WO2008152232A2 - One-piece valve, and peri-anal hygiene device provided with said one-piece valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a one-piece conduit valve (2) provided with an inlet orifice (210, 21, 31) and with first (220, 22, 32) and second (230, 23, 33) outlet orifices. The inlet orifice (210, 21, 31) and the first (220, 22, 32) and second (230, 23, 33) outlet orifices are closed by first (211, 21', 31') and second (231, 23', 33') closure means. This one-piece valve is characterized in that the first closure means (211, 21', 31') closes said inlet orifice (210, 21, 31 ), while the second closure means (231, 23', 33') closes said second outlet orifice (230, 23, 33).

Description

 One-piece valve and peri-anal hygiene device provided with said monobloc valve

The present invention relates to a one-piece valve and a perianal hygiene device provided with this one-piece valve.

A first type of perianal hygiene device, a bidet, is known.

Conventionally a bidet allows a user to perform a cleaning including its perianal area. The bidet is often combined with the toilet.

It comprises a bowl, for example ceramic, a cold water tap and a hot water tap and a water distribution means. By opening the taps, the user then creates a jet of water, or equivalent, with which he can proceed to his perianal hygiene.

Since a bidet is independent of the toilet, it is therefore necessary to provide a space and an infrastructure for the reception of this bidet in the bathroom. The use of this first type of perianal hygiene device then induces two major constraints: a minimum of dedicated space and a modification of the soil to obtain a suitable plumbing installation.

US 7155755 discloses a second type of perianal hygiene device, namely a flip toilet seat. This multifunction flap features a retractable spray nozzle for watering the perianal areas.

This second type of perianal hygiene device does not require the addition of an additional element in the toilet such as a bidet, which is a significant advantage.

However, the cost of the multifunctional flap itself is relatively high. In addition, this second type of perianal hygiene device usually involves regular maintenance actions to clean the spray nozzle. This maintenance requirement is therefore a disadvantage inherent in this second type of perianal hygiene device.

There is a third type of peri-anal hygiene device employing a hand shower with which the user performs the required enema.

The shower is fed by a first water supply pipe while the toilet is fed by a second water supply pipe, the first and second water supply pipe being independent of one of the other. So here we have two separate water supplies: the first feeds the toilet flush system while the second feeds a shower system.

This third type of perianal hygiene device is advantageously less expensive in terms of hardware cost than the multifunctional flap and does not involve regular maintenance actions. In addition, the shower also allows cleaning the toilet bowl.

However, you must have a second water supply pipe in the bathroom to supply water to the shower. However, such a water supply pipe is not always available.

A fourth type of perianal hygiene device is illustrated in US 2005/0120471. The installer changes the existing water supply piping through a Y-shaped valve to provide two water outlet piping. A first water outlet pipe provided with an elbow connector feeds the cleaning means, a hand shower, a second water outlet pipe feeding the flushing system of the toilet.

Finally, the seat and toilet flush tank are modified to adapt the overall device.

This fourth type of perianal hygiene device therefore solves the previously mentioned constraint by not requiring a second independent water supply pipe.

Advantageously, this fourth type of perianal hygiene device combines the cleaning functions of the user and toilets providing an environment with optimized hygiene.

However, many modifications are made to the existing toilets in order to adapt them to the device. The changes have a significant impact on labor costs.

In addition, this solution involves modifying the existing piping to accommodate various standard plumbing components. Multiple connections are then made, and therefore involve a possibility of significant leakage.

Document US 5 987 659 describes (see FIGS. 3 and 5) a valve with a shut-off valve for the water inlet, another valve which leads to a shower head.

The body of the first valve is not monobloc, since it is obtained by screw connection of many elements. This is opposed to the resolution of any of the resolved technical issues by the invention, namely to avoid the multiplication of connections, risk of leakage, and to propose a valve ready to mount. In addition, such a valve is unsightly.

Moreover, contrary to the invention, the first valve of this document US 5 987 659 does not allow a simple and quick installation on an existing installation. Conversely, with such valves, the establishment of a hygiene device involves a real installation by a person experienced in plumbing, with cuts, cutting existing pipes and welds including.

US 6,367,707 discloses a fitting to be mounted on the free outlet of a mixing valve. In FIGS. 6 and 6a, this articulated connection comprises a regulating member which, depending on its position, directs the water outlet to high or low outputs. It is a handle outside the connection which controls the stop of the arrival of water.

US 4,761,837 discloses a body wash device connected to a source of water and provided with a shower head. In Figure 1, there is shown a heating of the wash water, disposed in the toilet tank equipped with the washing device.

US 4,304,016 discloses a sanitary spraying device, wherein flushing triggers the water from the usual tank to a separate heating tank via a check valve and a pipe.

EP 0 783 059 discloses a flushing apparatus with a water inlet / outlet unit (Fig. 4) connected to an inlet duct. On this unit are provided two outlets with outlet adjustment valves, as well as an inlet pressure adjustment valve. The present invention aims to propose a device for perianal hygiene to overcome the limitations mentioned above and does not require high costs of labor and materials for its installation.

According to the invention, a monoblock valve is provided with an inlet orifice and a first and second outlet orifice, the inlet orifice as well as the first and second outlet orifices being closable by a first and an second sealing means. The first shutter means closes the inlet port and the second shutter means closes the second outlet port.

This monobloc valve then fits on existing pipes without requiring modifications. It will be seen later that it is possible to use it in a perianal hygiene device without having to add a water supply or without having to modify the existing piping.

Advantageously, this valve is said monobloc. This means here, as can be seen in the figures, that all the ducts of this valve are made of material, in one piece. It is on this single piece that can be mounted, in the factory generally, various components such as command.

The valve includes a main conduit and a secondary conduit for connecting the inlet port and the first and second outlet ports. The main and secondary ducts are perpendicular to each other.

In a first embodiment, the main duct is provided with the inlet orifice of the one-piece valve. The secondary duct having a first and a second end, these first and second ends are provided with first and second outlet ports of the monobloc valve. Preferably, the main conduit opens on the secondary conduit.

Furthermore, a first length separates the inlet of the monoblock valve from a first plane, this first plane passing through a first longitudinal axis of the secondary duct and being parallel to the inlet orifice.

Similarly, a second length separates the first outlet of the monoblock valve from a second plane, this second plane passing through a second longitudinal axis of the main duct and being parallel to the first outlet orifice.

The first and second lengths are then equal, and measure eighteen millimeters for example in order to adapt to the existing water supply pipes of the toilet.

This first embodiment of the invention is therefore particularly well suited to toilets having a parallel water supply pipe to the side of the flush tank through which the water enters.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the main duct of the monoblock valve having a first and a second end zone, these first and second end zones are respectively provided with the inlet orifice and the first outlet orifice.

In addition, the secondary conduit is provided with the second outlet port.

Preferably, the secondary conduit opens on the main conduit of the monobloc valve.

Moreover, a maximum distance separating the first and second extremal zones of the main duct, this distance The maximum is advantageously forty-eight millimeters in order to adapt to the existing water supply pipes of the sanitary installations.

This second embodiment of the invention is particularly well suited to toilets with a water supply pipe perpendicular to the side of the flush tank through which the water enters.

The present invention also aims a perianal hygiene device implementing a valve according to the invention.

This perianal hygiene device includes at least one such monobloc valve and a watering means. This watering means is connected to the second outlet orifice of the monobloc valve. The monobloc valve is then linked on the one hand to the water supply pipe of the toilet through its inlet port and on the other hand to a toilet flush tank by its first outlet port.

This watering means comprises a flexible hose having first and second ends. The first end of the flexible pipe is then connected to the second outlet port. In contrast, the second end of the flexible hose is provided with a hand shower, long beak for example, provided with a means of activation of the hand shower.

Advantageously, the life of the watering means will be greatly increased by its pressurization only during use and therefore the action of the user on the second sealing means, a valve for example.

Indeed, the first shutter means can condemn the valve by closing its inlet port. However, once the inlet port is open, it is possible to close only the second outlet port with the second closure means. By doing so, it avoids pressurizing the hose outside of its use, which is to increase its service life.

In addition, the invention takes into account the possible omissions of the user because the shower can not operate without the simultaneous activation of the second shutter means and the control means of the shower. The user will not be confronted with delicate flood situations.

Furthermore, the first end of the flexible pipe can be either directly connected to the second outlet orifice of the monoblock valve, or is connected to this second outlet orifice by means of heating and possibly water temperature maintenance. This heating means is then secured to the one-piece valve at its second outlet orifice.

The heating means comprises a water reservoir of a predetermined volume as well as a temperature control means controlled by a control means.

According to a first variant, this control means is a switch controlling the operation or non-operation of the heating means.

According to a second variant, this control means is a thermostat controlling not only the operation of the heating means but also allowing the adjustment of the temperature of the water in the water tank of the heating means.

It should be noted that the control means can be realized remotely by being provided with a remote control. This heating means therefore offers an answer to the comfort needs expressed by the user. The use of warm water provides a feeling of well being during cleaning.

The predetermined volume of the tank of the heating and water temperature maintenance system allows optimization of the energy expenditure of the heating means while satisfying the needs of the user.

Advantageously, a non-return valve is interposed between the water reserve chamber and the watering means.

The invention and its advantages will appear in more detail in the context of the description which follows, with exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures which represent:

FIG. 1, a schematic view of the perianal hygiene device according to the invention,

- Figure 2, the block diagram of the monobloc valve according to the first embodiment and

- Figure 3, the block diagram of the monobloc valve according to the second embodiment.

The elements present in several separate figures are assigned a single reference.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the perianal hygiene device.

This hygiene device comprises a one-piece valve 2 secured to a supply pipe 1. The water supplied by this supply pipe 1 can then enter the valve monobloc 2 through an inlet port 210. The inlet port 210 of the monoblock valve 2 is closable by a closure means 211.

Furthermore, the one-piece valve 2 serves on the one hand the toilet, and in particular the flush system 3, by a first outlet orifice 220 of the one-piece valve 2 and, on the other hand, the heating means 4 controlled by a control means.

The heating means 4 of the water comprises a heating means 41 and a tank 42. The water supply of the heating means 4 is via a second outlet orifice

230 of the monobloc valve 2 which is closable by the closure means 231.

In addition, the control means of the heating means 4 can be indifferently placed on the heating means or remotely. This control means of the heating means 41 consists of a simple switch, or even a thermostat for example.

Under these conditions, the water thus heated is conveyed by a water distribution means 5 to the user. A non-return valve 43 is advantageously placed between the heating means 4 of the water and the water distribution means 5.

As a result, this dispensing means 5 comprises a flexible hose 51 provided with a shower 52, long nose for example.

In addition, the one-piece valve 2 comprises a main duct and a secondary duct on which are arranged the first and second closure means for connecting the inlet ports 210 and the first and second outlet ports 220 and

230 of the monobloc valve 2 adequately as required. With reference to FIG. 2, according to a first embodiment, the secondary duct 1 1 has respectively at its first and second ends the first 22 and second 23 outlet orifices of the one-piece valve 2.

Moreover, the main duct 10 is provided with the inlet orifice 21 and opens onto the secondary duct 11. The inlet orifice 21 is surrounded by a male threaded end-piece 24 with a diameter d3 of three eighths of an inch made in the main duct 10.

In addition, the second end zone of the main duct can be bent to solve congestion problems.

These arrangements of the various orifices of the monobloc valve allow easy installation of the monobloc valve, and more generally of the entire device, on toilets by the user himself. Thus labor costs are particularly reduced.

On the other hand, the first outlet orifice 22 is equipped with a female free nut 25 with an internal diameter d 1 of three eighths of an inch, the second outlet orifice 23 being surrounded by a male threaded end piece 26 having a diameter d 2 d a half inch formed on the second end of the secondary conduit 1 1.

A first length L1 separates the inlet orifice 21 from a first plane P1 passing through a first longitudinal axis 200 of the secondary conduit 1 1, the first plane P 1 being parallel to the inlet plane containing the inlet orifice. 21.

A second length L2 separates the first exit port

22 of the monobloc valve 2 of a second plane P2 passing through a second longitudinal axis 201 of the main duct, the second plane P2 being parallel to the outlet plane containing the first outlet orifice 22. Under these conditions, the first and second lengths previously defined L1 and L2 are equal and are preferably eighteen millimeters in order to adapt to the existing water supply pipes of the toilet.

In this first embodiment the water arrives through the inlet orifice 21 of the valve 2. The water inlet is controlled by the first closure means, a valve 21 ', able to close the main duct 10.

When the valve 21 'is in the open position, the water is distributed to the flush system 3 by the first outlet port 22 of the secondary duct January 1. Similarly, the water is directed to the second outlet 23 of the monobloc valve 2.

A second closure means, a valve 23 ', is then installed on the secondary duct 1 1 between the first valve 21' and the second outlet orifice 23. By opening the tap 23 ', the water is allowed to flow. direct to the hose of the perianal hygiene device, possibly via a heating means.

Figure 3 shows the block diagram of the one-piece valve 2 according to the second embodiment.

The main duct 40 has at its first and second extremal zones the inlet orifice 31 of the valve 2 and the first outlet orifice 32.

The inlet port 31 is surrounded by a threaded male stud 34 of a diameter of three eighths of an inch formed on the main conduit. In contrast, the first outlet port 32 located on the main duct 40 is equipped with a female free nut 35 with an inner diameter d5 of three eighths of an inch. The secondary duct 41 is provided with the second outlet orifice 33 and opens out on the main duct 40. The end of the secondary duct comprises a male threaded endpiece 36 with a diameter d6 of a half inch.

Advantageously, a maximum distance L3 separating the entry plane containing the inlet orifice 31 from the outlet plane containing the first outlet orifice 32 of the main duct 40 is forty-eight millimeters.

In this second embodiment, the water coming from a supply pipe enters through the inlet orifice 31 of this one-piece valve 2, and is then controlled by the first closure means, a valve 31 ', which closes or not the main conduit

40.

When the valve 31 'is in the open position, the water is distributed to the flush system 3 by the first outlet port 32 of the main duct 40. Similarly, the water is directed to the second outlet port 33 of the monobloc valve 2.

A second closure means, a valve 33 ', is installed on the secondary conduit 41. By opening the tap 33 ', the water is allowed to go towards the hose of the perianal hygiene device, possibly via a heating means.

Naturally, the present invention is subject to many variations as to its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is clear that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all the possible modes. It is of course conceivable to replace a means described by equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, according to a first variant of the device, the heating means is not included in the device whereas in a second variant it would be connected to the one-piece valve 2.

Claims

1. Valve (2) with ducts (10, 40; 1 1, 41) monobloc for perianal hygiene device, this valve (2) being provided with an inlet port (210, 21, 31) and a first (220, 22, 32) and second (230, 23, 33) outlet ports, said inlet (210, 21, 31) and said first (220, 22, 32) and second ( 230, 23, 33) outlet openings being closable by a first (211, 21 ', 31') and a second (231, 23 ', 33') sealing means, characterized in that said valve (2) comprises a main duct (10, 40) perpendicular to a secondary duct (1 1, 41), the first shutter means (21 1, 21 ', 31') on the main duct (10, 40) closing off said inlet (210, 21, 31), the second closure means (231, 23 ', 33') on the secondary conduit (11, 41) closing said second outlet ( 230, 23, 33). 2. One-piece valve (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said main duct (10) being provided with an inlet port (21) and said secondary duct (1 1) having first and second ends, said first and second ends are provided with said first (22) and second (23) outlet ports of said one-piece valve (2). 3. One-piece valve (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that said main conduit (10) opens on said secondary conduit (1 1). 4. One-piece valve (2) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that a first length (L1) separating the inlet orifice (21) from the one-piece valve (2) of a first plane (P1), said foreground (P1) passing through a first longitudinal axis (200) of said secondary duct (1 1) and being parallel to said inlet orifice (21), a second length (L2) separating the first outlet orifice (22) from a second plane (P2), said second plane (P2) passing through a second longitudinal axis (201) of the main duct and being parallel to said first outlet orifice (22) of the one-piece valve (2), said lengths (L1 ) and (L2) are equal. 5. One-piece valve (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the main duct (40) of the one-piece valve (2) having first and second end zones, said first and second end zones are respectively provided with said inlet port (31) and said first outlet port (32) of said one-piece valve (2), said secondary conduit (41) being provided with said second outlet port (33). 6. One-piece valve (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that said secondary conduit (41) opens on the main conduit (40). 7. One-piece valve (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that a maximum distance (L3) separating said first and second end zones from the main duct (40), said maximum distance (L3) is forty eight millimeters. 8. Peri-anal hygiene device provided with means for irrigating (5) the perianal zone, characterized in that it comprises a one-piece valve (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 provided with an inlet port (210, 21, 31) and a first (220, 22, 32 ) and second (230, 23, 33) outlet ports, said watering means (5) being connected to said second outlet port (230, 23, 33) of said valve monobloc (2), which is connected on the one hand to a water supply pipe of the toilet (1) through its inlet (210, 21, 31) and on the other hand, to a reservoir of flushing toilets (3) through its first outlet (220, 22, 32). 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said watering means (5) having a flexible pipe (51) having first and second ends, said first end of said flexible pipe (51) is connected to said second outlet (230, 23, 33 ) of the one-piece valve (2), said second end of said flexible hose (51) being provided with a hand shower (52) provided with an activation means. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that said first end of said flexible hose (51) is connected to the second outlet (230, 23, 33) of the one-piece valve (2) via a water heating means (4). 1 1. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the heating means (4) comprises a water tank (42) and a heating means (41) controlled by a control means. 12. Device according to any one of the claims 9 to 1 1, characterized in that a non-return valve (43) is interposed between the water tank (42) and said first end of the watering means (5).