CN112648387B

CN112648387B - Combination valve system and sanitary appliance

Info

Publication number: CN112648387B
Application number: CN202011477638.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郭军学; 陈启炎
Original assignee: Jiangmen Lizhu American Standard Sanitary Ware Hardware Manufacturing Co ltd
Current assignee: Jiangmen Lizhu American Standard Sanitary Ware Hardware Manufacturing Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-15
Filing date: 2020-12-15
Publication date: 2022-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-15
Also published as: CN112648387A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compound valve system comprising: a compounding valve including a valve spool; a mechanical operating member including a first operating element directly operable by a user and a second operating element connected to the spool; an electrically controlled operating member associable with the valve core; the first operating element of the mechanical operating member is configured to be movable between an initial position, a first actuating position and a second actuating position, the second actuating position being further from the initial position than the first actuating position, in the first actuating position the electrically controlled operating member being triggerable to operate the valve spool to open the compound valve, and in the second actuating position the second operating element acts on the valve spool to open the compound valve. By means of the combination valve, the user can actuate the combination valve with less force, and at the same time, the actuation is not failed when the power is unstable. The invention also relates to a sanitary appliance comprising such a combination valve system.

Description

Combination valve system and sanitary appliance

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of plumbing fixtures, and in particular to a combination valve system and a plumbing fixture incorporating such a combination valve system.

Background

Plumbing fixtures typically include a flush valve or the like to selectively control the flow of water from the fixture (e.g., faucet, toilet, urinal, shower head, sink, tub, etc.) for flushing or the like.

The above-mentioned valves in current sanitary wares can be designed as inductive flush valves, i.e. the valve body of the flush valve is actuated by means of an electrically controlled member by manually pressing a button or triggering a switch in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, it is also possible to transmit only the mechanical force of the push button to the valve body of the flush valve by manual pressing for actuating it.

On the one hand, due to space arrangement or safety considerations, a certain proportion of the above-mentioned electrically controlled members are generally powered by batteries (whether contact or non-contact), rather than by conventional power sources. Thus, although the user of the plumbing fixture can get the feeling of easy operation of the flush valve by only requiring a very small pressing force to operate the flush valve using the electrically controlled member, the electrically controlled member has a problem of not being able to work normally once the battery is exhausted, which causes great inconvenience to the user.

On the other hand, mechanically operating the flush valve by means of a key alone would obviously require a user to apply a large pressing force, and would therefore also cause inconvenience in use. Furthermore, if the user often applies a large force to the button, wear of the transmission elements within the flush valve may also be exacerbated.

Thus, there is a continuing need in the art of plumbing fixtures to ensure that a user applies a small force to actuate a valve and is free of inductive failure due to power instability.

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the present invention provides a multiple valve system, which may include: a combination valve, which may include a valve spool; a mechanical operating member which may include a first operating element which is directly operable by a user and which is in its initial position when not operated by the user, and a second operating element which may be connected to the spool; an electrically controlled operating member associable with the valve core; wherein the first operating element of the mechanical operating member may be configured to be movable between the initial position, a first actuated position and a second actuated position, the second actuated position being further from the initial position than the first actuated position, in the first actuated position the electrically controlled operating member may be triggered to operate the valve spool to open the compound valve, and in the second actuated position the second operating element may act on the valve spool to open the compound valve.

With the dual mode operated compounding valve system as described above, the user can both operate the opening and closing of the compounding valve with very little effort by an electrical control means, and also operate the opening and closing of the compounding valve in a purely mechanical manner to improve safety and convenience in the event of failure of the electrical control means or otherwise.

Preferably, in the first actuating position, the electrically controlled operating member may be triggered based on contact of the first operating element with the second operating element.

The triggering is caused by the contact of the first operating element and the second operating element, the operation of the combination valve can be completed as the user only needs to move the first operating element to the first actuating position, the whole process is very simple, and the operation of the combination valve can be reliably ensured by the conduction of the electric circuit.

More preferably, the electrically controlled operating member may comprise a solenoid valve operable on the spool, the solenoid valve being configured to move to cause movement of the spool upon contact of the first operating element with the second operating element. By means of this solenoid valve, an electrically controlled operation of the combination valve can be achieved with a simple and reliable construction.

Advantageously, the electrically controlled operating member may further comprise a controller, which may be configured to control the movement of the solenoid valve based on the contact of the first operating element with the second operating element.

By means of the controller, the movement of the solenoid valve can be controlled easily and reliably, while also facilitating the collection and processing of signals resulting from the contact of the first operating element and the second operating element.

In particular, the electrically controlled operating member may include a first signal line and a second signal line, the first signal line may be operatively connected to the first operating element and the second signal line may be operatively connected to the second operating element, the controller being capable of generating an electrical signal to control the solenoid valve when the first signal line is connected to the second signal line.

By means of two signal lines which are electrically connected to the first operating element and the second operating element, respectively, a simple electrical circuit can be realized, so that a circuit conduction occurs when the two operating elements are in contact, and the operation of the combination valve is reliably completed in a very short time.

Alternatively, the controller may be configured to wirelessly receive a signal based on the contact to control the movement of the solenoid valve. By means of wireless signal transmission, the wiring layout can be simplified, thereby allowing the size of the entire multiple valve system to be reduced.

In some embodiments, the second operating element may be configured as a flexible shaft that mechanically acts directly on the spool. The valve core of the compound valve can be operated very simply by the flexible shaft, and the structure has low cost.

Advantageously, the first operating element may be configured to be translationally movable relative to the second operating element. The translatory movement can minimize the amplitude of the movements consumed by the user or simplify the arrangement of the operating elements in the combination valve system.

Particularly advantageously, the first operating element can be configured as a pushbutton. The user can realize the very easy operation of opening and closing the composite valve through the key.

Further, the electrically controlled operating member is operable to operate the spool to close the combination valve in response to movement of the first operating element from the first actuating position to the initial position. By closing the combination valve as soon as it leaves the first actuation position (e.g. the electrical circuit is no longer conductive due to the disengagement), it is possible to ensure that the operation of the combination valve is performed in a very compact configuration, while also avoiding the additional use of additional structure for closing the combination valve.

Additionally, the second operating member is operable to act on the spool to close the combination valve in response to movement of the first operating member from the second actuated position to the initial position. By closing the combination valve upon leaving the second actuation position (e.g., due to no further force being applied to the spool), operation of the combination valve can be assured to be completed in a very compact configuration, while also avoiding the additional use of additional structure to close the combination valve.

Finally, the invention may also provide a plumbing fixture which may include a compound valve system as described in any of the above. By means of the sanitary appliance, whether water flows out of the sanitary appliance for users can be controlled in an electric control and mechanical double control mode.

In particular, the sanitary appliance may be a tap or a toilet bowl and the combination valve system may be a flush valve arranged in the tap or the toilet bowl, which flush valve may allow water to flow out of the tap or the toilet bowl in the operational state of the flush valve (e.g. the combination valve is open).

Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an internal structural perspective view of a compound valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a block diagram of a mechanical operating member and first and second operating elements of the compound valve system according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein the first operating element is in its initial position;

fig. 2B schematically illustrates a structural view of the mechanical operating member and the first and second operating elements of the compounding valve system according to the embodiment of fig. 1, wherein the first operating element is in its first actuated position;

FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a block diagram of the mechanical operating member and the first and second operating elements of the compound valve system according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein the first operating element is in its second actuated position;

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary connection manner of a circuit board and a signal line of a controller of the complex valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention in an enlarged view;

FIG. 4A schematically illustrates an installation structure of a solenoid valve of the multiple valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a solenoid valve acting on a spool of a compounding valve in the compounding valve system according to the embodiment of FIG. 4A;

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate the upper chamber and outlet waterway and solenoid valve, respectively, of the compounding valve in the compounding valve system of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates an installation configuration diagram of a second operational element of the compound valve system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 5B schematically shows a sectional view of a mounting structure of a second operating element of the compound valve system according to the embodiment of fig. 5A.

List of reference numerals:

100 a compound valve system;

110 a combination valve;

112 a valve core;

114 an upper chamber;

116 water outlet;

118 a spring element;

122 a first operating element;

123 a return spring;

124 a second operating element;

125 a locking nut;

131 solenoid valve diaphragm;

132 solenoid valves;

133 a solenoid valve seat;

134 a controller;

135 threaded fasteners;

136 a first signal line;

138 a second signal line;

139 circuit board.

Detailed Description

It should be noted that the drawings referred to are not all drawn to scale but may be exaggerated to illustrate aspects of the present invention, and in this regard, the drawings should not be construed as limiting.

The present invention relates to a compounding valve system 100, by which the term "compounding" is meant that the valve is capable of being operated either electrically or purely mechanically (i.e., a dual mode operated valve). It will be appreciated that the combination valve system 100 comprises a combination valve, which is one type of valve that has the basic function of a valve, namely being able to be used to control the make and break of a fluid, primarily water.

Unless specifically indicated below, the compound valve system 100 of the present invention includes a valve structure similar to a conventional valve. First, a compound valve (also referred to as a "main valve") includes a valve body having a housing. The compounding valve may then include at least a plurality of ports disposed on the valve body for fluid ingress and egress. In addition, the compounding valve may also include a valve spool 112 that is movable within the valve body, for example, translating up and down in FIG. 1, to control the make and break of the various ports of the compounding valve system 100 itself, thereby allowing the flow of water to be made and broken.

It should be noted, however, that the compounding valve system 100 of the present invention does not include only the compounding valve 110, but also includes various devices and components for actuating the compounding valve 110 or the spool 112 within the compounding valve 110. In other words, the term "compounding valve system" is a systematic concept, i.e., a system that includes a compounding valve and its controlling or operating components or devices.

Furthermore, the combination valve system 100 according to the present invention may be integrated into a plumbing fixture, which may be, for example, a toilet, sink, basin, bathtub or the like. Preferably, the combination valve system 100 may be a drain valve disposed in a toilet, sink, or bathtub, etc., but may be other fluid valves.

To enable operation of the compound valve system 100 of the present invention in "dual mode", the compound valve system 100 includes a mechanically operated member that can act on the valve spool 112 of the compound valve 110 to actuate it. Specifically, the mechanical operating member may include a first operating element 122 and a second operating element 124. Here, the first operation element 122 and the second operation element 124 refer to two elements independent of each other. The first operating member 122 and the second operating member 124 are separable, i.e., movable relative to each other.

The first operation element 122 is an element that can be directly operated by a user. The first operating member 122 is in its initial position when not operated by the user, as best shown in fig. 2A. It is understood that the first operating element 122 may protrude, be recessed, or be flush from the plumbing fixture in which the combination valve system 100 is incorporated, so long as the first operating element 122 is directly accessible by a user from outside the plumbing fixture.

The second operating member 124 is operable to act on the valve spool 112 (shown in FIG. 1) of the compounding valve 110 to actuate the same. For example, the second operating element 124 may be directly connected to the spool 112, but may also be connected to the spool 112 by means of other intermediate elements. The operative relationship between the second operating element 124 and the spool 112 should be such that force is transmitted by the second operating element 124 to the spool 112 (whether via an intermediate element or not) to actuate (e.g., push, pull, etc.) the spool 112.

The first operating element 122 is configured to be movable between its initial position, a first actuated position and a second actuated position, wherein the second actuated position is further from the initial position than the first actuated position. Preferably, the initial position, the first actuating position and the second actuating position of the first operating element 122 are in a straight line, see for example fig. 2A-2C, but the invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, the compounding valve system 100 of the present invention also includes an electrically controlled operating member that can be associated with the spool 112 of the compounding valve 110. The term "electrically operated member" means that the action of the member on the valve element 112 is not achieved by means of the transmission of mechanical force by the user. The term "associated" means that the electrically controlled operating member is in some way associated with the valve spool 112, such as but not limited to, the electrically controlled operating member comprising a portion that can act directly on the valve spool 112, the electrically controlled operating member comprising a portion that can act on the valve spool 112 in a non-contact manner, and so forth.

In accordance with the present invention, in the first actuating position of the first operating element 122, the electrically controlled operating member can be triggered to operate the valve spool 112 to open the combination valve 110. In actual use, the user directly operates (e.g., depresses) the first operating member 122 to move the first operating member 122 from its initial position to a first actuated position. When the first operating element 122 reaches its first actuating position, the electrically controlled operating member may be triggered. It is to be understood that actuating the combination valve system 100 with an electrically controlled operating member may be referred to herein as an "electrically controlled mode".

In some embodiments, the first operating element 122 can come into contact or touch with the second operating element 124 in its first actuating position, which contact or touch causes the electrically controlled operating member to be triggered. In other embodiments, however, the first operating element 122 does not contact or touch the second operating element 124 in its first actuating position, but the first operating element 122 can cause the electrically controlled operating member to be triggered when it reaches this first actuating position. In other words, in the present invention, whether the first operating element 122 is in contact with the second operating element 124 at the first actuating position (i.e., whether the second operating element 124 is initially located at the first actuating position of the first operating element 122) is not the only premise that the electrically controlled operating member is triggered, but is a preferred solution.

Preferably, the electrically controlled operating member may include a solenoid valve 132 for actuating the valve spool 112. For example, the solenoid valve 132 may be configured to move based on contact or touching of the first operating member 122 with the second operating member 124 to cause movement of the spool 112. For example, a schematic view of the solenoid valve 132 mounted to the solenoid valve seat 133 via a threaded fastener 135 is shown in fig. 4A and 4B. It should be appreciated that the solenoid valve 132 may be any type of solenoid valve 132 and the association with the spool 112 may be in any known manner. For example, the stem member of the solenoid valve 132 may act directly on the valve spool 112 of the compounding valve 110 to push or pull the valve spool 112 of the compounding valve 110 to open the compounding valve 110.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4C-4D, the solenoid valve 132 may be in selective fluid communication with the upper chamber 114 within the compounding valve 110, and also in communication with the water outlet 116 within the compounding valve 110. When the solenoid valve 132 is actuated (e.g., the solenoid valve diaphragm 131 moves to a position that places the solenoid valve 132 in fluid communication with the upper chamber 114), water in the upper chamber 114 in the valve body can flow through the solenoid valve 132 to the outlet 116 in the valve body, thereby exiting the valve body. Accordingly, the pressure of the water acting on the valve spool 112 decreases, thereby moving the valve spool 112 upward, thereby opening the combination valve 110.

Contact of the first operating member 122 with the second operating member 124 may directly or indirectly activate the solenoid valve 132. However, as mentioned above, the first operating member 122 may also trigger the solenoid valve 132 in some manner when the first actuating position is reached. For example, in some embodiments, the first operating member 122 may be detected by a sensor upon reaching the first actuated position, thereby directly issuing an associated trigger signal to the solenoid valve 132.

As shown in fig. 1, the first operating element 122 only needs to overcome the resistance of the return spring 123 provided on the first operating element 122 when moving from its initial position to the first actuating position, so that the force applied by the user (e.g., the pressing force applied to the key) during this process is very small, and a very light manipulation experience can be obtained. Of course, in order to obtain a stable feeling of the applied force, it is not excluded that a strong movement resistance may be provided during the movement of the first operating member 122 from its initial position to the first actuating position, but this is not preferred.

Preferably, the first operating element 122 may be configured as an element that moves in translation relative to the second operating element 124. Alternatively, first operating member 122 may include a portion that is capable of translational movement relative to first operating member 122. For example, when the first operating member 122 is not a key but a knob, the first operating member 122 may include a transmission member that converts rotation of the knob into linear motion thereof, such that a portion of the first operating member 122 can translate toward or away from the second operating member 124. However, this linear translational movement is not exclusively possible, and the first actuating element 122 can also be moved along other curved paths toward or away from the second actuating element 124, for example.

Advantageously, the electrically controlled operating components of the compounding valve system 100 of the present invention may also include a controller 134. The controller 134 may be a stand-alone controller or part of a general controller for controlling a plumbing fixture incorporating the combination valve system 100. For example, the controller 134 may be configured to control movement of the solenoid valve 132 based on contact of the first operating member 122 with the second operating member 124 or based on the first operating member 122 reaching a first actuated position. As exemplarily shown in fig. 3, the controller 134 may include a circuit board 139.

In a particular example, the electrically controlled operating member may include a first signal line 136 and a second signal line 138. The first signal line 136 and the second signal line 138 may be part of the controller 134 (i.e., integrated into the controller 134) in the present invention, but may also be two signal lines independent of the controller 134. For example, the first signal line 136 and the second signal line 138 may be connected to a circuit board 139 of the controller 134 by soldering or other suitable means, respectively.

First signal line 136 may be operatively connected to first operative element 122, and second signal line 138 may be operatively connected to second operative element 124. For example, the first operating element 122 may be connected to a first signal line 136 via a first terminal 126, and the second operating element 124 may be connected to a second signal line 138 via a second terminal 128. For example, each of the first terminal 126 and the first operating element 122 and the second terminal 128 and the second signal line 138 is electrically conductive, so that when the first operating element 122 electrically connected to the first signal line 136 and the second operating element 124 electrically connected to the second signal line 138 are electrically contacted, an electrical path can be realized on the circuit board 139.

In this case, if the user pushes the first operating member 122 to the first actuating position as shown in fig. 2B to make contact with the second operating member 124, the first signal line 136 and the second signal line 138 may be connected, whereby the controller 134 can generate a control signal, for example, an electric signal for controlling the movement of the solenoid valve 132. It will be appreciated that in order for the first signal line 136 and the second signal line 138 to be turned on when the first operating element 122 and the second operating element 124 are in contact, the surfaces or portions of the first operating element 122 and the second operating element 124 that are in contact with each other should be electrically conductive or at least comprise an electrically conductive material.

In another embodiment, the controller 134 may be configured to wirelessly receive a signal based on the first operating member 122 contacting the second operating member 124 to control the movement of the solenoid valve 132. For example, when contact occurs between the first operating member 122 and the second operating member 124, a sensor may be triggered to send a signal to the controller 134, which in turn sends a signal to the solenoid valve 132 from the controller 134. Alternatively, the controller 134 may also signal based only on the first operating element 122 reaching the first actuated position. For example, when the first operating member 122 is moved to a first actuated position (whether or not in contact with the second operating member 124), a sensor may be triggered to send a signal to the controller 134, which in turn sends a signal to the solenoid valve 132 from the controller 134. Of course, it is also contemplated that the signal may be sent directly from the sensor to the solenoid 132. Alternatively, the sensor may be part of the controller 134.

In the first actuating position of first operating element 122, first operating element 122 may begin to move toward the initial position after the electrically controlled operating member is triggered to open compound valve 110. For example, a user may press a hand release button of the keys to move the first operating member 122 toward the initial position. Therefore, the first operating member 122 may be connected with an elastic member that returns it to the initial position, i.e., the aforementioned return spring (e.g., coil spring). When first operating element 122 is moved from the first actuated position, compounding valve 110 may remain open for a period of time, or may be directly closed. In other words, the electrically controlled operating member is capable of operating the valve spool 112 to close the compounding valve 110 in response to movement of the first operating element 122 from the first actuating position to the initial position (without having to fully reset to the initial position of the first operating element 122).

However, if the user does not release the force applied to the first operating element 122, for example, the user does not release his hand to press a button, the electrically controlled operating member may be designed to close the combination valve 110 within a predetermined time after being triggered to open the combination valve 110, to avoid waste of excessive water flow or other problems due to user mishandling.

In particular embodiments where the electrically controlled operating member includes the solenoid valve 132, the first signal line 136, the second signal line 138, and the controller 134, movement of the first operating element 122 out of the first actuating position may mean that the first operating element 122 is no longer in contact with the second operating element 124, and thus the first signal line 136 and the second signal line 138 are disconnected. Accordingly, the controller 134 may send a return signal to the solenoid 132 to move the spool 112 back to its original position, ready for the next operation.

In practice, however, there may be situations, such as a power outage, or an equipment failure situation, in which the electrically controlled operating member cannot be activated when the first operating element 122 is in its first actuating position, or is activated but for some reason does not actuate the valve spool 112. At this time, the first operating member 122 may be moved further from the first actuating position to the second actuating position. When the second operating member 124 is initially seated in the first actuating position, movement of the first operating member 122 away from the first actuating position to the second actuating position (see, e.g., FIG. 2C) applies a force applied by a user to the first operating member 122 to the second operating member 124. If the second operating member 124 is not initially in the first actuating position, the second operating member 124 is at least between the first actuating position and the second actuating position such that movement of the first operating member 122 to the second actuating position applies a force to the second operating member 124.

Because the second operating member 124 is coupled (whether directly or indirectly) to the valve spool 112, the force exerted on the second operating member 124 by the first operating member 122 may be transmitted to the valve spool 112, thereby actuating the valve spool 112 to open the compound valve 110. As shown in fig. 4C, the second operating element 124 may be in direct contact with the valve spool 112, e.g., at or near its lower end. Thus, when a force is applied to the second operating member 124, the force may cause the valve spool 112 to deflect, thereby allowing water above the valve spool to exit, thereby lowering the water pressure within the upper chamber 114 of the combination valve 110. As a result, the valve element 112 moves further upward, eventually allowing water to flow out of the outlet 116 of the valve body, and the combination valve 110 opens. In the present disclosure, "open" combination valve 110 generally refers to a state of combination valve 110 that allows water flow therethrough, and "closed" combination valve 110 generally refers to a state of combination valve 110 that blocks water flow therethrough, but the reverse is also possible.

Preferably, the second operating element 124 may be configured as a flexible shaft (e.g., a steel wire) that can be mechanically applied directly to the spool 112. As best shown in fig. 1. The flexible shaft may be coupled to the valve spool 112 via a valve body to push or pull the valve spool 112 up and down. Further, it is also schematically shown in fig. 5A and 5B how a second operating member 124 (e.g., a flexible shaft) is operatively connected to the spool 112 by means of a lock nut 125. Of course, other known mechanical or non-mechanical means of forming such a connection may be used.

Thus, even if the electrically controlled operating member fails, the user may safely complete opening of the compounding valve 110 by moving the first operating element 122 further from the first actuated position to the second actuated position.

In the mechanically actuated mode, if the first operating member 122 is moved away from the second actuated position in the direction of the initial position, no further force is transmitted to the second operating member 124 and thus to the spool 112. Preferably, the valve element 112 may be provided with a self-resetting resilient element, such as the spring element 118 in fig. 1. Thereby re-closing the compounding valve 110. Alternatively or additionally, however, the second operating element 124 may also be moved with the first operating element 122 toward the initial position, thereby pulling the valve element 112 back into place.

Although various embodiments of the present invention are described in the various figures with reference to embodiments of a combination valve system for basin draining, it should be understood that embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be applied to plumbing fixture devices other than basins having similar structures and/or functions, such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, etc.

The foregoing description has set forth numerous features and advantages, including various alternative embodiments, as well as details of the structure and function of the devices and methods. The intent herein is to be exemplary and not exhaustive or limiting.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations of these aspects within the principles described herein, as indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that such various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be included therein as well.

Claims

1. A compound valve system, characterized in that the compound valve system (100) comprises:

a compound valve (110) including a valve spool (112);

a mechanical operating member comprising a first operating element (122) and a second operating element (124), the first operating element (122) being directly operable by a user and being in its initial position when not operated by a user, and the second operating element (124) being connected to the spool (112);

an electrically controlled operating member associable with a valve cartridge (112);

wherein the first operating element (122) of the mechanical operating member is configured to be movable between the initial position, a first actuated position and a second actuated position, the second actuated position being further from the initial position than the first actuated position, in the first actuated position the electrically controlled operating member being triggerable to operate the spool (112) to open the compound valve (110), and in the second actuated position the second operating element (124) acts on the spool (112) to open the compound valve (110).

2. The compounding valve system of claim 1, wherein in the first actuating position, the electrically controlled operating member is triggerable based on contact of the first operating element (122) with the second operating element (124).

3. The compounding valve system of claim 1, wherein the electrically controlled operating member includes a solenoid valve (132) operable on the valve spool (112), the solenoid valve (132) configured to move based on contact of the first operating element (122) with the second operating element (124) to cause movement of the valve spool (112).

4. The compounding valve system of claim 3, wherein the electrically controlled operating member further includes a controller (134), the controller (134) configured to control movement of the solenoid valve (132) based on contact of the first operating element (122) with the second operating element (124).

5. The compounding valve system of claim 4, wherein the electrically controlled operating member includes a first signal line (136) and a second signal line (138), the first signal line (136) operatively connected with the first operating element (122) and the second signal line (138) operatively connected with the second operating element (124), the controller (134) capable of generating an electrical signal to control the solenoid valve (132) when the first signal line (136) is in communication with the second signal line (138).

6. The compounding valve system of claim 4, wherein the controller (134) is configured to wirelessly receive a signal based on the contact to control movement of the solenoid valve (132).

7. Compound valve system according to any of the claims 1-6, characterized in that the second operating element (124) is configured as a flexible shaft which acts mechanically directly on the valve spool (112).

8. The compound valve system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first operating element (122) is configured to be translationally movable relative to the second operating element (124).

9. The compound valve system of claim 8, wherein the first operating element (122) is configured as a push button.

10. The compounding valve system of any of claims 1-6, characterized in that the electrically controlled operating member is operable to operate the valve spool (112) to close the compounding valve (110) with movement of the first operating element (122) from the first actuated position to the initial position.

11. The compounding valve system of any of claims 1-6, characterized in that the second operating element (124) is operable to act on the valve spool (112) to close the compounding valve (110) with movement of the first operating element (122) from the second actuated position to the initial position.

12. A sanitary appliance, characterized in that it comprises a compound valve system (100) according to any of claims 1-10.

13. A sanitary appliance according to claim 12, wherein the sanitary appliance is a tap or a toilet bowl or a urinal and the complex valve system (100) is a flush valve arranged in the tap or the toilet bowl or the urinal, which flush valve, in its operational state, allows water to flow out of a tank of the tap or the toilet bowl or the urinal.