US20090025129A1 - Flush valve mechanisms - Google Patents
Flush valve mechanisms Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090025129A1 US20090025129A1 US12/172,741 US17274108A US2009025129A1 US 20090025129 A1 US20090025129 A1 US 20090025129A1 US 17274108 A US17274108 A US 17274108A US 2009025129 A1 US2009025129 A1 US 2009025129A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- center tube
- lug
- flush
- float
- weight
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- 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
- E03D1/144—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves in cisterns with flushing valves having a single flush outlet and an additional float for delaying the valve closure
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0318—Processes
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
Definitions
- the present embodiments relate generally to toilet flush valves and particularly to time controlling flush valves.
- a toilet tank typically employs a flush valve that is forced open, which remains open until a predetermined amount of water flows from the tank into the toilet bowl through the flush valve.
- a fill valve provides water from a supply line to the toilet tank. The fill valve is open whenever the water level in the tank is below a predetermined level.
- a toilet bowl In a dual flush valve toilet assembly, a toilet bowl is normally refilled during the time the toilet tank is filled up by water from a fill valve.
- the amount of water used to refill a toilet bowl must be enough to seal off the trap way of the bowl. This amount usually is determined as a percentage of the total flow volume of a fill valve during a flush cycle. This water is tapped from a port of a fill valve and fed to the tank bowl through a flexible tube, running down an overflow tube of a flush valve.
- Flush valves are specifically designed for the size of a tank. This makes a flush valve designed for a specific size tank to not be able to be used for a different size tank.
- the flush valve for flushing a toilet bowl.
- the flush valve includes a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, at least one timing mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, wherein the at least one timing mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.
- the timing mechanism further comprising a first bump coupled to the center tube, the bump is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a full flush.
- the timing mechanism further comprising at least one float-weight coupled to an arm, the arm having a first lug.
- the timing mechanism further includes a second bump that is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a selective flush.
- the flush valve apparatus further comprising a center tube housing including a slot configured to latch a lug on the center tube.
- the lug on the arm impacts the lug on the center tube to release the center tube from the slot.
- the toilet bowl is flushed upon the lug on the center tube latching the slot, and a toilet tank is filled upon the lug of the center tube being released from the slot.
- the timing mechanism further comprising a pivoted lever coupled to a first float-weight and a second float-weight.
- the pivoted lever includes a first cam and a second cam, the first cam is configured to latch with a center tube lug for a full flush, and the second cam is configured to latch with the lug for a selectable flush.
- the timing mechanism comprises a float-weight integrated with the center tube.
- the float-weight further comprising a tilting cup including a cam configured to latch a lug of the center tube.
- the center tube is centrally positioned through the float-weight.
- the center tube is coupled to a gear with a latching cam.
- the center tube includes a gear rack configured to drive the gear to latch the latching cam with a height adjustment device coupled to a skirt of the float-weight.
- the timing mechanism includes a first timing cup and a second timing cup.
- the first timing cup includes a first tilting float cup and a first locking cam
- the second timing cup includes a second tilting float cup and a second locking cam.
- the first locking cam is configured to latch with a first lug of the center tube
- the second locking cam is configured to latch with a second lug of the center tube.
- Another aspect provides a method of flushing fluid in a toilet.
- the method includes providing a tank coupled to a bowl, activating a flush cycle by initially raising a center tube in the tank, controlling movement of the center tube with at least one timing mechanism, and controlling volume of fluid used during flushing of the bowl with the timing mechanism.
- the at least one timing mechanism comprises a latching lug of the center tube and float-weight slot, wherein another float-weight contacts a bump to release the lug from the slot.
- the timing mechanism comprises a pivoted lever coupled to a first and second float-weight, and the first and second float-weight raise the lever to engage a first cam with a first lug of the center tube for a full flush, and a second cam with a second lug for a selectable flush.
- the timing mechanism comprises a timing reservoir including a tilt cup with a locking cam, and the locking cam latches with a lug of the center tube for a full flush.
- the timing mechanism uses an air vent to remove air from a float-weight to drop the center tube after a flush.
- the timing mechanism comprises driving a gear with a latching cam with a gear rack on the center tube to latch with a fluid level adjusting device for a full flush.
- the timing mechanism comprises a first float-weight having a first tilting cup and a second float-weight having a second tilting cup.
- the first tilting cup latching a first lug of the center tube for full flushing
- the second tilting cup latching a second lug of the center tube for selective flushing.
- Still another aspect provides a toilet system.
- the system including a tank coupled to a bowl, the tank including a flush valve device, the flush valve device including a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, and at least one timing mechanism coupled to the center tube and configured to control movement of the center tube for controlling a volume of fluid used for a full flush and a selective flush.
- the timing mechanism further comprising a first bump coupled to the center tube, the bump is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a full flush.
- the timing mechanism further comprising at least one float-weight coupled to an arm, the arm having a first lug.
- the timing mechanism further includes a second bump that is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a selective flush.
- the flush valve apparatus further comprising a center tube housing including a slot configured to latch a lug on the center tube.
- the lug on the arm impacts the lug on the center tube to release the center tube from the slot.
- the toilet bowl is flushed upon the lug on the center tube latching the slot, and a toilet tank is filled upon the lug of the center tube being released from the slot.
- the timing mechanism further comprising a pivoted lever coupled to a first float-weight and a second float-weight.
- the pivoted lever includes a first cam and a second cam, the first cam is configured to latch with a center tube lug for a full flush, and the second cam is configured to latch with the lug for a selectable flush.
- the timing mechanism comprises a float-weight integrated with the center tube.
- the float-weight further comprising a tilting cup including a cam configured to latch a lug of the center tube.
- the center tube is centrally positioned through the float-weight.
- the float-weight further comprising a gear with a latching cam.
- the center tube includes a gear rack and an adjustment device.
- the timing mechanism includes a first timing cup and a second timing cup.
- the first timing cup includes a first tilting float cup and a first locking cam
- the second timing cup includes a second tilting float cup and a second locking cam.
- the first locking cam is configured to latch with a first lug of the center tube
- the second locking cam is configured to latch with a second lug of the center tube.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flush valve device in accordance with an embodiment
- FIG. 1B is an internal view of the flush valve illustrated in FIG. 1A shown for a half flush position in accordance with an embodiment
- FIG. 1C is an internal view of the flush valve illustrated in FIG. 1A shown for a full flush position in accordance with an embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of an internal view of a flush valve according to another embodiment
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of an isolated view of a pivotal lever of the flush valve illustrated in FIG. 2 shown in a raised position according to one embodiment
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of an isolated view of the pivotal lever illustrated in FIG. 3 shown in a lowered position according to one embodiment
- FIG. 5 is an illustration of a flush valve including an integrated float-weight according to still another embodiment
- FIG. 6 is an internal illustration of the flush valve shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is an illustration of a flush valve according to yet another embodiment
- FIG. 8 is an internal illustration of the flush valve illustrated in FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is an illustration of a flush valve according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a method for flushing fluid in a toilet.
- the embodiments relate to toilet flush valves.
- the embodiments include a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, and at least one timing mechanism that is configured to control movement of the center tube.
- the timing mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a flush valve device 100 .
- the flush valve device 100 includes a center tube 110 and a float-weight 125 (also shown in a raised position by reference 126 ).
- the flush valve 100 includes an additional float-weight 135 .
- FIG. 1B illustrates an internal view of the flush valve 100 shown positionally for a selected half flush.
- the flush valve 100 includes bumps 120 and 121 on the external surface of the center tube 110 and a lug 130 .
- the housing 115 includes a slot 150 positioned on the same side as the lug 130 on the center tube 110 .
- An arm 155 has a lug pivoted at a center on the housing 115 and a float-weight 125 is mounted on the arm 155 .
- the center tube 110 when the center tube 110 is pulled to the end of its stroke and until the bump 120 on its outside surface hits the bump on the housing, it is forced or bumped off its axis to the opposite side. At the time when the activation force is released, the center tube 110 will be dropped by gravitational force. The lug 130 latches or engages with the slot 150 on the housing 115 , causing the center tube 110 to hang on the housing 115 . At this position, the main seal is already away from the opening and allows water to drain from the tank through the opening until the fluid level drops below the bottom of the float-weight 125 . In one embodiment including the additional float-weight 135 , when the fluid level drops the float-weight 135 moves to the position shown as reference 145 .
- FIG. 1C illustrates the flush valve 100 shown in a full flush position.
- the flush valve 100 includes another set of elements including an additional float-weight 135 with a lug, arm 155 , slot 150 and lug 130 to provide additional flush mechanism.
- This additional set allows for a precise timing and volume to be used for flushing a tank.
- the flush valve 100 provides a way to activate a flush valve without relying heavily on buoyancy to hold the main seal up during a flushing cycle, which results in a compact foot print for a flush valve. This allows flush valve 100 to be able to fit in various sized tanks.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a flush valve 200 according to another preferred embodiment.
- the flush valve 200 includes a center tube 210 , a pivoted lever 220 , a first float-weight 230 and first rail 240 and a second float weight 250 and second rail 260 .
- the pivoted lever 220 includes two wings, or a butterfly device.
- the first rail 240 and second rail 260 allow the fluid level in a tank to be adjusted by adjusting the position of the first float-weight 230 and the second float-weight 250 up or down.
- both the first float-weight 230 and the second float-weight 250 are positioned inside timing cups, which provide a delay to the fluid level to support the first float-weight 230 and the second float-weight 250 relative to the fluid level in the tank.
- the pivoted lever 220 has two wings pivoted about a living hinge joint, including two locking cams positioned at two different heights to lock the center tube 210 when it is raised to provide full or selective (e.g., a half flush) flushes.
- the two wings of the pivoted lever 220 are activated to rotate about an axis along the living hinge joint by the up and down motions of the first and second rail float-weight combinations.
- the first float-weight 230 and second float weight 250 When fluid is raised to a preset level in the tank, the first float-weight 230 and second float weight 250 will pull the rails due to buoyancy, which in turn will pull up the ends of the wings of the pivoted lever 220 so that the locking cams are ready to engage with a lug on the center tube 210 .
- the center tube 210 is pulled up all the way so that the lug on its outside diameter is latched and engaged with the higher positioned locking cam of the pivoted lever 220 .
- the first float-weight 230 and first rail 240 will drop and no longer support one wing of the lever 220 .
- the higher positioned cam of the pivoted lever 220 will then release the center tube 210 and allow it to drop down under gravity to seal off the drain opening of the tank. Fluid in the tank is then refilled.
- the second float-weight 250 is set lower than first float-weight 230 .
- the center tube 210 is pulled up with a lesser stroke until the same lug on the outside of the center tube 210 will latch and engage with the lower locking cam of the pivoted lever 220 .
- Fluid is drained from the tank until its level is below the selective flush second float-weight 250 .
- the second float-weight and second rail 260 will then drop and release the wing from its side of the pivoted lever 220 .
- the lower locking cam unlocks the center tube 210 to allow it to drop down to seal the drain opening.
- FIG. 3 shows an isolated perspective view of the pivoted lever 220 with one wing pivoted up along the living hint joint 310 .
- FIG. 4 shows an isolated top view of the pivoted lever 220 with one wing pivoted up along the living hint joint 310 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a flush valve 500 according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of flush valve 500 .
- the center tube 510 and the float-weight 520 are integrated.
- the float-weight 520 provides buoyancy and a housing for a seal, flexible tube 630 with one end connected to a poppet valve, which is mounted on an adjustable frame, a tilting cup 610 disposed in a timing reservoir 605 that provides a locking cam.
- the center tune 510 has a lug 620 on its outside diameter. When the center tube 510 is pulled up all the way to the end of its stroke, the lug 620 will latch and engage the locking cam on the tilting cup 610 to provide a full flush.
- the locking cam is disengaged from the lug 620 of the center tube 510 , allowing it to drop down to seal off the drain opening.
- the center tube 510 is pulled up with a lesser stroke than a full flush so that the lug 620 does not engage the cam of the tilting up 605.
- the buoyancy of the center tube 510 allows it to float up until the fluid level in the tank is below the poppet valve. Air from the float-weight 520 of the center tube 510 will bleed out through the poppet valve and its buoyancy vanishes.
- the center tube 510 then drops down due to gravity and the fluid dynamic force from the flow in the tank, sealing off the drain opening of the tank.
- the water level for a selective flush is controlled by the position of the adjustable frame where the poppet valve is mounted.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a flush valve 700 including an integrated float-weight 710 and FIG. 8 illustrates an internal exploded view of the float-weight 710 .
- flush valve 700 includes a center tube 705 , a height adjustment device 716 coupled to a skirt 730 , a gear with a latching cam 715 , and a gear rack 720 mounted on the center tube 705 .
- Float weight 710 includes timing reservoir 721 , float 722 , and housing 711 with arm 735 . Drain connector 740 provides a stop for weight-float 710 .
- the center tube 705 has the gear rack 720 along its outside diameter to interface with the gear and latching cam 715 .
- the gear rack 720 drives the gear with latching cam 715 counter clockwise until the latching cam on the gear 715 engages and locks the height adjustment device 716 from falling down until the fluid level in the timing reservoir 721 dropping below the bottom of the center tube 705 .
- the center tube 705 will drop down and seal off the drain opening of the tank and concurrently allows the gear to rotate clockwise to release the latching. This motion provides for a full flush of the tank.
- the center tube 705 is pulled up with less of a stroke so that the gear 715 will not latch on to the height adjustment device 716 .
- the buoyancy vanishes causing the whole assembly of the height adjustment device 716 , the skirt 730 and float-weight 710 to drop down.
- the skirt 730 then blocks off the annular opening of the valve bottom and prevents fluid from draining out. Then the center tube 705 will drop down and seal off the opening.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a flush valve 900 having a center tube 930 integrated with a full flush timing cup 920 and a selective flush timing cup 910 .
- the full flush timing cup 910 and the selective flush timing cup 920 each include a tilting cup 915 each having a latching cam.
- the center tube 930 includes a full flush lug and selective flush lugs positioned at different heights to latch with the latching cam of the tilting cups 915 .
- the center tube 930 For a full flush, the center tube 930 is pulled up all the way of its stroke. Its higher lug will latch with the latching cam of the tilting cup 915 of the full flush timing cup 920 and lock it at this position until fluid level in the full flush timing cup 920 drops below the tilting cup 915 . Buoyancy from this tilting cup 915 is then vanished, causing it to unlock the center tube 930 . The center tube 930 then falls down and seals off the drain opening of a tank.
- the center tube 930 is pulled up with less of a stroke to a position where its lower lug will latch with the latching cam of the second tilting cup 915 of the selective flush timing cup 910 until fluid level inside the selective flush timing cup 910 drops below the second tilting cup 915 .
- the buoyancy from the second tilting cup 915 then vanishes, allowing the second tilting cup 915 to unlock the center tube 930 .
- the center tube 930 then drops and seals the drain opening of the tank.
- the fluid inside the timing full flush timing cup 920 and selective cup 910 can be drained at different speeds relative to the fluid in the tank by adjusting the size of the orifice 940 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a method 1000 for flushing fluid in a toilet.
- Method 1000 begins with block 1010 with providing a tank coupled to a bowl.
- the method 1000 includes activating a flush cycle by initially raising a center tube in the tank. This is achieved, for example, by pressing a flush button, closing a flush switch, or pressing on a lever.
- method 1000 continues by controlling movement of the center tube with at least one timing mechanism (such as the timing mechanisms of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 ) without relying heavily on buoyancy to hold the main seal up during a flushing cycle.
- method 1000 then provides for controlling volume of fluid used during flushing of the bowl with the timing mechanism.
- the embodiments provide a device, system and method that provide a unique timing method to hold the center tube up with a relatively small amount of buoyant force required.
Abstract
Description
- This application relates to, claims priority from, and incorporates herein by reference, as if fully set forth, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/959,991, filed on Jul. 18, 2007 and entitled “FLUSH VALVE MECHANISMS.”
- 1. Field
- The present embodiments relate generally to toilet flush valves and particularly to time controlling flush valves.
- 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information
- A toilet tank typically employs a flush valve that is forced open, which remains open until a predetermined amount of water flows from the tank into the toilet bowl through the flush valve. A fill valve provides water from a supply line to the toilet tank. The fill valve is open whenever the water level in the tank is below a predetermined level.
- In a dual flush valve toilet assembly, a toilet bowl is normally refilled during the time the toilet tank is filled up by water from a fill valve. The amount of water used to refill a toilet bowl must be enough to seal off the trap way of the bowl. This amount usually is determined as a percentage of the total flow volume of a fill valve during a flush cycle. This water is tapped from a port of a fill valve and fed to the tank bowl through a flexible tube, running down an overflow tube of a flush valve.
- Flush valves are specifically designed for the size of a tank. This makes a flush valve designed for a specific size tank to not be able to be used for a different size tank.
- One aspect provides a flush valve for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, at least one timing mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, wherein the at least one timing mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.
- In one embodiment the timing mechanism further comprising a first bump coupled to the center tube, the bump is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a full flush. In another embodiment the timing mechanism further comprising at least one float-weight coupled to an arm, the arm having a first lug. In yet another embodiment the timing mechanism further includes a second bump that is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a selective flush. In still another embodiment the flush valve apparatus further comprising a center tube housing including a slot configured to latch a lug on the center tube. In one embodiment the lug on the arm impacts the lug on the center tube to release the center tube from the slot. In another embodiment the toilet bowl is flushed upon the lug on the center tube latching the slot, and a toilet tank is filled upon the lug of the center tube being released from the slot. In yet another embodiment the timing mechanism further comprising a pivoted lever coupled to a first float-weight and a second float-weight. In still another embodiment the pivoted lever includes a first cam and a second cam, the first cam is configured to latch with a center tube lug for a full flush, and the second cam is configured to latch with the lug for a selectable flush. In one embodiment the timing mechanism comprises a float-weight integrated with the center tube. In another embodiment the float-weight further comprising a tilting cup including a cam configured to latch a lug of the center tube. In yet another embodiment the center tube is centrally positioned through the float-weight. In still another embodiment the center tube is coupled to a gear with a latching cam. In one embodiment the center tube includes a gear rack configured to drive the gear to latch the latching cam with a height adjustment device coupled to a skirt of the float-weight. In another embodiment the timing mechanism includes a first timing cup and a second timing cup. In another embodiment the first timing cup includes a first tilting float cup and a first locking cam, and the second timing cup includes a second tilting float cup and a second locking cam. In yet another embodiment the first locking cam is configured to latch with a first lug of the center tube, and the second locking cam is configured to latch with a second lug of the center tube.
- Another aspect provides a method of flushing fluid in a toilet. The method includes providing a tank coupled to a bowl, activating a flush cycle by initially raising a center tube in the tank, controlling movement of the center tube with at least one timing mechanism, and controlling volume of fluid used during flushing of the bowl with the timing mechanism.
- In one embodiment the at least one timing mechanism comprises a latching lug of the center tube and float-weight slot, wherein another float-weight contacts a bump to release the lug from the slot. In another embodiment the timing mechanism comprises a pivoted lever coupled to a first and second float-weight, and the first and second float-weight raise the lever to engage a first cam with a first lug of the center tube for a full flush, and a second cam with a second lug for a selectable flush. In yet another embodiment the timing mechanism comprises a timing reservoir including a tilt cup with a locking cam, and the locking cam latches with a lug of the center tube for a full flush. In still another embodiment the timing mechanism uses an air vent to remove air from a float-weight to drop the center tube after a flush. In yet another embodiment the timing mechanism comprises driving a gear with a latching cam with a gear rack on the center tube to latch with a fluid level adjusting device for a full flush. In one embodiment the timing mechanism comprises a first float-weight having a first tilting cup and a second float-weight having a second tilting cup. In another embodiment the first tilting cup latching a first lug of the center tube for full flushing, and the second tilting cup latching a second lug of the center tube for selective flushing.
- Still another aspect provides a toilet system. The system including a tank coupled to a bowl, the tank including a flush valve device, the flush valve device including a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, and at least one timing mechanism coupled to the center tube and configured to control movement of the center tube for controlling a volume of fluid used for a full flush and a selective flush.
- In one embodiment the timing mechanism further comprising a first bump coupled to the center tube, the bump is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a full flush. In another embodiment the timing mechanism further comprising at least one float-weight coupled to an arm, the arm having a first lug. In yet another embodiment the timing mechanism further includes a second bump that is configured to position the center tube off its axis for a selective flush. In still another embodiment the flush valve apparatus further comprising a center tube housing including a slot configured to latch a lug on the center tube. In one embodiment the lug on the arm impacts the lug on the center tube to release the center tube from the slot. In another embodiment the toilet bowl is flushed upon the lug on the center tube latching the slot, and a toilet tank is filled upon the lug of the center tube being released from the slot. In yet another embodiment the timing mechanism further comprising a pivoted lever coupled to a first float-weight and a second float-weight. In still another embodiment the pivoted lever includes a first cam and a second cam, the first cam is configured to latch with a center tube lug for a full flush, and the second cam is configured to latch with the lug for a selectable flush. In one embodiment the timing mechanism comprises a float-weight integrated with the center tube. In another embodiment the float-weight further comprising a tilting cup including a cam configured to latch a lug of the center tube. In yet another embodiment the center tube is centrally positioned through the float-weight. In still another embodiment the float-weight further comprising a gear with a latching cam. In one embodiment the center tube includes a gear rack and an adjustment device. In another embodiment the timing mechanism includes a first timing cup and a second timing cup. In another embodiment the first timing cup includes a first tilting float cup and a first locking cam, and the second timing cup includes a second tilting float cup and a second locking cam. In yet another embodiment the first locking cam is configured to latch with a first lug of the center tube, and the second locking cam is configured to latch with a second lug of the center tube.
- Other aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the embodiments.
- The embodiments, now having been briefly summarized, may be better appreciated by the following detailed description.
- For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments, as well as a preferred mode of use, reference should be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flush valve device in accordance with an embodiment; -
FIG. 1B is an internal view of the flush valve illustrated inFIG. 1A shown for a half flush position in accordance with an embodiment; -
FIG. 1C is an internal view of the flush valve illustrated inFIG. 1A shown for a full flush position in accordance with an embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an internal view of a flush valve according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is an illustration of an isolated view of a pivotal lever of the flush valve illustrated inFIG. 2 shown in a raised position according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an isolated view of the pivotal lever illustrated inFIG. 3 shown in a lowered position according to one embodiment; - according to one embodiment;
-
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a flush valve including an integrated float-weight according to still another embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is an internal illustration of the flush valve shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a flush valve according to yet another embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is an internal illustration of the flush valve illustrated inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is an illustration of a flush valve according to another embodiment; and -
FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a method for flushing fluid in a toilet. - The various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the embodiments as ultimately defined in the claims.
- The embodiments relate to toilet flush valves. The embodiments include a center tube, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, and at least one timing mechanism that is configured to control movement of the center tube. The timing mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.
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FIG. 1A illustrates aflush valve device 100. Theflush valve device 100 includes acenter tube 110 and a float-weight 125 (also shown in a raised position by reference 126). In one embodiment, theflush valve 100 includes an additional float-weight 135.FIG. 1B illustrates an internal view of theflush valve 100 shown positionally for a selected half flush. As illustrated, theflush valve 100 includesbumps center tube 110 and alug 130. Thehousing 115 includes aslot 150 positioned on the same side as thelug 130 on thecenter tube 110. Anarm 155 has a lug pivoted at a center on thehousing 115 and a float-weight 125 is mounted on thearm 155. - In one embodiment, when the
center tube 110 is pulled to the end of its stroke and until thebump 120 on its outside surface hits the bump on the housing, it is forced or bumped off its axis to the opposite side. At the time when the activation force is released, thecenter tube 110 will be dropped by gravitational force. Thelug 130 latches or engages with theslot 150 on thehousing 115, causing thecenter tube 110 to hang on thehousing 115. At this position, the main seal is already away from the opening and allows water to drain from the tank through the opening until the fluid level drops below the bottom of the float-weight 125. In one embodiment including the additional float-weight 135, when the fluid level drops the float-weight 135 moves to the position shown asreference 145. Thearm 155 and float-weight 125 under gravitational force swings down about the pivot center on thehousing 115 and the lug on thearm 155 impacts thelug 130 on thecenter tube 110, which was latched with theslot 150 on thehousing 115. This motion will kick thecenter tube 110 off the latching position causing it to drop down. The main seal will then seal the opening, stopping the fluid from being flushed from the tank. The tank is then refilled until the fluid level reaches the preset level.FIG. 1C illustrates theflush valve 100 shown in a full flush position. - In another embodiment, the
flush valve 100 includes another set of elements including an additional float-weight 135 with a lug,arm 155,slot 150 and lug 130 to provide additional flush mechanism. This additional set allows for a precise timing and volume to be used for flushing a tank. Theflush valve 100 provides a way to activate a flush valve without relying heavily on buoyancy to hold the main seal up during a flushing cycle, which results in a compact foot print for a flush valve. This allowsflush valve 100 to be able to fit in various sized tanks. -
FIG. 2 illustrates aflush valve 200 according to another preferred embodiment. Theflush valve 200 includes acenter tube 210, a pivotedlever 220, a first float-weight 230 andfirst rail 240 and asecond float weight 250 andsecond rail 260. In one embodiment, the pivotedlever 220 includes two wings, or a butterfly device. In one embodiment, thefirst rail 240 andsecond rail 260 allow the fluid level in a tank to be adjusted by adjusting the position of the first float-weight 230 and the second float-weight 250 up or down. - In one embodiment, both the first float-
weight 230 and the second float-weight 250 are positioned inside timing cups, which provide a delay to the fluid level to support the first float-weight 230 and the second float-weight 250 relative to the fluid level in the tank. The pivotedlever 220 has two wings pivoted about a living hinge joint, including two locking cams positioned at two different heights to lock thecenter tube 210 when it is raised to provide full or selective (e.g., a half flush) flushes. The two wings of the pivotedlever 220 are activated to rotate about an axis along the living hinge joint by the up and down motions of the first and second rail float-weight combinations. - When fluid is raised to a preset level in the tank, the first float-
weight 230 andsecond float weight 250 will pull the rails due to buoyancy, which in turn will pull up the ends of the wings of the pivotedlever 220 so that the locking cams are ready to engage with a lug on thecenter tube 210. - For a full flush, the
center tube 210 is pulled up all the way so that the lug on its outside diameter is latched and engaged with the higher positioned locking cam of the pivotedlever 220. When the fluid level in the tank is dropped below the full-flush level, the first float-weight 230 andfirst rail 240 will drop and no longer support one wing of thelever 220. The higher positioned cam of the pivotedlever 220 will then release thecenter tube 210 and allow it to drop down under gravity to seal off the drain opening of the tank. Fluid in the tank is then refilled. - For a selective partial flush, the second float-
weight 250 is set lower than first float-weight 230. Thecenter tube 210 is pulled up with a lesser stroke until the same lug on the outside of thecenter tube 210 will latch and engage with the lower locking cam of the pivotedlever 220. Fluid is drained from the tank until its level is below the selective flush second float-weight 250. The second float-weight andsecond rail 260 will then drop and release the wing from its side of the pivotedlever 220. The lower locking cam unlocks thecenter tube 210 to allow it to drop down to seal the drain opening. -
FIG. 3 shows an isolated perspective view of the pivotedlever 220 with one wing pivoted up along the living hint joint 310.FIG. 4 shows an isolated top view of the pivotedlever 220 with one wing pivoted up along the living hint joint 310. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of aflush valve 500 according to an embodiment.FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view offlush valve 500. In this embodiment thecenter tube 510 and the float-weight 520 are integrated. The float-weight 520 provides buoyancy and a housing for a seal,flexible tube 630 with one end connected to a poppet valve, which is mounted on an adjustable frame, a tiltingcup 610 disposed in atiming reservoir 605 that provides a locking cam. Thecenter tune 510 has alug 620 on its outside diameter. When thecenter tube 510 is pulled up all the way to the end of its stroke, thelug 620 will latch and engage the locking cam on the tiltingcup 610 to provide a full flush. When the fluid level in thetiming reservoir 605 is dropped below the tiltingcup 610, the locking cam is disengaged from thelug 620 of thecenter tube 510, allowing it to drop down to seal off the drain opening. - For a selective flush (e.g., a half flush), the
center tube 510 is pulled up with a lesser stroke than a full flush so that thelug 620 does not engage the cam of the tilting up 605. The buoyancy of thecenter tube 510 allows it to float up until the fluid level in the tank is below the poppet valve. Air from the float-weight 520 of thecenter tube 510 will bleed out through the poppet valve and its buoyancy vanishes. Thecenter tube 510 then drops down due to gravity and the fluid dynamic force from the flow in the tank, sealing off the drain opening of the tank. The water level for a selective flush is controlled by the position of the adjustable frame where the poppet valve is mounted. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of aflush valve 700 including an integrated float-weight 710 andFIG. 8 illustrates an internal exploded view of the float-weight 710. In one embodiment,flush valve 700 includes acenter tube 705, aheight adjustment device 716 coupled to askirt 730, a gear with a latchingcam 715, and agear rack 720 mounted on thecenter tube 705. -
Float weight 710 includestiming reservoir 721,float 722, andhousing 711 witharm 735.Drain connector 740 provides a stop for weight-float 710. In one embodiment thecenter tube 705 has thegear rack 720 along its outside diameter to interface with the gear and latchingcam 715. When thecenter tube 705 is pulled up all the way of its stroke, thegear rack 720 drives the gear with latchingcam 715 counter clockwise until the latching cam on thegear 715 engages and locks theheight adjustment device 716 from falling down until the fluid level in thetiming reservoir 721 dropping below the bottom of thecenter tube 705. At that time, thecenter tube 705 will drop down and seal off the drain opening of the tank and concurrently allows the gear to rotate clockwise to release the latching. This motion provides for a full flush of the tank. - For a selective flush (e.g., a half flush), the
center tube 705 is pulled up with less of a stroke so that thegear 715 will not latch on to theheight adjustment device 716. When the fluid level is dropped below the float-weight 710, the buoyancy vanishes causing the whole assembly of theheight adjustment device 716, theskirt 730 and float-weight 710 to drop down. Theskirt 730 then blocks off the annular opening of the valve bottom and prevents fluid from draining out. Then thecenter tube 705 will drop down and seal off the opening. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a flush valve 900 having acenter tube 930 integrated with a fullflush timing cup 920 and a selectiveflush timing cup 910. In one embodiment, the fullflush timing cup 910 and the selectiveflush timing cup 920 each include a tiltingcup 915 each having a latching cam. Thecenter tube 930 includes a full flush lug and selective flush lugs positioned at different heights to latch with the latching cam of the tilting cups 915. - For a full flush, the
center tube 930 is pulled up all the way of its stroke. Its higher lug will latch with the latching cam of the tiltingcup 915 of the fullflush timing cup 920 and lock it at this position until fluid level in the fullflush timing cup 920 drops below the tiltingcup 915. Buoyancy from this tiltingcup 915 is then vanished, causing it to unlock thecenter tube 930. Thecenter tube 930 then falls down and seals off the drain opening of a tank. - For a selective flush (e.g., a half flush), the
center tube 930 is pulled up with less of a stroke to a position where its lower lug will latch with the latching cam of thesecond tilting cup 915 of the selectiveflush timing cup 910 until fluid level inside the selectiveflush timing cup 910 drops below thesecond tilting cup 915. The buoyancy from thesecond tilting cup 915 then vanishes, allowing thesecond tilting cup 915 to unlock thecenter tube 930. Thecenter tube 930 then drops and seals the drain opening of the tank. In one embodiment, the fluid inside the timing fullflush timing cup 920 andselective cup 910 can be drained at different speeds relative to the fluid in the tank by adjusting the size of theorifice 940. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of amethod 1000 for flushing fluid in a toilet.Method 1000 begins withblock 1010 with providing a tank coupled to a bowl. Inblock 1020, themethod 1000 includes activating a flush cycle by initially raising a center tube in the tank. This is achieved, for example, by pressing a flush button, closing a flush switch, or pressing on a lever. - In
block 1030,method 1000 continues by controlling movement of the center tube with at least one timing mechanism (such as the timing mechanisms of the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-9 ) without relying heavily on buoyancy to hold the main seal up during a flushing cycle. Inblock 1040,method 1000 then provides for controlling volume of fluid used during flushing of the bowl with the timing mechanism. - Advantageously, the embodiments provide a device, system and method that provide a unique timing method to hold the center tube up with a relatively small amount of buoyant force required.
- Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments include other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.
- The words used in this specification to describe the various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.
- The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
- Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
- The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments.
Claims (42)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/172,741 US20090025129A1 (en) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-07-14 | Flush valve mechanisms |
PCT/US2008/069986 WO2009012226A1 (en) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-07-14 | Flush valve mechanisms |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US95999107P | 2007-07-18 | 2007-07-18 | |
US12/172,741 US20090025129A1 (en) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-07-14 | Flush valve mechanisms |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090025129A1 true US20090025129A1 (en) | 2009-01-29 |
Family
ID=40260025
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/172,741 Abandoned US20090025129A1 (en) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-07-14 | Flush valve mechanisms |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090025129A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009012226A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110035868A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2011-02-17 | Lisbeth Pedersen Sylvester | Dual flush toilet valve system |
USD635219S1 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2011-03-29 | Zurn Industries, LCC | Flush valve actuator |
EP2692956A1 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-02-05 | Geberit International AG | Garniture d'écoulement réglable en hauteur |
WO2015035422A1 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2015-03-12 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Float lock for a flush valve reservoir |
US10364561B2 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2019-07-30 | Viega Technology Gmbh & Co. Kg | Drain valve for a flushing cistern and flushing cistern having a drain valve |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE202008008739U1 (en) * | 2008-07-02 | 2009-11-19 | Viega Gmbh & Co. Kg | Two-volume drain valve for a cistern with improved control float mechanism |
IT1399516B1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2013-04-19 | Oliveira & Irmao Sa | DISCHARGE DEVICE FOR A RINSE CASSETTE |
ES2773851T3 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2020-07-15 | Geberit Int Ag | Flush fitting for a cistern |
Family Cites Families (6)
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US4175296A (en) * | 1977-10-11 | 1979-11-27 | Goldman Harley R | Variable control for toilet flush tanks |
US4910812A (en) * | 1989-03-29 | 1990-03-27 | Joseph Comparetti | Semi-flush valve mechanism |
AU2002222350A1 (en) * | 2000-12-15 | 2002-06-24 | Zimco Group (Proprietary) Limited | Toilet cistern dual flush valve |
FR2819835B1 (en) * | 2001-01-23 | 2003-02-28 | Sanitaire Accessoires Services | WATER FLUSHING MECHANISM FOR A TOILET TANK |
US7171702B2 (en) * | 2003-10-01 | 2007-02-06 | H2O Guard, Inc. | Toilet tank fill valve and method of operation |
US7216373B2 (en) * | 2004-06-23 | 2007-05-15 | So-Mel Huang | Toilet tank valve seat structure |
-
2008
- 2008-07-14 WO PCT/US2008/069986 patent/WO2009012226A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-07-14 US US12/172,741 patent/US20090025129A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110035868A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2011-02-17 | Lisbeth Pedersen Sylvester | Dual flush toilet valve system |
USD635219S1 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2011-03-29 | Zurn Industries, LCC | Flush valve actuator |
EP2692956A1 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-02-05 | Geberit International AG | Garniture d'écoulement réglable en hauteur |
CN103572815A (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-02-12 | 吉博力国际股份公司 | Height-adjustable drainage fitting |
US9506579B2 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2016-11-29 | Geberit International Ag | Height adjustable drain fitting for a toilet flush tank |
WO2015035422A1 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2015-03-12 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Float lock for a flush valve reservoir |
US9650772B2 (en) | 2013-09-09 | 2017-05-16 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Float lock for a flush valve reservoir |
US10364561B2 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2019-07-30 | Viega Technology Gmbh & Co. Kg | Drain valve for a flushing cistern and flushing cistern having a drain valve |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2009012226A1 (en) | 2009-01-22 |
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