IT201700018269A1 - POWER SUPPLY / DISCHARGE GROUP OF A RINSING CASSETTE - Google Patents

Description

"SUPPLY / DRAIN GROUP OF A RINSE CASSETTE"

The present invention relates to a supply / drain assembly of a rinsing cistern.

As is known, flushing cisterns for toilets and other sanitary appliances are normally provided with a drain valve, which serves to drain a predetermined quantity of water from the cistern, and with a feeding device, which serves to refill the cistern after each discharge with water coming from a water mains.

In general, a cistern supply device has an inlet, which is connected in use to a mains connection to bring water to the supply device, an outlet through which the water is poured into the cistern, and a filling valve, operated by a float and arranged between the inlet and the outlet; the float is mechanically connected to the filling valve to selectively open / close the filling valve depending on the position of the float, i.e. the water level in the box.

Some feeding devices are equipped with a delayed filling system, which allows the opening of the filling valve to be delayed compared to the moment when the water in the box falls below the level at which the float is located. In this way, the feeding device is prevented from starting to fill the tank when the drain valve is still open, thus avoiding unnecessary water consumption.

In general, when the cistern empties due to a water leak or a malfunction of the drain valve, the water level in the cistern drops, more or less rapidly depending on the extent of the leak; in any case, the point is reached where the water no longer supports the float of the feeding device, so the filling valve opens; the water enters the tank, but since the tank continues to leak, water continues to be wasted.

For this reason some feeding devices are equipped with systems that intervene to close the filling valve when a leak occurs through the drain valve.

For example, patent application EP-A-2942441 describes a device for feeding a flush cistern for sanitary appliances which allows to save water, avoiding waste, not only delaying the opening of the filling valve in the normal operation of the cistern. rinsing, but also avoiding the opening of the filling valve in case of water leaks of any kind from the cistern, for example leaks through the drain valve, leaks due to ruptures of the cistern, etc. In particular, the feeding device of EP-A-2942441 closes the filling valve and keeps it closed when leaks occur.

However, in some cases it may be desirable that even in the event of a malfunction (leaks or jams) it is still possible to intervene on the filling valve to allow water to be filled in the box.

Similar drawbacks occur with other known feeding devices, which can remain blocked / jammed preventing water from entering the box, while it would be desirable to be able to fill the water (and therefore possibly a subsequent rinsing) even in the event of malfunction of the filling device.

In fact, it may also happen that the float that controls the filling valve blocks for other reasons, preventing the opening of the filling valve and therefore the entry of water into the box.

The present invention therefore relates to a supply / drain unit of a flush cistern for sanitary appliances as defined in essential terms in the attached claim 1 and, in its additional characters, in the dependent claims.

The supply / discharge unit of the invention allows, in case of need, to fill the box even when the filling valve remains open, i.e. when the float that controls the filling valve remains in a position such as to keep the valve open. filling, for example due to jamming or malfunction of the float or following a leak of water from the box.

Optionally, the feed / drain unit of the invention can integrate the characteristics described in the aforementioned patent application EP-A-2942441: in this way, the feed / drain unit of the invention, in addition to allowing to save water both in normal operation of the cistern (delaying the entry of water into the cistern after draining), and in the event of water leaks of any kind from the cistern (for example through the drain valve or due to other causes), ensures the possibility of controlling the entry of water into the box even in the event of leaks.

It is however understood that the feeding / unloading unit of the invention can also be applied in different configurations and not necessarily in the presence of the system described in EP-A-2942441.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear clear from the following description of a non-limiting example of its implementation, with reference to the figures of the annexed drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a supply / drain assembly of a rinsing cistern according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view, with parts in longitudinal section, of a feeding device forming part of the feeding / unloading unit of figure 1;

- figures 3 and 4 are enlarged views of the details III and IV highlighted in figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further detail of figure 1;

Figure 6 shows the supply / discharge unit of figure 1 in a different operating configuration;

- figure 7 is an enlarged view of detail VII shown in figure 6.

In Figure 1, 1 indicates as a whole a supply / drain unit of a flush cistern (not shown) comprises a supply device 2 and a drain valve 3.

The feeding device 2 comprises a support body 4, which extends substantially along an axis A (which is, in use, substantially vertical) and is internally provided with a channel 5; a filling valve 6, supported by the body 4 and arranged along the channel 5; and a main float 7 mechanically connected, for example by means of a lever mechanism 8, to a shutter (not shown) of the filling valve 6 and movable to selectively open / close the filling valve 6.

In the example shown, the body 4 comprises an upper head 9 and a tube 10 which extends from the head 9 downwards along the axis A and is provided with a guide parallel to the axis A on which the float 7 is mounted sliding. , so that the float 7 is sliding along the axis A (or parallel to the axis A).

The channel 5 has an inlet 12, which can be connected to an external piping of a water network by means of a fitting, and a main outlet 13, leading, in use, into the flush cistern.

The movement of the float 7 along the A axis (or parallel to the A axis) activates the shutter of the filling valve 6 to selectively open / close the channel 5.

The float 7 is housed in a cup-shaped container 16 open at the top, which extends along the axis A and is fixed integral with the body 4 and in particular with the tube 10.

With reference also to Figure 2, the container 16 is provided with a lower discharge hole 17, formed for example in a bottom wall 18 of the container 16.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the feeding device 2 includes the features described in EP-A-2942441 to prevent the opening of the filling valve 6 in case of water leaks from the box.

These characteristics are not reported here in detail, as they are described in EP-A-2942441, the content of which is understood to be incorporated herein by reference.

According to what is described in EP-A-2942441, the container 16 comprises a main tank 19, in which the float 7 is housed, and a siphon system 20 which connects the tank 19 to the drain hole 17.

The siphon system 20 (only schematically and partially shown in Figure 2) is equipped with an upper service hole 21 and a service valve 22 cooperating with the service hole 21 to selectively open / close the service hole 21; the service valve 22 is operated by a service float 23 connected to the service valve 22 by a stem 24, inserted with radial play in the drain hole 17. The float 23 is located outside the container 16 and under the container 16 and therefore at a lower level than the main float 7.

The feeding device 2 also comprises an additional tank 29, arranged under the head 9 of the body 4 and fixed integral with the body 4 and which receives water (when the filling valve 6 is open) from the channel 5 through an auxiliary outlet formed in the body 4 downstream of the filling valve 6.

The tank 29 is equipped with a lower outlet hole 30 and a drain hole 31, placed at a level (along the axis A) higher than the outlet hole 30.

The outlet hole 30 is associated with an auxiliary valve 32 cooperating with the outlet hole 30 to selectively open / close the outlet hole 30. The auxiliary valve 32 is operated by an auxiliary float 33 connected to the auxiliary valve 32 by a stem 34 and located beyond the outlet hole 30 outside the tank 29 and outside the container 16, in particular under the container 16, i.e. at a level (along the axis A) lower than the float 7 and the float 23.

The drain hole 31 is placed above the container 16 and axially aligned with the main tank 19, so that the water coming out of the additional tank 29 through the drain hole 31 falls into the container 16 and precisely into the tank 19, which is open. above.

With reference again to Figure 1, the discharge valve 3 substantially extends along an axis X (vertical in use and parallel to the axis A of the feeding device 2) and comprises a support structure 37, which can be fixed to a bottom wall of the box (for example by means of a threaded sleeve 38) and provided with a drain hole 39 delimited by a sealing seat 40, and a valve body 41 housed sliding along the X axis in the support structure 37 and provided at the bottom with a shutter 42 cooperating with the sealing seat 40 to close the discharge hole 39; advantageously, the valve body 41 comprises a tube 43 which also acts as an overflow tube.

The valve body 41 is raised by an actuator mechanism 44.

In the example illustrated, but not necessarily, the actuator mechanism 44 includes a tilting lever 45, hinged to the support structure 37 in a fulcrum 46, and a connecting rod 47 that connects the lever 45 to the valve body 41; the lever 45 cooperates with at least one slider 48 operated by a button 49 operable by a user.

The rod 47 and the slider 48 engage the lever 45 from opposite bands of the fulcrum 46. In particular, the rod 47 is connected to a first end 51 of the lever 45, and the slider 48 acts on a second end 52 of the lever 45 .

The slider 48 is supported by the support structure 37 and slides with respect to the support structure 37 parallel to the X axis. When the slider 48, operated by the user through the button 49, slides downwards parallel to the X axis, the slider 48 pushes the end 52 of the lever 45 downwards; the lever 45 rotates on the fulcrum 46 and the end 51, connected to the rod 47, rises, consequently also lifting the valve body 41.

It is however understood that the actuator mechanism 44 can be of any other known type (including pneumatic, electro-mechanical, electronic, etc.).

In general, the actuator mechanism 44 includes a lever 45 or other equivalent element which, when the actuator mechanism 44 is operated by the user, performs a translational movement with a predetermined stroke parallel to the X axis, in particular upwards.

According to the invention, the power supply device 2 comprises a control cable 54 and a release float 55 acting on the cable 54.

With reference also to Figures 3-5, the cable 54 extends between a first end 56, fixed to the lever 45 and precisely at the end 51 of the lever 45, and a second free end 57, shaped to selectively engage and release the float 7 main power device 2.

For example, the ends 56, 57 of the cable 54 are provided with respective transverse heads 58, 59, projecting radially from the cable 54 and for example (but not necessarily) substantially shaped like a spherical cap.

The head 58 placed at the head 56 engages a fastening seat 61 formed on a fastening body 62 carried integrally by the lever 45 at the end 51.

For example, as shown in Figure 5, the fixing body 62 has a groove 63 which houses the head 58 and has a throat 64 through which the cable 54 is arranged and which locks the head 58 in the groove 63; optionally, the slot 63 communicates through the throat 64 with a groove 65 which houses a terminal portion 66 of the cable 54.

The fixing body 62 is fixed integral with the end 51 of the lever 45, so as to be movable integrally with the lever 45.

Advantageously, the body 62 is constituted by a distinct and separate piece with respect to the lever 45 and is provided with a coupling 67, optionally releasable, to fix the body 62 to the lever 45. In the example shown, the body 62 is snap-mounted on the lever 45.

It is understood that the body 62 can be fixed in any way to the lever 45, as well as constitute a piece or portion of the same lever 45, forming a monolithic piece with it.

Preferably, the cable 54 is inserted in a guide 68 fixed to the support structure 37 of the discharge valve 3 and extending substantially parallel to the X axis of the discharge valve 3 below the body 62.

For example, the guide 68 protrudes laterally from an upright 69 of the support structure 37 towards the valve body 41, i.e. towards the tube 43.

The guide 68 has a longitudinal groove 70, for example substantially straight and parallel to the X axis, in which the cable 54 is inserted through.

The guide 68 and in particular the groove 70 are aligned with the groove 65 of the body 62.

From the end part 57 (figure 4), the cable 54 is inserted into a guide 72 fixed to the support body 4 of the feeding device 2.

In particular, the guide 72 is placed on an external lateral surface 73 of the support body 4 and has a longitudinal groove 74, for example substantially rectilinear and parallel to the axis A, in which the cable 54 is inserted through.

The cable 54 has a terminal portion 75 protruding from the guide 72 and ending with the end 57 and cooperating with the release float 55.

The release float 55 is supported by the body 4: in particular, the float 55 is hinged to the surface 73 by means of a pin 76 defining a rotation axis R orthogonal to axis A.

The float 55 includes a float case 77 and a lever 78 located on opposite sides of the pin 76.

The lever 78 protrudes from the case 77 and has a free end provided with a through hole 79, substantially orthogonal to axis A.

The terminal portion 75 is inserted through the hole 79.

The item 57 is placed at a height (measured parallel to axis A) higher than the float 55 and also at a coupling seat 80 of the main float 7.

The coupling seat 80 is formed on an appendix 81 of the float 7 and extends substantially parallel to axis A.

In particular, the appendix 81 protrudes from the float 7 outside the container 16 and is flanked by the terminal section 75 of the cable 54. The appendix 81 is movable integrally with the float 7 parallel to the axis A.

The hooking seat 80 is open laterally towards the cable 54, having a lateral opening 82 facing the cable 54; and has an upper edge 83 transverse to axis A and cooperating with the head 58.

The cable 54 can be inserted into the coupling seat 80 through the side opening 82.

The edge 83 is shaped so as to axially engage the head 58.

The cable 54 is preferably housed in an external tubular sheath 85, for example made of polymeric material (plastic), which covers the cable 54 and from which the terminal portions 66, 75 of the cable 54 protrude.

The sheath 85 has two opposite ends housed respectively inside the guides 68, 72 and fixed to them, for example by interlocking that is by means of mechanical interference.

The cable 54 is inserted with radial play in the sheath 85 and slides inside the sheath 85.

The cable 54 is preferably a metal cable. In any case, the cable 54 is flexible but has a predetermined stiffness, such as to keep the cable 54, or at least its terminal portion 75 protruding from the guide 72, in a predetermined configuration without bending any further under the effect of gravity. In other words, the terminal portion 75 of the cable 54, protruding from the guide 72 and ending with the end 57, assumes a predetermined stable configuration in the absence of external forces and remains in this configuration without bending due to gravity alone.

The float 55 is movable (in particular, rotatable about the axis R with respect to the support body 4 of the feeding device 2) so as to move the cable 54 with respect to the main float 7 from a release position, in which the cable 54 it does not engage the float 7, to a hooking position, in which the cable 54 engages the float 7, in particular through the end 57.

In greater detail, the float 55 is movable (rotatable around the axis R) with respect to the support body 4 to selectively assume a first and a second operating position, which the float 55 assumes following a variation (decrease) in the level of the water contained in the box and precisely when the float 55 is respectively supported and unsupported by the water contained in the box.

In the first operating position, which the float 55 assumes when the water contained in the box reaches the float 55, the lever 78 and the hole 79 are substantially horizontal or perpendicular to the axis A and the cable 54 crosses the hole 79 in a substantially vertical direction (parallel to axis A); and in the second operating position, which the float 55 assumes when the water contained in the box does not reach the float 55, the lever 78 and the hole 79 are inclined with respect to the axis A and therefore the cable 54 also passes through the hole 79 in the direction oblique with respect to axis A.

The float 55, passing from the first to the second operating position, moves the cable 54 (precisely the terminal portion 75 of the cable 54) respectively from:

- a release position, in which the terminal portion 75 is laterally displaced from the coupling seat 80 and outside the coupling seat 80; and in which the cable 54 is freely sliding with respect to the coupling seat 80 without axially engaging the coupling seat 80 and therefore the float 55;

- a coupling position, in which the terminal portion 75 axially engages the coupling seat 80 and therefore the float.

The operation of the supply / discharge unit 1 is, under normal operating conditions, similar to that of other similar devices, as described for example in EP-A-2942441.

In summary, when the box is full of water (between one drain and the next), the water reaches (figures 1, 2, 4) an initial level L1 which is above the container 16 and the container 16 is full of water. water.

The main float 7 floats in the container 16 full of water and keeps the filling valve 6 closed.

The floats 23, 33 are kept raised by the water contained in the box and the service hole 21 and the outlet hole 30 are open.

When the water contained in the cistern is discharged through the drain valve 3, the water level in the cistern drops and the feeding device 2 intervenes with a delayed filling mode: the main float 7, being housed in the full container 16. The water (precisely, in the tank 19), does not go down directly when the water level in the tank drops, but remains raised as long as there is water in the tank 19 of the container 16.

Until the water in the box reaches a level L2 (schematically indicated again in Figure 2), the float 23 keeps the service valve 22 and the service hole 21 open; the siphon system 20 does not act as a siphon (because air enters through the service hole 21).

When the water reaches level L2, the float 23 goes down and closes the service valve 22 and the service hole 21, activating the siphon system 20. Since no air can enter through the service hole 21, the water comes out of the drain hole 17, emptying the tank 19. When the tank 19 empties, the main float 7 goes down, opening the filling valve 6; the water enters the channel 5 and through the tube 10 fills the box.

The power supply device 2 also intervenes in the event of leaks in the box, for example when a malfunction of the drain valve 3 occurs, in order to keep the filling valve 6 closed despite the box being emptied and thus avoid wasting water.

When there is a small leak from the tank, the water contained in the tank drains slowly: as the water level in the tank drops, the water level in the tank 16 also lowers, while the float 23 keeps open the service valve 22 allowing the entry of air through the service hole 21.

The siphon system 20 does not operate as a siphon, since the service hole 21 is open and therefore allows air to enter the siphon system 20; consequently, the tank 19 which houses the main float 7 remains full, keeping the float 7 raised and therefore keeping the filling valve 6 closed.

Even when the cassette is completely empty, the main float 7 remains raised in the container 16.

In the event of a large leak through the drain valve 3, the water contained in the box drains quickly, as in the case of a commanded drain.

Consequently, although with a delay, the main float 7 opens the filling valve 6, in particular after the water in the box has reached the level L2 at which the float 23 drops and closes the service valve 22 and the service hole 21, activating the siphon system 20 which empties the tank 19.

Water then enters the box through the filling valve 6. Part of the water entering through the filling valve 6 flows into the additional tank 29, which however has the outlet hole 30 open as the float 33, located near the bottom of the box and in any case below the float 23, is still raised and keeps the auxiliary valve 32 and the outlet hole 30 open. The water therefore does not fill the tank 29, but comes out of the outlet hole 30.

Only when the water in the box drops further below the float 33, the latter loses its buoyancy and descends closing the outlet hole 30.

At this point, the water fills the tank 29 and overflows from the drain hole 31, falling into the container 16 (in the tank 19).

The water fills the container 16 and therefore also the tank 19; the main float 7 rises and closes the filling valve 6, stopping the water from entering the box.

If necessary, a forced filling of the box can be activated even when the filling valve 6 remains closed, for example following leaks in the box, by further operating the drain valve 3, in particular by pressing the button 49 acting on the spool 48 .

In this way (Figures 6-7), through the actuator mechanism 44 the lever 45 is raised and therefore also the fixing body 62 with the end 56 of the cable 54.

The cable 54 runs inside the sheath 85 and in the guides 68, 72; the end 57 of the cable 54 is drawn downwards.

The float 55 is in the second operating position, not being supported by the water contained in the box, and therefore the cable 54 is in the coupling position: the terminal section 75 of the cable 54 axially engages the coupling seat 80 and therefore the float 55.

Consequently, when the end 57 of the cable 54 goes down, it also drags the appendix 81 and the main float 7 downwards.

The movement of the float 7 expels water from the tank 19 of the container 16 and opens the filling valve 6.

In normal operation, however, the float 55 is in the first operating position (Figures 1 and 4) and the float 55 is in the release position, so that when the drain valve 3 is activated, the cable 54 does not engage the coupling seat 80 and then the float 55.

Finally, it is understood that further modifications and variations may be made to the feeding device and the feeding / unloading unit described and illustrated herein which do not go beyond the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. Supply / drain unit (1) for a flushing cistern of sanitary appliances, comprising a supply device (2) and a drain valve (3); the feeding device (2) comprising a support body (4), which extends substantially along an axis (A); a filling valve (6) supported by the support body (4); and a main float (7) mechanically connected to the filling valve (6) and movable to selectively open / close the filling valve (6); the discharge valve (3) comprising a valve body (41) movable within a support structure (37) and operated by an actuator mechanism (44); characterized in that it comprises a control cable (54) and a release float (55) acting on the cable (54); the cable (54) extending between a first end (56), connected to the actuator mechanism (44) of the discharge valve (3), and a second free end (57), shaped to selectively engage and release the main float (7) . Supply / discharge unit according to claim 1, wherein the release float (55) is movable with respect to the support body (4) of the supply device (2) so as to move the cable (54) with respect to the float Main (7) from a release position, in which the cable (54) does not engage the main float (7), to an engaging position, in which the cable (54) engages the main float (7). Feed / drain assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the release float (55) is rotatable about a rotation axis (R) with respect to the support body (4) of the feed device (2). 4. Supply / discharge unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the main float (7) is provided with a coupling seat (80) movable integrally with the main float (7) and shaped so as to receive an end section (75 ) of the cable (54). 5. Supply / discharge unit according to claim 4, wherein the unlocking float (55) is movable with respect to the support body (4) to selectively assume a first and a second operating position, which the unlocking float (55) it assumes following a change in the level of the water contained in the box and precisely when the unlocking float (55) is respectively supported and unsupported by the water contained in the box; and in which the unlocking float (55), passing from the first to the second operating position, moves the terminal portion (75) of the cable (54) respectively from: a release position, in which the terminal portion (75) is displaced laterally from the coupling seat (80) and outside the coupling seat (80) and the cable (54) can slide freely with respect to the coupling seat (80) without axially engaging the coupling seat (80) and therefore the float ( 55) release; to an engagement position, in which the end portion (75) axially engages the coupling seat (80) and therefore the release float (55). 6. Feeding / unloading unit according to claim 4 or 5, in which the coupling seat (80) is formed on an appendix (81) of the main float (7) and adjacent to the terminal portion (75) of the cable (54) . Feeding / unloading unit according to one of claims 4 to 6, in which the coupling seat (80) is open laterally towards the cable (54), having a side opening (82) facing the cable (54) and through which the cable (54) can be inserted into the coupling seat (80); and has an upper edge (83) transversal to the axis (A) and cooperating with a head (58) of the terminal section (75) of the cable (54) and shaped so as to axially engage said head (58). Feed / drain assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release float (55) is supported by the support body (4) of the feed device (2). Feeding / unloading unit according to claim 8, wherein the release float (55) is hinged to the support body (4) of the feeding device (2) by means of a pin (76), defining an axis (R) of rotation orthogonal to the axis (A), and comprises a floating case (77) and a lever (78) located on opposite sides of the pin (76); the lever (78) having a free end provided with a through hole (79) in which the cable (54) is inserted through. Feeding / unloading assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (54) is a metal cable. 11. Feeding / unloading unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cable (54) has a first and a second terminal section (66, 75), respectively provided with the first and second ends (56, 57) and sliding housings in respective guides (68, 72) fixed respectively to the support structure (37) of the discharge valve (3) and to the support body (4) of the feeding device (2). Feeding / unloading unit according to claim 11, wherein the guides (68, 72) have respective longitudinal grooves (65, 74), for example substantially straight and parallel to the axis (A), open at respective longitudinal ends and in which the cable (54) is inserted longitudinally through. 13. Supply / discharge unit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the cable (54) is housed in an external tubular sheath (85), for example made of polymeric material, i.e. plastic, which covers the cable (54) and from which respective terminal portions (66, 75) of the cable (54) project; the cable (54) being inserted with radial play in the sheath (85) and sliding inside the sheath (85). Feeding / unloading unit according to claim 13, wherein the sheath (85) has two opposite ends housed inside respective guides (68, 72) and fixed thereto, for example by interlocking that is by mechanical interference. Feeding / unloading unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second ends (56, 57) of the cable (54) are respectively equipped with a first and a second transversal head (58, 59), protruding radially from the cable (54). Feeding / unloading unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixing body (62), provided with a fixing seat (61) which houses the first end (56) of the cable (54). Supply / exhaust assembly according to claim 16, wherein the fixing body (62) is provided with a hook (67) for fixing the fixing body (62) to the actuator mechanism (44) of the exhaust valve (3 ). 18. Supply / discharge unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the main float (7) is housed in a cup-shaped container (16) open at the top, fixed integral with the support body (4) and provided with a hole lower drain (17).