TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to an in-line flush valve unit for toilet systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pneumatic actuation arrangement for the in-line flush valve unit of a toilet system.
BACKGROUND
Toilet systems in sanitation industry enable persons to defecate in good sanitary conditions. A typical toilet system encompasses a toilet bowl, a water supply, and a flush valve unit. The toilet bowl is provided to receive faecal matter, when a user performs defecation thereon. The water supply stores water, which is supplied to the toilet bowl for removal of faecal matter therefrom. The flush valve unit is fluidly disposed between the water supply and the toilet bowl, to control the supply of water therethrough based on user demand. In particular, the flush valve unit allows the supply of water from the water supply to the toilet bowl, for removal of the faecal matter therefrom, as a user presses an actuation switch in the flush valve unit.
In one embodiment, the toilet system may employ the toilet bowl, a main water supply, a storage tank (provided as the water supply) fluidly connected to the main water supply, and an out-line flush valve unit fluidly disposed between the storage tank and the toilet bowl. In such embodiment, the storage tank receives and stores certain volume of water from the main water supply. When required to perform a flushing action, an actuation switch on a face plate of the out-line flush valve unit is pressed for actuating the out-line flush valve unit. The out-line flush valve unit is so structured such that, it allows the supply of entire water volume in the storage tank to the toilet bowl, as the actuation switch is pressed. However, in such embodiment, the storage tank needs time for refilling, and thus a next flushing action can be performed after a certain halt period.
In another embodiment, the toilet system may employ the toilet bowl, a water supply (same as the main water supply of previous embodiment), and an in-line flush valve unit. In such embodiment, the water supply stores water in abundance volume, and a certain volume is extracted to perform a flushing action each time. When required to perform a flushing action, an actuation switch on a face plate of the in-line flush valve unit is pressed for actuating the in-line flush valve unit. The in-line flush valve units is so structured such that, it allows the supply of certain amount of water volume in the water supply to the toilet bowl, as the actuation switch is pressed. The amount of water volume supplied to the toilet bowl is dependent on a timing for which the actuation switch is pressed. As soon as the actuation switch on the face plate of the in-line flush valve unit is released, the supply of water from the water supply to the toilet bowl is cut. This leads to the problems of improper flushing if the actuation switch is pressed for a timing less than required timing, or water wastage if the actuation switch is pressed for a timing more than required timing. There exist multiple embodiments of the in-line flush valve units. One such embodiment is as described below.
In one embodiment, the in-line flush valve unit includes a valve unit, a cartridge, and a face plate. The valve unit defines a flow passage, between an inlet and an outlet. The inlet being fluidly connected to the water supply, and the outlet being fluidly connected to the toilet bowl. The cartridge being provided laterally placed relative to the flow passage, such that the cartridge allows a supply of water through the flow passage in a first position and restricts a supply of water through the flow passage in a second position. The cartridge is maintained in the second position with use of a spring member. Further, the face plate includes the actuation switch mechanically connected to the cartridge of the in-line flush valve unit. Upon pressing the actuation switch, the cartridge is adjusted from the second position to the first position, allowing the supply of water through the flow passage from the inlet to the outlet and thereby allowing the supply of water from the water supply to the toilet bowl. Notably, in such embodiment, the water is supplied from the water supply to the toilet bowl, until the actuation switch is pressed. This results in no control of the volume of water supplied from the water supply to the toilet bowl. Moreover, as the actuation switch is mechanically attached to the cartridge, for movement of the cartridge, a mechanical force sufficient to move the cartridge from the second position to the first position is required. It may be further noted that the inlet and a top of the cartridge are continuously supplied with water pressure, which adds to the mechanical force required to move the cartridge from the second position to the first position. Thereby, the mechanical force required for manipulation of the actuation switch is relatively high, and is many-a-times inefficient for proper flushing operation as this may require the user to keep holding the actuation switch with such high mechanical force for sufficient time. This causes less user-friendly in-line flush valve unit.
Accordingly, in light of the aforementioned drawbacks and several other inherent in the existing arts, there is a well felt need to provide an in-line flush valve unit which reduces the actuation force.

SUMMARY
One aspect of present invention relates to a pneumatic actuation arrangement for an in-line flush valve unit for a toilet system. The objective of the present invention is to provide the pneumatic actuation arrangement for the in-line flush valve unit, which requires minimal actuation force irrespective of water supply pressure.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pneumatic actuation arrangement for an in-line flush valve unit for a toilet system wherein the pneumatic actuation arrangement provides an adjustable flushing duration with consistent flush volume, without any change in flushing flow rate in the water supply.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a pneumatic actuation arrangement for an in-line flush valve unit of a toilet system. The toilet system includes a water supply, a toilet bowl, and the in-line flush valve unit. The in-line flush valve unit includes a face plate including at least one actuation switch, a valve unit defining a flow passage between an inlet and an outlet, and a cartridge that restricts a water flow through the flow passage in a forward position and allows a water flow through the flow passage in a backward position. The pneumatic actuation arrangement includes at least one air bellow and a water pressure relief arrangement. The at least one air bellow is connected to the at least one actuation switch on the face plate, such that the at least one air bellow generates an airflow upon pressing of the at least one actuation switch on the face plate. The water pressure relief arrangement is fluidly connected to the at least one air bellow, and is adapted to automatically facilitate a movement of the cartridge from the forward position to the backward position upon receipt of the airflow from the at least one air bellow, allowing the water flow from the inlet to the outlet through the flow passage. The inlet of the valve unit is fluidly connected to the water supply, while the output is fluidly connected to the toilet bowl. Thereby, a movement of the cartridge from the forward position to the backward position allows the water flow from the water supply to the toilet bowl through the flow passage.
The above described objectives and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:
Figure 1 Illustrates an exploded view of an in-line flush valve unit, clearly illustrating a valve unit and a pneumatic actuation arrangement of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 Illustrates a schematic of the in-line flush valve unit, while a face plate been removed from a base cover assembly of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 Illustrates a front view of the in-line flush valve unit while the face plate is removed from the in-line flush valve unit, clearly illustrating the valve unit and the pneumatic actuation arrangement of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 Illustrates a sectional view of the in-line flush valve unit, clearly illustrating various components of the valve unit and the pneumatic actuation arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 Illustrates another sectional view of a portion of the in-line flush valve unit, illustrating a cartridge assembly of the pneumatic actuation arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 Illustrates an isometric view of the sectional view of the portion of the in-line flush valve unit as shown in FIG. 5, illustrating the cartridge assembly of the pneumatic actuation arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 7a Illustrates a sectional view of the in-line flush valve unit, illustrating a position of the water pressure relief arrangement during the non-flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 7b, illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the in-line flush valve unit, illustrating a position of the cartridge assembly during the non-flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 7c, illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the in-line flush valve unit, illustrating a portion of the needle valve during the non-flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 8a Illustrates a sectional view of the in-line flush valve unit, illustrating a position of the water pressure relief arrangement during the flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 8b, illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the in-line flush valve unit, illustrating a position of the cartridge assembly during the flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 8c, illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the in-line flush valve unit, illustrating a portion of the needle valve during the flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.
Figure 1 to Figure 8, should be referred to in conjunction with each other, in order to clearly understand a scope of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 – 8, there is shown an in-line flush valve unit of a toilet system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. In such embodiment, the toilet system essentially comprises of a water supply (not shown), the in-line flush valve unit [100], and a toilet bowl (not shown). The toilet bowl receives faecal material, as a user performs defecation thereon. The water supply is a main water source that stores water in abundance volume. The in-line flush valve unit [100] is provided to supply certain amount of water volume from the water supply to the toilet bowl, upon a user demand. In particular, the in-line flush valve unit [100], in a non-flushing state, restricts the supply of water from the water supply to the toilet bowl. Moreover, the in-line flush valve unit [100], in a flushing state, allows the supply of certain volume of water from the water supply to the toilet bowl. A structure and arrangement of the in-line flush valve unit [100], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure, will be discussed hereinafter in details.
The in-line flush valve unit [100] comprises of a cover assembly [102], a face plate [104], a valve unit [106], a cartridge assembly [108], and a pneumatic actuation arrangement [110]. The cover assembly [102] comprises of a base container [102a], a mask [102b], and a position panel [102c]. The base container [102a] may be installed at least partially within a wall, to install the in-line flush valve unit [100] on the wall. In an alternate embodiment, the base container [102a] may include one or more mounting arrangements for installing the in-line flush valve unit [100] on the wall. Further, the mask [102b] and the position panel [102c], allows mounting of the face plate [104] on an open front face of the base container [102a], to entirely cover the in-line flush valve unit [100]. Furthermore, the cover assembly [102] and the face plate [104], in conjunction with each other, house various components of the valve unit [106] and the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] therein. In nutshell, the in-line flush valve unit [100] is formed in form of a complete singular assembly.
The face plate [104] functions as a user-interface in the present invention. The face plate [104] comprises of at least one actuation switch [104a] to actuate the flushing of water from the water source to the toilet bowl. Specifically, actuation of the in-line flush valve unit [100] from the non-flushing state to the flushing state is performed by pressing the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104]. Such actuation will be described later in details.
The valve unit [106] of the in-line flush valve unit [100] includes an inlet [106a] and an outlet [106b]. The inlet [106a] is fluidly connected to the water source, while the outlet [106b] is fluidly connected to the toilet bowl, via a flush pipe [106c], an adjustable trap [106d], and a bowl inlet pipe [106e]. A bottom clip [106f] is further provided to retain the flush pipe [106c] and the adjustable trap [106d], closer to the wall on which the in-line flush valve unit [100] is installed. The valve unit [106] further comprises of a hollow housing [106g] that defines a flow passage [106h] therein. The hollow housing [106g] is connected to the inlet [106a] directly, and to the outlet [106b] via an anti-siphon pipe [106i], such that the flow passage [106h] is defined between the inlet [106a] and the outlet [106b]. With such connection, a locking clip [106j] may be used to install and position the valve unit [106] within the base container [102a] of the cover assembly [102]. It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that availability of water at the water source corresponds to availability of water at the inlet [106a], and availability of water at the outlet [106b] corresponds to availability of water to the toilet bowl. In particular, a supply of water from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] through the flow passage [106h], corresponds to a supply of water from the water source to the toilet bowl through the flow passage [106h]. For ease in reference and understanding, a supply of water from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] through the flow passage [106h] will be discussed hereinafter, and shall be considered as the supply of water from the water source to the toilet bowl through the flow passage [106h]. Therefore, in a flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit [100], a supply of water from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] through the flow passage [106h] is allowed. Whereas, in a non-flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit [100], a supply of water from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] through the flow passage [106h] is restricted. Furthermore, the housing of the valve unit [106] comprises of a lateral chamber [106k], to position the cartridge assembly [108] of the in-line flush valve unit [100] proximal to the flow passage [106h] of the valve unit [106].
The cartridge assembly [108] is positioned within the lateral chamber [106k] of hollow housing [106g] of the valve unit [106]. The cartridge assembly [108] includes a cartridge [108a] and a stopper [108b]. The stopper [108b] retains the cartridge [108a] within the lateral chamber [106k] of the valve unit [106], via a first resilient member [108c]. An inner periphery of the hollow housing [106g] of the valve unit [106] is structured, such that the cartridge [108a] restricts a flow of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]) in a forward position, while the cartridge [108a] allows a flow of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]) in a backward position. In particular, in the forward position, the cartridge [108a] restricts the flow of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]), and thus maintains the non-flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit [100]. Whereas, in the backward position, the cartridge [108a] allows the flow of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]), and thus maintains the flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit [100]. Notably, the first resilient member [108c] normally maintains the cartridge [108a] in the forward position, and thus a non-flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit [100] is maintained normally.
The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] is provided to adjust the in-line flush valve unit [100] from the non-flushing state to the flushing state, upon user actuation. In particular, the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] is provided to adjust the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position, upon user actuation. For such purpose, the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] includes at least one air bellow [110a, 110b], a water pressure relief arrangement [110c], and an air relief valve [110d]. The at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] is connected to the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104], such that the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] generates an airflow upon pressing of the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104]. The water pressure relief arrangement [110c] is fluidly connected to the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b], such that it automatically facilitates a movement of the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position upon receipt of the airflow from the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b], allowing the water flow (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]) through the flow passage [106h]. The air relief valve [110d] further vents out the airflow, to allow the cartridge [108a] to be switched back from the backward position to the forward position after a predefined time period, restricting the flow of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]). A structure and arrangement of the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b], the water pressure relief arrangement [110c], and the air relief valve [110d], will be described in details hereinafter.
In the present embodiment, the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] includes two air bellows [110a, 110b], namely a first air bellow [110a] and a second air bellow [110b], for generation of the airflow upon pressing of the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104]. Although, the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] is disclosed to include two air bellows [110a, 110b], it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that any number of air bellows [110a, 110b] may be employed, for generation of the airflow upon pressing of the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104]. However, for design constraints and space optimization, the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] is described to include the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b]. The first air bellow [110a] is installed on a back surface of the face plate [104], while the second air bellow [110b] is installed within the back container of the cover assembly [102]. Each of the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b] is mechanically connected to the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104], such that pressing of the at least one switch corresponds to generation of a first airflow and a second airflow by the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b], respectively. A combination of the first airflow and the second airflow corresponds to the airflow of the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b].
The water pressure relief arrangement [110c] is a combination of a double diaphragm needle valve [110e] and a relief air bellow [110f], provided within a relief housing [110h]. It may be noted, in one embodiment, the relief housing [110h] may be provided integral to the hollow housing [106g] of the valve unit [106]. However, in another embodiment, the relief housing [110h] may be provided separate to the hollow housing [106g] of the valve unit [106]. However, structure and arrangement of the relief housing [110h] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c] and the hollow housing [106g] of the valve unit [106] does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The needle valve [110e] is adapted to operate in an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, a vacuum chamber of the needle valve [110e] maintains a vacuum and restricts a flow of water there through. In the open state, the vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the needle valve [110e] is broken and thus allows the flow of water there through. The needle valve [110e] is normally maintained in a closed state, with use of a second resilient member [110n]. Further, the needle valve [110e] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c] is fluidly connected to the inlet [106a] of the valve unit [106], to receive water therein. An inlet pipe [110i] fluidly connects the inlet [106a] of the valve unit [106] to the needle valve [110e]. It may be noted that the fluid connection by the inlet pipe [110i] is such that, it allows the flow of water from the inlet [106a] to a vacuum chamber in the needle valve [110e], via the cartridge [108a] of the cartridge assembly [108]. For clarity purposes, the flow of water is enabled from the inlet [106a] of the valve unit [106], then through the water-bleed holes in the cartridge [108a] of the cartridge assembly [108], thereafter to the inlet pipe [110i], and finally to the vacuum chamber in the needle valve [110e]. As the needle valve [110e] is normally in the closed state via a second resilient member [110n], a vacuum is maintained in the needle valve [110e]. Such maintenance of vacuum in the needle valve [110e] allows for a fluid pressure on the cartridge [108a], which is balanced by a spring force of the first resilient member [108c]. Therefore, the cartridge [108a] is normally maintained in the forward position. Therefore, the flow of water through the needle valve [110e] is restricted. Furthermore, the needle valve [110e] is fluidly connected to the outlet [106b] of the valve unit [106]. An outlet pipe [110j] fluidly connects the outlet [106b] of the valve unit [106] to the needle valve [110e]. Moreover, the needle valve [110e] is mechanically connected to the relief air bellow [110f], via a common shaft [110k]. A downward movement of the common shaft [110k], with use of the relief air bellow [110f] corresponds to breakage of the vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the needle valve [110e]. Such action corresponds to adjusting the needle valve [110e] from the closed state to the open state. In the open state, the flow of water from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] through the needle valve [110e], while flowing through the water bleed holes of the cartridge [108a], is allowed. Such allowance of flow of water creates additional fluid pressure on the cartridge [108a] of the cartridge assembly [108] in a backward direction, and thus pushes the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position. Such movement of the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position, allows the supply of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]). Moreover, such adjustment of the needle valve [110e] from the closed state to the open state is facilitated, with use of the relief air bellow [110f].
The relief air bellow [110f] is mechanically connected to the needle valve [110e], via the common shaft [110k]. The relief air bellow [110f] is normally compressed, and one end is connected to the common shaft [110k]. A supply of air to the relief air bellow [110f] corresponds to expansion of the relief air bellow [110f], which further corresponds to downward movement of the common shaft [110k]. Such downward movement of the common shaft [110k] corresponds to an adjustment of the needle valve [110e] from the closed state to the open state. Notably, the relief air bellow [110f] is fluidly connected to the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b] of the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b], to receive the airflow therein. Upon receiving the airflow from the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b], the downward movement of the common shaft [110k] is enabled and thus the needle valve [110e] is adjusted from the closed state to the open state. Thereby, the cartridge [108a] is moved from the forward position to the backward position, allowing the flow of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]).
Furthermore, the air relief valve [110d] is provided to assist in performing a return movement of switching the relief air bellow [110f] back from the expanded state to the compressed state, switching back the needle valve [110e] from the open state to the closed state, and moving back the cartridge [108a] of the cartridge assembly [108] from the backward position to the forward position. Thus, the in-line flush valve unit [100] is switched back from the flushing state to the non-flushing state with use of the air relief valve [110d]. In particular, the air relief valve [110d] is fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c], to vent air therefrom. The air relief valve [110d] includes at least one air vent hole [110l] and an adjustable knob [110m]. In the present embodiment, the at least one air vent hole [110l] includes three air vent holes [110l] capable of being fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f]. The knob [110m] is manually adjustable to allow the fluid connection of one or more of the at least one air vent holes [110l] with the relief air bellow [110f], and thus allow venting of the air from the relief air bellow [110f] through one or more of the at least one air vent holes [110l]. It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that venting of air from the relief air bellow [110f] through one or more of the at least one air vent holes [110l] consumes a specified time for operation. Therefore, the in-line flush valve unit [100] is kept in the flushing state, until the specified time for operation. Thus, the specified time corresponds to the timing of water flow through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]) of the valve unit [106]. In other words, the specified time corresponds to a duration of flushing of the in-line flush valve unit [100]. It may further be noted that a number of air vent holes [110l] of the air relief valve [110d] fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f], corresponds to the specified time for operation. In particular, higher the number of air vent holes [110l] fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f], lower is the specified time for operation. Therefore, the specified time of operation, the timing of water flow through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]), and duration of flushing of the in-line flush valve unit [100], may be adjusted by adjusting the number of air vent holes [110l] fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f]. Such adjustment may be done with use of the knob [110m] of the air relief valve [110d]. Therefore, the water volume supplied from the water source to the toilet bowl may be adjusted.
Operation/ Working of the In-line flush valve Unit [100]
With the aforementioned structure and arrangement, the in-line flush valve unit [100] is capable of supplying the water from the water source to the toilet bowl in (i) the flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit [100]; and the in-line flush valve unit [100] is capable of restricting the supply of water from the water source to the toilet bowl in (ii) the non-flushing state of the in-line flush valve unit [100]. Normally, the in-line flush valve unit [100] is kept in the non-flushing state with use of the first resilient member [108c] in the cartridge assembly [108], and the second resilient member [110n] in the needle valve [110e] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c]. Furthermore, the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] is used to adjust the in-line flush valve unit [100] from the non-flushing state to the flushing state.
Operation for achieving Flushing State of the In-line flush valve Unit [100].
In order to switch the In-line flush valve unit [100] from the non-flushing state to the flushing state, the actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104] of the in-line flush valve unit [100] is pressed. As the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b] of the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] are connected to the actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104], the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b] generates a first airflow and the second airflow respectively, upon pressing of the actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104]. It may be noted that the actuation force on the actuation switch [104a] of the face plate [104] is dependent on the force required to compress the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b], and is independent of the fluid pressure at the inlet [106a] of the in-line flush valve unit [100]. Therefore, a consistent and relatively lesser force is required to perform actuation of the in-line flush valve unit [100]. Therefore, the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] provides for soft-press in-line flush valve unit [100]. Furthermore, a combination of the first airflow and the second airflow in combination as generated by the first air bellow [110a] and the second air bellow [110b] respectively is termed as the airflow. The airflow is fed to the relief air bellow [110f] of the water pressure water pressure relief arrangement [110c]. Upon receiving the airflow, the relief air bellow [110f] is switched from the compressed state to the expanded state. Upon expansion of the relief air bellow [110f], the common shaft [110k] is moved downwards, which breaks a vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the needle valve [110e]. In particular, the needle valve [110e] is adjusted from the closed state to the open state. In the open state, the needle valve [110e] allows for flow of water from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] therethrough. Notably, the needle valve [110e] allows for flow of water through the water-bleed hole in the cartridge [108a] of the cartridge assembly [108]. This exerts a fluid pressure on the cartridge [108a], causing the cartridge [108a] to move from the forward position to the backward position. With movement of the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position, water flow through the flow passage [106h] of the valve unit [106] is allowed. Thus, the water flows from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] through the flow passage [106h] of the valve unit [106]. In other words, the flow of water from the water source to the toilet bowl is enabled. Thus, the In-line flush valve unit [100] is adjusted from the non-flushing state to the flushing state.
Operation for achieving Non-Flushing State of the In-line flush valve Unit [100]
The in-line flush valve unit [100], when adjusted to the flushing state, allows the flow of water through the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]) for the specified time period. The air relief valve [110d] is provided to assist switching back of the in-line flush valve unit [100] from the flushing state to the non-flushing state. As the air relief valve [110d] is fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f], it vents air from the relief air bellow [110f] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c]. Upon venting of air from the relief air bellow [110f], the relief air bellow [110f] is switched back from the expanded state to the compressed state. This causes the needle valve [110e] to be switched back from the open state to the closed state, by way of a spring force of the second resilient member [110n]. This eliminates the water pressure on the cartridge [108a] of the cartridge assembly [108], due to the flow of water through the needle valve [110e]. Therefore, the cartridge [108a] is switched back from the backward position to the forward position, due to the spring action of the first resilient member [108c]. Thus, the supply of water thorough the flow passage [106h] (from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b]) is restricted. This causes switching of the in-line flush valve unit [100] from the flushing state to the non-flushing state. It may be noted that upon pressing of the actuation switch [104a], the in-line flush valve unit [100] is maintained in the flushing state for the specified time period until it is automatically switched back from the flushing state to the non-flushing state. The specified time is dependent on a flow of venting of air through the relief air bellow [110f], with use of the air relief valve [110d]. Fluid connection of one air vent hole [110l] to the air relief valve [110d] corresponds to relatively more time than the fluid connection of the two or three air vent hole [110l] to the air relief valve [110d]. Therefore, one or more of the three air vents of the air relief valve [110d] may be fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f] with use of the knob of the air relief valve [110d], in order to achieve desired specified time. It may be noted that the specified time, the timing of the water flow through the flow passage [106h] of the valve unit [106], and the duration of flushing of the in-line flush valve unit [100], corresponds to same timing factor, and shall be referred interchangeably hereinafter. In nutshell, the specified time, or the timing of the water flow through the flow passage [106h] of the valve unit [106], or the duration of flushing of the in-line flush valve unit [100], may be adjusted without changing the flow rate of the water supplied from the water source to the toilet bowl.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
List of Components:
100- In-line flush valve unit
102- Cover Assembly
102a - Base Container of 102
102b - Mask of 102
102c - Position Panel of 102
104 – Face plate
104a - Actuation switch of 104
106 - Valve unit
106a – Inlet
106b – Outlet
106c - Flush Pipe
106d - Adjustable Trap
106e - Bowl Inlet Pipe
106f - Bottom Clip
106g – Hollow Housing
106h – Flow Passage
106i – Anti-Siphon Pipe
106j – Locking Clip
106k – Lateral Chamber
108 - Cartridge Assembly
108a – Cartridge
108b – Stopper
108c – First Resilient Member
110 – Pneumatic Actuation Arrangement
110a – First Air Bellow of 110
110b – Second Air Bellow of 110
110c – Water Pressure Relief Arrangement of 110
110d – Air Relief Valve of 110
110e – Needle valve of 110c
110f – Relief Air Bellow of 110c
110h – Housing of 110c
110i – Inlet Pipe of 110c
110j – Outlet Pipe of 110c
110k – Common Shaft of 110c
110l – Air Vent Holes of 110d
110m – Knob of 110d
110n – Second Resilient Member

I/We claim:
1. A pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] for an in-line flush valve unit [100] of a toilet system, the in-line flush valve unit [100] comprising a valve unit [106] defining a flow passage [106h] between an inlet [106a] and an outlet [106b], and including a cartridge [108a] that restricts a water flow through the flow passage [106h] in a forward position and allows a water flow through the flow passage [106h] in a backward position; the in-line flush valve unit [100] further including a face plate [104] with at least one actuation switch [104a], the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110], comprising:
at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] connected to the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104], such that the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] generates an airflow upon pressing of the at least one actuation switch [104a] on the face plate [104];
a water pressure relief arrangement [110] fluidly connected to the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b], and adapted to automatically facilitate a movement of the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position upon receipt of the airflow from the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b], allowing the water flow from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] through the flow passage [106h].

2. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water pressure relief arrangement [110c] includes:
a relief air bellow [110f] fluidly connected to the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b]; and
a needle valve [110e] connected to the relief air bellow [110f], the needle valve [110e] being fluidly disposed between the inlet [106a] and the outlet [106b] of the valve unit [106], such that the needle valve [110e] is adjusted to an open state as the relief air bellow [110f] receives the airflow from the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] to facilitate the movement of the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position.

3. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the open state the needle valve [110e] allows the flow of fluid from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b] therethrough while exerting a fluid pressure on the cartridge [108a], thereby allowing the movement of the cartridge [108a] from the forward position to the backward position.

4. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 2, wherein the needle valve [110e] is in fluid communication with the flow passage [106h] via at least one water-bleed hole in the cartridge [108a] of the valve unit [106].

5. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one air bellow [110a, 110b] comprises of a first air bellow [110a] and a second air bellow [110b] for generating a first air flow and a second air flow, which in combination forms the air flow to be fed to the water pressure relief arrangement [110c].

6. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet [106a] of the valve unit [106] is fluidly connected to a main water source and the outlet [106b] is fluidly connected to a water closet.

7. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve unit [106] includes:
a hollow body defining the flow passage [106h] between the inlet [106a] and the outlet [106b], the hollow body includes a lateral chamber at which the cartridge [108a] is positioned to restrict and allow the water flow through the flow passage [106h] in the forward position and the backward position, respectively.

8. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge [108a] comprises of a first resilient member [108c], for keeping the cartridge [108a] normally in the forward position.

9. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 2, wherein the needle valve [110e] further comprises a second resilient member [110n], for keeping the needle valve [110e] normally in the closed state.

10. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, further comprises an air relief valve [110d] fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c], to vent out air therefrom.

11. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 10, wherein venting of air from the relief air bellow [110f] corresponds to a return movement of the needle valve [110e] of the of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c] from the open state to the closed state, and thus enable a return movement of the cartridge [108a] from the backward position to the forward position.
12. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 11, wherein the return movement of the cartridge [108a] from the backward position to the forward position corresponds to restriction of the water flow through the flow passage [106h] from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b].

13. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 10, wherein the air relief valve [110d] comprises of a plurality of air-relief vents capable of being fluidly connected to the relief air bellow [110f] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c], and a knob [110m] for selectively allowing the fluid connection of one or more of the plurality of air relief vents [110l] to the relief air bellow [110f] of the water pressure relief arrangement [110c], to adjust an air relief timing of the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110].

14. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 13, wherein adjusting the air relief timing of the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] corresponds to an adjustment of a timing of the water flow through the flow passage [106h] from the inlet [106a] to the outlet [106b].

15. The pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] as claimed in claim 13, wherein adjusting the air relief timing of the pneumatic actuation arrangement [110] corresponds to an adjustment of a flush duration by the valve unit [106].