Flush valve assembly
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a flush valve assembly for controlling the discharge of water from a cistern.
Background
Flush valve assemblies for controlling the discharge of water from a cistern are known from the prior art.
Increasingly, water tanks are becoming increasingly compact, which necessitates modifications to the flush valve. In particular, flush valves have been modified to allow for simple installation in a water tank.
The increasingly compact design of the water tank has the following disadvantages: in the installed state, the flush valve is not fully accessible to the installer. That is, the installer cannot reach all areas of the tank by hand during installation or while performing maintenance. Thus, the components of the flush valve cannot be removed again from the tank, or can only be removed again with difficulty.
Disclosure of Invention
Starting from this problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flush valve assembly which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the flush valve assembly is configured such that it can be easily installed in and removed from the water tank again.
This object is achieved by embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the flush valve assembly comprises: a flush valve including a housing having a lower end and an upper end and a valve body movably mounted in the housing along a central axis; a flush valve seat having an accommodating portion for accommodating a lower end of the flush valve and a mounting portion for connecting the flush valve seat to a drain port of the water tank; and a holding unit. By means of the retaining unit, the flushing valve is retained inside the water tank, in particular against the lifting force. The retaining unit comprises a first retaining element which acts with a working portion on the housing of the flushing valve and a second retaining element which acts with a working portion on the flushing valve seat.
The advantage of forming the two retaining elements separately is that the flush valve can be mounted in or removed from the water tank separately from the flush valve seat.
Furthermore, installation is made easier because the flush valve seat can be inserted into the tank first and then the flush valve can be inserted into the tank. This is advantageous especially in the case of narrow tank spaces.
Further, at the time of maintenance, for example, only the flush valve may be removed while keeping the flush valve seat in the water tank. Typically, a seal exists between the flush valve seat and the drain opening. In this respect, such a separate arrangement has the advantage that: during replacement or inspection of the flush valve, the flush valve seat remains in the tank, leaving the seal unstressed. Such stresses can adversely affect the sealing action.
The two holding elements are formed separately from one another and can be connected together at a connecting point. This connection allows the connection to be released for maintenance so that the flush valve can be removed while the flush valve seat remains in the tank. Furthermore, at least one of the two holding elements may be connected to the water tank. This connection allows the connection to be released for maintenance so that the flush valve seat and the flush valve can be removed.
Preferably, the two holding elements can be connected together by a connection point. The connection points are preferably arranged in an easily accessible position so that the connection points are well accessible to the installer. The connection point is preferably such that it is releasably connected to the water tank.
Preferably, the connection point is located closer to the upper end of the housing than to the flush valve seat when viewed along the central axis. Alternatively, the connection point is located above the upper end of the housing. An advantage of this arrangement is that the connection point can be arranged close to a service hole in the tank. That is, the connection points may be easily accessed through the maintenance holes. The service hole is an opening that is typically located behind the actuator plate.
Preferably, the working portion of the retaining element acts on the flushing valve and on the flushing valve seat as close as possible to the mounting portion of the flushing valve seat, in particular in the region of the receptacle. That is, the force action occurs as close as possible to the location of the connection of the flush valve seat to the tank. Thus, lateral forces on the flush valve seat and the flush valve are largely avoided. Thereby, the flush valve is not pushed aside. In addition, the guide length between the flushing valve seat and the discharge opening and between the flushing valve seat and the flushing valve can be made smaller.
Preferably, the connection point between the two holding elements is provided by a snap connection between the first holding element and the second holding element.
The elements providing the snap connection are fixedly formed on the respective holding element. The snap connection is preferably a direct connection between the two holding elements. That is, there is no other element between the two retaining elements.
Particularly preferably, the snap connection comprises a flexible snap and a receptacle. The catch engages in a receptacle, which is preferably formed in a rigid manner. The flexible catch is preferably arranged on the first holding element and the receptacle is preferably arranged on the second holding element.
Preferably, the holding element extends in the direction of the central axis substantially in a rod-like manner, in particular with a rectangular cross section. The connection point is preferably located at the free end of the holding element. The free end is located on the opposite side of the working portion.
That is, the holding element is pulled by the rod-shaped portion along the housing from the bottom to the top, which is advantageous for easy accessibility, as described above.
The holding element is preferably spring-mounted. That is, the holding element may be moved towards the housing and away from the housing in a somewhat resilient manner.
Preferably, the two holding elements extend substantially parallel to each other, wherein the first holding element is closer to the housing than the second holding element. Preferably, the two holding elements are positioned close to the housing, which is advantageous for the compactness of the assembly.
Preferably, at least one of the retaining elements, in particular the second retaining element, comprises a latching structure with which the retaining element can be connected to the water tank, wherein the latching structure is preferably located closer to the connection point than to the flushing valve seat, or wherein the latching structure is located in the region of the free end of the retaining element, or wherein the latching structure is located at the level of the connection point.
Via the latching structure, the holding element, in particular the second holding element, is connected to the water tank, while the other holding element, in particular the first holding element, is preferably connected to the above-mentioned holding element, in particular the second holding element, by a connection point.
The advantage of arranging the latching structure in the region of the connection point is that the latching structure is likewise easily accessible.
Preferably, at least one of the retaining elements, in particular the second retaining element, comprises a compensating element between the working portion and the connection point, with which position tolerances with respect to the water tank can be compensated. The compensation element is preferably arranged in the region of the shaft and ensures that the shaft can compensate for angular errors.
Preferably, the working portion of the second retaining element and the counterpart on the flushing valve seat are formed as a mechanical connection, in particular as a latching connection. This connection enables the second retaining element to form a fixed connection with the flushing valve seat. That is, the second retaining element may be fixedly connected to the flushing valve seat by a mechanical or latching connection, respectively. Thus, the flush valve seat can be inserted into the tank with the retaining element. The installer can grasp the unit consisting of the holding element and the flushing valve seat at the holding element and then insert the flushing valve seat into the drain opening through the service hole.
In a further embodiment, it is additionally conceivable for the working region of the second retaining element to be formed integrally on the flushing valve seat. The same advantages as the latching connection are thus obtained.
Preferably, the relative arrangement between the second retaining element and the flushing valve seat is such that a force in the direction of the central axis can be applied uniformly to the flushing valve seat or that a force in the direction of the central axis can be applied to the flushing valve seat at two positions, respectively, which are substantially opposite to each other with respect to the central axis. Thus, the flush valve seat can be prevented from skewing when inserted into the drain opening.
Preferably, the connection between the second retaining element and the flushing valve seat allows relative angular movement between the retaining element and the flushing valve seat. Skewing during assembly can thus be avoided.
With regard to the latching connection, it is particularly preferred to arrange two latching connections which are substantially opposite to each other with respect to the central axis.
Preferably, the latch connection comprises a latch opening and a latch lug projecting into the latch opening.
Preferably, the working portion of the first holding element comprises at least one spring portion acting on an edge region of the housing. Due to the spring-loaded form, forces which may arise during the flushing process can advantageously be introduced into the holding element.
Preferably, the spring portion is in the form of a leaf spring.
Preferably, the edge region of the housing is a web projecting from the housing, the upper side of the web being in contact with the retaining element and the lower side of the web resting on the flushing valve seat, wherein the thickness of the web between the lower side and the upper side is preferably 5mm thick. The introduction of force in the region of the lower end can thereby be achieved.
Preferably, the first holding element is mounted movably in the longitudinal guide outside the housing. The longitudinal guides are oriented in the direction of the central axis.
A water tank assembly comprising: a water tank having a drain opening and a receptacle, one of the retaining elements being connectable to the water tank; and a flush valve assembly according to the above description. The flush valve seat is thus mounted in the drain opening. Preferably, the second retaining element is connected to the water tank by its latching structure.
A method of installing a flush valve assembly according to the above description is characterized by:
in a first step, mounting the flush valve seat in the tank with a second retaining element;
in a subsequent step, the flush valve is mounted in the receptacle of the flush valve seat with the first retaining element;
in a subsequent optional step, the two holding elements are connected together at a connection point; and
in a subsequent optional step, at least one of the retaining elements is connected to the water tank.
Drawings
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a flush valve assembly with a retention unit;
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the flush valve assembly according to FIG. 1 and a portion of the water tank, shown in cross-section;
FIG. 3 shows a front view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 shows a side view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 shows another front view of FIG. 1, wherein not all parts of the holding unit are shown;
FIG. 6 shows a side view of FIG. 5; and
fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the flush valve assembly according to fig. 1.
Detailed Description
In the drawings, there is shown a flush valve assembly 1 for controlling the discharge of water from a water tank 29. The flush valve assembly 1 basically comprises a flush valve 2, a flush valve seat 7 and a retaining unit 10.
The flush valve 2 basically comprises a housing 3 having a lower end 4 and an upper end 5 and a valve body 6 movably mounted in the housing 2 along a central axis M. The valve body 6 can thereby be moved from a closed position, in which water cannot be discharged from the water tank, to a flushing position, in which water can flow out of the water tank 29.
The flush valve seat 7 serves to hold or mount the flush valve 2 in the tank 29, respectively. The flushing valve seat 7 comprises a receiving portion 8 for receiving the lower end 4 of the flushing valve 2. In the embodiment shown, the lower end 4 and the receptacle 8 are both cylindrical and the lower end 4 can be inserted into the receptacle 8. The flush valve seat 7 further comprises a mounting portion 9 for connecting the flush valve seat 7 to a drain opening. The mounting portion 9 protrudes into the drain opening 31. The drain opening 31 is a part of the tank 29, as shown in fig. 2.
When the tank 29 is filled with water, the flush valve 2 is subjected to a lifting force in the water. The retaining unit 10, which holds the flush valve 2 and the flush valve seat 7 in the correct position against the lifting force, acts against the lifting force. The holding unit 10 comprises a first holding element 12 and a second holding element 14. The first holding element 12 acts with the working section 11 on the flushing valve 2 and the second holding element 14 acts with the working section 13 on the flushing valve seat 7. The flushing valve 2 or the flushing valve seat 7 is held in its installation position by the two working parts 11, 13, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the holding unit 10 is also connected to a water tank 29.
In the embodiment shown, the two holding elements 12, 14 can be connected together at a connection point 15. The connection is in a detachable form. In fig. 1, 3 and 4, the two holding elements 12, 14 are connected together at a connection point 15. In fig. 2, 5 and 6, the holding elements 12, 14 are separated from each other.
As shown in fig. 1, the connection point 15 is arranged above the upper end 5 of the housing 3 when viewed along the central axis M. This has the advantage that in the mounted state the connection point 15 is easily accessible through a service hole (not specifically shown in the figures) in the water tank. In fig. 1, the approximate location of the maintenance holes is schematically illustrated by an ellipse 32. The service hole in the tank is typically located above the maximum fill level of the tank 29. However, in other embodiments not shown, the connection point 15 may also be positioned below the upper end 5 of the housing 3. However, it is advantageous that the connection point 15 is located closer to the upper end 5 of the housing 3 than to the flushing valve seat 7 when viewed along the central axis M, or that said connection point 15 is located as far away as possible from the lower end 4 when viewed from the lower end 4 along the central axis M.
The working portions 11, 13 of the holding elements 12, 14 act on the flushing valve 2 and the flushing valve seat 7 as close as possible to the mounting portion 9, in particular in the region of the receptacle 8. That is to say that the working parts 11, 13 act on the flushing valve 2 and the flushing valve seat 7 as close as possible to the discharge opening 31. This has the advantage that during installation or during operation, the forces act as far as possible in the region of the respective guide.
For the first retaining element 12 with its working portion 11, the effect is that it acts on the flushing valve 2 slightly above the connection point between the lower end 4 and the receiving portion 8. The region of action is designated by reference numeral 12' in fig. 2 and 7. Due to the action of this force, the guide length between the lower end 4 and the receptacle 8 can be made comparatively short, so that the flushing valve 2 can take a comparatively compact form. In addition, the force action is optimal because a skew between the flush valve 2 and the flush valve seat 7 can be avoided.
As regards the second holding element 14, which acts on the flushing valve seat 7, and its working portion 13, the point of action is also arranged in the region of the receptacle 30. The region of action is denoted by reference numeral 14' in fig. 2. Here, the skew between the mounting portion 9 and the drain opening 31 is also prevented.
In fig. 2, the flush valve assembly 1 is shown with a water tank 29. The water tank 29 is only partially shown. In fig. 2, the flushing valve seat 7 is inserted with its mounting 9 into the outlet opening 31 of the water tank 29. The second retaining element 14 acts with its working section 13 on the flushing valve seat 7. Furthermore, the second holding element 14 is connected to the water tank 29 by means of a latching structure 19. The latching structure 19 is arranged at the free end 18 of the second retaining element 14 and engages into a receptacle 30 formed on or attached to the water tank 29. A latching connection is provided between the latching structure 19 and the receptacle 30.
The second holding element 14 also has a compensating element 21 between the working part 13 and the connection point. The compensating element 21 serves to compensate for positional tolerances with respect to the water tank 29. For example, the compensation element 21 may compensate for angular errors. In addition, the compensating element 21 acts slightly elastically in the direction of the central axis M. Furthermore, the compensating element 21 can serve as a support on the wall 20 of the water tank 29. To this end, in the embodiment shown, the compensating element 21 comprises two support points 37.
In the embodiment shown, the first holding element 12 is mounted movably in the longitudinal guide 27 outside the housing 3. The longitudinal guides 27 are close to the active position of the working part 11 on the housing 3. The function of the mounting in the longitudinal guide 27 is to form the first holding element 12 with the flushing valve 2 as a unit which is then jointly inserted into the tank. Starting from fig. 2, the flushing valve 2 can then be inserted together with the first retaining element 12 through the service opening into the tank. The lower end 4 is thus pushed into the receptacle 8 of the flushing valve seat 7. The housing 3 rests with an edge region 25 on the flushing valve seat 7. After the flush valve 2 has been positioned, the two holding elements 12, 14 can be connected together at a connection point 15. This connection is shown in fig. 1.
As already mentioned, the second holding element 14 is connected to the water tank 29, and the first holding element 12 is connected to the second holding element 14 via the connection point 15. The first holding element 12 is thus indirectly connected to the water tank 29 via the second holding element 14.
In fig. 3, another view of the flush valve assembly 1 is shown. As is readily apparent from fig. 3, the two holding elements 12, 14 are substantially rod-shaped and extend upwards along the central axis M from the contact point at which the working portions 11, 13 act on the respective element. The rod-shaped portion has a rectangular cross-section and carries the reference numeral 40. In the embodiment shown, the shaft 40 also comprises stiffening ribs 41 which increase the compressive stiffness of the shaft 40.
The holding elements 12, 14 are also slightly resilient so that a bending movement in the direction indicated by arrow B is possible. Due to this bending movement, a tolerance compensation with respect to the water tank 29 can be achieved.
It is likewise readily apparent from fig. 3 that the two holding elements 12, 14 extend substantially parallel to one another. Therefore, the first holding element 12 is closer to the housing 3 than the second holding element 14. Due to this arrangement, a compact structure can be obtained.
As shown, in particular in fig. 1-3, the connection point 15 is provided by a snap connection. The snap connection between the first holding element 12 and the second holding element 14 allows the two holding elements 12, 14 to be snapped together. The connection is releasable. In the embodiment shown, the snap connection comprises two flexible snaps 16 arranged at the free end 17 of the first holding element 12. The snap connection further comprises a receiver 38 arranged at the free end 18 of the second holding element 14. The catch 16 engages into the receptacle 38. Receptacle 38 is preferably rigid. The second retaining element 14 then comprises a latching element 19 behind the receptacle 38, with which latching element 19 the second retaining element 14 can be engaged into the receptacle 30 of the water tank 29, as described above.
Preferably, the clasp 16 has grooves 39 on the outside, these grooves 39 indicating to the user: the clasp 16 is to be grasped in order to separate the connection between the two holding elements 12, 14.
The effect of the working portion 13 of the second holding element 14 on the flushing valve seat 7 will now be explained with reference to fig. 1 to 4 and 7. The working part 13 of the second holding element 14 and the counterpart on the flushing valve seat 7 are formed as a mechanical connection, in particular as a latching connection 22, 23. This mechanical connection allows the second retaining element 14 to form a fixed connection with the flushing valve seat 7. Thereby, the second retaining element 14 can be used as a mounting aid when inserting the flushing valve seat 7 into the drain opening 31. The installer can grip the free end 18 of the second retaining element 14 and insert the flush valve seat 7 into the drain opening 31.
The relative arrangement between the second retaining element 14 and the flushing valve seat 7 is such that a force F in the direction of the central axis M can be applied evenly to the flushing valve seat 7. It is possible to prevent the washing valve seat 7 from being skewed when inserted into the drain opening 31. In the embodiment shown, two latching connections 22, 23 are arranged, which are substantially opposite to each other with respect to the central axis M. That is, an even distribution of force is achieved. In the embodiment shown, the latching connection 22, 23 comprises a latching opening 23 and a latching lug 22 projecting into the latching opening 23. A latching opening 23 is formed outside the flushing valve seat 7 at the level of the receptacle 8, while a latching lug 22 projects from the second retaining element 14. In the embodiment shown, the latching lug 22 projects from a cross piece 33 extending transversely from the shaft-like portion of the second holding element 14.
Preferably, the connection between the second holding element 14 and the second flushing valve seat 7 is such that a relative angular movement between the holding element 14 and the flushing valve seat 7 is possible. To this end, in the embodiment shown, the latch opening 23 comprises a surface 34 inclined at an angle relative to the central axis M. When pressure is applied in the direction of force F, the cross-piece 33 is able to move against the surface 34. Thereby compensating for the angle error. This surface, which is inclined at an angle, can be seen particularly clearly in fig. 3.
With reference to fig. 5 to 7, the action of the working portion 11 of the first retaining element 12 on the flush valve 2 will now be described in more detail. The working portion 11 of the first holding element 12 comprises at least one spring portion 24, which spring portion 24 acts on an edge region 25 of the housing 3. In the embodiment shown, there are two spring portions 24, which spring portions 24 extend laterally from the first holding element 12 and act on an edge region 25 of the housing 3 at two spaced-apart locations. Due to the elastic mounting, tensile forces acting on the flush valve 2 can be compensated. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring portion 24 is in the form of a leaf spring. In the embodiment shown, the edge region 25 of the housing 3 is a web projecting from the housing 3, the upper side 26 of which is in contact with the holding element 12 or the working part 11, respectively. The underside of the web rests on the flushing valve seat 7. The web has a small thickness, preferably less than 5 mm. That is to say as close as possible to the flushing valve seat 7 by the action of the force of the working part 11.
In the embodiment shown, the flushing valve seat 7 comprises a passage region 35 below the receptacle 8, through which water can be supplied to the drain opening 31. The passage area 35 connects the receiving portion 8 to the mounting portion 9. Furthermore, the seal 36 is arranged on the outside in the region of the mounting 9. The sealing member 36 seals a gap between the drain opening 31 and the outer side 28 of the mounting portion 9.
List of reference numerals
1 flush valve assembly 23 latch opening
2 flush valve 24 spring section
3 housing 25 edge region
4 lower end 26 upper side
5 upper end 27 longitudinal guide
6 outside the valve body 28
7 flushing valve seat 29 water tank
8 accomodation 30 accommodator
9 mounting part 31 drain port
10 holding unit 32 service hole
11 working part 33 cross piece
12 first holding element 34 surface
12' region of action 35 passing region
13 working part 36 seal
14 second holding element 37 support point
14' region of action 38 receiver
15 connection point 39 groove
16 latch 40 shaft
17 central axis of free end M
18 free end F force
19 latch structure B arrow
20 wall
21 compensating element
22 latch lug