Multiple Feed Discharge Flush System

Abstract

A multi-path discharge feed for a pressurized flush system of a water closet. The discharge feed fluidly connected to the pressurizable flush tank includes an inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. Contents of the pressurizable flush tank are received via the inlet and distributed between a wash portion directed to the first outlet and a flush portion directed to the second outlet. The first outlet is fluidly connected to a plurality of wash jets. The second outlet is fluidly connected to a flush jet. The volume of fluid directed to the wash portion and the flush portion may be controlled by selecting the area of the first outlet and the area of second outlet, respectively.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to pressurized flush systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pressurized a flush system having multiple fluid paths between the flush tank and the fixture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Water conservation has extended into most aspects of building planning and operation. This includes restroom fixtures such as urinals and water closets. Among the specific types of water closets, some utilize a pressurized flush tank to provide additional water pressure during a flush cycle beyond that provided by typical “gravity”-type flush systems. It has been recognized that traditional restroom fixtures were designed with a volume of flush water to handle a maximum design load. Yet typical usage does not approach this maximum amount, and waste can be cleared using a lesser volume of flush water. It is generally recognized that a pressurized flush provides benefits in the distance the volume “carries” in the drain pipe, as well as in allowing for a reduced flush water volume to clear any debris in the water closet.

Both conventional gravity-type flush systems as well as pressurized systems typically divide the total volume of flush water between a wash portion and a flush portion within the fixture. Water is directed from the tank (standard or pressurized) during a flush cycle through a single inlet and channeled to via distinct flow paths, typically raceways formed in the fixtures, to respective outlets. Water directed toward the wash portion typically enters the fixture near the top of bowl and may be distributed about the periphery of the bowl. The flush portion typically enters the fixture near the outlet, at or near the bottom of the fixture. Each of the portions generally encounters one or more restrictions, for example, bends of 90 degrees, in travelling through their respective flow paths. Such flow path configurations cause head loss, decreasing the velocity of flush flow and effectiveness of the flush system. Moreover, division of the total flush volume between the wash portion of flush volume is typically not optimized within the fixture.

Thus, mitigating restrictions in the flow path enhances flow of the flush water in the fixture and overall effectiveness of a flush cycle. Substantially optimized division of the total flush volume between the wash portion and the flush portion further enhances overall performance of the fixture. Enhancement of fluid flow characteristics and division may be particularly effective in pressurized tank systems and reduced flow systems where the total flush volume is often reduced from typical fixtures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-path pressurized flush system. A discharge feed fluidly connected to a flush tank includes an inlet and a first outlet, and a second outlet. The flush volume is received via the inlet and is divided between a wash portion directed to the first outlet and a flush portion directed to the second outlet. The first outlet is fluidly connected to a plurality of wash outlets generally disposed proximate the top of a bowl of the fixture. The second outlet is fluidly connected to a flush outlet generally disposed proximate the bottom of the bowl. The volume of fluid directed to the wash portion and the flush portion may be controlled by selecting the area of the first outlet and the area of second outlet, respectively. Selective adjustment of the area of the first outlet and/or second the second outlet permits flow optimization for a particular fixture or installation. The present invention mitigates head loss of the flush volume by reducing unnecessary restrictions in the flow path, thereby mitigating energy loss of the flush volume upon arrival to the bowl. Consequently, the invention may be used with a low flush volume, for example, about 4 liters, and an ultra-low flush volume, for example, about 2 liters.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a pressurized flush system. The pressurized flush system comprises a pressurizable flush tank having an inlet, an outlet, and a flush mechanism having a flush valve. The flush tank is disposed on a fixture and the fixture includes a bowl having a generally central jet flush opening and a plurality of wash jets positioned around an annulus of the bowl. A discharge feed is positioned in communication with the flush tank and the fixture and has a first opening and a second opening, the sum of the area of the first opening and the second opening being less than the area of the outlet. A first fluid flow path is defined by the first opening and a first tube and directs water from the flush tank to the flush jet. A second fluid flow path defined by the second opening and a second tube directs water from the flush tank to the wash jets.

Prior art fixtures, such as FIG. 2, typically include an interior manifold into which the water from the tank empties prior to being diverted towards the wash openings and the flush opening. Prior art fixtures typically utilize molded-in pathways, such that the water from the flush tank experiences several energy dissipating restrictions resulting in head loss, for example, the water typically empties into the fixture manifold with a downward flow but must change flow direction by 90 degrees to exit the fixture manifold and enter the respective pathways that flow substantially laterally through the fixture to the wash openings or flush opening. The fluid flow paths described above provide an alternative pathway that can eliminate the energy dissipating restrictions of the prior art designs. For example, the tubes extending from the discharge feed can extend through the manifold into the fixture's molded-in pathways, thus by-passing the manifold and its attendant 90 degree turn in the direction of flow.

In another embodiment, a pressurizable flush tank comprises a tank housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion including an outlet. The tank housing includes an inlet in communication with a water supply line and an air and water inducer configured to pressurize the tank housing. A flush mechanism is disposed within the tank housing and in communication with a flush actuator positioned at least partially outside the tank housing. The flush mechanism further includes a flush valve controllably sealing the outlet. A discharge feed is attached to the outlet such that water exiting the outlet passes through the discharge feed, the discharge feed having a first opening and a second opening. The sum of the area of the first opening and the second opening is less than the area of the outlet. Water from within the tank housing flows through the outlet and through one of either the first opening or the second opening in a flush cycle.

These and other advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art pressure flush vessel;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of a prior art toilet fixture;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressurized flush system and water closet with a discharge feed;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a pressure flush tank with a discharge feed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the discharge feed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the discharge feed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the discharge feed;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the discharge feed; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the discharge feed including a vacuum break valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One type of pressurized system utilizes a tank that is pressurized by the water feed line pressure itself. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical prior art system, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,698 (“the '698 patent”), incorporated herein by reference. The general system of FIG. 1 includes a tank 10, which may comprise an upper portion 10A and a lower portion 10B for ease of assembly, and the tank 10 receives water from a water supply line 18. Positioned between the water supply line 18 and the tank 10, is an air and water inducer 20. As described in the '698 patent, as water fed from the water supply line 18 passes through the air and water inducer 20, air is drawn into the tank 10 via a venturi effect. Accordingly, the air and water will pressurize the tank 10 to roughly the same pressure as that of the water supply line 18. The tank 10 fills to a predetermined level of water and air.

The system of FIG. 1 utilizes a flush valve 24 to release the contents of the tank 10 and activate a flush cycle. The '698 patent describes in detail one type of flush valve that may be utilized. Generally, the flush valve 24 includes a flush valve sleeve 30. Within the flush valve sleeve 30 is disposed an inner column 32; and a control chamber 31 is defined by a space within the top of the flush valve sleeve 30 and bounded on the bottom by the inner column 32. The inner column 32 includes a plurality of flanges, in one preferred embodiment three flanges 34, 35 and 36. The flanges 34, 35 and 36 are sized to have a minimal amount of clearance with the flush valve sleeve 30. The amount of clearance is dictated, in part, by the desired flow pattern and volume as is understood in the art.

The pressure within the flush valve sleeve 30 and above the inner column 32 holds the inner column 32 against the action of a bias, such as a spring 33, so that the flush valve flange 34 is sealed against the flush valve seat 36. The flush valve 24 is actuated via a flush valve actuator 25. The flush valve actuator 25 engages the flush valve and initiates a flush cycle.

When a flush cycle has been initiated, the system discharges water from the tank 10 through the flush valve 24 to a water outlet line 16, which may be a flange, which is in communication with the bowl 40. The flush valve 24 is positioned, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, substantially in the center of the tank 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a typical toilet fixture 39. Water is directed from the tank (standard or pressurized) during a flush cycle through a single inlet 51 into a manifold 52 that causes the water to abruptly change direction, resulting in a loss of water velocity. The water is then channeled to distinct flow paths 52/53, typically raceways formed in the fixtures, to respective outlets for flushing and washing.

The present invention is directed to a pressurized flush system shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 having a discharge feed 100 fluidly connected to the tank 10. The discharge feed 100 includes multiple fluid flow paths 122/124, whereby the discharge feed 100 directs a first portion of the water within tank 10 to a first outlet 102 and a second portion of the water to a second outlet 104. The first outlet 102 may be fluidly connected to the bowl 40 to deliver water from the tank 10 a first portion 42 of the bowl. The second outlet 104 may be fluidly connected to the bowl 40 to deliver water from the tank 10 to a second 44 portion of the bowl 40. In an embodiment, the first portion 42 of the bowl 40 may comprise a plurality of openings 43 disposed about the interior periphery of upper portion of the bowl 40, to wash the bowl 40 such that the first portion of water is a wash portion. The second portion 44 of the bowl 40 may comprise a flush jet 45 disposed proximate the bottom of the bowl 40. To achieve the primary flush such that the second portion of water is a flush portion.

With reference to FIGS. 3-9, various preferred embodiments of the discharge feed 100 of the present invention are depicted. The discharge feed 100 generally comprises an inlet 101, a plurality of outlets 102/104, a housing 110, and an interface 114. The inlet 101 is typically disposed near the top of the discharge feed 100. In the depicted embodiments, a top portion 111 of the housing 110 is substantially open comprising the inlet 101. The inlet 101 is fluidly coupled to the water outlet line 16 (shown in FIG. 1) and receives the water and/or air from the tank 10 during a flush cycle. The inlet 101 may have a circular cross-section but other embodiments may have an elliptical or other cross-section. The area of the inlet 101 is configured to accept the contents of the tank 10.

The housing 110 generally comprises a hollow shell manifold with openings for the inlet 101 and the plurality of outlets 102/104. The inlet 101 maybe disposed proximate the top 111 of the housing 110. One or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104 may be deposed near a bottom 112 of the housing 110. The contents of tank 10 enter the housing 110 and are directed to the plurality of outlets 102/104. The housing 110 may comprise a cylindrical shape or other geometry. In the depicted embodiments, where one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104 is disposed near the bottom 112, the housing 110 has a tapered cylindrical or frusta configuration. This configuration transitions the fluid path from the area of the inlet 101 to the area of the one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104 disposed on the bottom 112, thereby mitigating head loss within the housing 110. However, one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104 may be disposed along the lateral surface of the housing 110. The housing 110 may be constructed from a variety of materials including various plastics appropriate for use in plumbing, as known in the art.

One or more outlet may be used for purposes other then providing a fluid flow path. For example, FIG. 6, depicts the discharge feed 100 having three outlets where the second outlet 104 and a third outlet 106 are disposed on the lateral surface of the housing 110. The third outlet 106 is provided to serve as a vent, preferably closing upon the occurrence of a flush and then opening to provide a “vacuum break” to prevent suction from forming following the flush. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the discharge feed 100 including a vacuum break valve 126 as the vent (third outlet 106). A vacuum break valve 126 may be included in the housing 110 of the discharge feed 100. The vacuum break valve 126 provides a mechanism to relieve the back pressure that can be created with in the discharge feed 100. Various types of valves maybe utilized to accomplish such, for example, but not limited to “duck bill” and “umbrella” type valves.

The housing 110 may also include one or more brackets 116 configured to operatively connect the discharge feed 100 to the tank 10. A plurality of openings 117 may be included on the one or more brackets 116. The plurality of openings 117 are adapted to receive connecting elements to secure the discharge feed 100 to the tank 10 and or the water outlet connection line 16.

The discharge feed 100 may also include an interface 114 in communication with the housing 110. The interface 114 is adapted to operatively connect to the water outlet line 16. The interface 114 may be adapted to directly connect to the water outlet line 16 or may connect to an intervening pipe or tube operatively connected to the water outlet line 16. The interface 114 may include threads, barbs, or other attachment features for operative connection to the water outlet line 16. Alternatively, the interface 114 may employ a slip or interference fit with the water outlet line 16. The operative connection may further be secured by a clamp, adhesive, or other feature. In an embodiment, the interface 114 is adapted to fit one or more of a standard water outlet line 16.

The discharge feed 100 includes a plurality of outlets 102/104/106, for example, the first outlet 102 and the second outlet 104, from the housing 110. Various embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, may include one or more additional outlets, such as a third outlet 106. Each of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 generally comprise a hollow protuberance open to the interior of the housing 110 and extending outwardly from the housing 110. Each of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 include a corresponding opening 103/105/107 at the distal end of the protuberance. Each of the plurality of openings 103/105/107 is adapted for fluid connection to a flow path 122/124 [not shown] in fluid communication with the bowl 40. The flow path may comprise, for example, a pipe, hose, tube, or a raceway. In addition, at least a portion of the respective pathways may be formed by internal passages in the fixture. One end of the flow path 122/124 is operatively connected to one or more of the outlets 102/104. The other [not shown] end of the flow path may be fluidly connected to one or more openings or jets disposed on or proximate the bowl 40. The respective flow paths 122/124 may be directed to various portions of the bowl 40. In an embodiment, the first portion of the bowl 42 may be fluidly connected to the first outlet 102 via flow path 122 and the second portion of the bowl 44 may be fluidly connected to the second outlet 104 via flow path 124.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 is adapted for operative connection to a flow path. Each outlet may feed into a separate flow path. Generally, the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 comprise substantially circular geometry for operative connection to a conventional pipe, hose, tube, or connector. However, the configuration of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 is not so limited. For example, FIG. 6 depicts an outlet 102a with a substantially rounded rectangular configuration. The plurality of outlets 102/104/106 may also comprise other configurations, such as elliptical or other. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104 may include a bend portion. In various embodiments, such configurations may be particularly adapted to operatively connect to a raceway disposed in a fixture. The plurality of outlets 102/104/106 also may include a plurality of connection features 109 such as barbs or threads to facilitate securement to components forming the respective flow paths. Hose clamps and/or adhesive [not shown] may also be used to ensure securement of the respective flow paths to the plurality of outlets 102/104/106.

As described, during a flush cycle, the flow paths 122/124 are in fluid communication with the discharge feed 100 and, in turn, the inlet 101. Accordingly, the contents of the tank 10 received by the inlet 101 are distributed among the plurality of outlets 102/104/106. The proportion of the contents of the tank 10 distributed to each of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 substantially depends on the ratio of the areas of the corresponding plurality of openings 103/105/107. For example, in one embodiment of a discharge feed 100 with dual outlets where the area of the first opening 103 is 50 percent of the area of the second opening 105, about one-third of the contents will be directed to the first outlet 102 and about two-thirds of the contents will be directed to the second outlet 104. Similarly, in the instance of the discharge feed 100 with three outlets and the area of the first opening 103 is 75 percent of the area of the second opening 105 and the area of a third opening 107 is 25 percent the area of the opening the second opening 105, about three-eighths of the contents will be directed to the first outlet 102, about one-eighth of the contents will be directed to the third outlet 106, and about one-half of the contents will be directed to the second outlet 104.

Accordingly, the distribution of the contents of the tank 10 can be customized such that a specific volume of water in the tank 10 can be delivered to various portions of the bowl 40 by selection of the areas of the plurality of openings 103/105/107. In an embodiment, with first and second outlets 102/104, the area of the first opening 103 is between about 25 percent and 100 percent of the area of the second opening 105. In various embodiments, the sum of the areas of the plurality of the openings 103/105/107 is less than or equal to the area of the inlet 101.

In an embodiment, the area of one or more of the plurality of openings 103/105/107 is selectable to customize the distribution of the flush volume between the wash and the flush jets 45 for a particular fixture or installation. In a particular embodiment, one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 comprises a substantially frusta shape, defined by a length and a cross-sectional area and having an opening extending over the length that decreases with decreasing cross-sectional area as the cross-section of the outlet tapers with increasing distance from the housing 110. The length of one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 may provided with a predetermined length to achieve a specified area of the outlet. Alternatively, the length of one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106 may trimmed before or substantially at the time of installation to a predetermined length to achieve the desired area of the outlet.

In another embodiment, a restricting element (not shown) may be operatively coupled to and in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of outlets 102/104/106. The restricting element comprises an annular housing, which may include connecting elements such as threads, barbs, or other fitting. The area of the restricting element is substantially less than the area of the respective opening 103/105/107. Accordingly, placement of the restricting element in the flow path alters the effective area ratios of the plurality of openings 103/105/107. A plurality of restricting elements of varying annular area may be provided to achieve a customized flow distribution for a particular fixture or installation. In a particular embodiment, the restricting element comprises an adjustable valve of a type generally known in the art.

In particular embodiments the discharge feed 100 may be used in conjunction with a low flush volume, about 4 liters per flush cycle, pressurizable flush tank. In still other embodiments the discharge feed 100 may be used in conjunction with an ultra-low flush volume, less than about 2 liters per flush cycle, pressurizable flush tank. The configuration of the discharge feed 100 and capability for substantially direct fluid feed from the flush tank to the fixture outlets mitigates head loss, allowing for effective operation at low and ultra-low flush volumes. The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules and systems.

Claims

1. A pressurized flush system, comprising:

a pressurizable flush tank having an inlet, an outlet line, and a flush mechanism having a flush valve;

the pressurizable flush tank disposed on a fixture, the fixture including a bowl having a generally central jet flush opening and a plurality of wash jets positioned around an annulus of the bowl;

a discharge feed positioned in fluid communication with the pressurizable flush tank and the fixture, the discharge feed having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet having a first opening and the second outlet having a second opening;

a first fluid flow path fluidly connecting the first opening and the plurality of wash jets; and

a second fluid flow path fluidly connecting the second opening and the central flush jet.

2. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, wherein the area of the first opening is less than or substantially equal to the area of the second opening

3. The pressurized flush system of claim 2, wherein the area of the first opening is between about 50 percent and 100 percent of the area of the second opening.

4. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, wherein the sum of the area of the first opening and the second opening is less than the area of the inlet.

5. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, further comprising a third outlet having a third opening, wherein a third fluid flow path fluidly connects the third opening and the bowl.

6. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, wherein each of the first fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path comprise a component selected from the group consisting of pipe, tube, hose, or combinations thereof.

7. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first outlet and the second outlet comprise a substantially frusta shape defined by a length, and wherein one or more of the area of the first opening and the second opening is configurable by altering the length.

8. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, further comprising a restricting element disposed in the first flow path or the second flow path.

9. The pressurized flush system of claim 8, wherein the restricting element comprises a selectively adjustable valve.

10. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, wherein the discharge feed includes a valve configured to create a vacuum break during a flush cycle.

11. The pressurized flush system of claim 1, wherein one or more barbs are disposed on an outer surface of one or more of the first outlet and the second outlet.

12. A pressurizable flush tank comprising:

a tank housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion including an outlet line;

the tank housing having a water inlet in communication with a water supply line and an air and water inducer configured to pressurize the tank housing;

a flush mechanism disposed within the tank housing and in communication with a flush actuator positioned at least partially outside the tank housing, the flush mechanism further includes a flush valve controllably sealing the outlet;

a discharge feed operatively connected to the outlet line such that water exiting the outlet line passes through the discharge feed, the discharge feed having a first opening and a second opening, the sum of the area of the first opening and the second opening being less than or equal to the area of the outlet line.

13. The pressurizable flush tank of claim 12, wherein, during a flush cycle, water from within the tank housing flows through the outlet line and through one of either the first opening or the second opening.

14. The pressurizable flush tank of claim 13, further comprising:

a fixture including a bowl having a generally central jet flush opening and a plurality of wash jets positioned around an annulus of the bowl;

a first fluid flow path fluidly connecting the first opening and the plurality of wash jets; and

a second fluid flow path fluidly connecting the second opening and the central flush jet.

15. The pressurizable flush tank of claim 14, wherein one or more of the first fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path comprise a pipe, tube, hose, or combinations thereof.

16. The pressurizable flush tank of claim 12, wherein the area of the first opening is between about 50 percent and 100 percent of the area of the second opening.

17. The pressurizable flush tank of claim 12, wherein the tank housing is adapted for a reduced flush volume.

18. A method of distributing water in a pressurized flush system comprising providing a pressurizable flush tank having an inlet, an outlet line, and a flush mechanism having a flush valve;

providing a fixture including a bowl having a generally central jet flush opening and a plurality of wash jets positioned around an annulus of the bowl; and

providing a discharge feed in fluid communication with the pressurizable flush tank and the fixture, the discharge feed having an inlet, a first opening, and a second opening,

wherein the first opening is fluidly connectable to the plurality of wash jets via a first flow path, and wherein the second opening is fluidly connectable to the central jet flush via a second flow path defined by a pipe, tube, or hose.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the area of the first opening is greater than the area of the second opening.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising selectably establishing the area of the first opening or the area of the second opening.