ES2899993T3 - A siphonic discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

A double siphonic discharge device, comprising a tube (110) extending from an open inlet end (112) to an open outlet end (114) through an elbow (116), the elbow being disposed downstream and vertically above said inlet end (112) and upstream and vertically above said outlet end (114) during use, wherein a water trap (118) is formed between said elbow (116) and said outlet end (114) in the direction of flow, and wherein said outlet end (114) is disposed downstream of and vertically below said inlet end (112) during use; and an air intake device (300) having an air outlet connected to said tube (110) at the elbow (116) and being configured to allow air to exit through said air outlet and enter said tube (110) for completion of an ongoing discharge, the siphonic discharge device further comprising a vent device (200) connected to said elbow (116) to allow air trapped within said elbow (116) to escape to initiate a discharge, characterized in that said air inlet device (300) further comprises a first air inlet (304) and a second air inlet (306), said first inlet (304) having an open state in which air is introduced into the air inlet device (300) and a closed state, the first air inlet being disposed vertically below said air outlet during use, and wherein a first discharge volume is achieved when the first air inlet is opened air (304 ) thus allowing air to flow into the tube (110), and a second flush volume is achieved which is greater than the first flush volume when the first air inlet (304) is locked in a closed position so that air is introduced through the second air inlet (306) thereby allowing air to flow into the tube (110).

Description

DESCRIPTION

A siphonic discharge device

technical field

The present invention relates to a siphonic discharge device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dual flush siphonic flushing device, as well as a toilet including such a flushing device.

Background

Siphonic discharge devices have been available on the market for many years. Operating on the general principle of a siphon, said flushing device generally consists of a tubular elbow that is immersed in water enclosed within a water tank.

For a siphoning action of a discharge device having only one top elbow, the water within the tube is normally mechanically forced upwards to initiate a flow of water through the elbow. However, as significant force is needed to effectively move the required amount of water upward, double siphons have been suggested.

Examples of discharge apparatus are described in AU437147, GB618980 and US1604759, for example.

Double traps include a tube that bends to form an M shape. Therefore, a water trap is formed between the inlet and outlet so that air can be compressed between the inlet and the water trap.

Before unloading, that is, in the phase of filling the tank with water, the compressed air will be trapped inside the first elbow, thus being arranged in the highest vertical position of the pipe and preventing water from flowing through the elbow.

When flushing, air is allowed to escape through a vent valve, thus allowing water from inside the tube to flow down the elbow and further into the toilet bowl. Since the outlet is disposed vertically below the inlet, ie the open tubular end disposed inside the cistern, the siphon will draw water from the cistern until the water level in the cistern is below the inlet.

After discharging, an inlet valve will open to refill the tank. As the water level in the cistern rises, the water will also begin to fill the flushing device tube. Since the vent valve is now closed, the air will be compressed inside the elbow. The water fill ends when a specific water level is reached, so a subsequent flush sequence can be started again.

A siphonic flushing device provides a number of advantages over other flushing devices in that there is no need for a moveable outlet valve. However, different solutions on the market still have some major drawbacks, especially when it comes to siphonic flushing devices with dual flushing capabilities, i.e. configurations that allow both small and large volume flushes. For example, EP1640515 describes a dual flush siphon flushing system. Similar to the overview above, a vent valve allows compressed air to escape, thereby carrying out the flush sequence. By providing two different push buttons corresponding to a large or small discharge volume, the ventilation is controlled so that different volumes of water are discharged. Therefore, this system provides dual flush functionality. However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with this type of solution. As an example, it does not allow download volumes to be changed easily. A cistern divider is provided to change the large volume flush from 6 liters to 9 litres; however, no adjustment between these values is possible. Therefore, this particular solution may not suit different markets with different principles for download volumes.

Other examples are described in GB2276640 and EP0794292. Especially, document GB2276640A discloses a siphon device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a more versatile discharge device that allows easy adjustment of the discharge volume to suit various market needs.

Summary

The present invention attempts to mitigate or eliminate the deficiencies identified above and solves at least the aforementioned problems by providing a siphonic flushing device with a dual flushing function.

An idea of the present invention is to provide a siphonic discharge device according to claim 1 having an air inlet device in connection with the siphonic tube so that the air inlet can be controlled to complete the discharge sequence at a specific discharge volume.

In accordance with the invention, a siphonic discharge device is provided. The discharge device comprises a tube extending from an open inlet end to an open outlet end through an elbow, the elbow being disposed downstream and vertically above said inlet end and upstream and vertically above said inlet end. from said outlet end during use, wherein a water trap is formed between said elbow and said outlet end in the direction of flow, and wherein said outlet end is disposed downstream of and vertically below said outlet end. input during use; and an air inlet device having an air outlet connected to said tube at the elbow and configured to allow air to exit through said air outlet and into said tube for completion of an ongoing discharge, the siphonic discharge device further comprising a vent device connected to said elbow to allow air trapped within said elbow to escape to initiate a discharge. The air inlet device further comprises a first air inlet and a second air inlet, said first inlet having an open state in which air is introduced into the air inlet device and a closed state, the first inlet being air disposed vertically below said air outlet during use, and wherein a first discharge volume is achieved when the first air inlet is opened, thus allowing air to flow into the tube, and a second volume is achieved of discharge that is greater than the first discharge volume when the first air inlet is locked in a closed position so that air is introduced through the second air inlet thereby allowing air to flow into the tube.

The air outlet of said air inlet device may preferably be connected to said elbow. Inside the tube, there will be an underpressure during discharge due to the flow of water. Since air is drawn into the air inlet as the water level inside the cistern drops, flushing will always end as air will get into the elbow due to underpressure.

The first air inlet of said air inlet device may comprise a float valve that can be moved in a vertical direction, which is advantageous because the air inlet will open as soon as the water lever inside the cistern lowers. at a predetermined level, set by the float valve.

Since the air inlet device comprises a second air inlet arranged below said first air inlet, the volume of a large discharge can be controlled such that a large volume discharge does not necessarily have to correspond to the level of water inside. of the cistern that is lowering below the inlet end of the pipe. Furthermore, by ending a large volume discharge by introducing air into the elbow through the second air inlet, unwanted sound such as bubbling noise is reduced. This is due to the fact that the second air inlet, having a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the tube inlet, will provide smaller air bubbles entering the tube at a higher level.

The second air inlet may comprise an open duct end with an oblique cut. This further reduces unwanted noise associated with the introduction of air into the tube.

The vertical position of said air inlet device can be adjustable with respect to the tube, which is advantageous in that the volumes corresponding to large and small discharges can be easily adjusted.

The ventilation device may be connected to discharge initiation means such that said ventilation device opens when a user handles said discharge initiation means. Therefore, an immediate download is provided as soon as the user requests such an action.

The discharge initiation means may preferably comprise two different push buttons, or rocker buttons or lift buttons, mechanically connected to said ventilation device.

The discharge initiation means can be mechanically connected to said air inlet device, which is advantageous because the choice of the push button can control the activation of the first air inlet.

The first air inlet of the second ventilation device can be locked in a closed position when a user initiates a flushing sequence of a first volume, so that the flushing ends when the water level outside the tube is below the vertical lever. of the second air inlet of the air inlet device.

Furthermore, the first air inlet of the second ventilation device can be released from said closed position when a user initiates a discharge sequence of a second volume that is smaller than said first volume, so that the discharge ends when the water level outside the tube is below the vertical lever of the first air inlet of the air inlet device.

Furthermore, a water tank enclosing a siphonic discharge device is provided according to the first aspect. Finally, a complete toilet comprising a water tank is provided according to the second aspect.

Brief description of the drawings

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a siphon discharge device according to one embodiment;

Figure 2a is a side view of the discharge device shown in Figure 1 in idle mode;

Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation device in a closed position;

Figure 2c is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation device in an open position;

Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of a download device before starting a download sequence; Figure 3b is a view of the discharge device of Figure 3a at the start of a bulk discharge sequence;

Figure 3c is a side view of an air intake device of the discharge device;

Figure 4 is a side view of the discharge device of Figure 3a at the start of a small volume discharge sequence; and

Figures 5a-b are side views of the discharge device of Figure 4 after a small volume of flush water has been discharged.

Detailed description

Hereinafter, embodiments of a siphon discharge device 100 will be described. Beginning with Figure 1, the discharge device 100 generally includes a hollow tube 110, a vent device 200, as well as an air intake device 300. Additional preferred components for proper functionality include a discharge initiation means 120 and a support structure 130 for fixing the discharge initiation means 120 and possibly also an inlet valve.

The entire flushing device 100 is intended to be disposed within a water tank, so that the water enclosed in the tank can be flushed into an associated toilet bowl via the flushing device 100.

Hollow tube 110 forms a water conduit extending from an open inlet 112 to an open outlet 114. Tube 110 extends vertically upward from inlet 112 to a bend 116 from which tube 110 extends downward to a second bend forming a water trap 118. Thus, tube 110 is M-shaped. However, in order to reduce lateral extension, tube 110 is preferably twisted about the vertical axis as shown in Figure 1.

Preferably, the tube 110 is manufactured as two or more pieces that can be easily connected by a snap, threads, or the like. In addition, ribs 119 may be provided to increase the stability of the tube 110 and arranged to connect different portions of the outer surface of the tube 110. However, the tube 110 may also be made by welding two or more pieces together or may be formed as one piece per piece. means of blow molding technology.

Since siphon tube 110 is configured to draw flush water from inlet 112 to outlet 114, outlet 114 is connected to an inlet port of a toilet bowl (not shown). Outlet 114 is arranged vertically below inlet 112.

The flushing device 100 is configured to be disposed within a water tank (not shown), for example, a separate tank, over an entire toilet, or to be enclosed within the back of a toilet bowl, or to be enclosed within a wall that supports a suspended toilet. To securely hold the flushing device in the tank, the support structure 130 has portions 132 for engaging with corresponding holding parts on the tank. The flushing device 100 is aligned within the cistern so that the outlet 114 of the tube connects with the inlet port on the toilet bowl. In said position, the inlet 112 of the tube 110 is disposed at a certain vertical distance from the bottom of the tank so that the water present in the tank can flow through the inlet 112.

Before going into details of the discharge starting means 120, the ventilation device 200 and the air intake device 300, some details of the general functionality will be given.

Before a flush, the water is locked inside the tank up to a predefined level. Since inlet 112 of tube 110 is always open, water will also have entered tube 110 to the same level. The predefined water level, corresponding to a full cistern, is arranged above the elbow 116. Thus, a small volume of water can flow into the water trap 118 until the compressed air pressure prevents the water from flowing. by elbow 116. Water trap 118 also collects water from a previous flush, so that air is trapped between elbow 116 and water trap 118. Since the water inside the tube 110 (ie, the water coming from the inlet 112) has forced the air inside the tube 110 to move towards the elbow and the water trap 118, this air is compressed.

A vent device 200 is configured to release trapped air within elbow 116 so that the pressure is reduced, whereby water from the cistern will begin to flow into tube 110 and through elbow 116, into tube 116. from the water trap 118 and subsequently out through the outlet 114.

The discharge is interrupted when the water level in the cistern is below the inlet 112 of the tube 110, or when air is again introduced into the tube 110. When this happens, an inlet valve will open, so that the cistern it refills with water returning the discharge system to a state where it is ready to begin discharging.

Turning now to particular embodiments of a siphonic discharge device, a vent device 200 is preferably mechanically connected to discharge initiation means 120 . The discharge initiation means 120 may include, for example, two push buttons 121a, 121b, which, when pressed downwards, provide a small volume discharge or a large volume discharge, respectively. However, it should be noted that the push buttons can be replaced by rocker buttons or lift buttons, providing the same functionality of activating flush sequences of different volumes of water.

When one of the buttons 121a, 121b is pressed down, a tilt of a lever construction 122 will cause a release action on the vent device 200 so that it opens, thus allowing compressed air to escape within the elbow 116. Release the air will thus create an underpressure within the tube 110 which will draw water from the inlet 112, through the elbow 116 and out through the outlet 114. Namely, the release of air will start the discharge.

Consequently, when the buttons are resting in their inactive position (ie, not being pressed down), the lever construction 122 locks the vent device 200 in a closed position thereby preventing it from opening and releasing trapped air.

The push buttons 121a, 121b are preferably accessible from the outside of the water tank so that they are readily available to a user.

Turning now to Figures 2a-c, side views and cross-sectional views of the vent device 200 are shown. As can be seen in Figure 2a, the vent device is disposed on the elbow 116 and includes a fluid connection 202 at the position uppermost part of tube 110. Fluid connection 202 extends upwardly as a hollow conduit 204 that is surrounded by a hollow shell 206 that is sealed against the outer surface of tube 110. Hollow shell 206 forms an annular volume 207 bounded by the hollow conduit 204. During the filling of the tank, this annular volume 207 is at least partially filled with water.

The hollow conduit 204 has an open upper end 208 which can be sealed against a piston 210 which can be moved and engaged by a respective movement of the lever construction 122 . The piston, which is cylindrical in shape with a closed upper end, extends into the water of annular volume 207 thus forming a water trap that prevents air from escaping into tube 110.

Namely, when a user uses the flush initiation means 120 to initiate a flush, the piston 210 will move in a vertically linear manner, as will be described in more detail below.

Turning now to Figure 2b, an enlarged view of the vent device 200 is shown. In this position, there is no movement of the push buttons 121a, 121b so that the vent device 200 is closed. As is clearly seen, the piston 210 is thus pressed downward so that the side wall of the piston 210 extends into the water of the annular volume 207. Therefore, the air inside the elbow 116 cannot escape, thus preventing download it. However, as soon as a user presses any one of the push buttons 121a, 121b, the lever construction 122 will unlock the piston 210, whereby the compressed air can force the piston 210 upward to allow escape. This is shown in Figure 2c, where piston 210 is raised by air pressure within elbow 116 so that the sidewall of piston 210 no longer extends into the water of annular volume 207. Lever construction 122 is preferably spring loaded towards its inactive position so that the piston 210 will automatically return to the position in which the piston 210 is submerged in the water of the annular volume 207 and blocked from moving upwards. Thus, piston 210 forms an open-ended cylinder.

According to the description thus far, the vent device 200 provides a mechanical connection between the discharge initiation means 120 and the tube 110, such that, upon initiating a discharge, the vent device 200 unlocks the piston 210, for allowing compressed air to escape into elbow 116, thus initiating the download. Vent device 200 functions in the same manner regardless of a large or small discharge.

Turning now to Figures 3a-c, the details of the air inlet device 300 will be discussed. The air inlet device 300 is disposed outside of the tube 110 and has an air outlet connected to the tube 110 at the elbow 116 at one end. position close to the connection 202 of the ventilation device (shown in Figure 2a). Air inlet device 300 is connected to tube 110 by a flexible hose 302 (see, eg, Figure 5b) so that the vertical position of air inlet device 300 relative to tube 110 can be easily adjusted. In addition, some type of fastening element, such as a guide rod, may be provided along the outer surface of the tube 110 to which the air intake device 300 may be attached in various vertical positions. The air inlet device 300 includes two independent air inlets 304, 306 arranged in different vertical positions. The air inlets 304, 306 are provided such that the first inlet 304 is open when a small volume discharge is initiated, whereby the second air inlet 306 is operational when a large volume discharge is initiated.

In Figure 3a, the air intake device 300 is shown where a large volume discharge is actuated. When the corresponding push button 121a is pressed down, a mechanical link 310 connected to the lever construction 122 will cause a mechanical locking action on the air intake device, as shown in Figure 3c. Thus, a float valve 320 (also shown in Figure 3c) associated with the first air inlet 304 will be locked in position, thus keeping the first air inlet 304 closed. The locking action may preferably be provided by a projection on the air inlet device 300 that can engage a recess in the mechanical link 310 so that, when the mechanical link 310 is in a first position, the recess prevents the float 320 from moving. of the air intake device 300 moves downward. Consequently, when the mechanical link 310 moves corresponding to a small volume discharge, the recess will no longer engage with the protrusion of the air inlet device so that the float 320 of the air inlet device 300 is free to move forward. down. As flushing continues, the water level within the cistern will drop until it is below the vertical position of the second air inlet 306. Thus, air will be allowed to flow into the elbow 116, thus which completes the download.

From above, it is clear that the air intake device 300 functions by allowing or preventing a float 320 from moving with the water level within the tank. When a large volume discharge is started, the float 320 is locked in a vertical position, whereby the upper air inlet 304 is closed. Even if the water level inside the cistern drops during flushing, the float 320 will remain in its upper position thus keeping the air inlet 304 closed. On the other hand, when a small volume flush is started, the float will no longer be blocked. due to a different movement of the mechanical link 310 (it should be noted that the ventilation device 200 is always actuated regardless of a large or small volume discharge start). When the water level drops, the float 320 will move accordingly, thus exposing the air inlet 304 when the water level is below the vertical position of the air inlet 304.

Turning now to Figure 4, the download device 100 is shown where a small volume download is initiated. When a user presses the corresponding push button 121b, the mechanical link 310 will release the float valve 320 of the air intake device 300 at the same time that the ventilation device 200 is operated, that is, when the discharge begins. Therefore, when the water level in the cistern drops, the float valve 320 will also move down. Returning to Figures 5a and 5b, movement of float valve 320 will open first air inlet 304 so that air will be allowed to enter elbow 116 to complete the flush sequence.

As is easily understood, during the discharge, there will be an absence or shortage of air inside the tube 110, since the air has escaped during the start of the discharge. However, once air is allowed to enter tube 110 at the position of elbow 116, the discharge will end as the suction force will draw air rather than water into elbow 116. Large and small volume discharge thus controls by setting the water level at which the air inlet device 300 introduces air into the tube 110, that is, the water level of the cistern in which the tube 110 is disposed.

The float valve 320 may include a floating body 322 that can slide on a vertical vent tube 324. The floating body 322, which is released at the start of a small volume flush, will move downward with the water level for a period of time. discharge by gravity. As float 322 descends, it will eventually allow air to enter vertical vent tube 324 (see Figure 5b). For this, a valve seat 326 is provided at the top of the vertical vent pipe 324 adjacent to and connected to the flexible hose 302. Valve seat 326 has tapered surfaces 328 that can engage corresponding tapered surfaces 330 on the inner side of floating body 322. A small, preferably annular, slit is provided between vertical vent tube 324 and valve seat 326 to allow airflow within valve seat 326, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 5b. Thus, the discharge will end when air is allowed to enter the vertical vent tube 324 and escape upwardly into the elbow 116 through the valve seat 326 and flexible hose 302. As the water level in the cistern rises as it fills, the buoyant body 322 will move up and seal the holes in the standpipe 324 again.

The second air inlet 306 may preferably be provided with an oblique cut, which has been shown to reduce unwanted sound when air is introduced to terminate the discharge sequence. As described above, the reduced diameter of the air intake tube will reduce the size of the air bubbles, thus reducing the sound generated. The second air inlet 306 is only operative when the float 320 is blocked, that is, when a large volume discharge is started.

The air intake device 300 thus provides a very advantageous construction to allow two different discharge volumes. The float 322 is locked or unlocked depending on whether the last download start is one of the buttons 121a, 121b. A new download start will directly cause a corresponding action on the float, ie causing it to lock or unlock.

The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments within the scope of the invention are equally possible. Therefore, the invention is only limited by the appended claims.

It should also be understood that the present invention can be used for toilet bowls suspended from a wall structure, as well as toilet bowls securely attached to the ground; or separate discharge tanks arranged inside or outside a wall. Vertical flush buttons providing mechanical flush actuation will require only minor modifications to connect the manual flush buttons to the vent device and air intake device. In addition, all references to "upper", "lower", "above", "under", "up, down", or the like should be construed as a position during normal use, that is, when the discharge device it is mounted on a water cistern.

Claims (12)

1. A double siphonic discharge device, comprising a tube (110) extending from an open inlet end (112) to an open outlet end (114) through an elbow (116), the elbow disposed downstream of and vertically above said inlet end (112) and upstream and vertically above said outlet end (114) during use, wherein a water trap (118) is formed between said elbow (116) and said outlet end (114) in the direction flow, and wherein said outlet end (114) is disposed downstream of and vertically below said inlet end (112) during use; and an air inlet device (300) having an air outlet connected to said tube (110) at elbow (116) and being configured to allow air to exit through said air outlet and enter said tube ( 110) for the completion of a download in progress, the siphonic discharge device further comprising a vent device (200) connected to said elbow (116) to allow air trapped within said elbow (116) to escape to initiate a discharge, characterized in that said air inlet device (300 ) further comprises a first air inlet (304) and a second air inlet (306), said first inlet (304) having an open state in which air is introduced into the air inlet device (300) and a closed state. closed, the first air inlet being disposed vertically below said air outlet during use, and wherein a first flush volume is achieved when the first air inlet (304) is opened, thus allowing air to flow into the tube (110), and a second flush volume is achieved which is greater than the first flush volume. discharge when the first air inlet (304) is locked in a closed position so that air is introduced through the second air inlet (306) thus allowing air to flow into the tube (110). The siphonic discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet of said air inlet device (300) is connected to said elbow (116). The siphonic discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first air inlet (304) of said air inlet device (300) comprises a float valve movable in a vertical direction. The siphonic discharge device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second air inlet (306) comprises an open conduit end having an oblique cut. 5. The siphonic discharge device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (110) comprises a support to which the air intake device (300) is connected so that the vertical position of said discharge device air inlet (300) is adjustable with respect to the tube (110). The siphonic discharge device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ventilation device (200) is connected to discharge initiation means (120) such that a piston (210) of said ventilation device (200) is unlocked and allowed to open when a user handles said download initiation means (120). The siphonic discharge device according to claim 6, wherein said discharge start means (120) comprise two different push buttons (121a, 121b) mechanically connected to the piston (210) of said ventilation device (200) . The siphonic discharge device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said discharge initiation means (120) is mechanically connected to said air intake device (300). The siphonic discharge device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first air inlet (304) of the air inlet device (300) is configured to lock in a closed position when a user initiates a sequence of discharge of a first volume, so that the discharge ends when the water level outside the tube (110) is below the vertical level of the second air inlet (306) of the air inlet device (300), therefore that air is allowed to flow into the tube (110). The siphonic flushing device according to claim 9, wherein said first air inlet (304) of the air inlet device (300) is configured to release from said closed position when a user initiates a flushing sequence. a second volume that is smaller than said first volume, so that the discharge ends when the water level outside the tube (110) is below the vertical level of the first air inlet (304) of the air inlet device (300), whereby air is allowed to flow into the tube (110). 11. A water tank, enclosing a siphonic discharge device according to any one of the preceding claims. Ċ 12. A complete toilet, comprising a water tank according to claim 11.