U.S. patent application number 11/654028 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for flushing valve mechanism.
Invention is credited to Itzhak Ogen.
Application Number | 20070163034 11/654028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37965275 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070163034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ogen; Itzhak |
July 19, 2007 |
Flushing valve mechanism
Abstract
A dual quantity flushing valve mechanism comprising a housing
having a base fitting for attachment to a water outlet of a toilet
cistern, an overflow tube axially displaceable within the housing
and having a bottom portion extending substantially coaxial within
the housing, a top portion parallel to the bottom portion and
extending outside of the housing, and an intermediate, inclined
portion extending between the top portion and the bottom and
projecting through the housing, with a seal disc fitted at a bottom
of the bottom portion for sealing engagement of the water outlet.
The mechanism further comprising an internal float coaxial over the
bottom portion of the overflow tube, has an axial displacement
restrictor articulated thereto and an external float fixed to the
overflow tube, an operating mechanism fitted within the housing,
for axial displacement of the overflow tube, however with selective
axial displacement of the internal float responsive to a operating
a long flush actuator or a short flush actuator, articulated with
said operating mechanism.
Inventors: |
Ogen; Itzhak; (Kiryat Tivon,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE NATH LAW GROUP
112 South West Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
37965275 |
Appl. No.: |
11/654028 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/325 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 5/092 20130101;
E03D 1/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/325 |
International
Class: |
E03D 1/14 20060101
E03D001/14; E03D 3/12 20060101 E03D003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 18, 2006 |
IL |
173213 |
Claims
1. A dual quantity flushing valve mechanism comprising: a housing
having a base fitting for attachment to a water outlet of a toilet
cistern; an overflow tube axially displaceable within the housing
and having a bottom portion extending substantially coaxial within
the housing, a top portion parallel to said bottom portion and
extending outside of the housing, and an intermediate, inclined
portion extending between the top portion and the bottom and
projecting through the housing, there being a seal disc fitted at a
bottom of the bottom portion for sealing engagement of the water
outlet; an internal float coaxial over the bottom portion of the
overflow tube, having an axial displacement restrictor articulated
thereto; an external float fixed to the overflow tube; and an
operating mechanism fitted within the housing, for axial
displacement of the overflow tube, however with selective axial
displacement of the internal float responsive to a operating a long
flush actuator or a short flush actuator, articulated with said
operating mechanism.
2. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein a top end of the
top portion is fitted with a telescopic extension piece, for
calibrating overfill water level with the cistern.
3. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein the external
float is axially displaceable so as to calibrate the amount of
water discharged at a short flush.
4. A flushing valve according to claim 3, wherein the external
float is axially displaceable by a rack extending outside of said
housing and fixedly attached to the overflow tube.
5. A flushing valve according to claim 3, wherein the external
float is articulated to the bottom portion of the overflow tube via
a slot formed in the housing.
6. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein the operating
mechanism comprises a short flush rocker lever and a long flush
rocker lever pivotally secured within the housing, said rocker
levers being engageable at one end to the respective long flush
actuator and the short flush actuator, and an opposite end to the
overflow tube, for elevation thereof within the housing, and where
said short flush rocker lever is articulated with a barrier member
such that pivotal displace of the short flush rocker lever entails
pivotal displacement of the barrier into a position for
encountering the axial displacement restrictor of the internal
float.
7. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein the long flush
actuator and the short flush actuator are push buttons fitted in a
top cover mounted on the housing.
8. A flushing valve according to claim 7, wherein the push buttons
are each fitted with a length-adjustable stem for engaging a
corresponding rocker lever of the operating mechanism.
9. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein the long flush
actuator and the short flush actuator are pull levers articulated
to lever arms.
10. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein upwards axial
displacement of the internal float is restricted by a lateral
restriction element fitted on the bottom portion of the overflow
tube and adapted for engaging a top face of the internal float.
11. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein the housing is
formed at its bottom with a compartment extending between a base
portion and a coaxial sleeve portion, slidingly accommodating the
internal float, said compartment fitted at its bottom with an
outlet for slow release of water to thereby create a damping effect
and impede descent of the internal float.
12. A flushing valve according to claim 11, wherein the size of the
outlet is controllable for calibrating the internal float
descending rate.
13. A flushing valve according to claim 1, wherein the base fitting
is articulated to a base coupler attached in turn to a water outlet
of a toilet cistern.
14. A toilet flushing cistern fitted with a dual quantity flushing
valve mechanism according to claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to toilet cistern flushing
valve mechanisms, and particularly to dual quantity flushing valve
mechanisms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Due to increasing population and limited resources of fresh
water supply, conservation of water is becoming important. A
significant source of water consumption, in the domestic arena is
the water used in flushing toilets. It is well appreciated that in
some cases a full volume flush is not required to clean out a
toilet bowl.
[0003] Thus, there has been an increase in recent years in demand
and development of toilets fitted with a dual cistern flushing
mechanism, such that the amount of water used for each flush is
determined by the individual, allowing consumption of less water
during certain flush cycles. In fact, some countries have regulated
this matter and it is mandatory that each cistern be fitted with a
dual flushing mechanism.
[0004] Various dual flush mechanisms have been developed over the
years for the purpose of providing the option of a full or long
flush cycle for solid waste, or a short or partial flush cycle for
liquid waste.
[0005] One type of dual flush mechanisms comprises a single
operating actuator, a first activation thereof opens the valve to
flush the toilet bowl and a second activation is required to cease
operation thereof, namely to shut water flow to the toilet
bowl.
[0006] The more popular type of dual flushing mechanisms, typically
comprises two different flush cycles achieved by the flush valve
being adapted for two positions, whereby each cycle is activated by
a separate knob or handle. The two positions may be at different
heights with respect to the bottom of the closet's tank. The
actuation of the knob linked to an upper valve position will
produce a short or partial flush, while the actuation of a lower
valve position will produce a long or full flush. The length of the
flush cycle is a function of the height of the flush valve with
respect to the closet's bottom wall. The higher the valve is from
the closet's bottom wall, the smaller the volume of water that will
be discharged. Accordingly, the flushing of liquid waste, for
example, requires the pressing of the upper flush valve position
operating knob since only a small amount of water is required for
the flushing, while the flushing of solid waste requires the
pressing of the knob linked to the lower flushing valve position
whereby a longer flush or a larger volume of flush water is
produced. In this way, water conservation is ensured.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a dual
flush mechanism of simple construction, and which may be adjusted
to adapt to different designs of toilet cisterns, i.e. the height
of the mechanism is adjustable to accommodate the variation in tank
size.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a
toilet cistern flushing valve of compact size, rendering it
suitable for installation in cisterns of different configurations,
e.g. substantially large or small cisterns, with long/short flush
actuators of different configurations (push buttons, levers,
etc.)
[0009] The invention thus calls for a dual quantity flushing valve
mechanism comprising: [0010] a housing having a base fitting for
attachment to a water outlet of a toilet cistern; [0011] an
overflow tube axially displaceable within the housing and having a
bottom portion extending substantially coaxial within the housing,
a top portion parallel to said bottom portion and extending outside
of the housing, and an intermediate, inclined portion extending
between the top portion and the bottom and projecting through the
housing, there being a seal disc fitted at a bottom of the bottom
portion for sealing engagement of the water outlet; [0012] an
internal float coaxial over the bottom portion of the overflow
tube, having an axial displacement restrictor articulated thereto;
[0013] an external float fixed to the overflow tube; and [0014] an
operating mechanism fitted within the housing, for axial
displacement of the overflow tube, however with selective axial
displacement of the internal float responsive to a operating a long
flush actuator or a short flush actuator, articulated with said
operating mechanism.
[0015] According to some particular embodiments of the present
invention, any of the following arrangements may be incorporated in
the flushing mechanism: [0016] a top end of the top portion may be
fitted with a telescopic extension piece, for calibrating overfill
water level with the cistern. [0017] the external float may be
axially displaceable so as to calibrate the amount of water
discharged at a short flush. [0018] the external float is axially
displaceable by a rack extending outside of said housing and
fixedly attached to the overflow tube. [0019] the external float is
articulated to the bottom portion of the overflow tube via a slot
formed in the housing. [0020] the operating mechanism comprises a
short flush rocker lever and a long flush rocker lever pivotally
secured within the housing, said rocker levers being engageable at
one end to the respective long flush actuator and the short flush
actuator, and an opposite end to the overflow tube, for elevation
thereof within the housing, and where said short flush rocker lever
is articulated with a barrier member such that pivotal displace of
the short flush rocker lever entails pivotal displacement of the
barrier into a position for encountering the axial displacement
restrictor of the internal float. [0021] the long flush actuator
and the short flush actuator are push buttons fitted in a top cover
mounted on the housing. [0022] the push buttons are each fitted
with a length-adjustable stem for engaging a corresponding rocker
lever of the operating mechanism. [0023] the long flush actuator
and the short flush actuator are pull levers articulated to lever
arms. [0024] upwards axial displacement of the internal float is
restricted by a lateral restriction element fitted on the bottom
portion of the overflow tube and adapted for engaging a top face of
the internal float. [0025] the housing is formed at its bottom with
a compartment extending between a base portion and a coaxial sleeve
portion, slidingly accommodating the internal float, said
compartment fitted at its bottom with an outlet for slow release of
water to thereby create a damping effect and impede descent of the
internal float. [0026] the size of the outlet is controllable for
calibrating the internal float descending rate. [0027] the base
fitting is articulated to a base coupler attached in turn to a
water outlet of a toilet cistern.
[0028] According to another aspect of the invention there is a
toilet flushing cistern fitted with a dual quantity flushing valve
mechanism as described herein above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may
be carried out in practice, some embodiments will now be described,
by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a view of the inside of a toilet cistern
(sectioned) comprising a flushing valve according to an embodiment
of the present invention, the valve illustrated in a full-flush
position;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a button-operated flushing
valve, in full-flush position, with a portion of the housing and
cap sectioned, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of the
button-operated flushing valve;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating the operating
mechanism;
[0034] FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating a full-flush
position of only the internal float and the operating
mechanism;
[0035] FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating a half-flush
position of only the internal float and the operating mechanism
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the
housing of the valve according to the invention, formed with a
controllable outlet lever; and
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an operating mechanism
articulated with a lever-operated flushing valve, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 of the drawings for
understanding the construction and usage of the flushing valve in
accordance with the present invention generally designated 10.
[0039] The flushing valve 10 is disposed within a toilet cistern
12. The cistern 12 comprises an inlet 14 for water flow entry into
the cistern 12, a float control mechanism 15 coupled to the inlet
14, for regulating water flow into the cistern 12. An outlet 16 is
disposed at a bottom portion of the cistern 12 and is coupled to a
toilet bowl (not shown). An operation mechanism 18 is fitted on the
top of the cistern 12 and is articulated to the flushing valve 10
for operation thereof.
[0040] The flushing valve 10 is secured to the outlet 16 via a base
coupler 20. The base coupler 20 has slots 21 formed therein,
through which the base coupler 20 is in fluid communication with
the cistern 12. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter,
the flushing valve 10 comprises an annular plug 22, fitted with an
annular seal 23, extending within the base coupler 20, adapted for
sealing water passage into the outlet 16, whenever the flushing
valve is in its closed position.
[0041] As can further be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 there is illustrated
a button operated flushing valve 10, comprising a half-flush mode
and a full-flush mode as will be explained hereinafter in detail.
The valve 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical housing 32
(which in the drawings is partially concealed to facilitate viewing
of the internal components therein). The housing 32 comprises an
open top portion 34, and is formed with a large slot 38, a small
slot 40 and several notches 42 disposed adjacent to the top portion
34, adapted for fastening different covers thereto, as will be
discussed hereinafter. The housing 32 further comprises a bottom
portion 43, formed with a downwardly extending rim 44 for
detachably connecting to the base coupler 20, and a propulsion
inlet 48 formed therein (elaborated in connection with FIG. 7).
[0042] The large slot 38 extends from about slightly higher than
the middle of the housing 32 to the top portion 34. The small slot
40 is disposed diametrically opposite to the large slot 38,
extending upwardly from about the middle of the housing 32 a
length, for example. However, position of the small slot 40 may
differ with respect to the position of the large slot 38.
[0043] The housing 32 is detachably secured to the base coupler 20
by snap coupling, however it may be secured in other ways, e.g., by
threaded coupling, bayonet coupling, etc., and typically the
arrangement is such that the housing 32 may be rotatably fixed with
respect to the base coupler 20. The base coupler 20 has an
externally threaded tubular bottom portion 50 and is fitted for
projecting through an opening formed at a bottom wall of the
cistern 12 and is connectable by said threading to outlet pipe 16
which as discussed hereinabove in connection with in FIG. 1, is
coupled in turn to a toilet bowl (typically via an intermediate
pipe segment, not shown).
[0044] A non-linear overflow pipe and float guide 62, disposed
partially within the housing 32, comprises a bottom portion of the
pipe 64 being vertically oriented, disposed coaxially within the
housing 32 and being in fluid communication with the tubular bottom
portion 50, an intermediate portion of the pipe 66, disposed above
the first portion 64, being slanted and protruding upwardly from
the housing 32 via the large slot 38 therein, and a top portion of
the pipe 68, disposed above the intermediate portion 66, being
substantially vertically oriented with an open upper end 69, and
accommodating a telescopic extension tube section 70 (FIG. 3) with
an open top end 71, axially displaceable with respect to the top
portion of the pipe 68. The height of the top end 71 determines an
overflow level of the cistern 12, namely the top end 71 determines
the maximal water level within the cistern 12 so that in case of a
system miscalibration or failure, in which the water level rises
above the height of top end 71, the water may drain through the
pipe 62, and hence the tubular bottom portion 50 into the outlet 16
(FIG. 1).
[0045] As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the bottom portion of the
pipe 64 may be integrally formed with the annular plug 22 described
in FIG. 1, supporting the rubber seal disc 23 so as to more
effectively seal an axial aperture 52 of the base coupler 20 (FIG.
2). However, for practical manufacturing purposes, the plug 22 may
be fitted on a lowermost end of the bottom portion of the pipe
64.
[0046] The bottom portion 64 of the overflow pipe 62 is further
formed with a plurality of laterally projecting wings 72, and a
lateral flange 75 formed integrally therewith, to be described
hereinafter.
[0047] The intermediate portion 66 of the pipe 62 is formed with
two laterally extending arms 74, with their extreme edges 78
oriented away from each other (substantially radial), so that the
extreme ends 78 are slidingly received within internal axial
grooves 76 that extend along an internal wall portion of the
housing 32, whereby the overflow pipe 62 is adapted for axial
displacement only within the housing 32.
[0048] A support member 80, vertically displaceable outside the
housing 32, is attached to the first flange 75. The support member
80 is in the form of a thin connecting bar, with one surface having
a toothed-rack like appearance 84 and another surface further
comprising a second flange 82 formed thereon. The second flange 82
is articulated to the first flange 75 and laterally projects
through slot 40 formed in the housing 32. The arrangement is such
that vertical displacement of the overflow pipe 62 entails
corresponding vertical displacement of the support member 80 and
vice versa.
[0049] The support member 80 has mounted thereon an external float
88 (referred to as a "half flush float", as it is associated with
flushing only a partial volume of the cistern 12 as will become
apparent hereinafter). The external float 88 may have a buoyant
material inserted therein, e.g. foamed material, a water tight
space, etc. The external float 88 is slidingly displaceable over a
portion of the toothed rack-like surface 84 of the support member
80 and is fitted with a clasp 90 formed in turn with a projection
91, fitted for engaging with the teeth of the toothed surface 84 so
as to calibrate the vertical level of the external float 88. The
arrangement is such that the external float 88 is stationary with
respect to the support member 80, i.e. with respect to the pipe 62,
and is articulated displaceable therewith.
[0050] In this embodiment the button operated flushing valve 10
comprises a top cover 92 articulated to the top portion of the
housing 32, e.g. by snap-type engagement with notches 42 of the
housing 32. The cover 92 comprises in turn a chamber 100
accommodating two push buttons, namely a full flush button 96 and a
half-flush button 95, each having an upper pressing surface 104 and
an elongated vertical stem 97 and 98, respectively, integrally
formed therewith and extending downwards through respective
openings formed in a bottom wall 102 of the top cover 92. The full
flush button 96 and the half-flush button 95 are each fitted with a
coiled spring 99 (FIG. 3) mounted on the respective stem, disposed
between the upper surface 104 and the bottom wall 102 of the top
cover 92, for biasing the buttons into their non-depressed position
(in FIGS. 2 and 5 the full flush button 96 is shown in its
depressed position and the half-flush button 95 in its elevated
position, and in FIG. 6 vice versa).
[0051] An annular rim 108 of the top cover 92 further comprises a
guide member 112, adapted to slidingly receive and support the
support member 80.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the elongated vertical stems 97
and 98 are each in contact with a lever system 114, completely
disposed within the housing 32, at a top portion thereof, above the
intermediate portion 66 of the pipe 62 (FIG. 2). The lever system
114 comprises a shaft 116, oriented horizontally, inserted in two
notches 47 (one of which is seen in FIG. 3) in the housing 32
(FIGS. 1 to 3) such that translational movement is prevented but
not rotational movement.
[0053] Mounted on the shaft 116 in a freely rotatable manner there
is a first rocker lever 118, a second rocker lever 120 and a
barrier 121. The center of gravity of the first rocker lever 118
and second rocker lever 120 is such that they normally retain a
ready state, namely extend at a substantially horizontal
position.
[0054] Both the first rocker lever 118 and the second rocker lever
120 are physically similar though oriented in opposite directions,
and each comprises a first end 122A, 122B respectively, adapted for
contact with the vertical stem 97 and 98, respectively. The first
ends 122A and 122B are arced so as to enable continuous and smooth
contact with a bottom end of the respective vertical stem 97 and
98. A second end 123A and 123B of each rocker is fitted with a
first lateral projection 124A and 124B, respectively, and a second
lateral protrusion 126A and 126B, to be further elaborated on
hereinafter.
[0055] In the disclosed embodiment the first rocker lever 118 and
the barrier 121 are articulated to one another by a lateral
projection 125, so that rotational movement of the first lever 118
entails the barrier 121 to rotationally displace in the same sense.
It is noted however that the barrier 121 is formed with an
arresting arm portion 127, extending shorter than the second end
123A of the first rocker lever 118, the reason for which will
become apparent hereinafter.
[0056] The arrangement is such that at the assembled position, each
second lateral protrusion 126A and 126B is positioned under an
extending arm 74 of the overflow pipe 62.
[0057] The button valve 10 further comprises a substantially
cylindrical internal float 128 concentrically mounted inside the
housing 32, normally disposed at the bottom portion 43 thereof and
further being slidingly disposed over the bottom portion 64 of the
overflow pipe 62. However, axial displacement of the internal float
128 in an upwards direction is restricted by the wings 72 of the
overflow pipe 62 adapted for engaging a top surface 129 of the
internal float 128. The float 128 may accommodate buoyant material
(e.g. foamed material). Furthermore, there is fitted on a top
portion of the float a rod 132, to be discussed hereinafter.
[0058] The internal float 128 is free to move in the axial
direction when not restrained by the wings 72. The wings 72, biased
downwards by the weight of the pipe 62, serve to ensure the
internal float 128 normally remains in the lowest possible position
within the housing 32, sealing the outlet 16 (FIG. 1) from the
cistern 12 (FIG. 1).
[0059] The rod 132 is disposed under the barrier 121 such that when
the barrier 121 is rotated to a substantially horizontal
orientation (FIGS. 4 and 6), the arresting arm portion 127 of the
barrier 121 is positioned directly above the rod 132, preventing
further upwards displacement of the rod 132 and the articulated
internal float 128. Additionally, if the barrier 121 is rotated to
a substantially vertical orientation, as seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5,
then there is no portion of the barrier 121 above the rod 132, thus
the of the rod 132 and the articulated internal float 128 are free
to axially displace upwardly until abutment of the internal float
128 with wings 72. It is also noteworthy to mention in the normal
position the barrier 121 is designed to be in its substantially
vertical orientation.
[0060] Before activation of the operation mechanism 18 the normal
state of the cistern 12 being at least partially filled with water
(not shown), which enters the cistern 12 via the inlet 14. The
water level in the cistern 12 is calibrated to a chosen height by
means of the control mechanism 15 which is adapted to detect when
the water in the cistern 12 reaches at least a specified level and
regulate the flow through the inlet 14 accordingly. The flushing
valve 10 being at least partially submerged in the water, having
lateral slots allowing water to access the base coupler 20. The
plug 22, forced downwards by gravity, normally seals the axial
aperture 52 thus obstructing the water from entering the outlet
16.
[0061] During activation of the operation mechanism 18, the
flushing valve 10 may raise the plug 22 allowing the water in the
cistern 12 to drain into the outlet 16. The water in the outlet 16
may be directed into a toilet bowl (not shown) forcing waste (not
shown) into a sewer (not shown).
[0062] After the activation of the operation mechanism 18 the plug
22 descends, for reasons that will be explained hereinafter, once
again sealing the outlet 16 and restoring the cistern 12 to the
"before activation" state described above.
[0063] In a first mode of operation, when a full flush is desired
(i.e. substantially the entire amount of water within the cistern),
the full flush button 96 is depressed (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5). The
coiled spring 99 is thereby compressed and the relevant stem 98
descends into the housing 32 applying a downwards force on the
first end 122B of the second rocker lever 120, causing it to pivot
about shaft 116. The recoil of the spring 99 causes the button 96
to immediately revert to it's elevated position (FIG. 6) upon
stopping a force applied thereto. However, the rotation of the
second lever 120 causes the second lateral protrusion 126B thereof
to elevate the corresponding extending arm 74 of the overflow pipe
62. The elevation of the pipe 62 entails raising the external float
88 (owing to buoyancy forces), and lifting the annular plug 22,
facilitating full drainage of the cistern 12. The drainage causes
the water level in the cistern 12 to drop below the calibrated
water level.
[0064] Additionally, the upwards motion of the plug 22 forces water
into the propulsion inlet 48, thereby applying additional force
propelling the internal float 128 in an upwards direction. The
upwards motion of the internal float 128 is halted when the its top
surface engages the wings 72, of the already elevated pipe 62, the
upwards motion of which is halted when the annular plug 22
encounters the bottom base of the housing 32.
[0065] After the described upward motion has been halted, the pipe
62 and connected components begin to descend, due to gravitational
forces, to their original, downward positions. The downwards motion
of the pipe 62 is retarded by the external float 88 and the
internal float 128 thereby increasing drainage time. The rate of
descent is decreased when the buoyant external float 88 contacts
the reducing water level, the force of the water on the external
float 88 being in the upward direction. Additionally, the descent
of the pipe 62 is further retarded by the slow descent of the
internal float 128. The internal float 128 is forced downwards by
the wings 72 of the pipe 62, which are propelled by the weight of
the pipe 62, however, as the water beneath the internal float 128
must exit compartment 45 of the housing 32 via the small propulsion
outlet 48 creating a damping effect and thereby impeding the
descent of the internal float 128.
[0066] According to a variation of the invention, disclosed in FIG.
7, propulsion outlet 48 may be of controllable section area, e.g.
by a manual lever 135 pivotally secured at 131 to the bottom wall
of the compartment 125, governing the section are of the outlet, to
thereby govern the descending speed of the overflow pipe 62.
[0067] Eventually, the pipe 62 resumes the position taken before
activation of the flushing valve 10. The plug 22 thereby seals the
outlet 16 allowing the water entering from the inlet 14 to refill
the cistern 12 to the calibrated water level.
[0068] Turning now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated the lever system
114 with the half-flush button 95 depressed. The operation of the
button valve 10 is substantially similar to that described in the
previous example, however with the following differences:
[0069] The depression of the half-flush button 95 causes rotation
of the second rocker lever 120 and therefore a corresponding
pivotal displacement of the articulated barrier 121. The arresting
arm portion 127 of the barrier 121 is thereby rotated to a
substantially horizontal orientation. Pivotal displacement of
barrier 121 is restricted by a projection 133 extending from the
shaft 118. In the present example the upward motion of the internal
float 128 is halted when the rod 132 impacts the arresting arm
portion 127 of the barrier 121. It should be noted that the
distance traveled by the internal float 128 is significantly less
than in the previous example, associated with a full flush mode,
and hence the retardation effect caused thereby will be
significantly shorter. Thus there is a shorter drainage period
causing the desired half-flush effect. It is noticed that the
elevation of the external float 88, in fact governs the amount of
water to be flushed in a `half flush` procedure.
[0070] It is to be appreciated that the design of the system
according to the present invention is such that depressing the full
flush button 96 and the half-flush button 95 simultaneously,
results in activating a half flush mode, as discussed
hereinabove.
[0071] FIG. 8 is directed to a modification of the invention,
illustrating the activating mechanism generally referred to at 140,
wherein rather than a press button valve there is provided a
pull-lever valve. The pull-lever valve 140 differs from the button
valve 10 by the replacement of the cover 92 with an alternate cover
142 adapted for pull-levers 144A and 144B, associated with the
half-flush and full-flush rocker levers 118 and 120,
respectively.
[0072] Each pull-lever 144A and 144B is mounted on the relevant
lateral protrusions 124A and 124B, respectively, and protrudes from
the housing 32 upwardly through the alternate cover 142. In this
example each pull-lever 144 has a handle 146 at the upper end
thereof. These handles are articulated to lever operators typically
fitted on a front wall of a cistern (not shown)
[0073] The operation of the button valve 10 is identical to that of
the pull-lever valve 140 except that the respective second end 123A
and 123B of either the first lever 118 or second lever 120 is
pulled in order to create a desired rotational motion and the
following chain of effects that are caused.
* * * * *