ES2841511B2 - Flush mechanism for toilet tank - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Flush mechanism for toilet tank

Technical field of the invention

The present invention corresponds to the technical field of toilet tanks, specifically to a flushing mechanism for said tank, where the tank has a water inlet with a filling valve connected to a buoy or float, and a flush button.

Background of the Invention

At present, toilet tanks all have a water storage tank or volume intended for discharge at the time required, with the aim of producing the dragging of accumulated remains and waste in the toilet bowl.

The tanks have a water inlet mechanism, which is responsible for recharging the water in the storage volume after each use of the same, so that it is kept in optimal conditions for the moment in which it is necessary to activate the tank again. mechanism. This mechanism has a series of gaskets to prevent leaks.

For its part, the cistern discharge mechanism has the function of opening the water outlet space to empty the tank, that is, to empty the water tank. In this sense, the flushing mechanism can be actuated by a push button or, in the case of older cisterns that are hung on the wall above the toilet, by a handle. In either case the mechanism is similar.

Said discharge mechanism is formed by a discharge valve that is fitted to a water outlet orifice at the bottom of the tank and presents an ascending and descending movement activated by the button, which allows or prevents, respectively, the exit of the water by the same.

This valve has several gaskets, including a union gasket with the contour of the outlet hole that prevents any type of leak through it.

This type of download mechanism is usually associated with drawbacks that increase in number and frequency over time.

One of the reasons is that the mechanism is submerged inside the water tank itself, so that continuous contact with it accelerates the wear processes of the joints, for example, causing leaks in it. These leaks are usually accompanied by a constant and repetitive noise that is very annoying for any user, in addition to generating a waste of a resource as scarce as water, of which very high volumes are lost due to these reasons.

Thus, among the problems presented by this type of discharge mechanism is the deterioration of the sealing joint due to deterioration due to contact with water and with the lime that it presents.

Another inconvenience is due to the outlet passage of the water from the cistern to the toilet. This is located at the bottom of the tank and allows the passage of water when the discharge mechanism moves upwards, leaving it free.

Therefore, it presents some exit conditions, caused by the uncovering of the bottom opening, in which the unloading mechanism fits, which translates, in practice, into little drag force.

This problem appears in many toilets, in which the user observes that the remains are not completely eliminated, forcing him to flush again, which multiplies the consumption of water, this being a serious inconvenience for conservation enviroment.

Description of the invention

The flushing mechanism for a toilet tank, where said tank comprises a water inlet with a filling valve connected to a buoy or float, and at least one first flush button, presented here, is formed by at least one first unloading module comprising at least one first tank located inside the tank, connected to it by means of a rotation axis, and which is formed by a body with an opening in one area thereof, capable of presenting a first movement of rotation around the axis inside the tank, with a minimum angle such that it allows the discharge by gravity of at least part of the first tank.

This first tank has a first position in which the opening is located at its upper level for filling and a second position in which the opening is located at a level equal to or less than the level of the sheet of water contained. in said first deposit.

Likewise, the unloading mechanism has control means for the position of the first tank, formed by at least one first tab located inside the tank, oriented towards the first tank, and a first tab arranged on the outside of the lateral surface of the same, so that, in the first position of the first tank, the first tab has a stop-like position, located in contact with the first tab and opposite it, according to the direction of the first turning movement .

In addition, the first tab is connected to the first discharge button that is arranged on the side of the tank and has a retracted position with respect to the first tab, associated with the activation of said first button, such that it allows the passage of the tab and the first turning movement of at least the minimum angle, of the first deposit.

This unloading mechanism in turn comprises at least one second tank with a lateral surface.

The first and second tanks have a semi-cylindrical shape and the axis of rotation is located in the center of the joint between the two, the flat face being the one that configures the corresponding opening of each one and such that they are joined in the area of the lateral surface farthest from said opening or else, they are joined by the flat face and present, in the area of the lateral surface farthest from said flat face, a truncation parallel to it, which forms the opening of each one of them.

Another option is the one in which the first and second tanks have a rounded shape with an opening in one part of them and a section opposite said opening, such that both tanks are joined by said section opposite the opening and the axis is located in the center of that union.

In any of these cases, both first and second tanks have means for activating the first turning movement arranged on the lateral surface, in the part located frontally in said first respective turning movement of each tank, such that they are located so asymmetric.

Another option is the one in which the first and second deposits have a curved shape and are equal and complementary, joined by a curved outline thereof such that they form a cylindrical shape whose bases are vertical and its outer lateral surface has two opposite openings each of them corresponding to one of the tanks, the axis of rotation is located in the center of the curved contour of union of said tanks, where each tank has a configuration of greater width in the area close to its opening and narrower in the area close to the opening of the opposite tank, where the first turning movement of each first and second tanks has a turning angle of 180°, the first position of one of the tanks being coincident with the second position of the opposite tank.

This unloading mechanism also comprises, in some cases, a buoy associated with each first and second tanks and each of the buoys is connected to a longitudinal sliding element connected to the corresponding tank, so that in the first position of each tank, the longitudinal element associated therewith is located in connection with the water inlet valve.

On the other hand, in other cases, it comprises a buoy associated with the first discharge module, attached to a longitudinal element connected to the water inlet valve and the means of attaching it to said longitudinal element are formed by a tilting axis, where each first and second tanks have a buoy thrust element at the end of the opening located on the rear lateral surface according to the direction of the first turning movement.

With the flushing mechanism for a toilet tank that is proposed here, a significant improvement of the state of the art is obtained.

This is so because a mechanism is achieved in which rubber gaskets are not necessary, neither in the discharge mechanism itself, nor in the union of the cistern to the toilet, so the problem of possible annoying leaks is eliminated.

There will also be no leaks from the screws that hold the tank to the bowl, since the water is not directly in the tank but in a tank inside it, so these screws are not in contact with the water. nor will they have problems of limescale build-up in them. In fact, lime is no longer a problem in this mechanism, since the elements of the discharge mechanism are outside the tank and therefore out of contact with the water.

By not presenting leaks, a very important saving of water is achieved, with the consequent benefit for the environment, in addition to a reduction in the costs of its consumption. Likewise, the annoying repetitive noise caused by these losses and the stains that occur on the surface of the toilet due to the continuous contact of the lime hitting the same place are avoided.

It is a very simple mechanism, with a low manufacturing cost, which also allows greater ease of repair, as well as replacement if necessary, being able to be repaired by the user himself in a few seconds. It is only necessary to remove the upper cover that is held by gravity, since it does not contain any button, and remove the tank from its support. In the event that the water inlet faucet interferes with said extraction, it would be installed subject to a small removable portion of the cistern wall, which would be extracted together with the faucet connected to its hose.

Actually, it requires very little or no maintenance and, if it does, it is very simple, given the total absence of joints and connections between the cistern and the mechanism. It results in a much more robust mechanism and greater durability.

Another great advantage that it presents is that it achieves a greater drag effect for the same volume of discharge water, since the way in which said discharge is produced, by overturning the tank, generates a speed of fall of the water that allows an effective drag of existing residues in the toilet.

In addition, the height of the tank with respect to the toilet can be varied to achieve greater speed and force in its fall.

On the other hand, the tank position control mechanism, connected to the first button, is easy to activate, since the cistern tab only retains the tank's tendency to turn, so the first button does not require a great pulsing effort and this favors the use of the cistern for older people or people with a mobility problem.

In addition, the mechanism is made up of at least one discharge module, where this module may comprise one or two complementary tanks, so that the discharge of one of them coincides with the filling of the other tank, so that a way of easier and more efficient repositioning.

It also allows the option of carrying out a control of the discharge volume, by means of a partial discharge of the volume stored in the tank, when the toilet has been used for minor waters and, a total discharge of said volume, when the remains that are desired drag correspond to major waters. This achieves significant savings in water consumption.

This partial or total discharge effect can also be achieved with the option of a first and second twin discharge modules, so that both work in parallel, each one with the tank or tanks that form it, its loading tap, its buoy , its retaining tab and its push button. These buttons are arranged very close horizontally or vertically, so that a single button can be activated to unload a deposit from a first unloading module, or both buttons simultaneously, with which the unloading of the deposits of both modules.

Therefore, it is a very effective cistern discharge mechanism, which manages to solve the existing problems in a simple and convenient way to use.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of its practical embodiment, a series of drawings is provided as an integral part of said description, where, by way of illustration and not limitation, represented the following:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of a flushing mechanism for a toilet tank in a first position, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a sectional view of a flushing mechanism for a toilet tank in a first position, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3.- Shows a sectional view of a flushing mechanism for a toilet tank in a first position, for a third preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4.- Shows a sectional view of a flushing mechanism for a toilet tank in a first position, for a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5.- Shows a sectional view of a flushing mechanism for a toilet tank in a first position, for a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

In view of the figures provided, it can be seen how, in a first preferred embodiment of the invention proposed here, the flushing mechanism for a toilet tank, where said tank (2) comprises a water inlet (14) with a filling valve connected to a buoy (15) or float, and at least one first discharge button (8) and which is formed by at least one first discharge module, comprises at least one first tank (1) located in the interior of the tank (2), connected to it by means of a turning axis (3), and is formed by a body with an opening (4) in one area of the same, capable of presenting a first turning movement (5) around the axis (3) inside the tank (2), with a minimum angle such that it allows the discharge by gravity of at least part of the first tank (1).

As shown in Figure 1, the first tank (1) has a first position in which the opening (4) is located at its upper level for filling and a second position, in which the opening is located at a level equal to or less than the level of the sheet of water contained in the first tank (1).

The unloading mechanism in turn comprises control means for the position of the first tank (1).

Said control means are formed by at least one first tab (6) located inside the tank (2) and oriented towards the first tank (1) and a first tab (7) arranged on the outside of the lateral surface of the first deposit (1), so that, in its first position, as shown in Figure 1, the first tab (6) has a stop-like position, located in contact with the first tab (7) and opposite it, according to the direction of the first movement turning (5.1). In this way, when the first reservoir (1) is in that first position, the first tab (6) prevents the passage of the first flange (7) and keeps the first reservoir (1) at rest.

On the other hand, the first tab (6) is connected to the first flush button (8), which is arranged on the side of the cistern, so that, when this first button (8) is activated, the first tab (6 ) has a withdrawn position with respect to the first tab (7), associated with said activation of the first button (8), such that it allows the passage of the first tab (7) and the first turning movement (5.1) of the first deposit ( 1).

In addition, the unloading mechanism comprises a second tank (20), both first and second tanks (1, 20) being semi-cylindrical in shape, where the axis (3) of rotation is located in the center of the joint between both first and second deposits (1.20).

In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the flat face forms the corresponding opening (4) of each reservoir and both are joined in the area of the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) furthest from said opening (4). In other preferred embodiments, such as a second mode represented in Figure 2, both first and second tanks (1, 20) are joined by the flat face and present in the zone of the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) farthest from said flat face, a truncation parallel to it, which forms the opening (4) of each of them.

On the other hand, in other embodiments, such as a third embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first and second tanks (1, 20) have a rounded shape with an opening (4) in one part thereof and a section opposite said opening (4), such that both reservoirs are joined by said section opposite said opening (4). In this case the axis (3) is located in the center of said joint.

In any of these first, second and third embodiments, it is true that both first and second tanks (1, 20) have means for activating the first turning movement (5.1) arranged on the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2), in the part located frontally in said first respective turning movement (5.1) of each tank, such that they are located asymmetrically.

But it can also happen, as shown in a fourth embodiment, in Figure 4, that the first and second tanks (1,20) have a curved shape and are equal and complementary, joined by a curved contour of the same such that they form a cylindrical shape whose bases are in a vertical position and its outer lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) has two opposite openings (4) each corresponding to one of the tanks.

In this case, the axis (3) of rotation is located in the center of the curved contour joining said tanks, and each tank has a configuration that is wider in the area close to its opening (4) and narrower in the area close to the opening (4) of the opposite tank, where the first turning movement (5.1) of each first and second tanks (1, 20) has a turning angle of 180°, being the first position of one of the coincident tanks with the second position of the opposite deposit.

In addition, this unloading mechanism presented here comprises a buoy (15) associated with each first and second tanks (1, 20) and each of the buoys (15) is connected to a longitudinal sliding element (18) connected to the corresponding tank, so that in the first position of each tank, the longitudinal sliding element (18) associated with it is located in connection with the water inlet valve (16). This can be seen in the case of the first, second and fourth preferred embodiments, which are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.

On the other hand, in other embodiments, such as the third mode proposed here and that can be seen in Figure 3, the buoy (15) is attached to a longitudinal element (23) connected to the water inlet valve (16). and the fastening means of the same to said longitudinal element (23) are formed by a tilting axis (21), where each tank has a thrust stop (22) of the buoy (15) at the end of the opening (4 ) located on the rear side surface (1.2, 20.2) in the direction of the first turning movement (5.1). In this case, therefore, a single buoy (15) acts on both the first and second tanks (1, 20).

In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the mechanism has a central axis (3) and the first turning movement (5.1) of each first and second tanks (1, 20) has a maximum turning angle of 180°, the first position of one of the deposits being coincident with the second position of the opposite deposit. In this way, when one of them performs the first turning movement (5.1) to discharge,

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the opposite tank rotates at the same time to place itself in the position in which it is going to be filled again, waiting for a new activation of a new first turning movement (5.1) for unloading.

As shown in Figure 1, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention, both the first and second tanks (1, 20) have means for activating the first turning movement (5.1) arranged on the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2). ), in the part located frontally in the respective first turning movement (5.1) of each tank, such that they are located asymmetrically. In this first embodiment, these means are formed by a bulge (17) located in the area closest to the opening (4) of each of the reservoirs. This bulge (17) will collaborate in the beginning of the first turning movement (5.1) at the moment in which the first button (8) is activated and the first tab (6) is removed.

In other embodiments, as is the case of the second proposed mode, said means for activating the first turning movement (5.1), for both the first and second tanks (1,20) are formed by an auxiliary tank (13) instead of the bulge (17) and is arranged in the same place, that is, on the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2), as can be seen in Figure 2, in the part located frontally in said first turning movement ( 5.1) respective of each tank, such that they are located asymmetrically and, specifically, in the part closest to the opening (4) of each tank. This same effect of shifting the center of gravity of the loaded tank towards the side of the first turning movement (5.1) can be achieved by placing empty tanks inside the opposite side of that tank, without affecting its external shape.

In other embodiments, these auxiliary tanks can be closed tanks with a quantity of water contained inside, arranged inside the first and second tanks (1, 2).

Likewise, these activation means of the first turning movement (5.1), in other embodiments, as in the case of the third preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 3, are formed by a widening (19 ) asymmetrical in the part of the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) located frontally in the respective first turning movement (5.1) of each tank, such that said widenings (19) are arranged asymmetrically and, in the most away from the opening (4).

This widening (19) makes it possible to ensure the start of the first turning movement (5.1) when the first tab (6) is withdrawn by activating the first button (8).

Both in the first, second or third proposed embodiments, in which, as defined, the mechanism has means for activating the first turning movement (5.1), these can vary indistinctly and be formed by a bulge (17), or a widening (19), or an auxiliary reservoir (13), or another similar element that generates an imbalance of forces to activate said first turning movement (5.1).

In the case of the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, its own shape with a greater width in the area close to its opening (4) and narrower in the area close to the opening (4) of the opposite tank, already serves as a activator of the first turning movement (5.1) when the first tab (6) is removed with the activation of the first button (8).

In this fourth embodiment, the mechanism comprises a buoy (15) associated with each tank, as in the first and second proposed modes, although it could be formed by a buoy (15) connected by a tilting shaft (21), as that of the third embodiment.

Likewise, in this fourth embodiment, the first and second tanks (1) of this first discharge module comprise means for activating the return to the first position formed by at least some open auxiliary tanks (13) arranged on the surface side (1.2) of both tanks (1), with the water inlet (14) and said auxiliary tank (13) aligned vertically at least at one moment of the first turning movement (5.1) of the first tank (1). In this case, these activation means are useful in the situation in which the button is activated before the tank is full and the tank is half turned, to return it to its first position held by the tab (6) and proceed to its full charge.

In a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, a mechanism like that of the first embodiment is considered, but in which the possibility of a partial and complete discharge is also considered, according to the needs of the moment.

For this, as shown in Figure 5, the mechanism comprises a second discharge module with the same deposits as the first discharge module, that is, in this case a first and second additional deposits (24, 25) equal to the first and second reservoirs (1, 20), arranged parallel to them and with the same position control means, which have a second tab (26).

Thus, the first button (8) is connected to both the first tab (6) and the second tab (26) corresponding to each pair of deposits, respectively, so that first of all, the first button (8) has a first intermediate discharge pulse and the mechanism comprises a device for activating the first tab (6) of the first and second tanks (1, 20), associated with the first pulse.

Therefore, when this first intermediate unloading push is made, the withdrawal of the first tab (6) is activated and therefore the first or second tank is unloaded, depending on which one was located above both.

Secondly, the first button (8) presents a second press for full discharge, and the mechanism comprises a device for activating the second tab (26) of the first and second additional tanks (24, 25), associated with the second press . With this, when the second press is made, it is one of the additional deposits that is discharged, the first or the second, depending on which one is located at that moment in the upper part and, with this, a complete discharge of the volume is obtained. .

In this way, it is possible to regulate the amount of water to be discharged, depending on the remains that exist in the toilet and must be flushed away.

In this case, as each tank is going to discharge a partial part of the total volume, the dimensions of these tanks are smaller than those of the third embodiment of the invention.

In other embodiments, to obtain this same discharge volume control, the mechanism may also comprise a second discharge module with a first and second additional tanks (24, 25) equal to the first and second tanks (1, 20), arranged parallel to them and with the same position control means that have a second tab (26), as in the previous case, but unlike it, here it would have a second button.

In this way, the first button (8) is connected to the first tab (6) corresponding to the first and second tanks (1, 20) and the second button is

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connected to the second tab (26) of the first and second additional tanks (24, 25), whereby, if the user wants a partial discharge, he activates the first button (8) to discharge the first or second tank and, if he wishes a complete discharge activates the second button, for discharge of the first or second additional tank.

In this case, to achieve the function of two discharge volumes, one partial and the other complete, depending on the nature and amount of waste to be eliminated, two independent tank modules can be arranged in parallel, each with its filling valves, its buoys and their own tabs and buttons, although they can be operated independently or simultaneously or successively, as described in the fifth embodiment. This system for managing different discharge volumes by means of parallel tanks can be applied in the other embodiments.

The described embodiments constitute only examples of the present invention, therefore, the specific details, terms and phrases used herein are not to be considered as limiting, but are only to be understood as a basis for the claims and as a representative base that provides an understandable description as well as sufficient information to the person skilled in the art to apply the present invention.

Claims (1)

1- Discharge mechanism for a toilet tank, where said tank (2) comprises a water inlet (14) with a filling valve (16) connected to a buoy (15) or float, and at least one first button (8 ) unloading, and which is formed by at least one first unloading module comprising - at least one first tank (1) located inside the tank (2), with a turning axis (3), and which is formed by a body with an opening (4) in one area thereof, capable of present a first turning movement (5.1) around the axis (3) inside the tank (2), with a minimum angle such that it allows the discharge by gravity of at least part of the first tank (1); where the first tank (1) has a first position in which the opening (4) is located at the upper level thereof for filling and, a second position in which the opening (4) is located at a level equal to or less than the level of the sheet of water contained in said first tank (1); - control means for the position of the first tank (1), formed by at least one first tab (6) located inside the tank (2) and oriented towards the first tank (1) and a first flange (7 ) arranged on the outside of the lateral surface (1.2) of the first tank (1), so that, in its first position, the first tab (6) has a stop-like position, in contact with the first tab ( 7) and in front of it, according to the direction of the first turning movement (5.1), and where the first tab (6) is connected to the first discharge button (8) that is arranged on the side of the tank and has a position withdrawal with respect to the first tab (7), associated with the activation of said first button (8), such that it allows the passage of the first tab (7) and the first turning movement (5.1) of at least the minimum angle, of the first deposit (1); - at least one second tank (20) with a lateral surface (20.2), where • the first and second tanks (1, 20) have a semi-cylindrical shape and the axis of rotation is located in the center of the joint between them, and where the flat face configures the corresponding opening (4) of each one, such that they are joined in the zone of the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) furthest from said opening (4) or, they are joined by the flat face and present in the zone of the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) furthest from said flat face, a truncation parallel to it, which forms the opening (4) of each of them, or else; • the first and second tanks (1, 20) have a rounded shape with an opening (4) in one part thereof and a section opposite said opening (4), such that 1 both tanks are joined by said section opposite the opening (4) and the axis (3) is located in the center of said joint; where both first and second tanks (1, 20) have means for activating the first turning movement (5.1) arranged on the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2), in the part located frontally in said first turning movement (5.1) respective of each tank, such that they are located asymmetrically, or else; • the first and second tanks (1, 20) have a curved shape and are equal and complementary, joined by their curved outline such that they form a cylindrical shape whose bases are vertical and its lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) is external presents two opposite openings (4) each corresponding to one of the deposits, the axis (3) of rotation is located in the center of the curved contour of union of said deposits, where each deposit presents a configuration of greater width in the area close to its opening (4) and narrower in the area close to the opening (4) of the opposite tank, where the first turning movement (5.1) of each first and second tanks (1, 20) has a turning angle 180°, the first position of one of the deposits being coincident with the second position of the opposite deposit; characterized by the fact that it includes - a buoy (15) associated with each first and second tanks (1, 20) and each of the buoys (15) is connected to a longitudinal sliding element (18) connected to the corresponding tank, so that in the first position of each tank, the longitudinal element (18) associated with it is located in connection with the water inlet valve (16), or else; - comprises a buoy (15) associated with the first discharge module, attached to a longitudinal element (23) connected to the water inlet valve (16) and the means for attaching it to said longitudinal element (23) are formed by a tilting axis (21), where each first and second tanks (1, 20) have a thrust element (22) of the buoy (15) at the end of the opening (4) located on the lateral surface (1.2, 20.2) rear according to the direction of the first turning movement (5.1). 2- Discharge mechanism for a toilet tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second discharge module with a number of additional tanks (24, 25) equal to those of the first discharge module, arranged parallel to them, with the same control means for the position of said additional deposits, which have a second tab (26), where the first button (8) 1 is connected to the first tab (6) and the second tab (26), such that the first button (8) presents a first intermediate discharge pulse associated with the activation of the first tab (6) of the at least one first tank ( 1), and a second full discharge pulse, associated with the activation of the second tab (26) of the at least one additional first reservoir (24). 3- Flushing mechanism for a toilet tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second flushing module with the same tanks as the first flushing module, arranged parallel to them, with at least one additional first tank (24 ) with the same position control means that have a second tab (26), and a second button, where the first button (8) is connected to the first activation tab (6) of the at least one first tank (1) and, the second button is connected to the second tab (26) of the at least one additional first reservoir (24).