WO1997017503A1 - Dual cistern flush control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A flush control device for emptying a programmed amount of water from a cistern (I) via a discharge opening (11). The device comprises a fixed supporting assembly (7, 12, 13); a hollow tube (5) with a lower end provided with a valve (9, 10) for sealing said opening (11), said tube (5) being movable relative to the supporting assembly between a sealing position in which the opening is sealed and a first emptying position in which a limited amount of water may be discharged, and/or a second emptying position in which a larger amount of water is discharged; means (20) for causing the tube (5) to drop back into the sealing position; and an actuating mechanism (17, 21) including two push buttons (25, 32) actuated by the user to lift the tube (5) into the first or second emptying position, respectively, said push buttons being concentric.

Description

 DEVICE WITH DUAL CONTROL OF WATER TANK HUNTING.

The present invention relates to a flush control device capable of draining a programmed quantity of water from a tank through an evacuation orifice. More specifically, the device makes it possible to evacuate different amounts of water, depending on the choice of the user.

The invention is more particularly applicable to emptying flushing sanitary installations.

We know the advantage of the devices known to date, in principle, and comprising means for evacuating either the entire tank of the sanitary installation, or a part thereof, as required.

This results in substantial water savings. Indeed, a flush tank contains between nine and twelve liters of water. It is recognized that in certain circumstances, a quantity of water of three liters is sufficient to drain and properly clean the bowl of the sanitary installation. Thus the user can control either the total emptying of the tank, or the partial emptying of the latter.

To do this, the devices have two buttons, each associated with the desired water quantity. Known devices of this type generally include a fixed support assembly; a hollow tube, the lower end of which is provided with a valve capable of closing said orifice; the tube being movable relative to the support assembly between a position for closing the orifice and a first emptying position making it possible to evacuate a limited quantity of water and / or a second emptying position of a greater amount of water; means for triggering the fall of the tube towards its closed position; and two push buttons associated with a mechanism capable of lifting the tube towards the first / second emptying position respectively.

There are several embodiments of such dual control devices.

Generally, the two push buttons are arranged next to each other, and each associated with a mechanism capable of causing the lifting of the tube. The assembly turns out to be relatively complex, which leads to an increase in the manufacturing cost, and reduces reliability.

Finally, the known devices do not allow easy adjustment and adaptation, in any case for a neophyte user, of the device to the sanitary installation already in place. Indeed, this is important since the flushing control devices must be able to be installed without special knowledge on the sanitary installations (for example WC) already in place. Finally, on a practical and functional level, the presentation of the buttons next to each other is relatively difficult to memorize for the user, except for placing signs or pictograms which are relatively unclear and / or unsightly.

In this context, the present invention provides a flushing control device, allowing the programmed evacuation of two respective quantities of water, one relatively limited, and the other larger, and which is easy to carry out. , easy to install, which is also reliable, and which retains all the advantages of dual control devices.

To this end, according to the invention, the flushing control device, capable of emptying a programmed quantity of water from a tank through an evacuation orifice, of the type comprising:

• A support assembly attached to the tank;

• A hollow tube whose lower end is fitted with a valve capable of closing said orifice; the tube being slidably movable relative to the fixed support assembly, between a position for closing the orifice and a first emptying position making it possible to evacuate a limited quantity of water, and / or a second emptying position to drain more water;

• Means capable of triggering the fall of the tube towards the closed position;

An actuation mechanism comprising two push buttons, the respective actuation of which by the user is capable of causing the lifting of the tube to the first / second emptying position respectively,

is characterized in that the push buttons are concentric.

Advantageously, the two buttons are linked to each other at least over part of their travel, and more precisely the central button is hollow and associated with a first internal stop, and the annular button is associated with a second stop, the stops being arranged so that the stroke of the central button is less than the stroke of the annular button.

The mechanism is linked to the annular button, and the central button presses on it.

According to an advantageous embodiment, means are provided for temporarily blocking the tube in the second emptying position, and the means being capable of releasing the tube when the desired quantity of water is discharged; said blocking means advantageously consist of a lug disposed on the tube, and a retractable finger associated with a mobile float.

Preferably, the mechanism comprises a rod, the upper end of which is linked to at least one of the buttons, and the lower end of which is articulated on a connecting rod which is itself rotatably mounted on the fixed support assembly. The connecting rod is capable of lifting the tube, in its rotational movement under the effect of the actuation of one of the buttons. The invention will be clearly understood in the light of the description which follows, relating to an illustrative but nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawing in which:

• Figure 1 is an overview of the device in the closed position, shown in longitudinal section;

• Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device of Figure 1, on an enlarged scale, in the first emptying position (reduced amount of water);

• Figure 3 shows a view similar to Figure 2, in the second emptying position (maximum amount of water); and

• Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the device of the invention with a single control.

The device of the invention is described below in the context of the application to the emptying of a toilet flush tank, but it is understood that the invention can be applied to other areas or other types of tanks to drain different amounts of water.

Referring to Figure 1, the device is mounted inside a tank identified by the Roman numeral I, and associated with a water supply, known in itself and not shown. The bottom of the tank is partially represented by the bottom wall 1, in which a hole, preferably circular, is provided, bearing the general reference 2, and on which the device is placed. The upper part of the tank I is partially and symbolically represented by a cover or an upper wall referenced 3, itself provided with a hole 4 associated with actuating means of the flushing device of the invention, as described below.

The hunting device of the invention comprises

• A support assembly fixed relative to the tank I, and described below in detail;

• A hollow tube 5, of circular section, the diameter of which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the discharge hole 2 provided in the bottom 1 of the tank I. The tube 5 is open at its two ends, namely the upper end 6 constituting an overflow weir, to prevent the filling level of the tank I from exceeding a maximum level.

The fixed support assembly comprises a substantially cylindrical part referenced 7 and of dimension substantially equivalent to the diameter of the hole 2 provided in the bottom 1 of the tank I. The part 7 comprises an upper part flared so as to bear on the face of the bottom 1 facing the reservoir, on the edge of the hole 2. A ring 8, forming a lock nut, is provided and associated with the element 7, so as to pinch the edge of the bottom 1, near the hole 2.

The flared end (turned towards the side of the reservoir I) of the part 7, constitutes a valve seat reference 9, and associated with a movable shutter 10, capable of carrying against the seat of the valve 9, and integral with the lower base of the hollow tube 5. Preferably, the shutter 10 is formed of an annular ring of synthetic material or rubber.

The lower part 7, integral with the bottom 1, is hollow so as to allow the evacuation of water to the bowl of W-C, or any other similar sanitary installation, not shown and known in itself. The evacuation duct delimited by the interior hollow space of the part 7 bears the general reference 11.

The fixed support assembly also carries a pillar 12, disposed centrally with respect to the discharge orifice 11, and collinear with the latter and the hollow tube 5. The central pillar 12 is fixed at its base to the part 7 and is associated with its upper part with two plates (only the plate 13 is shown) arranged inside the hollow tube 5.

Between the internal plates 13, is mounted in rotation, along a substantially horizontal axis 14, a rod 15 whose first end is integral with the lower end portion 16 of a rod 17, substantially vertical and collinear with the axis of the hollow tube 5. The other end 18 of the link 15, is capable of bearing against a stop 19 secured to the inner wall of the hollow tube 5, and projecting relative to the latter. In the position shown in FIG. 1, the link is substantially horizontal, or slightly inclined relative to the horizontal, so that the end 18 (opposite the rod 16, 17) bears against the stop 19. A float 20 is also provided and associated with the hollow tube 5, preferably in the form of an annular block of ad hoc material, and capable of being placed at an adjustable height on the hollow tube 5, by screwing.

The upper end of the rod 17 (on the side opposite to the discharge orifice 11) is provided with a cylindrical sleeve 21 capable of sliding in a guide duct 22, coaxial with the hole 4 provided on the upper wall 3 of the reservoir I. The guide duct 22 passes through the hole 4 provided in the upper wall 3, and projects with respect to the latter, from the side of the reservoir, and is associated with an assembly 23 forming against a nut. The upper part (opposite to the reservoir I) of the guide duct 22 is rigidly associated with a part 24 in the form of a cup, in the general shape of a U. The base of the cup 24 is capable of bearing against the upper face (opposite the reservoir I) of the upper wall 3. The part 24 makes it possible to adapt the device to the different hole diameters 4 of the reservoir I.

The sleeve 21 is integral, or come in one and the same piece, in its upper part, of a member of generally annular shape, and forming a push button, and bearing the general reference 25. More specifically, the sleeve 21 comprises a disc 26, transverse to the vertical axis common to the sleeve 21 and to the tube 5. The latter is extended by a ring-shaped element 27 cylindrical and collinear with said axis, the ring 27 itself being extended by an annular ring 28 s 'extending transversely to said axis, itself extended by a second ring 29 of direction substantially collinear with said axis. The set of rings 27, 28 and 29 is shaped so as to represent the general shape of an inverted U. The sleeve assembly 21, transverse disc 26, and the rings 27, 28 and 29 form an annular-shaped push button, referenced 25. The transverse central disc 26 is drilled so as to allow passage to two or more vertical guides and preferably four (parallel to the axis) (only the guides 30 and 31 are shown), arranged on either side of the upper end of the sleeve 21.

Inside the central cylindrical space delimited by the cylindrical ring 27, closest to the axis, a second push button 32 is provided, in the form of a cup.

(forming an inverted U), and the lower edge of which, on the side of the opening of the cup thus formed, abuts against the disc 26. The edge of the central push button 32 bears the reference 33.

In general, the device of the invention thus comprises a set of fixed parts and a set of moving parts.

All fixed parts include:

• The lower cylindrical element 7 associated with the valve 9;

• Pillar 12; • The inner support plate 13;

^• The guide duct 22, the upper cup 24 and the vertical guides 30 and 31.

The set of moving parts includes: ^• The hollow tube 5, associated with the float 20 and the shutter 10 of the valve;

• The link 15;

• The rod 17 and the upper sleeve 21; • The rod 17 and the upper sleeve 21;

• The annular 25 and central 32 push buttons respectively.

Still with reference to FIG. 1, there is also provided, preferably fixed and near the bottom 1, an arm 35 on which a float 37 is articulated along an axis 36, transverse to the longitudinal and vertical axis of the tube 5. On the float is fixed a lug 38 at a certain height relative to the bottom 1. The float 37 / lug 38 assembly is movable in rotation about the transverse axis 36, according to a limited clearance.

The float 37 / lug 38 assembly is therefore capable of taking two positions, namely a first position for which the lug 38 protrudes relative to the support 35, and a second position in which the lug 38 is set back or slightly offset from support 35.

There is also provided at the base of the hollow cylindrical tube 5, an annular ring 39, located just above and near the annular shutter 10 associated with the valve 9. the transverse dimension (perpendicular to the axis of the tube 5), of the annular ring 39 integral with the tube 5 is such that it can abut against the movable lug 38 associated with the float 37.

The operation of the device is as follows, with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 1 shows the position of the device in the rest position, or in standby, for which the tank I is full, and the valve 9 is closed by the ring seal 10. FIG. 2 represents the position of the device for a partial emptying of the tank, for example three liters. To do this, the user presses the central push button 32 with a finger.

The downward movement of the central push button 32 causes the annular button 25 to move because the lower edge 33 of the central button 32 bears on the disc 26, integral with the annular button 25 and sleeve 21 assembly. The downward movement the central button

(and of the annular button) continues until the central button 32 abuts against the upper end of the vertical guides 30 and 31. This thus leads to the position shown in FIG. 2. The stroke of the assembly central button 32 / annular button 25 / sleeve 21 is therefore stopped.

The downward movement of the sleeve 21 causes the downward movement, parallel to itself, of the rod 17, which thus causes the rotation of the rod

15 around its articulation axis 14, between the internal plates 13. The end 18 of the link 15, in abutment on the protruding element 19, and integral with the tube 5 causes the vertical displacement of the tube 5. thus in the position shown in Figure 2 where the shutter 10 is raised relative to the seat of the valve 9, which allows to connect the tank 1 to the discharge port 11, and therefore allows the emptying of the tank.

The emptying of the tank continues until the water level drops below the level for which the float 20 associates with the tube 5, no longer ensures the maintenance of tube 5 in the raised position. Once the water level reaches or drops below the corresponding threshold level, the tube 5 drops suddenly, which causes the valve 9 to close by fitting the shutter 10 on the valve seat 9. L shutter orifice 11 is thus blocked, and the evacuation of water is stopped. We find the position shown in Figure 1.

The amount of water capable of being discharged by the action on the central button 32 is capable of being adjusted by the position of the float 20. It can correspond, for example, to an amount of water of approximately three liters.

It should be noted that in the position of evacuation of limited quantity or partial emptying of reservoir I (FIG. 2), the lower annular ring 39 is arranged below the movable finger 38, associated with the float 37.

The user need only make a simple, barely prolonged press of about one second on the central push button 32, then release the latter. In fact, the tube 5, once brought into the partial emptying position (FIG. 2), is held in this position thanks to the float 20.

Furthermore, with reference again to FIG. 2, it is noted that in the position of maximum lowering of the central button 32, the annular button 25 does not come to the end of its travel and more precisely, does not come into abutment against the bottom of the cup 24. Starting from the rest position shown in FIG. 1, the operation of the device for a complete emptying of the reservoir I is described below.

To do this, the user presses, for example with two or more fingers, on the annular button 25, until the latter comes into abutment on the bottom of the cup 24, as shown in FIG. 3.

The downward movement of the annular button 25 causes the downward movement of the sleeve 21, and therefore of the rod 17. It is noted that the stroke of the sleeve 21 / tnngle 17 assembly, by actuation of the annular button 25, causes a stroke of length greater than that resulting from the actuation of the central button 32 alone (FIG. 2).

The movement of the rod 17 causes the rod 15 to rotate, at a greater angle of rotation, which causes the hollow tube 5 to move upward, in a second position, shown in FIG. 3. This second position of the tube 5 is higher (relative to the bottom 1 of the tank I) than the position shown in Figure 2, corresponding to a partial drain. The vertical upward movement of the tube 5 continues until a finger 40 provided on the interior face of the tube 5 abuts on a lug 41 provided between the fixed interior plates 13.

In this position of the tube 5, the shutter 10 opens the valve 9 and gives access to the water contained in the reservoir I to the discharge conduit 11. In this total emptying position (FIG. 3), the annular ring 39 is disposed above the retractable finger 38. More particularly, the annular ring 39 secured to the tube 5 abuts on, and above said finger 38.

The tube 5 therefore remains in the high position and thus blocked until the complete evacuation of the reservoir I.

When the water level drops below a threshold level which no longer ensures the buoyancy of the float 37, the latter rocks downward, around its axis of rotation 36, which causes the displacement of finger 38, thereby releasing the annular ring 39.

The tube 5 then comes down abruptly downwards, and the shutter 10 abuts against the seat of the valve 9.

By comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, with regard to the push buttons, it is noted that the annular button 25 is linked to the central button 32 only for part of its travel. More particularly, the annular button 25 is capable of continuing to run relative to the annular button 32 (when the latter abuts against the upper end of the guides 31 and 32).

The invention also relates to a device, shown according to a variant in Figure 4, where elements similar or identical to those of Figures 1 to 3 have the same references. The main difference of the variant shown in Figure 4, compared to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, is that the central button 32 is produced in the form of a part with a U-shaped section, and intended to close off the central part delimited by the annular button 25.

This simpler embodiment achieves a simple control emptying device from parts and elements common with the other dual control embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3). In the embodiment of FIG. 4, with simple control, the support 35 / float 37 / retractable doιgt 38 assembly is eliminated.

This version only allows a total emptying of tank I.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described, but encompasses all variants.

Claims

1- Flush control device, capable of emptying a programmed quantity of water from a reservoir (I) through an evacuation orifice (11), of the type comprising • A fixed support assembly (7, 12, 13); • A hollow tube (5) whose lower end is provided with a system (9, 10) capable of closing said orifice (11), the tube (5) being movable relative to the support assembly between a position d closing the orifice and a first emptying position, making it possible to evacuate a limited quantity of water, and / or a second emptying position to evacuate a greater quantity of water; • Means (20) capable of triggering the fall of the tube (5) towards the closed position; • An actuation mechanism (15, 21) comprising two push buttons (25, 32) whose respective actuation by the user raised the tube (5) towards the first / second emptying position respectively, characterized in that the push buttons are concentric, namely a central button (32) and an annular button (24), and in that the mechanism (15,21) is linked to the annular button (25), the central button (32) bearing on the latter. 2- Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central button (32) is hollow and associated with a first inner stop (30, 31), and in that the annular button (24) is associated with a second stop, said stops being arranged so that the stroke of the central button (32) is less than the stroke of the annular button (25). 3- Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises stops (40, 41), for limiting the vertical upward movement, respectively on the tube (5) and the assembly

4- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the displacement of the central push button (32) downward, causes the displacement of the annular button until the central button (32) abuts against the first stop ( 30.31). 5- Device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that in the position of maximum lowering of the central button (32), the annular button (25) does not come to the end of travel, that is to say in abutment against the second abutment (24). 6- Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper end of the actuating mechanism (15,21) is provided with a cylindrical sleeve (21) integral in its upper part with the annular push button (25 ).