TOILET FLUSHING APPARATUS

Abstract

Toilet flushing apparatus (10) includes a water container (12) for containing flushing water, wherein, in use, the water container (12) is rotatably mounted by a mounting (14) within a cistern tank (16) of a toilet and is rotatably movable between a filled condition, a ready condition, a flush finish condition, and a return condition; the container (12) includes a baffle arrangement (22), which controls the distribution of water in the container (12) during a filling phase of a flushing cycle and/or the emptying of the water from the container (12) during an emptying phase of the flushing cycle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to toilet flushing apparatus.

2. The Prior Art

It is known to provide flushing apparatus comprising a bucket or container which is located within a cistern tank of a toilet. During a filling phase of a flushing cycle, the container fills with water. As the container reaches a filled condition, the container is out of balance and tips (rotates/pivots) to a ready condition. In the ready condition, the container is still out of balance and ready to tip but is held in the ready condition by a catch. When the catch is released, the container tips over and releases the water quickly into the cistern tank, and thence into a toilet bowl. Such flushing apparatus has been found to be advantageous in that the apparatus is relatively simple mechanically, less prone to leakage than other flushing devices as it does not require perishable seals and provides a quick and efficient flush which meets regulatory requirements in many jurisdictions relating to the volumetric discharge rate of the flushing water.

In this specification, the term “outward” refers to a direction moving away from a rotational axis of a container and “inward” to an opposite direction moving towards the rotational axis of the container. The terms “front” and “forward” etc. refer to the outlet side of the container, likewise “rear”, “rearward”, “back” and “backward” etc. refer to the opposite side away from the outlet side; upwards and downwards refer generally to the container in an installed condition in which “down” is down into the ground, and “up” is away from the ground.

In this specification, the word “substantially” is used to mean “exactly or for practical purposes, as will be understood by a skilled person in the technical field”. This includes some variation from “exactly” because of practical considerations. For example, in the technical field of this invention, “substantially horizontal” might include ±10°from the horizontal.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided toilet flushing apparatus, the apparatus including a water container for containing flushing water.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a mounting, which may rotatably mount the container. Possibly, the apparatus includes a filling arrangement for filling the container.

Possibly, the apparatus includes the cistern tank.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet flushing apparatus water container for containing flushing water.

Possibly, in use, the flushing apparatus water container is rotatably mounted by a mounting, possibly within a cistern tank of a toilet. Possibly, the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis.

Possibly, the container includes a baffle arrangement, which may control the distribution of water in the container during a filling phase of a flushing cycle and/or may control the emptying of the water from the container during the emptying phase of a flushing cycle.

Possibly, the container is movable between one or more of: a filled condition, a ready condition, a flush finish condition and a return condition.

Possibly, the flush finish condition is a partial flush finish condition, or a full flush finish condition, and the return condition may correspondingly be a partial flush return condition or a full flush return condition.

Possibly, the container is movable between one or more of: a filled condition, a ready condition, a partial flush finish condition, a partial flush return condition, a full flush finish condition and a full flush return condition.

Possibly, in the ready condition, the container is substantially upright and may be filled with a full load of water, possibly with its aggregate centre of gravity (which means the centre of gravity of the container and the water it contains) located to one side of the mounting axis, so that the container is out of balance and subject to a tipping force.

Possibly, in a partial flushing cycle, the container rotates in one direction from the ready condition to the partial flush finish condition, and then rotates in a reverse direction to the partial flush return condition.

Possibly, in the partial flush finish condition, the container has discharged a discharge portion of the full load (and wherein the discharge portion is not the full load) and may have retained a retained portion of the full load.

Possibly, in the partial flush return condition, the container is substantially upright ready for filling and may contain just the retained portion.

Possibly, in a full flushing cycle, the container rotates in one direction from the ready condition to the full flush finish condition, and then rotates in a reverse direction to the full flush return condition.

Possibly, in the full flush finish condition, the container has discharged substantially all of the full load.

Possibly, in the full flush return condition, the container is substantially upright ready for filling.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a catch arrangement, which may include a flush actuator, a partial flush catch and a ready catch.

Possibly, in the ready condition, the flush actuator is in a ready position and the ready catch is in an engagement condition in which the ready catch engages the container to hold the container against the tipping force.

Possibly, in the ready condition, the partial flush catch is in a release condition in which the partial flush catch is out of engagement with the container.

Possibly, the catch arrangement includes a catch mechanism which may operatively connect the flush actuator to the partial flush catch and possibly to the ready catch.

Possibly, to move to the partial flush condition, the flush actuator is moved to a partial flush position; the ready catch moves to a release condition, releasing the container to rotate because of the tipping force and the partial flush catch is in or moves to an engagement condition in which the partial flush catch engages the container to stop the rotation of the container when the container reaches the partial flush finish condition.

Possibly, to move to the full flush condition, the flush actuator is moved to a full flush position; the ready catch moves to the release condition and the partial flush catch is in or moves to the release condition.

Possibly, the container defines an opening, through which water flows into the container during the filling phase and out during the emptying phase. Possibly, in the filling phase, the opening is generally upwardly directed.

Possibly, the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall. Possibly, the front wall is connected to the rear wall by the bottom wall.

Possibly, in the emptying phase, water in the container flows out of the container over the front wall.

Possibly, the container defines therein a water holding space.

Possibly, the baffle arrangement includes a weight baffle. Possibly, the water holding space includes a weight space, which may be defined by the weight baffle and the rear wall.

Possibly, the weight baffle has a height, which may be approximately the same height as the mounting axis.

Possibly, in use, in the partial flush finish condition, the weight space retains water, which may assist the return of the container to the partial flush return condition.

Possibly, the rear wall defines a compartment which may comprise the weight space. Possibly, in the partial flush finish condition, the water in the weight space comprises at least part of the retained portion.

Possibly, in the full flush finish condition, the weight space is substantially empty of water.

Possibly, the rear wall includes an outwardly, rearwardly protruding portion which may define the compartment. Possibly, the compartment comprises part of the opening (ie, is upwardly open).

Possibly, the opening has a width, which may be an average dimension of the opening between the side walls. Possibly, the compartment has a compartment width at the opening which is less than the opening width, and may be no more than 50% and possibly no less than 30% of the opening width.

Possibly, the front wall includes a curved portion. Possibly, the bottom wall includes a curved portion. Possibly, the curved portions of the front and/or the bottom wall lie along an arc having a radius, which may be centred on the mounting axis.

Possibly, most (i.e. more than 50%) of the volume of the weight space lies a distance from the mounting axis which is greater than the arc radius.

Possibly, the baffle arrangement includes a secondary weight baffle. Possibly, the water holding space includes a secondary weight space, which may be defined between the secondary weight baffle and the bottom wall.

Possibly, in use, in the partial flush finish condition, the secondary weight space retains water, which may assist the return of the container to the partial flush return condition. Possibly, in the full flush finish condition, the secondary weight space is substantially empty of water.

Possibly, the secondary weight baffle extends between the side walls and may extend upwardly from the bottom wall, and may be located on the rearward side of the mounting axis, possibly towards the rear wall. Possibly, the secondary weight baffle has a height which may be approximately half the height of the mounting axis.

Possibly, the baffle arrangement includes a rate regulating baffle, which may in use, regulate the rate of discharge of the water from the container. Possibly, the rate regulating baffle extends substantially upwardly from the bottom wall, possibly in line with the mounting axis. Possibly, the rate regulating baffle has a height which is approximately the same as the height of the mounting axis. Possibly, the rate regulating baffle defines an aperture, possibly a slot, which may in use permit a relatively low flow of water therethrough. Possibly, the slot extends upwardly substantially from the bottom wall, possibly substantially the full height of the rate regulating baffle.

Possibly, the front wall includes an outwardly, forwardly protruding portion, which may define an outlet channel, and which may be located along a top edge of the front wall. The outlet channel may comprise part of the opening (i.e., is upwardly open).

Possibly, the front wall incudes a pair of the protruding portions, each of which may define one outlet channel, which may be spaced apart along the top edge of the front wall.

Possibly, the container includes an intake fill device which defines a channel for collecting intake water flow. Possibly, the device directs the intake water flow towards the rear wall and may direct the intake water flow to or towards the weight space.

Possibly, the container includes a reinforcement device which may extend between the side walls. Possibly, the intake fill device comprises the reinforcement device.

Possibly, the rate regulating baffle includes a pair of upwardly extending limbs, one of which may be located against each side wall.

Possibly, the reinforcement device locates onto the limbs, and may clip or otherwise attach thereon.

Possibly, the intake fill device locates onto the limbs, and may clip or otherwise attach thereon.

Possibly, the bottom wall includes a dampening projection, which may project outwardly and may project downwardly. Possibly, in use, in the return condition, the dampening projection locates in a recess defined by the cistern tank.

Possibly, the dampening projection includes a substantially planar dampening surface, which, in use, in the return condition, may be substantially horizontal.

Possibly, the cistern tank includes recess walls which may define the recess. Possibly, in use, the recess fills with water and the recess water acts as a dampening fluid. Possibly, the dampening projection is a relatively close fit within the recess walls and may define a gap therebetween, so that the flow of water displaced by the dampening projection through the gap regulates the movement of the container.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of flushing a toilet, the method including providing flushing apparatus which is located in a cistern tank of a toilet, the apparatus including a water container for containing flushing water.

Possibly, the container and/or the apparatus include any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description. Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flushing apparatus, comprising a container with an intake fill device fitted;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a filling phase;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a ready condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the container;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the container;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the container on the line A-A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the container in a cistern tank, with only part of the cistern tank shown in cross-section; and

FIGS. 8 to 12 each comprise a side cross-sectional view, a plan view and a side view of the container in, respectively, a full flush return condition, a ready condition, a partial flush finish condition, a partial flush return condition and full flush finish condition.

In the drawings, where multiple instances of the same or similar features exist, only a representative one or some of the instances of the features have been provided with numeric references for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows toilet flushing apparatus 10 for location in a cistern tank 16 of a toilet, the apparatus including a water container 12 for containing flushing water 30.

The apparatus 10 includes a mounting 14, which rotatably mounts the container 12. The apparatus 10 includes a filling arrangement 18 for filling the container 12. The filling arrangement 18 includes a water supply vessel 108 which defines a water supply port 110.

In one example, the apparatus 10 could include the cistern tank 16.

The mounting 14 has a mounting axis 20 and the container 12 rotates around the mounting axis 20.

The container 12 includes a baffle arrangement 22, which controls the distribution of the water 30 in the container 12 during a filling phase of a flushing cycle and the emptying of the water 30 from the container 12 during the emptying phase of the flushing cycle.

The container 12 could be movable between one or more of: a filled condition, a ready condition, a flush finish condition and a return condition.

The flush finish condition could be a partial flush finish condition, or a full flush finish condition, and the return condition could correspondingly be a partial flush return condition or a full flush return condition.

In the example shown, the container 12 is movable between a filled condition, a ready condition, a partial flush finish condition, a partial flush return condition, a full flush finish condition and a full flush return condition.

The apparatus 10 includes a catch arrangement 26, which includes a flush actuator 102, a partial flush catch 94, a ready catch 92 and a catch mechanism which operatively connects the flush actuator 102 to the partial flush catch 94 and the ready catch 92.

The flush actuator 102 could, for example, be in the form of a button or a lever.

The catch mechanism 106 could be mechanical only, or could be electro-mechanical.

The container 12 defines an opening 32, through which the water 30 flows into the container 12 during the filling phase and out during the emptying phase. In the filling phase, the opening 32 is generally upwardly directed.

The container 12 includes side walls 34, a front wall 36, a rear wall 38 and a bottom wall 40. The front wall 36 is connected to the rear wall 38 by the bottom wall 40, which is curved.

The container 12 defines therein a water holding space 42.

The baffle arrangement 22 includes a weight baffle 44. The water holding space 42 includes a weight space 46, which is defined by the weight baffle 44 and the rear wall 38.

The weight baffle 44 has a height 48, which is approximately the same height as the height 58 of the mounting axis 20.

The rear wall 38 defines a compartment 50 which comprises the weight space 46.

The rear wall 38 includes an outwardly, rearwardly protruding portion 100 which defines the compartment 50. The compartment 50 comprises part of the opening 32 (ie is upwardly open).

Referring to FIG. 5, the opening 32 has a width 32W, which is the average dimension of the opening between the side walls 34. The compartment 50 has a compartment width 50W at the opening 32 which is less than the opening width 32W. In one example, the compartment width 50W could be no more than 50% of the opening width 32W, could be no less than 30% of the opening width 32W and could be in the range of 35%-45% of the opening width 32W.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the front wall 36 includes a curved portion 36C and the bottom wall 40 includes a curved portion 40C. Viewed from the side, the curved portions 36C, 40C lie along an arc having a radius 104, which is centred on the mounting axis 20.

Referring to FIG. 10A, most (ie more than 50%) of the volume of the weight space 46 lies a distance from the mounting axis 20 which is greater than the arc radius 104. This means that the centre of gravity of the water in the weight space 46 lies a distance from the mounting axis 20 which is greater than the arc radius 104.

The baffle arrangement 22 includes a secondary weight baffle 52. The water holding space 42 includes a secondary weight space 54, which is defined between the secondary weight baffle 52 and the bottom wall 40.

The secondary weight baffle 52 extends between the side walls 34 and extends upwardly from the bottom wall 40, and could be located on the rearward side of the mounting axis 20, towards the rear wall 38. The secondary weight baffle 52 could have a height 56 which could be approximately half the height 58 of the mounting axis 20.

The baffle arrangement 22 includes a rate regulating baffle 60. The rate regulating baffle 60 extends substantially upwardly from the bottom wall 40, in line with the mounting axis 20. The rate regulating baffle 60 has a height 62 which is approximately the same as the height 58 of the mounting axis 20. The rate regulating baffle 60 defines an aperture 64, which in the example shown comprises a slot 66. The slot 66 extends upwardly substantially from the bottom wall 40 substantially the full height 62 of the rate regulating baffle 60.

The rate regulating baffle 60 divides the water holding space 42 into a forward compartment 112 and a rear compartment 114.

In one example, the front wall 36 includes an outwardly, forwardly protruding portion 98, which defines an outlet channel 68, and which is located along a top edge of the front wall 36. The outlet channel 68 comprises part of the opening 32 (ie, is upwardly open).

In the example shown, the front wall 36 incudes a pair of the forwardly protruding portions 98, each of which defines one outlet channel 68, and which are spaced apart along the top edge of the front wall 36.

The outlet channels 68 are a distance from the mounting axis 20 which is greater than the arc radius 104.

The container 12 includes an intake fill device 70 which defines a channel 72 for collecting intake water flow.

The container 12 includes a reinforcement device 74 which extends between the side walls 34. The intake fill device 70 comprises the reinforcement device 74.

The rate regulating baffle 60 includes a pair of upwardly extending limbs 76, one of which is located against each side wall 34.

The intake fill device 70 locates onto the limbs 76, and could clip or otherwise attach thereon. The reinforcement device 74 includes a plurality of reinforcement members 90 which extend between the side walls 34.

The bottom wall 40 includes a dampening projection 78, which projects outwardly and downwardly.

The dampening projection 78 includes a substantially planar dampening surface 82, which, in use, in the return condition, is substantially horizontal.

The cistern tank 16 includes recess walls 84 which define the recess 80. The dampening projection 78 is a relatively close fit within the recess walls 84 and defines a gap 88 therebetween.

The container 12 (not including the intake fill device 70) is designed for manufacture by injection moulding, integrally and in one piece, with all of the internal features having draw angles and designed to permit mould release through the opening 32.

In use

The apparatus 10 has two operating cycles: a partial flush cycle and a full flush cycle.

Each cycle includes a ready phase in which the container 12 is in the ready condition; an emptying phase in which the container 12 tips over in an emptying direction (as shown by arrow A in FIG. 9A) and empties to one of the partial flush finish condition or the full flush finish condition; a return phase in which the container 12 tips back (rights itself) in a return direction (as shown by arrow B in FIGS. 10A and 12A) to one of the partial flush return condition or the full flush return condition; and a filling phase in which the container 12 fills with water 30 to bring the container 12 to the filled condition and then tips over slightly (in the emptying direction) to the ready condition.

Ready Condition

In the ready condition as shown in FIG. 9A, the container 12 is substantially upright and is filled with a full load of water 30. In the ready condition, the container 12 is out of balance, with its aggregate centre of gravity 24A (which means the centre of gravity of the container 12 and the water 30 it contains) located forwardly (on the outlet side) of the mounting axis 20. This out of balance exerts a tipping force on the container 12, but the container 12 is restrained from tipping by the catch arrangement 26.

In the ready condition, the flush actuator 102 is in a ready position and the ready catch 92 is in an engagement condition in which the ready catch 92 engages the container 12 to hold the container 12 against the tipping force.

Emptying Phase

In the emptying phase, the water 30 in the container 12 flows out of the container 12 over the front wall 36. The water 30 is located in the water holding space 42 which is divided by the baffle arrangement 22.

As the container 12 tips over, the water 30 in the container 12 flows towards the front wall 36. The water 30 in the forward compartment 112 starts to empty. The water 30 in the rear compartment 114 is held back by the rate regulating baffle 60, but is allowed to flow at a relatively low flow rate into the forward compartment 112 by water 30 flowing through the slot 66. The arrangement of the rate regulating baffle 60 and the slot 66 slows down the rate of rotation of the container 12 and thus regulates the rate of discharge of water 30 from the container 12. This reduces the speed of rotation of the container 12 in the emptying direction during the emptying phase.

The dimensions of the rate regulating baffle 60 and slot 66 can be designed to provide a precise and repeatable rate of discharge, which is not dependent on user input (eg speed of movement of a handle) or nor is it affected by wear over time e.g. wear of washers or seals.

Partial Flush Cycle

In the partial flushing cycle, the container 12 rotates in the emptying direction (arrow A in FIG. 9A) from the ready condition to the partial flush finish condition, and then rotates in the return direction (arrow B in FIG. 10A) to the partial flush return condition.

To move to the partial flush finish condition, the flush actuator 102 is moved to a partial flush position, which moves the ready catch 92 (via the catch mechanism 106) to a release condition, releasing the container 12 to rotate under the action of the tipping force. Referring to FIG. 2A, the container 12 rotates in the emptying direction as shown by arrow X in FIG. 2A until it engages the partial flush catch 94, which is in an engagement condition, in which the partial flush catch 94 engages an engagement part 118 of the container 12 to stop the rotation of the container 12 when the container 12 reaches the partial flush finish condition. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the engagement part 118 comprises a top edge of the rear wall 38, which follows a line of movement 116 indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

Referring to FIG. 10A, in the partial flush finish condition, the container 12 has discharged a discharge portion of the full load (and wherein the discharge portion is not the full load) and retained a retained portion 28 of the full load.

In the partial flush finish condition, the weight space 46 retains water. In the partial flush finish condition, the water in the weight space 46 comprises at least part of the retained portion 28. This assists the return of the container 12 to the partial flush return condition. The shape and location of the weight space 46 (with the distance of the centre of gravity of the water 30 in the weight space 46 from the mounting axis 20 being greater than arc radius 104) helps to maximise the effect of the water 30 in the weight space 46 in assisting the return of the container 12 to the partial flush return condition.

In the partial flush finish condition, the secondary weight space 54 also retains water and this water also comprises part of the retained portion 28. This assists the return of the container 12 to the partial flush return condition.

In the partial flush finish condition, there is also a retained water portion 28 in the forward compartment 112.

The effects of the retained water portion 28 in the weight space 46 and the secondary weight space 54 are cumulative, helping together to assist the return of the container 12 to the partial flush return condition. This distribution of the weight of the water 30 results in the aggregate centre of gravity 24B being rearward of the mounting axis 20, causing the return of the container 12 to the partial flush return condition.

In the partial flush return condition, the container 12 is substantially upright, ready for filling, and contains just the retained portions 28.

Full Flush Cycle

To move to the full flush condition, the flush actuator 102 is moved to a full flush position, which moves the ready catch 92 (via the catch mechanism 106) to the release condition. When the flush actuator 102 is in the full flush position, the partial flush catch 94 is in or moves to a release condition, in which the partial flush catch 94 is outside of the line of movement 116 so that the partial flush catch 94 will not engage the engagement part 118 during the emptying movement in the full flush cycle.

In a full flush cycle, the container 12 rotates in the emptying direction from the ready condition to the full flush finish condition, and then rotates in the return direction to the full flush return condition.

In the full flush finish condition, the container 12 has discharged substantially all of the full load; the weight space 46 is substantially empty of water 30 and the secondary weight space 54 is substantially empty of water 30.

In the full flush finish condition, the last of the water 30 to leave the container 12 does so through the outlet channels 68. The outlet channels 68 serve to hold and direct the last of the water 30 so that as much as possible of the water 30 is discharged. This ensures consistency of flush load, i.e. the volume of water 30 discharged for each flush. The outlet channels 68 are at distance from the mounting axis 20 which is greater than the arc radius 104 (see FIG. 2A) which maximises the moment of the weight of the water 30 in the outlet channels to hold the container 12 in the full flush finish condition for as long as possible.

In the full flush return condition, the container 12 is substantially upright ready for filling.

The catch mechanism 106 is arranged so that the flush actuator 102 can be moved to either one of the partial flush position or the full flush position and then moves back automatically to the ready position.

Filling Phase

In the filling phase, as shown in FIG. 2A, the intake fill device 70 contacts the filling actuator 96 which is operatively connected to open a valve (not shown) which permits supply water 30S to flow through the water supply vessel 108, through the water supply port 110 and into the channel 72 of the intake fill device 70.

The intake fill device 70 directs the intake water flow towards the rear wall 38 and, more specifically, towards the weight space 46.

The channel 72 conveys the supply water 30S to the compartment 50, which fills first. This ensures that the container 12 remains stable in the respective return condition.

The container 12 fills from the rear towards the front, so that the weight space 46 fills first. Water 30 then flows over the weight baffle 44 to fill the secondary weight space 54, then flows over the secondary weight baffle 52 to fill the rest of the water holding space 42. The slot 66 of the rate regulating baffle 60 permits water 30 to flow from the rear compartment 114 to the forward compartment 112 to fill both sides of the rate regulating baffle 60. Towards the end of the filling phase, the outlet channels 68 are filled. These are the volumes which are furthest from the mounting axis 20 and thus have an enhanced effect on the aggregate weight distribution, helping to shift the aggregate centre of gravity 24A forward of the mounting axis 20.

When the level of the water in the container 12 is such that the container 12 reaches the filled condition, the container 12 is out of balance and tips forward to the ready condition as shown in FIG. 9A. This can happen quite quickly, and in one example, is a small rotational movement of around 6°. This movement is automatic, as the weight of the water 30 in the container 12 overcomes inertia. The movement is sufficient for the intake fill device 70 to move away from and out of contact with the filling actuator 96, shutting the valve permitting the water flow through the water supply port 110. Advantageously, the filling of the container 12 is automatic and is determined by the weight rather than by the height of the water 30 in the container 12, in contrast with conventional systems in which the filling of a cistern is controlled by a float valve. This means that the filling is more precise and repeatable, is easier to set up and requires less maintenance.

Return Phase

In the return condition, the dampening projection 78 locates in a recess 80 defined by the cistern tank 16.

In use, the recess 80 fills with water 86. When the dampening projection 78 locates in the recess 80, it displaces the water 86 in the recess through the gap 88. The recess water 86 acts as a dampening fluid. The flow of the recess water 86 displaced by the dampening projection 78 through the gap 88 regulates the movement of the container 12, slowing the movement of the container 12 as it nears the return condition. Advantageously, this reduces noise and vibration.

The dampening projection 78 is arranged so that the planar dampening surface 82 hits the surface of the recess water 86 with the plane of the dampening surface substantially parallel to or coplanar with the surface of the recess water 86, maximising the dissipation of energy, to assist in the dampening effect.

Other Modifications

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The apparatus, the container 12 and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material (within the scope of the specific definitions herein).

Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

Final Remarks

There is thus provided flushing apparatus with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. In particular, the movement of the container 12 is controlled and the rate of discharge is controlled, so that the components have a longer life and operation is quieter. The different baffles of the baffle arrangement and the arrangement of the dampening projection and the dampening recess each provide an improvement, but work together synergistically to improve the operation.

The baffle arrangement of the invention serves to optimise the movement of the container 12 in the different phases and conditions of the operating cycles.

The Applicant has found that the locations and heights of the baffles, the size, shape and location of the compartment 50 and the outlet channels 68 all contribute to providing a flushing apparatus with an improved operation, being smoother and quieter in operation and easier to manufacture.

Claims

1. A toilet flushing apparatus, comprising:

a water container for containing flushing water, wherein, in use, the water container is rotatably mounted by a mounting within a cistern tank of a toilet and is rotatably movable between a filled condition, a ready condition, a flush finish condition, and a return condition; and

a baffle arrangement disposed within the water container, which controls the distribution of water in the container during a filling phase of a flushing cycle and/or the emptying of the water from the container during an emptying phase of the flushing cycle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has an axis; the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a weight baffle; the water holding space includes a weight space, which is defined by the weight baffle and the rear wall.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis; the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a weight baffle; the water holding space includes a weight space, which is defined by the weight baffle and the rear wall; the rear wall defines a compartment which comprises the weight space.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container is movable between a filled condition, a ready condition, a partial flush finish condition, a partial flush return condition, a full flush finish condition, and a full flush return condition.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis; the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a weight baffle; the water holding space includes a weight space, which is defined by the weight baffle and the rear wall; the rear wall defines a compartment which comprises the weight space; the container is movable between a filled condition, a ready condition, a partial flush finish condition, a partial flush return condition, a full flush finish condition, and a full flush return condition; wherein, in the partial flush finish condition, the weight space retains water, which assists the return of the container to the partial flush return condition.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis; the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a weight baffle; the water holding space includes a weight space, which is defined by the weight baffle and the rear wall; the rear wall defines a compartment which comprises the weight space; the container is movable between a filled condition, a ready condition, a partial flush finish condition, a partial flush return condition, a full flush condition, and a full flush return condition; the baffle arrangement includes a secondary weight baffle; the water holding space includes a secondary weight space, which is defined between the secondary weight baffle and the bottom wall; in the partial flush finish condition, both the weight space and the secondary weight space retain water, which assists the return of the container to the partial flush return condition.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the baffle arrangement includes a rate regulating baffle, which, in use, regulates the rate of discharge of the water from the container.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a rate regulating baffle, in which, in use, regulates the rate of discharge of the water from the container; the rate regulating baffle extends substantially upwardly from the bottom wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a rate regulating baffle, which, in use, regulates the rate of discharge of the water from the container; the rate regulating baffle extends substantially upwardly from the bottom wall; the rate regulating baffle has a height which is approximately the same as the height of the mounting axis.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a rate regulating baffle, which, in use, regulates the rate of discharge of the water from the container; the rate regulating baffle extends substantially upwardly from the bottom wall; the rate regulating baffle defines an aperture, possibly a slot, which may in use permit a relatively low flow of water therethrough.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a rate regulating baffle, which, in use, regulates the rate of the discharge of the water from the container; the rate regulating baffle extends substantially upwardly from the bottom wall; the rate regulating baffle defines an aperture, in the form of a slot which the slot extends upwardly from the bottom wall.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis; the front wall includes an outwardly, forwardly protruding portion, which defines an outlet channel, and which is located along a top edge of the front wall.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis; the baffle arrangement includes a rate regulating baffle, which, in use, regulates the rate of discharge of the water from the container; the rate regulating baffle extends substantially upwardly from the bottom wall; the rate regulating baffle defines an aperture, in the form of a slow which extends upwardly substantially from the bottom wall, substantially the full height of the rate regulating baffle.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container includes an intake fill device which defines a channel for collecting intake water flow; and wherein the intake fill device directs the intake water flow towards the rear wall.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container includes an intake fill device which defines a channel for collecting intake water flow; and wherein the intake fill device directs the intake water flow to or towards the weight space.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container defines therein a water holding space; the container includes side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall; the mounting has a mounting axis and the container rotates around the mounting axis; the bottom wall includes a dampening projection, which, in the return condition, locates in a recess defined by the cistern tank; the dampening projection includes a substantially planar dampening surface, which, in use, in the return condition, is substantially horizontal; the cistern tank includes recess walls which define in the recess; in use, the recess fills with water and the recess water acts as a dampening fluid.

18-20. (canceled)

21. The apparatus of claim 17, in which the dampening projection is a relatively close fit within the recess walls and defines a gap therebetween, so that the flow of water displaced by the dampening projection through the gap regulates the movement of the container.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the apparatus includes a filling arrangement for filling the container.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the apparatus includes the cistern tank.