FLUSHING UNIT AND TOILET WITH SUCH A FLUSHING UNIT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flushing unit and a toilet with such a flushing unit.

[0002] Flushing units are used in public and private sanitary facilities to provide a defined amount of water with which a water closet, often also called a "toilet," can be flushed after use. The flushing unit is mounted above the water closet to create a sufficient water pressure via a difference in the water level between the flushing unit and the toilet bowl, which flushes feces, urine, or other waste materials from the toilet bowl into the sewage system. Such a flushing unit is often also referred to as a cistern.

[0003] To achieve different flush water volumes, flushing units often incorporate adjustable drain fittings. For example, EP 3 321 431 A1 discloses a drain fitting that can be adjusted to different flush water volumes using float chambers and an adjustment mechanism with a closing weight.

[0004] However, flush units where the flush water flow rate is adjusted via the drain fitting have the disadvantage that the drain fittings must first be removed from the flush unit to allow access to the fitting. This is often complex and time-consuming, especially with concealed flush units.

[0005] Furthermore, from the documents IT MI20 102 288 A1, DE 365 007 C, KR 101 088 242 B1, DE 27 52 370 A1 and DE 24 58 261 A1, flushing units are known which comprise a housing, wherein a separating element is arranged in the housing which is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the separating element separates at least two water absorption areas of the housing from one another in the closed position and connects the two water absorption areas in the open position.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a flushing unit for a toilet in which different flush water discharge volumes can be adjusted easily and with minimal effort. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing a toilet with such a flushing unit.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the flushing unit by the subject matter of claim 1. With regard to the toilet, the above-mentioned object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 11.

[0008] Specifically, the problem is solved by a flushing unit for a toilet, which has a housing, a fill valve with a flush water inlet, and a drain valve, wherein the fill valve with the flush water inlet and the drain valve are arranged in the housing. The flushing unit has a flush water outlet to which the drain valve in the housing is connected. The flushing unit comprises at least one separating element arranged in the housing. The separating element is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the separating element separates at least two water absorption regions of the housing from one another in the closed position and connects the two water absorption regions in the open position. The separating element has at least one latching device by means of which the separating element can be locked or is locked in the open position such that the two water absorption regions are connected.

[0009] In other words, the separating element is arranged between the two water intake areas to connect them in the open position or separate them in the closed position. This allows the flushing unit to be set to at least two different flushing water discharge volumes without having to adjust the drain valve. This simplifies the setting of the flushing unit to at least two different flushing water discharge volumes and allows the flushing unit to be switched between at least two different flushing water discharge volumes with minimal effort. This saves time and money.

[0010] The at least two water absorption regions serve to absorb rinse water from the filling valve. For this purpose, the filling valve is preferably fluidly connected to at least one of the water absorption regions. For example, both water absorption regions absorb water, in particular fresh water, from the filling valve during the initial filling of the rinse unit. After a rinse process, the filling of one or both water absorption regions depends on whether the separating element was or is in the open position or the closed position during the rinse process. For example, when the separating element is in the open position, the two water absorption regions are filled with water simultaneously. In the open position, the two water absorption regions form a common water absorption region. In the closed position, at least one of the two water absorption regions still contains rinse water, so that only the other of the two water absorption regions is filled with fresh water.This can be achieved by overflowing water from one water intake area to the other. Preferably, the water flows first into one water intake area and then into the other.

[0011] In the open position, the separating element creates a passage between the two water intake areas of the housing. In other words, the two water intake areas merge into one another when the separating element is open. During a flushing process or when the drain valve is activated, the flushing water contained in the two water intake areas flows through the drain valve into the flushing water outlet. This flushing process corresponds to a flush with a large flushing water discharge volume.

[0012] In the closed position, the separating element closes the passage between the two water absorption areas. In other words, in the closed position, the separating element separates the two water absorption areas from one another, so that only the rinse water contained in one of the two water absorption areas is drained away. In the closed position of the separating element, the drain valve is therefore preferably only fluidly connected to one of the two water absorption areas. During a flushing process or when the drain valve is actuated, only the rinse water contained in one of the two water absorption areas flows through the drain valve into the rinse water outlet. This flushing process corresponds to a flush with a small rinse water drain volume. The separating element thus enables the realization of at least two different rinse water drain volumes, thereby increasing the variability of the flushing unit.

[0013] The water absorption regions are preferably part of an interior space of the housing. In other words, the water absorption regions preferably form an interior space of the housing at least partially. The water absorption regions can be part of a water absorption basin.

[0014] Preferably, the drain valve is arranged in at least one of the water intake areas in order to discharge flushing water from both water intake areas or from one of the two water intake areas through the flushing water outlet, depending on the position of the separating element.

[0015] The separating element is preferably physically separated from the drain valve. In other words, the separating element is a separate component that is adjustable, in particular, independently of the drain valve between the open position and the closed position. The separating element is preferably a movable bulkhead. The separating element is preferably displaceable between the open position and the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the separating element is arranged separately from the filling valve. The separating element is movable between the two positions independently of the drain valve and / or the filling valve.

[0016] When the flushing unit is installed, the separating element is preferably arranged so that it can move vertically between the open and closed positions. This does not preclude the possibility of an oblique, particularly angular, adjustment of the separating element.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the separating element is arranged between the filling valve and the drain valve, with the filling valve located in a first of the two water intake areas and the drain valve located in a second of the two water intake areas. In other words, the drain valve and the filling valve are structurally separated from one another by the separating element in the housing. The two water intake areas are arranged adjacent to one another. The separating element is preferably arranged upright in the installed position between the two water intake areas, i.e., can be displaced vertically for opening and closing.

[0018] If the separating element is in the open position, both water intake areas are emptied via the drain valve through the flush water outlet during a flushing process. In other words, both water intake areas can be emptied together via the drain valve when the separating element is in the open position. If the separating element is in the closed position, only the second water intake area is emptied during a flushing process. This enables flushing processes with different flush water discharge volumes, depending on the position of the separating element. This is advantageous if, for example, a setting for a larger or smaller flush water discharge volume is desired without adjusting the drain valve and therefore without having to remove it.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the separating element has at least one overflow edge, over which, in the closed position during a filling process, water flows from the first water absorption area into the second water absorption area. The overflow edge is preferably arranged at the top in the installed position and connects the first water absorption area to the second water absorption area. When the separating element is in the closed position, the overflow edge enables the water supplied to the first water absorption area to be transferred to the second water absorption area.

[0020] During a filling process, water is transferred to the second water intake area until the water level in the second water intake area reaches the level of the overflow edge. In this filling state, both water intake areas have the same water level.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the filling valve comprises at least one float for opening and closing the flushing water inlet of the filling valve. In this embodiment, the float is higher than the overflow edge of the separating element in the installed position, with the separating element in the closed position. Thus, when the rising water level of the second water intake area reaches the overflow edge during a filling process, the water levels of the two water intake areas form a common water level. When this common water level reaches the float, it moves upwards and actuates the filling valve, closing the flushing water inlet. In this state, the water intake areas are fully filled and the flushing unit is ready for a flushing process.

[0022] The float can be adjustable in height. The float is preferably guided so that it can be moved longitudinally along a valve body of the filling valve.

[0023] Preferably, the separating element extends between two oppositely arranged side walls of the housing. In the closed position, the separating element is in sealing contact with a bottom of the housing to separate the two water absorption regions. In the open position, the separating element is spaced from the bottom to connect the two water absorption regions. In other words, in the closed position, the separating element is in sealing contact with the bottom of the housing. In the open position, the separating element is spaced from the bottom.

[0024] This means that in the open position, a passage is formed between the two water intake areas, which is defined by the separating element. In the closed position, this passage is closed. The passage is positioned at the bottom in the open position and in the installed position. The separating element is preferably in sealing contact with the side walls. This ensures that during a flushing process with the smaller flush water discharge volume (i.e., when the separating element is in the closed position), the set water volume is drained through the drain valve.

[0025] Preferably, the two side walls form the longitudinal sides of the housing. The housing preferably comprises end walls, which, together with the side walls and the base, form a trough-shaped portion of the housing. Additionally, a lid portion is preferably provided, which is placed on the trough-shaped portion.

[0026] The separating element is preferably flat, particularly plate-shaped. This has the advantage that the separating element requires little space, thus leaving more room in the housing for handling other components, for example, during maintenance. In addition, this design represents a compact, practical form.

[0027] The separating element is preferably formed as a single piece, i.e., monolithic. Alternatively, the separating element can be composed of several parts, in particular at least two. The separating element is preferably made of plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the separating element can be made of metal. The separating element can be formed as a plastic / metal composite.

[0028] According to the invention, the separating element has at least one locking device, by means of which the separating element can be locked or is locked in the open position such that the two water absorption areas are connected. In the open position, the locking device holds the separating element in position. Preferably, there is a locking connection between the locking device of the separating element and the housing. The locking device allows the separating element to be easily fixed in the open position.

[0029] The locking connection preferably comprises at least one locking lug and the housing at least one holding element into which the locking lug engages in the open position. The holding element has at least one support area on which the locking lug rests in the open position. The holding element preferably comprises at least one extension that corresponds to the locking lug of the separating element in the open position. The locking lug can comprise at least one positive-locking contour on an underside that interacts with the extension in the open position. Particularly preferably, the separating element has at least two locking lugs formed opposite one another and extending in opposite directions. Here, the housing can comprise at least two holding elements, wherein one of the holding elements is assigned to one of the locking lugs.In this embodiment, the locking lug and the holding element comprise the simplest possible structural design so that they can be manufactured easily and inexpensively.

[0030] Preferably, the retaining element is part of the housing. In other words, the retaining element is preferably formed integrally with the housing.

[0031] In one embodiment, the separating element has at least one side edge, which is arranged at least partially in at least one rail element of the housing for guiding and / or holding the separating element. The separating element is preferably guided laterally by at least one rail element for transferring the separating element between the open position and the closed position. In other words, the separating element is guided by the rail element in the displacement direction of the separating element.

[0032] The rail element thus securely guides the separating element during its movement. In addition, the rail element serves as a holder for the separating element, particularly when the separating element is in its closed position. In other words, in addition to its guiding function, the rail element also performs a holding function to hold or fix the separating element in its position transversely to the rail element, particularly during a filling process.

[0033] The rail element is preferably arranged upright, in particular vertically, in the installed position. The rail element can be part of the housing. The rail element is preferably formed integrally with the housing.

[0034] The two water absorption areas preferably have different filling volumes for rinsing water. The first water absorption area can have a filling volume of 0.5 liters to 3 liters. The second water absorption area can have a filling volume of 3 to 7 liters. Preferably, the first water absorption area has a filling volume of 1 liter to 2.5 liters and / or the second water absorption area has a filling volume of 4 liters to 6 liters. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first water absorption area has a filling volume of at least 1.5 liters and / or the second water absorption area has a filling volume of at least 4.5 liters. Thus, particularly preferably, both water absorption areas together have a filling volume of at least 6 liters when the separating element is in the open position.

[0035] Further preferably, the housing has at least one inspection flap, in particular an inspection cover, through which the separating element is accessible from outside the housing in order to move the separating element into the open or closed position. In other words, at least the separating element is freely accessible from outside through the inspection flap. This enables simple and quick adjustment of the different flush water discharge volumes by adjusting the separating element between the two positions.

[0036] The separating element is preferably manually adjustable, in particular by hand, between the open and closed positions. It is possible to additionally or alternatively provide an adjustment mechanism by which the separating element can be displaced between the open and closed positions, for example, by means of a switch and / or button.

[0037] According to a secondary aspect, the invention relates to a toilet, in particular a water closet, with a flushing unit according to the invention and a toilet bowl body, which are fluidly connected to one another by at least one line.

[0038] Reference is made here to the advantages explained in connection with the flushing unit. Furthermore, the toilet may alternatively or additionally feature individual or a combination of several of the features previously mentioned in relation to the flushing unit.

[0039] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiment represents an example of how the rinsing unit according to the invention can be designed.

[0040] In these show, Fig. 1 shows a partial longitudinal section through the rinsing unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with a separating element shown in an open position; Fig. 2 shows a partial longitudinal section through the rinsing unit according to Fig. 1 with the separating element in a closed position; and Fig. 3 a perspective detail of the separating element in the area of a snap-in connection with a housing of the flushing unit according to Fig. 1 .

[0041] In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for identical and equivalent parts.

[0042] The Fig. 1 to 3 show a flushing unit 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The flushing unit 10 serves to flush toilets, specifically water closets. Generally, the flushing unit 10 can be referred to as a cistern.

[0043] The flushing unit 10 comprises a housing 11, a fill valve 12 with a flushing water connection 13, and a drain valve 14. The fill valve 12 and the drain valve 14 are arranged in the housing 11. In other words, the fill valve 12 and the drain valve 14 are integrated into the housing 11. Furthermore, the flushing unit 10 has a flushing water outlet 15, to which the drain valve 14 in the housing 11 is connected.

[0044] The housing 11 has two water intake areas 17', 17" which serve to receive rinse water from the filling valve 12. The two water intake areas 17', 17" are arranged adjacent to one another. The water intake areas 17', 17" are integrated into the housing 11. In other words, the water intake areas 17', 17" are part of an interior space of the housing 11. Specifically, the two water intake areas 17', 17" are part of a water intake basin of the housing 11, to which rinse water is supplied during a filling process and from which a quantity of rinse water is discharged during a rinsing process.

[0045] The flushing unit 10 further comprises a separating element 16, which is movably arranged in the housing 11. Specifically, the separating element 16 is movably arranged between the two water intake areas 17', 17". The separating element 16 is movable between an open position (OST) and a closed position (SST). In the closed position (SST), the separating element 16 separates the two water intake areas 17', 17" from each other, and in the open position (OST), the separating element 16 connects the two water intake areas 17', 17". The open position (OST) and the closed position (SST) will be discussed in more detail later.

[0046] As in Fig. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the filling valve 12 is arranged in a first 17' of the two water intake areas 17', 17" and the drain valve 14 and the flushing water outlet 15 are arranged in a second 17" of the two water intake areas 17', 17". The separating element 16 is therefore arranged between the filling valve 12 and the drain valve 14.

[0047] The separating element 16 is arranged in an upright position in the installed position. Specifically, the separating element 16 is arranged so as to be vertically displaceable. The separating element 16 can be moved manually, in particular by hand, between the open position (OST) and the closed position (SST). For this purpose, the housing 11 has an inspection flap (not shown), through which at least the separating element 16 is accessible from the outside.

[0048] The separating element 16 is flat and extends between two side walls 19 of the housing 11. The side walls 19 form longitudinal sides of the housing 11. Furthermore, the housing 11 comprises a base 21 which delimits the water absorption areas 17', 17" in the installed position at the bottom. In the closed position SST of the separating element 16, the separating element 16 is in contact with the base 21. Specifically, in the closed position SST, the separating element 16 rests with a lower edge 29 against the base 21, in particular in a sealing manner. It is possible that at least one sealing element is arranged on the lower edge 29 for sealing against the housing 11, in particular the base 21. In the specific case, the separating element 16 is arranged free of a sealing element.

[0049] In the open position EAST, the separating element 16 is spaced from the base 21 such that a passage 33 is formed between the first and second water absorption areas 17', 17". In the open position EAST, the passage 33 is delimited in the vertical direction on the one hand by the lower edge 29 of the separating element 16 and on the other hand by the base 21. The displacement path between the open position EAST and the closed position SST defines the height of the passage 33.

[0050] The separating element 16 further comprises a side edge 25 along each of its longitudinal sides, each of which engages a rail element 26 of the housing 11. The side edge 25 is in contact with the rail element 26 such that the separating element 16 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the rail element 26. The rail elements 26 each comprise a longitudinal groove in which the side edges 25 are guided. The rail elements 26 are formed integrally with the housing 11. In other words, the rail elements 26 are formed in one piece with the housing 11.

[0051] According to the Fig. 1 and 2the separating element 16 has an overflow edge 18, over which, in the closed position SST, rinse water flows from the first water intake area 17' into the second water intake area 17" during a filling process. The filling valve 12 has a float 27 for opening and closing the rinse water inlet 13. In the closed position SST of the separating element 16, the float 27 is arranged higher than the overflow edge 18 in order to enable the rinse water to be supplied to be transferred from the first water intake area 17' to the second water intake area 17" without the float 27 being raised and the rinse water inlet 13 being closed. In general, the float 27 is adjustable in height in order to set the closing time of the rinse water inlet 13 or the filling quantity of the water intake areas 17', 17".

[0052] In the open position EAST, the supplied rinse water flows into the first water intake area 17' and through the passage 33 between the separating element 16 and the base 21 into the second water intake area 17". In other words, when filling in the open position EAST, the rinse water flows under the separating element 16 from the first water intake area 17' into the second water intake area 17". Thus, in the open position EAST, no rinse water flows over the overflow edge 18. In the open position EAST, the float 27 overlaps with the overflow edge 18. In the open position EAST, the float is at least partially offset downwards with respect to the overflow edge 18.

[0053] The two water absorption areas 17', 17" have different filling volumes. Specifically, the first water absorption area 17' has a filling volume that is smaller than a filling volume of the second water absorption area 17". Or in other words, the second water absorption area 17" has a filling volume that is larger than a filling volume of the first water absorption area 17'.

[0054] In the open position EAST of the separating element 16, the two water intake areas 17', 17" are connected to each other by the passage 33. In the open position EAST, the two water intake areas 17', 17' form a common filling volume. The common filling volume can be between 5 liters and 9 liters. Preferably, the common filling volume is 5 liters to 7.5 liters. Particularly preferably, the common filling volume is 6 liters. The common filling volume can vary by approximately + / - 200 milliliters, thus having a certain tolerance.

[0055] In the open position EAST of the separating element 16, the drain valve 14 is fluidly connected to both water intake areas 17', 17". During a flushing process or when the drain valve 14 is actuated, the flushing water contained in the two water intake areas 17', 17" flows via the drain valve 14 into the flushing water outlet 15. During this flushing process, the flushing water is drained from the common filling volume. This flushing process thus corresponds to a flush with a large flushing water discharge volume.

[0056] In the closed position SST of the separating element 16, the two water intake areas 17', 17" are separated from one another, so that the drain valve 14 only drains the rinse water contained in the second water intake area 17". In the closed position SST of the separating element 16, the drain valve 14 is only fluidly connected to the second water intake area 17'. During a flushing process or when the drain valve 14 is actuated, only the rinse water contained in the second water intake area 17" flows via the drain valve 14 into the rinse water outlet 15. This flushing process thus corresponds to a flush with a small flush water drain volume.

[0057] The filling volume of the second water absorption area 17" can be between 3 liters and 6 liters. Preferably, the filling volume of the second water absorption area 17" is 3 liters to 5 liters. Particularly preferably, the filling volume of the second water absorption area 17" is 4.5 liters. The filling volume of the first water absorption area 17' can be 0.5 liters to 3 liters. Preferably, the filling volume of the first water absorption area 17' can be 1 liter to 2.5 liters. Particularly preferably, the filling volume of the first water absorption area 17' is 1.5 liters. The two filling volumes can vary by approximately + / - 200 milliliters, i.e., have a certain tolerance.

[0058] As in Fig. 3As shown, the separating element 16 comprises a locking device 22, by means of which the separating element 16 can be locked or is locked in the open position OST in such a way that the two water absorption areas 17', 17" are connected to one another. The locking device 22 has two locking lugs 23, which are arranged on the two side edges 25 and extend in opposite directions from one another. Fig. 3Only one of the two locking lugs 23 is shown as an example. In other words, the locking lugs 23 form lateral extensions on the separating element 16, which are designed to protrude from the side edges 25. In the installed position, the locking lugs 23 are arranged at the top of the separating element 16. More specifically, the two locking lugs 23 are each arranged on a vertical leg 28 of the separating element 16, which forms a vertical end of the respective side edge 25. The two legs 28 extend beyond the overflow edge 18 and are connected to one another by at least one stiffening web 31.

[0059] As a counterpart to the locking lug 23, the housing 11 comprises a retaining element 24 on each of the two side walls 19. The retaining element 24 has a retaining groove 32 extending transversely to the direction of displacement of the separating element 16, into which the associated locking lug 23 projects. The respective locking lug 23 can have a positive-locking contour for fixation, which interacts with a counter-contour of the retaining element 24.

[0060] In the closed position SST, the separating element 16 is disengaged from the retaining element 24 and is offset downward from the retaining element 24. The retaining elements 24 are formed integrally with the housing 11. This means that the retaining elements 24 are part of the side walls 19. Alternatively, the retaining elements 24 can be formed as separate components. List of reference symbols

[0061] 10 Flushing unit 11 Housing 12 Filling valve 13 Flush water inlet 14 Drain valve 15 Flush water outlet 16 Separator 17', 17" Water intake areas 18 Overflow edge 19 Side walls 21 Floor 22 Locking device 23 Locking lug 24 Holding element 25 Side edge 26 Rail element 27 Float 28 Vertical leg 29 Bottom edge 31 Reinforcing bar 32 Holding groove 33 Passage EAST Open position SST Closed position

Claims

1. A flushing unit (10) for a toilet, comprising: - a housing (11); - a filling valve (12) with a flushing water inlet (13) and a discharge valve (14), which are arranged in the housing (11); - a flushing water outlet (15), wherein the discharge valve (14) is connected to the flushing water outlet (15) in the housing (11), wherein at least one separating element (16) is arranged in the housing (11) and can be moved between an open position (OST) and a closed position (SST), and wherein the separating element (16) separates at least two water receiving regions (17', 17") of the housing (11) from one another in the closed position (SST) and connects the two water receiving regions (17', 17") in the open position (OST), characterized in that the separating element (16) has at least one latching device (22), by means of which the separating element (16) can be locked or is locked in the open position (OST) in such a way that the two water receiving regions (17', 17") are connected.

2. The flushing unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating element (16) is arranged between the filling valve (12) and the discharge valve (14), wherein the filling valve (12) is located in a first of the two water receiving regions (17', 17") and the discharge valve (14) is located in a second of the two water receiving regions (17', 17").

3. The flushing unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating element (16) has at least one overflow edge (18), over which water flows from the first water receiving region into the second water receiving region in the closed position (SST) during a filling process.

4. The flushing unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (16) extends between two oppositely arranged sidewalls (19) of the housing (11), wherein the separating element (16) is in the closed position (SST) in contact with a bottom (21) of the housing (11) in a sealing manner in order to separate the two water receiving regions (17', 17") and in the open position (OST) spaced apart from the bottom (21) in order to connect the two water receiving regions (17', 17").

5. The flushing unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (16) is designed flatly, particularly in a plate-shaped manner.

6. The flushing unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching connection (22) comprises at least one latching lug (23) and the housing (11) comprises at least one holding element (24), into which the latching lug (23) engages in the open position (OST).

7. The flushing unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (16) has at least one lateral edge (25), which is at least sectionally arranged in at least one rail element (26) of the housing (11) in order to guide and / or hold the separating element (16).

8. The flushing unit (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein claims 4 to 7 are dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the filling valve (12) comprises at least one float (27) for opening and closing the flushing water inlet (13), wherein said float is in its installation position arranged higher than the overflow edge (18) of the separating element (16) in the closed position (SST) of the separating element (16).

9. The flushing unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two water receiving regions (17', 17") have differently sized filling volumes.

10. The flushing unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (11) has at least one inspection flap, through which the separating element (16) is accessible from outside the housing (11) in order to displace the separating element (16) into the open position (OST) or the closed position (SST).

11. A toilet, particularly a water closet, with a flushing unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a toilet bowl body, which are fluidically connected to one another by means of at least one line.