided with an inlet, which has a substantially horizontal axis and can be connected to the drain hole of the hygienic-sanitary component, and an outlet, which is spaced from said inlet and is designed to be arranged, when the drain is in use, at a lower height than said inlet, a closure element being provided which can move on command in said chamber and can engage a sealing region which is arranged between said inlet and said outlet in order to interrupt the direct connection between said inlet and said outlet or can be disengaged from said sealing region in order to allow direct connection between said inlet and said outlet.
The drain according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an overflow duct, which connects said inlet to said outlet regardless of the engagement or disengagement of said closure element with said sealing region; said overflow duct being arranged with one of its portions above said inlet at a height that corresponds, when the drain is in use and when said closure element is engaged with said sealing region, to the maximum allowed level for the water in the water collection vessel of the hygienic-sanitary component.
The drain according to claim 1, characterized in that the portion of said hollow body in which said outlet is provided is inserted in a drain trap which has a drain outlet located, when the drain is in use, at a greater height than said outlet or than the exit port of an extension tube connected to said outlet.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hollow body is substantially cylindrical and is designed to be positioned, during use, so that its axis is substantially vertical, said inlet being provided on the lateral surface of the hollow body and said outlet being provided at the lower axial end of said hollow body.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inlet is provided on the lateral surface of said hollow body at a lateral branch of said hollow body.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said closure element comprises a piston body, which is arranged inside said hollow body and can slide axially along said chamber in order to engage or disengage, by means of a portion of its lateral surface, said sealing region with the interposition of at least one sealing gasket.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said piston body is provided with a stem which protrudes from the upper axial end of said hollow body and can be operated in order to actuate the axial movement of said piston body of the closure element.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said piston body can engage said sealing region in order to interrupt the direct connection of said inlet to said outlet with a portion thereof which is located at its lower axial end.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said piston body has a head that has a larger diameter than its remaining part, said head being engageable or disengageable with respect to said sealing region.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one sealing gasket is fitted around said head of the piston body.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealing region is provided by a narrower portion of said chamber which can be engaged or disengaged with respect to said piston body.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one gasket is connected to the lateral surface of said chamber at said sealing region.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealing region is provided directly below said inlet, said piston body being able to slide on command along the axis of said chamber in order to pass from a closed position, in which it engages said sealing region, to an open position, in which it is disengaged from said sealing region in an upward or downward region, or vice versa.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealing region is provided at said outlet, said piston body being able to slide on command along the axis of said chamber in order to pass from a closed position, in which it engages said sealing region, to an open position, in which it is disengaged from said sealing region in an upward or downward region, or vice versa.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said overflow duct is provided in said piston body, which is hollow and has at least one inflow opening proximate to its upper end and at least one outflow opening proximate to its lower end; said inflow opening, when the piston body is in the closed position, being arranged at a height that corresponds, when the drain is in use, to the maximum level allowed for the water in the water collection vessel of the hygienic-sanitary component.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outflow opening is constituted by an axial passage which is provided at the lower axial end of said piston body, below the portion of said piston body that can engage said sealing region.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said chamber has, on its side walls, guiding ribs for said piston body.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said overflow duct lies outside said hollow body, said overflow duct having an entry port, which is connected to said hollow body and is connected to said inlet, and an exit port, which is connected to said hollow body and is connected to a region of said chamber that is located between said sealing region and said outlet.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said overflow duct, between said entry port and said exit port, reaches a height level that corresponds, when the drain is in use and when said closure element is engaged with said sealing region, to the maximum allowed level for the water in the water collection vessel of the hygienic-sanitary component.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said overflow duct is provided in said hollow body in a region that is distinct with respect to the region occupied by said chamber, said overflow duct having an entry port which is connected to said inlet and an exit port which is connected to said chamber in a region arranged between said sealing region and said outlet.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in said hollow body, in the region located above said chamber, there is an internal partition, which forms a rising branch and a descending branch of the overflow duct, which are connected to each other at the upper end of said internal partition; said rising branch having an entry port, which is connected to said inlet, and said descending branch having an exit port, which is connected to a region of said chamber that is located between said sealing region and said outlet; the upper end of said internal partition being arranged at a height that corresponds, when the drain is in use and when said closure element is engaged with said sealing region, to the maximum allowed level for the water in the water collection vessel of the hygienic-sanitary component.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hollow body is closed, at its upper axial end, by a perforated plug for the passage of the stem of said piston body and for the connection of said chamber to the atmosphere.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion of said stem of the piston body that protrudes from said chamber is connected to a joint for connection to an actuation rod or knob.
The drain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hollow body is inserted, with a portion of its lower end, in an extension tube, which is accommodated in said drain trap and ends proximate to the bottom of said drain trap, said drain outlet being spaced in an upward region from the bottom of the drain trap.