EP3344820B1 - Flush valve for toilet, cistern with such flush valve and method for mounting such cistern - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a drain valve for a toilet flush unit with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1, a cistern with a drain valve and a method for its assembly.

In recent times, rimless toilet bowls have become increasingly popular. They have many advantages over conventional toilet bowls. In contrast to a conventional toilet bowl with a flushing rim, a rimless toilet bowl only has a minimal rim directly at the water inlet. This simplifies cleaning, which leads to an improved hygienic condition. In addition, the rimless toilet bowl is often preferred from an aesthetic point of view.

In the case of rimless toilet bowls, however, the problem arises that the volume flow of the flushing water, i.e. the amount of flushing water supplied per unit of time, has to be set precisely. If the volume flow is too low, the part of the toilet bowl opposite the water inlet will not be flushed sufficiently. If the volume flow is too high, rinsing water can splash over the edge of the pool due to the missing rinse rim. The setting of the volume flow is usually made during assembly.

Devices for adjusting the volume flow are known in the prior art. In the patent specification EP 2 602 391 A1 it is proposed, for example, to mount a flushing flow throttle in the flushing water inlet of the toilet bowl to adjust the volume flow. The U.S. 3,066,313 A also discloses a drain valve for a cistern with a purge flow restrictor. In the EP 1 039 049 A1 describes a flushing arrangement with which an existing flushing arrangement can be replaced.

The solutions known from the prior art are, however, perceived as disadvantageous, since the adjustment of the volume flow after the toilet has been installed is complex. Since the volume flow must be set very precisely as described above, a poorly accessible element for setting the volume flow leads to increased installation effort, which leads to longer installation times and the associated higher costs.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a solution for setting the flushing water volume flow in which the setting of the volume flow is simplified or even possible after the toilet has been installed.

This object is achieved by a drain valve for a toilet flush unit according to claim 1, a cistern with a drain valve according to claim 12 and a method for its assembly according to claim 13.

• eine Auslassöffnung;
• ein Überlaufrohr, das zwischen einer Offen- und Schließstellung zum Öffnen und Verschließen der Auslassöffnung bewegbar ist;
• eine Drossel, die stromabwärts des Überlaufrohrs angeordnet und zur Einstellung des Volumenstroms von Spülwasser, das bei Öffnen des Ablaufventils durch das Ablaufventil fließt, ausgebildet ist,

wobei die Drossel ein Betätigungsmittel umfasst, das im montierten Zustand des Ablaufventils zum Verstellen der Drossel betätigbar ist.In particular, the object is achieved by a drain valve for a toilet flush unit, which has the following:

• an outlet port;
• an overflow pipe that is movable between an open and closed position for opening and closing the outlet opening;
• a throttle which is arranged downstream of the overflow pipe and is designed to adjust the volume flow of flushing water that flows through the drain valve when the drain valve is opened,

wherein the throttle comprises an actuating means which can be actuated in the assembled state of the drain valve to adjust the throttle.

A key idea of the invention is not to provide the element for adjusting the volume flow in the toilet bowl, but rather to integrate it into the drain valve of the cistern. As a result, the actuating means is accessible even when the toilet is installed, so that the volume flow can be adjusted at any time after installation. This simplifies the assembly process itself. An adjustment of the volume flow is possible at any time when using a drain valve according to the invention, for example when the toilet bowl is to be changed. This simplifies the assembly and use of rimless toilets.

In a preferred embodiment, the throttle is arranged in the outlet opening of the drain valve. This enables a compact and robust construction of the drain valve.

It is further preferred that the volume flow can be set in a range between 1.8 l / s (liters per second) and 2.6 l / s, particularly preferably between 2.0 l / s and 2.4 l / s . This ensures that the drain valve according to the invention is suitable for use with common rimless toilet bowls and that the volume flow of the flushing water can be set in such a way that both an insufficient flushing effect due to a volume flow that is too low and an overspray due to a volume flow that is too high can be avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating means is guided through the overflow pipe. This ensures a simple construction and protects the actuating means by being guided in the overflow pipe. It is particularly preferred here that the actuating means protrudes beyond the overflow pipe. The actuating means can thus be easily reached when the drain valve is installed.

Alternatively, it is possible that the actuating means is formed by the overflow pipe, which is designed to be rotatable about its central axis. At this The design eliminates the need to provide a separate actuating means. This simplifies the construction of the drain valve.

The throttle can comprise at least one throttle element, the flow cross-section of the throttle being adjustable by a rotary movement in order to adjust the volume flow.

The throttle element of the throttle can be in operative connection with the actuating element of the drain valve and thus enable the volume flow to be set by means of the actuating element. This is achieved by varying the flow cross section of the throttle. The throttle element can, for example, be constructed according to the principle of a diaphragm, the diaphragm being able to be opened or closed by means of the rotary movement. The flow cross section can preferably be varied between a maximum value and 90% of the maximum value.

In a further embodiment, the throttle comprises two throttle elements, the relative position of the throttle elements being able to be changed by means of the actuating means for changing the flow cross section. This form of the throttle is easy to implement in terms of construction.

Preferably, of the two throttle elements, a first throttle element is fixedly mounted and a second throttle element is movably, in particular, rotatably mounted. The setting of the volume flow by means of the actuating element can thus be implemented in a particularly simple manner.

It is further preferred that the throttle elements are circular and have circular segment-shaped openings. This enables inexpensive and simple production of the throttle.

In a preferred embodiment, the throttle elements are circular and have circular segment-shaped openings. This design allows the volume flow to be continuously adjusted and is technically easy to implement.

It is further preferred that the outer contour of the throttle elements is adapted to the inner contour of the outlet opening of the drain valve. A throttle designed in this way can easily be installed in the outlet opening of the drain valve and allows the volume flow to be set precisely.

In the context of the invention, a cistern with a drain valve is also specified, which has an outlet, the drain valve being connected to the outlet in the interior of the cistern. This cistern is suitable for use with a rimless toilet bowl, since the volume flow of the flushing water can be adjusted by means of the actuating element, which is easily accessible when the cistern is open.

• Anschließen des Spülkastens an einen Wasseranschluss;
• Einbauen des Ablaufventils in den Spülkasten;
• Verbinden der Auslassöffnung des Ablaufventils mit einem Toilettenbecken; und danach
• Einstellen des Volumenstroms des Spülwassers mittels des Betätigungsmittels des Ablaufventils.

Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, an assembly method for a cistern is specified which comprises the following steps:

• Connecting the cistern to a water connection;
• Installing the drain valve in the cistern;
• Connecting the outlet port of the drain valve to a toilet bowl; and then
• Setting the volume flow of the flushing water by means of the actuating means of the drain valve.

This assembly method ensures that the flushing water volume flow can be set after the cistern and toilet bowl have been fully assembled. This means that the volume flow can be set easily at any time after installation. It doesn't matter in which order the cistern is connected, the drain valve is installed in the cistern and the drain valve and toilet bowl are connected. The only decisive factor is that the volume flow can be set for correct flushing of the toilet after it has been fully installed.

In the following, the invention is also described with regard to further features and advantages on the basis of exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail with the aid of the schematic illustrations.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ablaufventils gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt eines Ablaufventils gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 3a

eine perspektivische Ansicht des unteren Endes eines Betätigungselements gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 3b

eine schematische Draufsicht einer Drossel in drei Zuständen mit verschiedenen Strömungsquerschnitten;

Fig. 3c

einen schematischen Schnitt durch die Drossel mit verschiedenen Strömungsquerschnitten aus Fig. 3b;

Fig. 4a

eine schematische Draufsicht eines Drosselelements gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 4b

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Drossel mit zwei relativ zueinander bewegbaren Drosselelementen gemäß dem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 4c

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Drossel mit zwei relativ zueinander bewegbaren Drosselelementen gemäß dem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Here show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a drain valve according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

a section of a drain valve according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3a

a perspective view of the lower end of an actuating element according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3b

a schematic plan view of a throttle in three states with different flow cross-sections;

Figure 3c

a schematic section through the throttle with different flow cross-sections Figure 3b ;

Figure 4a

a schematic plan view of a throttle element according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4b

an exploded view of a throttle with two relatively movable throttle elements according to the further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4c

a perspective view of the throttle with two throttle elements movable relative to one another according to the further embodiment of the invention.

In Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drain valve 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The drain valve 1 has a housing 11 which is connected to an end section 13 via a carrier 12. Of the End section 13 is tubular and has an external thread 13a, by means of which the drain valve 1 can be mounted in a cistern. The end section 13 defines an outlet opening 15 of the drain valve 1, which is closed at its upper end by a seal 14.

In the housing 11, an overflow pipe 10 is provided which is movably mounted in the housing 11 along its longitudinal axis. At its lower end, the overflow pipe 10 has a protrusion which is connected to a seal 14. If the overflow pipe 10 is raised, the seal 14 is also raised and the outlet opening 15 is opened. Water located in the cistern flows between the supports 12 through the outlet opening 15. If the overflow pipe 10 is lowered, the seal 14 closes the outlet opening 15.

It is in Fig. 1 furthermore to see an actuating means 20 which is designed as a rod which is guided through the overflow pipe 10 and protrudes from it. In the embodiment shown here, the rod has a knurl at the upper end.

Fig. 2 shows a section of the drain valve 1 from Fig. 1 . The outlet opening 15 has a diameter of 50 millimeters. A throttle 30, which is in operative connection with the actuating element 20, is arranged in the outlet opening 15.

Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of the lower end of the actuating element 20. The end piece 20b is designed as a ring element which is connected to the rod of the actuating element 20 by radial struts. The end piece 20b of the actuating element is connected to the throttle 30, for example glued, in such a way that a rotary movement of the actuating element 20 is transmitted to the throttle 30 via the end piece 20b.

To adjust the volume flow of flushing water that flows through the outlet opening 15 when the drain valve 1 is opened, the flow cross section of the throttle 30, and thus the flow cross section of the outlet opening 15, is changed. For this purpose, the rod of the actuating element 20 is rotated on the knurl, and transmit the rotary movement of the actuating element 20 to the throttle 30 connected therewith. Since the rod of the actuating element 20 protrudes from the overflow pipe 10, this setting of the volume flow is possible without any problems even when the toilet is fully assembled. The structure of the throttle 30 and its mode of operation are described in more detail below.

An exemplary embodiment for the throttle 30 is shown schematically in FIG Figures 3b and 3c shown. The throttle 30 is formed here from a throttle element 31 which consists of a diaphragm structure. In Figure 3b the throttle element 31 is shown in three different positions in plan view, in FIG Figure 3c a section through the throttle element 31 is shown in these three positions. The figures show only the flow cross section of the throttle element 31; the outer edge of the throttle element 31, which is in operative connection with the end piece 20b of the actuating element 20, is not shown. With the throttle element 31 off Figures 3b and 3c the flow cross-section of the throttle 30 can be continuously reduced from a maximum value (left) to smaller values. The outer diameter of the throttle element 31 corresponds to the inner diameter of the outlet opening 15, so that the throttle 30 is seated flush in the outlet opening 15.

Another embodiment for the throttle 30 is shown in FIG Figures 4a to 4c shown. The throttle 30 according to this exemplary embodiment comprises two throttle elements 32a and 32b, which are essentially identical. Figure 4a shows a plan view of one of the throttle elements 32a. The throttle element 32a has a circular shape and has passage openings in the form of circular segments. The throttle 30 according to this exemplary embodiment is formed from two throttle elements 32a, 32b which lie on top of one another and can be rotated relative to one another. Figure 4b shows a schematic view of the throttle 30 in an exploded view. In the installed state, the lower throttle element 32a is fixedly mounted in the outlet opening 15 and cannot be rotated. At the center of the upper throttle element 32b, the rod of the actuating element 20 is attached (not shown).

Figure 4c illustrates the mode of operation of the throttle 30. If the throttle elements 32a, 32b are congruent on one another, the flow cross-section of the throttle 30 is at a maximum. Now becomes the upper If the throttle element 32b is rotated against the lower throttle element 32a, the flow cross section is reduced, since the circular segment openings of the upper throttle element 32b are partially covered by the segment-shaped struts of the lower throttle element 32a. Thus, the volume flow of the flushing water can be reduced steplessly starting from a maximum value. The dimensions of the circular segment-shaped passage openings can be selected so that the throttle 30 allows a volume flow of 2.4 l / s when the throttle elements 32a, 32b are in congruent position and a volume flow of 2.0 l / s when the segment-shaped struts are not completely covered lets through.

The drain valve 1 is mounted in the outlet of a cistern (not shown). When assembling a cistern with the drain valve 1, the complete installation of the toilet system can be carried out, including the connection of the outlet opening 15 to a toilet bowl. A flushing process can now be carried out with the cistern open and the volume flow adjusted by means of the actuating element 20.

The invention has been described on the basis of specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications are also possible without departing from the concept of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 and 2 the actuating element 20 is designed as a rod with a knurl which is guided in the overflow pipe 10. But it is also possible that the actuating element 20 is formed by the overflow pipe 10 itself. The lower end of the overflow pipe 10 is then in operative connection with the throttle 30; the volume flow can be adjusted by rotating the overflow pipe 10 about its longitudinal axis.

The end piece 20b of the actuating element 20 is connected to the throttle 30 in the exemplary embodiment described. This connection can be implemented, for example, by gluing the two elements. The throttle 30 can, however, also be designed in one piece with the end piece 20b. The only decisive factor is that the force which is exerted on the actuating means 20 is transmitted to the throttle 30, so that the volume flow can be adjusted by means of the actuating means 20.

List of reference symbols

1

Drain valve

10

Overflow pipe

11

casing

12th

carrier

13

End section

13a

External thread

14th

poetry

15th

Outlet opening

20th

Actuating means

20b

End piece

30th

throttle

31

Throttle element

32a

first throttle element

32b

second throttle element

Claims (13)

1. An outlet valve (1) for a toilet cistern with:

   - an outlet opening (15);

   - an overflow tube (10) that can be moved between an open position and a closed position in order to open and close the outlet opening (15);

   - a throttle (30) that is arranged downstream of the overflow tube (10),

   characterized in that
   the throttle (30) is designed for adjusting the volumetric flow of flushing water flowing through the outlet valve (1) when the outlet valve (1) is opened,
   wherein the throttle (30) comprises an actuating means (20), which can be actuated for adjusting the throttle (30) in the mounted state of the outlet valve (1).
2. The outlet valve (1) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the throttle (30) is arranged in the outlet opening (15) of the outlet valve (1).
3. The outlet valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the volumetric flow can be adjusted in a range between 1.8 l/s and 2.6 l/s, preferably between 2.0 l/s and 2.4 l/s.
4. The outlet valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the actuating means (20) extends through the overflow tube (10).
5. The outlet valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the actuating means (20) protrudes beyond the overflow tube (10).
6. The outlet valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the actuating means (20) is formed by the overflow tube (10), which is designed so as to be rotatable about its center axis.
7. The outlet valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
   wherein the throttle (30) comprises at least one throttle element (31), and
   wherein the flow cross section of the throttle (30) can be adjusted by means of a rotational movement in order to adjust the volumetric flow.
8. The outlet valve (1) according to claim 7,
   wherein the throttle (30) comprises two throttle elements (32a, 32b), and wherein the relative position of the throttle elements (32a, 32b) can be varied with the aid of the actuating means (20) in order to vary the flow cross section.
9. The outlet valve (1) according to claim 8,
   characterized in that
   a first throttle element (32a) of the two throttle elements (32a, 32b) is mounted rigidly and a second throttle element (32b) of the two throttle elements (32a, 32b) is mounted movably, in particular rotatably.
10. The outlet valve (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9,
    characterized in that
    the two throttle elements (32a, 32b) are circular and have openings in the shape of a segment of a circle.
11. The outlet valve (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10,
    characterized in that
    the outer contour of the throttle elements (32a, 32b) is adapted to the inner contour of the outlet opening (15) of the outlet valve (1).
12. A cistern with an outlet valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11,
    characterized by
    an outlet, wherein the outlet valve (1) is connected to the outlet in the interior of the cistern.
13. A method for mounting a cistern with an outlet valve (1) according to claim 12, comprising the following steps:

    - connecting the cistern to a water supply;

    - installing the outlet valve (1) in the cistern;

    - connecting the outlet opening (15) of the outlet valve (1) to a toilet bowl; and subsequently

    - adjusting the volumetric flow of the flushing water with the aid of the actuating means (20) of the outlet valve (1).

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