WO2017064389A1

WO2017064389A1 - Sanitary assembly including a folding toilet bowl that can be stowed away

Info

Publication number: WO2017064389A1
Application number: PCT/FR2016/052498
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe MARLEIX; Rachel ARREDONDO
Original assignee: Marleix Philippe; Arredondo Rachel
Priority date: 2015-10-16
Filing date: 2016-09-29
Publication date: 2017-04-20
Also published as: FR3042517B1; FR3042518B1; FR3042518A1; FR3042517A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary assembly including: a folding toilet bowl (1), a frame (3) suitable for containing said bowl (1) once same is folded, together with the cistern (4) and a trap (6) for receiving and discharging excrement from said bowl (1), and including a front panel (7), fitted on said frame (3), provided with an opening (8) to allow said bowl to pass through. The bowl is characterized in that it comprises a pipe (10) that directly connects the tank or a water supply to said trap (6). The invention further relates to a method for cleaning the trap (6) and preferably the bowl (1) of such a sanitary assembly.

Description

SANITARY ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FOLDING WC BASIN AND

BUILT

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sanitary assembly of the kind essentially comprising a toilet bowl foldable and recessed in a frame or a box and more particularly to its operating method.

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

The known sets essentially comprise:

a toilet bowl foldable by rotation by means of articulations;

- A frame adapted to contain said bowl once it folded down, the flush tank which is triggered by a push button and a siphon for receiving and discharging excrement from said bowl;

- A front panel fitted to said frame, provided with an opening adapted to let said bowl during its rotation and to be closed by the bottom thereof when in the folded position.

In either horizontal or vertical position, the bowl is always rinsed with water coming directly from the flush and the siphon is most often integrated into the bowl.

Such sets have the following main disadvantages:

- poor evacuation of faeces from the bowl due to its horizontal position and stagnant water in its bottom and integrated siphon;

- calcareous deposits (and others) in it because of said stagnant water; frequent plugging of the siphon because the pressure of the water leaving the bowl is low;

- Difficult unplugging of the siphon whose access is. not very practical ,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide an assembly implementing subsets and a method of a new and original type eliminating the aforementioned drawbacks.

The sanitary unit according to the invention comprises:

- a foldable toilet bowl,

- A frame adapted to contain said bowl a liver thereof folded down, the flush tank and a siphon for receiving and discharging excrement from said bowl;

- A front panel, equipping said frame, provided with an opening adapted to let said bowl.

According to a first aspect, the sanitary unit comprises a pipe directly connecting the reservoir or a water inlet to said siphon. In particular, the water leaving the tank or the water inlet passes through said pipe before reaching the siphon, in particular without passing through the bowl.

Advantageously, said pipe is particularly suitable for cleaning the siphon. Such a water supply is for example connected to the home network.

Advantageously, the sanitary assembly according to the invention allows a better cleaning of the siphon.

According to other aspects taken separately or in any technically feasible combination:

The assembly comprises a flap configured to close the bowl and nozzles placed at the inner periphery of said bowl / configured to clean the bowl when the lid closes the bowl and / or the assembly comprises a siphon cleaning triggering means associated with the reservoir, the pipe, and / or with a water inlet; and or

The assembly comprises bowl cleaning trigger means associated with the nozzles; and or

at least one of the triggering means is selected from the group comprising a button, a solenoid valve, a sensor, a touchpad, a control unit; and or

The solenoid valve is associated with means making it possible to regulate its frequency and its duration of operation; and or

- The frame is embedded in a wall and has a front panel; and or

- The frame is placed in a box that has a front panel and which is intended to be leaning against a wall; and or

the front panel comprises the cleaning release means or means.

The invention further relates to a method of cleaning a sanitary assembly according to the invention, comprising a step of cleaning the siphon via the pipe.

The invention further relates to a method of cleaning a sanitary assembly according to the invention, comprising a step of cleaning the bowl through the nozzles.

The method according to a variant of the invention is essentially characterized in that it consists of:

a) once the bowl folded in the frame, to trigger a cleaning cycle thereof by means of nozzles placed at the inner periphery of said bowl;

b) once the excrement evacuated by gravity into the siphon, to trigger, from the push button of the flush tank, a cleaning cycle of the siphon via a pipe that connects directly said tank to said siphon.

The sanitary unit according to this variant is essentially characterized in that: - It comprises a flap connected to the rear of the upper part of the bowl by articulations, held in vertical position in the opening of the front panel of the frame by means of elastic return links and driven by said bowl, during its rotation, so as to seal, tightly with water, thanks to a protrusion which fits into the opening of the bowl, a portion thereof when in a vertical position ready to undergo the cleaning cycle by means of the nozzles, the plated holding of the flap against the opening of the bowl being ensured by the elastic links;

b) the siphon is horizontal and one-piece, detachably attached to the frame and has built-in lateral support and a standard water seal;

c) the bowl is connected to the siphon by means of a flexible pipe designed to provide the articulated connection between said two subsets;

d) the box comprises a solenoid valve designed to trigger the water for feeding the cleaning nozzles of the bowl.

The operating method and the sanitary unit according to

The invention has the following main advantages:

- better cleaning of the bowl thanks to the nozzles and the verticality of the latter;

- significant reduction of calcareous deposits (or others) in this one since there is no more stagnant water (the siphon having been deported in the lower part);

- significant reduction in the risk of clogging the siphon since the tank water arrives directly by gravity in it;

- direct access to the technical part through the opening released by the single removal of the bowl.

The other advantages are: space saving, possibility to put it in the same room, hygiene, aesthetics, installation in apartment (old or new), invisible because built-in, ready to ask, facilitates the passage, disabled access, separation of the siphon, no smell, maintenance controlled (easy access, easy).

PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

The features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of several preferred embodiments thereof given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings.

On these drawings:

- Figure 1 shows, in perspective and in an external view, the sanitary assembly according to the invention, open bowl in box version;

- Figure 2 shows, in perspective and in an external view, the sanitary assembly according to Figure 1, closed bowl;

- Figure 3 shows the rear internal view of the assembly according to the invention, closed bowl;

- Figure 4 shows the rear internal view of the assembly according to Figure 3, open bowl;

- Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the siphon according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIRST VARIANTS

The sanitary assembly represented in the figures is of the type essentially comprising:

- A toilet bowl 1 foldable by rotation by means of hinges 2;

- A frame 3 adapted to contain said bowl 1 once it folded down, the tank 4 of the flush that is triggered by a push button 5 and a siphon 6 for receiving and discharging excrement from said bowl 1 ;

a front panel 7, fitted to said chassis 3, provided with an opening 8 able to let said bowl 1 pass during its rotation and to be closed by the bottom thereof when in the folded position.

The front panel 7 may be a part of a wall for sanitary assembly integrated into the wall, or part of an envelope for an independent sanitary unit whose siphon is connected to an existing evacuation.

The sanitary assembly may include height adjustable feet fixed to or fixable on the frame or the envelope.

The method of operation of said set consists of:

a) once the cuvette folded in the frame 3, to start a cleaning cycle of the latter means of nozzles 9 placed at the inner periphery of said bowl 1;

b) once the excrement evacuated by gravity in the siphon 6, to trigger, from the push button 5 of the tank 4 of the flush, a cleaning cycle of the siphon 6 via a pipe 10 which directly connects said tank 4 to said siphon 6.

The assembly for the implementation of said method comprises a flap 11 connected to the rear of the upper portion of the bowl 2 by hinges 12, held in a vertical position in the opening 8 of the front panel 7 of the frame 3 by means of of elastic links 13 and driven by said bowl 1, during its rotation, so as to seal, tightly with water, thanks to a protrusion 14 which engages in the opening 15 of the bowl 1, part of when it is in a vertical position ready to undergo the cleaning cycle by means of the nozzles 9, the plated holding of the flap 11 against the opening 15 of the bowl 1 being ensured by the elastic links 13.

The elastic links 13 may comprise a rope or a spring. Preferably, the elastic links 13 are fixed on the frame 3 and on the back of the flap 11. In particular, the elastic links 13 are configured to hold the flap in a substantially vertical position. The flap 11 is preferably integral with the bowl, when the bowl pivots to open or close the sanitary assembly, the flap also pivots while being retained by the elastic links 13. According to one variant, the elastic links 13 allow a displacement of the flap so as to have access to the opening 8. This arrangement allows easy disassembly of the sanitary assembly. For example, a thin piece can be introduced between the flap and the opening and pull the abatant to disassemble the elastic links and disassemble the sanitary assembly, for example to repair a leak, change a room or repair a connection. This arrangement allows better handling of the sanitary assembly unlike conventional arrangements where it is necessary to break all the faience.

Preferably, a locking system of the slaughterer is provided to prevent disassembly of the sanitary unit by an unauthorized person. For example, the locking system comprises a locking rod blocking the flap in the opening. The rod must be moved by means of a specific tool to be able to unlock the lid. The rod may be associated with a return means such as a spring. A lock by physical or electronic key can also be considered.

Preferably, the flap can be configured to be clipped on the bowl or on the frame to facilitate handling operations

According to embodiments of the first variant of the invention:

the siphon 6 is horizontal, fixed to the frame 3 in a detachable manner and has an integrated lateral support 24 and a standard water guard 16. In particular, the siphon comprises a horizontal portion. - The bowl 1 is connected to the siphon 6 by means of a flexible pipe 17 designed to ensure the articulated connection between said two subsets;

- The frame 3 comprises a solenoid valve 18 designed to trigger the water for supplying the cleaning nozzles 9 of the bowl 1; said solenoid valve 18 is preferably associated with means for adjusting its frequency and duration of operation.

In particular, the first subassembly comprises the siphon and the second subassembly comprises the bowl.

When the bowl is folded by pivoting, the stool falls on the horizontal portion of the siphon and is then removed from the siphon.

In addition, according to one variant, the folding of the bowl triggers the solenoid valve 18 by means of a closure detector of the bowl coupled to the solenoid valve 18. The detector may be electronic or mechanical. In this case two parts coming into contact generate an electrical contact triggering the solenoid valve.

To limit the escape of odors, it is possible to provide a bottom of water in the horizontal part. Alternatively, or in combination, it is possible to provide a trap separating the siphon whose opening and closing can be managed electronically and associated with a sensor and / or associated with the opening and closing of the bowl 1.

ALTERNATIVE VARIANTS

According to a variant, the sanitary assembly comprises a flap 11 configured to close the bowl 1 and nozzles 9 placed at the inner periphery of said bowl 1, configured to clean the bowl 1 when the lid closes the bowl.

Preferably, the nozzles 9 are integral with the bowl 1. Advantageously _/ the abatant 11 makes it possible to ensure the closure of the bowl 1 and the nozzles 9 allow a jet near the areas to be cleaned.

According to an alternative variant, the nozzles 9 allow cleaning when the bowl 1 is deployed.

According to another variant, the sanitary unit comprises a said bowl without flange. In this case, the sanitary unit may not have cleaning nozzles.

Alternatively, the assembly includes a siphon cleaning release means 6 associated with the tank 4, the pipe 10 or a water inlet. The triggering means controls the cleaning by actuating for example a waterfall, a pump or a valve. This triggering means may be a button such as a pushbutton or other means such as a lever, a solenoid valve, a sensor, a touchpad, a control unit. The trigger means may be associated with a timer, for example, the solenoid valve is associated with a timer in the illustrated variants. The triggering means can also be a timer triggering the cleaning after a given time, for example after the closure of the cuvette or the end of detection of the sensor.

Alternatively, the assembly includes bowl cleaning trigger means associated with the nozzles 9. This triggering means may be the same and / or of the same type as that of the siphon cleaning. It can be a timer coupled to the triggering of the siphon cleaning.

The nozzles 9 are preferably connected, in particular via the solenoid valve, to a water inlet. Advantageously, the nozzles 9 can allow cleaning at high pressure.

By "water supply" is meant a pipe connected to a source of water external to the sanitary unit, for example for domestic water at a given pressure. The water supply can be associated with a valve or a tap.

In addition to cleaning the bowl, the sanitary assembly may include a means for disposing a bottom of water in the bowl after opening. This can be done, for example via the nozzles 9, using an opening detection means of the associated bowl.

An advantage of the sanitary assembly is the small amount of water used for cleaning the bowl without impairing its effectiveness.

The invention further relates to a method of cleaning a sanitary assembly according to the invention, comprising a step of cleaning the siphon 6 via the pipe 10. The cleaning can be done by means of the water of the tank 4 or water supply. The water supply for cleaning the siphon can be associated with a solenoid valve.

The invention further relates to a method of cleaning a sanitary assembly according to the invention, comprising a step of cleaning the bowl 1 through the nozzles 6. The cleaning can be done by means of the water of the tank or water inlet.

The assembly according to the invention can be associated with a computer program comprising parts of software code to control the one and / or the other cleaning step and optionally flushing. The computer program may be associated with a control unit receiving for example the information of one or more sensors for this purpose. For example, a presence or motion sensor may be used. For example, the sensor detects that the bowl is closed and the control unit triggers cleaning of the bowl and / or cleaning of the siphon. The control unit of the sanitary unit can be a touch pad. The control unit makes it possible to program the functions of the sanitary unit, such as the triggering means, and / or to analyze certain parameters, such as statistical, medical or consumption data.

Thus, one or both cleaning triggering means, and optionally the means for triggering the flush, may be associated with such a control unit. Alternatively or in combination, one or more triggering means may be associated with a timer. The timer adjusts a cleaning sequence by activating one triggering means after another. A conventional flush can be added to the system of the assembly according to the invention, with the same tank or with another tank.

These aspects allow to implement an automatic cleaning of the siphon and / or the bowl, and optionally an automatic flush.

In addition, the folding bowl 1 may be associated with a motorized opening and / or closing system that can be linked to one or the control unit.

The motorized system can be coupled to a button, for example a remote control, a presence sensor or a motion sensor. In the case of the sensor, the arrival of a user triggers the opening of the bowl 1, and / or its departure triggers the closure of the bowl 1.

Alternatively, the bowl 1 may be associated with a mechanical system that facilitates opening and / or closing. For example, while a user pulls a handle of the bowl 1, the mechanical system actuates the opening of the toilet to facilitate the traction of the bowl 1. This mechanical system may comprise an elastic means such as a spring. The sanitary assembly, in particular the bowl 1, may comprise a handshower, for example on one side to allow for an intimate cleaning of the user or the user- This handshower is in particular internal to the bowl and its use can be automated or linked to a button or other triggering means.

The sanitary assembly may further comprise a lava hand disposed above the bowl. This saves more space.

The sanitary unit may include a shower at the foot of the bowl 1. The frame may for example be embedded in a wall of the shower. This configuration saves more space.

The sanitary unit may include a recovery station, and optionally treatment, configured to recover, and optionally treat, the water of a sanitary equipment, such as a shower, associated with the sanitary unit to fill the reservoir 4.

Alternatively, the siphon 6 includes sliding connection means 25 configured to allow pivoting of the end portion of the siphon. This connection means 25 is preferably a lip seal, for easy implementation. Preferably, the connection means is disposed downstream of the connection between the siphon and the cleaning pipe. This variant makes it possible to rotate the outlet of the siphon to be able to adapt to an outlet mouth that would be behind, to the right or left of the sanitary assembly. Preferably, the lip seal is removable.

According to another conceivable variant, the connection means 25 or a second connection means is arranged upstream of the connection between the siphon and the cleaning pipe 10. This variant makes it possible to rotate the pipe 10 to be able to adapt to a water supply or a tank which would be on the right or on the left of the sanitary unit.

According to one variant, the sanitary unit is configured as a piece of furniture and includes storage units, for example drawers. This configuration improves the aesthetic and practical appearance because cleaning products can be stored and not visible.

According to a variant, the sanitary assembly comprises at least one internal compartment communicating with the pipe 10 or the piping of the nozzles. This compartment preferably comprises cleaning products which mix with the cleaning water for the siphon and / or for the bowl.

Preferably, the sanitary unit is hermetic and in particular the storage spaces are hermetic.

Alternatively, the bowl, the reservoir and / or one or more pipes are epoxy but other materials can be used.

According to one variant, for greater comfort, the sanitary unit comprises one or two foldable armrests in the frame, in particular in the panel 7.

According to two non-limiting variants of presentation of the sanitary unit:

- The frame 3 is embedded in a wall and has a front panel 7;

- The frame 3 is placed in a box 19 which has a front panel 7 and which is intended to be leaning against a wall.

The front panel 7 comprises the push button 5 flushing and an ergonomic gripping means 20 for opening and closing the bowl 1. The other preferred and non-limiting characteristics of the sanitary unit are:

- Reservoir: 3 and 6 liters, made of resin, hermetic and dustproof cover cap;

- drain flush 50mm diameter with removable flange 21;

- height adjustment (children, people of small and large size, disabled ...);

- movement detector ;

- 24 or 12 volt solenoid valve that can be powered by a 9 volt battery or by a transformer connected to the mains;

folding bowl, self-supporting, with metal structure supported by 2 hinges (at 90 °), with integrated hose for feeding the nozzles, with facial evacuation and flat bottom without siphon;

- flap, integrated, with opening accompanied, synchronized, sequential to avoid access to the technical part, supported by two stainless hinges, assisted by two elastic links (rear part), waterproof, matching the bowl in the form of drop (front part ), anti noise with falling brake;

- mechanically welded metal frame;

- tank supports 22, elastic links 23 and flap stop

The assembly according to the invention is intended to be used by - individuals: individual or collective dwellings,

- professionals: hospitals, campsites, hotels, restaurants, buildings, buildings, interior design, architects, sanitary manufacturers, DIY store chains, central purchasing (decoration, sanitary ...), communities, retirement homes , schools.

Of course, those skilled in the art will be able to carry out the invention as described and represented by applying and adapting known means without it being necessary to describe or represent them.

It may also provide other variants without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Sanitary unit comprising:

- a toilet bowl (1) foldable;

- a frame (3) adapted to contain said bowl (1) once it folded down, the tank (4) of the flush and a siphon (6) for receiving and discharging the excrement from said bowl ( 1);

- A front panel (7), equipping said frame (3), provided with an opening (8) adapted to let said bowl (1);

characterized in that it comprises a pipe (10) directly connecting the reservoir or a water inlet to said siphon (6).

2. Sanitary assembly according to claim 1, comprising a flap (11) configured to close the bowl,

and nozzles (9) placed at the inner periphery of said bowl (1), configured to clean the bowl when the lid closes the bowl.

3. Sanitary assembly according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a siphon cleaning trigger means associated with the reservoir, the pipe, and / or a water inlet.

Sanitary assembly according to claim 2 or 3, comprising bowl cleaning trigger means associated with the nozzles.

Sanitary assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the triggering means is selected from the group consisting of a button, a lever, a solenoid valve (18), a sensor, a touchpad, a control unit.

6. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the solenoid valve (18) is associated with means for adjusting its frequency and its duration of operation.

7. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (3) is embedded in a wall and comprises a front panel (7).

8. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (3) is placed in a box (19) which comprises a front panel (7) and which is intended to be leaned against a wall.

9. Assembly according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the front panel (7) comprises the cleaning trigger means or.

10. A method of cleaning a sanitary assembly according to one of the preceding claims comprising a step of cleaning the siphon via the pipe (10).

11. Cleaning method according to the preceding claim, dependent on claim 4, comprising a step of cleaning the bowl through the nozzles (9).