WO2016049659A1 - Système de double chasse d'eau à régulation de volume constant de chasse d'eau - Google Patents

Système de double chasse d'eau à régulation de volume constant de chasse d'eau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016049659A1
WO2016049659A1 PCT/US2015/052737 US2015052737W WO2016049659A1 WO 2016049659 A1 WO2016049659 A1 WO 2016049659A1 US 2015052737 W US2015052737 W US 2015052737W WO 2016049659 A1 WO2016049659 A1 WO 2016049659A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
latch
post
flush
lever
reservoir
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/052737
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joseph Han
Original Assignee
Fluidmaster, Inc.
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 Fluidmaster, Inc. filed Critical Fluidmaster, Inc.
Publication of WO2016049659A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016049659A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
    • E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves
    • E03D1/142—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves in cisterns with flushing valves
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
    • E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves
    • E03D2001/147—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves having provisions for active interruption of flushing
    • E03D2001/148—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves having provisions for active interruption of flushing with means to prevent premature closing of flushing valve

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to flush valves for toilets and more specifically, to flush systems configured to provide multiple flush settings such as full flushes and partial or half flushes.
  • the flush valve is opened by a respective actuating mechanism such as a handle, button, or the like connected to a chain.
  • a respective actuating mechanism such as a handle, button, or the like connected to a chain.
  • the flush valve remains in an opened state until a sufficient amount of water flows from the toilet tank through the flush valve and into the toilet bowl.
  • a supply line provides water to a fill valve in turn delivering water to the toilet tank.
  • Flush systems tend to vary depending on complexity and designs.
  • a flush system comprises a flush valve, a float, an actuating mechanism, and various interlinkages therebetween.
  • Some flush systems offer functionality to provide full flushes and partial flushes which are known as dual flush systems.
  • the user will actuate the flush actuating mechanism and select either a full flush for solid waste or a partial flush for liquid waste.
  • the selected flush is carried out.
  • the fill valve then re-fills the toilet tank while the toilet bowl is also refilled.
  • flush valves may contain two floats received in or by a reservoir.
  • the two floats may be received by a common reservoir, or each float may have a separate reservoir, or each float may be in a portion of a common reservoir, but which has split characteristics regarding differential fluid flow between reservoirs.
  • Each float may have its own lever pivotally connected to a piston post and associated latch. The lever, or plurality of levers, may serve to secure each respective float to a fixed position relative to said piston post through a latch, or the levers may disengage to allow translation of the floats during applicable flush operation.
  • Each latch is associated with a respective float and reservoir such that a first float and reservoir corresponds to a full flush and a second float corresponds to a partial flush.
  • Water refilling the tank causes the floats to raise which in turn causes associated levers to rotate until their latch-strike ends opposite the float contact the post. Because the floats are situated on opposite sides of the post, if the tank is full and the user actuates the toilet to carry out a full flush, the water level in the tank will descend.
  • the purpose of the reservoir or reservoirs currently used in systems is to minimize residual water following full flushes.
  • Flush systems in use with toilets with relatively small tanks or flush systems that require a maximum flush volume require said reservoir to comply with a flush system's respective full flush volume requirements.
  • the reservoir holds water while the water level in the tank descends below the reservoir during a full flush cycle. With a float positioned in the reservoir, water in the reservoir holds the float while water is permitted to drain out of the reservoir into the tank through a drain window.
  • the size of the drain window therefore is directly related to the flow rate of water from the reservoir and out through the drain window.
  • an flow rate out of the reservoir which is inapplicable or unsuited to a particular application (eg., a particular toilet) can lead to unstable release timing and therefore cause inconsistent flush volumes. Therefore, current dual flush systems struggle to impart full flushes with consistent flush volumes and thus fail to comply with relevant volume specifications. Accordingly, there is a need for a dual flush system that provides consistent flush volumes with floats and associated reservoirs that provide consistent flush volumes during use.
  • a reservoir which receives a float may be divided into two or more compartments. It should be noted that any number of compartments may be added as desired or required to control the allowable size and/or volume in which liquids are stored in the reservoir as well as to regulate the volume and speed of egress of water from the reservoir, thereby ultimately controlling the flush volume consistency and release timing of the system.
  • a dual flush system with flush volume consistency controls may comprise a reservoir with a drain opening for egress of liquids from the reservoir into a surrounding toilet tank.
  • the reservoir in turn, may comprise a plurality of surfaces, a drain opening, and a partition on one or more of the plurality of surfaces, dividing the reservoir into multiple compartments (such as first and second compartments).
  • a substantially upright surface may be referred to generally as “a wall” or when referred to collectively, “walls.”
  • a substantially upright surface generally extending from the outer perimeter of the reservoir may be referred to as “a perimeteral wall” or collectively as “perimeteral walls.”
  • a drain opening may alternatively be referred to as a "window.”
  • Each compartment may house liquids, wherein at least the first and second compartments are in fluid
  • the system may further comprise a drain opening adjustment and locking mechanism, which is slidably received by the reservoir.
  • the drain opening adjustment and locking mechanism may be translatable between one or more positions on the reservoir.
  • a receiver may be coupled to the reservoir adjacent to or nearby the drain opening, wherein the receiver on the reservoir slidably receives the adjustment and lock mechanism.
  • the receiver may be integrally formed with the reservoir or removably attached thereto.
  • the lock mechanism may be translatable between two or more fixed positions, or at least five fixed positions.
  • the drain opening may measure approximately .15 inches, .3 inches, .35 inches or less than or equal to .6 inches.
  • the partition may be integrally formed with the reservoir or removably attached thereto. Further, the position or size of the gap in the reservoir formed by the partition may adjustable by positioning the partition. Likewise, a size of the first and second compartments may be adjusted by repositioning or otherwise adjusting the partition in the reservoir.
  • a method for imparting consistent flush volumes using a flush system in a toilet tank, the method comprising the following steps: dividing a reservoir into a first and second compartment, each compartment configured to receive and house liquids, wherein liquids are distributed from the second compartment into the first compartment at a predetermined flow rate; and delivering liquids from the first compartment to the toilet tank through a drain opening of the reservoir.
  • the foregoing method may further comprise slidably inserting an adjustment and locking mechanism into or along a wall of the reservoir; and translating the adjustment and lock mechanism between one or more fixed positions on the reservoir by, and wherein translating the adjustment and lock mechanism at increasing depths into the reservoir wall causes a size of the drain opening of the reservoir to be adjusted but the substantially consistent flow rate remains maintained.
  • the adjustment and lock mechanism may be fixed in one of the one or more fixed positions by coupling a detent arm of the adjustment and lock mechanism with the reservoir.
  • the wall slidably receiving the adjustment and lock mechanism may be a perimetral wall.
  • a dual flush system with flush volume consistency controls may comprise toilet tank with an upper and lower surface, a flush valve, and a post in communication with the flush valve.
  • a flush valve comprises a toilet tank drain (eg. orifice) and a flush valve seal.
  • the post may include a first latch with a mounting surface extending away from the post at a declining angle.
  • a first lever may be pivotally connected to a first hinge at a central pivot of the first lever, the first lever comprising a latch-strike end and a float end on opposite sides of the central pivot and the post.
  • a first float may be directly (or indirectly) pivotally connected to the float end of the first lever so that sliding the first float along a guide rail of the system and pivoting the first lever about the hinge causes the latch- strike end of the first lever to rotate until contacting the post.
  • the first float moves by sliding along an associated guide rail such that float moves by translating along the guide rail until the latch- strike end of the first lever securely engages with a lower mounting surface of the first latch.
  • the system may comprise a flush actuator (for example, an externally accessible button or lever on the tank) in mechanical communication with a post.
  • the post may comprise a flush valve seal configured to seal the tank drain of the flush valve in order to store water in the tank.
  • engaging the flush actuator e.g. pressing a button or turning a lever
  • the post causes the post to translate, thereby unseating the valve seal and thus unsealing the flush valve so that water may travel from the tank through the tank drain to a toilet bowl, which causes the water level in the tank to descend.
  • the latch-strike end of the first lever may comprise a dome, hook, sharpened edge or curved feature to securely and removably engage the first lever with a mounting surface of the first latch.
  • the latch-strike end may etch into the mounting surface of the first latch.
  • the mounting surface of the first latch may comprise a non-skid or friction inducing surface.
  • the mounting surface may comprise a relatively smooth surface on which the latch-strike end may freely slide.
  • the declining angle of the mounting surface of the first latch may be defined between the latch and the post, wherein the declining angle may be less than 45 degrees, between 5 and 20 degrees, or approximately 18 degrees.
  • the first latch may be integrally formed with the post or removably attachable thereto.
  • the system may further comprise a second latch, a second lever, and second float.
  • the second latch may extend away from the post opposite the first latch.
  • the second lever may pivotally connect to a second hinge at a central pivot of the second lever, the second lever comprising a latch-strike end and a float end, each being disposed opposite sides of the central pivot and the post.
  • the second float may likewise directly (or indirectly) pivotally connect to the float end of the second lever so that sliding the second float along a second guide rail of the system and pivoting the second lever about the second hinge towards the upper surface of the toilet tank causes the latch- strike end of the second lever to rotate until contacting the post on a side of the post opposite the latch-strike end of the first lever.
  • the first and second levers may deliver opposing balancing forces to the post when rotating into and contacting the post.
  • the second float As the water level in the toilet tank in the described system descends after the latch-strike end of the second lever contacts the post, the second float is movable until the latch-strike end of the second lever securely engages with the mounting surface of the second latch.
  • the first latch may be replaceable with other first latches of differing declining angles in order to modulate the required balancing force imparted to the post by the first lever.
  • a method of improving consistency of a flush volume in a dual flush system of a toilet comprising the following steps: pivotally connecting a flush actuator to a post with a flush valve seal, wherein the post comprises first and second latches that extend outwardly away from the post and each other, the first latch comprising a mounting surface which extends at a declining angle relative to the post;
  • first float and a second floats pivotally connecting a first float and a second floats to first and second hinges via a first lever and a second lever, wherein each float and hinge are positioned on opposite sides of the post, each lever comprising a latch-strike end and a float end positioned on opposite sides of the post, wherein the first float is configured to impart a full flush and the second float is configured to impart a partial flush, wherein when a water level in the tank ascends to a predetermined level, latch-strike ends of each of the first and second levers pivot about an associated hinge until contacting the post imparting opposing balancing forces thereto; depressing the flush actuator causing the post to lift and unseat the flush valve seal from the flush valve and release water from the tank through the flush valve so that the water level descends, wherein the latch-strike end of the first or second lever securely engages with a mounting surface of the first latch.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional toilet partially in phantom to depict a flush valve system of the present disclosure assembled in a tank of the toilet.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a dual flush system removed viewed separately from a toilet tank and with certain walls of the system removed so that internal components are visible, including an actuator, a piston seal post, a flush valve, a plurality of latches, a plurality of floats, and a plurality of levers, as well as a separate reservoir within the system receiving a float.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 2 when a full flush is being actuated by the flush actuator.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a close-up perspective view of a reservoir of the system in FIGS. 2-3 in an exploded state prior to an associated window adjustment and lock mechanism being slidably received by the reservoir.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a close-up perspective view of a reservoir of the system in FIGS. 2-3 in an assembled state with the associated window adjustment and lock mechanism being slidably received by the reservoir at a particular window setting.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B depict perspective views of each side of one embodiment of an adjustment and lock mechanism that slidably couples to the reservoir of the system in FIGS. 2-5.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a close-up view of the reservoir and window adjustment and lock mechanism of FIGS. 4 and 5 when assembled at a particular window setting.
  • FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the reservoir in the systems of FIGS. 2-7.
  • FIGS. 9-10 depict perspective views of a reservoir modified to include a partition creating separate compartments within the reservoir.
  • FIGS. 11-12 depict a table with data demonstrating performance
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a typical dual flush system with certain walls removed of the toilet tank and system so that the internal components are visible, including an actuator, a piston seal post, a flush valve, a plurality of latches, a plurality of floats, and a plurality of levers (but not illustrating the use of a separate reservoir) in operation after a flush, where a low water condition is present and a valve seal has reseated on a toilet tank drain.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG.13 before a flush.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 13 when a full flush is being actuated by the flush actuator.
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 13 when at partial flush disengagement.
  • FIG. 17 is a close-up view of a typical piston seal post and laches of FIG. 13 in a full flush engaged position.
  • FIG. 18 is a close up view of the disclosed improvement of a declining angle of a mounting surface of a latch of a piston seal post of FIG. 13 in a full flush engaged position.
  • FIG. 19 is a statistical representation demonstrating and validating the superior performance of the improvement of FIG. 18 during use as compared to the system employing a piston seal post with a latch lacking a mounting surface with a declining angle.
  • a or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”
  • the term “user”, “subject”, “end-user” or the like is not limited to a specific entity or person.
  • the term “user” may refer to a person who uses the systems and methods described herein, and frequently may be a field technician. However, this term is not limited to end users or technicians and thus encompasses a variety of persons who can use the disclosed systems and methods.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a toilet 10 in which the disclosed control improvements (not depicted) may be used within system 18.
  • toilet 10 is provided comprising bowl 12, wherein bowl 12 is configured to contain liquid and solid waste in solid and liquid form.
  • Tank 14 of toilet 10 is disposed above bowl 12.
  • Tank 14 houses water 16 and causes a flush by transferring housed water 16 to bowl 12 when system 18 opens flush valve 39 located at the lower portion 23 of tank 14, allowing water 16 to freely flow through flush valve 40 (not depicted in FIG. 1) and into bowl 12.
  • flush actuator 36 is seen mounted external to the upper portion 21 of tank 14.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of system 18 with certain outer walls of system 18 also removed so that internal components of system 18 are visible.
  • system 18 as depicted in FIG. 2 is seen completely separate from tank 14 (either removed from the tank 14 or with all walls of the tank 14 cut away), when in use, system 18 is disposed within tank 14.
  • flush actuator 36 and its bias mechanism of system 18 may be disposed partially or fully external to tank 14.
  • System 18 flushes toilet 10 by releasing water into bowl 12 through valve 40.
  • piston seal post 17 is translated, which lifts valve seal 39 away from flush valve 40.
  • actuator 36 may comprise of a plurality of buttons, each one of which is mechanically connected to lift piston seal post 17 in a manner that engages only one corresponding float.
  • One button of the actuator 36 may be for a partial flush whereas another button may be for a full flush. Regardless of the button used, depressing actuator 36 will lift valve seal 39 away from flush valve 40.
  • flush valve system 18 produces a volume of water 16 consistent with either a full flush (corresponding with engagement of float 11) to dispose of solid waste, or a partial flush (corresponding with engagement of float 9) to dispose of liquid waste. It should be noted that the vertical position of float 11 and/or 9 when assembled in system 18 determines the flush volume for a corresponding full flush and partial flush, respectively. Since the exact volume to refill bowl 12 depends upon the respective dimensions of bowl 12, flush valve system 18 may be pre-configured to deliver one or multiple flush volumes consistent with volumes of floats 9 and 11.
  • FIGS. 2-3 flush actuator 36 is provided in communication with system 18.
  • FIG. 2 depicts typical dual flush system 18 without water simply to show how each of the components of system 18 interact with each other.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 2 when a full flush is being actuated by actuator 36. It can be seen that system 18 comprises a piston seal post 17 configured to be translated between flush positions, which correlate to a sealed and unsealed position of valve seal 36 on flush valve 40.
  • Post 17 operatively connects to actuator 36 via levers 54 and 55 (as described more particularly below), wherein post 17 may comprise one or more elongate members with a flush valve seal 39 disposed on a lower end of the rod, which is adjacent to flush valve 40 when system 18 is in a pre or post flush configuration, and which is spaced away from flush valve 40 during an active flush phase. Before, during and after flushes, post 17 may therefore translate or otherwise move seal 39 between seated and unseated positions on valve 40 so that water accumulated in tank 14 can be sent to bowl 12 when the seal 39 is lifted from the valve 40.
  • first lever (or horizontal lever) 54 and second lever (or vertical lever) 55 may comprise elongate members.
  • pivot 44 of first lever 54 may be pivotally or mechanically connected to a lower engagement point 46 of activator 36 and first lever 54 and second lever 55 may be pivotally connected to each other at shared pivot 47.
  • distal pivot 48 of lever 55 (positioned opposite pivot 47) may pivotally connect to upper, proximal end of post 17.
  • pivot 44 of lever 54 when downward pressure is applied to activator 36, pivot 44 of lever 54 is caused to translate downward towards valve 40.
  • second lever 55 pulls post 17 upwards thereby lifting seal 39 from valve 40 so that water flows from tank 14 into bowl 12.
  • Actuator 36 may comprise an internal bias force that naturally causes actuator 36 to remain in an extended or elevated position between actuation. Bias force may be imparted by an internal spring, coil structure, helical, leaf, or the like so that downward pressure applied to actuator is naturally resisted and rebounded when force is released.
  • a user or the like has actuated actuator mechanism 36 so that post 17 is lifted thereby unseating seal 39 from valve 40. Because valve 40 is now opened, tank 14 and bowl 12 are in fluid communication.
  • Post 17 may be substantially tubular, bored out, solid, multi-piece, of rectangular cross-section, or any other shape fit to provide communication between valve 40 and seal 39.
  • Post 17 may comprise a first latch 20 and a second latch 19.
  • Post 17 may also comprise two pieces, each of which corresponds with first latch 20 and second latch 19. Latches 19 and 20 may be positioned on opposite sides or separate pieces of post 17, and may extend outwardly away from post 17. However, in some embodiments, post 17 may comprise only one latch or may comprise more than two latches.
  • a slide rail 71 couples float 11 to system 18, wherein rail 71 is slidably coupled to float 11 so that float 11 may translate along rail 71 as required depending on respective flush volume requirements.
  • a first full flush lever 13 may pivotally connected to post 17 at a central position on lever 13 so that a distal end 30 (also known as the latch- strike end) of lever 13 is capable of rotatably and removably engaging lever 13 and associated float 11 with latch 20 when a full flush is actuated.
  • Proximal end 31 of lever 13 may be pivotally connected, directly or indirectly, to rail 71, reservoir 28, and/or float 11 so that after system 18 imparts a full flush, float 11 is disposed in a lower portion of system 18 closer to valve 40.
  • FIG. 3 depicts tank 14 distributing water to bowl 12 as described by the arrows through valve 40 and corresponding water line 16 descending. Because float 11 remains buoyant, as tank 14 is again refilled, float 11 will rise as the water level 16 increases. Specifically, as float 11 rises, proximal end 31 translates substantially upward as lever 13 pivots about post 17. Lever 13 may pivot about post 17 until distal (latch-strike) end 30 of lever 13 rotates and contacts post 17.
  • a second lever 15 may be provided to move partial flush float 9 along slide rail 69 depending on respective flush volume requirements.
  • rail 69 couples float 9 to system 18, wherein rail 69 is slidably coupled to float 9 so that float 9 may translate along rail 69.
  • lever 15 may be pivotally connected to post 17 at a central position on lever 15, wherein a distal (latch-strike) end 32 of lever 15 is capable of rotating into a removably engagement with latch 19.
  • Proximal end 33 of lever 15 is therefore pivotally connected, directly or indirectly, to rail 69 adjacent or nearby where float 9 slidably connects.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective view of reservoir 28 and drain (window) adjustment and lock mechanism 35 in an exploded state (FIG. 4) and an assembled state adjusted to a predetermined lock setting 95 (FIG. 5).
  • reservoir 28 has a drain (window) opening 25 and is configured to slidably couple to adjustment and lock mechanism 35.
  • Reservoir 28 may have a lower surface with walls extending upwards and an open upper surface.
  • float 11 may be designed with a closed upper surface and circumferential walls that extend downward toward the closed mounting surface of reservoir 28, wherein float 11 is designed to be inserted into, or received by, one or more compartments of reservoir 28.
  • Window 25 permits water in reservoir 28 to be in fluid communication with tank 14.
  • a float in system 18 not coupled with a reservoir will rise and fall solely based on the buoyancy relationship determined by water 16 in tank 14. However, if a float in system 18 (such as full flush float 11) is coupled with a reservoir (such as reservoir 28), then the rising and falling of the float will be based on the buoyancy relationship of both the water 16 in tank 14, as well as water in reservoir 28, regardless of water 16 in tank 14.
  • a float 11 coupled with a reservoir 28 may rise or fall with the buoyancy relationship of the water 16 in tank 14 when the water level is at or above the spill height of reservoir 28, but when water 16 of tank 14 falls below the spill- height of reservoir 28, the vertical (rise and fall) position of float 11 will be determined separately by its buoyancy relationship with the water remaining in reservoir 28 and draining through the drain (window) 25.
  • window 25 may comprise certain locking features such as teeth, tabs, grooves, or the like as described more particularly below to corresponding with associated features of window lock mechanism 35. Because window 25 functions as an adjustable drain hole associated with a predetermined flow rate depending on respective height, window lock mechanism 35 (See FIGS. 7-8) is provided to interact with window 25 in order to adjust the window 25 opening size.
  • mechanism 35 is seen prior to being received by reservoir 28.
  • Reservoir 28 is configured to slidably receive mechanism 35 and therefore may comprise a receiver with one or more rails or edges that are positioned adjacent to or otherwise near the outer circumferential wall of reservoir 28 and in communication with window 25.
  • mechanism 35 When mechanism 35 is received by reservoir 28 at increasing depths, mechanism 35 functions to adjust the size of the opening in window 25 that allows egress of fluids from reservoir 28 into tank 14 thereby regulating the flow rate out from reservoir 28 through window 25.
  • locking features of mechanism 35 such as latches, teeth, tabs, protrusions of the like may removably engage grooves or edges (91-95) of reservoir 28 to adjust the drain hole opening size of window 25.
  • modified reservoir 28a resolves issues of unstable release timing of flush seal 39 and thus inconsistent flush volumes with any particular window lock setting including settings 95 through 91. It should be noted that any features described herein associated with designation "a" (e.g. reservoir 28a) correspond to modified versions of previously described features. As more fully discussed below, modified reservoir 28a depicts the use of an additional partition 85, to create two compartments (81a, 83) from original larger compartment 81 within modified reservoir 28a.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B depict close-up perspective views of an exemplary lock mechanism 35. More particularly, FIG. 6A illustrates the forward face of mechanism 35 facing upwards. When mechanism 35 is slidably coupled to reservoir 28, said forward face of mechanism 35 is pointed away from reservoir 28.
  • FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of mechanism 35 with its aft face facing upwards, wherein when mechanism 35 is slidably coupled to reservoir 28, said aft face is oriented facing towards and seated adjacent to circumferential walls of reservoir 28 and window 25.
  • mechanism 35 may comprise receiver coupling portions 144 disposed on the lower, distal end of mechanism 35, wherein the proximal end of mechanism 35 is positioned on the upper end of mechanism 35.
  • portions 144 may comprise a U- or C-shaped curved section that guides portion 144 into respective edge of reservoir 28.
  • Portion 144 may be a locking arm that extends downward from a middle section of mechanism 35 toward the distal end, wherein portion 144 then extends laterally away from mechanism 35 to form latch 146. Accordingly, latch 146 is outwardly facing with respect to portion 144.
  • mechanism 35 When a desired window lock setting (e.g. setting 91-95) of reservoir 28 is desired, mechanism 35 is slid into position and may be locked in place using detent arm 147 to fix or rigidly attach mechanism 35. This is described more clearly in FIG. 7 where a close- up view of mechanism 35 is depicted when slidably coupled to reservoir 28 at lock setting 94. It can be seen that each portion 144 has been slidably received by reservoir 28 and arm 147 is in communication with the notch or groove associated with setting 94. In this respect, the flow rate for reservoir 28 will be in accordance with the drain opening of window 25 permitted by mechanism 35 at setting 94.
  • a desired window lock setting e.g. setting 91-95
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of reservoir 28 looking into its closed mounting surface.
  • a single compartment 81 is provided to house water, impart buoyancy on a corresponding float, and later distribute to tank through window 25.
  • window 25 Because of the varying sizes of window 25 depending on where mechanism 35 may be with respect to settings 91-95, it can more clearly be observable adjusting the opening associated with window 25 can function to adjust the flow between reservoir 28 and tank 14. Since the size of window 25 affects the speed of water egress from compartment 81, reservoir 28 may be modified so that the egress water speed at each of the settings 91 through 95 or the like impart consistent flush volumes, notwithstanding the window lock setting.
  • FIGS. 9-10 depict perspective views of modified reservoir 28a to achieve the foregoing improvement.
  • reservoir 28a is modified to stabilize the flow rate from compartment 81a through window 25 into tank 14.
  • first compartment 81a of reservoir 28a may be divided by partition 85 into a second compartment 83.
  • Partition 85 may be removably or integrally formed with reservoir 28a so that the ultimate size of compartments 81a and 83 can be adjusted to modulate the flow rate from compartment 81a through window 25.
  • Compartment 81a comprises liquids associated with the buoyancy supporting float 11 whereas compartment 83 houses enough liquids to distribute water into compartment 81a at a predetermined flow rate
  • Test data of system 18 of FIGS. 2-8 indicate the size of window 25 in reservoir 28 is directly related to full flush consistency as between settings 91 and 95.
  • liquids are housed in compartment 81 of reservoir 28 while water line 16 descends below reservoir 28 during a full flush.
  • water in compartment 81 imparts a buoyancy force on float 11, which thereby influences translation of post 17, which thereby determines the seated or unseated position of seal 39.
  • the size of the window 25 controls the speed of egress of water 16 from compartment 81 (and thereby the buoyancy on the float), the size of window 25 also determines the valve seal 39 release timing.
  • compartment 81a still houses water for the full flush associated with float 11.
  • Second compartment 83 also stores water and distributes it to compartment 81a at a predetermined flow rate through gap 90 defined between partition 85 and inner walls of reservoir 28a.
  • Gap 90 may be adjustable or fixed depending on needs or requirements. Gap 90 may therefore extend partially or completely along a single perimetral wall of reservoir 28a, multiple perimetral walls of reservoir 28a. Gap 90 may comprise at least one aperture, bore, cavity, chamber, groove, duct, spillway, weir, passage, or the like between compartments of reservoir 28a. By dividing reservoir 28a into multiple
  • compartments, 81a and 83 the allowable volume of reservoir 28a is reduced.
  • the flow of water between compartments 83 and 81 also adjusts the flow rate through window 25 into tank 14.
  • flow rate through window 25 is generally unchanged as compared to unmodified reservoir 28.
  • a float reservoir may suffer flush volume inconsistencies with when the drain hole size of a reservoir is too large. Because the size of compartment 81a is relatively smaller compared with compartment 81, the egress water speed in reservoir 28a itself is faster than reservoir 28. By increasing the egress water speed in reservoir 28a, the instability of reservoir 28 is resolved and the flush volume consistency associated with reservoir 28a is therefore improved with respect to reservoir 28. In this respect, the flow rate of reservoir 28a through window 25 remains stable regardless of whether mechanism 35 is positioned at setting 95 or 91.
  • compartment 83 may distribute water into compartment 81a at the predetermined flow rate which may be greater than the predetermined minimum flow rate out of window 25 associated with reservoir 28a when, for example, mechanism is situated at window lock settings 91 and 92. Regardless, because compartment 83 distributes liquids to compartment 81a at a rate greater than the egress water speed associated with compartment 81 at settings 91 and 92. Therefore, the egress water speed associated with reservoir 28a at greater sizes of window 25 results in more stable and consistent flush volumes.
  • FIGS. 11-12 evaluation test data of the flush system 18a depicted in FIGS. 9-10 are shown in FIGS. 11-12 when compared with system 18 and reservoir 28 of FIGS. 2-8.
  • the data of FIG. 11 which corresponds to reservoir 28 of FIGS. 2-8 indicate certain settings 92, 93 and 94 were found to exhibit inconsistent flush volumes and thus unstable seal 39 release timing.
  • the data depicted in FIG. 12 corresponding to tests measuring full flush volume consistency using reservoir 28a of FIGS. 9-10 clearly show that full flush consistency is maintained with respect to previously observed inconsistencies. Since egress water speed of reservoir 28 has been found to directly relate flush volume consistency and seal 39 release timing, reservoir 28a clearly resolves the previously observed flush inconsistencies caused by modulating the egress water speed of reservoir 28.
  • flush actuator 36 is provided in communication with system 18. Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts system 18 after a full flush, FIG. 14 depicts system 18 before a full flush, FIG. 15 depicts system 18 wherein a full flush is being activated (see applied forces to actuator 36 causing float 11 to translate to a flush position), and FIG. 16 depicts system 18 at full flush disengagement.
  • system 18 comprises a piston seal post 17 configured to be translated between flush positions such as sealed and unsealed positions on flush valve 40.
  • Post 17 operatively connects to flush actuator 36 via valve actuation structure 34 (as described more particularly below), wherein post 17 may comprise one or more elongate members with a flush valve seal 39 disposed on a lower distal end adjacent to flush valve 40.
  • post 17 may therefore translate or otherwise move seal 39 between seated and unseated positions on valve 40 so that water 16 that accumulates in tank 14 can be sent to bowl 12.
  • structure 34 comprises a first 54 and second lever 55, each of levers 54 and 55 being elongate members.
  • valve actuation structure 34 may be pivotally connected to lower engagement point 46 of actuator 36 at pivot 44 of first lever 54.
  • First 54 and second levers 55 are pivotally connected to each other at shared pivot 47.
  • Distal pivot 48 of lever 55 (positioned opposite pivot 47) may pivotally connect to upper, proximal end of post 17.
  • pivot 44 of lever 54 is caused to translate downward towards valve 40.
  • second lever 55 pulls post 17 upwards thereby lifting seal 39 from valve 40 so that water 16 flows from tank 14 into bowl 12.
  • Post 17 may be shaped to fit to provide communication between valve 39 and previously described features of structure 34.
  • Post 17 may comprise a first latch 20 and a second latch 19.
  • Latches 19 and 20 may be positioned on opposite sides and may extend outwardly away from post 17.
  • Latches 19 and 20 may be may also extend from separate elongate members of post 17.
  • post 17 may comprise only one latch or may comprise more than two latches.
  • a slide rail 71 couples float 11 to tank 14, wherein rail 71 is slidably coupled to float 11 so that float 11 may translate along rail 71 between pre-flush and flush configurations as required.
  • a first full flush lever 13 may pivotally connect to full flush hinge 51 at a central pivot on lever 13 so that a distal (or latch-strike) end 30 (depicted more clearly in FIG. 18) is capable of rotatably and removably engaging lever 13 and associated float 11 with latch 20.
  • Proximal end 31 of latch 13 is pivotally connected to float 11 so that after system 18 imparts a full flush (FIG. 14), float 11 has slid along rail 71 while pivoting about hinge 51 so that it is disposed in a lower portion of system 18 closer to valve 40.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 depict tank 14 receiving water as described by the arrows in valve 40 and corresponding water line 16 is dropping. Because float 11 remains buoyant, as tank 14 is again refilled, float 11 will rise as the water level 16 increases (see FIGS. 13 and 14). Specifically, as float 11 rises, proximal end 31 translates substantially upward as lever 13 and float 11 slide along rail 71 and lever 13 pivots about hinge 51 until distal end 30 of lever 13 contacts post 17. When lever 13 contacts post 17 in this respect, a force "A" (see arrow “A” in FIG. 14) normal to post 17 is imparted thereto thereby opposing the rising tendency of float 11 and removably engaging lever 13 to post 17.
  • a second lever 15 (for imparting partial flushes) is provided to rotate partial flush float 9 between pre-flush and flush configurations.
  • a slide rail 69 couples float 9 to system 18, wherein rail 69 is slidably coupled to float 9 so that float 9 may translate along rail 69 between pre-flush and flush configurations as required.
  • lever 15 may pivotally connect to partial flush hinge 49 (depicted more clearly in FIG. 13) at a central pivot on lever 15, wherein a distal end 32 of lever 15 is capable of rotating into a removable engagement with latch 19 and proximal end 33 of lever 15 is pivotally connected to float 9.
  • float 9 may be positioned closer to the upper portion of system 18 and disposed above float 11. Similar to the previously described movement of float 11 between pre-flush and flush positions, when water is introduced into tank 14 between flushes, float 9 remains buoyant so that the rising water level 16 naturally causes float 9 to pivot and translate upwards until lever 15 contacts post 17. When lever 15 contacts post 17, a force "B” (see arrow “B” in FIG. 15) normal to post 17 and opposite previously described force "A” is imparted to post 17 thereby generally opposing the rising tendency of float 9 and removably securing lever 15 to post 17 opposite lever 13.
  • distal ends 30 and 32 also rotate downward about respective hinges 51 and 49 while their corresponding floats slide along respective rails 71 and 69 until each of ends 30 and 32 respectively contact post 17.
  • distal (latch-strike) ends 30 and 32 will translate and descend below corresponding latches latch 19 and 20 to maintain levers 13 and 15 in predetermined positions on post 17, depending on whether a full or partial flush is actuated by actuator 36.
  • system 18 is depicted with partial flush float 9 disengaging from post 17.
  • Lever 15 and corresponding distal (latch-strike) end 32 have now descended below latch 19 as water line 16 has descended due to the imparted flush so that end 32 is no longer in contact with post 17. Accordingly, lever 15 has disengaged from post
  • lever 15 disengages with associated latch 19 and the balance of force "B" to maintain valve 39 in a resting position has destabilized due to the absence of the force "B” as shown more particularly between FIGS. 15 and 17). It can be seen therefore that float 9 and associated lever 15 disengages first as the water level 16 descends in the tank 14 during the full flush cycle of float 11 and thereby unbalancing post 17. Therefore, a need exists to avoid disengagement between latch 20 and lever 13 from destabilizing and unintentionally disengaging unpredictably as the water level descends and balancing force "B" is interrupted.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a close up view of latches 19a and 20a of post 17 to illustrate one optional resolution of unintended disengagement.
  • the change made to modified latch 20a remedies the undesired disengagement of lever 13.
  • Latch 20a is similar to latch 20 in that it projects outwardly from post 17, but is different in that it has a mounting surface being angled downward at declining angle alpha with respect to post 17. Declining angle alpha is determined by the force required to balance out corresponding force B. Angle alpha may therefore be less than 45 and preferably between 5 and 20 degrees. It is understood that as alpha increases, it can sustain and balance post 17 against a larger impact forces A and/or B.
  • lever 13 may comprise a dome, hook or curved feature disposed on its distal end 30 (or latch-strike end) to further secure lever 13 to latch 20a.
  • Latch 20a may optionally be configured to with a friction inducing mounting surface.
  • distal end comprises a sharpened edge or the like
  • latch-strike end 30 etches into or otherwise engages with latch 20a to securely engage and thus stabilize corresponding float 11 in position.
  • balance force C see arrow "C" in FIG. 18
  • FIG. 19 the disclosed improvements have been tested to verify full flush consistency as between previous approaches of FIGS. 13-17 and the disclosed modified embodiment of FIG. 18. Specifically, tests validated the efficacy of the disclosed concepts by graphically showing that as the a particular flush system 18 imparts a full flush, the modification of the declination angle of the mounting surface of latch 20a extending from post 17, as depicted in FIG. 18, outperforms the embodiments of FIGS. 13-17 by maintaining a consistent flush volume between a predetermined flush volume associated with a particular float and the actual flush volume delivered by the float in practice. As can be seen, the embodiments of FIG. 18 maintain consistency as the system 18 imparts flushes over its lifetime due to the improved engagement between the mounting surface of latch 20a and lever 13. Further, the improved engagement between the declined mounting surface of latch 20a and lever 13 ensures that flush volume designed for a particular system is consistent. Consistency of flush volume in turn, conserves tremendous amounts of water and prevents unnecessary component replacement over the life of system 18.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de régulation de chasse d'eau constante qui peut comprendre un réservoir avec une ouverture d'évacuation pour la sortie de liquides provenant du réservoir dans une cuve de toilettes. Le réservoir peut comprendre une surface avec une ou plusieurs parois et une cloison sur la surface divisant le réservoir en multiples compartiments qui peuvent recevoir des liquides, les compartiments étant en communication fluidique à travers un espace de telle sorte que les liquides s'écoulent à une vitesse prédéterminée entre les compartiments et à travers une ouverture d'évacuation du réservoir. Un système de régulation de chasse d'eau constante peut également comprendre un montant avec un ou plusieurs verrous s'étendant à l'opposé du montant, le verrou ayant une surface de montage inférieure qui s'étend à l'opposé du montant à un angle décroissant et une extrémité de mentonnet d'un levier de flotteur qui vient fermement en prise avec la surface de montage inférieure du verrou lorsque le flotteur descend.
PCT/US2015/052737 2014-09-26 2015-09-28 Système de double chasse d'eau à régulation de volume constant de chasse d'eau WO2016049659A1 (fr)

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US201462056362P 2014-09-26 2014-09-26
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201700039481A1 (it) * 2017-04-10 2018-10-10 Oliveira & Irmao Sa Dispositivo di scarico per una cassetta di risciacquo

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4486906A (en) * 1983-06-09 1984-12-11 Geberit Manufacturing, Inc. Water-saving flush valve
US4651359A (en) * 1986-04-21 1987-03-24 Battle John R Dual mode flush valve assembly
US4882793A (en) * 1986-10-20 1989-11-28 Caroma Industries, Ltd. Dual flush cistern mechanism
US4969218A (en) * 1988-06-02 1990-11-13 Joseph Comparetti Semi-flush kit
US20110056009A1 (en) * 2009-09-10 2011-03-10 Hai Tao Xu Dual flush toilet trap primer

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4486906A (en) * 1983-06-09 1984-12-11 Geberit Manufacturing, Inc. Water-saving flush valve
US4651359A (en) * 1986-04-21 1987-03-24 Battle John R Dual mode flush valve assembly
US4882793A (en) * 1986-10-20 1989-11-28 Caroma Industries, Ltd. Dual flush cistern mechanism
US4969218A (en) * 1988-06-02 1990-11-13 Joseph Comparetti Semi-flush kit
US20110056009A1 (en) * 2009-09-10 2011-03-10 Hai Tao Xu Dual flush toilet trap primer

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201700039481A1 (it) * 2017-04-10 2018-10-10 Oliveira & Irmao Sa Dispositivo di scarico per una cassetta di risciacquo
EP3388586A1 (fr) * 2017-04-10 2018-10-17 Oli - Sistemas Sanitarios, S.A. Dispositif de rinçage de réservoir de chasse
RU2761877C2 (ru) * 2017-04-10 2021-12-13 Оли-Сиштемаш Санитариуш, С.А. Промывочное устройство для смывного бачка

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