EP0535915A1 - A flushing mechanism and method of reducing the flushing volume of a cistern - Google Patents
A flushing mechanism and method of reducing the flushing volume of a cistern Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0535915A1 EP0535915A1 EP92308876A EP92308876A EP0535915A1 EP 0535915 A1 EP0535915 A1 EP 0535915A1 EP 92308876 A EP92308876 A EP 92308876A EP 92308876 A EP92308876 A EP 92308876A EP 0535915 A1 EP0535915 A1 EP 0535915A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cistern
- float
- tube
- bell
- valve means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
- E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
- E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves
- E03D1/142—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves in cisterns with flushing valves
Definitions
- This invention relates to flushing mechanism including a forcing means which closes an outlet valve when the water level reaches a predetermined lower level.
- a flushing mechanism for reducing the volume of fluid flushed from a toilet cistern during a full flush, said mechanism including a valve means which may be opened by raising a float of the valve means and closed by applying downward force to said float, characterized in that said mechanism is provided with forcing means positioned so that, in use, when the water level in the cistern lowers to a predetermined level the valve means is closed by the downward force applied by the forcing means to the float, closing the valve means prior to the level at which the valve means would close without the forcing means.
- a method of decreasing the volume of fluid flushed from a toilet cistern during a full flush said cistern including valve means which may be opened by raising a float of the valve means and closed by applying downward force to said float, said method characterised by providing a forcing means which applies downward force to the float as the water level in the cistern lowers about the forcing means.
- the forcing means consists of a container which collects water therein and produces downward force on the outlet valve as the water level lowers.
- the forcing means is a bell which, due to the force of suction between the bell and the water surface, closes the valve as the water level lowers.
- the full water level in the cistern is indicated by numeral 10. If float 3 is lifted, by raising tube 4, the valve means formed by float 3 and outlet 2 is opened. Water flowing out of the cistern under float 3 keeps the float raised until sufficient downward force is applied to tube 3 to overcome this upward force. For a half flush bell 5 is not tilted and remains in the position shown in figure 1. An air-tight seal is formed between ring 6 and the top of bell 5. As the water level lowers about the bell a partial vacuum coupling is created between the bell and the falling water surface. Bell 5 thus forces down tube 4 and float 3 as the water level lowers, to close the valve means at the water level indicated by numeral 11.
- bell 5 For a full flush, bell 5 is tipped to create an air gap between the aperture in the top surface of bell 5 and the tube 4. Accordingly, as the water level in the cistern falls, following the raising of float 3, no partial vacuum coupling is formed between valve 5 and the lowering water level. Accordingly, the water level continues to fall below bell 5 until it reaches the level indicated by numeral 12. At this point water held within forcing means 8 increasingly acts down upon float 3 as the water contained therein is raised above the lowering water level. This continues until the downward weight exceeds the resistance of float 3 to closure. The float 3 then closes on outlet 2.
- full flush refers to the maximum volume of fluid flushed by a dual flushing mechanism or the volume of water flushed by a single flush mechanism.
- the volume of water displaced for a half and full flush can be set by altering the heights of rings 6 and 9.
- An important feature is that the volume ofwaterflushed for a half and full flush is independent of the capacity of the cistern.
- forcing means 8 is a container mounted upon tube 4 which applies downward force on float 3 as the water level drops below the level of the water contained in container 8. It is to be appreciated that any shape of container may be used. A container of truncated conical form is however preferred.
- the forcing means 8 always ensures closure is effected at lower water level 12, a higher head of water can be achieved for low volume flushing cisterns.
- the level the cistern is filled to is adjusted so that the cistern contains the required volume for a full flush. This means that a lower static head is available when a lower flush volume of water is used for a full flush. Accordingly to the present invention however, the maximum head of pressure available in a cistern can be used for reduced volume flushing.
- Figures 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment in which the forcing means 21 is a bell, rather than a cup as shown in Figure 1.
- the mechanism shown in Figure 3 operates in the same way as the mechanism shown in Figure 1, except that the forcing means 21 forces tube 23 down due to the partial vacuum coupling formed between water surface 24 and bell 21, rather than by a weight of water supported above the water level (as in Figure 1).
- a ring 22 is secured to tube 23.
- Tube 23 passes through aperture 25 in bell 21.
- the top edge of the bell adjacent aperture 25 sits on ring 22.
- water is left between ring 22 and the top surface of bell 21 adjacent the ring 22.
- the water between bell 21 and ring 22, ensures that an air tight seal is formed therebetween.
- a partial vacuum or coupling is formed between the water surface 24 and bell 21.
- bell 21 is drawn downwardly by the partial vacuum coupling and applies downward force to tube 23 via ring 22.
- This embodiment has the advantage that the water level at which the valve closes can be accurately controlled.
- the forcing means will be positioned to reduce the volume of water released from a cistern by a desired amount. Typically the forcing means is positioned so that half or less of the maximum volume of the cistern is always retained. It is to be appreciated that bell 21 or cup 8 may be formed integrally with tube 23 or 4. Alternatively, bell 21 or cup 8 may be secured directly to tube 23 or 4 by adhesive etc to form an airtight seal therebetween.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
Abstract
A method of reducing the volume flushed from a toilet cistern (1) during a full flush. A forcing means (8, 21) is provided part way along a tube (4, 23) connected to a valve means (2,3) of a toilet cistern (1). As the water level in the cistern (1) lowers about the forcing means (8, 21) it applies downward force which closes the valve means (2,3) at a predetermined water level (12). In this way the maximum volume of water flushed from a cistern may be varied for any cistern (1) without reducing the maximum head of pressure available.
Description
- This invention relates to flushing mechanism including a forcing means which closes an outlet valve when the water level reaches a predetermined lower level.
- As pressure to conserve water mounts, authorities around the world are regulating to decrease the maximum volume of water which may be flushed from a toilet cistern during a full flush. To date, lower flushing volumes have been obtained simply by filling a toilet cistern to a lower level, so that the volume discharged is less than that previously discharged. This, however, has the drawback that there is a lesser head of water to flush the exiting water into a toilet bowl.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a flushing mechanism which overcomes or at least minimises the problems of the prior art, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.
- Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description.
- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a flushing mechanism for reducing the volume of fluid flushed from a toilet cistern during a full flush, said mechanism including a valve means which may be opened by raising a float of the valve means and closed by applying downward force to said float, characterized in that said mechanism is provided with forcing means positioned so that, in use, when the water level in the cistern lowers to a predetermined level the valve means is closed by the downward force applied by the forcing means to the float, closing the valve means prior to the level at which the valve means would close without the forcing means. According to the invention there is also provided a method of decreasing the volume of fluid flushed from a toilet cistern during a full flush, said cistern including valve means which may be opened by raising a float of the valve means and closed by applying downward force to said float, said method characterised by providing a forcing means which applies downward force to the float as the water level in the cistern lowers about the forcing means. In one embodiment the forcing means consists of a container which collects water therein and produces downward force on the outlet valve as the water level lowers.
- According to another embodiment the forcing means is a bell which, due to the force of suction between the bell and the water surface, closes the valve as the water level lowers.
- Further aspects of this invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example of possible embodiments thereof, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1: shows the flushing mechanism according to one possible embodiment.
- Figure 2: shows the cup which forms the forcing means in the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
- Figure 3: shows another flushing mechanism in which the forcing means is a bell
- Figure 4 :shows the bell of the mechanism shown in Figure 3. Although the present invention may be incorporated into a flushing mechanism of any standard toilet cistern, operation will be described in relation to a dual flushing mechanism. The descriptions of dual flushing mechanisms in New Zealand Patent Specification No. 223066 (corresponding to Australian specification Serial No. 625514) and New Zealand Patent Specification No. 233623/234333 (corresponding to Australian application No. 76442/91) are hereby incorporated by way of reference. Referring now to Figure 1, a dual flushing mechanism of the type described in New Zealand Patent Specification No. 234333 is shown. A toilet cistern 1 has an
outlet 2 which cooperates with a float 3 to form a valve means. Connected to float 3 is a tube 4, which when lifted opens the valve means formed by float 3 andoutlet 2. Abell 5 is provided on tube 4 and is retained betweenrings 6 and 7. Aforcing means 8 is also provided, which is supported byring 9 secured to tube 4.Ring 9 can be positioned anywhere along tube 4 depending upon the desired flushing volume. Theforcing means 8 is preferably formed of a material less dense than water, such as polypropylene, so that the forcing means does not apply downward force to float 3 when under water. - The full water level in the cistern is indicated by
numeral 10. If float 3 is lifted, by raising tube 4, the valve means formed by float 3 andoutlet 2 is opened. Water flowing out of the cistern under float 3 keeps the float raised until sufficient downward force is applied to tube 3 to overcome this upward force. For ahalf flush bell 5 is not tilted and remains in the position shown in figure 1. An air-tight seal is formed between ring 6 and the top ofbell 5. As the water level lowers about the bell a partial vacuum coupling is created between the bell and the falling water surface.Bell 5 thus forces down tube 4 and float 3 as the water level lowers, to close the valve means at the water level indicated bynumeral 11. - For a full flush,
bell 5 is tipped to create an air gap between the aperture in the top surface ofbell 5 and the tube 4. Accordingly, as the water level in the cistern falls, following the raising of float 3, no partial vacuum coupling is formed betweenvalve 5 and the lowering water level. Accordingly, the water level continues to fall belowbell 5 until it reaches the level indicated bynumeral 12. At this point water held within forcingmeans 8 increasingly acts down upon float 3 as the water contained therein is raised above the lowering water level. This continues until the downward weight exceeds the resistance of float 3 to closure. The float 3 then closes onoutlet 2. - Where the words "full flush" are used in this specification reference is made to the maximum volume of fluid flushed by a dual flushing mechanism or the volume of water flushed by a single flush mechanism.
- For a half flush the volume of water discharged is indicated by the letter H. For a full flush the volume of water discharged is indicated by the letter F. The residual volume of water always remaining in the cistern is indicated by the letter R.
- Accordingly, the volume of water displaced for a half and full flush can be set by altering the heights of
rings 6 and 9. An important feature is that the volume ofwaterflushed for a half and full flush is independent of the capacity of the cistern. - For the embodiment shown in Figure 1, forcing
means 8 is a container mounted upon tube 4 which applies downward force on float 3 as the water level drops below the level of the water contained incontainer 8. It is to be appreciated that any shape of container may be used. A container of truncated conical form is however preferred. - As the
forcing means 8 always ensures closure is effected atlower water level 12, a higher head of water can be achieved for low volume flushing cisterns. In the prior art, the level the cistern is filled to is adjusted so that the cistern contains the required volume for a full flush. This means that a lower static head is available when a lower flush volume of water is used for a full flush. Accordingly to the present invention however, the maximum head of pressure available in a cistern can be used for reduced volume flushing. - Figures 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment in which the forcing means 21 is a bell, rather than a cup as shown in Figure 1. The mechanism shown in Figure 3 operates in the same way as the mechanism shown in Figure 1, except that the forcing means 21
forces tube 23 down due to the partial vacuum coupling formed betweenwater surface 24 andbell 21, rather than by a weight of water supported above the water level (as in Figure 1). - A
ring 22 is secured to tube 23. Tube 23 passes throughaperture 25 inbell 21. The top edge of the belladjacent aperture 25 sits onring 22. As the water level in the cistern drops belowring 22, water is left betweenring 22 and the top surface ofbell 21 adjacent thering 22. The water betweenbell 21 andring 22, ensures that an air tight seal is formed therebetween. When thewater level 24 is close to the bottom of bell 21 a partial vacuum or coupling is formed between thewater surface 24 andbell 21. As thewater level 24 lowers,bell 21 is drawn downwardly by the partial vacuum coupling and applies downward force to tube 23 viaring 22. This embodiment has the advantage that the water level at which the valve closes can be accurately controlled. - The forcing means will be positioned to reduce the volume of water released from a cistern by a desired amount. Typically the forcing means is positioned so that half or less of the maximum volume of the cistern is always retained. It is to be appreciated that
bell 21 orcup 8 may be formed integrally withtube 23 or 4. Alternatively,bell 21 orcup 8 may be secured directly totube 23 or 4 by adhesive etc to form an airtight seal therebetween. - Where in the aforegoing description reference has been made to intergers or components having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. For example it is to be appreciated that the forcing means could apply downward force to the float via a sleeve etc without requiring the forcing means to be secured to the tube.
- Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to a possible embodiment thereof it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A flushing mechanism for reducing the volume of fluid flushed from a toilet cistern during a full flush, said mechanism including a valve means (2,3) which may be opened by raising a float (3) of the valve means and closed by applying downward force to said float, characterized in that said mechanism is provided with forcing means (8,21) positioned so that, in use, when the water level in the cistern lowers to a predetermined level the valve means is closed by the downward force applied by the forcing means to the float, closing the valve means prior to the level at which the valve means would close without the forcing means.
2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the valve means is opened and closed by raising and applying downward force respectively to a tube (4,23) secured to the float.
3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 2 characterised in that the forcing means is a bell (21) provided part way along said tube.
4. A mechanism as claimed in claim 2 characterised in that the flushing mechanism is a dual flushing mechanism.
5. A mechanism as claimed in claim 4 characterised in that the dual flushing mechanism includes a bell supported by a ring (9,22) on the tube which may be tilted to provide an air gap between the tube and an aperture in the top of the bell.
6. A method of decreasing the volume of fluid flushed from a toilet cistern during a full flush, said cistern including valve means (2,3) which may be opened by raising a float (3) of the valve means and closed by applying down ward force to said float, said method characterised by providing a forcing means which applies downward force to the float as the water level in the cistern lowers about the forcing means.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 characterised in that the valve means is opened and closed by raising and applying downward force respectively to a tube (4,23) secured to the float.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7 characterised in that the forcing means is a bell (21) provided part way along said tube.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that the flushing mechanism of the toilet cistern is a dual flushing mechanism.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 characterised in that the dual flushing mechanism includes a bell
(21) supported on a ring (22) secured to the tube, which when tipped opens an air gap between the tube and an aperture in the top of the bell.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ24000891 | 1991-09-30 | ||
NZ240008 | 1991-09-30 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0535915A1 true EP0535915A1 (en) | 1993-04-07 |
Family
ID=19923750
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92308876A Withdrawn EP0535915A1 (en) | 1991-09-30 | 1992-09-29 | A flushing mechanism and method of reducing the flushing volume of a cistern |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0535915A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2600092A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2079424A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2385559A (en) * | 2002-01-21 | 2003-08-27 | Saygrove Product Mfg Ltd | Apparatus and method for forming a tactile image which can be read by a blind or partially sighted person |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3156930A (en) * | 1963-10-28 | 1964-11-17 | Clayton J Moulton | Water saver for flush tank toilets |
US3380077A (en) * | 1965-10-05 | 1968-04-30 | Ogden H. Armstrong | Double flushing valve |
US4032997A (en) * | 1974-09-30 | 1977-07-05 | Phripp Clarence F | Flush toilet accessory |
US4135263A (en) * | 1977-09-16 | 1979-01-23 | Anderson John K | Dual flush toilet mechanism |
-
1992
- 1992-09-29 CA CA 2079424 patent/CA2079424A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-09-29 AU AU26000/92A patent/AU2600092A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-09-29 EP EP92308876A patent/EP0535915A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3156930A (en) * | 1963-10-28 | 1964-11-17 | Clayton J Moulton | Water saver for flush tank toilets |
US3380077A (en) * | 1965-10-05 | 1968-04-30 | Ogden H. Armstrong | Double flushing valve |
US4032997A (en) * | 1974-09-30 | 1977-07-05 | Phripp Clarence F | Flush toilet accessory |
US4135263A (en) * | 1977-09-16 | 1979-01-23 | Anderson John K | Dual flush toilet mechanism |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2385559A (en) * | 2002-01-21 | 2003-08-27 | Saygrove Product Mfg Ltd | Apparatus and method for forming a tactile image which can be read by a blind or partially sighted person |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2079424A1 (en) | 1993-03-31 |
AU2600092A (en) | 1993-04-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP0793755B1 (en) | Discharge valve | |
US3955218A (en) | Self-venting tank valve for toilet tanks | |
US5390375A (en) | Adjustable toilet tank valve to regulate flush water volume | |
US4101986A (en) | Regulatable flush valve for tank flush toilets | |
US4575880A (en) | Auto-flush system | |
US5040247A (en) | Water closet metering device | |
US5129110A (en) | Selectable toilet-water-level flushing system | |
US4937894A (en) | Dual flush toilet | |
US5117514A (en) | Improved toilet-tank flapper valve | |
US4937895A (en) | Water closet metering device | |
EP0535915A1 (en) | A flushing mechanism and method of reducing the flushing volume of a cistern | |
AU693660B2 (en) | Drain valve for a flush tank | |
US5426794A (en) | Vacuum assisted toilet with controlled vacuum | |
US4945578A (en) | Toilet flush control device | |
US4171547A (en) | Toilet-blow flush system and devices therefor | |
US3921226A (en) | Flush valve regulator | |
US4907302A (en) | In-field installable closing delay cup | |
US5517701A (en) | Toilet flush control assembly and methods | |
US5228144A (en) | Water saving device for toilets | |
US6880181B2 (en) | Apparatus for delaying the closing of a toilet flapper valve | |
US5086524A (en) | Double-acting water closet metering device | |
EP1162320B1 (en) | Apparatus for flushing a toilet bowl or the like | |
GB2223771A (en) | Overflow fitting for a siphon-discharge W.C. cistern | |
US11987967B1 (en) | High efficiency toilet | |
GB2267552A (en) | Watering device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19930327 |