MX2014000623A - Device for evacuating odours from toilets. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a device designed for evacuating unpleasant odours during the use of a toilet. The present device is specifically designed for toilet models comprising a flush water tank. The proposed solution differs from prior solutions in that it can both be adapted to already existing sanitary fixtures and be integrated into new units. Another fundamental feature of the present device is that the odours are directly collected through the water discharge holes already provided in the toilet.

Description

DEVICE FOR REMOVING ODORS FROM THE RETREAT The present invention relates to an odor-removing apparatus to be installed in a toilet, in particular to the type of toilet assembly having both a cup (3) and a water tank (2). Although this invention uses a mechanical fan (9) to force the gases through an exhaust pipe (12), as other inventions do, this is possible through an innovative basic architecture. In essence, it comprises an exhaust system activated by the presence of the user, plus a segment of water-air duct (1) inserted between the water tank (2) and the cup (3). This segment of duct (1) also has an outlet (7) that allows unpleasant gases, but not water, to flow into the aforementioned exhaust system.

This appliance can be retrofitted to toilets used in the field or purchased pre-installed to new factory units.

Description of the prior art In the investigations carried out, the most relevant documents for defining the state of the art were patents US6588025B1 (later referred to as D1) and US20030019019A1 (later referred to as D2). This invention, although intended for the same purpose of the aforementioned patents, does so by means of a system whose basic architecture is completely different.

The only common elements between are the fan (9) and the air outlet pipe (12). These two elements, however, are common not only to these devices, but also to all existing disposal systems, obviously outside the scope of the claims in this patent.

Both D1 and D2 present in their basic configuration elements, an assembly of odor collection device (component 20 in D1 and component 12 in D2) aimed at sucking contaminated air. D2 also has a skirt (component 28) for a higher toilet seat. These components are essential to the constitution of these systems, that is, D1 and D12 do not work without the existence of these elements.

The present invention, on the other hand, has a completely different architecture, an architecture that does not require the presence of these elements to perform its elimination function. It is, therefore, a completely innovative inventive principle compared to D1 and D12 or any other solution to date. It is based on discharge orifices already present in the cup ring to hold the air and is also based on the segment of duct (1) added between the water tank (2) and the cup (3) to extract the air (separation). of air-water by force of gravity).

Comparatively, it is clearly verified that the basic architecture of the present system is different from the aforementioned patents D1 and D2: D1: assembly of odor collection - air duct - fan-outlet outlet.

D2: skirt- odor collection assembly - air duct - fan-outlet outlet.

Present invention: water discharge orifices (with new added function of air passage) - duct segment (with air bypass function) - air duct - fan - outlet duct.

It is important to note that the duct segment (component 1) in the present application is not a suction assembly of the air as the existing modules in the aforementioned prior art, instead it is a bypass device for the sucked air. The collection of air is done by the same existing holes through which the discharge water passes in the toilet, which then pass to have a double function.

The present invention follows a completely different inventive principle, based on a configuration that the sanitary hydraulic structure is used for air suction purposes, instead of creating a whole separate system for this function. The advantages of this system over the state of the art are clear, both from the functional and the aesthetic point of view. There are four kinds of functional advantages: elimination performance, ease of fabrication and installation, sanitization and component resistance.

The aesthetic advantages respect the visual impact and the standardization / harmony with the other components of the toilet.

Let's move on to discuss each of these advantages: Elimination performance - From this point of view, the advantages of the present invention over D1 are evident. Because of the positioning of the air collection assembly in D 1, located outside the toilet, D 1 is not really a device for eliminating odors from the toilet, but rather an odor eliminator for the entire enclosure. That is, when the device acts, a good part of the undesirable odors has already spread and bothered the users. The device, therefore, presents faults in its own main purpose, which is to avoid this annoyance.

Compared with D2 (which also occurs in relation to D 1), the present invention has a significant advantage relative to the cross section of the air ducts. The performance of air flow systems is a function of the cross section of the ducts and the power of the fan. The smaller this cross-sectional area is, the more power is required from the fan motor so that the same air flow is obtained. In the present invention, where the uptake of gases is made by the structure of holes in the toilet, the size of the water discharge system is sufficient to ensure good air output with the use of a medium-sized fan. A consequence of this is a reduced noise index with more comfort for the user. In the case of D2, for the cross-sectional area of the air collection assembly in the collection assembly to be sufficient, it is necessary to enlarge it, which is done by raising the seat of the cover and using the skirt. The performance is thus dependent on the height of the toilet seat and skirt to reach acceptable ventilation, meaning that you need at least this extra assembly to achieve performance.

Ease of manufacture and installation - Compared to D1 and D2, the present object has a smaller number of components, grouped more compactly and more organically integrated, with fewer transitions, seams, concavities and corners. From this broad structural simplicity it naturally leads to more ease of manufacture and installation.

Opposite to the air collection modules of D 1 and D 2, the pipe segment (1) of the present invention is made in the same material as the water tank, being, therefore, produced by the same manufacturer thereof and with the same technology. In addition, both D1 and D2 require modifications of the toilet seat, not required by the present invention. The toilet lid is normally a part of the user's personal choice among the various possible models. With the use of D1 or D2, this choice is limited to the type of integrated toilet seat offered.

Sanitation - The present invention exhibits clear advantages in relation to D1 and D2 both by internal and external sanitation. From the point of view of the internal components, due to the fact that the same discharge structures of the discharge water are used for the exit of the air, the present system becomes self-cleaning, automatically removing each time the particles of substances are used. disgusting Show less corners and concavities than D1 and D2, has better internal cleaning.

External components, due to their positioning, format and material, are less prone to splashing of urine as well as other contaminants during use. In addition, they are easier to clean, due to their smooth and washable outer surfaces.

Preservation / durability of the components - Due to the already exposed characteristics of strength, shape, position and better cleaning of the components, the device of the present invention has a life expectancy far superior to those foreseen in D1 and D2, and is less prone to damage from daily use.

Aesthetic advantages - From the aesthetic point of view, the present invention, in its adaptation to existing sanitary facilities, presents a clearly smaller negative visual impact than D1 and D2. Although both D1 and D2 can be coupled to existing toilets, they are clearly exogenous devices to the whole sanitary. Only the present invention integrates perfectly to the whole sanitary.

The final result can easily be seen in the main drawing of each of the patents: while D 1 and D 2 are already seen as a sanitary device to which a device was coupled, the present invention is harmoniously incorporated into the structure itself of the sanitary. This factor is of extreme importance that affects the decision-making of consumer purchase, because even a very effective device may not be purchased for aesthetic reasons.

The duct segment (1) in the present invention is made of the same water tank material (2) and cup (3), (usually ceramic) and may be offered in the same color and finish. Due to its shape and position, this segment of pipeline (1) constitutes in itself a natural extension of the tank (2), becoming indistinguishable at first sight.

It is that the segment of duct (1) can be manufactured by the same manufacturer of the sanitary package, granting a perfect fit free of corners and steps that could degrade its performance and aesthetics. In addition, a perfect color match for the duct segment (1) to the sanitary unit could be expected from the manufacturer of both items.

The other components of the present invention (ducts 1 1 and 12 and the vent housing) by their shape and position are visually discrete. In addition, they can be made of the same color and finish of the segment of an ion (1), just like the cup (3) and tank (2), allowing them to be made by the same manufacturer, achieving the perfect pattern and adjustment mentioned above. .

The overall final result has less negative visual impact, which responds to high commercial expectations.

In the prior art, US Pat. No. 5,839,127 also sucks gases from the discharge orifices, but as the gases flow current down through the relatively narrow passages, because they are originally made as the overflow of water is drained, the efficiency of gas removal is comparatively small. Another disadvantage is the relative difficulty of reconversion of units in the field, because changes of parts within the tank are required.

The research also showed other solutions that remove gases from the room after they have escaped from the cup (3), although outside the scope of the present invention, because they are inherently ineffective. There are other solutions already tried, again out of the scope of the present invention because instead of getting rid of the odor, they mask it by means of chemical products.

Goals: - Be able to be incorporated in new units, as well as be marketed as a kit (accessory) to convert units in use.

- Do not alter the tank, the cup, nor the components of one or the other. On the contrary, it is a separate device to be installed between the water tank and the cup. The advantage of this configuration is the greater ease of understanding of the product by the installer and the consumer, requiring less specialization of the workforce resulting, finally, in greater popularization and acceptance of the product.

- Lower the cost of production and installation.

- Use gravity as the separating force of air-water, without need for valves. It is an advantage because the valves require joints, costs and can fail.

Drawings: The object of the present invention is shown by the attached drawings which represent one of the possible forms of implementation. Other configurations can be implemented, maintaining the basic characteristics, replacing one or more parts with others that perform technically in the same way.

The attached figures represent: Figure 1 - Perspective view of the complete set, installed. Figure 2 - Cut front view of the pipeline segment (1) and the water tank (2).

Figure 3 - Top view of the pipeline segment (1).

Figure 4 - Schematic view of the siphon (16).

The numbering of the articles in the drawings refers to the following components: 1 - . 1 - pipeline segment 2 - . 2 - water tank for unloading 3 - . 3 - toilet bowl 4 - . 4 - internal camera 5 - . 5 - water inlet in the chamber 6 -. 6 - air inlet water outlet in the chamber 7 -. 7 - ventilation outlet of the chamber 9 -. 9 - fan 10 -. 10 - power cable 1 1 - air duct of the chamber for the fan 12 -. 12 - fan air outlet duct 1 3 - lower surface of the camera 14 -. 14 - joint rings fifteen - . 15 - user presence sensor 16 -. 16 - siphon Description: The invention consists of a removal system operated by the presence of the user, plus a segment of water-air duct (1) inserted between the water tank (2) and the cup (3). This segment of duct (1) also has an outlet (7) that allows unpleasant gases but not water, to flow towards said elimination system.

Said segment of duct (1) is a hollow chamber (4) that in addition to the water inlet (5) and the water outlet which is also the air inlet (6), has an air vent outlet (7) (outside the enclosure).

Two ventilation outlets (7), one on each side of the duct segment (1), can be provided, so that it can be adapted so that the most convenient ventilation side can be selected to install the ventilation parts. In this case, the unused output is blocked by a cover (8).

The ventilation is forced mechanically by means of a fan (9) installed anywhere downstream in the elimination duct, also connected to the power output by a power cord (1 0). One side of the fan (9) is connected to the chamber (4) by the duct (11) and the other side is connected to a duct (12) that guides the air out of the room. The fan (9) must be located above the maximum possible flood water level in the chamber (4), ideally above the tank water surface level, thus ensuring that the discharge water does not reach it.

Just in case of aesthetic or space-of-breath or any other force placement of the fan (9) at or below the flood level, the present invention comprises a siphon ("U" inverted) (16) upstream of the fan (9). ) to force the gases to flow above the flood level, thus preventing the water from reaching the fan (9). When the fan (9) is integrated into the duct, its outlet duct (12) moves to the desired direction to facilitate installation.

While the chamber (4) and the adjacent connecting duct (1 1) are flooded during the discharge of water, thus suspending gas extraction, the lower surface (13) of the chamber (4) is tilted towards its center to allow that the water is drained in the cup shortly after the discharge, resuming gas extraction.

Said segment of duct (1) is connected hydraulically to the water tank (2) above and to the toilet bowl (3) from below, by means of joint rings (14) equal to those that seal the tank (2) to the cup (3). Said segment of pipeline (1) has dimensions that they equal those of the tank (2) and cup (3), making possible the transfer of the weight of the tank to the sanitary cup, as well as aesthetic harmony.

The fan (9) can be turned on either by a manual switch or by a presence sensor (15) as soon as the user is detected. The presence sensor (1 5) can also have a timing function to keep the fan (9) on for a period after use, ensuring complete elimination.

To assemble the device in a bathroom already installed in the building, it is enough to separate the water tank (2) from the toilet bowl (3) and place the pipeline segment (1) between them. In the case of new units, the duct segment (1) can already come from the factory incorporated into the water tank (2), forming a single structure that is installed on the cup (3) as a conventional tank.

Claims (4)

1. A device for sanitary odor elimination whose ventilation is mechanically forced by a fan through an elimination duct characterized by a joint segment (1) to be installed between the existing water tank (2) and the existing cup (3) ), hydraulically connected to both, said joining segment (1) being a hollow chamber (4) with its lower inner surface (13) inclined, having a water inlet (5), an air inlet and a water outlet (6). ) and a ventilation outlet (7).

2. A device for eliminating sanitary odors according to claim 1, characterized by a duct (11) of flattened format that is laterally coupled said existing tank (2) that connects the chamber (4) to the fan (9).

3. A sanitary odor elimination device, according to claim 1, characterized by the joining segment (1) is constructed incorporated in the water tank (2), forming a single structure hydraulically connectable to the cup (3).

4. A device for eliminating sanitary odors, according to claim 1, wherein a siphon (16) is placed between the chamber (4) and the fan (9), for the cases in which the installation requires the ventilator (9) is located at or below the flood level of the chamber (4). SUMMARY The present application relates to a device designed to eliminate unpleasant odors during the use of a toilet. This device is specifically designed for toilet models comprising a water discharge tank. The proposed solution differs from previous solutions in that it can be adapted to existing sanitary appliances and can also be incorporated into new units. Another fundamental feature of the present device is that the odors are collected directly through the water discharge orifices already provided in the toilet.