Drain valve device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drain valve device for installation within a water tank having a bottom drain opening. The bottom of the water tank is provided with a drain channel that communicates with the drain opening. The drain valve device comprises a power unit and a push plate positioned below the drain opening. The power unit utilizes fluid as a driving force and applies fluid pressure to the push plate, thereby moving the push plate between the drain opening and the bottom of the drain channel. The drain valve device of the present invention effectively enhances the flushability of a toilet and features a simple structure, low cost, and high versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of flushing, and in particular to a drainage valve device. Background Art

[0002] For low-platform smart toilets, the built-in water tank is limited by the height of the toilet, resulting in a low liquid level. Relying solely on the potential energy of the water to flush is insufficient. Water pumps are currently commonly used as a power source to boost the pressure in the water system and increase the flushing force. However, water pumps are expensive and, as key components of the water system, prone to failure, leading to significant cost and quality pressures. Using a water pump also involves electronic control and drive components, increasing product quality risks.

[0003] Some manufacturers currently use tap water to boost flushing during flushing. However, this method cannot be used with existing ceramic pipes and requires additional piping to connect the tap water line in parallel to the main flush line. This complex connection also requires multiple sealing points, which can easily lead to leaks if not properly installed.

[0004] Therefore, the inventor, relying on years of experience and practice in related industries, proposes a drain valve device to overcome the defects of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a drain valve device which can effectively enhance the flushing performance of a toilet and has a simple structure, low cost and strong versatility.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is achieved in this way: a drain valve device is used to be installed in a water tank with a drain outlet at the bottom, and the bottom of the water tank is provided with a drainage channel that can be connected to the drain outlet; the drain valve device includes a power device and a push plate, and the push plate is located below the drain outlet; the power device uses fluid as a driving force, and can apply fluid pressure to the push plate to push the push plate to move between the drain outlet and the bottom of the drainage channel.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the push plate is a buoyant member and is configured to move upward to a position close to the drain outlet under the action of buoyancy.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drain valve device also includes a piston assembly and a mounting cylinder with an opening at the bottom. The mounting cylinder is movably arranged in the water tank and can seal the drain outlet. A mounting cylinder inlet is opened on the mounting cylinder. The piston assembly can be slidably passed through the mounting cylinder and connected to the push plate. Under the action of the fluid pressure at the mounting cylinder inlet, the mounting cylinder can be pushed upward to open the drain outlet, and the piston assembly can be pushed to drive the push plate to move downward.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a one-way exhaust valve is further provided on the top of the mounting cylinder.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the piston assembly includes a piston and a connecting rod connected upper and lower, and the lower end of the connecting rod is connected to the push plate; the upper part of the piston has a convex ring protruding outward, the outer wall of the convex ring is arranged close to the inner wall of the mounting tube with a gap between the two, and the inlet of the mounting tube is located above the convex ring.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a float is provided on the piston assembly and / or the push plate.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an extension ring is provided on the bottom of the installation tube to protrude outward, and a installation tube sealing ring is provided on the bottom surface of the extension ring.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mounting tube limiting member is fixedly provided in the water tank above the drain outlet for limiting the extension ring.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of notches are provided on the bottom side wall of the mounting tube and below the extension ring.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a piston limiting portion is provided in the installation cylinder and below the inlet of the installation cylinder for limiting the position of the piston assembly.

[0016] As described above, the drain valve device of the present invention utilizes a boosting structure composed of a power device and a push plate, which applies the power provided by the power device to the push plate. The movement of the push plate then acts on the water in the drain channel, thereby increasing the force of the main flushing waterway and enhancing the flushing performance of the toilet. Furthermore, by utilizing the fluid as a power source, the energy in the fluid acts directly on the push plate, fully utilizing the energy of the fluid to perform work on the waterway, effectively improving flushing performance. This results in a simpler structure, easier implementation, lower cost, and greater versatility. The entire device does not require additional piping connected in parallel to the main flushing waterway, making it less prone to water leakage. Furthermore, it can achieve assisted flushing under low and ultra-low water pressures, resulting in a better flushing effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following drawings are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 : A sectional view of a toilet provided by the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 :for Figure 1 Magnified view of the grey water tank and drain valve assembly.

[0020] Figure 3: A structural diagram of the water tank and the drain valve device during the downward movement of the push plate provided by the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 : A structural diagram of the water tank and drain valve device when the push plate provided by the present invention moves to the bottom.

[0022] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0023] 1. Ceramic body structure; 11. Water tank; 111. Annular sealing rib; 112. Drain outlet; 113. Mounting tube stopper; 12. Drain channel; 13. Rubber waterway;

[0024] 2. Mounting tube; 21. Mounting tube inlet; 22. Extension ring; 221. Mounting tube sealing ring;

[0025] 3. Piston assembly; 31. Piston; 311. Raised ring; 32. Connecting rod; 33. Float;

[0026] 4. Push the board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a drain valve device for installation in a water tank 11 having a drain opening 112 at the bottom. The bottom of the water tank 11 is provided with a drain channel 12 that communicates with the drain opening 112. The drain valve device includes a power unit and a push plate 4, which is located below the drain opening 112. The power unit utilizes fluid as a driving force and can apply fluid pressure to the push plate 4 to propel the push plate 4 between the drain opening 112 and the bottom of the drain channel 12.

[0029] The fluid here can be liquid (such as water) or gas as needed. The water tank 11 mainly refers to the water tank 11 in the toilet, which includes a ceramic structure 1. The water tank 11 is built into the top of the ceramic structure 1. The drain outlet 112 of the water tank 11 is mainly formed by the annular sealing rib 111 at the bottom opening of the water tank 11. The drainage channel 12 is set in the ceramic structure 1 and below the water tank 11. The upper end of the drainage channel 12 can be connected to the drain outlet 112 of the water tank 11. The side end of the drainage channel 12 is connected to the rubber waterway 13. The drainage channel 12 and the rubber waterway 13 constitute the main flushing channel of the toilet. The water tank 11 is also equipped with a corresponding water inlet valve. When the water inlet valve is opened, water can be introduced into the water tank 11. The water inlet valve is mainly opened and closed according to the liquid level in the water tank 11. When the liquid level in the water tank 11 drops to a preset value, it automatically opens to allow water to enter the water tank 11. When the liquid level in the water tank 11 rises to a preset value, it automatically closes to stop the water inlet. The specific structure of the water inlet valve is the existing structure and will not be described in detail here. The water inlet and the drainage valve device in the water tank 11 are independent of each other. When flushing is required, the combination of the gravity of the water in the water tank 11 and the movement of the push plate 4 can effectively increase the flow rate of the water and improve the flushing effect.

[0030] Thus, the drain valve device in this embodiment, through the boosting structure formed by the power device and push plate 4, applies the power provided by the power device to the push plate 4. The movement of the push plate 4 then acts on the water within the drain channel 12, thereby assisting in increasing the impulse force of the main flushing waterway and enhancing the flushing performance of the toilet. Furthermore, by utilizing the fluid as a motive force, the energy in the fluid acts directly on the push plate 4, fully utilizing the fluid energy to perform work on the waterway, effectively improving flushing performance. This results in a simpler structure, easier implementation, lower cost, and greater versatility. The entire device does not require additional piping connected in parallel to the main flushing waterway, which is less likely to cause water leakage. Furthermore, it can achieve assisted flushing at low and ultra-low water pressures, resulting in a better flushing effect.

[0031] Preferably, the push plate 4 is a buoyant member and is configured to move upward to a position close to the drain outlet 112 under the action of buoyancy, and move downward under the action of fluid pressure. After the push plate 4 completes the power flushing, it can automatically move upward and reset under the action of buoyancy, which is more convenient.

[0032] To facilitate closing and opening the drain port 112, the drain valve device further includes a piston assembly 3 and a bottom-open mounting cylinder 2. The mounting cylinder 2 is movably disposed within the water tank 11 and seals the drain port 112. The mounting cylinder 2 includes a mounting cylinder inlet 21 (located above the piston assembly 3, typically on the top sidewall of the mounting cylinder 2). The piston assembly 3 slidably penetrates the mounting cylinder 2 and is connected to the push plate 4. Fluid pressure in the mounting cylinder inlet 21 pushes the mounting cylinder 2 upward to open the drain port 112 and pushes the piston assembly 3 downward to cause the push plate 4 to move downward.

[0033] The entire drain valve device not only constitutes the drain valve structure of the water tank 11, but also has the function of assisting flushing, realizing the integration of the drain valve function and the assisting flushing function, cleverly utilizing a power to realize the functions of assisting and opening the drain valve, and the structure is more simplified.

[0034] In actual application, a one-way exhaust valve (not shown in the figures) is further provided on the top of the installation cylinder 2 to enable the gas inside the installation cylinder 2 to be exhausted.

[0035] During the drainage process of the water tank 11, air enters the waterway, rises along the pipe wall, and flows into the installation tube 2. When the fluid entering the installation tube inlet 21 is gas, gas will also remain in the installation tube 2 after the air intake stops. If there is air or other gas in the installation tube 2, it will affect the buoyancy of the push plate 4. Therefore, a one-way exhaust valve is provided at the top of the installation tube 2. After the exhaust is completed, it prevents external air from entering the installation tube 2, effectively ensuring the buoyancy and reset of the push plate 4. It is understood that when fluid (such as liquid or gas) enters the installation tube inlet 21, a very small amount of water or air flow may leak out of the one-way exhaust valve, but this does not affect the buoyancy.

[0036] Generally, in order to facilitate processing and installation, the piston assembly 3 includes a piston 31 and a connecting rod 32 connected upper and lower, and the lower end of the connecting rod 32 is connected to the push plate 4; the upper part of the piston 31 has a convex ring 311 protruding outward, and the outer wall of the convex ring 311 is set close to the inner wall of the mounting cylinder 2 with a gap between the two. The mounting cylinder inlet 21 is located above the convex ring 311, and a float 33 is provided on the piston assembly 3 and / or the push plate 4.

[0037] The piston 31 can be a cylindrical structure, with the outer diameter of the cylindrical structure and the connecting rod 32 both smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting tube 2. When tap water is used as the fluid entering the mounting tube inlet 21, the pressure of the tap water is relatively low, typically at low or ultra-low pressure. The convex ring 311 can be a plastic component with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting tube 2, creating a very small gap between the two, typically 0.5 mm. This ensures a seal between the piston 31 and the mounting tube 2 while preventing excessive friction from affecting the movement of the piston 31. The ends of the connecting rod 32 can be secured to the piston 31 and the push plate 4 using any method. For example, in this embodiment, the ends of the connecting rod 32 are secured to the piston 31 and the push plate 4 using a socket-type (interference fit) method. The float 33 can be located on at least one of the piston 31, the connecting rod 32, and / or the push plate 4, as long as the push plate 4 can function as a buoyant element. For example, in this embodiment, the float 33 is an annular member that is sleeved and secured to the piston 31.

[0038] In another feasible embodiment, the piston assembly 3 may also be directly formed as an integrally formed cylindrical structure, with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting cylinder 2, with a small gap between the two. Fluid entering the mounting cylinder inlet 21 directly acts on the top end surface of the cylindrical structure to propel the piston assembly 3. Of course, the piston assembly 3 may also adopt other structural forms; this embodiment is merely an example.

[0039] Furthermore, the above-mentioned mounting tube 2 mainly relies on gravity to sink and seal the drain outlet 112. Specifically, an extension ring 22 is protruding outward from the bottom of the mounting tube 2, and a mounting tube sealing ring 221 is provided on the bottom surface of the extension ring 22. The mounting tube sealing ring 221 can be sealed and fitted with the upper end of the annular sealing rib 111 to seal the drain outlet 112.

[0040] Typically, a mounting tube stopper 113 is also fixedly provided within the water tank 11 above the drain outlet 112 to limit the extension ring 22, thereby limiting the upward position of the mounting tube 2 when the water flow pushes the mounting tube 2 upward. A plurality of notches may also be provided on the bottom sidewall of the mounting tube 2 below the extension ring 22 to facilitate smoother flow of water from the water tank 11 into the drain outlet 112 during the drainage phase. A piston stopper (not shown in the figures) is provided within the mounting tube 2 below the mounting tube inlet 21 to limit the piston assembly 3 (specifically, the raised ring 311 on the piston 31), thereby limiting the upward position of the push plate 4.

[0041] For more details, refer to Figures 2 to 4 Taking tap water as an example, the specific working process of this structure is as follows:

[0042] The water inlet of the water tank 11 and the water inlet of the installation cylinder 21 are independent and are connected to the tap water through corresponding pipelines respectively; the opening and closing of the installation cylinder inlet 21 can be achieved by setting an on-off valve to control the water inlet on the pipeline connected thereto.

[0043] In the initial state (i.e., the state before flushing, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, under the action of gravity, the installation cylinder 2 seals the drain port 112 via the installation cylinder sealing ring 221. At this time, the installation cylinder inlet 21 is closed and the installation cylinder 2 is filled with tap water. Therefore, the float 33 drives the piston 31, the connecting rod 32, and the push plate 4 to float to the top of the installation cylinder 2 and are restrained by the piston stop. It is understood that during the initial use, since the installation cylinder 2 is not filled with tap water, the push plate 4 will not float to the top of the installation cylinder 2. Therefore, the flushing effect of the push plate 4 during this use is relatively weak. However, after the first use, in subsequent uses, the installation cylinder 2 will be filled with water in the initial state, and the push plate 4 will float to the top, effectively ensuring a flushing effect.

[0044] When the user presses the flush button (i.e., when the flush signal is given), the installation cylinder inlet 21 is first opened, and water flows into the installation cylinder 2 from the installation cylinder inlet 21. The pressurized water acts on the piston 31, and the push plate 4 is driven downward by the piston 31 to do work on the water in the drainage channel 12; synchronously, the reaction force of the tap water is used to act on the installation cylinder 2, pushing the installation cylinder 2 upward, so that the installation cylinder sealing ring 221 leaves the sealing position, and the drain port 112 is opened. The water in the water tank 11 flows into the drainage channel 12 under the action of gravity, and combined with the movement of the push plate 4, a superimposed effect is achieved. The water in the drainage channel 12 is increased in flow speed under the combined action of gravity and the assistance of the push plate 4, thereby improving the flushing effect.

[0045] The specific process can be referred to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 The figure shows the intermediate state after water enters the installation cylinder inlet 21. At this time, the installation cylinder 2 is floating up to open the drain outlet 112, and the piston 31 drives the push plate 4 downward through the connecting rod 32 to assist the discharge of water. Figure 4 The figure shows that the push plate 4 reaches the bottom of the drainage channel 12 and completes the assisting state. At this time, the top of the piston 31 is located in the bottom of the mounting cylinder 2 and is not separated from the mounting cylinder 2; the mounting cylinder 2 is limited by the mounting cylinder limiter 113 and cannot continue to rise. The mounting cylinder inlet 21 still continues to take in water, and the drainage port 112 continues to open to maintain the drainage stage until the mounting cylinder inlet 21 is closed.

[0046] Due to the setting of the float 33, when the push plate 4 moves to the bottom of the drainage channel 12, the installation cylinder inlet 21 is closed and the water inlet is stopped. At this time, the external force acting on the installation cylinder 2 and the piston 31 disappears; the installation cylinder 2 falls due to gravity, and the installation cylinder sealing ring 221 seals the drainage port 112 again, and the drainage stage ends. At this time, since the drainage port 112 has been sealed, a negative pressure is formed in the drainage channel 12, so that the installation cylinder 2 is full of water. Under the action of the float 33, an upward buoyancy force is generated on the piston 31, so the float 33 will drive the piston 31, the connecting rod 32 and the push plate 4 to start floating upward; when the piston 31 moves to the top, it is limited by the piston 31 limit part, completing the reset of the push plate 4, completing a flushing process, and the entire device returns to its initial natural state. Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0047] The entire drain valve device utilizes a top-sealed water-pushing method, utilizing the mounting cylinder seal ring 221 at the bottom of the mounting cylinder 2 to seal the drain outlet 112 by gravity. This gravity-sealed top-sealing method requires relatively low sealing requirements, is less prone to water leakage, is easier to manufacture, and offers stable performance. Water propels the mounting cylinder 2 and piston 31, causing the mounting cylinder 2 to rise and the piston 31 to move downward synchronously, thereby opening the drain outlet 112 and assisting the discharge of water. The energy of the tap water is directly applied to the push plate 4, integrating the drain valve function with the power-assisted flushing function. This makes it easier to implement, offers strong versatility, and improves flushing performance.

[0048] The above is only an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principle of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drain valve device, for installation in a water tank having a drain outlet at the bottom, wherein the bottom of the water tank is provided with a drain channel capable of communicating with the drain outlet; characterized in that: The drain valve device includes a power device and a push plate, wherein the push plate is located below the drain outlet; the power device uses fluid as a driving force and can apply fluid pressure to the push plate to push the push plate to move between the drain outlet and the bottom of the drain channel; The push plate is a buoyant member and is configured to move upward to a position close to the drain outlet under the action of buoyancy; The drain valve device also includes a piston assembly and a mounting cylinder with an opening at the bottom. The mounting cylinder is movably arranged in the water tank and can seal the drain outlet. A mounting cylinder inlet is provided on the mounting cylinder. The piston assembly can be slidably passed through the mounting cylinder and connected to the push plate. Under the action of the fluid pressure at the mounting cylinder inlet, the mounting cylinder can be pushed upward to open the drain outlet, and the piston assembly can be pushed to drive the push plate to move downward. A piston limiting portion is provided in the mounting cylinder and below the mounting cylinder inlet for limiting the piston assembly.

2. The drain valve device according to claim 1, wherein: A one-way exhaust valve is also provided on the top of the installation cylinder.

3. The drain valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The piston assembly includes a piston and a connecting rod connected up and down, the lower end of the connecting rod is connected to the push plate; the upper part of the piston has a convex ring protruding outward, the outer wall of the convex ring is arranged close to the inner wall of the mounting tube with a gap between the two, and the mounting tube inlet is located above the convex ring.

4. The drain valve device according to claim 1, wherein: A float is provided on the piston assembly and / or the push plate.

5. The drain valve device according to claim 1, wherein: An extension ring is provided on the bottom of the installation cylinder and protrudes outwards, and a installation cylinder sealing ring is provided on the bottom surface of the extension ring.

6. The drain valve device according to claim 5, wherein: A mounting tube limiting piece is fixedly provided in the water tank and above the drain outlet, for limiting the extension ring.

7. The drain valve device according to claim 5, wherein: A plurality of notches are provided on the bottom side wall of the installation tube and below the extension ring.

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