AU2012203692A1 - A cistern flusing actuation assembly and a method of flushing a cistern - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A cistern flushing actuation assembly (10). The assembly (10) including an electrically powered first switch (38), a first valve (18) and a first flush actuator (14). The electrically powered first switch (38) is adapted to issue a first flush signal in response to a first user command. The first valve (18) has a mains water inlet and an outlet. The first valve (18) is biased to a closed position, preventing flow of mains water from the inlet to the outlet, and openable to an open position in response to the first flush signal from the first switch. The first flush actuator (14) is adapted to actuate a cistern flushing outlet valve (12), to flush a first volume of water, in response to receiving mains water from the first valve (18) in the open position.

Description

S&F Ref: P037970 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address Caroma Industries Limited, of Applicant: an Australian company, ACN 000 189 499, of 10 Market Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia Actual Inventor(s): Jason Paul Dorsey Benjamin Paul Pfitzner Address for Service: Spruson & Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 35 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Invention Title: A cistern flushing actuation assembly and a method of flushing a cistern Associated Provisional Application Details: [33] Country: (31] Appl'n No(s): [32] Application Date: AU 2011902784 12 Jul 2011 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 5845c(6406487_1) 1 A CISTERN FLUSHING ACTUATION ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD OF FLUSHING A CISTERN Field of the Invention 100011 The present invention relates to a cistern flushing actuation assembly and a method of flushing a cistern. A cistern is known as a flush tank in the USA. 100021 The present invention has been developed primarily for use with a concealed, dual flush cistern, of the gravity flushing type, which can be actuated by a user to provide either a half flush (for example of approximately 3 litres of flushing water) or a full flush (for example of approximately 6 litres of flushing water), and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, the invention is not limited to this application and is also suitable for use with: single flush cisterns; siphonic flushing type cisterns; and exposed (i.e. front of wall) cisterns. Background of the Invention [0003] Concealed cisterns are known that are installed within a wall cavity and actuated by a remotely located pneumatic button assembly. The pneumatic button assembly generally includes a piston or bellows arrangement which is connected by a tube to another piston or bellows arrangement associated with the outlet valve of the cistern. Pressing on the button assembly compresses its piston or bellows arrangement and forces air through the tube. That air expands the piston or bellows arrangement associated with the cistern outlet valve, which opens the valve and causes flushing to occur. [0004] Such known pneumatic button assemblies have several disadvantages. Firstly, frictional losses within the tube limit the distance between the button assembly and the cistern outlet valve to a maximum of approximately 4 meters. This similarly limits the positioning of the cistern relative to the buttons, and can make concealed cisterns not suitable for some installations or require the button assembly and/or the cistern to be installed in less than ideal locations. Secondly, any leaks or other failures of the pistons/bellows or the tube can prevent correct operation. Fixing such problems can be difficult and/or expensive due to the components being concealed within the wall cavity. Thirdly, the button assemblies also require manual 2 pressing by each user, which risks bacteria transmission. Fourthly, the manual pressing requires a minimum button force to achieve actuation, which can be difficult for the elderly or disabled. Object of the Invention [00051 It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages. Summary of the Invention [00061 Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a cistern flushing actuation assembly, the assembly including: an electrically powered first switch adapted to issue a first flush signal in response to a first user command; a first valve having a mains water inlet and an outlet, the first valve biased to a closed position, preventing flow of mains water from the inlet to the outlet, and openable to an open position in response to the first flush signal from the first switch; and a first flush actuator adapted to actuate a cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a first volume of water, in response to receiving mains water from the first valve in the open position. 100071 The assembly preferably includes: a second first valve having a mains water inlet and an outlet, the second valve biased to a closed position, preventing flow of mains water from the inlet to the outlet and openable to an open position in response to the second flush signal from the second switch; and a second flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a second volume of water, in response to receiving mains water from the second valve in the open position. [0008] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a cistern arrangement including: a cistern with a flushing outlet valve therein; an electrically powered first switch adapted to issue a first flush signal in response to a first user command; 3 a first valve having a mains water inlet and an outlet, the first valve biased to a closed position preventing flow of the mains water from the inlet to the outlet, and openable to an open position in response to the first flush signal from the first switch; and a first flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a first volume of water, in response to receiving of mains water from the first valve in the open position. [00091 The arrangement preferably includes: an electrically powered second switch adapted to issue a second flush signal in response to a second user command; a second first valve having a mains water supply inlet and an outlet, the second valve biased to a closed position, preventing flow of mains water from the inlet to the outlet, and openable to an open position in response to the second flush signal from the second switch; and a second flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a second volume of water, in response to receiving mains water from the second valve in the open position. [00101 The first switch is preferably a first proximity sensor. The second switch is preferably a second proximity sensor. The first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are preferably mounted to a common facia. [0011] The first proximity sensor is preferably connected to the first solenoid valve via a circuit board. The second proximity sensor is preferably connected to the second solenoid valve via the circuit board. [00121 The first proximity sensor is preferably connected to the circuit board by wire. The second proximity sensor is preferably connected to the circuit board by wire. The circuit board is preferably connected to the first valve by wire. The circuit board is preferably connected to the second valve by wire. [0013] The mains water supply is preferably connected to a cistern inlet valve via a flow control valve, most preferably a ball valve.

4 [00141 The first flush actuator is preferably in the form of a first piston arrangement or a first bellows arrangement. The second flush actuator is preferably in the form of a second piston arrangement or a second bellows arrangement. 100151 In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of flushing a cistern including the steps of: issuing a first electric flush signal, in response to a first user command, to a first valve; allowing mains water to flow through the first valve in response to the first electric flush signal; and communicating the mains water flowing through the first valve to a first flush actuator adapted to actuate a cistern flushing outlet valve to flush a first volume of water. 100161 The method preferably includes the steps of: issuing a second electric flush signal, in response to a second user command, to a first valve; allowing mains water to flow through the second valve in response to the second electric flush signal; and communicating the mains water flowing through the second valve to a second flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve to flush a second volume of water. Brief Description of the Drawings 100171 Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 10018] Fig. I is a front view of a first embodiment of a cistern flushing actuation assembly; 100191 Fig. 2 is a partial top view of the assembly shown in Fig. 1; [0020] Fig. 3 is a partial front view of the assembly shown in Fig. I in a neutral state before flush actuation; 5 [0021] Fig. 4 is a partial front view of the assembly shown in Fig. I during half flush actuation; [0022] Fig. 5 is a partial front view of the assembly shown in Fig. 1 during full flush actuation; [0023] Fig. 6 is a front view of a second embodiment of a cistern flushing actuation assembly, during full flush actuation; and 100241 Fig. 7 is a partial front view of the assembly shown in Fig. 6 in a neutral state before flush actuation. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0025] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a cistern flushing actuation assembly 10. The assembly 10 includes a cistern flushing outlet valve 12, which has a half flush actuation lever 14 and a full flush actuation lever 16. The construction and operation of dual flush outlet valves is well known to persons skilled in the art and will not be described in any further detail. [00261 The assembly 10 also includes a first valve 18 and a second valve 20. The first valve 18 is associated with a first flush actuator 22, which includes a cylinder 22a, a piston 22b and a driver 22c. The second valve is associated with a second flush actuator 24, which similarly includes a cylinder 24a, a piston 24b and a driver 24c. The top end of the pistons 22b and 24b each include a narrowed part 22d and 24d respectively, the purpose of which shall be described below. [0027] The assembly 10 also includes a mains water inlet 26 which receives main water MW at mains pressure, as per manufacturer's recommendation. The inlet 26 is connected to an On/Off ball valve 28, which is in turn connected to a cistern inlet valve 30 via a pipe 32. The pipe 32 is connected to a manifold 34, which is in turn connected to the first valve 22 and to the second valve 24. 10028] The assembly 10 also includes a facia 36 to which is mounted a half flush proximity sensor 38 and a full flush proximity sensor 40. The sensors 38 and 40 are connected via wires 42 to a circuit board 44. The sensors 38 and 40 and the circuit board 44 are powered 6 by AA batteries. The circuit board 44 is connected to the first valve 18 and the second valve 20 by first and second wires 46 and 48 respectively. [00291 The operation of the assembly 10 in the flushing of a cistern (not shown) shall now be described with reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 5. Although not shown in these drawings, the ball valve 28 is positioned in the On or open position in order to allow the mains water MW to be supplied to the first valve 18 and to the second valve 20 via the pipe 32 and the manifold 34. 100301 Fig. 3 shows the assembly 10 in a neutral state with both the first solenoid 22 and the second solenoid 24 closed and awaiting a signal from the circuit board 44. [0031] Fig. 4 shows the assembly 10 during the actuation of a half flush. The half flush is initiated by a user waving their hand in proximity of the first proximity sensor 38. The sensor 38 then issues a first signal to the circuit board 44 which in turn issues an open signal to the first valve 18. The opening of the first valve 18 allows water at mains water pressure to be communicated to the first flush actuator 22. More particularly, the water is communicated to the interior of the cylinder 22a which forces the piston 22b downwards into the position shown in Fig. 4. This in turn drives the driver 22c downwardly which pivots the lever 14 in an anti clockwise direction and raises the outlet valve 12 to a position that instigates a half flush. At the bottom of its stroke, the water supplied to the cylinder 22a drains therefrom through the gap between the cylinder 22a and the upper narrowed part 22d of the piston 22b. When the water has drained from the cylinder 22a, the piston 22b returns to the neutral position shown in Fig. 3. The piston 22b is returned to the neutral position by the weight of the outlet valve 12 on the lever 14. [00321 Fig. 5 shows the actuation of a full flush caused by user waving their hand in proximity to the second proximity sensor 40. The sensor 40 similarly communicates a full flush signal to the circuit board 44 which in turn causes the second valve 20 to open. This allows mains pressure water to be supplied to the second actuator 24, which causes the piston 24b to be driven downwardly within the cylinder 24a in a similar manner to that previously described. This in turn drives the driver 24c downwardly and rotates the second lever 16 in a clockwise direction. This initiates a full flushing cycle of the outlet valve 12. The valve 20 is then closed and the water drains from the cylinder 24a past the narrowed upper end part 24d of the piston 24b. The draining allows the piston 24b and the driver 24c to return to the neutral position 7 shown in Fig. 3. The piston 24b is returned to the neutral position by the weight of the outlet valve 12 on the lever 16. [00331 Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of a cistern flushing actuation assembly 50. The assembly 50 is similar to the assembly 10 previously described and like reference numerals to those used in describing the assembly 10 shall be used to denote like features in the assembly 50. However, in the assembly 50, the first and second flush actuators are in the form of expandable rubber bellows 52 and 54 respectively. The interior of the bellows 52 and 54 are in fluid communication with the outlets of the first and second valves 18 and 20 respectively via pipes 55. The interior of the bellows 52 and 54 are also in fluid communication with first and second bleed valves 56 and 58 respectively. 10034] The operation of the assembly 50 is similar to that described with reference to the assembly 10. [0035] Fig. 6 shows the assembly 50 during the initiation of a full flush cycle due to a user passing a hand in proximity to the second proximity sensor 40. This causes a full flush signal to be communicated to the circuit board 44 and in turn communicated to the second valve 20. The opening of the second valve 20 allows the second bellows 54 to be supplied with water at mains pressure which expands the second bellows 54 and drives the driver 24c downwards. This pivots the lever 16 in a clockwise direction and initiates a full flush. The valve 20 is then closed and the water within the second bellow 54 exits via the bleed valves 58 causing the bellow 56 and the driver 24c to return to the neutral state shown in Fig. 7. [00361 A hand passing in proximity to the first proximity sensor 38 causes a similar movement in the first bellows 52 and the first driver 22c and initiates a half flush. [0037] The assemblies 10 and 50, and their associated methods of operation, possess several advantages over existing devices. Firstly, there is no limitation on the length of either the wires 42 or 46 or 48, which enables the proximity sensors and the cistern to be positioned anywhere relative to one another. This also allows positioning of serviceable components in locations convenient to that task. Secondly, the electronic parts of the assemblies have very low current draw and can be powered by AA batteries or the like. This obviates the need for expensive and complicated wiring and qualified electricians. Thirdly, the use of water at mains 8 pressure as source of motive power results in a higher pressure system than is possible when using pneumatic actuators. As a result, the actuators can be made smaller for a given output force and thus permit the entire assembly to be more compact. Fourthly, the assembly 10 is also easily retrofittable to an existing concealed cistern that is actuated by a pneumatic button assembly. In particular, the source of motive power for the assembly, being water at mains pressure, is already available and plumbed to the cistern. Fifthly, the assemblies 10 and 50 allow the use of non-contact proximity sensors as the user is not required to supply any physical actuation force. This reduces the risk of bacterial transmission between successive users and eases operation by the elderly or disabled. Sixthly, the proximity sensors can be mounted behind non conductive surfaces (such as tiles or laminates), which allows use in installations with a vandalism risk as no moving parts are visible to the user. Seventhly, the proximity sensors can be adjusted for touch or for non-contact operation, as preferred by the user. [0038] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention can be embodied in many other forms. For example, DC power can also be used, with the option of a rechargeable battery backup. A manual override function can also be added, for when the batteries are flat.

Claims (32)

1. A cistern flushing actuation assembly, the assembly including: an electrically powered first switch adapted to issue a first flush signal in response to a first user command; a first valve having a mains water inlet and an outlet, the first valve biased to a closed position, preventing flow of mains water from the inlet to the outlet, and openable to an open position in response to the first flush signal from the first switch; and a first flush actuator adapted to actuate a cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a first volume of water, in response to receiving mains water from the first valve in the open position.

2. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly includes: an electrically powered second switch adapted to issue a second flush signal in response to a second user command; a second first valve having a mains water inlet and an outlet, the second valve biased to a closed position, preventing flow of mains water from the inlet to the outlet and openable to an open position in response to the second flush signal from the second switch; and a second flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a second volume of water, in response to receiving mains water from the second valve in the open position.

3. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first switch is a first proximity sensor.

4. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second switch is a second proximity sensor.

5. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are mounted to a common facia. 10

6. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first proximity sensor is connected to the first solenoid valve via a circuit board.

7. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second proximity sensor is connected to the second solenoid valve via the circuit board.

8. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the first proximity sensor is connected to the circuit board by wire.

9. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second proximity sensor is connected to the circuit board by wire.

10. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the circuit board is connected to the first valve by wire.

11. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the circuit board is connected to the second valve by wire.

12. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 11, wherein the mains water supply is connected to a cistern inlet valve via a flow control valve.

13. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flow control valve is a ball valve.

14. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 13, wherein the first flush actuator is in the form of a first piston arrangement or a first bellows arrangement.

15. The cistern flushing actuation assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second flush actuator is in the form of a second piston arrangement or a second bellows arrangement.

16. A cistern arrangement including: a cistern with a flushing outlet valve therein; an electrically powered first switch adapted to issue a first flush signal in response to a first user command; 11 a first valve having a mains water inlet and an outlet, the first valve biased to a closed position preventing flow of the mains water from the inlet to the outlet, and openable to an open position in response to the first flush signal from the first switch; and a first flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a first volume of water, in response to receiving of mains water from the first valve in the open position.

17. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the arrangement preferably includes: an electrically powered second switch adapted to issue a second flush signal in response to a second user command; a second first valve having a mains water supply inlet and an outlet, the second valve biased to a closed position, preventing flow of mains water from the inlet to the outlet, and openable to an open position in response to the second flush signal from the second switch; and a second flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve, to flush a second volume of water, in response to receiving mains water from the second valve in the open position.

18. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the first switch is a first proximity sensor.

19. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second switch is a second proximity sensor.

20. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are mounted to a common facia.

21. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the first proximity sensor is connected to the first solenoid valve via a circuit board.

22. The cistem arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the second proximity sensor is connected to the second solenoid valve via the circuit board. 12

23. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the first proximity sensor is connected to the circuit board by wire.

24. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the second proximity sensor is connected to the circuit board by wire.

25. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the circuit board is connected to the first valve by wire.

26. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein the circuit board is connected to the second valve by wire.

27. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the mains water supply is connected to a cistern inlet valve via a flow control valve.

28. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein the flow control valve is a ball valve.

29. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the first flush actuator is in the form of a first piston arrangement or a first bellows arrangement.

30. The cistern arrangement assembly as claimed in claim 29, wherein the second flush actuator is in the form of a second piston arrangement or a second bellows arrangement.

31. A method of flushing a cistern including the steps of: issuing a first electric flush signal, in response to a first user command, to a first valve; allowing mains water to flow through the first valve in response to the first electric flush signal; and communicating the mains water flowing through the first valve to a first flush actuator adapted to actuate a cistern flushing outlet valve to flush a first volume of water. 13

32. The method as claimed in claim 31, further including the steps of: issuing a second electric flush signal, in response to a second user command, to a first valve; allowing mains water to flow through the second valve in response to the second electric flush signal; and communicating the mains water flowing through the second valve to a second flush actuator adapted to actuate the cistern flushing outlet valve to flush a second volume of water. Dated 25 June 2012 Caroma Industries Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON