An adjustable buoyancy drain valve

Abstract

The application discloses an adjustable buoyancy drain valve, which comprises a valve body with a drain port and a hinged valve cover, wherein the valve cover is integrated with a float, a water sealing piece and a rotatable buoy, the bottom of the float is provided with a water blocking rib, the water sealing piece covers the drain port, and the side wall of the buoy is provided with an adjusting slot, wherein the water blocking rib on the buoy can continuously change the shielding area of the adjusting slot by rotating the buoy, so that the water inlet speed of the buoy, the size of the finally generated buoyancy and the action time are steplessly adjusted, users do not need to disassemble or replace components, and only the rotation of the buoy can accurately match different requirements from water saving to large flushing water volume, the integrated dynamic adjustment design saves the adhesive / welding process, significantly simplifies assembly, reduces cost, avoids the aging and falling risk of a traditional water sealing plug, improves long-term sealing reliability, and the bottom of the buoy is further provided with a drain groove for draining the accumulated water in the closed drain port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of toilet technology, and in particular relates to an adjustable buoyancy drain valve. Background Technology

[0002] Existing drain valves primarily achieve water volume regulation through two structures: First, differentiated orifice openings on the float—different diameter inlet holes are pre-set on the float body (e.g., small / large hole versions), using the hole area to control the water intake rate of the float (smaller holes result in slower water intake, longer buoyancy maintenance, and larger drainage; larger holes result in faster water intake, earlier loss of buoyancy, and smaller drainage). This method requires the production of float parts in multiple specifications, making it impossible for users to dynamically adjust according to actual needs, and the replacement process is cumbersome. Second, adding a sealing plug—an additional rubber or plastic plug is installed on the standard float to block part of the water intake area, reducing the effective water intake area through physical obstruction. This structure relies on adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding to fix the sealing plug, which has three major drawbacks: ① The assembly process leads to easy aging and leakage at the connection points; ② The additive manufacturing method increases material and labor costs; ③ Users need to disassemble and reassemble for adjustment, and it cannot achieve precise gradient control (e.g., only supporting limited positions such as "fully open / half closed / fully closed"). The above methods are all static and irreversible adjustments, which are difficult to adapt to various toilet models (such as 2-inch / 3-inch valve bodies) and differences in user water usage habits. Furthermore, they cannot flexibly optimize water-saving effects according to usage scenarios after installation. Utility Model Content

[0003] (a) Purpose of the utility model To overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an adjustable buoyancy drain valve to solve the technical defects of existing drain valves that rely on floats to fix openings or water seals to statically adjust water volume, resulting in high assembly costs, narrow adjustment range, cumbersome operation, and inability to adapt to diverse needs.

[0004] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided in this application is as follows: An adjustable buoyancy drain valve includes: a valve body with a drain outlet and a valve cover hinged to the valve body; the valve cover includes a float, a water-sealing plate, and a float cylinder; a downwardly extending water-retaining rib is provided on one side of the bottom of the float; the water-sealing plate is sleeved under the float and covers the drain outlet; the float cylinder is coaxially and rotatably disposed under the float and has an adjustment slot on its side wall, and by rotating the float cylinder, the water-retaining rib partially or completely covers the adjustment slot to change the exposed area of ​​the slot, thereby adjusting the water inlet speed of the float cylinder to achieve buoyancy control; a drain groove is provided at the bottom of the float cylinder for draining water accumulated inside the float cylinder when the drain outlet is closed.

[0005] This structure achieves rotary stepless water volume adjustment for the first time, breaking through the static limitations of traditional fixed openings or sealing plugs. Users can continuously adjust the blocking ratio of the water-retaining ribs on the slot simply by rotating the float, without disassembling or replacing parts, thereby precisely controlling the water inlet rate and buoyancy duration of the float, adapting to all scenarios from water-saving to high-volume flushing. At the same time, the integrated dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for gluing / welding processes, significantly reducing assembly complexity and material costs, and avoiding the risk of sealing plug aging and falling off, thus improving long-term sealing reliability.

[0006] In some embodiments, the bottom of the float is provided with continuous gear markings around the perimeter, and the top of the float is provided with a rotation indicator that points to the gear markings.

[0007] The visual gear system significantly improves user-friendliness, allowing users to quickly locate the target water volume level using the scale markings, even without prior experience. The coordinated design of the rotary indicator and gear markings transforms abstract mechanical adjustments into intuitive quantitative references, avoiding repeated trial and error caused by traditional blind adjustments. This significantly shortens adjustment time and reduces the error rate, making it especially suitable for elderly users and for quick installation scenarios.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inner sidewall of the float is provided with a plurality of gear slots in the circumferential direction, and the bottom of the float is provided with an elastic locking point that is embedded in the gear slot and forms a gear locking structure with the gear slot.

[0009] The flexible locking points and gear slots create clear tactile and audible feedback, ensuring secure gear locking and clear operational intent. The multi-slot design provides gear positioning, preventing accidental float deflection during use and water drift, while maintaining smooth rotary adjustment. This solves the problems of slippage in traditional threaded adjustments and jamming in gear structures.

[0010] In some embodiments, a locking post extends axially from the bottom center of the float, and an annular groove is provided at the bottom of the float to engage with the locking post.

[0011] The snap-fit ​​design of the pin and the annular groove enables "one-click assembly," allowing for a reliable connection between the float and the buoy without tools. The horizontal locking mechanism provides anti-pull-out protection, ensuring the buoy does not separate under water flow impact; the loose tolerance of the annular groove allows for slight self-alignment of the buoy, preventing friction jamming caused by water tank tilting, thus improving system fault tolerance and durability.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom of the float has an installation hole in the annular groove, and the lower end of the snap-fit ​​post passes through the installation hole and extends horizontally to form a snap-fit ​​portion that abuts against the annular groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bottom of the float is provided with an annular mounting slot for engaging the sealing plate.

[0014] The annular groove enables stress-free assembly and uniform sealing pressure of the sealing sheet, completely avoiding the risk of leakage caused by local delamination or edge warping. The self-limiting feature of the groove simplifies the installation process (press to fix), and compensates for the deformation of the sealing sheet after long-term use, maintaining the fit of the sealing surface and extending the sealing life.

[0015] In some embodiments, the profile of the adjustable slot is a circular, elliptical, or gradually wide slot structure.

[0016] Multi-shaped slots provide differentiated performance for the product: circular slots are suitable for linear adjustment needs; elliptical slots offer fine-tuning during the initial rotation phase and enable rapid water flow switching at the end; and gradient slots optimize adjustment accuracy for specific water flow ranges. This extended design enhances product adaptability and meets the fluid characteristic requirements of different drain valve models.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outer circumference of the pontoon is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0018] The anti-slip texture significantly improves safety when operating with wet hands, solving the problem of adjustment failure caused by slippage in traditional smooth floats. The radial texture takes into account the dual friction requirements of axial force and circumferential rotation, ensuring stable operation even when the user's hands are covered with foam or oil, greatly improving user experience satisfaction. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a front view of the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model when the float adjustment slot is adjusted to the back side; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model when the float adjustment slot is adjusted to the front. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the float in the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the float in the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the float in the adjustable buoyancy drain valve of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a first-person view structural diagram of an anti-slip textured float (with an adjustable groove of gradually increasing width). Figure 10This is a structural schematic diagram from a second perspective of an anti-slip textured float (with an adjustable groove of gradually increasing width). Figure 11 This is a third-person view structural diagram of an anti-slip textured float (with an adjustable groove of gradually increasing width). Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of a float with anti-slip texture (the adjustment slot is elliptical); Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of a float with anti-slip texture (the adjustment slot is circular).

[0020] Figure label: 1. Valve body; 101. Drain head; 1011. Drain outlet; 102. Gasket; 103. Nut; 104. Overflow pipe; 2. Valve cover; 201. Float; 2011. Water-blocking rib; 2012. Snap-fit ​​post; 2013. Mounting slot; 2014. Elastic locking point; 2015. Gear position indicator; 202. Water sealing plate; 203. Float; 2031. Adjustment slot; 2032. Drainage groove; 2033. Annular slot; 2034. Gear position slot; 2035. Rotary indicator; 2036. Anti-slip texture; 2037. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0022] This utility model provides an adjustable buoyancy drain valve, comprising: a valve body 1 and a valve cover 2 hinged to the valve body 1. The valve body 1 has a drain port 1011, while the valve cover 2 consists of a float 201, a sealing plate 202, and a float 203. Specifically, one side of the bottom of the float 201 extends downward to form a water-blocking rib 2011; the sealing plate 202 is fitted under the float 201, completely covering the drain port 1011 to achieve a seal. The float 203 is coaxially and rotatably mounted under the float 201, and its side wall has an adjustment slot 2031. It is worth noting that by rotating the float 203, the water-blocking rib 2011 can dynamically partially or completely block the slot 2031, thereby changing the exposed area of ​​the slot: when the blocked area increases, the rate at which external water enters the float 203 decreases, the internal cavity of the float 203 is maintained for a longer period, buoyancy slows its sinking speed, and drainage time is extended (i.e., high-volume mode); conversely, the drainage time is shortened (i.e., water-saving mode). For example, when the float 203 is rotated to expose 30% of the slot, the measured drainage volume is 4.5L; when the exposed area is 80%, the drainage volume increases to 7.8L. Furthermore, the bottom of the float 203 is provided with a drainage groove 2032. When the water-sealing plate 202 closes the drainage port 1011, this groove can drain the residual water inside the float 203, avoiding affecting the buoyancy accuracy in the next operation. The hinge between valve body 1 and valve cover 2 is preferably made of stainless steel shaft, but nylon pins can also be used instead; the water baffle 2011 is designed to be about 3mm thick engineering plastic to ensure rigidity.

[0023] Specifically, the bottom of the float 201 has continuous scale markings as level indicators 2015. Preferably, these markings are arranged in a ring at 10° intervals, indicating water volume ranges of "minimum-medium-maximum" or "levels 1-N". The top of the float 203 has an arrow-shaped rotating indicator 2035, which is integrally injection molded with the float 203. In this way, when the user rotates the float 203, the arrow points to the scale markings in real time, providing intuitive feedback on the current exposed section ratio. The scale markings are preferably made using laser etching or two-color injection molding to ensure long-term visibility.

[0024] For the rotational positioning of the float 203, multiple position-locking slots 2034 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the float 203. Correspondingly, the bottom of the float 201 has locking points with a triangular cross-section (preferably multiple and circumferentially spaced), which are supported by elastic arms extending from the float 201 body. When the float 203 is rotated, the elastic locking points 2014 can bounce between the slots 2034, providing a crisp "click" sound when the position is locked, allowing the user to finely adjust the water volume. In particular, the elastic arm is approximately 1.5mm thick and made of polypropylene to ensure rebound durability; the depth of the slot is 2 / 3 of the diameter of the elastic locking point 2014 to prevent it from falling out. In an alternative solution, the number of slots can be adjusted to 8-16 to accommodate different position accuracy requirements.

[0025] Specifically, the connection between the float 201 and the pontoon 203 is achieved through a snap-fit ​​post 2012 and an annular groove 2033. Specifically, a cylindrical snap-fit ​​post 2012 extends axially from the center of the bottom of the float 201, with its end horizontally expanding to form an umbrella-shaped engaging portion. The bottom of the pontoon 203 has a corresponding annular groove 2033 and a central mounting hole 2037. During assembly, the snap-fit ​​post 2012 passes through the mounting hole 2037, and the engaging portion abuts against the inner wall of the annular groove 2033, allowing the pontoon 203 to rotate freely circumferentially while remaining axially fixed. Preferably, the diameter of the engaging portion is approximately 2 mm larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 2037 to form a mechanical limit. The width of the annular groove 2033 is slightly larger than the thickness of the engaging portion to prevent rotational jamming. This structure allows for assembly by hand pressing, without tools.

[0026] Specifically, the sealing plate 202 is fixed to the bottom of the float 201 via an annular mounting groove 2013. Notably, this groove is a closed annular structure with a depth slightly greater than the edge thickness of the sealing plate 202 (approximately 0.5 mm). During installation, the silicone edge of the sealing plate 202 is pressed into the groove, achieving a full-circumference seal through lateral pressure from the groove wall. Furthermore, the inner wall of the groove is designed with a 1° inclination angle to facilitate the insertion of the sealing plate 202. Alternatively, the silicone sealing plate 202 can be replaced with EPDM rubber to improve aging resistance.

[0027] Specifically, the adjustable slotted 2031 shape has multiple design options: Circular slot: diameter range 5-12mm, providing linear flow rate adjustment; Elliptical slotting: major axis 8-15mm, minor axis 3-6mm, enabling nonlinear control of initial fine-tuning and later rapid change; Gradual width groove: The groove width gradually increases from 2mm to 10mm to adapt to the specific fluid characteristics of valve body 1.

[0028] It is worth noting that all groove edges are rounded to prevent stress cracking.

[0029] Preferably, the outer circumference of the float 203 is provided with radial anti-slip textures 2036. Preferably, the texture depth is 0.8-1.2mm, the spacing is 2-3mm, and the texture extends from the top to the bottom of the float 203. This design enhances friction when operating with wet hands, and the radial layout accommodates both axial pressing and circumferential rotational force. In terms of material, the float 203 is preferably made of ABS plastic, and the anti-slip textures 2036 are integrally molded with the main body.

[0030] Specifically, valve body 1 includes the following core components: Drain head 101: The top extends to form a support lug for hinged valve cover 2, the bottom is threaded to the drain hole of the water tank, and the center is through to form the drain outlet 1011, and its outer wall is provided with a sealing ring groove. Gasket 102: Sleeved onto the sealing ring groove of the drain head 101, used to abut against the drain hole of the water tank to achieve static sealing; Nut 103: Engages with the bottom thread of drain head 101, and tightens to secure gasket 102 and valve body 1 to water tank; Overflow pipe 104: It can be detachably inserted into the side wall of valve body 1. The upper end is 20mm lower than the overflow port of water tank, and the lower end is connected to drain port 1011. When the water level in water tank rises abnormally, it guides the water flow to be discharged safely.

[0031] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. An adjustable buoyancy drain valve, characterized in that: The device includes a valve body (1) with a drain outlet (1011) and a valve cover (2) hinged to the valve body (1); the valve cover (2) includes a float (201), a sealing plate (202), and a float (203); the float (201) has a downwardly extending water-blocking rib (2011) on one side of its bottom; the sealing plate (202) is fitted under the float (201) and covers the drain outlet (1011); the float (203) is coaxially rotatable. An adjustment slot (2031) is provided below the float (201) and on the side wall. By rotating the float (203), the water-blocking rib (2011) partially or completely covers the adjustment slot (2031) to change the exposed area of ​​the slot, thereby adjusting the water intake speed of the float (203) to achieve buoyancy control. The bottom of the float (203) is provided with a drainage trough (2032) for draining the water inside the float (203) when the drainage outlet (1011) is closed.

2. The adjustable buoyancy drain valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the float (201) is provided with continuous gear position markings (2015), and the top of the float (203) is provided with a rotating indicator (2035) pointing to the gear position markings (2015).

3. The adjustable buoyancy drain valve as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner sidewall of the float (203) is provided with multiple gear slots (2034), and the bottom of the float (201) is provided with elastic locking points (2014) that are embedded in the gear slots (2034) and form a gear locking structure with the gear slots (2034).

4. The adjustable buoyancy drain valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the float (201) is provided with a locking post (2012) extending axially in the middle, and the bottom of the float (203) is provided with an annular groove (2033) that engages with the locking post (2012).

5. The adjustable buoyancy drain valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the float (203) is provided with an installation hole (2037) in the annular groove (2033). The lower end of the snap-fit ​​post (2012) passes through the installation hole (2037) and extends horizontally to form a snap-fit ​​part that abuts against the annular groove (2033).

6. The adjustable buoyancy drain valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the float (201) is provided with an annular mounting slot (2013) for engaging the water sealing plate (202).

7. The adjustable buoyancy drain valve as described in any one of claims 1-2 and 4-6, characterized in that: The outline of the adjustment slot (2031) is a circular, elliptical or gradually wide slot structure.

8. The adjustable buoyancy drain valve as described in any one of claims 1-2 and 4-6, characterized in that: The outer circumference of the pontoon (203) is provided with anti-slip texture (2036).

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