WO2006069026A1 - Appareil de chasse d'eau automatique avec element de surpassement de levier pour ensembles reservoirs de chasse d'eau - Google Patents

Appareil de chasse d'eau automatique avec element de surpassement de levier pour ensembles reservoirs de chasse d'eau Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006069026A1
WO2006069026A1 PCT/US2005/046028 US2005046028W WO2006069026A1 WO 2006069026 A1 WO2006069026 A1 WO 2006069026A1 US 2005046028 W US2005046028 W US 2005046028W WO 2006069026 A1 WO2006069026 A1 WO 2006069026A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
actuator
tank
handle
reservoir
override
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/046028
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006069026A8 (fr
Inventor
Kenneth J. Muderlak
Rocky Hseih
Original Assignee
Technical Concepts, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Technical Concepts, Llc filed Critical Technical Concepts, Llc
Publication of WO2006069026A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006069026A1/fr
Publication of WO2006069026A8 publication Critical patent/WO2006069026A8/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D3/00—Flushing devices operated by pressure of the water supply system flushing valves not connected to the water-supply main, also if air is blown in the water seal for a quick flushing
    • E03D3/10—Flushing devices with pressure-operated reservoir, e.g. air chamber
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/10—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an automatic flush actuator, and more specifically, to an automatic flush actuator with a handle override for pressurized reservoir in a tank assembly.
  • One such method is to increase the velocity of the water entering the toilet bowl. When the velocity is increased, less water is required to ensure that the contents of the toilet bowl have been flushed.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,233,698 which is incorporated by reference, one system that increases the velocity of flush water utilizes a pressurized reservoir within the tank.
  • the reservoir contains compressed air and flush water. Within the reservoir, the compressed air is located above the flush water.
  • a push cap is located at the top of the reservoir. When displaced, the push cap opens a valve at the bottom of reservoir into the bowl.
  • a flush mechanism is actuated, the pressurized reservoir opens into the toilet bowl and the compressed air forces the flush water out of the pressurized reservoir at a high velocity.
  • a pressurized reservoir With a pressurized reservoir, a unique valve is required to release the flush water within the reservoir. More specifically, a mechanism is required that not only overcomes the weight of the water, but also the pressure of the reservoir.
  • a flush handle In a manual actuator, a flush handle is connected to an arm. The arm is operatively connected to the push cap. Therefore, when a user turns the handle, the push cap is displaced, and the flushing mechanism is actuated.
  • a device to override the automatic actuator is still desirable.
  • One device that can provide an override feature is a manual handle and linkage.
  • a manual handle and linkage is prone to failure and tends to interfere with the operation of the automatic actuator.
  • users will remain hesitate to contact the manual handle for fear of contacting germs.
  • the reluctance of users to touch the handle with their hands prompts users to operate the handle using the users' fists or feet, often resulting in the manual handle and linkage either breaking or otherwise being damaged by the excessive force.
  • an override system that does not utilize a manual handle and linkage is desired because it reduces the possibility that the system will fail or be vandalized.
  • An override system that does not utilize a manua i also provides a more hygienic surface and reduces water usage and leal
  • pressurized tanks have been designed to fit wij conventional tank-style toilets. Therefore, an automatic flush actuator designed to conveniently be installed into a conventional tank-style toi BRIEF SUMMARY
  • An automatic flushing apparatus with handle override for pressurized flush tank assembly includes an actuator for depressing a push cap located in the pressurized tank flush assembly, a sensor for detecting an occurance, a power supply and a handle override to activate the flushing mechanism.
  • the actuator for depressing the push cap has a housing, with a motor, a reduction gear, an actuating element, and logic controls.
  • a handle override is electrically connected to the actuator.
  • a power supply provides electricity to the actuator, and a senor is in communication with the actuator, and activates the actuator when the sensor detects an event.
  • a method of installing an automatic flushing activator with handle override is disclosed, hi this embodiment, the reservoir is placed within the tank. The power supply is then connected. The handle is then replaced with the handle override, and the sensor is installed.
  • Figure 1 is a cut away view of a tank-style toilet
  • Figure 2A is side view of a pressurized reservoir
  • Figure 2B is a cutaway view of a pressurized reservoir
  • Figure 3 is an cut away view of a toilet containing the automatic flushing apparatus with handle override;
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view of the actuator
  • Figure 5 A is a view of the sensor
  • Figure 5 B is a view of an handle override. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • the presently preferred embodiment provides users with a system for automatically flushing a pressurized reservoir in a tank-style toilet and has an override mechanism to actuate the flushing apparatus.
  • the preferred system provides hands-free flushing of a system that efficiently uses a minimal amount of water to remove waste from a toilet bowl.
  • a bowl 110 and a tank 115 exists. Separating the tank 115 from the bowl 110 is a tank outlet 120. When the tank outlet 120 is unobstructed, the tank 115 is operatively connected to the bowl 110, and the water is forced by gravity from the tank 115 into the bowl 110 through the tank outlet 120. The tank 115 is further connected to a water supply. After the toilet 105 is flushed, the water supply provides water to refill the tank 115.
  • the tank 115 contains a reservoir 125.
  • the reservoir 125 typically is made of plastic. However, the reservoir 125 can be made of other materials.
  • the reservoir 125 contains a volume of water 170 and compressed air 175.
  • the reservoir 125 further contains an apparatus to replenish the compressed air 175, as well as an apparatus to replenish the water 150.
  • the apparatus to replenish the compressed air is an air inducer 180.
  • the apparatus to replenish the water 150 is a water supply.
  • the reservoir 125 contains a valve 155 which operatively connects the contents of the reservoir 110 to the tank outlet 120.
  • a push cap 160 is located at the top of the housing 130, and is connected through a linkage 165 to the valve 155. When the push cap 160 is displaced, the linkage 165 opens the valve 155, allowing the volume of water 135 to exit the reservoir 125 and enter the toilet bowl 110. Furthermore, when the pressure in the reservoir 125 is decreased, the valve 155 returns to a closed position when the push cap 160 is no longer displaced.
  • the reservoir 125 is shaped to fit within the tank 115 of a tank-style toilet.
  • the tank 115 is a rectangular cube, and the reservoir 125 is also a rectangular cube.
  • the reservoir can have different shapes depending on the shape of the tank 115.
  • the presently preferred embodiment has an actuator 210 for depressing the push cap, a sensor 220 for detecting an occurrence in the proximity of the apparatus, a power source 230 for the apparatus, and the handle override 240 to activate the actuator 210 for depressing the push cap 160.
  • the actuator 210 comprises a modular housing unit 310.
  • the modular housing unit 310 includes a mounting 320 to connect the housing 310 to the reservoir 125.
  • the modular housing unit 310 is attached to the reservoir 125 via the mounting 320 by screws .
  • the mounting 320 can be attached to the reservoir 110 by bolts, adhesive, or other attaching methods known in the art.
  • the mounting 320 is attached to modular housing unit 310 by screws, bolts, adhesives, or other methods known in the art.
  • the mounting 320 and modular housing unit 310 must be aligned with the push cap 160 so that the actuator 210 can properly contact the push cap 160, and depress the push cap 160 when activated. This alignment is accomplished by the screws, bolts, adhesive or other attaching method.
  • the contents of the actuator 210 are illustrated in Figure 4.
  • a motor 410, reduction gear train 420, cam 430, and control logic 440 are present within the modular housing unit 310.
  • Another embodiment of the reduction gear train is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/678, 865, entitled “Automatic Flushing Actuator for Tank Style Toilets,” filed October 3, 2003, and hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the cam can be replaced with an arm or pin.
  • the motor 410 is mechanically connected to the actuating element 430 by the reduction gear train 420. As the motor 410 is energized, the reduction gear train 420 rotates the actuating element 430, and the actuating element 430 rotates against the push cap 160. The push cap 160 then is displaced, thereby operating the valve 155 through the linkage 165. When the valve 155 opens, the flush water 170 within the reservoir 125 is forced into the bowl 110 by -6-
  • a sensor 220 is used to detect the presence of a user in the proximity of the toilet 105.
  • the sensor 220 maybe a motion detector, infrared sensor, or a body heat detector.
  • the sensor 220 is located within a separate housing 540 and communicates to the actuator using a transmitter that provides a radio frequency signal.
  • the sensor 220 can be connected to the actuator 210 via infrared or a cord.
  • the senor 220 can be incorporated into the actuator housing 130 or the tank 115.
  • the sensor housing 540 contains batteries to supply power to the sensor electronics.
  • the batteries are "AA" 550.
  • the sensor 220 can be powered by different battery sizes, or otherwise be powered by alternating current.
  • the sensor housing is externally attached to the wall by adhesive.
  • the sensor 220 housing can also be attached by screws, nails, or other attaching means.
  • the sensor housing can be located within the wall.
  • the power supply 230 is a battery pack.
  • the battery pack is connected to the actuator by a power cord.
  • the power cord contains plug as both ends.
  • the battery pack is designed to contain four "C” batteries. Conversely, the battery pack can contain multiple "D” or other sized batteries. In another embodiment, the power supply can be alternating current, which provides the actuator 210 with energy. Additionally, the battery pack 230 can be integrated into the actuator 210. [0029] Finally, a handle override 240 is present. The handle override 240 replaces the manual linkage assembly that is present in standard tank-style toilets. ndle override 240 is a button 520 that is integrated into the logic control
  • the actuator 210 is made of rubber and contains a housing.
  • the actuator 210 is electrically ted to the logic control by a cord. The cord provides a path for an override 46028
  • the cord is hard-wired to the button, and, at the other end, contains a plug that connects to matching port in the modular housing 210
  • the handle override can be wirelessly connected to the logic control.
  • the handle override must also include a handle override power source, as well as a radio frequency transmitter.
  • the override power source is a battery pack containing one or more batteries.
  • a wireless handle override also requires a wireless transmitter, such as infrared, radiofrequency, or other wire means.
  • circuit logic 440 inter-connected between the power source 230 and motor 410 within the modular housing 310 provides a pulse of electrical energy to the motor 410 of such duration as to rotate the gear through a predetermined arc, as to depress the push cap 160 and therefore open the valve 155 of the reservoir 125. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the logic further provides an audible or visual indication that the power supply is near the end of a life cycle.
  • the toilet can be activated by the user depressing the handle override.
  • the handle override 240 bypasses the signal from the sensor 220 and provides energy directly to the motor 410.
  • the logic control 440 recognizes the bypass signal and prevents the sensor 220 from detecting any subsequent signal for a predetermined amount of time. This ensures that the actuator 210 will not unnecessarily operate twice.
  • the logic control 440 also ensures that the user will not repeatedly activate the actuator 210.
  • the pressurized reservoir 125 is designed to be placed within a conventional type toilet with a tank.
  • the automatic actuator 210 is also designed to be installed in a conventional type toilet with a tank.
  • the pressurized reservoir is placed in the tank, and is typically operated with a manual flush handle.
  • the flush handle is removed, leaving a hole where the handle is located in a conventional tank-style toilet.
  • the pressurized reservoir 125 is then connected to the water inlet 150 and tank outlet 120, and the reservoir 125 is placed within the tank 115.
  • the automatic actuator 210 is then attached to the reservoir housing 130. hi the presently preferred embodiment, the actuator 210 is directly attached to the reservoir housing 130 using screws. Conversely, the actuator 210 can be attached using bolts, adhesive, or other attaching methods, hi an alternate embodiment, a mounting 320 can connect the actuator 210 to the reservoir housing 130.
  • the power source 230 is electrically connected to the actuator 210.
  • the power source 240 is then attached to the wall of the tank using a clip or other means.
  • the actuator can be connected to a 110 V alternating current.
  • the handle override wire is then placed through the handle hole.
  • the handle override wire is electrically attached to the actuator 210.
  • the handle override 240 is then place in the hole.
  • the handle override 240 contains threads and a matching nut 530.
  • the nut then attaches to the threads and affixes the handle override 240 to the tank.
  • the sensor is attached to the wall, hi the presently preferred embodiment, the sensor is affixed to the wall using an adhesive strip.
  • a hole is created in the wall. The sensor is subsequently positioned and affixed within the hole; thereby minimizing the likelihood of vandalism.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention a pour objet un ensemble de chasse d'eau automatique destiné à des ensembles de réservoirs chasse d'eau à pression. L'ensemble comprend un actionneur (210) servant à actionner un bouton poussoir (160), un capteur (220), une source d'alimentation (230) et un élément de surpassement de levier (240). L'actionneur est conçu pour être placé au-dessus d'une cuve pressurisée (125) positionnée dans un réservoir de toilettes de style classique. L'actionneur comporte un moteur (410), un train d'engrenages de réduction (420) et un élément d'actionnement (430) ainsi qu'une logique de commande. L'actionneur est connecté électriquement à la source d'alimentation et à l'élément de surpassement de levier.
PCT/US2005/046028 2004-12-20 2005-12-19 Appareil de chasse d'eau automatique avec element de surpassement de levier pour ensembles reservoirs de chasse d'eau WO2006069026A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/018,934 2004-12-20
US11/018,934 US20060130225A1 (en) 2004-12-20 2004-12-20 Automatic flush apparatus with handle override for pressure flush tank assemblies

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006069026A1 true WO2006069026A1 (fr) 2006-06-29
WO2006069026A8 WO2006069026A8 (fr) 2006-09-14

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/046028 WO2006069026A1 (fr) 2004-12-20 2005-12-19 Appareil de chasse d'eau automatique avec element de surpassement de levier pour ensembles reservoirs de chasse d'eau

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20060130225A1 (fr)
TW (1) TW200626769A (fr)
WO (1) WO2006069026A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080010734A1 (en) * 2006-07-14 2008-01-17 Frank Chang Sensor-type flushing system for a toilet tank
GB2456937B (en) * 2006-10-24 2011-07-13 Bradley Fixtures Corp Capacitive sensing for washroom fixture
USD635219S1 (en) 2010-04-20 2011-03-29 Zurn Industries, LCC Flush valve actuator
ES2819823T3 (es) * 2015-04-07 2021-04-19 Swiss Aqua Tech Ag Sistema de lavado a presión para un inodoro

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US5342024A (en) * 1992-04-09 1994-08-30 Kim Dong J Automatic flushing device for urinal
US20020092090A1 (en) * 2001-01-18 2002-07-18 Johnson Dwight N. Flush controller

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US20020092090A1 (en) * 2001-01-18 2002-07-18 Johnson Dwight N. Flush controller

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006069026A8 (fr) 2006-09-14
TW200626769A (en) 2006-08-01
US20060130225A1 (en) 2006-06-22

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