US20110088156A1

US20110088156A1 - Odourless toilet

Info

Publication number: US20110088156A1
Application number: US12/588,619
Authority: US
Inventors: Nicholas James William White
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-21
Filing date: 2009-10-21
Publication date: 2011-04-21
Also published as: GB2474738A; GB201012476D0; GB2474738B; CA2710470A1

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to odourless toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.
There remains a need for an odourless toilet that mitigates or obviates at least some of these problems.

SUMMARY

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.
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.
The dry chamber may further comprise a filter, which is connected to the ventilator. The filter receives and neutralises the drawn basin air.
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.
The dry chamber and wet chamber may be positioned side by side with respect to the front to back toilet orientation.
The dry chamber and wet chamber may be positioned front to back with respect to the front to back toilet orientation.
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.
A flush tank insert for a toilet flush tank of an odourless toilet is also provided.
A diverter for a toilet flush tank of an odourless toilet is also provided.
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.
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.
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.
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

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an odourless toilet illustrated in accordance with a present embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flush tank of the odourless toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flush tank of the odourless toilet of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl of the odourless toilet of FIG. 1 along line A-A;

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;

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;

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;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a flush tank of an odourless toilet in accordance with the present invention;

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;

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;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flush tank of FIG. 8, with an alternative internal float design;

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;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flush tank of FIG. 8, with a connecting rod;

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

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view, enlarged, of a portion of the flush tank of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.

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.