U.S. patent application number 12/588619 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for odourless toilet.
Invention is credited to Nicholas James William White.
Application Number | 20110088156 12/588619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42752767 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110088156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
White; Nicholas James
William |
April 21, 2011 |
Odourless toilet
Abstract
An odourless toilet is provided. The toilet comprises a flush
tank comprising a wet chamber, which comprises a flush assembly and
a flush outlet. The toilet further comprises a ventilator inlet and
a ventilator. The toilet also optionally comprises a toilet bowl,
which comprises a basin and a basin access. In one aspect, the
toilet comprises a diverter positioned between the flush tank and
toilet bowl registering with the basin access. The diverter
comprises a flush passage, which couples the flush outlet to a wet
inlet of the basin access. The diverter also comprises an exhaust
passage, which couples the ventilator inlet to a dry outlet of the
basin access. A toilet assembly is also provided in which a fluid
transfer passage passes between a basin portion and a storage
portion including a wet chamber. A ventilator is operable to
withdraw waste air through a waste air passage via the fluid
transfer passage and an overflow passage. The overflow passage
includes a trunk portion, a first branch portion and a second
branch portion. The overflow passage operates to seal the second
branch portion for waste air to pass from the basin portion to the
ventilator through the trunk and the first branch portion.
Inventors: |
White; Nicholas James William;
(Toronto, CA) |
Family ID: |
42752767 |
Appl. No.: |
12/588619 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/348 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/052 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/348 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/05 20060101
E03D009/05 |
Claims
1. A toilet assembly comprising: a storage portion including a wet
chamber to store flushing water; a basin portion; a fluid transfer
passage between the basin portion and the storage portion, the
fluid transfer passage in communication with the wet chamber; a
flush valve portion, the flush valve portion being operable in, a
first operative phase, for releasing the flushing water from the
wet chamber to the basin portion through the fluid transfer
passage; a ventilator in communication with the fluid transfer
passage via an overflow passage and a waste air passage, the
ventilator being operable, in a second operative phase, for
withdrawing waste air from the basin portion through the waste air
transfer passage via the overflow passage and the fluid transfer
passage; an overflow passage including a trunk portion extending
from the waste air transfer passage in a lower region of the wet
chamber to a first overflow elevation in an upper region of the wet
chamber, the first overflow elevation being above a predetermined
full water elevation in the wet chamber, the overflow passage
including: a first branch portion in fluid communication with the
ventilator; and a second branch portion in fluid communication with
the wet chamber at a third elevation below the first overflow
elevation and below the full water elevation, the second branch
portion being operable to receive flushing water therein, in the
second operative phase, for sealing the second branch portion for
waste air to pass from the basin portion to the ventilator through
the trunk and the first branch portion.
2. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, the flush valve portion
being in fluid communication with the trunk portion.
3. A toilet assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: a
chamber outlet connected to the ventilator through which the drawn
waste air is exhausted to a toilet bowl trap, said chamber outlet
fluidly connected to a location downstream of the basin
portion.
4. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the toilet
assembly further comprises: a flush tank lid and wherein there is a
relatively airtight seal at the top of the tank lid.
5. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the toilet
assembly further comprises: a filter connected to the ventilator
within the waste air transfer passage, the filter for receiving and
neutralising the basin air, and a passage extending from the
ventilator to a chamber outlet for exhausting the drawn basin
air.
6. A toilet assembly according to claim 5, wherein the toilet
assembly further comprises: a one-way valve positioned in the waste
air transfer passage, the valve permitting air flow from basin
portion to the filter and preventing backflow of the drawn air to
the basin portion.
7. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ventilator
is within the storage portion.
8. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the toilet
assembly further comprises: a sensor for detecting the presence of
a toilet user, the sensor activating or deactivating the ventilator
in response to a detected presence.
9. An odourless toilet according to claim 8, wherein the sensor is
positioned on the storage portion.
10. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the basin
portion further comprises: air apertures in fluid communication
with the dry outlet.
11. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the basin
portion further comprises: an air channel and a respective air
aperture in fluid communication with the dry outlet; and, a flush
channel and a respective flush aperture in fluid communication with
the wet inlet.
12. A toilet assembly according to claim 11, wherein the air
channel and flush channel are positioned about the rim of the
toilet bowl.
13. A toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the basin
portion further comprises: an inner basin wall; an outer basin wall
defining the exterior of the basin, the inner and outer walls
defining an air channel in fluid communication with the dry outlet;
and, an air channel aperture opening to the air channel and being
positioned on the inner basin wall at a point above the basin water
line.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to odourless toilets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] During toilet use, off odours and air borne bacteria may
enter the immediate atmosphere. The odours and bacteria are
generally considered undesirable. Several toilet designs have been
proposed to deal with this problem; e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,257,421,
6,526,598 and 6,928,666. Each, however, poses a number of problems,
such as, the toilet design being too complex and expensive to
manufacture (cost prohibitive), or having a large number of moving
parts (maintenance prohibitive), or requiring excessive
reconfiguration of an existing toilet facility.
[0003] There remains a need for an odourless toilet that mitigates
or obviates at least some of these problems.
SUMMARY
[0004] An odourless toilet having a design that permits direct
interchangeability with standard toilet fitting specifications is
provided. The toilet venting, the vacuum and exhaust, is preferably
integrated within the casting of the toilet body. The toilet is
designed to obviate the requirement for venting through external
walls.
[0005] The toilet comprises a flush tank, which in turn comprises a
wet chamber that is configured to hold flushing water. The wet
chamber comprises a flush assembly, which conveys the flushing
water from the wet chamber, and a flush outlet through which the
flushing water exits. The flush tank also comprises a dry chamber,
which is positioned adjacent the wet chamber. The dry chamber in
turn comprises a chamber inlet, and a ventilator, which is
connected to the chamber inlet. The ventilator serves to draw air
through the chamber inlet. The toilet also comprises a toilet bowl,
which in turn comprises a basin and, a basin access. The basin
access comprises a wet inlet which is in fluid communication with
the wet chamber flush outlet and the basin. The wet inlet serves in
conveying the flushing water to the basin. The basin access also
comprises a dry outlet, which is in fluid communication with the
dry chamber inlet and the basin, through which basin air is drawn.
The toilet further comprises a diverter, which is positioned
between the flush tank and toilet bowl, and registers with the
basin access. The diverter comprises a flush passage, which couples
the flush outlet to the wet inlet, through which the flushing water
is conveyed from the wet chamber to the toilet bowl. The diverter
also comprises an exhaust passage, which couples the dry chamber
inlet to the dry outlet, through which basin air is drawn by the
ventilator into the dry chamber.
[0006] The dry chamber may further comprise a filter, which is
connected to the ventilator. The filter receives and neutralises
the drawn basin air.
[0007] The dry chamber may further comprise a chamber outlet which
is connected to the ventilator. The drawn basin air is exhausted
through the chamber outlet to the sewer side of a toilet bowl
trap.
[0008] The dry chamber and wet chamber may be positioned side by
side with respect to the front to back toilet orientation.
[0009] The dry chamber and wet chamber may be positioned front to
back with respect to the front to back toilet orientation.
[0010] A flush tank for use in an odourless toilet is also
provided. The flush tank comprises a wet chamber that is configured
to hold flushing water. The wet chamber comprises a flush assembly
for conveying the flushing water from the wet chamber; and, a flush
outlet through which the flushing water exits. The flush tank also
comprises a dry chamber adjacent the wet chamber. The dry chamber
comprises a chamber inlet, and a ventilator connected to the
chamber inlet for drawing air through the chamber inlet. The flush
tank also comprises a diverter positioned to register with a basin
access of the toilet bowl. The basin access comprises a wet inlet
in fluid communication with the wet chamber flush outlet and the
basin, which serves in conveying the flushing water to the basin;
and, a dry outlet that is in fluid communication with the dry
chamber inlet and the basin, through which basin air is drawn. The
diverter comprises a flush passage which couples the flush outlet
to the wet inlet, through which the flushing water is conveyed from
the wet chamber to the toilet bowl; and, an exhaust passage which
couples the dry chamber inlet to the dry outlet, through which
basin air is drawn by the ventilator into the dry chamber.
[0011] A flush tank insert for a toilet flush tank of an odourless
toilet is also provided.
[0012] A diverter for a toilet flush tank of an odourless toilet is
also provided.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, the toilet comprises a
flush tank, which in turn comprises a wet chamber that is
configured to hold flushing water. The wet chamber comprises a
flush ventilation assembly, which conveys the flushing water from
the wet chamber, and provides an exhaust passage for the
ventilator. The flush ventilation assembly comprises a ventilator
inlet/flush outlet in combination through which the flushing water
exits and the basin air enters. The flush ventilation assembly
further comprises a main flush valve for controlling the exit of
the flushing water from the wet chamber through the ventilator
inlet/flush outlet, and an overflow tube. The overflow tube has
first and second ends, and the first end is connected to the
ventilator inlet/flush outlet which permits overflow water which
has risen to the second end to be conveyed from the wet chamber,
and permits basin air to pass into the first end of the overflow
tube. The toilet further comprises a ventilator, which is in fluid
communication with the ventilator inlet/flush outlet. The flush
tank also optionally comprises a dry chamber, which is positioned
adjacent the wet chamber. The ventilator may be located within the
dry chamber, submerged within the wet chamber, or located outside
the flush tank. The ventilator serves to draw air through the
ventilator inlet/flush outlet. The toilet also comprises a toilet
bowl, which in turn comprises a basin and a basin access. The basin
access comprises a wet inlet/dry outlet in combination which is in
fluid communication with the ventilator inlet/flush outlet and the
basin. The wet inlet/dry outlet serves in conveying the flushing
water to the basin, and through which basin air is drawn.
[0014] The flush ventilation assembly optionally comprises an
overflow float valve positioned at the second end of the overflow
tube, which is movable from a first unsealed position, for
permitting overflow water to pass into the second end of the
overflow tube to be conveyed from the water chamber, to a second
sealed position, for drawing air through the ventilator inlet/flush
outlet. A passage extends from the overflow tube which is disposed
between the first and second ends of the overflow tube for fluid
communication between the ventilator inlet/flush outlet and the
ventilator. In one aspect, the overflow float valve comprises an
overflow float flap valve. In another aspect, the overflow float
valve comprises an overflow ball float valve. An optional
connecting rod between the main flush valve and the overflow float
valve ensures that the main flush valve and the overflow float
valve open in conjunction so that if the ventilator malfunctions
and remains on, then it is less likely for water to enter the
ventilator when flushing occurs. The connecting rod may be
configured to allow the overflow float valve to operate
independently from the main flush valve, such that such that
opening the overflow float valve does not cause the main flush
valve to open.
[0015] Moreover, in an alternate embodiment, a toilet assembly is
provided which comprises a storage portion including a wet chamber
to store flushing water; a basin portion; a fluid transfer passage
between the basin portion and the storage portion, the fluid
transfer passage in communication with the wet chamber; a flush
valve portion, the flush valve portion being operable in, a first
operative phase, for releasing the flushing water from the wet
chamber to the basin portion through the fluid transfer passage; a
ventilator in communication with the fluid transfer passage via an
overflow passage and a waste air passage, the ventilator being
operable, in a second operative phase, for withdrawing waste air
from the basin portion through the waste air transfer passage via
the fluid transfer passage and the overflow passage; the overflow
passage including a trunk portion extending from the waste air
transfer passage in a lower region of the wet chamber to a first
overflow elevation in an upper region of the wet chamber, the first
overflow elevation being above a predetermined full water elevation
in the wet chamber, the overflow passage including: a first branch
portion in fluid communication with the ventilator; and a second
branch portion in fluid communication with the wet chamber at a
third elevation below the first overflow elevation and below the
full water elevation, the second branch portion being operable to
receive flushing water therein, in the second operative phase, for
sealing the second branch portion for waste air to pass from the
basin portion to the ventilator through the trunk and the first
branch portion.
[0016] After the drawn air has reached the ventilator, it may be
exhausted via the chamber outlet or an external passage to the
sewer side of a toilet bowl trap, or via an air filter to the air
outside the flush tank. The drawn air may be vented to a location
external the room containing the toilet.
LIST OF FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an odourless toilet
illustrated in accordance with a present embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flush tank of the
odourless toilet of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flush tank of the
odourless toilet of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl of the
odourless toilet of FIG. 1 along line A-A;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl of the
odourless toilet of FIG. 1 along line A-A in accordance with an
alternate embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl of the
odourless toilet of FIG. 1 along line A-A in accordance with a
further alternate embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flush tank of the
odourless toilet of FIG. 1 in accordance with an further alternate
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
flush tank of an odourless toilet in accordance with the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
flush tank of an odourless toilet in accordance with the present
invention, with an externally mounted ventilator;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
flush tank of an odourless toilet in accordance with the present
invention, with a submerged ventilator;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flush
tank of FIG. 8, with an alternative internal float design;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flush
tank of FIG. 8, with an alternative ball float type overflow float
valve;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flush
tank of FIG. 8, with a connecting rod;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of
a flush tank of an odourless toilet in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view, enlarged, of a portion of
the flush tank of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an odourless toilet 10 is
illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The toilet 10 comprises a flush tank 11, which in turn
comprises a wet chamber 13 that is configured to hold flushing
water. The wet chamber 13 comprises a flush assembly 15, which
conveys the flushing water from the wet chamber 13, and a flush
outlet 17 through which the flushing water exits. The flush
assembly 15 may be any suitable flush assembly known in the art.
For example, the flush assembly 15 may include a filler valve,
filler float, overflow tube and flush valve (not shown).
[0033] The flush tank 11 also comprises a dry chamber 19, which is
positioned adjacent the wet chamber 13. The dry chamber 19 in turn
comprises a chamber inlet 21, and a ventilator 23, which is
connected to the chamber inlet 21. The ventilator 23 and chamber
inlet 21 are preferably connected by means of tubing. The
ventilator 23 serves to draw air through the chamber inlet 21. The
ventilator 23 is an air displacement device that is powered by a
power supply 73 that is located within the dry chamber 19.
Alternately, the power supply 73 may be an external power outlet
(not shown). As will be apparent to the skilled reader, an
electrical control module, containing one or more switches or
programming (which may be included for delay functions, etc.), may
be positioned between the power supply 73, the ventilator 23 and,
as discussed below, a sensor 49. The electrical control module may
be integral with the power supply 73, as shown in FIG. 14, for
example, and may also be integral with the sensor 49.
[0034] The vacuum system may operate in a number of modes: (1) it
may be on all the time, which would create a continual air exchange
environment; (2) it may be on when the toilet 10 is in use,
including flushing; (3) it may on when the toilet 10 is in use,
excluding flushing. During use, the vacuum system draws air at a
rate below that at which it would take up water. Additionally, the
chamber inlet 21 is positioned such that water would have to climb
a vertical height to pass to the vacuum.
[0035] The toilet 10 additionally comprises a toilet bowl 25, which
in turn comprises a basin 27 and, a basin access 29. The basin
access 29 comprises a wet inlet 31 which is in fluid communication
with the wet chamber flush outlet 17 and the basin 27. The wet
inlet 31 serves in conveying the flushing water to the basin 27.
The basin access 29 also comprises a dry outlet 33, which is in
fluid communication with the dry chamber inlet 21 and the basin 27,
through which basin air is drawn. In a preferred embodiment, the
wet inlet 31 and dry outlet 33 are defined by the same access.
However, it will be apparent that the inlet 31 and outlet 33 may be
defined by dedicated accesses, as is illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0036] The toilet 10 further comprises a diverter 35, which is
positioned between the flush tank 11 and toilet bowl 25, and
registers with the basin access 29. The diverter 35 comprises a
flush passage 37, which couples the flush outlet 17 to the wet
inlet 31, through which the flushing water is conveyed from the wet
chamber 13 to the toilet bowl 25. The diverter 35 also comprises an
exhaust passage 39, which couples the dry chamber inlet 21 to the
dry outlet 33, through which basin air is drawn by the ventilator
23 into the dry chamber 19. In a preferred embodiment, the flush
passage 37 and exhaust passage 39 share the same access point, as
defined by inlet 31/outlet 33 (FIG. 2). Alternately, the flush
passage 37 and exhaust passage 39 may be connected to a dedicated
wet inlet 31 and dry outlet 33, respectively (as shown in FIG.
3).
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the dry chamber 19
further comprises a filter 41, which is connected to the ventilator
23. The filter 41 receives and neutralises the drawn basin air. The
filter 41 may be any suitable de-odourising filter known to those
skilled in the art.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, in an alternate embodiment, the dry
chamber 19 further comprises a chamber outlet 45 which is connected
to the ventilator 23. The drawn basin air is exhausted through the
chamber outlet 45 to the sewer side of a toilet bowl trap 47.
[0039] As with the previous embodiment, the dry chamber 19 may
further comprise a one-way valve 43 that is positioned between the
chamber inlet 21 and the chamber outlet 45, which permits air flow
in the direction from the inlet 21 to the outlet 45.
[0040] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dry
chamber 19 and wet chamber 13 are positioned side by side with
respect to the front to back toilet 10 orientation. However, in an
alternate embodiment, the dry chamber 19 and wet chamber 13 may be
positioned front to back with respect to the front to back toilet
10 orientation. With reference to FIG. 14, a wall 52 is shown
extending between the dry chamber 19 and the wet chamber 13.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the toilet
10 additionally comprises a sensor 49, which is positioned on one
of the flush tank 11 and toilet bowl 25. The sensor 49 is
preferably positioned on the flush tank 11. The sensor 49 detects
the presence of a toilet user. The sensor 49 is in communication
with the ventilator 23 and activates or deactivates the ventilator
23 in response to a detected presence. The sensor 49 includes
sensing and means for communicating with the ventilator 23. The
sensor may be any suitable sensor known to those skilled in the
art. The ventilator 23 could also be manually activated or
deactivated.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the toilet
bowl 25 of the odourless toilet 10 of FIG. 1 along line A-A is
illustrated. The basin 27 is illustrated as preferably comprising
air apertures 51, which are in fluid communication with the dry
outlet 33 (illustrated in FIG. 2, for example). Preferably, the
flushing apertures 57 may be used for drawing air into the air
channel 53 when the toilet is operating in a vacuum mode. Air
apertures 51 may be employed alternately.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a cross-sectional view of the
toilet bowl 25 of the odourless toilet 10 of FIG. 1 along line A-A
is illustrated in accordance with an alternate embodiment. The
basin 27 is illustrated as further comprising an air channel 53 and
respective air apertures 51 in fluid communication with the dry
outlet 33; and, a flush channel 55 and respective flush apertures
57 in fluid communication with the wet inlet 31. The air channel 53
and flush channel 55 are preferably positioned about the rim 59 of
the toilet bowl 25.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, a cross-sectional view of the
toilet bowl 25 of the odourless toilet 10 of FIG. 1 along line A-A
is illustrated in accordance with a further alternate embodiment.
The basin 27 further comprises an inner basin wall 61, an outer
basin wall 63, which defines the exterior of the basin 27. The
inner and outer walls (61,63) define an air channel 65 that is in
fluid communication with the dry outlet 33; and, a basin air
channel aperture 67 opening to the air channel 65 and is positioned
on the inner basin wall 61 at a point above the basin water line.
Preferably, there would be no flush aperture 57 positioned above
the channel aperture 67, so as to prevent flush water entrapment
with the air channel 65.
[0045] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the flush tank 11 may be
alternately characterised as a flush tank 11 for use in an
odourless toilet 10 comprising a toilet bowl 25 comprising a basin
27. The flush tank 11 comprises a wet chamber 13 that is configured
to hold flushing water. The wet chamber 13 comprises a flush
assembly 15 for conveying the flushing water from the wet chamber
13; and, a flush outlet 17 through which the flushing water exits.
The flush tank 11 also comprises a dry chamber 19 adjacent the wet
chamber 13. The dry chamber 19 comprises a chamber inlet 21, and a
ventilator 23 connected to the chamber inlet 21 for drawing air
through the chamber inlet 21.
[0046] The flush tank 11 also comprises a diverter 35 positioned to
register with a basin access 29 of the toilet bowl 25. The basin
access 29 comprises a wet inlet 31 in fluid communication with the
wet chamber flush outlet 17 and the basin 27, which serves in
conveying the flushing water to the basin 27; and, a dry outlet 33
that is in fluid communication with the dry chamber inlet 21 and
the basin 27, through which basin air is drawn. The diverter 35
comprises a flush passage 37 which couples the flush outlet 17 to
the wet inlet 31, through which the flushing water is conveyed from
the wet chamber 13 to the toilet bowl 25; and, an exhaust passage
39 which couples the dry chamber inlet 21 to the dry outlet 33,
through which basin air is drawn by the ventilator 23 into the dry
chamber 19.
[0047] Referring again to FIG. 2, the flush tank 11 may optionally
be equipped with a riser valve (not shown), which is positioned
between the dry chamber inlet 21 and the one-way valve 43. The
riser valve prevents water from rising up into the one-way valve 43
while permitting the drawn air to pass and ultimately be conveyed
away via the one-way valve 43. In one embodiment, the riser valve
may be a non-return float valve, which closes in response to
floating water but does permit air to flow through.
[0048] Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, an alternate
embodiment may be characterised as a flush tank insert 69 for a
toilet flush tank 11 for use in an odourless toilet 10 comprising a
toilet bowl 25 comprising a basin 27. The flush tank insert 69
comprises an insert body 71, which in turn comprises a wet chamber
13 that is configured to hold flushing water. The wet chamber 13
comprises a flush assembly 15 for conveying the flushing water from
the wet chamber 13; and, a flush outlet 17 through which the
flushing water exits. The flush tank insert 69 also comprises a dry
chamber 19 adjacent the wet chamber 13. The dry chamber 19
comprises a chamber inlet 21, and a ventilator 23 connected to the
chamber inlet 21 for drawing air through the chamber inlet 21.
[0049] The flush tank insert 69 also comprises a diverter 35
positioned to register with a basin access 29 of the toilet bowl
25. The basin access 29 comprises a wet inlet 31 in fluid
communication with the wet chamber flush outlet 17 and the basin
27, which serves in conveying the flushing water to the basin 27;
and, a dry outlet 33 that is in fluid communication with the dry
chamber inlet 21 and the basin 27, through which basin air is
drawn. The diverter 35 comprises a flush passage 37 which couples
the flush outlet 17 to the wet inlet 31, through which the flushing
water is conveyed from the wet chamber 13 to the toilet bowl 25;
and, an exhaust passage 39 which couples the dry chamber inlet 21
to the dry outlet 33, through which basin air is drawn by the
ventilator 23 into the dry chamber 19.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, an alternate
embodiment may be characterised as a flush tank diverter 35 for a
toilet flush tank 11 of an odourless toilet 10, the flush tank
diverter 35 being positionable between the flush tank 11 and a
toilet bowl 25 to register with a basin access 29 of the toilet
bowl 25. The diverter 35 comprises a flush passage 37 which couples
the flush outlet 17 of the flush tank 11 to the wet inlet 31 of the
toilet bowl 25, through which the flushing water is conveyed from
the wet chamber 13 of the flush tank 11 to the toilet bowl 25; and,
an exhaust passage 39 which couples the dry chamber inlet 21 of the
flush tank 11 to the dry outlet 33 of the toilet bowl 25, through
which basin air is drawn by the ventilator 23 into the dry chamber
19.
[0051] In alternate embodiment (not shown), the insert may be
characterised as a standalone body for use in a tankless toilet
(such as founding many commercial environments). The alternate
comprises a housing which houses a dry chamber. The dry chamber
comprises a chamber inlet, and a ventilator connected to the
chamber inlet for drawing air through the chamber inlet.
[0052] The stand-alone body also comprises a diverter positioned to
register with a basin access of the toilet bowl. The basin access
comprises a wet inlet in fluid communication with the tankless
water supply and the basin, which serves in conveying the flushing
water to the basin; and, a dry outlet that is in fluid
communication with the dry chamber inlet and the basin, through
which basin air is drawn. The diverter comprises a flush passage
which couples the flush outlet to the wet inlet, through which the
flushing water is conveyed from the wet chamber to the toilet bowl;
and, an exhaust passage which couples the dry chamber inlet to the
dry outlet, through which basin air is drawn by the ventilator into
the dry chamber.
[0053] Turning now to FIGS. 8-10, a portion of an odourless toilet
is illustrated in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
present invention. According to this aspect of the invention, the
toilet comprises a flush tank 11, which in turn comprises a wet
chamber 13 that is configured to hold flushing water. Water enters
the wet chamber 13 through a water inlet 9 which is closed by a
water inlet valve 12 when a ball float 14 (connected to the wet
inlet valve 12) rises to a pre-determined level. Rather than a
diverter 35, the wet chamber comprises a flush ventilation assembly
28, which conveys the flushing water from the wet chamber 13, and
provides an exhaust passage for the ventilator 23. The flush
ventilation assembly 28 comprises a ventilator inlet/flush outlet
30 in combination through which the flushing water exits and the
basin air enters. The ventilator inlet/flush outlet 30 corresponds
to the chamber inlet 21 and the flush outlet 17 of the embodiment
described with respect to FIGS. 1-7.
[0054] The flush ventilation assembly 28 further comprises a main
flush valve 16 for controlling the exit of the flushing water from
the wet chamber 13 through the ventilator inlet/flush outlet 30,
and the bottom portion of an overflow tube 18. The overflow tube 18
has first and second ends, and the first end is connected to the
ventilator inlet/flush outlet 30 which permits overflow water which
has risen to the second end to be conveyed from the wet chamber 13
and, at other times, permits basin air to pass into the first end
of the overflow tube 18. The ventilator 23 is in fluid
communication with the ventilator inlet/flush outlet 30. This fluid
communication can be achieved in a variety of methods, as further
described below.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 8, the flush tank 11 also optionally
comprises a dry chamber 19, which is positioned adjacent the wet
chamber 13. It will be appreciated that although a flush tank
having a wet chamber 13 and dry chamber 19 is generally preferred,
the overall design could also be modified such that the entire
ventilator circuit 34 could be of a water-resistant design,
enabling the ventilator circuit 34 to be used that can be submerged
in water and hence a dry chamber 19 would no longer be necessary.
As well, a further alternative is to locate ventilator 23 external
to flush tank 11.
[0056] As seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the ventilator 23 may be
located within the dry chamber 19 (if present), located outside the
flush tank 11, or submerged within the wet chamber 13,
respectively. If the ventilator 23 is not submerged in water, then
a water-resistant ventilator 23, which tends to be more expensive,
is not needed.
[0057] Referring again to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the ventilator 23
serves to draw air through the ventilator inlet/flush outlet 30.
The toilet also comprises a toilet bowl 25 (now shown), which in
turn comprises a basin 27 (not shown) and a basin access 29. The
basin access 29 comprises a wet inlet/dry outlet 32 in combination
which is in fluid communication with the ventilator inlet/flush
outlet 30 and the basin 27. The wet inlet/dry outlet 32 serves in
conveying the flushing water to the basin 27, and through which
basin air is drawn. It will be appreciated that the ventilator
inlet/flush outlet 30 and the wet inlet/dry outlet 32 refer to
general regions of the flush tank 11 and toilet bowl 25,
respectively. The wet inlet/dry outlet 32 corresponds to the wet
inlet 31 and the dry outlet 33 of the embodiment described with
respect to FIGS. 1-7.
[0058] As seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the flush ventilation assembly
28 optionally comprises an overflow float valve 20 positioned at
the second end of the overflow tube 18, which is movable from a
first unsealed position, for permitting overflow water to pass into
the second end of the overflow tube to be conveyed from the water
chamber, to a second sealed position, to facilitate drawing air
through the ventilator inlet/flush outlet 30. The purpose of the
overflow float valve 20 is to create a seal at the second end of
the overflow tube 18 enabling the ventilator 23 to draw air from
the basin 27, hence effectively removing the foul odor. It may also
comprise passage 36, such as a tube or pipe to establish fluid
connection for the passage or drawing of air from flush ventilation
assembly 28 to ventilator 23, when overflow float valve 20 had
created the seal described in the previous sentence. Where no such
overflow float valve 20 exists, passage 36 may be omitted, where
the lid has a generally airtight seal. However, this may require a
more powerful ventilator 23 for satisfactory performance and may
result in delay of the system's performance. The diameter of the
passage 36 should be maximum to minimize air flow restriction and
thereby permit the use of a less powerful ventilator 23.
[0059] Still with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the passage 36
preferably connects to overflow tube 18 at or near overflow float
valve 20. Where a water-resistant ventilator 23 is employed,
passage 36 may connect to overflow tube 18 more towards ventilator
inlet/flush outlet 30. If one was particularly concerned about
water damage to ventilator 23, an overflow tube 18 could be used
with an extended portion 38 which extends above overflow float
valve 20, as shown in FIG. 8. And further, where such extended
portion 38 is used, passage 36 could be omitted; however, as
discussed above, this may lead to delay or loss of
effectiveness.
[0060] Should the toilet malfunction, causing the water level in
the flush tank to rise too high, above the second end of the
overflow tube 18, then the overflow float valve 20 will open
allowing the excess or overflow water to escape freely back to the
basin 27. The overflow float valve 20 will then close automatically
when the water level is normal, that is, below the second end of
the overflow tube 18. It will be appreciated that the overflow
float valve 20 could be omitted, however, there could be resulting
delay in removing odor and loss of effectiveness of ventilation by
the ventilator 23 as the basin air would be circulating in the
region within the flush tank above the water, and could escape
through the gap between the flush tank and its lid. As well, this
may require a larger, more expensive or noisier, ventilator. If the
lid of the flush tank was sealed to the flush tank and a better
ventilator 23 was employed, then this problem would be obviated to
some extent.
[0061] As seen in FIG. 11, in one aspect, the overflow float valve
20 comprises an overflow float flap valve. As seen in FIG. 12, in
another aspect, the overflow float valve 20 comprises an overflow
ball float valve. It will be appreciated that from a "fail-safe"
perspective the overflow ball float valve will probably be the
superior option.
[0062] As seen in FIG. 13, an optional connecting rod 22 between
the main flush valve 16 and the overflow float valve 20 ensures
that the main flush valve 16 and the overflow float valve 20 open
in conjunction so that if the ventilator 23 (not shown)
malfunctions and remains on, then it is less likely for water to
enter the ventilator 23 when flushing occurs. The connecting rod 22
is to mechanically connect the main flush valve 16 and the overflow
float valve 20. The purpose of this connecting rod 22 will ensure
that when the toilet flush cycle is activated, the overflow float
valve 20 will open in conjunction with the main flush valve 16.
This added feature ensures that the flushing water cannot be sucked
from the main flush valve 16, up the overflow tube 18 and into the
ventilator circuit 34. Instead the air will now be drawn from the
region within the flush tank above the water. The connecting rod 22
may be connected to the main flush valve 16 by a swivel connection
26 and passes through guide-ways 24 for stability near the
connection to the overflow float valve 20.
[0063] The ventilator circuit 34 shown in the preceding FIGS. 8, 9
and 10 will be designed such that water can pass through the entire
ventilator circuit 34 without detriment to the ventilator circuit
34, however, the connecting rod 22 is an option should prevention
of water being drawn into the ventilator circuit 34 be desired.
[0064] The connecting rod 22 may be configured to allow the
overflow float valve 20 to operate independently from the main
flush valve 16, such that opening the overflow float valve 20 does
not cause the main flush valve 16 to open. In non-flush mode, the
overflow float valve 20 can operate independently, such that the
overflow float valve 20 can operate and allow excessive water in
the flush tank 11 to escape as required, down the overflow tube 18.
This could be achieved by a simple male prong at the end of the
connecting rod 22 and a female slot on the overflow float valve 20
(not shown).
[0065] Still with reference to FIG. 14, a toilet assembly is
provided which comprises a storage portion including a wet chamber
13 to store flushing water; a basin portion (not shown); a fluid
transfer passage (not shown) between the basin portion and the
storage portion, the fluid transfer passage in communication with
the wet chamber 13; a flush valve portion (included in flush
ventilation assembly 28), the flush valve portion being operable
in, a first operative phase, for releasing the flushing water from
the wet chamber 13 to the basin through the fluid transfer passage;
a ventilator 23 in communication with the fluid transfer passage
via an overflow passage (shown as overflow tube 18) and a waste air
transfer passage 36. The ventilator 23 is operable, in a second
operative phase, for withdrawing waste air from the basin portion
through the waste air transfer passage 36. In this patent
specification, the terms "flush passage" and "fluid transfer
passage" are substantially interchangeable.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the toilet assembly further
comprises an overflow passage (shown as overflow tube 18) including
a trunk portion extending from the waste air transfer passage in a
lower region of the wet chamber 13 to a first overflow elevation 50
in an upper region of the wet chamber 13, the first overflow
elevation 50 being above a predetermined full water elevation in
the wet chamber 13. The maximum elevation is the maximum elevation
that the water can reach in the wet chamber 13. If flushing water
reaches the first overflow elevation 50, considered to be an
abnormally high water level, then excess flushing water will flow
over and escape down the overflow tube 18 and into the basin
portion. The overflow passage includes: a first branch portion in
fluid communication with the ventilator; and a second branch
portion in fluid communication with the wet chamber 13 at a third
sealing elevation 48 below the first overflow elevation 50 and
below the full water elevation, the second branch portion being
operable to receive flushing water therein, in the second operative
phase, for sealing the second branch portion (as shown between the
points "A" and "B" in FIG. 15) for waste air to pass from the basin
portion to the ventilator 23 through the trunk and the first branch
portion. At the third sealing elevation 48, a "normal" flushing
water level ensures an air-tight seal is created from points "A" to
"B" (FIG. 15) ensuring air is drawn away from the basin portion via
the waste air passage when the ventilator 73 is engaged. When the
toilet assembly is flushed (is in flush mode), the level of the
flushing water drops below "normal" (e.g. below what is between
points "C" and "D", namely fourth elevation 46), the air-tight seal
(e.g. between points "A" and "B") is broken. This allows waste air
to be drawn from the area above the flushing water in the storage
portion of the toilet assembly (i.e. the tank), in the event the
ventilator 73 is on during flush mode, preventing the possibility
of water being sucked into and possibly damaging the ventilator 73.
The flush valve portion may be in fluid communication with the
trunk portion. Preferably but not necessarily, the first branch
portion has a second elevation above the first overflow elevation
50.
[0067] In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIGS. 14 and 15, the overflow ball float valve has been omitted and
in its place, a U-bend 44 has been positioned atop one end of the
overflow tube 18. The U-bend 44 has no moving parts, in comparison
to the overflow ball float valve. In operation, when the wet
chamber 13 of the storage portion is full of water to the correct
level (as explained above in reference to third sealing elevation
48 shown in FIG. 15), an air-tight seal is created across the end
of the overflow tube 18 (as explained above in reference to what is
shown as between points "A" and "B" on FIG. 15). As noted above,
the overflow tube 18 is part of the flush ventilation assembly 28,
which conveys the flushing water from the wet chamber 13, and
provides an exhaust passage for the ventilator 23. Should the water
inlet 9 malfunction, for example, causing the water level in the
wet chamber 13 to rise, the unwanted water can freely escape down
the overflow tube 18 via the U-bend 44. In the event the fan or
ventilator 23 is energized (on) during a flush mode, the seal on
the top end of the overflow tube 18 will be broken as the water
level in the wet chamber 13 drops upon flushing (for example, to
fourth elevation 46 shown in FIG. 15), hence permitting the
ventilator 23 to draw air from the space in the top of the wet
chamber 13 and thus preventing water from being drawn into the
passage 36 toward the ventilator 23 (not shown).
[0068] After the drawn air has reached the ventilator 23, it may be
exhausted via the chamber outlet 45, as seen in FIGS. 8, 10 and 14,
or via an external passage as seen in FIG. 9, to the sewer side of
a toilet bowl trap. Preferably, the chamber outlet 45 of FIGS. 8,
9, 10 and 14 mates to an integral casting in the bowl (not shown)
and this integral casting contains a passage in fluid connection to
the sewer side of the toilet bowl trap. Alternately, ventilator 23
may be exhausted through an air filter to the air external flush
tank 11. The drawn air may be vented to a location external the
room containing the toilet.
[0069] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention
shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 14, an odourless toilet is disclosed
comprising a flush tank 11, in turn, comprising a wet chamber 13
configured to hold flushing water. The wet chamber 13 comprises
means for conveying the flushing water from the wet chamber (shown
as main flush valve 16 in FIGS. 8-10), means for conveying overflow
water from the wet chamber (shown as overflow tube 18 in FIGS. 8, 9
and 10, as well as 11, 13 and 14), and ventilator circuit means
defining a passage for basin air passing through the wet chamber
(in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, shown as comprising ventilator inlet/flush
outlet 30, flush ventilation assembly 28, and ventilator circuit
34). The odourless toilet also comprises ventilator means for
drawing the basin air into the ventilator circuit means (shown as
ventilator 23 in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 as well as 2, 3 and 7). The
odourless toilet further comprises a toilet bowl 25 (not shown),
which in turn comprises a basin 27 (not shown) and a basin access
29 (shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10). The basin access 29 comprises
means for conveying the flushing water and the overflow water to
the basin (shown as wet inlet/dry outlet 32 in FIGS. 8-10) and
means for drawing air from the basin (shown as wet inlet/dry outlet
32 in FIGS. 8-10).
[0070] The above description is intended in an illustrative rather
than restrictive sense. Variations may be apparent to those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the claims set out below.
* * * * *