Intelligent, leak-proof, hydraulically operated flushing device

Abstract

Intelligent, leak-proof, hydraulically controlled flushing device. The invention relates to a flushing device with constant efficiency under maximum water column height of the tank(e), and with optimum water consumption. The control system (c) with several levels (c2) ensures the implementation of the method, the control of emptying, filling, leak detection, the interface and the signaling of faults with the user (c1). A mini-generator (a) recharges the battery of the system (c) during the water consumption phases. The solenoid valve outputs (b1, b2) hydraulically control either the opening of the emptying mechanism (d), or its closing and simultaneously the filling. The emptying mechanism (d) is compact, without mechanical connection with the control system (c). The device according to the invention is particularly intended for flushing applications with a WC-type cistern. Figure for the abstract: [Fig.6].

Description

Title of the invention: Hydraulically controlled intelligent anti-leakage toilet flushing device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intelligent toilet flushing device which maximizes the efficiency of existing flushing tanks, reduces daily water consumption, detects, minimizes and / or eliminates the risks of excessive water consumption due to possible leaks in the flushing system. State of the prior art

[0002] A cistern flush toilet is traditionally made up of: - a mechanical filling system allowing the flush tank to be filled with a predefined quantity of water - a mechanical emptying system Each of the two systems operates completely independently of the other. Thus, if the filling system fails, the tank continues to fill up to the overflow level, with the water then flowing out at a loss. If the drain system fails, water will flow continuously, with the filling system never reaching the cut-off water level. Furthermore, the efficiency of this type of system is never constant and depends on the tank's fill level. Re-flushing the toilet when the tank is not sufficiently full will result in inefficient or partially effective water flow. Similarly, completely or partially activating the toilet when the need is less will result in over-efficient water flow. If the emptying system is equipped with a partial emptying control, its adjustment allows, during a flush, to release all or only part of the water reserve contained in the cistern. If certain variants of the prior art contribute to a relative reduction in water consumption by allowing the flow of a flush to be interrupted, they add mechanical complexity without remedying the other disadvantages. Presentation of the invention

[0003] Objectives of the invention: The device according to the invention makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks: - Independence between the filling mechanism and the emptying mechanism - Overconsumption of water by detecting and preventing a possible leak from the emptying mechanism - Overconsumption of water due to possible failure of the filling mechanism - Overconsumption of water inherent to ineffective flushing triggers due to an insufficient tank filling rate - Overconsumption of water inherent in over-efficient flushing triggers due to the minimal quantity flushed by a full tank trigger - Avoid unnecessary overconsumption of water by allowing precise adjustment of several predefined water quantities for different needs - Unnecessary overconsumption of water by allowing the final quantity of water used to be adjusted at any time - Preventive maintenance by detecting leaks, reporting them to the user, and informing him of the probable causes of the detected failure - Curative maintenance by minimizing the components constituting the system and thus facilitating its maintenance - Irregularity of efficiency by conditioning the triggering of the flush to a defined prior state of filling of the tank - Speed ​​and filling noise inherent in conventional mechanical filling mechanisms

[0004] Implementation of the invention: For these purposes, the device according to the invention combines with its particular embodiments a so-called "intelligent" management method which conditions each of its functions and each of its operating states. According to particular embodiments:

[0005] Filling the tank: The device according to the invention ensures that the tank is filled to its maximum capacity, for the benefit of a maximum water column height and optimum thrust efficiency when the flush is triggered. The tank is filled via a solenoid valve and controlled by two level sensors: - A “full level” sensor which allows the tank to be filled to its maximum functional capacity - An “overflow” sensor allowing the detection of a possible leak from the filling solenoid valve

[0006] Tank filling conditions and joint control actions: The device according to the invention ensures the filling of the tank only in the following two cases: Case 1: Following the triggering of a flush, in order to restore the optimum filling level of the tank. During this filling, if the "full level" is not reached beyond a certain duration predefined, the device detects an error and stops filling the tank. This feature helps to remedy excess water consumption due to a failure of the drainage system Case 2: Following a user request and / or the device exiting standby mode. From then on, the device monitors the "full level" and "overfull" sensors. A "overfull" level detection will result in the detection of a probable leak from the filling solenoid valve and no filling action will be performed. A "full level" detection will be interpreted as a normal standby state. Failure to detect the "full level" will result in the detection of a leak or a previous malfunction of the emptying mechanism, resulting in a fault signal and a resumption of the filling action as described in the previous scenario. Outside of these two cases, the device according to the invention inhibits any filling action. The device according to the invention eliminates the risk of excess water consumption in the event of a leak in the emptying mechanism and prevents the risk of leakage from the filling solenoid valve.

[0007] Functions associated with the tank filling action: During the filling phase, the device according to the invention performs two functions: - A mini-generator is installed on the water supply inlet and upstream of all the other elements of the device. Thus, during all phases of water consumption, this mini-generator ensures the recharging of the power supply battery of the device according to the invention, ensuring its own energy independence. - In conjunction with the filling of the tank, the device according to the invention implements, when it activates the filling solenoid valve, a hydraulic force which has the effect of actuating the closing of the flushing mechanism

[0008] Quantity of water used when performing a flush: The device according to the invention makes it possible to trigger several flushing levels, each characterized by a predefined quantity of water. Whatever the level of flushing required, the device according to the invention will only trigger when the tank is completely full in order to always benefit from the maximum height of the water column offered by the tank, ensuring constant efficiency of the system. At any time, the device according to the invention makes it possible to cancel or interrupt the execution of a flush, and thus to choose the quantity of water finally used. According to the embodiments, the device according to the invention defines the quantity of water corresponding to each level, either by a system of hardware sensors, or by a timing system. According to a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention makes it possible to define four levels (quantity of water) of flushing: A flushing flush A hunt for a “man need” A hunt for a “woman’s need” A hunt for a “complete need”

[0009] Emptying mechanism: According to a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention implements a hydraulically controlled emptying mechanism. The emptying mechanism operates as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. It is connected by two pipes to a double solenoid valve, itself connected to the mini-generator, the latter being connected to the water supply network. The double solenoid valve is controlled by the management system of the device according to the invention. One channel of the double solenoid valve ensures the flush opening function, the other channel ensures the combined function of closing the flush and filling the tank. The attached drawings illustrate the invention:

[0010] [Fig-1] represents a 3D view of the device according to a particular embodiment integrated into a toilet tank

[0011] [Fig.2] complements [Fig. 1] with a side view of the device according to a particular embodiment integrated into a WC tank

[0012] [Fig.3] represents an exploded view of the emptying mechanism according to a particular embodiment

[0013] [Fig.4] complete [Fig.3] of a front view (1) and in section (2) of the emptying mechanism in the closed position

[0014] [Fig.5] complete [Fig.3] of a front view (1), and in section (2) of the emptying mechanism in the open position

[0015] [Fig.6], figure of the abstract, represents a front view of the device according to a particular embodiment integrated into a WC tank. Embodiments of the invention:

[0016] With reference to figures [Fig.l] and [Fig.2], the device according to the invention is installed in a tank (e) and replaces traditional tank flushing devices. The water network supply is connected to the mini-generator (a) which recharges the internal battery of the control module (c) whenever an output of the double solenoid valve (b) is activated. The control module (c) operates on an internal battery, has a user interface (cl), and level sensors (c2). It controls the double solenoid valve (b), and generally manages the flushing system. The double solenoid valve (b) is supplied with water via the mini-generator (a). Controlled by the module (c), it is connected by two conduits (bl) and (b2) to the flushing mechanism (d) (consisting of elements (dl) to (d.6)). When the user requests the module (c) via its interface (cl), the module (c): Step 1: exits its sleep mode Step 2: checks the initial full level status using its sensors (c2) and possibly ensures the pre-filling of the tank (e) by activating the output (bl) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 3: reports, if applicable, a leak detection on the interface (cl) Step 4: triggers the flush opening by activating the output (b2) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 5: detects and controls, via its sensors (c2), that the required quantity of released water is reached - or that a user interruption is requested via the interface (cl) - and stops emptying to refill the tank by deactivating the output (bl) and activating the output (b2) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 6: detects the return to full state of the tank by its sensors (c2) - or the possible leak of the flushing mechanism - and stops the filling by deactivating the output (b2) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 7: re-triggers a cycle in Step 4 if the user has requested it, or returns to standby mode while waiting for a new user request (Step 1).

[0017] With reference to figures [Fig.3], [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the device according to the invention produces a hydraulically controlled flushing mechanism (d) (consisting of elements (dl) to (d.6)) whose operation is similar to a double-rod, double-acting cylinder composed of the elements: - Support base (dl): allows the flushing mechanism to be integrated into the tank. It ensures the lower seal of the tank and directs the water towards the bowl during a flush - Valve (d. 2): constitutes the lower end of the rod (d.6) (moving part of the mechanism) and whose positioning obstructs or allows the passage of water through the support base (dl) - Mechanism body (d.3): made in two parts for assembly purposes, it makes up the fixed part of the mechanism. It is similar to a double-acting cylinder body with a base at the top terminating a rear chamber (car) equipped with a rod passage hole (d.6), and a nose at the bottom terminating a front chamber (cav) equipped with a rod passage hole (d.6). The bottom is characterized by holes whose role is twofold: - During an emptying action: the double solenoid valve (b) subjects, via the conduit (bl), the front chamber (cav) to hydraulic pressure, resulting in the piston (d.4) pushing upwards. The orifices in the bottom of the body thus allow the liquid contained in the rear chamber (car) to be evacuated, and allow the piston (d.4) to move upwards. - During a closing & filling action: the double solenoid valve (b) subjects, via the conduit (b2) the rear chamber (car) to a hydraulic pressure with the consequence of a downward thrust of the piston (d.4). The orifices of the body bottom, allowing the pressure of the rear chamber (car) to escape, allow the tank filling function to be carried out, in conjunction with the closing action. The nose and the bottom are characterized by rod orifices (d,6) without seal, a leak from the rear chamber (car) having no consequence, and a leak on the front chamber (cav) being essential for the operation of the system. Indeed, during a closing & filling action, under the downward thrust of the piston (d.4), the clearance between the nose and the rod allows the evacuation of the liquid contained in the front chamber (cav) - Piston (d. 4): subjected either to the pressure action exerted in the rear chamber (car) via (b2), or to that exerted in the front chamber (cav) via (bl), the piston (d.4) moves in the body (d.3). Being integral with the rod (d.6), it thus generates its movement and in fact, that of the valve (d.2) - Filling deflector (d. 5): attached to the rod (d.6), it is positioned vertically above the orifices in the bottom of the body (d.3) and has the role of stopping and redirecting downwards the projections coming from the evacuation of the rear chamber (car). In addition, the flow being maintained in the submerged part of the tank, the noise inherent in filling the tank is less than that of an emerged filling - Rod (d.6): attached to the piston (d.4) and the valve (d.2), it forms the moving part of the flushing mechanism. In addition, the rod (d.6), of a suitable length, is hollow and also ensures the safety function of overflow.

[0018] The device according to the invention is intended for filling / emptying tanks, and more particularly for toilet flush tanks.

Claims

Claims

1. A flushing device arranged to be installed in a toilet flushing tank (e) provided with a water inlet, characterized in that it comprises a hydraulic mini-generator (a) installed on said water inlet upstream of all the other elements of the device, a double solenoid valve (b) supplied with water via the mini-generator (a) and connected to two conduits (bl) and (b2), a control module (c) provided with a battery recharged by said hydraulic mini-generator (a) and ensuring the control of said solenoid valve (b), and a hydraulically controlled filling / emptying mechanism (d) similar to a double-rod, double-acting cylinder and comprising: - a mechanism body (d.3) with at the top a base terminating a rear chamber (car) and at the bottom a nose terminating a front chamber (cav), said rear chambers (car) and front chambers (cav) being provided with a passage orifice and being connected respectively to one of the two outlets of the double solenoid valve (b) by the conduit (b2) and to the other outlet of the double solenoid valve (b) by the conduit (bl). - a piston (d.4) moving in the body (d.3) and being subjected either to the action of pressure exerted in the rear chamber (car) via the conduit (b2), or to that exerted in the front chamber (cav) via the conduit (bl), - a movable valve (d.2) whose positioning obstructs or allows the passage of water through a support base (dl) ensuring the lower sealing of the tank (e) and directing the water towards the bowl during a flush, and - a rod (d.6) passing through the passage orifices of the rear (car) and front (cav) chambers and being integral with the piston (d.4) and the valve (d.2).

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the passage orifices of the rod (d.6) of the rear (car) and front (cav) chambers are without seal.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2 characterized in that the control module (c) comprises a user interface (cl) and level sensors (c2).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the rod (d.6) is hollow and ensures the safety function of overflow.

5. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 4 characterized in that the control module (c) makes it possible to trigger several predefined flush levels, each characterized by a quantity of water defined by the level sensors (c2) or by time delay.

6. Method for managing an intelligent anti-leakage flushing device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that when a user requests the control module (c) via an interface (cl), the module (c) performs the following steps: Step 1: the module (c) exits its standby mode; Step 2: module (c) checks the initial full level status using the level sensors (c2) and possibly ensures pre-filling of the tank (e) by activating the “fill close” output (bl) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 3: module (c) signals, if necessary, a leak detection on the interface (cl) Step 4: module (c) triggers the flush opening by activating the “empty open” output (b2) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 5: module (c) detects and checks, via the level sensors (c2), that the required quantity of released water has been reached,or that a user interruption is requested via the interface (cl), and stops emptying to refill the tank by deactivating the "open emptying" output (b2) and activating the "close filling" output (bl) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 6: the module (c) detects the return to the full state of the tank by the level sensors (c2) or the possible leak of the flushing mechanism, and stops filling by deactivating the "close filling" output (bl) of the double solenoid valve (b) Step 7: the module (c) re-triggers a cycle at Step 4 if the user has requested it, or returns to standby mode while waiting for a new user request to carry out Step 1.,

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