[0001] This invention relates generally to an apparatus for emptying a cistern, for example
a toilet cistern. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates
to an apparatus for automatically releasing water from a toilet cistern in order to
flush the toilet.
[0002] Known apparatus for this purpose generally include relatively complex electromechanical
and/or mechanical installations. It is therefore non-exclusive object of the invention
to provide an alternative and/or simpler arrangement.
[0003] A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for emptying a cistern, the
apparatus comprising a control unit, a pair of actuators operably connected to the
control unit and first and second cables, a first end of each cable being connected
to a respective one of the actuators and a second end of each cable being configured
to be connected to a valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the cistern, wherein the
apparatus is configured to actuate, in use, the first cable to open the valve for
effecting a full flush in response to a first signal received by the control unit,
the apparatus being further configured to actuate the second cable to open the or
a further valve for effecting a partial flush in response to a second signal received
by the control unit.
[0004] The use of individual cables with individual actuators permits independent control
of a full flush and of a partial flush where the apparatus is configured for dual
flush operation. The apparatus may also be retrofitted to existing flush valves, for
example which use a two part push button, wherein each push button part presently
operates an independent cable.
[0005] The first and/or second cables may advantageously be slideable within a sheath, for
example a single sheath or a respective sheath, e.g. a respective one of first and
second sheaths. This arrangement allows the control unit to be positioned remotely
of the valve in use.
[0006] For the avoidance of doubt, the term full flush as used herein refers to the emptying
of at least a portion of the contents of the cistern and a partial flush refers to
the emptying of a portion of the contents of the cistern which is less than the portion
which corresponds to a full flush. For example, substantially all or at least most,
e.g. at least three quarters, of the contents of the cistern may be emptied during
the full flush and/or less, e.g. two thirds, one half, one third or one quarter, of
the contents of the cistern may be emptied during the partial flush.
[0007] The apparatus may further comprise the or a valve, wherein at least one, preferably
both, of the cables are connected to the valve, e.g. both may be connected to the
same valve. The valve may be fluidly coupled to or configured to be fluidly coupled,
in use, to an outlet of the cistern. The apparatus may be arranged to cause each actuator
to open the valve, in use, by a predetermined amount and/or at a predetermined position
and/or for a predetermined period, for example which is different from that of the
other actuator. The valve is preferably arranged to be submerged, in use, within the
cistern. The valve is preferably arranged to remain open, in use, until the water
within the cistern reaches a predetermined level, for example by virtue of the back
pressure created by the water being released from the cistern.
[0008] Each of the different positions may configured to cause the valve to remain open
until the water within the cistern reaches a respective different predetermined level,
for example by virtue of the back pressure created by the water being released. Each
cable may be connected to a, i.e. the same, or a respective lever mechanism arranged
to open the valve by an amount which is proportional to the displacement of that cable.
[0009] A first of the predetermined levels may correspond to the cistern being substantially
empty and/or a second of the predetermined levels may correspond to the cistern being
partially empty. A first of the predetermined periods or positions is preferably arranged
to drain at least most of the contents of the cistern, more preferably substantially
all of the contents thereof. A second of the predetermined periods or positions is
preferably less than the first predetermined period or position and/or may be arranged
to drain only a portion of the contents of the cistern, for example about three quarters,
two thirds, half or one third or one quarter, of the contents thereof.
[0010] One or more of the actuators may be arranged to provide a linear force, e.g. it may
comprise a solenoid or a diaphragm pump, for example wherein the cable is connected
directly thereto. Advantageously, at least one of the cables may be connected to an
actuator by a lever mechanism arranged to provide a mechanical advantage or amplified
displacement of the cable.
[0011] Alternatively, one or more of the actuators may be arranged to provide a rotational
force or torque, which may be converted into a linear force by a conversion means
such as a gearing arrangement, for example a worm gear, rack and pinion or other equivalent
arrangement. At least one of the cables is preferably connected directly to the conversion
means such that it may be actuated by the or one of the actuators.
[0012] At least one of the actuators may comprise a pump or motor, for example a hydraulic
pump or an electric motor.
[0013] The first and second cables may be arranged to cause the valve to open, in use, for
respective different predetermined periods. The displacements of the first cable may
be different, for example more, than the displacement of the second cable.
[0014] The first cable may be connected or configured to be connected, in use, to a lever
of or on the valve and may be arranged to push or pull the lever, in use, to the or
a first position, for example to open the valve for the or a first predetermined period.
[0015] The second cable may be connected or configured to be connected, in use,to the or
a lever of or on the valve and may be arranged to push or pull the lever, in use,
to the or a second position, for example to open the valve for the or a second predetermined
period which may be different from the first predetermined period.
[0016] The apparatus may further comprise an input means arranged to receive, in use, a
first command from a user and to generate the or a first signal and/or to receive,
in use, a second command from a user to generate the or a second signal. The input
means may comprise at least one infrared proximity sensor, for example which is electrically
connected to the input of the control unit. Alternatively, the input of the control
unit may comprise an antenna or the like for receiving, for example, RF signals from
the input means.
[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the input means may comprise a mechanical or hydraulic
input means or any other suitable arrangement. The input means may comprise, for example,
a proximity switch or a manually operated device such as a conventional chain, lever
or push button mechanism.
[0018] The infrared sensor may be arranged to receive an extended command, which may correspond
to a request for a partial emptying of the cistern, and to generate the or a second
signal.
[0019] Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a second input means or infrared sensor
arranged to receive, in use, a second command from a user and to generate the or a
second signal to empty, for example only part of the contents, such as half, the cistern.
[0020] The apparatus may further comprise a second valve fluidly coupled or configured to
be fluidly coupled, in use, to a second outlet of the cistern for controlling the
release of water therefrom, for example as part of a dual flush mechanism. The second
cable may be connected to the second valve.
[0021] The apparatus may further comprise a power source for powering the control unit,
for example one or more batteries, and/or a power cable connected or configured to
be connected, in use, to a power source, for example to a mains outlet.
[0022] A further aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus
for emptying a cistern, e.g. an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.
The kit of parts may comprise any of the elements or features described above. In
particular, the kit may comprise the control unit and/or one or more of the actuators
and/or one or both of the cables and/or the or each valve.
[0023] A yet further aspect of the invention provides a cistern comprising an apparatus
as described above. The or a second outlet of the cistern may be vertically displaced
with respect to the first outlet, for example such that the second outlet is arranged
to empty less than the contents of the cistern, for example half of the contents thereof.
[0024] A more general aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for emptying a cistern,
the apparatus comprising a control unit and a cable, the control unit including an
actuator for operating a valve which is fluidly coupled or couplable to an outlet
of the cistern, wherein a first end of the cable is connected to the actuator and
a second end of the cable is connected or connectable to the valve, the cable being
slidable within a sheath for opening the valve when a signal to empty the cistern
is received, in use, by an input of the control unit.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of a control unit for use in the apparatus
of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of a second embodiment of a control unit for use in the apparatus
of Figure 1; and
Figure 4 is a top view of a third embodiment of a control unit for use in the apparatus
of Figure 1.
[0026] In Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus 1 according to the invention which includes
a control unit 2, 102, 202, a cistern or tank 3 having an outlet 4 feeding an outlet
conduit 5 for releasing water 6 stored therein into a toilet T and a valve 7 coupled
to the outlet conduit 5 for controlling the release of water 6 from the tank 3. The
outlet conduit 5 has an inlet 50, corresponding to the cistern outlet 4, adjacent
the bottom of the tank 3 and feeds the toilet T in the usual way.
[0027] The control unit 2, 102, 202 is connected to a lever mechanism (not shown) on the
valve 7 by a pair of cables 8a, 8b, each of which is movable or slidable within a
respective sheath 9a, 9b. The lever mechanism (not shown) has a first position and
a second position. The first position is arranged to open the valve 7 fully and the
second position is arranged to only partially open the valve 7. Each cable 8a, 8b
is arranged to move the lever mechanism (not shown) to one of its two positions.
[0028] The valve 7 is arranged to remain open until the water 6 within the cistern 3 reaches
a predetermined level by virtue of the back pressure created by the water 6 being
released from the cistern 3. The period that the valve 7 remains open is dependent
upon the extent to which it is opened. In this embodiment, the valve 7 is arranged
to be opened to one of two positions. The first position results in the valve 7 remaining
open for a first predetermined period sufficient to drain substantially all of the
contents of the tank 3. The second position results in the valve 7 remaining open
for a second predetermined period which is less than the first period and arranged
to drain approximately half of the contents of the tank 3.
[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 2 includes a housing 20 within which is located
a pair of linear actuators 21 a, 21 b in the form of diaphragm pumps in this embodiment,
a PCB controller 22 with an input 23 and a power source 24. In this embodiment, the
power source 24 includes four batteries 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d which are electrically
connected to, and which power, the controller 22 and the actuators 21 a, 21 b. The
input 23 is electrically connected to, and receives signals from, an infrared proximity
sensor 23a.
[0030] In this embodiment, each actuator 21 a, 21 b is directly connected to one of the
cables 8a, 8b by a coupling 25a, 25b from which the cable 8a, 8b extends through a
respective hole (not shown) in the housing 20 and into its respective sheath 9a, 9b.
Actuation of each of the actuators 21 a, 21 b causes the respective cable 8a, 8b to
slide within the sheath 9a, 9b and to move the lever mechanism (not shown) to one
of its two positions as described above.
[0031] In use, the infrared proximity sensor 23a is activated by a user (not shown) which
sends a signal to the controller 22. The sensor 23a is arranged to receive two commands,
a brief command signal by way of, for example, a hand waving across the sensor 23a
or an extended command signal by way of, for example the user keeping his or her hand
in front of the sensor 23a for an extended period of time. The extended command signal
in this embodiment corresponds to a request for a full flush, i.e. to empty all of
the contents of the tank 3, while the brief command signal corresponds to a request
for a partial flush, i.e. to empty only half of the contents of the tank 3 into the
toilet T.
[0032] The controller 22 processes the signal and sends a command to the relevant actuator
21a, 21b depending upon which of the command signals is received. Movement of the
actuator 21 a, 21 b causes the relevant cable 8a, 8b to move the lever (not shown)
to the relevant position, thus emptying either all or half of the contents of the
tank 3.
[0033] Figure 3 shows a control unit 102 which is similar to the control unit 2 of Figure
2, wherein like references represent like components and will therefore not be described.
The control unit 102 according to this embodiment includes respective lever members
125a, 125b in place of the couplings 25a, 25b in the first embodiment. Each lever
member 125a, 125b is connected to a respective actuator 21 a, 21 b at a first of its
ends and a respective cable 8a, 8b at the other of its ends.
[0034] The lever members 125a, 125b are also pivotably mounted to the housing 120 about
a fulcrum 126a, 126b positioned intermediate its ends and, in this embodiment, is
nearer the connection with the actuator 21 a, 21 b. Thus, the displacement of the
cable 8a, 8b is amplified as compared to the actuator displacement.
[0035] Figure 4 shows a control unit 202 which is similar to the control units 2, 102 of
Figures 2 and 3, wherein like references represent like components and will therefore
not be described. The control unit 202 of this embodiment includes a pair of actuators
221a, 221 b in the form of rotational electric motors in place of the linear actuators
21 a, 21 b of the first and second embodiments. The rotational actuators 221 a, 221
b are connected to respective worm gear assemblies 225a, 225b to convert the torque
of the actuators 221 a, 221 b into a linear force. The worm gear assemblies 225a,
225b are mounted to the housing 220 of the control unit 202 and are free to rotate
and translate. Each cable 8a, 8b is connected directly to a respective worm gear assembly
225a, 225b for actuation as described above.
[0036] Several variations to the embodiments disclosed herein are envisaged without departing
from the scope of the invention. For example, the apparatus may comprise a single
flush arrangement in place of the dual flush mechanism, in which case only a single
cable 8a, 8b, sheath 9a, 9b and actuator 21a, 21 b would be required and the valve
7 could be replaced with a single flush valve (not shown). Alternatively, the dual
flush function may be provided by a single cable 8a, 8b, sheath 9a, 9b and actuator
21 a, 21 b arranged to provide two different cable displacements.
[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the dual flush valve 7 may be replaced by a pair of
valves, wherein each cable 8a, 8b is connected to a different one of the valves. In
such a case, it is also possible to provide two outlet conduits 5, wherein the inlet
of one of the conduits 5 extends into the cistern 3 at a level that is vertically
higher than that of the other conduit 5 and wherein the same type of valve 7 can be
used for each.
[0038] The controller 22 need not be a PCB controller and it may, for example, be replaced
with any suitable means for operating the actuator on receipt of an input signal from
a user such as a mechanical arrangement. The power source 24 may advantageously be
a removable power pack, for example to avoid the need for opening the control unit
to replace batteries and/or may include less or more than four batteries 24a, 24b,
24c, 24d. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 24 may comprise an socket
or connector for connection to a mains power supply or any other suitable source of
electrical power. This arrangement would be particularly advantageous for commercial
applications.
[0039] Moreover, the input means 23a may include a second infrared sensor, wherein each
infrared sensor 23a is arranged to receive one of the aforementioned two command signals.
Alternatively, the input means 23a need not be an infrared proximity sensor 23a and/or
need not be electrically connected to the input 23 of the controller 22. Rather, it
is also envisaged that the input 23 may advantageously comprise an antenna or the
like for receiving, for example, RF signals from an input means.
[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the input means may comprise a mechanical or hydraulic
input means or any other suitable input means. The input means may comprise, for example,
a proximity switch or a manually operated device such as a conventional chain, lever
or push button mechanism.
[0041] The lever members 125a, 125b may be arranged to provide a mechanical advantage as
opposed to the amplified displacement provided by the arrangement of the second embodiment
of control unit 102. The worm gear assemblies 225a, 225b may be replaced with other
suitable conversion means such as a rack and pinion arrangement or the like. It will
also be appreciated that any suitable coupling arrangement may be used, bearing in
mind the particular requirements of the application in question.
[0042] The actuator 21 a, 21 b, 221 a, 221 b may comprise any suitable actuation means,
for example in the form a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or pump or a linear motor,
which may be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically powered. For example, the
diaphragm pumps may be replaced with a solenoid.
[0043] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations
of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide
clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention
described herein.
1. Apparatus for emptying a cistern, the apparatus comprising an electronic control unit,
a cable and a proximity switch, the control unit including an actuator for operating
a valve which is fluidly coupled or couplable to an outlet of the cistern, wherein
a first end of the cable is connected to the actuator and a second end of the cable
is connected or connectable to the valve, the cable being slidable within a sheath
for opening the valve when a signal to empty the cistern is received, in use, from
the proximity switch by an input of the control unit.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is arranged to provide a rotational
force or torque, the cable being connected to a conversion means for converting the
rotational force or torque into a linear force.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a valve to which the
second end of the cable is connected.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the valve is configured to remain open, in
use, until the water within the cistern reaches a predetermined level by virtue of
the back pressure created by the water being released from the cistern.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the proximity switch comprises
an infrared proximity sensor arranged to receive, in use, a command from a user and
to generate the first signal.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the signal comprises one of a
first signal corresponding to a request for a full flush and a second signal corresponding
to a request for a partial flush, the proximity switch being arranged to receive,
in use, a first command from a user for generating the first signal to empty the cistern
and/or to receive, in use, a second command from a user for generating the second
signal to empty the cistern.
7. Apparatus according preceding claim further comprising a power cable for connecting
the control unit to a power source.
8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising a power source
for powering the control unit.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries.
10. A cistern comprising an apparatus according to any preceding claim.
11. A kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to
9, the kit comprising the electronic control unit and/or the cable and/or the a proximity
switch and/or the valve.