EP3981927B1

EP3981927B1 - Hydraulic valve for dual-flush toilet flush

Info

Publication number: EP3981927B1
Application number: EP21200855.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Riccardo BAMPI
Original assignee: Bampi SpA
Current assignee: Bampi SpA
Priority date: 2020-10-09
Filing date: 2021-10-05
Publication date: 2023-08-16
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-05
Also published as: EP3981927C0; EP3981927A1; IT202000023779A1

Description

Field of application

The present invention concerns the field of hydraulic valves and, in particular, a hydraulic valve for dual-flush toilet flush adapted to carry out a first water draining, so-named partial, and a second water draining, so-named complete.

Known art

As is known, the modern toilet flush tank systems, generally recessed, allow to choke the draining water, thus allowing significant saving in terms of waste of drinking water, thus also an economic saving. Such a toilet flush tank system is known from WO 2008/041057 A1 .
The aforesaid modern toilet flush tank systems have thus replaced the older toilet flush systems, i.e. the systems which allow only one type of water draining, not only in newly-built buildings but also in renovated buildings.
However, the aforesaid older toilet flush systems are still very widespread, in particular in some geographical areas or types of buildings, such as in the most rural areas of a country or in old public buildings such as barracks, schools and hospitals.
In Italy only, it is currently estimated that there are between about 4 million and about 5 million toilet flush systems of the old type, with a high or half-height tank, which do not allow to choke the draining water.
In this regard, it should be noted that up to now it is not possible to transform an old drain of the aforesaid type into a modern drain of the aforesaid type without intervening with invasive masonry works, thus with significant renovations.
In short, the older toilet flush systems of the pneumatic type comprise a lift placed in a so-called drain unit housed inside the flush tank, on which it is possible to act by activating a remote button connected thereto via a walled pipe, generally made of copper.
The presence of a single walled pipe, thus of a single air passage hidden in the masonry, is indeed at the root of the drawbacks which do not allow to transform an old drain system, which provides for only one type of water draining, into a modern drain system able to choke the draining water without significant and invasive masonry works.
In fact, in order not to resort to the aforesaid invasive masonry works, a drain system adapted to choke the draining water by providing at least one so-named partial draining and one so-named complete draining, should work by using only one air passage, however the modern toilet flush tank systems use two air passages, two pipes in practice.

Summary of the invention

The technical problem underlying the present invention has been to providing a hydraulic valve for toilet flush adapted to carry out a first, so-named partial, water draining and a second, so-named complete, water draining able to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art.
According to the invention, the aforesaid problem is solved by a hydraulic valve for dual-flush toilet flush, comprising:

a casing intended to be combined with a passage for draining water from the toilet flush,
a tubular element at least partly housed and movable in the aforesaid casing and having a first end portion and a second end portion in fluidic communication with each other and each having at least one respective opening,
a gasket integral with the aforesaid first end portion of the aforesaid tubular element and substantially perpendicular to the latter, for the closing and opening of the passage for draining water,
movement means intended to be combined with activation means operated by a user, which are active on the aforesaid tubular element for its displacement between a resting position corresponding to the aforesaid closing and at least one first water draining position and a second water draining position which correspond to the aforesaid opening,
a caisson-like element combined with the aforesaid casing at an end portion thereof on the side of the aforesaid first end portion of the aforesaid tubular element, and a movable rod-like element extended in the aforesaid casing and substantially parallel to the aforesaid tubular element,
wherein, in the aforesaid resting position and in the aforesaid first draining position, the aforesaid rod-like element locks the aforesaid caisson-like element,
wherein, in the aforesaid second draining position the aforesaid caisson-like element, free from the aforesaid rod-like element and subject to floating, locks the aforesaid tubular element, the aforesaid movement means being active on the aforesaid rod-like element at the exceeding of a preset displacement of the aforesaid tubular element, for a displacement of the aforesaid rod-like element from a position of interference with the aforesaid caisson-like element to a position of no-interference with the aforesaid caisson-like element,
the aforesaid valve further comprising restraining means acting on the aforesaid rod-like element in the aforesaid position of no-interference with the aforesaid caisson-like element, and restoring means integral with the aforesaid tubular element at the aforesaid second end portion thereof and acting on the aforesaid rod-like element to restore the aforesaid position of interference of the aforesaid rod-like element with the aforesaid caisson-like element, wherein the aforesaid movement means act on the aforesaid restoring means.

In practice, that which is specified above concerns the condition of use of the aforesaid valve, which, in use, is thus to be considered partially immersed in water, in particular inside a toilet flush tank commonly also denoted as toilet flush.
Thus, according to the above, the aforesaid tubular element is a so-named overflow pipe, wherein the at least one opening of the first end portion and the at least one opening of the second end portion can be provided coaxial to each other, or one or both can be provided on the side of the tubular element, substantially as windows on a side wall of the tubular element.
In any case, the at least one opening provided at the aforesaid first end portion is arranged below the aforesaid gasket which is thus, in addition to being a hydraulic sealing element for the closing of the passage for draining water, arranged in a position between the at least one opening of the first end portion and the at least one opening of the second end portion of the aforesaid tubular element, since a function of the aforesaid tubular element is, among others, that of preventing flooding whenever the filling float cup of the toilet flush tank, which filling float cup is in practice always present in the toilet flush tank, should not work properly.
In fact, whenever the aforesaid overflow pipe is absent and in case of a malfunctioning of the filling float cup of the toilet flush tank, the water would continue to pour out into the toilet flush tank until coming out of the edges thereof, whereas the openings of the aforesaid tubular element allow, whenever necessary, to make the water inside the toilet flush tank pour out through the aforesaid passage for draining water.
In addition to being considered partially immersed in water, as mentioned above the present valve, in use, is to be considered combined with activation means operated by a user, which are in particular active on the aforesaid movement means which in turn act, through the aforesaid restoring means, on the aforesaid tubular element on which the aforesaid sealing gasket of the valve is mounted.
The aforesaid movement means can be activated pneumatically or mechanically, depending on the activation means, as will become clearer hereunder and, in any case, allow to switch from the aforesaid resting or closing position of the valve to the aforesaid first draining or opening position of the valve for draining a preset amount of water, for example of about 3 liters, 4 liters or 5 liters (partial draining), and further allow to switch from the aforesaid resting or closing position of the valve to the aforesaid second draining or opening position of the valve for draining a preset amount of water, for example of about 9 liters (complete draining), depending on the user's command, i.e. depending on the action of the user on the activation means. The release of the activation means by the user together with the hydraulic and mechanical characteristics of the present valve then allow the return from the first draining position or from the second draining position to the closing position of the valve, as will become clearer hereunder.
In practice, the aforesaid movement means comprise a raising flat bar combined with the aforesaid casing at the aforesaid second end portion of the aforesaid tubular element, which, following the activation of the activation means by the user via a first control, rises of a first preset length, for example of about 2 cm, for the partial water draining, by moving the aforesaid tubular element and thus raising the aforesaid gasket of the same first preset length, in particular by acting on, i.e. by pushing upwards, the aforesaid restoring means on which the raising flat bar is directly active and which in turn, as said, are integral with the tubular element.
Moreover, the aforesaid raising flat bar acts on the aforesaid rod-like element, i.e. moves the latter by pushing it upwards, in particular at the exceeding of a preset displacement of the aforesaid tubular element following the activation of the activation means by the user via a second control. In this case, the raising flat bar and thus the tubular element with the aforesaid gasket are raised of a second preset length greater than the aforesaid first preset length, for example of about equal to or greater than 3 cm, for the complete water draining, whereas the aforesaid restraining means keep the rod-like element raised in the aforesaid position of no-interference with the aforesaid caisson-like element which is thus no longer locked by the rod-like element and thus free to float in the water contained inside the toilet flush tank.
In particular, the flotation of the aforesaid caisson-like element no longer locked by the aforesaid rod-like element determines a rotation of limited extent of the caisson-like element itself or, rather, an inclination of the caisson-like element, however sufficient to lock the tubular element raised of the aforesaid second preset length until the water inside the toilet flush tank drops to the level of the caisson-like element, or immediately below the level of the caisson-like element, thus interrupting its flotation and restoring a position substantially no longer tilted of the caisson-like element which thus, by no longer interfering with the tubular element, allows the free, downward, movement of the tubular element itself.
Once the complete draining has been carried out, thus when the aforesaid tubular element is no longer locked in the aforesaid second draining position by the aforesaid caisson-like element, the tubular element itself tends to return into the aforesaid resting position, dragging along the aforesaid restoring means whose descent unlocks the aforesaid rod-like element from the action of the aforesaid restraining means, whereby the aforesaid rod-like element thus also returns into the initial position, i.e. in the position of interference with the aforesaid caisson-like element.
Preferably, the aforesaid rod-like element comprises a stem and a head jutting out with respect to the stem, and more preferably the aforesaid raising flat bar comprises a first hole engaged by the aforesaid rod-like element, wherein, in the aforesaid resting position, the aforesaid stem extends on both sides of the aforesaid first hole. In practice, the aforesaid raising flat bar, at the aforesaid first hole, is provided with a seat for housing the aforesaid head of the rod-like element which makes a tubular portion for containing a portion of the stem also in the aforesaid resting position.
Preferably, the aforesaid raising flat bar comprises a second hole engaged by the aforesaid tubular element.
Preferably, the aforesaid restoring means comprise a crosspiece combined with the aforesaid tubular element, more preferably removably, which crosspiece extends above the aforesaid raising flat bar at least on the side of the aforesaid rod-like element.
Preferably, the aforesaid restraining means comprise a couple of elements between which a magnetic interaction develops, wherein the aforesaid couple of elements more preferably comprises a fixed element housed inside the aforesaid casing and a movable element integral with the aforesaid rod-like element, wherein the aforesaid movable element is even more preferably integral with the aforesaid stem.
Preferably, the aforesaid fixed element is a ring and the aforesaid rod-like element, thus the aforesaid stem, crosses the aforesaid ring, wherein the aforesaid movable element is more preferably a plug combined, on the inside or outside, with the aforesaid stem.
Preferably, the aforesaid caisson-like element comprises a lower flotation chamber, and more preferably comprises an upper tank, wherein the aforesaid flotation chamber even more preferably has a volume greater than the volume of the aforesaid tank.
Preferably, the aforesaid caisson-like element is arched and extends around the aforesaid tubular element.
Preferably, the aforesaid caisson-like element comprises at least one hooking element and more preferably comprises a couple of hooking elements.
Preferably, the aforesaid at least one hooking element is rod-shaped.
Preferably, the aforesaid casing comprises at least one supporting element and more preferably comprises a couple of supporting elements.
Preferably, the aforesaid at least one supporting element is substantially fork-shaped, more preferably fork-shaped with two or three arms.
Preferably, the aforesaid at least one hooking element is combined with the aforesaid at least one supporting element such as the aforesaid caisson-like element can oscillate, by tilting, around an axis substantially perpendicular to the aforesaid tubular element, more preferably an axis passing through the aforesaid at least one hooking element.
Preferably, the aforesaid tubular element is provided with at least one ridge or outer rib extending longitudinally on the aforesaid side wall, and more preferably comprises a couple of outer ribs of the aforesaid type and parallel to each other.
Preferably, the aforesaid at least one rib extends over a preset limited length on the aforesaid side wall, at a preset distance from the aforesaid gasket.
Preferably, the aforesaid caisson-like element comprises at least one countering element adapted to interfere with the aforesaid at least one rib when the aforesaid rod-like element is in the aforesaid position of no interference with the aforesaid caisson-like element.
Preferably, the aforesaid caisson-like element comprises a couple of countering elements of the aforesaid type at the aforesaid couple of ribs.
Preferably, the aforesaid at least one countering element is tooth- or step-shaped.
Preferably, the aforesaid valve comprises a float cup housed inside the aforesaid casing and active on the aforesaid tubular element.
Preferably, the aforesaid float cup is provided with a first hole engaged by the aforesaid rod-like element.
Preferably, the aforesaid float cup is provided with a second hole engaged by the aforesaid tubular element.
Preferably, the aforesaid valve comprises stop means which can act on the aforesaid float cup.
Preferably, the aforesaid stop means comprise at least one jutting element which is jutting out from the aforesaid side wall of the aforesaid tubular element, wherein the aforesaid jutting element is more preferably aligned with the aforesaid at least one rib.
Preferably, the aforesaid stop means comprise a ring-like element, more preferably an open ring-like element, even more preferably elastic, combined with the aforesaid tubular element and arranged below the aforesaid at least one jutting element.
Preferably, the aforesaid valve comprises one adjustment element which can act on the aforesaid float cup and which is thus adapted to determine the extent of the movement, wherein the aforesaid adjustment element more preferably has a threaded length movable from the outside of the aforesaid casing.
Preferably, the aforesaid casing has a bottom which more preferably is at least partially open.
Preferably, the aforesaid casing comprises guiding means for guiding the aforesaid tubular element, which are more preferably arranged at the aforesaid bottom, wherein the aforesaid guiding means act even more preferably on the aforesaid at least one rib.
Preferably, the aforesaid casing has an open top and the aforesaid valve comprises a lid combined with the aforesaid top, wherein the aforesaid lid is provided with at least one opening and wherein the aforesaid raising flat bar is combined with the aforesaid lid.
Preferably, the aforesaid movement means comprise, in addition to the aforesaid raising flat bar, pneumatic means or mechanical means acting on the aforesaid raising flat bar and adapted to be operated by the activation means controlled by the user.
Preferably, the aforesaid pneumatic means comprise a pneumatic lift, preferably a bellows whose elongated shape allows it to easily expand in the length direction, arranged below the aforesaid raising flat bar, and a fitting connected to the aforesaid pneumatic lift and adapted to be connected, via a duct, to a remote dual-command button for the activation, by air thrust, of the aforesaid valve through the aforesaid first control or the aforesaid second control operated by the user, wherein, according to the invention, the aforesaid fitting is one way, i.e. adapted to be combined with one duct only.
Preferably, the aforesaid valve comprises a cylindrical seat and a guiding cylinder movable in the aforesaid cylindrical seat, inside which the aforesaid pneumatic lift is housed, thus the aforesaid bellows, wherein the aforesaid cylindrical seat is more preferably obtained in the aforesaid lid.
Preferably, the aforesaid mechanical means comprise a little anchor combined with the aforesaid raising flat bar and a hook combined with the aforesaid little anchor and adapted to be combined with mechanical activation means, for example a remote dual-command device for the activation of the aforesaid valve via the aforesaid first control or the aforesaid second control operated by the user.
Preferably, the aforesaid valve comprises a basket combined with the aforesaid casing at the aforesaid bottom, more preferably removably, wherein the aforesaid basket even more preferably comprises a threaded end length.

Brief description of the figures

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer in the review of the following detailed description of some preferred, although not exclusive, embodiments illustrated by way of example and without limitations with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hydraulic valve for dual-flush toilet flush, in a closing or resting position of the valve, according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view of the valve of figure 1, according to the present invention;
figure 3 shows a detail of the valve of figure 2 rotated by 180°;
figure 4 shows the valve of figure 1 in a first draining or opening position of the valve, according to the present invention;
figure 5 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view of the valve of figure 4, according to the present invention;
figure 6 shows a detail of the valve shown in figures 2 and 4, according to the present invention;
figure 7 shows the valve of figure 1 in a second draining or opening position of the valve, according to the present invention;
figure 8 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view of the valve of figure 7, according to the present invention;
figure 9 shows a detail of the valve of figure 8, rotated by 180°;
figure 10 shows a detail of the valve of figure 8, rotated by 180°;
figure 11 shows a detail of the valve of figure 8, rotated by 180°, in the intermediate passage from the aforesaid second opening position to the aforesaid closing position;
figure 12 shows a detail of the valve of figure 8, rotated by 180°;
figure 13 shows the valve of figure 1 according to an embodiment variant of the invention;
figure 14 shows the valve of figure 13 in the aforesaid first draining or opening position of the valve;
figure 15 shows the valve of figure 13 in the aforesaid second draining or opening position of the valve.

Detailed description of the invention

According to figures 1-12, 1 generally denotes a hydraulic valve for dual-flush toilet flush according to the present invention.
In practice, the valve 1 allows to transform old toilet flush tanks designed and structured, with a respective hydraulic system, to provide only one type of water draining, in a dual-flush toilet tank able to provide a first, so-named partial, water draining and a second, so-named complete, water draining without carrying out invasive masonry works in the environment in which the toilet flush tank is arranged, or anyhow without the need to carry out invasive adaptations to the hydraulic system dedicated to the flush tank.
In detail, the valve 1 essentially comprises a casing 2 intended to be combined with a passage for draining water from the toilet flush, i.e. from the toilet flush tank,

a tubular element 3 housed in the casing 2 inside which it is movable and which comprises a first end portion 4 and a second end portion 5 in fluidic communication with each other and each having at least one respective opening 6, 7,
a gasket 8 integral with the first end portion 4 of the tubular element 3, substantially perpendicular to the latter, for the closing and opening of the passage for draining water,
movement means, generally denoted by 9, intended to be combined with activation means operated by a user, which are active on the tubular element 3 for its displacement between a resting position corresponding to a closed state of the valve and at least one first water draining position (partial draining) and a second water draining position (complete draining) which correspond to respective two different opening states of the valve,
a caisson-like element 10 combined with the casing 2 at an end portion thereof on the side of the first end portion 4 of the tubular element 3, and a movable rod-like element 11 extended in the casing 2 substantially parallel to the tubular element 3,
wherein, in the resting position and in the first draining position, the rod-like element 11 locks the caisson-like element 10,
wherein, in the second draining position the caisson-like element 10, free from the rod-like element 11 and subject to floating, locks the tubular element 3, wherein the movement means 9 are active on the rod-like element 11 at the exceeding of a preset displacement of the tubular element 3, for a displacement of the rod-like element 11 from a position of interference with the caisson-like element 10 to a position of no-interference with the caisson-like element 10,
wherein the valve 1 further comprises restraining means 12 acting on the rod-like element 11 in the position of no-interference of the latter with the caisson-like element 10, and restoring means 13 integral with the tubular element 3 at the second end portion 5 thereof and acting on the rod-like element 11 to restore the position of interference of the rod-like element 11 with the caisson-like element 10, wherein the aforesaid movement means 9 act on the restoring means 13.

As is clear in that which is set forth above, the structure and operation of the present valve are strictly related and, thus, that which is specified above concerns the condition of use of the valve 1, which is thus, in use, to be considered partially immersed in water inside a toilet flush tank (toilet flush).
According to the above, the tubular element 3 is a so-named overflow pipe in which the at least one opening of the first end portion 4 and the at least one opening of the second end portion 5 can be provided coaxial to each other, or both can be provided on the side of the tubular element 3, substantially as windows on a side wall 14 of the tubular element 3, or even only one of the aforesaid openings of the tubular element 3 can be provided as a window on the side wall 14, whereas the other can be arranged substantially crosswise on the tubular element 3, the latter arrangement corresponding to the examples of the aforesaid figures.
In particular, according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the tubular element 3 is shown with a lower opening 6 and with a couple of openings 7 arranged on top of the side wall 14, wherein the lower opening 6, i.e. the one arranged at the first end portion 4 of the tubular element 3, is arranged below the gasket 8.
The gasket 8, which is de facto a hydraulic sealing element for closing the passage for draining water from the toilet flush, is thus arranged in a position between the opening 6 of the first end portion 4 and the opening 7 of the second end portion 5 of the tubular element 3, since a function of the tubular element 3 is, among others, that of preventing flooding whenever the filling float cup of the toilet flush tank should not work properly, which filling float cup is substantially always present in the toilet flush tank.
In fact, whenever the overflow pipe is absent and in case of a malfunctioning of the filling float cup of the toilet flush tank, during the refilling of the toilet flush tank the water would continue to pour out therein until coming out of the edges thereof, whereas the openings provided on the tubular element 3 allow, whenever necessary, to make the water inside the toilet flush tank pour out through the passage for draining water.
In addition to being considered partially immersed in water, as mentioned above the present valve, in use, is to be considered combined with activation means operated by a user and which are not shown in the examples of the figures and which are active on the movement means 9 which in turn act, via the restoring means 13, on the tubular element 3 on which the sealing gasket of the valve is mounted.
The movement means can be activated pneumatically or mechanically, depending on the activation means, as will become clearer hereunder and, in any case, allow to switch from the aforesaid resting or closing position of the valve to the aforesaid first draining or opening position of the valve for draining a preset amount of water, for example of about 3 liters, 4 liters or 5 liters (partial draining), and further allow to switch from the aforesaid resting or closing position of the valve to the aforesaid second draining or opening position of the valve for draining a preset amount of water, for example of about 9 liters (complete draining), depending on the command operated by the user, i.e. depending on the action of the user on the activation means provided with two different consents.
The release of the activation means by the user together with the hydraulic and mechanical characteristics of the valve, thus also depending on the level of water in the toilet flush tank, then allows the return from the first draining position or from the second draining position to the closing position of the valve, as will become clearer hereunder.
According to the invention, the aforesaid movement means comprise a raising flat bar 15 combined with the casing 2 at the second end portion 5 of the tubular element 3, which, following the activation of the activation means by the user via a first control or consent (for example a small button of the activation means), rises of a first preset length, for example of about 2 cm, for the partial water draining, in particular by moving the tubular element 3 and thus raising the gasket 8 of the same first preset length, more in particular by acting on, i.e. by pushing upwards, the restoring means 13 on which the raising flat bar 15 is directly active and which in turn, as said, are integral with the tubular element 3.
Moreover, the raising flat bar 15 acts on the rod-like element 11, i.e. moves the latter by pushing it upwards, in particular at the exceeding of a preset displacement of the tubular element 3 following the operation of the activation means by the user via a second command or consent (for example a big button of the activation means).
In this case, the raising flat bar 15 and, thus, the tubular element 3 with the gasket 8 are raised of a second preset length greater than the aforesaid first preset length, for example about equal to or greater than 3 cm, for the complete water draining, whereas the restraining means 12 keep the rod-like element 11 raised in the aforesaid position of no-interference with the caisson-like element 10 which is thus no longer locked by the rod-like element 11 and thus free to float in the water contained inside the toilet flush tank.
In particular, the flotation of the caisson-like element 10 no longer locked by the rod-like element 11 determines a rotation of limited extent of the caisson-like element itself or, rather, an inclination of the caisson-like element 10, however sufficient to lock the tubular element 3 raised of the aforesaid second preset length until the water inside the toilet flush tank drops to the level of the caisson-like element, or immediately below the level of the caisson-like element, thus interrupting its flotation and restoring a position substantially no longer tilted of the caisson-like element 10 which thus, by no longer interfering with the tubular element 3, allows the free, downward, movement of the tubular element 3 itself.
In detail, once the complete draining has been carried out, thus when the tubular element 3 is no longer locked in the second draining position by the caisson-like element 10, the tubular element 3 itself tends to return into the resting position by dragging along the restoring means 13, whose descent unlocks the rod-like element 11 from the action of the restraining means 12, thereby the rod-like element 11 also returns into the initial position, i.e. the position of interference with the caisson-like element 10.
In this regard, according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the rod-like element 11 comprises a stem 16 and a head 17 jutting out with respect to the stem 16, whereas the raising flat bar 15 comprises a first hole 18 engaged by the rod-like element 11, in which, in the aforesaid resting position, the stem 16 extends on both sides of the first hole 18.
In practice, according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the raising flat bar 15, at the first hole 18, is provided with a seat 19 for housing the head 17 of the rod-like element 11 which makes a tubular portion for containing a portion of the stem 16 also in the resting position, and is further provided with a second hole 20 engaged by the tubular element 3.
As far as the restoring means 13 are concerned, it should be noted that they comprise a crosspiece 21 removably combined, via a fitting 22, with the tubular element 3, wherein the fitting 22 comprises openings which overlap the openings 7 of the second end portion 5 of the tubular element 3, and wherein the crosspiece 21 extends above the raising flat bar 15 at least from the side of the rod-like element 11 which, it should be reminded, is in practice, so to speak, activated only when the so-named complete water draining is carried out through the aforesaid second control, its function being that, so to speak, of in turn activating the caisson-like element.
As far as the restraining means 12 are concerned, it should be noted that according to the invention, they comprise a couple of elements between which a magnetic interaction develops.
According to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the aforesaid couple of elements between which a magnetic interaction develops comprises a fixed element 23 housed inside the casing 2 and a movable element 24 integral with the rod-like element 11, particularly integral with the stem 16.
More in detail, according to the example of the aforesaid figures, the fixed element 23 is a ring engaged by the rod-like element 11 and the movable element 24 is combined outside the stem 16, wherein the fixed element 23 is advantageously combined at a lower end of the aforesaid tubular portion of the raising flat bar 15, the possibility of arranging the aforesaid fixed element differently not however being excluded.
As far as the aforesaid caisson-like element is concerned, in the field also known as palettamento ("blading"), it should be noted that its position substantially determines the level of the amount of water to be drained and its function is substantially that of allowing the complete draining of the toilet flush. In general, the position of the caisson-like element is calculated such as to allow to leave a minimum water content, however sufficient to prevent gurgling and noises at the end of the drain, inside the flush tank, thus making the present valve more silent than the valves present in the old toilet flush systems.
In particular, according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the caisson-like element 10 comprises a lower flotation chamber 25 and an upper tank 26, wherein the flotation chamber 25 has a volume greater than the volume of the tank 26.
In the presence of water, the flotation chamber 25 facilitates the necessary rotary movement or inclination of the caisson-like element 10, whereas the tank 26 confers more weight to the caisson-like element 10 by keeping the water also after flushing, thus facilitating the return to the not tilted position.
Moreover, the caisson-like element 10 is arched and extends around the tubular element 3 with respect to which, as mentioned above, it can oscillate when free to float, thus determining its locking in the aforesaid second draining position.
According to that which is specified above, the caisson-like element 10 comprises at least one hooking element and preferably comprises a couple of hooking elements, each denoted by 27 and substantially rod-shaped, such as a pin, for being combined with the casing 2.
The casing 2 in turn comprises at least one supporting element and preferably comprises a couple of supporting elements, each denoted by 28 and essentially fork-shaped, in particular fork-shaped with two or three arms.
The hooking elements 27 of the caisson-like element 10 are thus combined with the supporting elements 28 of the casing 2, such as the caisson-like element 10 can oscillate, by tilting, around an axis substantially perpendicular to the tubular element 3, thus to an axis passing through the hooking elements 27, thus locking the tubular element 3 once free from the interference with the rod-like element 11.
In this regard, in order to facilitate the locking of the tubular element 3 by the caisson-like element 10 when the rod-like element 11 is in the aforesaid position of no-interference with the caisson-like element 10, the tubular element 3 is provided with at least one ridge or outer rib extending longitudinally on the side wall 14 and preferably comprises a couple of outer ribs of the aforesaid type, parallel to each other, each denoted by 29, whereas the caisson-like element 10 comprises at least one countering element adapted to interfere with the aforesaid at least one rib, and preferably comprises a couple of countering elements of the aforesaid type, each denoted by 30, arranged at the couple of ribs 29.
In particular, the ribs 29 extend over a preset limited length on the side wall 14, at a preset distance from the gasket 8, whereas the countering elements 30 are tooth shaped or, as shown in the examples of the aforesaid figures, step shaped, such as to interfere with, i.e. constitute a stop or support for, the ribs 29.
According to the examples of the aforesaid figures, it should be added that the valve according to the present invention preferably further comprises a float cup 31 which is housed inside the casing 2 and which acts on the tubular element 3.
According to that which is specified above, the float cup 31 is provided with a first hole engaged by the rod-like element 11 and with a second hole engaged by the tubular element 3.
The float cup 31 facilitates the partial water draining by favoring the raising of the tubular element 3 since it is not locked but free to slide, at least for a length, on the tubular element 3, thus facilitating its ascent when the aforesaid activation means are activated thanks to its buoyancy.
Moreover, the valve 1 advantageously further comprises stop means adapted to act on the float cup 31 and generally denoted by 32.
In detail, the stop means 32 comprise at least one jutting element which is jutting out from the aforesaid side wall of the tubular element and, according to the example of the aforesaid figures, they comprise a couple of jutting elements of the aforesaid type, each denoted by 33, and a ring-like element 34, particularly an open ring-like element, advantageously elastic, combined with the tubular element 3 and arranged below the jutting elements 33.
Moreover, the jutting elements 33 are advantageously aligned with the ribs 29 of the tubular element.
The stop means 32 prevent the float cup 31 from rising more than needed inside the casing 2.
In this regard it should be said that, according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the valve according to the present invention can further comprise an adjustment element 35 which can be arranged such as to act on the float cup 31 and which is adapted to determine the extent of the movement of the float cup 31.
In practice, the adjustment element 35 is in the form of a stem having a threaded length movable by the user from the outside of the casing 2.
In practice, the adjustment element 35, when adjusted for the purpose, acts on the thrusting or raising float cup of the present valve, i.e. on the float cup 31, by beating on its upper surface, thus reducing or increasing the travel when rising, it being able to be screwed or unscrewed according to need.
When the travel of the float cup 31 is reduced, i.e. when the adjustment element 35 is substantially screwed, the draining water will be reduced, whereas when the travel of the float cup 31 is greater, i.e. when the adjustment element 35 is substantially unscrewed, the water draining will be greater. This because a different travel of the float cup 31 determines a more or less sudden descent of the float cup itself which in turn determines a more or less longer opening of the valve 1 and, consequently, a greater or lesser partial water draining.
According to that which is specified above, it should be reminded that it is also possible to make the adjustment element 35 inactive by entrusting the extent of the travel of the float cup 31 to the aforesaid stop means 32.
It should also be reminded that although the raising float cup makes the present valve more effective and sensitive to the action of the activation means, in particular with a float cup of large volume which lightens the force to be applied to the activation means for opening the valve, it is substantially a preferred but non-essential element of the invention. Preferred float cups have a volume of about 200 mm³, well adapted to also compensate the thrust exerted by the water on the closing gasket.
In detail, as far as the casing 2 is concerned, it should be added that it has a partially open bottom at which it is provided with guiding means 36 for guiding the tubular element 3, which guiding means can be in the form of a ring or a ring length such as an arch, engaged by the tubular element 3 and possibly provided with cuts inside which the ribs 29 arranged on the side wall 14 of the tubular element 3 can slide.
The guiding means 36, as well as the supporting elements 28, can be made in one piece with a bottom portion of the casing 2 or can be made in a removable bottom of the casing 2, such as shown in the examples of the aforesaid figures in which such removable bottom is denoted by 2a.
In any case, the partially open bottom of the casing 2 regulates a proper flow of the water which also flows inside the valve 1 and furthermore facilitates the staying in position of the caisson-like element 10.
The casing 2, according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, further has an open top to which a lid 37, with which the valve 1 is provided, is combined.
In this regard, the lid 37 is provided with one or more openings for the passage and centering of the tubular element 3 and of the rod-like element 11 and is in particular further provided with a seat for accommodating the aforesaid tubular portion of the raising flat bar 15 which is thus combined with the casing 2 by the lid 37. In particular, the raising flat bar 15 is combined on top with the lid 37 at its opening or openings.
The lid 37 is further provided with a threaded hole engaged by the adjustment element 35 with which it is possible to adjust the extent of the partial water draining.
As far as the aforesaid movement means are concerned, it should be added that they further comprise, in addition to the raising flat bar 15, pneumatic means or mechanical means active on the raising flat bar 15 and adapted to be activated by the aforesaid activation means controlled by the user.
According to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the aforesaid pneumatic means, generally denoted by 38, comprise a pneumatic lift 39 of the bellows type, for example made of silicone with parallel coils, arranged below the raising flat bar 15, and a fitting 40 connected to the pneumatic lift 39 and adapted to be connected, via a duct, to a remote dual-command button for the activation, by air thrust, of the valve 1 through the aforesaid first control or the aforesaid second control operated by the user.
It should be noted that the aforesaid duct and the aforesaid remote button are not shown in the examples of the aforesaid figures as they are part of the aforesaid activation means.
According to the invention and as shown in the examples of the aforesaid figures, it should be added that the valve 1 preferably further comprises a cylindrical seat 41 and a movable cylinder guide 42 arranged in the seat 41, inside which the pneumatic lift 39 is housed.
In this regard, it should be noted that the seat 41, which is provided with an opening for the passage of the fitting 40, is advantageously obtained in the lid 37.
In practice, according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the cylinder guide 42, moved by the pneumatic lift 39 when the activation means are operated, pushes the raising flat bar 15 upwards, hence the restoring means 13 together with the tubular element 3 with the gasket 8.
Advantageously, the cylinder guide 42 stabilizes the pneumatic lift 39 during its travel and increases its thrusting efficiency.
Finally, the valve according to the present invention can further comprise a basket 43 which is removably combined with the bottom of the casing 2 by means of prearranged hooking means, and which can advantageously comprise a threaded end length 44 useful for the connection with the aforesaid passage of the outflow water draining pipe. In practice, the basket 43 provides a useful connection between the present valve and the draining system.
In practice, according to the above and according to the present invention, the valve 1 can be operated by connecting it through a single duct with a remote pneumatic dual-command button, comprising for example a first control, for example a first button, of reduced travel with respect to the travel of a second control, for example a second button.
With reference to figures 13-15, an embodiment variant of the present invention is now described, wherein parts structurally and functionally corresponding to those of the valve 1 described above have the same reference numbers as those used in figures 1-12.
In particular, in the example of figures 13-15, a valve 101 is shown as quite similar to the valve 1 shown above and to which the description refers, except for the fact that, as mentioned above, the aforesaid movement means further comprise, in addition to a raising flat bar 15, mechanical means instead of pneumatic means active on the raising flat bar 15.
In detail, the aforesaid mechanical means, generally denoted by 138, comprise a little anchor 139 combined with the raising flat bar 15 and a hook 140 combined with the little anchor 139 and adapted to be combined with activation means of the mechanical type, for example a remote dual-command device for the activation of the valve 101 via the aforesaid first control or the aforesaid second control operated by the user, the aforesaid activation means of the mechanical type not being in the examples of the figures shown.
A casing 2, a tubular element 3, restoring means 13, a lid 37 and a basket 43 are also depicted in the example of figures 13-15, reminding that, as specified above, aside from the aforesaid mechanical means which replace the pneumatic means, the valve 101 is quite similar to the valve 1.
The advantages of the present invention, which were clear in the description set forth above, can be summarized by pointing out that a hydraulic valve for toilet flush, which in the pneumatic version can be driven by a single air passage, for example by means of a preexisting pipe arranged inside a wall, adapted to carry out, via two different possibilities, both a partial water draining and a complete water draining, and which thus allows to replace all the old draining systems able to provide a single type of draining thus avoiding invasive masonry works, is provided.
This way, it is advantageously easier and more economic to follow the regulations on the waste of drinking water which, as should be reminded, is currently used substantially in the entirety of toilet flush systems although being a precious good for our society and the entire world.
Basically, the present invention allows for a quick and economic transformation of the old toilet flush systems, quick installation of the valve and economic in its use, which generally allows to save up to 50% of drinking water with a consequent significant saving on the respective bills.
Still advantageously, the present valve can be installed in any type of toilet flush tank, both recessed and external, by adapting itself to all solutions despite the level of water is generally at a different height in various types of toilet flush tanks, for example maximum of about 19 cm in high tanks or medium height tanks versus about 30 cm in recessed tanks.
Moreover, the present valve can advantageously operate both in a toilet flush system with pneumatic activation, thus as a pneumatic unit, and in a toilet flush system with mechanical activation, thus as a mechanical unit, substantially by changing only part of the movement means of the valve without needing to make structural changes and without needing to provide particular or further accessories for adapting from a pneumatic system to a mechanical one or vice-versa, thus being suitable for all types of toilet flush tanks. Advantageously, this possibility provides the entire chain, from production to marketing, to reduce the number of models and respective warehouse stocks.
In order to meet incidental and specific requirements, several variations and modifications could be made by a field technician to the illustrated and described embodiments of present invention, provided that all are included in the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

Hydraulic valve for dual-flush toilet flush, comprising:
a casing (2) intended to be combined with a passage for draining water from the toilet flush,

a tubular element (3) at least partly housed and movable in said casing (2) and having a first end portion (4) and a second end portion (5) in fluidic communication with each other and each having at least one respective opening (6, 7),

a gasket (8) integral with said first end portion (4) of said tubular element (3) and substantially perpendicular to the latter, for the closing and opening of the passage for draining water,

movement means (9) intended to be combined with activation means operated by a user, which movement means (9) are active on said tubular element (3) for its displacement between a resting position corresponding to the aforesaid closing and at least one first water draining position and a second water draining position which correspond to the aforesaid opening,

a caisson-like element (10) combined with said casing (2) at an end portion thereof on the side of said first end portion (4) of said tubular element (3), and a movable rod-like element (11) extended in said casing (2) and substantially parallel to said tubular element (3),

characterised in that,

in said resting position and in said first draining position, said rod-like element (11) locks said caisson-like element (10),

wherein, in said second draining position said caisson-like element (10), free from said rod-like element (11) and subject to floating, locks said tubular element (3), said movement means (9) being active on said rod-like element (11) at the exceeding of a preset displacement of said tubular element (3), for a displacement of said rod-like element (11) from a position of interference with said caisson-like element (10) to a position of no-interference with said caisson-like element (10),

said valve further comprising restraining means (12) acting on said rod-like element (11) in said position of no-interference with said caisson-like element (10), and restoring means (13) integral with said tubular element (3) at said second end portion (5) thereof and acting on said rod-like element (11) to restore said position of interference of said rod-like element with said caisson-like element, wherein said movement means (9) act on said restoring means (13).
Valve according to claim 1, wherein said restraining means (12) comprise a couple of elements interacting magnetically, wherein said couple of elements preferably comprises a fixed element (23) housed in said casing (2) and a movable element (24) integral with said rod-like element (11).
Valve according to claim 2, wherein said fixed element (23) is a ring and wherein said rod-like element (11) crosses said ring.
Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said caisson-like element (10) comprises a lower flotation chamber (25) and preferably comprises an upper tank (26), wherein said flotation chamber (25) more preferably has a volume greater than the volume of said tank (26).
Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a float cup (31) housed inside said casing (2) and active on said tubular element (3).
Valve according to claim 5, wherein said float cup (31) is provided with a first hole engaged by said rod-like element (11), wherein said float cup (31) is more preferably provided with a second hole engaged by said tubular element (3).
Valve according to claim 5 or 6, comprising stop means (32) for said float cup (31).
Valve according to any one of claims 5-7, comprising an adjustment element (35) adapted to determine the extent of the movement of said float cup (31), wherein said adjustment element (35) preferably has a threaded length movable from the outside of said casing (2).
Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said movement means (9) comprise a raising flat bar (15) and pneumatic means (38) or mechanical means (138) acting on said raising flat bar (15).
Valve according to claim 9, wherein said pneumatic means (38) comprise a pneumatic lift (39), preferably a bellows, adapted to be connected, via a duct, to a remote pneumatic dual-command button.
Valve according to claim 9, wherein said mechanical means (138) comprise a hook (140) and a little anchor (139) combined with said hook (140), wherein said hook is adapted to be combined with a remote mechanical control.
Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said caisson-like element (10) is arched and extends around said tubular element (3).
Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said caisson-like element (10) comprises at least one hooking element (27), preferably rod-shaped, and said casing (2) comprises at least one supporting element (28), preferably fork-shaped, wherein said at least one hooking element (27) is combined with said at least one supporting element (28) such as said caisson-like element (10), when subjected to flotation, can oscillate, by tilting, around an axis substantially perpendicular to said tubular element (3).
Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular element (3) is provided with a least one ridge or outer rib (29) extending longitudinally, and wherein said caisson-like element (10) comprises at least one countering element (30) adapted to interfere with said at least one rib (29) when said rod-like element (11) is in said position of no interference with said caisson-like element (10), wherein said at least one countering element (30) is preferably tooth or step shaped.