GB2087943A - Flushing cistern with offset washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanitary arrangement comprises a cistern (111) containing flushing water for a W.C. pedestal (110) and an offset wash basin (119). Mains water from pipe (114) controlled by a float-operated valve (115) is delivered to a basin (119) offset laterally from the cistern (111) and which has a permanently open drain connected by a pipe (127) to the cistern. Means for eliminating the risk of back flow into the supply may be provided by placing the valve (115) outside the cistern or the valve and seat elements are positioned in the interior of the cistern, so that any column of water which would be retained in the part (117b) of the pipe (117) is permitted to drain back into the cistern. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improved sanitary devices The present invention relates to an improved sanitary device (hereinafter referred to as being of the type described) comprising, in combination, washing facilities and a flushing water closet in which at least part of the water utilised for washing can effectively be re-employed for flushing, thereby reducing the total quantity of water consumed.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new or improved sanitary device of the type described which overcomes or reduces certain specific problems hereinafter referred to and which affords certain advantages also specifically pointed out.

According to the present invention we provide a sanitary device of the type described comprising a cistern adapted to contain flushing water; valve means controlling the inlet of water to the cistern from a water supply means and having an inlet port for connection to the water supply means, an outlet port, cooperative relatively movable valve and seat elements, for opening and closing communication between said ports by means responsive to the level of water in the cistern respectively to effect opening when the water falls below a predetermined level and effect closure when the water rises to such predetermined level; means defining a washing zone situated in laterally spaced or offset relation with respect to the cistern and including delivery means connected to the outlet port and from which water can be delivered for passage through the washing zone, and a basin serving as a coilector mounted beneath the delivery means and having an outlet external to the cistern and at a level higher than said predetermined level; and discharge means extending from the outlet of the basin to the cistern to convey water passing through the washing zone to the cistern; the valve means firstly having its inlet and outlet ports and its cooperative valve and seat elements all disposed above said predetermined level, and secondly having or being operatively associated with means for eliminating exposure of the inlet port of the valve means to the risk of back flow of water which itself has been exposed to potential contamination by passage through the cistern or residence in the interior of the cistern.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 is a view in front elevation and partly in cross-section showing certain parts of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the same embodiment with the cistern cover removed; FIGURES 3 and 4 show, partly in vertical crosssection, different embodiments of float-controlled valve means which may be employed in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; FIGURES 5A and 5B illustrate respectively an underneath plan view and a diagrammatic view in front elevation of one embodiment of delivery means incorporating variable throttling means;; FIGURES 6A and 6B are respectively similar views illustrating an alternative embodiment of delivery means also providing for variable throttling; FIGURE 7 is a view in front elevation illustrating a further embodiment of the apparatus in the form of a suite; FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary plan view of the embodiment of apparatus shown in Figure 7; FIGURE 9 is a view in front elevation and partly in section showing a further embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary view in end elevation of the embodiment of Figure 9; FIGURE 11 is a view in vertical cross-section through one embodiment of float-controlled valve which may be employed in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10; and FIGURE 12 is a view also in vertical crosssection of a further embodiment of float-controlled valve which may be employed in conjunction with the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10.

Referring firstly to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water closet comprises a seat and pedestal 10 connected to a cistern 11 by way of a pipe 1 a through which flushing water can be delivered from the cistern when initiated by a syphonic device 12 having a piston operated by a handle 13.

Delivery of water to the cistern is effected through the intermediary of a pipe 1 4 connected to a valve means 1 5 which is opened and closed by a means responsive to the level of water in the cistern, for example a float, respectively when the level of water falls below a predetermined level as shown in Figure 1, and when it again reaches that level.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, two different forms of float controlled valve which may be used are illustrated. The valve shown in Figure 3 has a body affording a passageway for inflow of water from a mains supply and which effectively forms an inlet port 45. The body has an outlet port 1 6 connected to a delivery pipe 1 7. The float comprises a ball 47 which is buoyant, and is secured at one end to an arm 48 which is pivotally mounted at 49 on a bracket 49a on the valve body and has its other end 50 bearing on a valve element 51 resiliently supported by and biased by a diaphragm 52 towards an open position with respect to a seat element 45a at the inner end of inlet port 45. When the water level is at or above a predetermined level, the ball and arm will exert pressure to close the valve element 51 with respect to the seat element 45a.When the water from the cistern is flushed the water level therein will fall, the ball and arm will allow the valve element 51 to move to an open position with respect to the seat element 45a and water will flow from the inlet port 45 to the outlet port 1 6 and hence into the pipe 17.

The valve shown in Figure 4 is similar in operation, however, in this case the arm 48 has an end portion 55 formed with a V-shaped notch which co-operates with a head part 56 of a piston type valve element 57 slidable in a bore in the body.

Provided in association with the water closet, as seen in Figure 1, is a means defining a washing zone, such means comprising a delivery means 1 8 connected to the pipe 1 7 for providing a flow of water through the washing zone 1 8a, and a basin 1 9 beneath the washing zone. The basin 1 9 and the delivery means 1 8 are both spaced laterally of the cistern 11.

This is done for several reasons. Firstly, if the basin were to be formed, as has been proposed, as an integral part of the removable lid 11 a of the cistern, the user would have to reach over the seat and pedestai 10 to obtain access, and this is highly inconvenient. Secondly, there would be direct drainage of water from the basin into the cistern. This would entail exposure of cistern water through an opening at the bottom of the basin to the user (this water having possibly been contaminated by previous use for washing purposes). If no screen were fitted in the opening there would be the possibility of solid waste passing from the basin directly into the cistern.If such a screen were fitted, this would serve as a trap for exposed solids such as cigarette ends and other waste matter, the presence of which would be unsightly and insanitary and would constitute a deterent to the use of the washing facilities by users. Collection of such waste matter and periodic disposal thereof could not be conveniently effected if a trap were fitted beneath the basin because this would then be located in the cistern.

Accordingly the laterally spaced relation of the basin and delivery means is not only one of convenience but also avoids the disadvantage of exposure of cistern water to the user and enables proper means, such as a waste disposal unit 28 hereinafter referred to, to be provided in association with the basin or its discharge means, which unit can be designed to contain and temporarily store waste solids rather than leave them exposed to subsequent users in the basin itself. Moreover, when not adapted to provide a basin, the lid 1 a of the cistern can effect complete closure of the contents of the cistern and this is important, bearing in mind that the water in the cistern will include the already used water, which may have become contaminated, last discharged from the basin.

It will be noted that in the embodiment of Figure 1, the delivery means 1 8 is connected by way of a delivery pipe 1 7 to the valve means 1 5, the preferred route being that shown in full lines and a possible alternative being indicated in broken lines at 26.

Whichever routing is adopted, however, any water contained in the part 1 7a of the pipe will always discharge from the permanently open delivery means 1 8 into the basin 1 9 and thence from the permanently open drain outlet back into the cistern via the pipe 27. However, a column of water could be retained in the part 1 7b or the part 26b.

The water in the cistern will consist of, or will include, already used water, i.e. water which has passed through the washing zone and which therefore may be contaminated. Moreover, this contaminated water can give rise to a contaminated atmosphere in the space within the cistern above the water.

Water columns contained in the parts 1 7b or 26b will have passed through the valve means 1 5 situated in the upper part of the cistern and if the atmosphere therein is contaminated, this water too is also exposed to contamination. Thus, it is desirable that these columns should be prevented from ever being fed back into the pipe 14 which will ordinarily be connected to a mains supply of cold water. Such feed back could occur in the event of leakage between the valve seat elements of the valve means 1 5 or opening of the valve element in the event of the water supply pressure being temporarily absent or reduced. Although this combination of circumstances is unlikely to occur, there is still that possibility and indeed regulations adopted by many water authorities require the prevention of such an occurrence.

To eliminate this possibility, a drain back opening is provided at a position in the valve means/delivery means system such that any such column of water as aforesaid will drain back into the cistern. Conveniently a drain hole 42 may be provided in the body of the valve 15. The size of the hole would be selected to ensure that when the valve element is in its open position most of the water is still delivered to the pipe 1 7 and only a small proportion directly into the interior of the cistern through the hole 42, the latter however being large enough to ensure rapid draining of any column of liquid in the pipe 17 or 26, e.g. within about two to three minutes once the valve element has closed.

Once such draining has taken place all the water will be in the cistern and the float controlled valve or, if this should fail, a normal overflow outlet (not shown) prevents the water level ever rising above that shown, which is below the level of the valve 15.

After delivery of the water through the washing station 1 8a it is collected in the basin 19 which at its lowest point has a permanently open drain hole which would not be equipped with a plug or covered with any fine mesh or grid but which communicates with a solid waste disposal means 28. Such means may comprise a container 28a which at a position above its bottom is connected by way of a discharge pipe 27 to the cistern 11.

The end 41 of the pipe would be somewhat higher than the end 40 to permit of gravitational drainage of liquid and to prevent obstruction at the entrance to the end 41 of the pipe may be covered by a screen or grating.

Preferably the container 28a would be removable from the bottom of the basin and from the pipe 27 to permit of emptying but alternatively it could have a removable bottom wall, for example a screw-on bottom wall which can be removed to permit of emptying of trapped solid waste to a bucket or the like.

The delivery means 18 is preferably of a form to provide a spray of water. Further, it may also incorporate variable throttling means as shown in more detail in Figures 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B.

It is important that the throttling means is not permitted completely to close the outlet means since this could lead to the storing of water above the level of the valve means 15.

The outlet means shown in Figures 5A and 5B comprises a main body part 20 having a bottom wall 21 formed with a plurality of holes 22. The body part 20 has a rim 23 onto which is clipped a disc-like member 24 in an edge region 25 adapted to co-operate with the rim 23 to secure the disclike member 24 in place, the disc 24 also having a plurality of holes 25. The disc-like member 24 is rotatable relative to the body part 20 so that the holes 25 therein can be aligned with the holes 22 to allow for maximum flow of water therethrough or can be moved so that they are partly off-set from the holes to restrict the flow of water.

The co-operating surfaces i.e. the upper surface of the disc-like member 24 and the lower surface of the bottom wall 22, may be of a form to restrict relative rotation between the disc-like member 24 to an extent such that there is never complete closure of the holes 22. Friction material may be included between the two surfaces or around the rim to ensure that once the degree of throttling has been set, accidental movement from such a position is prevented.

Referring now to Figures 6A and 6B, an alternative variable throttling device is illustrated and in this case comprises a body part 30 in which the bottom wall 31 has a plurality of holes 32. The body part 30 has a socket 33 which tapers internally but has a cylindrical upper part screwthreaded at 35.

An outlet nozzle 36 is made of a resiliently deformable material and is externally screwthreaded at 34. By screwing the socket up onto the nozzle the passageway through the nozzle can be contracted to produce the desired degree of throttling through the co-operating tapers on the nozzle and socket.

Once again, it is ensured by abutment of the ends of the nozzle and socket that the passageway of the outlet nozzle 36 cannot be completely closed.

It will be appreciated that the rate of flow of water through the outlet means may be adjusted, not only to provide an ideal flow for a given water pressure, but also to optimise the time for which hand washing facilities are provided and the time taken for the cistern 11 to be refilled.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, another embodiment of the sanitary device of the present invention is illustrated in which the water closet and hand washing facility has been combined to form an aesthetically pleasing and practical unit. The cistern 11, hand basin 1 9 are built into a unit 60 which may also provide a waste disposal container 61 similar to that 28 already described, and a hand towel dispenser 62 for example. The supply of washing water to the outlet means 1 8 may be controlled by a valve means in a manner as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or in the manner hereinafter described with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

The unit 1 9 may also have an access panel 63 giving access to the cistern 11 and may be of recessed form to provide the usual storage compartment for items used in, or in conjunction with such sanitary devices.

A further embodiment is illustrated in Figure 9 in which parts corresponding to those already described are designated by like references with the prefix 1. To these the preceding description is to be deemed to apply.

In this embodiment a number of alternative forms of valve means 11 5 may be employed, each differing from the previously described embodiment in that it incorporates different means for eliminating exposure of the inlet port to risk of backflow of possibly contaminated water.

This is done by placing at least the co-operative valve and seat elements of the valve 11 5 outside the cistern. The effect of this is that the column of water in the part 11 7b no longer traverses the atmosphere space in the interior of the cistern and hence is not exposed to contamination.

Further, disphragm means are provided to prevent any direct exposure of the seal and valve elements to water from the cistern, for example, in the event of the float controlled valve 11 5 becoming inoperative and overflow 111 C becoming blocked.

Thus, in the embodiment of the valve 11 5 illustrated in Figure 11 , the body comprises two parts, namely 170 and 180, the latter being tubular and extending through an opening in the wall of the cistern 111 above the predetermined level of water therein. At or near opposite ends of the tubular part 180 two diaphragm, namely a sealing diaphram, 182 and a valve diaphragm 183 are provided, the former being subject to flexure at its centre by a plunger 1 84 operated by a tappet screw 1 85 on the arm 148 which carries the float 147, and the latter acting as a valve element co-operating with a conical bush 1 86 forming the valve seat element.

Nuts 187 on the externally threaded surface of the tubular part 1 80 serve, with sealing means, to secure this in position in a liquid-tight manner while the diaphragms are held in place by union nuts 188,189 and an adaptor bush 188a, the latter incorporating a guide opening for the plunger 1 84.

A thrust rod 1 90 carrying pistons 191, 192 at opposite ends is movable longitudinally within the tubular part 1 80 and serves mechanically to transmit motion from the diaphragm 182 to the diaphragm 1 83.

The sealing diaphragm 1 82 serves completely to isolate the diaphragm valve 183 (and hence the seat element 1 86 affording the inlet port passageway 145) from any exposure to atmosphere and water in the interior of the cistern. Thus, even if there should be some failure or leakage of the diaphragm 183 acting as the valve element, cistern water would not reach the inlet port. It is consequently not necessary in this case to provide a drain opening in the body part 170 of the valve adjacent to the base of the pipe 117, but this could be done if desired and such drain hole may be connected by way of a separate pipe to the cistern interior above the predetermined level of water therein.

The arrangement of valve 115 as shown in Figure 12 is generally similar to that of Figure 11 in that the valve has a body with a tubular part extending through a wall in the opening of the cistern. The construction illustrated in Figure 11 is intended to make use, so far as possible, of standard parts and hence the tubular part 180 is structurally separate from the body part 170 and connected thereto through the intermediary of the union nut 189 and an adaptor 193 whereas in the construction of Figure 12 the valve body is preferably formed as a single structural part.

Components corresponding to those of Figure 11 are designated by like reference with the prefix 2 and the preceding description is to be deemed to apply.

In another alternative (not illustrated) the valve corresponding to valve 15 may be disposed entirely outside the cistern, i.e. does not even have a tubular part extending through the wall thereof, and the valve element thereof movable towards and away from the seat may be engaged by part of the arm, such as arm 48, protruding through an opening in the cistern above the predetermined level of water therein, for example in the cistern lid or in a side wall above said level. Preferably suitable sealing means, e.g. a diaphragm, would be provided in the opening through which part of the arm projected.

In the foregoing embodiments various modifications may be made, as desired.

For example, in the embodiments of Figures 7 and 9, the delivery means may if desired be as described with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B.

Further, although reference has been made to the washing station as defined by the delivery means and basin being laterally spaced or adjacent to the cistern, it will be understood that these expressions are intended to include positions of the washing station in which it is situated on either side of the cistern, and anywhere in a zone which, as viewed in plan, is sector-shaped with the rear boundary being coplanar or approximately so with the rear wall of the cistern and the forward boundary extending forwardly and at an angle from the mid point of this rear wall and passing through or close to the adjacent side of the lavatory pan itself.

Depending upon the height of the basin, there could be some overlap, as viewed vertically, between the nearest part of the basin and the cistern or the lavatory pan but in general it is preferred that the basin should be spaced away from either of these parts.

A particular advantage of the sanitary apparatus provided by the invention is that the delivery means intrinsically provides a visual indication that the valve controlling the admission of flushing water is in satisfactory order. If such valve were in a leaking condition it would allow water to pass to the delivery means and such water would be visible as discharged into the basin.

The invention is applicable also to what are known as "dual flush" cistern, that is a cistern which is adapted to give either a long flush using a relatively large volume of water or a short flush using a smaller volume of water according to the manner in which the flushing handle is operated.

Again, although the source of flushing water will in most cases be from a cold water mains supply by way of a pipe delivering such water at mains pressure, it would be possible for the apparatus of the invention to be used in conjunction with a source of water stored in a tank. Further, heating means may be provided to warm the water before delivery if desired in either case.

Claims (19)

1. A sanitary device of the type described comprising a cistern adapted to contain flushing water; valve means controlling the inlet of water to the cistern from a water supply means and having an inlet port for connection to the water supply means, an outlet port, cooperative relatively movable valve and seat elements, for opening and closing communication between said ports by means responsive to the level of water in the cistern respectively to effect opening when the waterfalls below a predetermined level and effect closure when the water rises to such predetermined level; means defining a washing zone situated in laterally spaced or offset relation with respect to the cistern and including delivery means connected to the outlet port and from which water can be delivered for passage through the washing zone, and a basin serving as a collector mounted beneath the delivery means and having an outlet external to the cistern and at a level higher than said predetermined level; and discharge means extending from the outlet of the basin to the cistern to convey water passing through the washing zone to the cistern; the valve means firstly having its inlet and outlet ports and its cooperative valve and seat elements all disposed above said predetermined level, and secondly having or being operatively associated with means for eliminating exposure of the inlet port of the valve means to the risk of back flow of water which itself has been exposed to potential contamination by passage through the cistern or residence in the interior of the cistern.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein there is provided in association with the basin and/or discharge means, a solid waste disposal means for collecting solid waste which would otherwise pass to the cistern by way of the discharge means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the solid waste disposal means comprises a container arranged to trap and retain solid waste while permitting of unobstructed flow of water from the basin through the discharge means, the container being openable or removable to permit of emptying of the solid waste when required.

4. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein at least the cooperative valve and seal elements of the valve means are disposed externally of the cistern and are operated by the means responsive to the level of the water in the cistern through the intermediary of the means eliminating exposure of the inlet port to the risk of back flow of water as aforesaid.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the valve means comprises a body having a tubular part mounted to extend in a liquid-tight manner through an aperture in an upwardly extending wall of the cistern at a position above said predetermined level, said valve and seat elements being disposed in the body of the valve at or near the outer end of said tubular part and said diaphragm means being mounted in association with said tubular part at or near its inner end and having a mechanical connection with at least one of said elements for effecting said opening and closing.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the means for eliminating exposure of the inlet port to the risk of back flow of water as aforesaid comprises a diaphragm means through the intermediary of which the cooperative valve and seat elements can be operated by the means responsive to water level in the cistern, but which serve as an impermeable barrier to the exposure of said valve and seat elements to water from the cistern.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the valve element comprises a further diaphragm means and is operated from the first said diaphragm means by a thrust member movable longitudinally of and within said tubular part.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the means for eliminating exposure of the inlet port to back flow of water comprises a mounting arrangement for the valve means wherein the latter as a whole is mounted externally of the cistern, and the means responsive to the level of water in the cistern for opening and closing the valve and seat elements relatively to each other has an operative connection with at least one of these elements through the intermediary of mechanical means extending through a wall of the cistern above said predetermined level.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the cistern has an opening in or over which is mounted a diaphragm means sealed with respect to the boundary of the opening and connected in its central region to the mechanical means.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for eliminating exposure of the inlet port of the valve means to the risk of back flow of water as aforesaid comprises drain means associated with the valve means, or with a pipe connected to the delivery means, to ensure that at least after the cooperative valve and seat elements have closed, water remaining in said delivery means or pipe is permitted to drain therefrom into the cistern leaving the cooperative valve and seat elements out of contact with any water supply other than that which, in use, is connected to the inlet port.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the delivery means is formed or constructed to provide for delivery of the water to the washing zone in the form of a spray.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is associated operatively with the delivery means throttling means for restricting the rate of delivery of the water from the delivery means.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 2 wherein the throttling means is formed or constructed to provide for adjustment of the restriction it provides to the flow of water from the delivery means.

14. Apparatus according to either of claims 11 and 12 wherein the throttling means is formed or constructed to provide for delivery of the water through the washing zone in the form of a spray.

1 5. Sanitary apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 or 4 of the accompanying drawings.

16. Sanitary apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings

17. Sanitary apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11 or 12 of the accompanying drawings.

1 8. Sanitary apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 1 6 modified substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 5A and 5B of the accompanying drawings.

19. Sanitary apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 1 6 modified substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 6A and 6B of the accompanying drawings.