EP1493873A2 - Drain valve with servo motor - Google Patents

Abstract

An operating device (2) has a servomotor (SM) (21) to link to a drain valve (DV) (1) via a forced coupling (FC) so as to open and close the DV with an overflow pipe (OP) (8) linked to the SM that can be attached to the OP in different positions. The FC fastens on the OP to align the variable attachment of the SM in a first connecting position on the SM and in its further positions.

Description

The invention relates to a sanitary device with a toilet in a cistern arranged drain valve and an electrically operated actuator to open the drain valve.

Simple drainage valves for cisterns consist of a valve closing element, which cooperates with a arranged in the bottom of the cistern valve seat. These simple drain valves open by a directly on the closure element attacking actuating force by means of a pull rod or chain is transmitted to the closure element.

In the currently most common drain valves, the valve closure element as Overflow pipe is formed, wherein the valve seat at the drain opening in the bottom of the Cistern cooperates with a ring flange on the overflow pipe to the drain valve close. To open the drain valve, the entire overflow pipe is raised. As soon as the drain valve exceeds a certain opening position, causes the static pressure of the water column an automatic, full opening of the valve, wherein the overflow pipe during the flushing process by a float held in the open position. At the end of the flushing process, this sinks Overflow pipe together with the water level in the cistern until the ring flange at Overflow pipe rests on the valve seat and shuts off the drain valve. In addition to the usual mechanical operation of the overflow pipe when opening the drain valve For this type of drain valves and actuators with solenoid valves known.

Furthermore, from US 4,392,260 and US 5,003,643 sanitary flushing devices known with simple valve closure elements, which trigger the rinsing operations equipped with an electric motor. After triggering the rinsing process In these devices, the rotational movement of the electric motor over a gear and a lever arm to which the valve closure element connected Chain attacks, in the required linear actuation force to open the drain valve transformed. During the flushing process is the rotation of the motor stopped. After the end of the rinsing process, the electric motor rotates in the opposite direction Direction and the valve closure element falls by gravity in the closed end position back.

The known drain valves are based, even if they are with an electrically operated Actuators are equipped to open, on relatively old technical Concepts using hydro-mechanical effects and gravity.

The invention is based on the object, a sanitary device of the aforementioned To provide a kind that goes beyond the previous technical concepts.

This object is achieved in that the actuator comprising a servo motor and the servomotor for opening and closing the Drain valve is connected to the drain valve by means of a forced coupling.

By integrating a servo motor in the actuator can in Compared to conventional electric motors fast opening and closing movements will be realized. Next allows the embodiment of the invention a sanitary device that the drain valve at any time very precisely controlled is, and that in addition to an active opening and an active closing of the drain valve is possible. Such an active sanitary flush is also good for integration suitable in computer-assisted home technology concepts.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the drain valve is an overflow pipe includes, and the servomotor connected to the overflow pipe of the drain valve is. As a result, the required operating force to open the with the overflow pipe connected valve closure element reduced because the static pressure of Water column supports the opening of the drain valve.

Thus, the actuator adaptable to different installation conditions is, the servo motor can be mounted relative to the overflow pipe storable.

Conveniently, the positive coupling to compensate for the storable Attaching the servomotor with at least a first connection point on the servomotor and at least one further connection point attached to the overflow pipe be. This is an adjustment of the forced coupling to different constructions of WC cisterns and different positions of the servomotor adjustable on a mounting device above the maximum possible water level. Thus, despite different constructions and positions one Smooth operation of the drain valve ensured.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the positive coupling one in several Has layers lockable latching mechanism. This locking mechanism allows the adaptation of the forced coupling to the individual mounting situation and mounting deviations in the individual toilet cisterns. Also the effect of Servomotor on the drain valve is locked by this in several layers Locking mechanism changeable. Such locking mechanisms can take the form of Racks or juxtaposed latching elements or locking lugs realized be locked in many positions.

For easy connection of the forced coupling to the overflow pipe can at the at least another connection point at least one connecting element be provided, which surrounds the overflow pipe on its outer circumference. there the connecting element does not have to completely enclose the outer circumference, but only to the extent that a secure connection to the overflow pipe is created.

An expedient embodiment of the sanitary device according to the invention provides that on the servo motor intermediate positions between an open end position and a closed end position of the drain valve can be approached. By such intermediate positions can be at a rinse to a lower flushing demand adapted lower purge rates are realized, e.g. at only Liquid entry into the toilet bowl or to moisten the toilet bowl. Also can be by intermediate positions of the drain valve, a lower flow adjust the rinse water and thereby an extension or adaptation the rinsing process to the particular circumstances realize.

Advantageously, the servomotor with a programmable and storing Be connected to program control, and through the program control the Opening and closing the drain valve, as well as the position of the drain valve and the Dwell time be controlled in this position. This allows for the individual case coordinated flushing operations with different volume flows and flushing periods realize. Also, in order to use an odor in little Avoid toilets, programmed and executed time-dependent intermediate flushes become. The programmable program control also allows special Rinses, despite a lower water use better dishwashing success allow, such as stuttering or interval rinsing.

In order to allow the sanitary device also a cleaning of the toilet bowl, can the sanitary device one, in particular in the toilet cistern arranged, Detergent unit comprise, over the toilet cistern and / or the Drain valve, a cleaning agent can be supplied.

In order to allow an adjustable dosage and supply of the cleaning agent, For example, the program controller may control the supply of the detergent. As a result, a further control unit for the detergent supply is superfluous.

A variant of the sanitary device according to the invention provides that the program control in a defined flushing process the opening and closing, the position and residence time of the drain valve and the supply of the detergent coordinated with each other controls. Which in this way to the requirements of the use case and the selected rinse adapted flushing sequence allows through the coordinated supply of the cleaning agent a good cleaning effect.

Another embodiment provides that of an operating unit of the drain valve at least one more function in the sanitary sector, in particular an emergency call function, the lighting or ventilation is controlled. Merging different Functions from the sanitary area increase the comfort for the user and offers relief, in particular for people with disabilities or the elderly. Next an important in many cases emergency call button, the control unit buttons for the operation of the light, a fan, an odor extraction, an ionizer and other features.

Conveniently, the operating unit, the control signals to the actuator transmitted by a radio device. This allows a free positioning the control unit regardless of the arrangement of the toilet cistern. Furthermore no wiring is necessary due to the radio transmission of the control signals, whereby the retrofitting of existing sanitary facilities considerably simplified becomes.

In addition, the invention relates to the use of a servomotor for actuation an actuator for opening and closing a drain valve an electrically operated sanitary lavage, wherein the servomotor with the drain valve is connected by a forced coupling. The use is characterized that a servomotor is used for the electrically operated sanitary flush, by precisely controlled via the forced coupling the drain valve at any time can be. Also enables the forced coupling of the drain valve for Servomotor fast, active opening and closing movements.

Fig. 1

einen Teil eines gefüllten WC-Spülkastens im Längsschnitt mit einem geschlossenen Ablaufventil, und

Fig. 2

den in Fig. 1 gezeigten WC-Spülkasten mit geöffnetem Ablaufventil und erheblich abgesenktem Wasserspiegel.

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a part of a filled toilet cistern in longitudinal section with a closed drain valve, and

Fig. 2

the toilet cistern shown in Fig. 1 with an open drain valve and significantly lowered water level.

The sanitary device according to the invention in Fig. 1 has a drain valve 1 with a Actuator 2 on. The drain valve 1 is in the bottom area of the Spülkastengehäuses 3 arranged. The actuating device 2 is in the upper region of the Spülkastengehäuses 3 attached to a cross member 4.

The drain valve 1 consists of an upper housing part 5, a lower housing part 6, a sealing element 7 and an overflow pipe 8. Here, the sealing element 7 arranged in the lower part of the Spülkastengehäuses 3 and via webs 9 with connected to the lower housing part 6. The lower housing part 6 and the upper housing part 5 are connected via a locking element 10 with each other. The locking element 10 is made from a detent 11 on the lower housing part 6 and one in the upper housing part 5 formed tab 12, which has a latching opening 13 for engagement with the Latch 11 has. The overflow pipe 8 is movable in the upper housing part 5 and the lower housing part 6, wherein one above the upper housing part 5 lying area and through the upper housing part 5 and the lower housing part 6 extends to the sealing element 7. The sealing element 7 has at its directed to the cistern housing 3 part of a cistern seal 14, which together with the stop shoulder 15 in the connection piece area 16 the Spülkastengehäuses 3 the cistern seals downwards. The cistern housing 3 is in the lower part of a Spülkastenhalterung 17, which in Region of the connecting piece 16 has a recess. The with the sealing element 7 related lower part of the overflow pipe 8 has an outer Guide ring 18 which is guided between the webs 9, wherein by the small Play the guide ring 18, the lateral freedom of movement of the lower part the overflow pipe 8 is limited. The drain valve 1 has between the webs. 9 Openings 19 for the passage of the rinse water, the upwards of the housing lower part 6 and are bounded below by the sealing element 7. Between Overflow pipe 8 and the sealing element 7 is an overflow pipe seal 20 is provided in the closed state, a drainage of the rinse water through the openings 19 and the sealing element 7 in the connecting piece 16 is prevented.

The actuating device 2 consists of a servomotor 21, which via a connecting line 22 is responsive and arranged on the servo motor lever arm 23, which transmits the movement of the servomotor 21 to a latching rod 24. The locking rod 24 has a round in cross-section shape with at regular intervals over the length of the locking rod 24 arranged cross-sectional constrictions. The locking rod 24 is on the locking element 25 with the upper portion of the lever arm 23 connected. In this case, the latching area of the locking element 25 is on both sides slotted cylinder formed, wherein the slotted areas in the cross-sectional constrictions the locking rod 24 engage. The servomotor 21 is on a Mounting base 26 is arranged, which is mounted on a fastening cross-4, the connected to the Spülkastengehäuse 3 or a cover of the Spülkastengehäuses is. At the lower end of the rest days 24 is a lateral actuating pin 28th arranged, which engages in a connecting element 29, which at the upper end of the Overflow pipe 8 is arranged. The lower end of the locking rod 24 with the side Actuating pin 28 is guided in a protective sleeve 30, the overflow pipe. 8 towards a slot through which the lateral actuating pin 28 in the connecting element 29 can intervene.

The servomotor 21 can not via the connecting line 22 with a in the figures be shown, optional program control connected. The program control can be directly on the servo motor 21 or at any position in the cistern or be arranged outside the cistern. A control of the program control can be done by a not shown in detail control unit, optionally the control signals through a radio device to the program control transfers.

In Fig. 2, in addition to the overflow pipe seal 20 and cooperating with this seal To see sealing surface 31 at the lower end of the overflow pipe 8. The lower end of the overflow pipe 8 below the sealing surface 31 is in its shape the inner contour of the sealing element 7 tuned. This area closes Seal member 7 out with a further seal 32 from which in a closed Drain valve as a further seal a drainage of the flushing water from the cistern prevented.

The arranged on the sealing element 7 of the drain valve 1 cistern seal 14 seals the cistern to the connection piece 16 out, so that the rinse water only via the openings 19 and the inside with a passage provided sealing element 7 can get into the connection piece 16. When closed, As shown in Fig. 1, the overflow tube seal 20 closes on the sealing element 7 in conjunction with the sealing surface 31 on the overflow pipe 8 and the seal 32 of the overflow pipe 8, the passage in the sealing element 7. The rinse water can do not get into the connecting piece 16 in this closed end state. The cistern is filled with rinse water and the waterline 33 is on a high level just below the upper end of the overflow pipe. 8

Upon actuation of the servomotor 21, the rotational movement on the shaft of the Servomotor 21 by the lever arm 23 in a linear movement on the locking rod 24 converted. The locking rod 24 is by the movement of the lever arm 23rd moved upwards. Together with the locking rod 24 also moves with her connected lateral actuating pin 28 and the lateral actuating pin 28th by the engagement in the connecting element 29 and the associated with this Overflow pipe 8. By the movement of the overflow pipe 8 upwards are both the overflow pipe seal 20 and the seal 32 at the overflow pipe 8 of their Solved sealing surfaces. The rinse water flows through the openings 19 past the of the opened seals 20, 32 through the passage in the sealing element 7 in the Connecting piece 16 and from there further into the toilet bowl. The water level 33 sinks in the cistern.

When closing the drain valve 1, the servomotor 21 moves the locking rod 24 and connected to the locking rod overflow pipe 8 down. The overflow pipe seal 20 and the seal 32 on the overflow pipe 8 are pressed onto their sealing surfaces and close the passage in the sealing element 7. The inflow of rinse water to the connecting piece 16 is interrupted. By introducing new Rinse water via the inlet valve rises the water level 33 in the cistern again at.

Claims (14)

Sanitary device having a drain valve (1) arranged in a toilet cistern and an electrically operated actuating device (2) for opening the drain valve (1),
characterized in that the actuating device comprises a servomotor (21) and the servomotor (21) for opening and closing the drain valve (1) is connected to the drain valve (1) by means of a forced coupling. Sanitary device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the drain valve (1) comprises an overflow pipe (8) and the servomotor (21) is connected to the overflow pipe (8) of the drain valve (1). Sanitary device according to claim 2,
characterized in that the servomotor (21) relative to the overflow pipe (8) is mounted variable position. Sanitary device according to claim 3,
characterized in that the positive coupling for compensating for the positionally variable mounting of the servomotor (21) at least a first connection point on the servomotor (21) and at least one further connection point is attached to the overflow pipe (8). Sanitary device according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that the positive coupling has a lockable in several layers locking mechanism (25). Sanitary device according to one of claims 4 or 5,
characterized in that at least one further connection element (29) is provided at the at least one further connection point, which surrounds the overflow tube (8) on its outer circumference. Sanitary device according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that via the servo motor (21) intermediate positions between an open end position and a closed end position of the drain valve (1) are approachable. Sanitary device according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that the servomotor (21) is connected to a programmable and storing program control, and that by the program control, the opening and closing of the drain valve (1), and the position of the drain valve (1) and the dwell time are controllable in this position. Sanitary device according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that the sanitary device comprises a, in particular in the toilet cistern arranged, detergent unit, via the toilet cistern and / or the drain valve (1), a cleaning agent is supplied. Sanitary device according to claim 9,
characterized in that the program control controls the supply of the cleaning agent. Sanitary device according to claim 10,
characterized in that the program control in a defined flushing process controls the opening and closing, the position and dwell time of the drain valve (1) and the feeding of the cleaning agent coordinated with each other. Sanitary device according to one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that at least one further function in the sanitary area, in particular an emergency call function, the lighting or a ventilation, is controlled by an operating unit of the drain valve (1). Sanitary device according to claim 12,
characterized in that the operating unit transmits the control signals to the actuating device by a radio device. Use of a servomotor (21) for actuating an actuating device for opening and closing a drain valve (1) of an electrically operated Sanitary flushing, wherein the servomotor (21) with the drain valve (1) by a forced coupling is connected.

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