Filling valve

Abstract

A filling valve (1) for filling a cistern comprises a water channel (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), an inlet valve (5) arranged in the water channel (2), a control element (6) for controlling the inlet valve (5), a housing (7) on which the inlet valve (5) and the outlet (4) are arranged, and a support element (8) which supports the housing (7) in its installed position in the cistern, wherein the support element (8) and the housing (7) are connected to each other via a longitudinal guide (9) such that the position of the housing (7) relative to the support element (8) is adjustable, wherein the water channel (2) is formed section by section with a hose (10), wherein the hose (10) is attached to the support element (8) via a first attachment point (11) and to the housing (7) via a second attachment point (12), and wherein the hose (10) is connected between the first attachment point (11) and the second attachment point (12)such that a change in length of the water guide channel (2) caused by the relative displacement between the housing (7) and the support element (8) can be compensated for by a change in the position of the hose (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling valve for filling a cistern according to claim 1, an arrangement according to claim 12 and a method for assembly according to claim 14. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Filling valves for filling a cistern with flushing water are known from the state of the art.

[0003] WO 2017 / 219306 discloses a fill valve whose height is adjustable, making it suitable for various cisterns. According to WO 2017 / 219306, the height adjustment is achieved via a telescopic mechanism in the water inlet pipe. The latter is constructed in two parts, and the two pipe sections can be moved telescopically relative to each other. A problem with this is that the annular gap between the two pipe sections must be sealed with a sealing element to prevent uncontrolled escape of flush water from the annular gap. This sealing element is also disadvantageous because adjusting the height is made more difficult due to the friction of the seal.

[0004] US 2007 / 006923 is another example that illustrates the background of the technology. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Based on this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a height-adjustable filling valve that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a filling valve with a simpler design is to be provided.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1. Accordingly, a filling valve for filling a cistern comprises a water guide channel with an inlet and an outlet, an inlet valve arranged in the water guide channel, a control element for controlling the inlet valve, a housing on which the inlet valve and the outlet are arranged, and a support element which mounts the housing in its installed position in the cistern. The support element and the housing are connected to one another via a longitudinal guide such that the position of the housing relative to the support element is adjustable. This means that the housing is displaceable relative to the support element and that this displaceability allows the position of the housing relative to the support element to be adjusted. The water guide channel is formed in sections with a hose. This means that the water guide channel consists in sections of a hose.The hose is fastened to the support element via a first fastening point and to the housing via a second fastening point. The hose is located between the first fastening point and the second fastening point in such a way that a change in the length of the water guide channel resulting from the relative displacement between the housing and the support element can be compensated for by a change in the position of the hose, characterized in that the support element has a support section, wherein a fastening section extends away from one side of the support section and wherein a side wall extends away from another side of the support section, wherein the housing has a side wall, wherein the side wall of the housing and the side wall of the support element enclose said longitudinal guide.

[0007] A hose is a tubular element that is flexible with respect to its central axis or its hose axis. The hose axis, and thus the hose itself, can have one or more curved sections. When adjusting the distance between the housing and the support element, the hose is deformed with respect to its central axis.

[0008] In a first layer, the housing and the support element are closer together than in a second layer. If the housing and the support element are in the first layer, the hose runs with curved sections, particularly curved sections with small radii. The excess length of the hose results in these curved sections. If the housing and support element are in the second layer, the hose runs in a more straight line or with curved sections with large radii.

[0009] The inlet of the water guide channel is located on the support element.

[0010] The water guide channel extends from the inlet through the support element, through the hose and then through the housing to the outlet.

[0011] The inlet valve can be moved from a closed position to an open position, allowing flushing water to flow from the inlet through the water channel to the outlet. In the closed position, the inlet valve is closed.

[0012] Preferably, the hose has a compensation loop. With a compensation loop, the hose can be easily deformed to compensate for length changes when adjusting the height.

[0013] In a first variant, the compensation loop extends at least partially around a reference axis perpendicular to the hose axis. In a second variant, the compensation loop extends at least once completely around a reference axis perpendicular to the hose axis.

[0014] Preferably, the hose is firmly connected to the respective fastening points by its ends. Particularly preferably, each of the fastening points has an opening, with the hose extending into the respective fastening point with its ends. The water guide channel in the support element or housing then adjoins said opening.

[0015] Preferably, the hose is connected to the respective fastening point via a material-locking and / or form-locking connection.

[0016] The hose is preferably positioned upstream of the inlet valve, as seen in the direction of water flow. The inlet valve is preferably located in the housing. Positioning the hose upstream of the inlet valve offers both aerodynamic advantages and allows the inlet valve to be positioned above the waterline, which is determined by the water level when the cistern is fully filled.

[0017] Furthermore, the support element has a support section, wherein a fastening section extends away from one side of the support section and wherein a side wall extends away from another side of the support section.

[0018] Said inlet preferably extends through the mounting section. The mounting section preferably has an external thread that extends through an opening in the cistern. The filling valve can be attached to the cistern via the external thread.

[0019] Furthermore, the housing has a side wall, wherein the side wall of the housing and the side wall of the support element enclose the said longitudinal guide.

[0020] The side walls are designed so that one side wall protrudes into the interior space formed by the other side wall. In the area of ​​the longitudinal guide, the side walls have essentially the same cross-sectional shape.

[0021] Preferably, the side walls are designed such that the housing cannot be pivoted relative to the support element and that the housing can be displaced along a rectilinear movement relative to the support element.

[0022] Preferably, the side wall of the housing and / or the side wall of the support element define an interior space, wherein the hose preferably lies completely in said interior space.

[0023] The side walls protect the hose and further prevent it from becoming uncontrolled in the cistern. Such an uncontrolled position could result in a collision with other elements in the cistern, such as a flush valve.

[0024] Preferably, the outlet of the water guide channel has at least one outlet opening, which is arranged so that the flushing water can leave the water guide channel in a free jet. Particularly preferably, several outlet openings are arranged so that the water jet exits more quietly.

[0025] Preferably, the housing has an opening, wherein the outlet opening is oriented in the direction of said opening, such that escaping water can flow into the housing, wherein the housing has at least one outflow opening through which the rinsing water can exit the housing.

[0026] Preferably, the opening of the housing is followed by a guide element which redirects the rinsing water entering the housing to the inside of the side wall.

[0027] Preferably, the side wall of the support element has at least one outlet opening through which the flushing water can exit through the side wall. In this variant, the flushing water flows from the housing into the space defined by the side wall of the support element.

[0028] Preferably, the hose is designed to be freely positioned within the cistern. This means that the hose is not held within the side walls, as mentioned above, but rather lies freely within the cistern. The longitudinal guide is located next to the hose. This design has the advantage that the structure of the support element and housing can be somewhat simpler.

[0029] Preferably, the control element is a float which acts on the inlet valve, wherein the float is preferably arranged in a float chamber in the housing.

[0030] The arrangement of the float in a float chamber on the housing has the advantage that the float is always at the correct height when adjusting the height.

[0031] An arrangement comprises a fill valve as described above and a cistern, with the housing containing the inlet valve and outlet located above the water line at the maximum fill level in the cistern. As mentioned above, the water line is defined by the maximum fill level of the flush water in the cistern.

[0032] Furthermore, the cistern has a fastening opening, wherein the filling valve is fastened to the fastening opening via the inlet and wherein the fastening opening is preferably arranged at the base of the cistern.

[0033] A method for mounting a filling valve as described above in a cistern is characterized in that in one mounting step the height of the filling valve is adjusted by relative displacement of the housing to the support element, wherein the change in length of the water guide channel resulting from the relative displacement between the housing and the support element is compensated by a change in the position of the hose.

[0034] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective sectional view of a filling valve in a first position; Fig. 2 a perspective sectional view of the filling valve according to Figure 1in a second position; Fig. 3 a further sectional view of the filling valve according to Figure 1 in the first layer; Fig. 4 a side view of the Figure 3 ; Fig. 5 another sectional view of the filling valve according to Figure 1 in the second layer; and Fig. 6 a side view of the Figure 5 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] In the Figures 1 to 6An embodiment of a filling valve 1 for filling a cistern is shown. The filling valve 1 comprises a water guide channel 2 with an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. An inlet valve 5 is arranged in the water guide channel 2 between the inlet 3 and the outlet 4. When the cistern is filled, the inlet valve 5 is moved from a closed position to an open position. In the open position, flush water can flow from the inlet 3 through the water guide channel 2 to the outlet 4, and the cistern is filled accordingly. In the closed position, the water guide channel 2 is blocked.

[0037] The filling valve 1 further comprises a control element 6 for controlling the inlet valve 5. The control element 6 is in the form of a float. When the flush water level in the cistern decreases, the float weight becomes active and opens the inlet valve 5. As soon as the flush water level in the cistern reaches the predefined flush water level, the float weight becomes inactive and the inlet valve 5 is closed again. The float is mounted in a float chamber 23 on the housing 7.

[0038] The filling valve 1 further comprises a housing 7, on which the inflow valve 5 and the outlet 4 are arranged, and a support element 8 connected to the housing 7. The support element 8 mounts the housing 7 in the cistern. The support element 8 and the housing 7 are connected to one another via a longitudinal guide 9. The longitudinal guide 9 is designed such that the position of the housing 7 relative to the support element 8 is adjustable. Accordingly, the position of the housing 7 in the cistern is also adjustable. This means that the filling valve 1 can be used in cisterns of different dimensions, whereby the filling valve 1 can be adapted to the respective cistern size.

[0039] Preferably, the longitudinal guide allows a displacement path between the housing 7 and the support element 8 in the range of 0 to 20 centimeters. This means that the length L according to the Figure 4 can be adjusted by 0 to 20 centimeters to the length Lv according to the Figure 6be changed.

[0040] The water guide channel 2 is formed in sections with a hose 10. The hose 10 is attached to the support element 8 via a first attachment point 11. The hose 10 is attached to the housing 7 via a second attachment point 12. The hose 10 is positioned between the first attachment point 11 and the second attachment point 12 in such a way that a change in the length of the water guide channel 2 resulting from the relative displacement between the housing 7 and the support element 8 can be compensated for by changing the position of the hose 10.

[0041] The Figures 1 , 3 and 4 show the filling valve 1 in a first position. The Figures 2 , 5 and 6show the filling valve 1 in a second position. In the first position, the housing 7 is closer to the support element 8 than in the second position. The filling valve 1 is inserted into a cistern in the first position and can then be adjusted in height. This means that when inserted, the filling valve 1 has a low height, which is advantageous given the limited space in a cistern.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the hose 10 has a compensation loop 13. The compensation loop 13 extends around a reference axis R lying transversely to the hose axis S. The central axis of the hose 10, i.e. the hose axis S, extends around the reference axis R. In the embodiment shown, the hose 10 extends once around the reference axis R. In the case of a displacement between the housing 7 and the support element 8, the diameter of the compensation loop 13 becomes smaller with increasing displacement. The reduction in the diameter of the compensation loop 13 is Figures 1 and 2 shown.

[0043] In other embodiments, the hose 10 can also be arranged differently. For example, with compensation loops 13 that do not extend completely, i.e., at least partially, around the aforementioned reference axis R. These are corresponding curved sections of the hose 10. Here, the hose is more stretched in the second layer and more compressed in the first layer.

[0044] The ends of the hose 10 are each firmly connected to the respective fastening points 11, 12. In the embodiment shown, the fastening points 11, 12 are each formed as cylindrical openings. The free ends of the hose 10 extend into these cylindrical openings. The free ends of the hose 10 are preferably attached to the cylindrical openings via a material-to-material and / or force-to-fit connection.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the water guide channel 2 extends from the inlet 3 through the support element 8, through the hose 10 and then through the housing 7 to the outlet 4. In the support element 8 and in the housing 7, the water guide channel 2 is delimited by corresponding side walls in the support element 8 and in the housing 7, respectively.

[0046] The inlet valve 5 is arranged in the section of the water guide housing 2 that extends through the housing 7. The hose 4 is therefore arranged upstream of the inlet valve 5, as seen in the direction of water flow.

[0047] The figures show that the support element 8 has a support section 14. A fastening section 15 extends from one side of the support section 14. The fastening section 15 serves to fasten the support element 8 to a cistern. In the embodiment shown, the fastening section 15 has an external thread 24 on the outside. The water guide channel 2 extends through the fastening section 15 and runs parallel to the external thread 24. The external thread 24 or the fastening section 15 can be led from the inside to the outside through an opening in the cistern. The support element 8 can then be fastened to the cistern using a nut that is screwed onto the external thread 24. In the embodiment shown, a side wall 16 extends from another side, which is opposite the side from which the fastening section 15 projects away from the support element 8.The side wall 16 further forms part of the said longitudinal guide between the support element 8 and the housing 7.

[0048] Furthermore, the housing 7 also has a side wall 17. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 17 extends externally over the side wall 16 of the support element 8. The side walls have grooves or elevations that provide the aforementioned longitudinal guide 9. In other words, the housing 7 and the support element 8 can be displaced relative to one another due to their mounting via the side walls 16, 17.

[0049] Preferably, the longitudinal guide 9 has a plurality of locking cams evenly distributed along the length of the longitudinal guide 9. These locking cams can provide resistance to the displacement of the housing 7 relative to the support element 8. Furthermore, the longitudinal guide 9 can include a locking element with which the housing 7 can be locked to the support element 8.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the two side walls 16, 17 define an interior space 18. The hose 10 is arranged such that it lies essentially completely within the interior space 18. As a result, the hose 10 is guided accordingly by the side walls 16, 17 and does not lie uncontrolled in the cistern.

[0051] The outlet 4 of the water channel 2 is shown in the sectional views of the Figures 3 and 5shown. The outlet 4 has at least one outlet opening 19. The outlet opening 19 is directed downwards when viewed in the installed position. The outlet opening 19 is arranged such that the flush water can leave the water guide channel 2 in a free jet. The outlet opening 19 is positioned at a certain distance above the water line WL, which is defined by the water surface when the cistern is completely filled.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the inlet valve 5 is also located above the water line WL. This means that the parts of the housing 7 with the inlet valve 5 and the outlet 4 are above the water line WL when the cistern is at its maximum fill level.

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the housing 7 has an opening 20. The opening 20 and the outlet opening 19 are positioned relative to one another such that the free jet from the outlet opening 19 flows into the opening 20. The escaping water therefore enters the housing 7, here into the interior space 18. The housing 7 and also the support element 8 have corresponding outlet openings 21 through which the flushing water can leave the interior space 18 and flow into the cistern. This indirect introduction of the flushing water has the advantage that the cistern can be filled quietly. In the embodiment shown, the opening 20 is closed off by a guide element 22, which directs the flushing water entering the housing 7 to the inside of the side wall.

[0054] A method for assembling a filling valve 1 in a cistern is characterized in that in one assembly step the height of the filling valve is adjusted by relative displacement of the housing 7 to the support element 8, wherein the change in length of the water guide channel 2 resulting from the relative displacement between the housing 7 and the support element 8 is compensated by a change in the position of the hose 10. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0055] 1 Filling valve 2 Water guide channel 3 Inlet 4 Outlet 5 Inlet valve 6 Control element 7 Housing 8 Support element 9 Longitudinal guide 10 Hose 11 First attachment point 12 Second attachment point 13 Compensation loop 14 Support section 15 Attachment section 16 Side wall 17 Side wall 18 Interior 19 Outlet opening 20 Opening 21 Outflow opening 22 Guide element 23 Float chamber 24 External thread SS Hose axis R Reference axis WL Water line

Claims

1. Filling valve (1) for filling a flush tank, comprising a water flow channel (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), an inlet valve (5) arranged in the water flow channel (2), a control element (6) for controlling the inlet valve (5), a housing (7) on which the inlet valve (5) and the outlet (4) are arranged and a support element (8) which supports the housing (7) in its installation position in the flush tank, wherein the support element (8) and the housing (7) are connected to each other via a longitudinal guide (9) in such a way that the position of the housing (7) relative to the support element (8) is adjustable, wherein the water flow channel (2) is formed in sections with a hose (10), wherein the hose (10) is fastened to the support element (8) via a first fastening point (11) and to the housing (7) via a second fastening point (12), and wherein the hose (10) is arranged between the first fastening point (11) and the second fastening point (12) such that a change in length of the water flow channel (2) resulting from the relative displacement between the housing (7) and the support element (8) can be compensated by a change in the position of the hose (10), characterized in that the support element (8) comprises a support section (14), wherein a fastening section (15) extends away from one side of the support section (14) and wherein a side wall (16) extends away from another side of the support section (14), wherein the housing (7) has a side wall (17), wherein the side wall (17) of the housing (7) and the side wall (16) of the support element (8) enclose said longitudinal guide (9).

2. Filling valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hose (10) comprises a compensation loop (13), wherein the compensation loop (13) extends at least partially around a reference axis (R) lying transversely to the hose axis (S); or wherein the compensation loop (13) extends at least once completely around a reference axis (R) lying transversely to the hose axis (S).

3. Filling valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hose (10) is tightly connected at its ends to the respective fastening points (11, 12), in particular in that each of the fastening points (11, 12) has an opening, with the hose (10) projecting with its ends into the respective fastening point (11, 12).

4. Filling valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hose (4) is arranged in front of the inlet valve (5) as seen in the direction of water flow.

5. Filling valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (17) of the housing (7) and / or the side wall (16) of the support element (8) define an interior space (18), wherein the hose (10) is preferably located completely within said interior space (18).

6. Filling valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (4) of the water flow channel (2) has at least one discharge opening (19) which is arranged such that the flushing water can leave the water channel (2) in a free jet.

7. Filling valve (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing comprises an opening (20), the outlet opening (19) being oriented toward said opening (20) such that escaping water can flow into the housing (7), the housing (7) having at least one outlet opening (21) through which the flushing water can escape from the housing (7).

8. Filling valve (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the opening (20) is connected to a guide element (22) which diverts the flushing water entering the housing (7) to the inside of the side wall (17).

9. Filling valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (16) of the support element (8) comprises at least one outlet opening (21) through which the flushing water can escape through the side wall (16).

10. Filling valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hose is designed as a hose lying freely in the flush tank.

11. Filling valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (6) is a float which acts on the inlet valve (5), the float preferably being arranged in a float chamber (23) in the housing (7).

12. Arrangement comprising a filling valve (1) according to the preceding claims and a flush tank, wherein the housing (7) with the inlet valve and the outlet (4) are located above the water line (WL) at maximum fill level in the flush tank.

13. Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the flush tank has a mounting opening, wherein the filling valve is mounted via the inlet on the mounting opening, wherein the mounting opening is preferably arranged at the bottom of the flush tank.

14. Method for mounting a filling valve according to one of claims 1 to 10 in a flush tank, characterized in that, in a mounting step, the height of the filling valve is adjusted by relative displacement of the housing (7) relative to the support element (8), wherein the change in length of the water flow channel (2) resulting from the relative displacement between the housing (7) and the support element (8) is compensated by a change in the position of the hose (10).

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