Motorized automate/manual push button system

A driving mechanism, mounting to a flush apparatus, includes an actuation housing coupling with a valve body, a manual actuation unit including a push button and a manual plunger arm transversely extended from the push button towards a pushing platform, and an automated actuation unit including a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm transversely extended towards the pushing platform. When the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move a diaphragm member at the unsealed position. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a flush apparatus, and more particularly to a motorized automate/manual push button system, which is adapted for incorporating with the flush apparatus to selectively actuate the flush apparatus automatically by a motorized device in responsive to a presence of a user and manually by an actuation of a push button.

2. Description of Related Arts

A conventional manual flush apparatus for a sanitary system comprises a valve body, a water valve, and a manual operation mechanism. The valve body has a water inlet communicating with a water source, a water outlet for the water flushing out of the valve body, and a manual handle opening communicating with the manual operation mechanism. The water valve comprises a diaphragm member sealing between the water inlet and the water outlet, and a diaphragm shaft downwardly extended from the diaphragm member to move the diaphragm member between a sealed position and an unsealed position.

The manual operation mechanism comprises a driving unit, a retention ring coupled with the valve body at the manual handle opening to hold the driving unit thereat, and a manual handle movably mounted at the retention ring via a ball joint. The driving unit comprises a dish-shaped pushing platform disposed in the retention ring and a plunger pin extended from the pushing platform towards the diaphragm shaft through the manual handle opening. When the manual handle is manually moved through an arc-path from its first position to push the pushing platform, the plunger pin is laterally moved to push a bottom portion of the diaphragm shaft in a tilted manner, thereby unsealing the diaphragm member to let the water flushing out of the water outlet and thus flushing the sanitary system.

The main advantage of the manual flush apparatus is that the manual operation of the manual operation mechanism is accurate and simple. Accordingly, since the pushing platform provides a relatively large pushing surface for the manual handle, the pushing platform can transmit the pushing force at any direction from the manual handle to a lateral pushing force at the plunger pin. In other words, no matter which contacting point at the pushing surface of the pushing platform is hit by the manual handle, the plunger pin will always laterally move to push the diaphragm shaft. Therefore, the user can move the manual handle at any direction for completing the flushing operation of the manual flush apparatus.

For hygiene purposes, an improved flush apparatus provides an automated operation mechanism for flushing the sanitary system in a hand free manner. The automated operation mechanism comprises a solenoid operated pusher for utilizing a latching solenoid to limit power drain on the battery. Accordingly, when an infrared sensor detects the presence of a user of the sanitary system, the solenoid operated pusher is automatically driven to move the diaphragm shaft for flushing the sanitary system. However, the automated operation mechanism has several common drawbacks.

The presence of the user sensed by the infrared sensor will cause the solenoid to move the diaphragm member to the unsealed position. It is known that the solenoid is made of a number of circular wire loops to generate a magnetic force when an electric current is passed through the wire loops. The solenoid may come in contact with water such that the solenoid may accumulate rusting particles from the water, which may remain on the solenoid. It is one of the common problems to cause a failure of operation of the automated operation mechanism. In other words, the conventional manual operation mechanism is more reliable than the automated operation mechanism. Thus, the maintenance cost of the automated operation mechanism is higher than that of the conventional manual operation mechanism.

In addition, the structural design of the automated operation mechanism is different from that of the manual operation mechanism. In other words, when the flush apparatus is incorporated with the automated operation mechanism, the flush apparatus will lose the mechanical-manual operated feature. Therefore, there is no alternative to flush the sanitary system when the automated operation mechanism has failed to operate.

The solenoid operated pusher is retracted by a spring force. Accordingly, a compression spring is coaxially mounted at the solenoid operated pusher and arranged in such a manner that when the solenoid operated pusher is pushed forward to move the diaphragm shaft, the compressed spring will apply the spring force to push the solenoid operated pusher back to its original position. Accordingly, the spring will gradually generate a weak spring force after a period of continuous use.

In order to install the automated operation mechanism into the conventional flush apparatus, the manual operation mechanism of the flush apparatus must be totally removed, which is a waste of resources in order to incorporate with the automated operation mechanism. In other words, the driving unit, the retention ring, and the manual handle must be disassembled from the flush apparatus in order to install the automated operation mechanism.

Furthermore, the solenoid must be electrically linked to a power source. The solenoid can be electrically linked with an external AC power source that an electric cable must be properly run from the external power source to the solenoid. Alternatively, the solenoid can be powered by a battery that the battery must be frequently replaced before the solenoid is out of battery.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A main object of the present invention is to provide a motorized automate/manual push button system for a flush apparatus, which is a driving mechanism adapted for incorporating with the flush apparatus to selectively actuate the flush apparatus automatically by a motorized device in responsive to a presence of a user and manually by an actuation of a push button.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, which is adapted for coupling with the conventional flush apparatus by only detaching the manual handle. In other words, the driving mechanism is adapted to maximize the use of the components of the conventional flush apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, which is adapted to mount at the retention ring and to actuate the driving unit of the conventional manual operation mechanism. Therefore, the present invention will provide an accurate and simple flush operation as the manual flush apparatus provides.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, wherein the manual plunger arm is transversely extended from the push button to the pushing platform of the driving unit such that when the push button is pressed, the pushing platform is pushed at its pushing surface to laterally move the plunger pin as it is operated by the manual handle. Likewise, the automated manual plunger arm is moved to push at the pushing platform of the driving unit to laterally move the plunger pin as it is operated by the manual handle. In other words, both manual and automated operations of the driving mechanism provide a simulated manual operation of the conventional manual flush apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, wherein the automated plunger arm is automatically driven by a motorized unit in a lateral direction that the automated plunger arm is laterally moved towards the diaphragm shaft and is laterally moved back from the diaphragm shaft. Therefore, no spring force is applied at the automated plunger arm to retract the automated plunger arm back to its original position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, wherein the automated plunger arm has a hollow structure that the manual plunger arm is slidably received in the automated plunger. Therefore, the manual and automated plunger arms are correspondingly provided the lateral movement towards the pushing platform.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, wherein the power source of the motorized unit is automatically re-charged via a charging device every time during the flushing operation of the flush apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, wherein the motorized unit is used as a replacement of the solenoid to control a flow of water, so as to enhance the reliable of the operation of the driving mechanism in comparison with the conventional solenoid mechanism. Thus, the motorized unit avoids water damage and to enhance performance and reliability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, which does not require to alter the original structural design of the flush apparatus, so as to minimize the manufacturing cost of the flush apparatus incorporating with the driving mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a driving mechanism, wherein no expensive or complicated structure is required to employ in the present invention in order to achieve the above mentioned objects. Therefore, the present invention successfully provides an economic and efficient solution for not only providing a selection of manual/automated flush operation for the flush apparatus but also providing an accurate and simple flush operation as the manual flush apparatus does.

Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a flush apparatus, comprising:

a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet;

a water valve comprising a diaphragm member sealing between the water inlet and the water outlet, and a diaphragm shaft extended from the diaphragm member to move the diaphragm member between a sealed position and an unsealed position; and

an operation device comprising a driving unit and a retention ring coupled with the valve body, wherein the driving unit comprises a pushing platform movably disposed in the retention ring and a plunger pin extended from the pushing platform towards the diaphragm shaft.

The flush apparatus further comprises a driving mechanism, which comprises:

an actuation housing having an actuation channel coupling with the retention ring;

a manual actuation unit which comprises a push button movably mounted at the actuation housing and a manual plunger arm transversely extended along the actuation channel from the push button towards the pushing platform, wherein when the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position; and

an automated actuation unit which comprises a motorized unit received in the actuation housing and an automated plunger arm transversely extended along the actuation channel, wherein when the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3of the drawings, a flush apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the flush apparatus, such as a conventional manual flush apparatus for a sanitary system, comprises a valve body10, a water valve20and an operation device30.

The valve body10has a water inlet11communicatively linked to a water source, a water outlet12, and a water chamber13provided between the water inlet11and the water outlet13.

The water valve20comprises a diaphragm member21sealing at the water chamber13between the water inlet11and the water outlet12, and a diaphragm shaft22extended from the diaphragm member21to move the diaphragm member21between a sealed position and an unsealed position. Accordingly, at the sealed position, the diaphragm member21is sealed at the water chamber13via the water pressure inside the valve body10to block the water flowing from the water inlet11to the water outlet12. At the unsealed position, the diaphragm member21is moved by the diaphragm shaft22to allow the water passing from the water inlet11to the water outlet12, thereby flushing the sanitary system.

The operation device30comprises a driving unit31and a retention ring32coupled with the valve body10at an operation opening101thereof, wherein the driving unit31comprises a pushing platform311movably disposed in the retention ring32and a plunger pin312extended from the pushing platform311towards the diaphragm shaft22. Therefore, when the pushing platform311is pushed towards the diaphragm shaft22, the plunger pin312is driven to hit a bottom portion of the diaphragm shaft22so as to move the diaphragm member21from the sealed position to the unsealed position. The operation device30further comprises a spring33supported in the retention ring32for applying an urging force against the pushing platform311to push the plunger pin312back to its original position after the plunger pin312is laterally moved toward the diaphragm shaft22. It is worth to mention that the pushing platform311will only be slid within the retention ring32and will be blocked at the surrounding edge of the operation opening101of the valve body10to prevent the further forward sliding movement of the pushing platform311. In other words, the pushing platform311will not be slid into the valve body10through the operation opening101.

It is worth to mention that when the operation device30incorporates with a manual handle as the conventional manual flush apparatus, the manual handle is actuated to push the pushing platform311at a pushing surface thereof towards diaphragm shaft22so as to move the diaphragm member21from the sealed position to the unsealed position.

According to the preferred embodiment, the flush apparatus further comprises a driving mechanism incorporating with the operation device30, wherein the driving mechanism comprises an actuation housing50and an automated actuation unit60.

The actuation housing50, having an actuation channel501, is coupling with the valve body10. Accordingly, the actuation housing50is mounted at the valve body10through the retention ring32such that the actuation housing50is positioned adjacent to the valve body10. As shown inFIG. 1, the actuation housing50comprises a housing body51defining the actuation channel501at a bottom portion thereof and a tubular mounting ring52encirclingly mounting at the retention ring32to align the actuation channel501with the pushing platform311.

The automated actuation unit60is received in the housing body51at a position above the actuation channel501, wherein the automated actuation unit60comprises a motorized unit61received in the housing body51of the actuation housing50and an automated plunger arm62transversely extended along the actuation channel501. Accordingly, the motorized unit61is received in the housing body51at a position above the actuation channel501. When the motorized unit61is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm62is driven by the motorized unit61to move towards the pushing platform311, such that the pushing platform311is pushed by the automated plunger arm62to move the diaphragm member21at the unsealed position, as shown inFIG. 2. Accordingly, the diaphragm member21is then moved pack to its sealed position as shown inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 1, the motorized unit61comprises a power source611, a servo unit612electrically coupled with the power source611, a sensor613controllably activating the servo unit612in responsive to a presence of the user, and a gear transmission unit614coupling the servo unit612with the automated plunger arm62to transmit a servo power from the servo unit612to a transverse force at the automated plunger arm62so as to drive the automated plunger arm62towards the pushing platform311.

According to the preferred embodiment, the power source611is a rechargeable battery supported in the housing body51. Alternatively, the power source611can be a power outlet electrically linking with an external AC power supply or a solar energy collector for converting solar energy into electrical energy to supply the power to the servo unit612.

The servo unit612, according to the preferred embodiment, comprises an electric motor electrically connected to the power source611, wherein the servo unit612is actuated to drive the automated plunger arm62to move laterally. It is worth to mention that the electric motor is more reliable than the solenoid because the electric motor provides simple mechanical work rather than using the magnetic force, so as to minimize the failure operation of the servo unit612and to reduce the maintenance cost of the present invention. In addition, the size of the electric motor is so small in comparison with the solenoid so as to reduce the overall size of the actuation housing40to house the automated actuation unit60of the present invention. Therefore, the electric motor is preferred to be used to not only ensure the reliable of the automated actuation unit60but also enhance the smooth operation thereof.

The sensor613, such as an infrared sensor, is arranged to detect the presence of the user by means of infrared signal in such a manner that when the sensor613transmits an infrared signal for detecting the presence of the user of the sanitary system, the sensor613activates the servo unit612to actuate the automated plunger arm42to push the pushing platform311forward so as to move the diaphragm member21of the unsealed position. Accordingly, the housing body51has a transparent window aligned with the sensor613for allowing the infrared signal sending out through the transparent window. It is worth to mention that the sensor613activates the servo unit612to stop the automated plunger arm62once the operation of the flush apparatus is completed.

Accordingly, a CPU615is operatively connected to the sensor613to receive the signal therefrom, wherein the servo unit612is controlled by the CPU615such that once the CPU615receives the signal from the sensor613, the CPU615will activate the servo unit612to drive the automatic plunger arm62for completing the automatic operation. It is worth to mention that the CPU615can be programmed to the time period of the presence of the user via the sensor613and to control the flush volume of the water via the automated actuation unit60by means of the time period of the opening of the diaphragm member21at the unsealed position.

The gear transmission unit614comprises a gear set6141coupling with an output of the servo unit612and a driving arm6142having one end rotatably coupling with the gear set6141and an opposed end pivotally coupling with the automated plunger arm62in such a manner that when the servo unit612is activated, the automated plunger arm62is driven to laterally move in a reciprocating manner.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the corresponding end of the driving arm6142is rotatably coupled with one gear of the gear set6141, wherein when the corresponding gear is rotated, the automated plunger arm62is driven to laterally move in a reciprocating manner. Accordingly, when the corresponding gear is rotated in a half revolution, the automated plunger arm62is laterally moved forward to push the pushing platform311at a position that the diaphragm member21is moved at the unsealed position. When the corresponding gear is rotated in one full revolution, the automated plunger arm62is laterally moved backward at a position that the diaphragm member21is moved back to the sealed position. Therefore, the automated plunger arm62is driven to laterally move in a reciprocating manner via the rotation of the gear set6141. It is worth to mention that the time of the automated plunger arm62traveling back and forth can be controlled by the rotational speed of the gear set6141. In addition, the automated plunger arm62is laterally pulled back by the driving arm6142after the pushing platform311is pushed forward so as to ensure the automated plunger arm62returning back to its original position once the flush operation is completed.

As shown inFIG. 1, the driving mechanism further comprises a manual actuation unit70which is received in the housing body51of the actuation housing50. The manual actuation unit70comprises a push button71movably mounted at the housing body51of the actuation housing50and a manual plunger arm72transversely extended along the actuation channel501from the push button71towards the pushing platform311. When the push button71is manually pressed, the pushing platform311is pushed by the manual plunger arm72to move the diaphragm member21at the unsealed position.

According to the preferred embodiment, the actuation housing50has a button slot provided at a sidewall thereof for the push button71slidably mounted at the button slot. The push button71is aligned with the pushing platform311through the actuation channel501such that when the push button71is manually pressed, the pushing platform311is directly pushed in a lateral direction through the manual plunger arm72.

As shown inFIG. 1, the manual plunger arm72has an enlarged pressing end extended to bias against the push button71and an opposed pusher end extended towards the pushing platform311through the actuation channel501in such a manner that when the push button71is manually pressed, the manual plunger arm72is directly pushed towards the pushing platform311.

In order to correspondingly guide the lateral movement between the automated plunger arm62and the manual plunger arm72, the automated plunger arm62has a hollow structure defining a sliding channel621that the manual plunger arm72is slidably extended through the sliding channel621. Therefore, at the manual flush operation, the automated plunger arm62will guide the sliding movement of the manual plunger arm72when the automated plunger arm62is stationary. Likewise, at the automated flush operation, the manual plunger arm72will guide the sliding movement of the automated plunger arm62when the manual plunger arm72is stationary.

As shown inFIG. 7, the automated plunger arm62and the manual plunger arm72can be two individual pins extending side by side to push the pushing platform311. However, two guiders should be included to guide the sliding movement of each of the automated plunger arm62and the manual plunger arm72.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the automated plunger arm62comprises a sliding stopper622protruded outwardly, wherein when the automated plunger arm62is laterally moved forward, the sliding stopper622is blocked by a first stopper502of the housing body51so as to stop the further forward movement of the automated plunger arm62. When the automated plunger arm62is laterally moved backward, the sliding stopper622is blocked by a second stopper503of the housing body51so as to ensure the automated plunger arm62returning back to its original position. Accordingly, the housing body51has a guiding slot504provided at a bottom wall of the actuation channel501, wherein the sliding stopper622is downwardly extended from the automated plunger arm to slidably engage with the guiding slot504. The two ends of the guiding slot504form the first and second stoppers502,503respectively, such that the traveling distance of the automated plunger arm62is limited by the length of the guiding slot502between the two ends thereof.

Accordingly, a contact switch505is provided at the housing body51at the second stopper503and arranged in such a manner that when the sliding stopper622is slid along the guiding slot504at the second stopper503, the sliding stopper622contacts with the contact switch505to generate a stopping signal so as to deactivate the servo unit612.

As shown inFIG. 1, the mounting ring52has an enlarged mounting opening521encirclingly mounting at the retention ring32and an opposed guiding opening522aligning with the actuation channel501. The automated plunger arm62is extended through the guiding opening522of the mounting ring52to push the pushing platform311. As it is mentioned above, the manual plunger arm72is coaxially coupled with the automated plunger arm62such that the automated plunger arm62and the manual plunger arm72are slidably extended through the guiding opening522of the mounting ring52. In other words, the guiding opening522of the mounting ring52not only provides a support for the automated plunger arm62and the manual plunger arm72within the actuation channel501but only ensures the correct alignment of the automated plunger arm62and the manual plunger arm72to push the pushing platform311.

According to the preferred embodiment, the driving mechanism further comprises a power charging arrangement40for charging the power source611every time during the flush operation, including both automated flush operation and manual flush operation. The power charging arrangement40comprises an electrical generator41operatively linked to the power source611and a propeller unit42extended from the electrical generator41to the water outlet12of the valve body10in such a manner that when the propeller unit42is driven to rotate in responsive to a flush of water coming out at the water outlet12, the electrical generator41is actuated to charge the power source611.

The electrical generator41, according to the preferred embodiment, is an alternator or a DC generator converting mechanical energy (rotational force) of the propeller unit42to the electrical energy. Accordingly, a rectifier can be used to convert AC current to DC current if the alternator is used.

As shown inFIG. 1, the propeller unit42comprises a propeller shaft421transversely extended with respect to the actuation channel501and a propeller blade422coupled at a free end of the propeller shaft421at the water outlet12such that the propeller blade422is driven to be rotated in responsive to a flush of water so as to transmit a rotational power to the electrical generator41through the propeller shaft421.

Accordingly, during the flush operation, the diaphragm member21is moved at the unsealed position by the diaphragm shaft22to allow the water passing from the water inlet11to the water outlet12, thereby flushing the sanitary system. When the water flushes out at the water outlet12, the flush power of the water will drive the propeller blade422to rotate. In other words, the propeller blade422provides a torque to the propeller shaft421during the water flushing movement at the water outlet12. The electrical generator41, which is an induction device, comprises a coil body encircling with a magnet such that when the propeller unit42generates the rotational force, the electrical generator41will convert the rotational force into an electrical force for charging the power source611.

The propeller unit42translates water flush energy to the rotational torque directly related to the total blade area, i.e. more blades equal more torque. Multiple propeller blades422contain a greater surface area on the propeller blades422allowing a small diameter propeller size to be effective.

As shown inFIG. 1, the propeller shaft421is extended parallel to each of the manual and automated plunger arms62,72. Accordingly, the power charging arrangement40can be an add-on device externally coupled with the valve body10. It is worth to mention that the propeller shaft421, which is made of rigid and durable material, has a relatively small size in diameter. Even though the propeller shaft421is extended from the housing body51to the water outlet12of the valve body10, the flush operation of the flush apparatus will not be affected. It is appreciated that the power charging arrangement40can be an integrated device that the propeller unit42is extended through the actuation channel501to support the propeller blade422at the water outlet12.

In order to mount the driving mechanism to the valve body10which is the conventional manual flush apparatus, the user is able to remove the manual handle from the retention ring32only. Then, by mounting the mounting opening522of the mounting ring52at the retention ring32, the actuation housing60is supported adjacent to the valve body. The installation of the driving mechanism is completed. Therefore, the user is able to selectively operation the flush apparatus manually by pressing the push button71or automatically by detecting the presence of the user via the sensor612. It is worth to mention that both manual and automated flush operation via the driving mechanism of the present invention act like the conventional manual flush operation by pushing the pushing platform311to move the diaphragm member21at the unsealed position through the diaphragm shaft22. Therefore, the present invention provides an accurate, reliable, and simple manual/automated flush operation as the manual flush apparatus provides.

FIGS. 4 to 6illustrates alternative mode of the driving mechanism incorporating with the button-type conventional manual flush apparatus. As it is mentioned above, the handle type conventional manual flush apparatus is that the manual handle is actuated to push the pushing platform311at the pushing surface thereof towards diaphragm shaft22so as to move the diaphragm member21from the sealed position to the unsealed position. Accordingly, the button-type conventional manual flush apparatus is that operation device30further comprises a manual depressible button34coupling with the pushing platform311of the driving unit31. Therefore, when the manual depressible button34is manually depressed, the pushing platform311is pushed by the manual depressible button34at the pushing surface thereof towards diaphragm shaft22so as to move the diaphragm member21from the sealed position to the unsealed position.

The driving mechanism of the present invention is adapted to incorporate with both the handle type conventional manual flush apparatus, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, and the button-type conventional manual flush apparatus, as shown inFIGS. 4 to 6. As shown inFIG. 4, the automated plunger arm62and the manual plunger arm72are slidably extended to the manual depressible button34. Therefore, for manual operation, the manual plunger arm72is actuated to push at the manual depressible button34. For automatic operation, the automated plunger arm62is actuated to push at the manual depressible button34. In other words, both the manual and automatic operations for the handle type conventional manual flush apparatus are the same as the manual and automatic operations for the button-type conventional manual flush apparatus.

It is worth to mention that the operator must replace the manual handle from the handle type conventional manual flush apparatus in order to install the driving mechanism of the present invention. For the button-type conventional manual flush apparatus, the operator does not require to replace any part of the button-type conventional manual flush apparatus, i.e. keeping the manual depressible button34, in order to install the driving mechanism of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 8 to 10, a flush apparatus of a second preferred embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the flush apparatus of the second preferred embodiment has the same configuration except the operation device30shown in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, the driving mechanism comprises an actuation housing50′, an automated actuation unit60′, a manual actuation unit70′, and power charging arrangement40′.

The actuation housing50′, having an actuation channel501′, is supported by the valve body10. Accordingly, the actuation housing50′ is mounted at the valve body10at a position that the actuation housing50′ is positioned adjacent to the valve body10. As shown inFIG. 8, the actuation housing50′ comprises a housing body51′ defining the actuation channel501′ at a bottom portion thereof and a tubular mounting element52′ mounting at said valve body to align the actuation channel501′ with the diaphragm shaft22′. Accordingly, the actuation channel501′ is transversely extended to communicate with the bottom portion of the diaphragm shaft22′.

The automated actuation unit60′ is received in the housing body51′ at a position above the actuation channel501′, wherein the automated actuation unit60′ comprises a motorized unit61′ received in the housing body51′ of the actuation housing50′ and an automated plunger arm62′ transversely extended along the actuation channel501. When the motorized unit61′ is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm62′ is driven by the motorized unit61′ to move towards the diaphragm shaft22′, such that the diaphragm shaft22′ is pushed by the automated plunger arm62′ to move the diaphragm member21′ at the unsealed position, as shown inFIG. 9. Accordingly, the diaphragm member21′ is then moved back to its sealed position as shown inFIG. 10.

As shown inFIG. 8, the motorized unit61′ comprises a power source611′, a servo unit612′ electrically coupled with the power source611′, a sensor613′ controllably activating the servo unit612′ in responsive to a presence of the user, and a gear transmission unit614′ coupling the servo unit612′ with the automated plunger arm62′ to transmit a servo power from the servo unit612′ to a transverse force at the automated plunger arm62′ so as to drive the automated plunger arm62′ towards the diaphragm shaft22.

According to the second embodiment, the power source611′ is a rechargeable battery supported in the housing body51′. The servo unit612′ comprises an electric motor electrically connected to the power source611′. The sensor613′ is an infrared sensor to detect the presence of the user by means of infrared signal. The gear transmission unit614′ comprises a gear set6141′ coupling with an output of the servo unit612′ and a driving arm6142′ driving the automated plunger arm62′ to laterally move in a reciprocating manner.

A CPU615′ is operatively connected to the sensor613′ to receive the signal therefrom, wherein the servo unit612′ is controlled by the CPU615′ such that once the CPU615′ receives the signal from the sensor613′, the CPU615′ will activate the servo unit612′ to drive the automatic plunger arm62′ for completing the automatic operation. It is worth to mention that the CPU615′ can be programmed to the time period of the presence of the user via the sensor613′ and to control the flush volume of the water via the automated actuation unit60′ by means of the time period of the opening of the diaphragm member21′ at the unsealed position.

The automated plunger arm62′ comprises a sliding stopper622′ blocked by a first stopper502′ of the housing body51′ to stop the further forward movement of the automated plunger arm62′ and blocked by a second stopper503′ of the housing body51′ to ensure the automated plunger arm62′ returning back to its original position. Accordingly, the housing body51′ has a guiding slot504′ provided at a bottom wall of the actuation channel501′, wherein the sliding stopper622′ is downwardly extended from the automated plunger arm62′ to slidably engage with the guiding slot504′. The two ends of the guiding slot504′ form the first and second stoppers502′,503′ respectively, such that the traveling distance of the automated plunger arm62′ is limited by the length of the guiding slot502′ between the two ends thereof.

In other words, the automated actuation unit60′ of the second embodiment has the same configuration of the first embodiment, except that the automated plunger arm62′ of the second embodiment is extended to the diaphragm shaft22′ while the automated plunger arm62of the first embodiment is extended to the pushing platform311.

The manual actuation unit70′ is received in the housing body51′ of the actuation housing50′. The manual actuation unit70′ comprises a push button71′ movably mounted at the housing body51′ of the actuation housing50′ and a manual plunger arm72′ transversely extended along the actuation channel501′ from the push button71′ towards the diaphragm shaft22′. When the push button71′ is manually pressed, the diaphragm shaft22′ is pushed by the manual plunger arm72′ to move the diaphragm member21′ at the unsealed position.

The push button71′ is extended to align with the diaphragm member21through the actuation channel501′. The manual plunger arm72′ has an enlarged pressing end extended to bias against the push button71′ and an opposed pusher end extended towards the diaphragm shaft22through the actuation channel501′ in such a manner that when the push button71′ is manually pressed, the manual plunger arm72′ is directly pushed towards the diaphragm shaft22′. The automated plunger arm62′ has a hollow structure defining a sliding channel621′ that the manual plunger arm72′ is slidably extended through the sliding channel621′.

Therefore, the manual actuation unit70′ of the second embodiment has the same configuration of the first embodiment, except that the manual plunger arm72′ of the second embodiment is extended to the diaphragm shaft22′ while the manual plunger arm72of the first embodiment is extended to the pushing platform311.

As shown inFIG. 8, the mounting element52′ having a ring shape defines two mounting openings to mount at the valve body10′ and the actuation housing50′ respectively to align the actuation channel501′.

The power charging arrangement40′ of the second embodiment, having the same configuration of the first embodiment, comprises an electrical generator41′ operatively linked to the power source611′ and a propeller unit42′ extended from the electrical generator41′ to the water outlet12′ of the valve body10in such a manner that when the propeller unit42′ is driven to rotate in responsive to a flush of water coming out at the water outlet12′, the electrical generator41′ is actuated to charge the power source611′. Accordingly, the power charging arrangement40′ can be an integrated device internally built-in with the housing body51′.

The electrical generator41′ is an alternator or a DC generator. The propeller unit42′ comprises a propeller shaft421′ transversely extended along the actuation channel501′ and a propeller blade422′ coupled at a free end of the propeller shaft421′ at the water outlet12′ such that the propeller blade422′ is driven to be rotated in responsive to a flush of water so as to transmit a rotational power to the electrical generator41′ through the propeller shaft421′.

It is worth to mention that the power charging arrangement40,40′ can be incorporated with any conventional automated flush apparatus having a rechargeable power supply. Therefore, the user does not require frequently replacing the power supply or running any electrical cable to the power supply in order to installation the conventional automated flush apparatus.

Referring toFIGS. 11 to 13of the drawings, a flush apparatus of a third embodiment illustrates another alternative of the second embodiments, wherein the flush apparatus of the third preferred embodiment has the same configuration except the driving mechanism shown in the second embodiment. According to the third embodiment, the driving mechanism comprises an actuation housing50A and an actuation unit.

The actuation housing50A, having an actuation channel501A, is supported by the valve body10′. Accordingly, the actuation housing50A is mounted at the valve body10′ at a position that the actuation housing50A is positioned adjacent to the valve body10′. As shown inFIG. 11, the actuation housing50A comprises a housing body51A defining the actuation channel501A at a bottom portion thereof and a tubular mounting element52A mounting at the valve body10′ to align the actuation channel501A with the diaphragm shaft22′. Accordingly, the actuation channel501′ is transversely extended to communicate with the bottom portion of the diaphragm shaft22′. In other words, the driving mechanism is adapted to incorporate with the valve body10′ which is the conventional manual flush apparatus, by removing the manual handle from the retention ring32.

The actuation unit is received in the housing body51A at a position above the actuation channel501A, wherein the actuation unit comprises a motorized unit61A received in the housing body51A of the actuation housing50A and a plunger arm62A transversely extended along the actuation channel501A.

Accordingly, the plunger arm62A has a pushing end620A selectively adjusted for pointing at one of first and second positions221′,222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′. When the motorized unit61A is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the plunger arm62A is driven by the motorized unit61A for moving towards one of the first and second positions221′,222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ so as to complete a flushing operation of the flush apparatus. In other words, the diaphragm shaft22′ is pushed by the plunger arm62A at one of the first and second positions221′,222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ to move the diaphragm member21′ at the unsealed position. Accordingly, the diaphragm member21′ is then moved back to its sealed position. It is worth mentioning that the pushing end620A of the plunger arm62A does not touch the diaphragm shaft22′ at the idle state. Therefore, the plunger arm62A is moved by the motorized unit61A to hit the diaphragm shaft22′ at one of the first and second positions221′,222′ thereof.

As shown inFIGS. 11 to 13, the plunger arm62A comprises a first pusher member621A and a second pusher member622A and defines the pushing end620A at a forward free end of each of the first and second pushers members621A,622A. Accordingly, the first and second pusher members621A,622A are supported side-by side and are driven to move by the motorized unit61A. In particular, the first pusher member621A, having a tubular structure, defines an elongated sliding channel therewithin, wherein the second pusher member622A is slidably received at the sliding channel of the first pusher member621A, as shown inFIG. 11.

According to the third embodiment, the driving mechanism can be formed as a flush water volume control arrangement for controlling flush water volume during a flushing operation. Accordingly, the first pusher member621A is supported transversely for moving toward the first position221′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ to complete the flushing operation with a relatively high volume of water, as shown inFIG. 12. The second pusher member622A is supported transversely for moving toward the second position222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ to complete the flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water, as shown inFIG. 13.

In other words, the pushing end620A of the first pusher member621A is higher than the pushing end620A of the second pusher member622A such that the first position221′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ being pushed by the first pusher member621A is positioned higher than the second position222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ being pushed by the second pusher member622′.

It is worth to mention that the operations of the first and second pusher members621A,622A are the same to complete the flushing operation of the flush system. In order to precisely control the volume of the water to complete the flushing operation, the time period of the water valve20′ being stayed at the flushing position should be concerned. In other words, the longer time of the water valve20′ being stayed at the flushing position, the relatively higher volume of water is used for completing the flushing operation. Therefore, the shorter time of the water valve20′ being stayed at the flushing position, the relatively lower volume of water is used for completing the flushing operation.

Accordingly, the time period of the diaphragm member21′ of the water valve20′ being stayed at the flushing position can be controlled by the time of the diaphragm shaft22′ being actuated to move back to its vertical orientation. In other words, when the diaphragm shaft22′ is moved back to its vertical orientation, the diaphragm member21′ of the water valve20′ is sealed back at its idle sealed position to block the water flushing out of the water outlet12′.

In other words, when the first pusher member621A is driven to move the diaphragm shaft22′ at the first position221′, the diaphragm shaft22′ requires longer time to return back to its vertical orientation. When the second pusher member622A is driven to move the diaphragm shaft22′ at the second position222′, the diaphragm shaft22′ requires shorter time to return back to its vertical orientation. Therefore, by actuating one of the first and second pusher members621A,622A, the time period of the diaphragm shaft22′ returning back to its vertical orientation can be controlled so as to control the volume of water for completing the flushing operation.

As shown inFIG. 11, the motorized unit61A comprises a power source611A, a servo unit612A electrically coupled with the power source611A, a sensor613A controllably activating the servo unit612A in responsive to a presence of the user, and a gear transmission unit614A coupling the servo unit612A with the plunger arm62A to transmit a servo power from the servo unit612A to a transverse force at the automated plunger arm62′ so as to drive the automated plunger arm62′ towards the diaphragm shaft22.

According to the third embodiment, the power source611A is a rechargeable battery supported in the housing body51A.

The servo unit612A comprises an electric motor electrically connected to the power source611A. The servo unit612A is arranged for generating a first rotational power and an opposed second rotational power, wherein when the first rotational power is generated, the plunger arm62A is driven for moving toward the first position221′ of the diaphragm shaft22′, and when the second rotational power is generated, the plunger arm62A is driven for moving toward the second position222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′.

In particular, when the first rotational power is generated, the first pusher member621A is actuated for moving toward the first position221′ of the diaphragm shaft22′, and when the second rotational power is generated, the second pusher member622A is actuated for moving toward the second position222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′.

The gear transmission unit614A comprises a gear set6141A coupling with an output of the servo unit612A for transmitting the first and second rotational powers from the servo unit612A and a driving arm6142A driving the first pusher member621A to laterally move in a reciprocating manner.

The gear set6141A comprises a driving member6143A, as an end gear, which is driven to rotate by the servo unit612A through the gear set6141A and is coupled to the first pusher member621A via the driving arm6142A to move the first pusher member621A in a reciprocatingly movable manner. Preferably, the driving arm6142A has two ends coupled with the driving member6143A and the rear end of the first pusher member621A.

The gear transmission unit614A further comprises a pivot arm6144A being coupled between the driving member6143A and the second pusher member622A, wherein when the driving member6143A is rotated by the first rotational power, the first pusher member621A is driven for reciprocatingly moving toward the first position221′ of the diaphragm shaft22′, and when the driving member6143A is rotated by the second rotational power, the pivot arm6144A is pivotally moved to push the second pusher member622A toward the second position222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′.

As shown inFIG. 11, the driving member6143A has an actuating tooth6145A arranged in such a manner that only when the driving member6143A is rotated by the second rotational power, the actuating tooth6145A is driven to pivotally push the pivot arm6144A to drive the second pusher member622A forward. In other words, when the driving member6143A is rotated by the first rotational power, the actuating tooth6145A will not couple with the pivot arm6144A.

Accordingly, the pivot arm6144A has a pivot point defined at a mid-portion thereof to form an upper pivot end and a lower pivot end, wherein when the driving member6143A is rotated by the second rotational power, the actuating tooth6145A is driven to pivotally push at the upper pivot end of the pivot arm6144A. Therefore, the lower pivot end of the pivot arm6144A is pivotally moved to push the rear end of the second pusher member622A forward.

The plunger arm62A further comprises a resilient element623A coupled between the rear ends of the first and second pusher members621A,622A for applying a backward pushing force against the second pusher member622A to push the second pusher member622A backward after the second pusher member622A is moved forward. Preferably, the resilient element623A is a compression spring coaxially mounted at the rear portion of the second pusher member622A to bias against the rear end of the first pusher member621A.

The sensor613A is an infrared sensor to detect the presence of the user by means of infrared signal. A CPU615A is operatively connected to the sensor613A to receive the signal therefrom, wherein the servo unit612A is controlled by the CPU615A such that once the CPU615A receives the signal from the sensor613A, the CPU615A will activate the servo unit612A to drive the plunger arm62A for completing the automatic operation. It is worth to mention that the CPU615A can also be programmed to the time period of the presence of the user via the sensor613A and to control the flush volume of the water via the actuation unit by means of the time period of the opening of the diaphragm member21′ at the unsealed position.

Accordingly, the first and second pusher members621A,622A can be actuated by the sensor613A. For example, the first pusher member621A can be actuated by the sensor613A when the sensor613A detects the presence of the user. The second pusher member622A can be actuated by the sensor613A when the sensor613A detects a touch by the user. In other words, the sensor613A can be a touch activation switch that by sensing a touch of the user, the sensor613A will be activated. In addition, the CPU615A can determine the usage time of the user when the sensor613A detects the presence of the user. For example, the CPU615A will determine the time period between a first and second signal being sent by the sensor613A, wherein when the sensor613A detects the presence of the user, the sensor613A will send the first signal to the CPU615A. Once the user leaves the flush system, i.e. there is no presence of the user within the detecting area of the sensor613A, the sensor613A will send the second signal to the CPU615A. When the time period is shorter than a predetermined threshold, such as 2 minutes, the CPU615A will activate the servo unit612A to actuate the second pusher member622A. When the time period is longer than the predetermined threshold, the CPU615A will activate the servo unit612A to actuate the first pusher member621A. In other words, the servo unit612A will automatically actuate two different settings to complete the flushing operating operation. The first setting is arranged to control the flushing operation for completing the flushing operation with a relatively high volume of water. The second setting is arranged to control the flushing operation for completing the flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water.

Preferably, a gauge63A is provided at the rear end of the second pusher member622A to measure the displacement thereof to ensure the second pusher member622A being moved back to its initial position.

As shown inFIG. 11, the driving member6143A is set at an initial position that the actuating tooth6145A is located below the upper pivot end of the pivot arm6144A. In order to actuate the first pusher member621A, the driving member6143A will be powered by first rotational power to rotate at one direction, for example rotating at a counterclockwise direction. Then, the driving arm6142A will transmit the rotational force of the driving member6143A to a transverse moving force to push the first pusher member621A forward, as shown inFIG. 12. It is worth mentioning that the driving member6143A is rotated 180° at a counterclockwise direction such that the first pusher member621A is pushed forward while the actuating tooth6145A does not engage with the upper pivot end of the pivot arm6144A. When the driving member6143A is kept rotating, the actuating tooth6145A will be driven to move to its initial position. Therefore, the driving member6143A will apply the transverse moving force to pull the first pusher member621A backward. In other words, the first pusher member621A will be driven to move in a reciprocatingly movable manner via the driving arm6142A.

It is worth mentioning that the driving member6143A is kept rotating at the counterclockwise direction until the driving member6143A is rotated back to its initial position. In addition, the upper end of the pivot end of the pivot arm6144A will be actuated by the actuating tooth6145A only when the driving member6143A is rotated at the clockwise direction. It is appreciated that the driving member6143A can be configured to be rotated back to its initial position at the clockwise direction to pull the first pusher member621A backward.

In addition, when the first pusher member621A is reciprocatingly moved, the second pusher member622A is correspondingly moved. In other words, the first and second pusher member621A,622A will be driven to move reciprocatingly at the same time.

In order to actuate the second pusher member622A, the driving member6143A will be powered by second rotational power to rotate at an opposed direction, for example rotating at the clockwise direction, as shown inFIG. 13. The actuating tooth6145A will engage with the upper pivot end of the pivot arm6144A to pivotally fold the lower pivot end thereof forward. Therefore, the lower pivot end of the pivot arm6144A will push the second pusher member622A forward. At the same time, the resilient element623A will be compressed between the rear ends of the first and second pusher members621A,622A. It is worth mentioning that the first pusher member621A is remained stationary. Then, when the driving member6143A is rotated back to its initial position, i.e. rotating at counterclockwise direction, the actuating tooth6145A will disengage with the upper pivot end of the pivot arm6144A. The resilient element623A will restore to its original configuration to pull the second pusher member622A back to its initial position.

It is worth mentioning that the rotating angle of the driving member6143A is about 15° in order to drive the actuating tooth6145A engaging with the upper pivot end of the pivot arm6144A. Having such relatively small rotating angle, the first pusher member621A is considered as stationary.

Accordingly, the diaphragm member21′ is normally sealed at the water chamber13′ between the water inlet11′ and the water outlet12′, wherein the diaphragm shaft22′ is downwardly extended from the diaphragm member21′. When the diaphragm shaft22′ is moved by the pushing end620A of the plunger arm62′, the diaphragm member21′ will be moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position to allow the water passing from the water inlet11′ to the water outlet12′, thereby flushing the flush system.

As shown inFIG. 14, an alternative mode of the plunger arm62B illustrates an alternative mode of the third embodiment for moving towards one of the first and second positions221′,222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ so as to complete a flushing operation of the flush apparatus. As shown inFIG. 14, the plunger arm62B is transversely extended along the actuation channel501A, wherein the plunger arm62B comprises a plunger body621B being driven by the motorized unit61A and a pusher member622B pivotally coupled with the plunger body61B end-to-end and defined the pushing end620B at the pusher member622B. When the pusher member622B is pivotally and upwardly moved, as shown inFIG. 15, the plunger body621B is transversely moved for driving the pusher member622B toward the first position221′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ to complete said flushing operation with a relatively high volume of water. When the pusher member622B is pivotally and downwardly moved, as shown inFIG. 16, the plunger body621B is transversely moved for driving the pusher member622B toward the second position222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ to complete the flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water. Accordingly, the first position221′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ is positioned higher than the second position222′ of the diaphragm shaft22′.

The driving arm6142A is coupled between the gear set6141A of the gear transmission unit614A and the plunger body621B to drive the plunger body621B to laterally move in a reciprocating manner.

The driving member6143A is driven to rotate by the servo unit612A through the gear set6141A and is coupled to the plunger body621B via the driving arm6142A to move the plunger body621B in a reciprocatingly movable manner. Preferably, the driving arm6142A has two ends coupled with the driving member6143A and the rear end of the plunger body621B.

As it is mentioned above, in order to actuate the plunger arm62B, the driving member6143A will be powered by rotational power of the servo unit612A to rotate. Then, the driving arm6142A will transmit the rotational force of the driving member6143A to a transverse moving force to push the plunger arm62B forward. When the driving member6143A is kept rotating, the driving member6143A will apply the transverse moving force to pull the plunger arm62B backward. In other words, the plunger arm62B will be driven to move in a reciprocatingly movable manner via the driving arm6142A. Therefore, by pivotally moving the pusher member622B with respect to the plunger body621B, two or more different settings can be configured to complete the flushing operating operation. The first setting is arranged to control the flushing operation for completing the flushing operation with a relatively high volume of water. The second setting is arranged to control the flushing operation for completing the flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water.

As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, the plunger body621B has an upper blocking surface623B and a lower blocking surface624B to limit a pivotally folding angle of the pusher member622B. Accordingly, when the pusher member622B is folded upwardly, the upper blocking surface623B of the plunger body621B will block the further upwardly pivot movement of the plunger body621B. Likewise, when the pusher member622B is folded downwardly, the lower blocking surface624B of the plunger body621B will block the further downwardly pivot movement of the plunger body621B.

Furthermore, the pushing end620B of the plunger arm62B has a round shape for enhancing a contacting area between the plunger arm62B and the diaphragm shaft22′ when the pusher member622B is pivotally moved.

It is appreciated that the pusher member622B can further be selectively adjusted between the upper pivotal folded position and the lower pivotally folded position. In other words, the pusher member622B can be folded to align with the plunger body621B that the pushing end620B of the plunger arm62B extends toward a third position223′ of the diaphragm shaft22′, wherein the third position223′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ is located between the first and second positions221′,222′ thereof, as shown inFIG. 17. Therefore, the flushing operation will be completed with a relatively volume of water at the third position223′ of the diaphragm shaft22′ more than the volume of water at the second position222′ and lesser than the volume of water at the first position221′.

It is also appreciated that the length of the pusher member622B can be substantially shortened that the pusher member622B forms a head portion of the plunger arm62B as shown inFIG. 18, wherein the head portion of the plunger arm62B can be pivotally folded up and down to selectively adjust the volume of water being used for completing the flushing operation of the flush system.