DE10057592A1 - Toilet cistern for toilet systems has a horizontal separating wall for separating the cistern into two storage chambers connected by a channel - Google Patents

Abstract

Toilet cistern comprises an inlet unit (10) for service water, an inlet unit (11) for controlling the filling level for fresh water and a run-off valve (16). A horizontal separating wall (4) separates the cistern into two storage chambers (5, 6) connected by a connecting channel (21). The cross-section of flow in the storage chambers is less than in the valve, and the filling volume of the upper storage chamber (5) is larger than in the lower chamber (6). An Independent claim is also included for a water saving system comprising the toilet cistern and a mixed water device. Preferred Features: The inlet of the inlet unit for fresh water opens into the upper storage chamber. The inlet of the inlet unit for service water opens into the upper storage chamber. The valve has an overflow pipe (19) which opens into the upper storage chamber and the inlet of the inlet unit for the fresh water is arranged above an inlet of the overflow pipe.

Description

The invention relates to a toilet cistern with an inlet device for domestic water water, a level-controlled inlet device for fresh water and a drain Valve.

DE 28 08 656 A1 describes a toilet cistern for the use of rain and / or drinking water. Two inlet valves open into this cistern. The One inlet valve is used for fresh water supply and the other is used for rain water supply. Both valves are each connected to their own float in the cistern controllable. Due to the fact that the rainwater inlet has a larger stream cross-section, rainwater is mainly poured into the cistern. The rainwater must first be stored in a separate container.

DE 196 47 779 A1 deals with a toilet cistern with two filling valves, see above that also stored rainwater or greywater, e.g. B. from the shower or the Bathtub can be used. In the cistern is located on the side of the edge a control tank into which the hot water supply opens. The fresh water supply flows directly into the cistern. The hot water supply is with a swim always coupled in the cistern and the fresh water supply with a float in the right yellow container. Water flows out of the control tank more slowly than through the drain opening of the drain valve. As a result, the cistern with hot water is primarily filled so that the fresh water supply only takes place when the domestic hot water tank is empty.

Another toilet cistern construction is known from DE 40 03 284 A1. On a normal cistern is a sink, the drain immediately bar flows into the toilet cistern, so that this water for flushing the toilet lung can be used. Such combinations can e.g. B. in mobile units, such as mobile homes or ships, planes etc. are used.

Although some of the systems already work very well, there are starting points for improvements. For example, there is a in the first two publications separate storage container necessary. In the latter construction, the level can  for toilet flushing vary a lot within the cistern because the float is set so that there is still enough space for what flows is present. The amount of flushing water flowing out is then also likely different sized.

It is therefore the object of the present invention a toilet cistern to provide the kind mentioned in a relatively uncomplicated manner of domestic water with a defined amount of rinse water.

This object is achieved in that a horizontal partition is provided, which divides the cistern into two pantries, a connection channel is provided between the upper and lower storage chamber, the flow mung cross section is smaller than the flow cross section of the drain valve, and that Filling volume of the upper storage chamber is greater than the filling volume of the lower storage compartment Board chamber.

With this structure of the cistern, it is possible to use sensibly Process water without the need for a separate storage tank. While the lower storage chamber specifies the amount of water for the rinsing process Water is already on for a subsequent rinsing process in the upper storage chamber collected. That means that with a fully filled toilet cistern according to the invention, at least two rinsing processes can be carried out in succession. The stream mung cross section of the connecting channel and the flow cross section of the drain valves are coordinated so that the drain valve after emptying the lower Pantry can close again. At the same time, water is already running through the ver connection channel from the upper storage chamber into the lower storage chamber. This However, flow through the connection channel does not prevent the drain valve from closing SEN. In addition, the drain valve could be vented for the lower supply be provided chamber. The amount of water flowing in during the rinsing process through the connecting channel can by the different size of the top and lower pantry to be balanced. That means that in the upper front council chamber in the best case there is so much water that the lower store chamber is completely filled again, without domestic or fresh water flowing in can be.  

Because of this buffer storage in the upper pantry, it is not uncommon necessary to control the hot water inlet, but it can depend on A corresponding afterflow take place. The level control The first inlet device for fresh water is preferably only used when the lower pantry can no longer be filled completely. Such a toilet Cistern could be in contact with water consumers in the immediate vicinity hen. It is therefore a very simple concept of using domestic water without the need for large storage facilities.

Furthermore, the inlet of the inlet device for fresh water can preferably into the open upper pantry. This allows a separation from in the stock Make available water and fresh water. So that the process water the inlet is preferred with as little pressure as possible in the cistern the inlet device for domestic water in the upper storage chamber. Furthermore, an overflow pipe can be assigned to the drain valve, which goes into the upper one Storage chamber opens, the inlet of the inlet device for fresh water o is arranged above an inlet of the drain pipe. The water level inside the upper storage chamber can only rise up to the inlet of the drain pipe never reaches the inlet of the fresh water inlet device, so a full constant separation of process water and fresh water is realized.

In a further embodiment, an overflow pipe is assigned to the drain valve opens into the upper storage chamber, the inlet of the inlet device for Service water is arranged above an inlet of the drain pipe. The custom water can then flow into the upper storage chamber without pressure, so that none Check valve devices are required.

It is also advantageous if the inlet device for fresh water is a fill level controlled valve, with a switching level for the valve in the upper reservoir chamber is set so that it is the same or below a fill level lies, which arises when the liquid volume present in the cistern Filling volume of the upper storage container minus the filling volume of the lower storage container  equivalent. This ensures that as little as possible or none at all Fresh water continues to flow as long as there is enough water in the upper storage chamber completely fill the lower pantry again. Ver until the next rinse then enough time that the process water returns to the upper one through other activities Storage chamber flows.

Another improvement is that the switching level is additionally reduced, around the through the connection channel into the lower pantry during a rinse to compensate for the amount of liquid flowing in. Also stream these out de The amount of liquid is taken into account for the switching process of the fresh water supply, so that even if these low losses are observed, the fresh water supply is only opened is net if the upper supply amount for filling the lower storage chamber is not would suffice. To balance this amount of liquid is the top supply Chamber correspondingly larger or with a larger filling volume (e.g. up to one run of the drain pipe).

Furthermore, the inlet device for fresh water can be in the upper store chamber arranged float to open and close the inlet device for fresh water include. This can also be designed to be adjustable, so that ver different switching levels can be achieved. It is advantageous in such a configuration also that only the inlet device for fresh water with such Must be equipped, whereas it is generally possible that the Inlet device for process water can constantly flow after process water, provided that generate domestic water with this connected consumer.

In one embodiment it is provided that between the lower and upper front Council chamber a paragraph is arranged on which a separate partition rests, the essentially completely covers the lower pantry. This partition can then a breakthrough for the overflow pipe as well as a simple openings Have opening as a connecting channel. The separate partition can also be fixed connected to the wall of the cistern or sealed in the area of the heel become.  

Furthermore, the invention relates to a water saving system that a toilet Cistern according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a mixed water system. The mixed water system is between an outlet pipe and a return pipe switchable, the return line with the inlet device for domestic water of the Toilet cistern is connected. Here are z. B. systems in which by means of egg ner mixer tap water is to be provided at a predetermined temperature, which is mixed from a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet. Until the desired temperature set and the adjustment of the mixing process abge is closed, a not inconsiderable amount of mixed water flows with unused water desired temperature out of the outlet. So that this water does not pass through the Drain disappears, a return line is provided in these systems through that this water is recyclable. So far, it has been returned to a storage tank container. According to the present invention, this return line is now immediate connected to the process water inlet of the toilet cistern according to the invention. On such a concept can e.g. B. very easy to implement in a bathroom. Should If there is a large amount via the return line, the excess can Drain water through the overflow pipe into the sewer. Through this water saving system a large amount of previously unnecessarily wasted water can already be Collect further use.

As a mixed water system could, for. B. a mixer tap with a channel housing ver be applied. There is at least one mixed water outlet in the duct housing adjustable mixing valve, one with the mixing water via the mixing valve hot water supply that can be connected and a mixing valve with the Connectable hot water supply integrated in mixed water drain. In addition, are still in the duct housing a return and a switching valve device through which optional se at least the hot water inlet with the return or the mixed water outlet is switchable, integrated.

Furthermore, the switching valve device can be downstream of the mixing valve be arranged.

There is also the possibility here that an integral duct housing is provided in a mixed water drainage channel, a hot water supply channel and a return channel  are molded. A valve seat for the switching valve device can in the Kanalge housing integrated. There is also the possibility of a valve seat for the mixing valve is integrated in the duct housing.

A mixing chamber can be arranged in the channel housing downstream of the mixing valve be arranged, the return channel opening into this mixing chamber.

In one embodiment, a uniform connection side on the duct housing be provided at which a connection to the hot water supply, the cold water run and the return occurs. Preferably, the connection side as a uniform, in Connection mask arranged essentially on one level.

The changeover valve device could be accessible from outside the duct housing Che actuation handle to switch to the respective valve positions.

There is also the possibility that the switching valve device a tempe ratur-controlled automatic switchover includes. The following are execution examples games of the present invention explained. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an inventive WC-cistern,

FIGS. 2a-2f, various fillers or operating conditions of the toilet cistern in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a partially sectioned side view of a washbasin mixer with the return,

Fig. 4 is a partial representation of a bottom view of the mixing faucet of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 with open return,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 with a closed return,

Fig. 7 is a partially sectioned side view of a bathtub mixer with return,

8 view. Bathtub mixer of FIG. 7 is a partially cut plan,

Fig. 9 is a partially sectioned side view of a shower mixer with return,

Fig. 10 the shower cabin mixer from Fig. 9 in a partially cut top view and

Fig. 11 is a side view of a combined shower / tub mixer tap with integrated return.

In Fig. 1 shown WC cistern 1 comprises a box-shaped housing 2 which is closed at its upper end by a removable cover 3. The Ge housing 2 is a separate partition 4 arranged in this in an upper storage chamber 5 and a lower storage chamber 6 divided. The side walls of the box-shaped housing 2 are essentially completely closed and the horizontal bottom wall 7 has an opening to which a drain pipe 8 is connected. In the present embodiment, the housing 2 has the same thickness over its entire height, while it tapers in width from top to bottom. In the area of the partition 4 , a shoulder 9 is arranged between the upper storage chamber 5 and the lower storage chamber 6 in the housing 2, at least on the end faces, on which the partition 4 rests, which is rectangular in plan view.

At the upper end of the upper storage chamber 5 there is a process water inlet 10 which opens into the latter without a valve device. On the opposite side there is a fresh water inlet 11 which is provided with an opening valve 12 which is connected to a float 14 via a lever linkage 13 . In Fig. 1, the switching level 15 is also shown by a dashed line. If the water level drops below this switching level 15 , the float 14 also drops and the valve 12 opens and water can flow into the upper storage chamber 5 via the fresh water inlet 11 .

If the water level is above the switching level 15 , the valve 12 is constantly closed.

The drain pipe 8 is assigned a drain valve 16 inside the lower storage chamber 6 , which closes or opens the drain opening in the bottom wall 7 (access to the drain pipe 8 ). The drain valve 16 can be actuated by a handle 17 which is connected to it. The handle 17 is connected to the drain valve 16 via a linkage 18 . An overflow pipe 19 is assigned to the drain valve 16 and extends up to a certain height through the partition wall 4 into the upper storage chamber 5 . The components interacting with the drain valve 16 (e.g. handle 17 , linkage 18 and overflow pipe 19 ) can be designed in a variety of ways. There are sufficient examples of this in the prior art. The upper edge of the overflow pipe 19 defines an overflow opening 20 through which water can flow directly into the drain pipe 8 if the predetermined fill level in the upper storage chamber 5 is exceeded, even without the drain valve 16 being open. The upper end of the overflow pipe 19 is arranged within the upper storage chamber 5 that both the process water inlet 10 and the fresh water inlet 11 are above the highest possible water level in the cistern 1 . What water within the upper storage chamber 5 never reaches these two inlets 10 and 11th

Despite the overflow opening 20, the filling volume of the upper storage chamber 5 is greater than the filling volume of the lower storage chamber 6 . Between the lower Vorratskam mer 6 and the upper storage chamber 5 there is a connection via a connec tion opening 21 in the partition 4th The flow cross section of this connection opening 21 is smaller than the flow cross section of the drain opening of the drain pipe 8 . Furthermore, the drain valve 16 and / or the overflow pipe 19 can be provided with a ventilation device for the lower storage chamber 6 , so that air can flow into the lower storage chamber 6 when the drain valve 16 is open.

The switching level 15 is set due to the geometry or adjustability of the linkage 13 and the float 14 so that the amount of water in a fully filled upper storage chamber 5 is sufficient to refill the lower storage chamber 6 without the fresh water inlet 11 having to be opened. In the present case, the switching level 15 is a few centimeters above the partition 4 , so that the remaining volume above the switching level 15 up to the upper edge of the overflow pipe 19 must be sufficient to fill the lower storage chamber 6 . However, any other switching level 15 can also be set. Even an arrangement of the float in the lower storage chamber 6 would be conceivable. When determining the shaft level 15 , consideration must be given to the fact that during the time in which the drain valve 16 is open, water is already flowing from the upper storage chamber 5 via the connection opening 21 into the lower storage chamber 6 . However, due to the flow cross section of the connection opening 21, this inflowing water is not sufficient to hold the drain valve 16 in its open position. The filling volume of the upper storage chamber 5 must therefore be designed somewhat more generously in order to compensate for the inflow through the connection opening 21 during the opening process of the drain valve 16 . Due to the hydraulic conditions, however, this quantity can be determined very precisely and the switching level 15 determined accordingly.

Different functional states of the previously described toilet cistern will now be explained with reference to FIGS . 2a-2f.

In Fig. 2a, the drain valve 16 of the toilet cistern 1 is shown closed. Furthermore, the cistern 1 is filled with water W up to the highest possible level up to the upper edge of the overflow pipe 19 . While the fresh water inlet 11 is closed in this state g, domestic water can flow into the upper storage chamber 5 at any time via the domestic water inlet 10 . Due to the fact that their absorption capacity is exhausted, this process water continues to flow through the overflow opening 20 into the drain pipe 8 .

In Fig. 2b, a filling state is illustrated in which the upper storage chamber 5 is filled only teilwei se. Here, too, the fresh water inlet 11 is further closed via the valve 12 . About the process water inlet 10 process water can flow into the upper storage chamber 5 and is collected in this.

In Fig. 2c is now shown how the handle 17 is actuated and the drain valve 16 is opened. All of the water from the lower storage chamber 6 has already drained off via the drain pipe 8 . During this process, water flows continuously from the upper storage chamber 5 via the connection opening 21 , as shown by the arrow. If one assumes that this state arises from the filling state according to FIG. 2a, it can be seen that the filling level in the upper storage chamber 5 also decreases in accordance with the flow through the connection opening 21 . This afterflow must be taken into account when determining the switching level 15 when the drain valve 16 is subsequently closed.

Then the drain valve 16 , as in Fig. 2e closed, the water can then flow through the connection opening 21 into the lower storage chamber 6 and fill it completely, with so much water remaining in the upper storage chamber 5 that the fresh water inlet 11 does not open and in this waiting position, domestic water can flow in at any time through the domestic water inlet 10 (see arrow).

The situation in FIG. 2d is somewhat different, which must be seen starting from the state in FIG. 2b. While the lower storage chamber 6 has already run empty, water flows down through the connection opening 21 . However, the amount of liquid is not sufficient to completely fill the lower storage chamber 6 , as can be seen from FIG. 2f. As a result, the float 14 drops below the switching level 15 , so that the fresh water inlet 11 is also opened. Fresh water only continues to run until switching level 15 is reached again. At the same time, process water can also flow in, so that a small amount of fresh water is required. The remaining filling of the upper storage chamber 5 again takes place only via the process water inlet 10 .

A washbasin mixer 22 will now be explained in more erläu reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

The mixer tap comprises an essentially one-piece channel housing 23 , in the upper end of which a mixing valve 24 is inserted, which can be adjusted via a pivoting / rocking lever 21 .

It can be seen from the bottom view in FIG. 4 that a connection 26 for hot water, a connection 27 for cold water and a connection 28 for a return are provided at the lower end of the channel housing 23 . The connections 26 to 28 are arranged more or less in one plane, so that they form a common connection plug face. The hot water connection 26 and the cold water connection 27 are guided in correspondingly shaped channels (not shown in the drawing) to the mixing valve 24 and can be opened and closed individually as well as opened in a certain ratio to one another, so that the connections 26 and 27 are connected both individually and in a predetermined ratio together with a mixing chamber 29 provided in the channel housing 23 . While the mixing valve 24 is inserted into a valve seat 30 , there is another valve seat 31 further ahead on the channel housing 23 . In this Ven tilsitz a manually operated switch valve 32 is used. The design of the changeover valve 32 is best known since it is a standard component for other purposes. The switch valve 32 is able to switch between two valve positions.

At the front end of the channel housing 23 there is an outlet 33 which is connected to an outlet chamber 34 . In the position shown in FIG. 3, the switching valve 32 is inserted with its valve portion 35, the through opening 36 between the mixing chamber 29 and the outlet chamber 34 and closes the through opening 36 . The passage opening 37 is not closed by the valve region 38 , so that the mixing chamber 29 is connected to a return chamber 39 . The return chamber 39 opens into the connection for the return 28 .

The changeover valve shown in FIGS. 3 to 11 has a handle 40 and can be switched over by hand. However, there is also the possibility of using changeover valves of a different type and design that perform the same function. It would also be conceivable to carry out an automatic switchover by means of temperature control, so that the valve need not be visible from the outside at all.

Referring to FIG. 5, the switching state can be seen, as shown in Fig. 3. When the mixing valve 24 is open, water flows through one or both of the connections 26 and 27 into the mixing chamber 29 and from there through the through opening 37 into the return channel 39 . This process can e.g. B. take place when water of a certain temperature at the outlet 33 is desired. The pivot / rocker arm 25 could be provided with a scale that facilitates adjustment. By feeling the housing 23 it can be determined whether there is water in the mixing chamber 29 at the desired temperature; as long as mixed water flows out via the return connection 28 .

Then the switching valve 32 can be switched by actuating the handle 40 , so that the through opening 37 is now closed by the valve region 38 and mixed water can flow from the mixing chamber 29 into the outlet chamber 34 (see FIG. 6). No water now flows through the return port 28 .

In the following, modifications of a mixer similar operation will be described with reference to FIGS . 7 to 11. For reasons of simplification, only the essential differences are dealt with. If the elements are identical or functionally identical, the same reference numbers are used as in FIGS . 3 to 6.

The embodiments according to FIGS. 7 and 8 differ mainly in that the return connection 28 is arranged centrally, while the hot water duct and the cold water duct branch in the duct housing 23 , so that their connections 26 and 27 each offset laterally from the return port 28 are. As a result, a uniform connection side is provided, but not a mating face, which is located on one level. The connection side is offset by 90 ° to the connection side according to FIGS. 3 to 6, so that a direct wall mounting can take place. The action and mode of operation of the mixed water flow and the changeover valve 32 are identical.

The mixer tap 42 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is suitable for use in a shower cubicle. For better usability, the swivel / rocker arm 25 is located opposite the connection side with the connections 26 , 27 and 28 . The outlet 33 is provided with an external connection thread 43 to which a supply hose for a hand shower can be screwed. Due to the installation close to the wall, this mixer tap 42 has no pronounced return chamber 39 . The operation of the changeover valve 32 and the mixing valve 24 are again identical to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS . 3 to 6. Here, too, the connections 26 and 27 for hot and cold water connections are pulled apart. As in the previous exemplary embodiment, the connections 26 , 27 and 28 have standard connection plugs 44 with cover caps 45 .

The design of the mixing faucet of Fig. 11 differs from the above Gegan genes in that it is suitable for a wall. For this purpose, it comprises a front panel 46 , from which the handle 40 and the pivot / rocker arm 25 protrude. The housing 23 can also be configured such that two outlets 33 are provided. The upper outlet 33 serves for a shower connection, while the lower outlet 33 serves for the connection to a bathtub fitting. The changeover valve 32 , not shown, can then be pushed into three different positions via the handle 40 . On the one hand the position for connection to the return and on the other hand for connection to the upper outlet 33 or in the third position for connection to the lower outlet 33 . The individual channels are guided accordingly in the housing 23 and the changeover valve is longer. The actual mixing process takes place again via the mixing valve, not shown.

All of these previous mixer taps 22 , 41 , 42 and 47 can be connected with their return to the process water inlet 10 of the toilet cistern 1 shown in FIGS . 1 to 2f, so that a water saving system results. This can be done e.g. B. easily accommodate in a bathroom.

Claims (11)

1. toilet cistern ( 1 ) with an inlet device ( 10 ) for industrial water, a level-controlled inlet device ( 11 ) for fresh water and a drain valve ( 16 ), characterized in that a horizontal partition ( 4 ) is provided which the cistern ( 1 ) divided into two storage chambers ( 5 , 6 ), a connec tion channel ( 21 ) between the upper and lower storage chamber ( 5 , 6 ) is provided, the flow cross section of which is smaller than the flow cross section of the drain valve ( 16 ), and the filling volume of the Upper storage chamber ( 5 ) is larger than the filling volume of the lower storage chamber ( 6 ). 2. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet of the inlet device ( 11 ) for fresh water into the upper storage chamber ( 5 ) mün det. 3. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inlet of the inlet device ( 10 ) for domestic water opens into the upper storage chamber ( 5 ). 4. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the drain valve ( 16 ) is assigned an overflow pipe ( 19 ) which opens into the upper storage chamber ( 5 ), and the inlet of the inlet device ( 11 ) for fresh water is arranged above an inlet ( 20 ) of the drain pipe ( 19 ). 5. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the drain valve ( 16 ) is associated with an overflow pipe ( 19 ) which opens into the upper storage chamber ( 5 ), and the inlet of the inlet device ( 10 ) for service water is arranged above an inlet ( 20 ) of the drain pipe ( 19 ). 6. toilet cistern according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inlet device ( 11 ) for fresh water comprises a level-controlled valve ( 12 ), wherein a switching level ( 15 ) for the valve ( 12 ) in the upper storage chamber ( 5 ) is set so that it is the same or is below a level that occurs when the liquid volume in the cistern ( 1 ) corresponds to the filling volume of the upper storage container ( 5 ) minus the filling volume of the lower storage container ( 6 ). 7. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the switching level ( 15 ) is additionally lowered in order to compensate for the amount of liquid flowing in through the connecting channel ( 21 ) into the lower storage chamber ( 6 ) during a flushing process. 8. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inlet device ( 11 ) for fresh water in the upper storage chamber ( 5 ) arranged float ( 14 ) for opening and closing the inlet device ( 11 ) for fresh water. 9. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that between the upper and lower storage chamber ( 5 , 6 ) a paragraph ( 9 ) is arranged, on which a separate partition ( 4 ) rests, which essentially completely covers the lower storage chamber ( 6 ). 10. toilet cistern ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the inlet device ( 10 ) for domestic water is designed such that domestic water can flow continuously. 11. Water saving system, which comprises a toilet cistern according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a mixed water system ( 22 , 42 , 42 , 47 ), the mixed water system being switchable between an outlet line ( 33 ) and a return line ( 28 ) and the Return line ( 28 ) is connected to the inlet device ( 10 ) for service water of the toilet cistern ( 1 ).