GB2082219A - Water closet dual flush - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement for converting a single flush cistern of bell or other type to dual flush includes a valve rotary or other (25) which controls the admission of air into an aperture drilled in the wall of the bell (12), the aperture being at a level 32 which defines partial flush level. A valve operating link (27) is interposed between the bell lifting lever (22) and the actuating chain (29). A stiff coupling wire (30) connects the valve operating link (27) to the valve (25). The air valve (25) is normally open. For a partial flush the chain (29) is pulled and released so that the air valve is momentarily closed and then reopened. The partial flush may be adjustable. For a full flush the chain is pulled and released, and then lightly pulled and held. The specification also discloses various forms of valve-operating links (27), some with rack and pinion mechanism, others with bell crank, and also discloses a variety of rotary, linear and other valves. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Water closet cistern dual flush This invention relates to water closet cisterns.

In particular the present invention is concerned with cisterns which utilise a syphonic action during the discharge of water from the cistern.

A disadvantage of many of the known installations as at present installed in very large numbers is that once the operating handle has been actuated or the chain has been pulled syphonic action continues until all of the water has been discharged from the cistern. Many of these installed cisterns discharge two or more gallons that is several litres of water each time the cistern is discharged. Thus a great deal of water is wasted each day because in many cases of usage of a water closet only a portion of the total water content is required for urine flushing purposes.

It has been proposed to provide flushing cisterns which have a dual flushing capability in which the user can select between a full flush in which all of the water is discharged and a reduced flush in which only a predetermined smaller quantity of water is discharged.

The known systems capable of dual operation have been constructed so as to stop the syphon action in advance of completion of a full discharge of the cistern by allowing air into the syphon pipe before the cistern water level falls below the full discharge level.

Hitherto, the known dual flush systems have involved substantial modifications to the basic construction of the installation assemblies so that the incorporation of the dual flush facility has hitherto been only possible during the manufacture of the cistern assembly.

Consequently the previously known dual flush arrangements have not been suitable for use in modifying already installed assemblies except at considerable cost and inconvenience.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost conversion system for enabling syphonic cistern assemblies particularly of the well known 'bell' type to be converted from single flush to dual flush.

Broadly, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided an arrangement for converting a single flush syphonic cistern, particularly of the 'Bell type' into a cistern affording a dual flush capability, the arrangement including a valve unit adapted for enabling selective introduction of air into the interior of the syphonic chamber (bell) of the cistern at a location above the base thereof, operating means adapted for interpositioning between the lever arrangements conventionally provided for lifting the chamber to initiate syphonic action and the conventionally provided cistern actuating means, and means for operationally coupling the operating means and the valve unit.

Preferably the valve unit comprises a rotary valve which is adapted for pivotal displacement with respect to the syphoning chamber in order to open or close air inlets leading into the interior of the syphon chamber.

Conveniently, the valve unit includes a main body which is adapted for fixed connection to the syphoning chamber the body having air inlet ports, a valve control member rotatably carried from the main body such that the air inlet ports can be selectively opened or closed, and means enabling selective relative setting between the valve control member and the means for operationally coupling the valve unit and the operating means.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how to carry the same into effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a sectional view of a syphonic cistern of the 'bell' type, incorporating features of the present invention, Figure 2 is a part sectional plan view of the cistern of Figure 1, Figure 3 is an elevation of a first embodiment of a valve unit, Figure 4 is a plan view of the valve of Figure 1, Figure 5 is an elevation of Figure 1, Figure 6 is a section on the line VI--VI of Figure 1, Figure 6 shows the valve closed, Figure 7 is a section similar to Figure 6 but illustrates the valve open, Figure 8 is a section on the line VIll-VIll of Figure 4, Figure 9 is an elevation of a second embodiment of a control valve, Figure 10 is a part section plan view of the control valve of Figure 9, Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 10 but with the valve in its closed rather than open setting, Figure 12, is a section on the line Xll-XIl of Figure 9, Figure 13 is a sectional view on the line XlII-XIll of Figure 10, Figure 14 is an elevation of a third embodiment of a control valve unit, Figure 1 5 is a plan view of the valve of Figure 14, Figure 1 6 is a sectional view on the line XVI-XVl of Figure 14, Figure 17 is a section view on the line XVlI-XVII of Figure 16, Figure 1 8 is a view in the direction of the arrow C associated with Figure 1 6, Figure 19 is an elevation of a first embodiment of a valve operating means, Figure 20 is a section on the line XX-XX of Figure 19, Figure 21 is a part sectional view similar to that of Figure 20 but illustrating a stage in the assembly of the components of the valve, Figure 22 is a plan view of Figure 19, Figure 23 is an elevation of a second embodiment of a valve operating means, Figure 24 is a section on the line XXIV--XXIV of Figure 23, Figure 25 is a plan view of Figure 23, Figure 26 is a plan view of Figure 23 but with a part of the structure removed, Figure 27 is an elevation of a third embodiment of a valve operating means, Figure 28 is a section on the line XXVIIIXXVIII of Figure 27, Figure 29 is a part sectional plan view of Figure 28, on the line XXlX-XXlX, Figure 30 is a plan view of Figure 27, Figure 31 is a part sectional view on the line XXXl-XXXI of Figure 30, Figure 32 is a sectional view on the line XXXll-XXXIl of Figure 32, Figure 33 is an elevation of a further embodiment of a valve unit, Figure 34 is a side view of the unit of Figure 33, Figure 35 is a sectional view on the line XXXV-XXXV of Figure 33, Figure 36 is a plan view of Figure 34, Figure 37 is a sectional view on the line XXXVlI-XXXVll of Figure 34, Figure 38 is a fragmentary view on the line XXXVIll-XXXVllI of Figure 35, Figure 39 is a view in the direction of arrow E of Figure 38, Figure 40 is a sectional view on the line XXXX-XXXX of Figure 35 illustrating a first valve setting, Figure 41 is a sectional view on the line XXXX-XXXX of Figure 35 illustrating a second valve setting, Figure 42 is an elevation of a further form of valve unit, Figure 43 is a side view of the valve unit of Figure 42, Figure 44 is a section on the line XXXXIV--XXXXIV of Figure 42, Figure 45 is a plan view of the unit of Figure 43, Figure 46 is a section on the line XXXXVl-XXXXVl of Figure 44, Figure 47 is a fragmentary view of the unit taken in the direction of the arrow D of Figure 44, Figure 48 is a sectional view on the line XXXXVlII-XXXXVlIl of Figure 43, Figure 49 is a sectional view on the line L-L of Figure 44, the section showing the unit in a first operational setting, and Figure 50 is a sectional view on the line L-L of Figure 44, the section showing the unit in a sectional operational setting.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the bell-type cistern assembly 1 shown therein includes a cistern 2 having a main chamber 3 and a lower chamber 4 which extends downwards from the floor 5 of the main chamber. A lid 6 co-operates with the top of the main chamber.

A water outlet pipe 7 extends from the bottom or floor 8 of the lower chamber 4 into the upper chamber the upper end 9 of the pipe terminating slightly above the level of the top of the main chamber. The lower end of the pipe 7 connects in fluid tight manner with a water downflow pipe 10 leading to a toilet basin to be flushed with water.

The connection between the pipes 7 and 10 is by way of a conventional pipe connector 11.

A bell shaped housing 12 is provided within the cistern 2, the housing being closed at its upper end 1 3 and open at its lower end 14, which latter is flared outwardly to provide a horizontally directed rim 1 5 which conforms generally to the shape of the lower chamber floor 8. The bell housing is supported upon pips or lugs 16 upstanding from the floor 8.

The height of the housing 1 2 is such that the underside of the top 1 3 is spaced from the top 9 of the pipe 7.

The bell housing 12 is provided with opposed outwardly directed lugs 1 7 which are engaged in elongated apertures 1 8 provided in the ends 1 9 of the arms 20 of a bell trunnion fork 21 (not shown in detail) which connects with the operating lever 22 for the cistern, and which is provided with stub arms or axles 23 which are pivotally engaged in recesses (not shown) provided in the side walls of the cistern 2.

The relative dimensioning of the operating lever 22 and the trunnion fork 21 in relation to the housing 12 is such that when the housing 12 is resting on the pips 16, as shown in the Figure 1, the lever 22 is in its rest position and is shown in full lines.

On moving the lever 22 to the dot-dashed line position the bell housing 12 is lifted by the fork arms 20 to its raised position shown in dotdashed lines. In this position the arms 20 are substantially horizontal, whilst the top 9 of the bell housing projects outwardly of the lid 6. As will be seen the lid is suitably apertured to accept the lever and bell housing movement.

A water inlet supply system (not shown) controls the feed of water into the cistern. In practice this feed system comprises the well known ball-cock control valve.

The control-valve controls the inlet of water so that it is able to fill the cistern to the full level indicated by the line 24, labeled Water Level Full.

The cistern assembly as so far described is essentially a conventional bell type cistern which operates by a syphonic action induced by pulling downwards on the lever 22 and then releasing the lever. This action lifts and then allows the bell housing to return to its initial position and in so doing initiates the desired syphoning action which causes the water level inside the housing to lift and flow out through the pipe 7.

With this arrangement once the water flow has started it continues until the cistern is practically empty and the water has fallen to such a level that air is able to enter into the interior of the bell housing 1 2 thereby cutting-off the syphonic action and stopping further flow.

As is conventional once the water level starts to fall the ball-cock allows replacement water to start entering the cistern.

To reduce the amount of water discharged following the initiation of the syphonic action it is necessary to break the action since it is not convenient to change the Water Level Full setting of the ball-cock as it is normally essential to be able to obtain a full flush when required.

To provide the cistern assembly as so far described with the facility of providing a partial flush the cistern is provided with a flow control valve arrangement which is adapted to introduce air into the interior of the bell housing 1 2 before the water is fully discharged in an amount such that the syphonic action is arrested.

In Figure 1 the general layout and construction of such a control valve arrangement is shown and includes a valve unit 25 which is attached to the side wall of the bell housing at a convenient place and which controls the flow of air into an aperture formed in the housing wall at a position above the bottom of the cistern which corresponds to a partial flush level of water. The arrangement also includes a valve unit actuation arrangement generally indicated at 27 and including a valve operating means 28 interposed between the lever 22 and the conventionally provided chain 29. The operating means is connected to one end 31 of a stiff wire element or rod 30 whose other end 31 A connects with the valve 25.

This valve unit 25, of which various embodiments will be considered hereinafter, can in so far as Figure 1 is concerned be regarded as a valve which is opened and closed by being bodily pivoted relative to the bell housing 12 between an OPEN position shown in full lines in Figure 1 and closed positions shown in dot-dashed lines in Figure 1.

As so far described the control valve assembly operates as follows.

As has been mentioned the valve unit 25 is normally open when the lever 22 is in its rest position. On operating the lever to lift the bell housing to the dot dashed line setting the rod 30 simultaneously moves the valve unit 25 into its closed position, the valve unit moving anticlockwise, thereby preventing air from entering into the interior of the bell housing. On releasing the chain 29 the bell housing 1 2 returns to its original position and the operating lever returns to its original position. As a result of this the valve unit is re-opened to admit air, because of the pull exerted upon the valve by the rod 30 on return to its original setting.

Since the syphonic action at this stage has been initiated water will be discharging from the cistern so that the level of water in the cistern will be falling. As soon as the water level passes below the level of the top of the valve air inlet air will start to enter the interior of the bell housing 12.

Shortly after this the amount of air entering the bell housing will be able to arrest the syphonic action.

The stopping of the syphonic action clearly takes place before the cistern has fully emptied so that there is still a considerable quantity of water left in the cistern. The level of this water is regarded as the Partial Flush level 32.

If it is desired to obtain a full flush it is necessary to prevent the valve 25 from returning to its open setting. This is effected by exerting, after the initiation of the syphonic action, a light load or a pull on the chain 29 which is sufficient to overcome the spring in the valve actuating arrangement which causes the rod 30 to move and close the valve unit 25, whereby the syphonic action is able to discharge the cistern without interruption.

From the above it will be noted that the operating action of the cistern can be conveniently defined as follows.

Partial Flush Pull Chain and Release.

Full Flush Pull Chain and Release and then Lightly Pull Chain and Hold.

As a particular feature of the invention is to be able to convert bell type cisterns already installed and in use to the dual flush capability the above considered valve assembly is to be primarily considered as an attachment or as an addition to the cistern assembly.

As will bs noted from the above description the mounting of the control valve assembly merely requires the drilling of a hole in the bell housing 12, and mounting of the valve unit, and the introduction of the control arrangement between the chain 29 and the lever. Also the setting of the various components for optimum operation basically requires adjustment of the operation length of the rod 30.

As has been indicated above the valve operating assembly and the valve unit can be of various forms. Various constructions of valve actuating arrangement 27 and valve units will now be considered. For convenience, the valve units 25 will be considered followed by the actuating arrangements.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 8 the valve unit shown therein is a semi-rotary form of valve 33 including a central body 34 which is hollow, open at the end 35 and closed at the other end 36. The open end 35 enters into the housing 12 by way of the opening 26 therein and is held in place in air tight manner by a retaining nut and seal arrangement 35A.

Diametrically opposed slots 37 are formed in the body 34 adjacent the closed end 36. A sleeve 38 having diametrically opposed ports 39 is rotatably mounted upon the body 34 and is held in place against axial displacement by inwardly directed lugs 40 engaging in a circumferential groove or slot 41 in the body 34. The ports 39 can in the position shown in Figures 3 and 7 align with the slots 37 to provide and air path into the interior of the body and thus the interior of the bell housing 12. This represents the open setting for the valve unit. In any other setting of the sleeve 38 relative to the body 34 the valve unit will be in its closed position since the ports 39 will not be aligned with the slots 37, whereby the body of the sleeve closes off the slots 37.

The closed setting is shown in Figure 6.

In Figures 3, 6 and 7 is will be noted that the lower inlet edges of the ports 39 are chamfered as at 42. This provides for a self-cleaning effect in that any possible particles of dirt or the like are thereby likely to be displaced from the ports.

An arm 43 extends radially from the sleeve 38 and terminates in a second sleeve 44 which is adapted to receive and mount a pinch-nut assembly 45 which is used to connect the end 31 A of the rod to the valve unit 25. One end of the sleeve 44 is provided with an arcuate projection 46 which provides a stop intended to co-operate with a suitable abutment 47 on the pinch-nut assembly 45 to ensure that the rod end receiving aperture 48 is correctly positioned readily to receive the rod end 31 A. The sleeve 44 has slots 49 which allow relative rotary movement between the sleeve 44 and the pinch-nut assembly 45 whereby the relative angular movements between the valve and rod can be accommodated.

The relatively rotatable sleeve 38 and the body 34 are conveniently provided with indicator marks 50 to provide visual indications or the relative positions of the sleeve and body 34 for installation purposes.

It will be apparent from the drawings that the valve unit is readily mountable to the housing 12 by inserting the body 34 into the housing bore 26 and holding it in place by the nut assembly 35A.

The operating settings of the valve are readily set by relative adjustment of the rod 30 with respect to the pinch-nut 45.

It should be noted that the above considered valve unit 25 and those to be considered are such as to accommodate variations in the linear distance between the valve actuating arrangement 27 and the valve unit 25, and angular variation between the operating rod 30 and the valve unit 25 which can occur when the bell chamber 12 is raised. The extreme position of the valve unit 25 that occurs when the bell chamber 12 is raised is shown in dashed lines in Figure 1.

Figures 9 to 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the operating valve unit 25 which involves a combined rotary and sliding valve arrangement 51 including a main body 52 adapted for mounting in fluid tight manner in the aperture 26 in the wall of the bell housing 12 by a retaining nut 52A. The main body terminates at a flanged part 53 on which is pivotally mounted a housing 54 including diametrically opposed guides 56 for a slide valve unit 57 having a through bore 58 which is positionable in line with a bore 59 provided in the main body 52 as is shown in Figures 10 and 12, this being the open position of the sliding valve arrangement 51. The slide valve plate is displaceable to a position in which the bore 58 is not in line with the bore 59 of the main body (as shown in Figure 11). In this setting of the plate the valve is closed.

The extension 53 to the body is provided with arcuate slots 60 to allow the slide valve plate 57 to pivot with respect to the main body 52 thereby to accommodate relative angular movements arising from raising and lowering the bell housing 12.

Setting marks 50 are provided on the valve unit 55 to facilitate correct setting of the components for optimum performance.

One end of the slide valve plate 57 is provided with a clamp unit 62 by means of which the end 31 A of the rod 30 is operatively connected to the slide valve unit 55.

Referring now to Figures 14 to 1 8 these illustrate a valve unit 62 which can be conveniently described as a pivotal face valve.

This embodiment includes a sector shaped plate 63 having a rearwardly directed spigot 64 which is adapted to be engageable with the bore 26 in the bell housing wall and to be held in place in fluid tight manner by a retaining nut 65. The spigot 64 has a through bore 66 which defines an air inlet into the bell housing 1 2. A valve plate 67 is pivotally mounted on a second spigot 68 extending from the back plate 63.

The plate 67 has a through bore 69 which is so positioned in the plate as to be able to co-operate, i.e., align, with the bore 66 in the back plate 63 when the plate is positioned as shown in Figures 14, 15 and 1 6, thereby to allow air to enter into the bell housing 12. This is the OPEN setting of the valve.

In any other positions of the plate 67 with respect to the back plate 63 the bores 66 and 69 are out of alignment This is a CLOSED setting of the valve.

The plate 67 is provided with a mounting 70 for a clamping-assembly 71 which is used to connect the end 31 of the rod 30 to the valve unit 62.

It is believed that the function of any minor details of the construction of Figures 14 to 1 8 will be apparent so further description thereof is not thought necessary.

Turning now to Figures 1 9 to 22 these illustrate a first embodiment of a valve actuating unit 72 which incorporates a gear arrangement in the form of a rack and pinion wheel or sector. The unit 72 comprises a main body 73 forming a hollow chamber 74 which houses a rack and pinion assembly 75 including a rack part 76 which is adapted to be axially movable relative to the main body and a toothed part 77 serving as the pinion.

The part 77 is pivotally mounted in a laterally directed extension or housing 78 on the main body 73. The part 77 has a lug 79 to which the end 31 A of the rod 30 is pivotally connected.

The rack part has at its lower end a rod section 80 which is slidable in a bore 81 provided in a sleeve 82 which engages with the lower end of the main body. The sleeve has a portion 83 with a bore of greater diameter than that of the rod section 80.

This difference in diameters defines an annular step or surface 84. A radially directed flange 80 is located at the upper end of the rod section 80. The surface 84 and the flange 85 provide seatings for the opposite ends of a compression spring 86 which is such as to urge the rack upwards into the position shown in Figure 20.

The lower end of the rod section 80 is provided with lugs 80A which are apertured to receive a pin (not shown) by which the chain 29 may be coupled to the valve operating unit 72.

The upper end of the main body is likewise provided with lugs 73A which are apertured to receive a pin (not shown) which enables connection of the unit 72 to the lever 22 (Figure 1).

From the above mentioned mode of attachment it will be understood that the unit 72 is interposed in the direct line of pull of the chain 29 and its action on the lever 22.

In operation the initial stages of pulling the chain- will produce relative movement between the rack part 76 and the main body 73 against the loading of the spring 86. This relative movement of the rack part acts on the pinion i.e., the toothed part 77 to rotate the latter and in so doing pulls on the rod 30 to cause the latter to move to actuate the valve unit 25. This causes the flange 85 to come to rest on the upper annular face of the sleeve 82. The distance moved by the rack is therefore controlled precisely. By this point of time the toothed part will have been moved so as to displace the rod 30 and thus actuate the valve unit 25. After this condition has been attained the whole assembly moves downwards with the further downward movement on the chain 29.On the release of the chain 29 it follows that the spring 86 will cause the rack part 76 to return to its initial setting within the housing 74 and in so doing rotates the toothed part 77 to return the rod 30 and thus the valve unit 25 to its original setting.

Figure 21 specifically shows how the rack part 76 is introduced into its operational position in the main body 73 by initially displacing the toothed part 77 to the position shown. The rack part 76 is then pushed into the main body 73 so that the inward movement of the rack part 76 progressively rotates the toothed part 77 into the setting shown in Fig. 19. Once the rack part 76 has been inserted the spring 86 and the sleeve 82 are mounted.

Figures 23 to 26 illustrate a second embodiment of the valve operating unit 25.

The principal difference between the second embodiment and that previously described resides in the particular form of the arrangements for displacing the rod 30. The general construction of the remaining components, for example components 72 and 80 to 86, of the unit 25 are broadly speaking similar to those previously discussed. Hence, further description is not thought necessary in relation to Figures 23 to 26.

In these Figures 23 to 26 the toothed part 77 is replaced by an elongate element 87 having two side-by-side limbs 87A joined by a cross piece.

87B. The element 87 is pivoted by a pin 88 to the main body 73, this pin being a long pin and holds the whole assembly together, the pin passing through a slot 89 in a lug 90 extending in prolongation of the rod section 80. Located in a hole at the upper end of the lug 90 is a short pin 91 which engages in the inclined slots 91 A formed in the limbs 87A of the element 87, so that as the lug 90 moves vertically downwards when the chain 29 is pulled, the short pin 91 reacting in slots 91 A causes the element 87 to pivot about the pin 88, thereby causing the required horizontal displacement of the rod 30.

In the Figure 24 the limiting positions of the element 87 are respectively shown in the full and dashed line positions shown in the Figure.

Figures 27 to 29 illustrate a third embodiment of the valve operating arrangement 27. In this third embodiment the arrangements for producing the push or pull forces on the rod 30 comprise a bell crank lever 92 which is pivoted at the elbow to the housing of the main body 73. One arm 94 of the lever 92 is pivotally coupled to the end 31 A of the rod 30 and the other arm 95 of the lever is shaped to provide a fork 96 which engages with flats on a pin 97 rotatable in extensions 98 of the rod section 80.

Once again provision is made for limited relative movement of the rod section 80 and thus the extension with respect to the main body which relative movement produces pivotal movement of the bell crank lever 92 and thus corresponding movements of the rod 30.

Figures 30 to 32 essentially illustrate a variation of the bell crank lever construction of the Figures 27 to 29. In the Figures 30 to 32 embodiment the elbow 99 of a bell crank lever 100 is pivotally connected to a housing part 101 provided with lugs 102 adapted for connection by a pin (not shown) to the cistern lever 22. One end 103 of the lever 100 is adapted for coupling to the chain 29. The other end of the lever 100 is in the form of a fork 1 03A and is pivotally connected to the end 31 A of the rod 30. This lies centrally in the fork 1 03A and is free to pivot about the pin of the fork.

The housing part 101 is provided with a laterally extending chamber 104 which serves to provide a location seating for one end 105 of a compression spring 106 whose other end engages with a spigot or the like 107 which is an integral part of a fork 1 03B which engages with the fork 1 03A of the lever 100. The spring 106 is arranged to push directly against the lever end 103.

In operation the initial phase of the pull exerted upon the chain will rotate the lever 100 in an anticlockwise direction against the action of the spring 106 until the lever moves to the position shown in dashed lines in Figure 31. After this position has been attained the whole unit will be displaced downwardly. It will be understood that the rotation of the lever will pull on the rod 30 to operate the valve attached thereto.

On release of the chain the spring 106 will turn the lever 100 in the reverse direction back to the setting shown in full lines in Figure 31 thereby to return the valve to its initial setting.

The extent of movement of the rod is precisely controlled by two pairs of projections from the lever arm 103 of the lever 100, which engage with the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom of the housing 101 on either side of the central slot. The lower projections operate when the unit is in the 'at-rest' position shown in full lines in Figure 31, and the upper projections come into operation when there is a load on the chain-pull and the lever is in the position shown in the chaindotted lines.

Two further forms of the air flow control valve units will now be considered, the first being shown in Figures 33 to 41. The unit shown therein is a semi-rotary form of valve unit including a hollow main body 108 open at one end 109 and effectively closed at the other end 110. The end 109 enters the bell housing 12 through the aperture therein and is retained in place by a retaining nut and seal arrangement 111.

Axially directed diametrically opposed slots 112 are formed in the main body 108. A sleeve 113 is rotatably mounted upon the main body 108. This sleeve incorporates an axially directed cylindrical chamber 114 having an outer and inner cylindrical walls 11 5 and 11 6 respectively. The inner wall 116 has axially directed air inlet slots 117. As can be seen from Figure 40 the slots 117 are alignable with the slots 112 of the body to provide an air inlet path from the chamber 114 into the interior of the body 108, and thus the interior of the housing 12. This setting is the valve open condition. The closed position is shown in Figure 41. As will be seen the slots 112 and 117 are not in alignment.The slots 112 and 11 7 are relatively narrow to minimise the amount of relative rotation necessary to open and close the valve.

The sleeve 113 is constrained against axial movement by an inwardly directed radial lugs 11 8 engaging in a circumferential groove or slot 119 provided in the main body 108 and bordered by a wall 120 with openings 120A. The openings 1 20A allow the lugs 11 8 to enter the slot and are positioned such that during any operational movements of the sleeve the lugs are always out of alignment with the openings 120A.

The annular mouth 121 of the chamber 114 co-operates with the mouth 122 of a cylindrical chamber 123 formed in an end cap unit 124 which ia attached to the main body 108 by a retaining screw 125. The end cap 124 includes an air inlet pipe 126 connecting with the chamber 123.

A radially directed arm 127 projects from the sleeve 11 3. The arm terminates in a sleeve 128 which is used to receive and mount a pinch nut assembly 129 which is used to connect the rod end 31 A to the valve unit. The details of the assembly are similar to those considered in relation to the pinch nut assemblies previously discussed so a detailed description is not thought necessary.

To provide a means of indexing the position of the end cap unit 124 with respect to the main body 108, the latter is provided at the end 110 with a reduced diameter portion 130 onto which the end cap unit is actually mounted and which defines a radially directed annular surface 131.

Notches 1 32 are formed in this surface 131. The notches are intended to be engaged by a Vee projection 133 provided upon the inner face of the end cap unit 124. The notches are angularly disposed around the periphery of the main body surface 1 31 with each notch position being characteristic of a particular quantity of water discharged during the flushing operation of the cistern.

During installation of the rotary valve unit of Figures 33 to 41 the initial setting of the valve unit is such that the pipe 126 is vertical as is shown in full lines in various Figures.

The sleeve unit 114 is controlled by means of a setting lug 134 provided on the sleeve 1 13.The setting lug is located as is indicated in the Figures.

This setting operation can if needs be involve a suitably constructed tool. It will be understood that once the cap unit 124 has been set with respect to the sleeve 11 3 and the sleeve with respect to the cap unit 124 is follows that all of the various components are set relative to a basic reference position.

At this stage the end 31 A of the control rod is secured in position to the sleeve 11 3 by the pinch nut assembly. In this position the valve unit is set to provide the maximum short flush delivery of water. The actual quantity is determined by the height of the top of the pipe 126 with respect to the cistern.

To reduce the amount of water delivered it is necessary to pivot the cap unit 124 relative to the remainder of the valve unit thereby effectively to lower the height of the open end of the pipe 126 with respect to the cistern. To do this the cap unit screw is released and the unit 124 slightly withdrawn to free the Vee projection from the associated notch 132 and then rotated until the Vee projection 1 33 aligns with the required notch related to the desired amount of water to be discharged, the Vee projection then being engaged therein. The screw 1 25 is then tightened.

Since this action tilts the pipe to the vertical it will be understood that the open end thereof is automatically moved downwardly. It will be understood that as the sleeve 113 is secured to the rod end 31 A the sleeve is effectively held against movement during the adjustment of the cap unit 124.

The notches 132 are so positioned as to be characteristic of the amount of water to be discharged. Conveniently the associated amounts of water can be indicated upon the cap unit 124.

In operation the slots 112 are in line with the slot 11 7 when the chain (not shown) is released after initiating the syphonic action whereby a short flush is produced. The amount discharged will depend upon the setting of the cap unit 124. If a light pull is maintained upon the chain after initiating the syphonic action the sleeve 11 3 is held in the position in which the slots 11 2 and 117 are not in line whereby the valve unit is closed to the admission of air into the bell housing so that a full flush takes place.

If it is desired to provide for an increased adjustment range for the above described system the top of the pipe 126 can be provided with an adjustable extension or trombone arrangement whereby the effective length of the pipe can be set as desired.

If it is desired to provide a cistern with both a variable short flush and a variable full flush a valve unit such as is shown in Figures 42 to 50 can be utilised.

The valve of these Figures includes a cylindrical main body 135 having a central bore 136 and two diametrically opposed slots 1 37 and 138. One end 139 of the body 135 is adapted for connection to the bell housing 12, the end 139 being held in place by a retaining nut and sealing arrangement 140. The other end 141 of the body 135 is of reduced diameter. A sleeve 142 is rotatably mounted upon the body 135 and is a close fit thereon.

Two separate axially directed diametrically opposed arcuate slots 143 and 144 are formed in the main body 135. An axially directed slot 145 is formed in the inner wall 146 produced by the formation of the slot 143 in the main body 135.

Two axially directed slots 147 and 148 are provided in the inner wall produced by the formation of the slot 144. The slots 147 and 148 are equiangularly disposed with respect to a diametrical plane containing the centre line of the slot 145.

The formation of the slots 147 and 148 leaves a narrow strip or web 1 50 which is diametrically opposite to the slot 145.

As can be particularly seen from Figure 50 when the slots 137 and 145 are aligned the slots 147 and 148 do not align with the slot 138.

Whilst when the sleeve 1 42 is displaced relative to the main body as shown in Figure 49 so that the slot 147 aligns with the slot 138 the slot 137 does not align with the slot 145. It will be apparent that a similar condition prevails with respect to the alignment of the slot 148 with the slot 138.

An end cap unit 1 50 is adapted for mounting upon the reduced diameter portion 141 of the main body 135. The cap unit is held in place by a retaining screw 151. Two diametrically opposed axially directed arcuate slots 1 52 and 1 53 are formed in the cap unit, these slots being such as to be respectively co-operable with the slots 143 and 144 in the main body 135. The relationship between the cap unit 1 50 and the slots 1 52 and 1 53 and the main body 135 is such that the pairs of slots 143, 1 52 and 144 and 153 are effectively isolated from each other in fluid tight manner.

A first air inlet pipe 1 54 communicates with the arcuate slot 143 and a secona air inlet pipe 1 55 communicates with the arcuate slot 144. The pipes 154 and 155 are in-line but directed in opposite directions to each other. It will be apparent that when the slots 137 and 145 are in alignment an air flow path extends from the pipe 1 54 to the interior of the bell housing 12 by way of slots 152,143 and 137 and the bore 136.

Similarly when either of the slots 147 and 148 aligns with the slot 138 an airflow path extends into the bell housing by way of slots 1 53, 144 and the slot 147 or 148 and the bore 136.

A radially directed arm 1 56 extends from the sleeve 142. This arm terminates in a sleeve 1 57 provided with a pinch nut arrangement 1 58 which is utilised to lock the control rod end 31 A relative to the sleeve 142. This arrangement 1 58 is similar to the previously discussed pinch nut arrangement.

In addition a valve setting-up lug 1 59 is provided on the sleeve. This lug co-operates with a reference mark 160 on the cap unit 1 50. A key 161 is provided for locating the cap unit 150 relative to the main body.

In setting the above described valve unit the sleeve 142 is set with respect the main body 135 by using a suitable tool (not shown) which is engageable with the key 161 and which is intended to locate with the end cap 1 50.

The rod end 31A is secured in place by the pinch nut arrangement 1 58 and after securing acts to assist in holding the sleeve 142 whilst the cap unit is being set in position.

On operation of the cistern to initiate a syphoning action and on subsequent release of the chain the position of the sleeve 142 with respect to the main body 135 is such that the upper pipe 1 54 is open to the interior of the bell housing. Consequently when the cistern water level fails to the level of the top of the pipe 1 54 air is able to enter the housing thereby to stop the syphonic action. This achieves the short flush condition.

The volume of water delivered will depend upon the position of the top of the pipe 1 54. This can be permanently set by cutting the pipe to length or the pipe can be of variable length.

As has been mentioned when the upper slots 137, 145 are in alignment the lower slots are out of alignment.

In order to obtain a full flush from the cistern the valve unit is operated by exerting a slight pull on chain such as to pivot the sleeve 142 into the position in which the slots 137 and 145 are moved out of alignment thereby to cut-off the air supply there through and to open one of the slot pairs 138, 147 or 138, 148 associated with the lower pipe 155. This action admits air to the bell housing by way of the lower pipe and thus allows for a greater quantity of water to be discharged before the syphonic action is broken.

The actual quantity of water discharged depends upon the length of the pipe 1 55 and this will be set according to requirements. The pipe length can be a fixed length or provision can be made for enabling a variable length. For example.

a telescopic arrangement.

It should be noted that the purpose of the two above mentioned slot pairs is to provide for the modification of left or right hand mounted cisterns.

The two slots in the lower chamber or slot 144 can be made wider than the slot 138 thereby avoiding the necessity for a close control on the angular movement of the sleeve 142 when the valve actuating device is operated and is held for the full flush condition.

Claims (17)

1. An arrangement for converting a single flush syphonic action cistern, particularly of the bell type, into a cistern affording a full flush and a partial flush capability; the arrarigement including a valve unit adapted for controlling the introduction of air into the interior of the syphonic chamber, bell or the like of the cistern at a location above the water inlet thereto; valve operating means adapted for operationally interpositioning between the lever or other means provided for lifting the chamber, bell or the like to initiate syphoning action and the user actuatable actuating means; and means for operationally coupling the valve operating means and the valve unit.

2. An arrangement for converting a single flush syphonic type cistern into a dual flush cistern affording a full flush and partial flush capability, the arrangement comprising a valve unit adapted to control the admission of air into the interior of the chamber, bell or the like of the cistern to interrupt syphonic action when the water level in the cistern falls to a level characteristic of partial flush and to prevent air admission when a full flush is desired; valve operation means adapted for introduction between the lever or other means provided for initiating syphoning action and the user actuating means for the cisterns; and means for operationally connecting the valve operation means to the valve unit.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the valve unit includes a main body which is adapted for mounting to the wall of the chamber, bell or the like, the main body having at least one air inlet port or the like communicating with the aperture provided in said wall; and a valve actuating member operationally displaceable with respect to the main body and having at least one air inlet port or the like which when air is required to be admitted to the chamber, bell or the like is co-operable with an associated air inlet of the main body and which when air is not to be admitted is moved out of said co-operation.

4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve unit is of a rotary type in which the valve actuating member comprises a ported sleeve rotatably mounted upon a complementary portion provided upon the main body, and in which the member includes a portion radially directed of the axis of relative rotation of the main body and valve actuating member, the radially directed portion being adapted for pivotal connection to the coupling means.

5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve unit is a slide valve in which a slidable member having an air inlet port or the like is slidably mounted in a slide guide element whereby the slidable member is displaceable to bring the port or the like into co-operation with a port or the like of the main body when air admission is desired, and wherein the slide guide element is pivotally carried upon the main body.

6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve unit is of a pivotal face plate form in which the main body provides a ported face plate and the valve actuation member includes a second ported face plate pivotally mounted to the main body for face to face displacement relative to the first mentioned face plate between a setting in which the ports cooperate and non co-operable positions; and wherein the second face plate is also adapted for pivotal connection to the coupling means.

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, and including a positionally adjustable air inlet duct, pipe or the like through which air has to pass before entering the ports of the valve unit valve operating member, the arrangement being such that the partial flush water level can be selectively adjusted in accordance with the effective height of the air inlet of the duct, pipe or the like with respect to the base of the cistern.

8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3 or 4, and including an air inlet duct, pipe or the like having an inlet through which the air passes before entering the valve unit, the arrangement being such that the partial flush water level can be selectively set according to the effective vertical height of the inlet with respect to the base of the cistern.

9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, and including a second air inlet duct, pipe or the like through which air has to pass before entering the chamber bell or the like to terminate a full flush, and wherein and wherein the position of this air inlet is selectively adjustable thereby to afford the possibility of a variable quantity full flush.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the valve operating means is resiliently loaded to a condition in which the valve unit admits air to the chamber, bell or the like when the partial flush level is attained, and wherein the operational condition which causes the valve unit to prevent admission of air into the chamber, bell or the like can be set by the user exerting a load or pull on the user actuating means, following initiation of syphoning action, which is less than that required to effect said initiation of the syphoning action.

11. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, in which the valve operating means includes first and second main parts that are so interconnected as to be displaceable relative to each other, said first part being connected to the lever arrangement associated with the chamber, bell or the like and the second part is connected to the user actuating means, and wherein means are provided for resiliently loading the first and second parts to a position in which the valve unit allows admission of air.

12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second part is connected to the valve unit by way of a stiff wire, rod or the like whereby the relative displacement between the first and second parts against the resilient loading thereof is sufficient bodily to displace the wire, rod or the like in a direction which sets the valve unit to the full flush setting of the valve unit.

13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the operational connection between the valve operating means and the coupling means includes a rack and pinion assembly.

14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rack is on the resiliently loaded second part of the valve operating means and the pinion is pivotally connected to the first part of the valve operating means and also by way of a second pivot to the coupling means.

1 5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the operational connection between the valve operating means and the coupling means incorporates a link ar like member pivotally coupled to the second part of the valve operating means by a first pivot and to the coupling means by a second pivot, and wherein a slot provided in the link or like means engages with a pin or the like connected with the first part of the valve operating means, the longitudinal direction of the slot being inclined to the line joining the first and second pivots, the arrangement being such that the relative displacement of the first and second parts causes the pin to pivot the link with respect to the second part and thereby displace the coupling means in such direction as to set the valve unit to the full flush setting thereof.

16. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the operational connection between the valve unit and the coupling means includes a bell crank lever pivoted at the elbow thereof to the first part of the valve operating means, and wherein one of the arms of the elbow pivotally connected to the second part of the valve operating means, whilst the other arm is pivotally connected to the coupling means.

17. An arrangement for converting a single flush syphonic action cistern to a cistern affording a full flush and partial flush capability, constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 together with any of the embodiments of parts thereof as shown in Figures 3 to 8; Figures 9 to 13; Figures 14 to 18; Figures 19 to 22; Figures 23 to 26; Figures 27 to 29; Figures 30 to 32; Figures 33 to 41 or Figures 41 to 50 of the accompanying drawings.