Sanitary appliance made up of two detachable units

Abstract

 This invention relates to a sanitary appliance (1) fitted with a grinding device and pump allowing the waste water and shredded waste to pass through small pipes connecting the appliance to the drain pipe, wherein the grinding device, pump and other operating systems and assemblies are housed inside a removable unit (2) fastened to and underneath the appliance (1); the invention also relates to other means (4,5) for properly fitting the unit (2) to the appliance (1).

Description

State of the art

[0001] Sanitary appliances fitted with grinding devices and water-pumping systems are increasingly widespread, which devices, however, are generally installed behind the sanitary appliances inside a generally rectangular-shaped case.

[0002] The simpler models feature operating mechanisms that are integral with the waste pipe and, as rule, it is necessary to remove the sanitary appliance before cleaning, unclogging or performing any other maintenance operation on it, by disconnecting the waste pipes and connections with the other appliances; this operation may be carried out only by a plumber and is expensive and time-consuming.

[0003] In the more recent and expensive models, the device is made up of two units:

a fixed unit housing the container collecting the waste water from the sanitary appliances, and

a removable unit containing the pumping, grinding and control systems.

Description of the invention

[0004] The above mentioned version unquestionably speeds up maintenance operations and reduces the cost of the grinding device/pump, but it does not solve the problem of its poor design and unappealing appearance and hardly fits in with the sanitary appliances.

[0005] This invention relates to a grinding device and pump, and related systems, which are housed inside a unit installed beneath the toilet bowl; the unit is designed and shaped so as to fit in harmoniously with the sanitary appliance, it is well-designed and pleasant to look at.

[0006] The invention also provides for a quick-fit system for connecting the device to both the appliance and the waste pipes.

[0007] The contact surface between the unit and the upper edge of the appliance is fitted with a guiding device, or similar means, for properly installing the unit and fastening it to the appliance.

[0008] Other means for fastening the unit to the appliance are provided at the back of the unit and may consist, for example, of threaded screws for securing the unit to the appliance or brackets or supports integral therewith.

Description of the Drawings

[0009] A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an axonometric view, from below, of the appliance fitted with the invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross-section from the side of the appliance fitted with the invention.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section from the front of the appliance fitted with the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0010] Referring to the above mentioned drawings the sanitary appliance (1) is fitted at the bottom with a unit (2) housing the set of mechanical / hydraulic / electrical systems (3), which include, inter alia, the pump, grinding device, pressure switch and the other devices for operating the assembly.

[0011] The waste inlet and outlet pipes - which may be of any diameter - can be quickly and easily connected and disconnected for speedy maintenance of the grinding device.

[0012] The unit (2) is shaped so as to fit in harmoniously underneath the sanitary appliance (1) and to cover and contain the entire device assembly (3).

[0013] For rapidly installing the unit (2) in its position underneath the sanitary appliance (1), holes are provided (3) and (4) for the fastening devices of the unit (2) to the sanitary appliance (1); such fastening devices may be either screws or bayonet catches, or other known means, such as an expansion lock.

[0014] Along the contact surface between the unit (2) and the sanitary appliance (1), preferably at the front, another fastening means (5) has been provided for securing the front of the unit (2) and also for properly positioning the unit (2) to the sanitary appliance (1).

[0015] As previously mentioned, the shape and size of the unit (2) varies according to the shape of the sanitary appliance, so as to constitute a harmonious whole that does not reveal the presence of a grinding device/pump underneath the appliance.

[0016] The material and colour scheme too are such as to render the unit/appliance assembly as uniform as possible.

Claims

1. Improvements to a grinding device and pump for sanitary appliances wherein the electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems and assemblies (3) operating the grinding device and pump are housed inside a unit (2) installed underneath the appliance (1), which unit (2) is shaped in such a manner as to fit in harmoniously with the appliance (1) and is provided with suitable means for fastening thereto.

2. Improvements to a grinding device and pump for sanitary appliances as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the unit (2) features fastening means (4), at the back, which may be screws, etc., for securing the unit (2) to the appliance (1).

3. Improvements to a grinding device and pump for sanitary appliances as claimed in the preceding Claims wherein the waste water inlet pipe to the grinding device and outlet pipe from the device to the drain pipe are of the quick-fit type, for a speedy connection or disconnection.

4. Improvements to a grinding device and pump for sanitary appliances as claimed in the preceding Claims wherein fastening devices (5) are provided along the contact surface between the unit (2) and the appliance (1), for properly fitting the unit (2) and securing it to the appliance (1).

Drawing