The present applications relates generally to the field of siphonic toilets. More specifically, this application relates to a siphonic toilet that is pre-primed prior to a flush cycle to improve the siphon during the flush cycle.
One embodiment relates to a siphonic toilet that includes a bowl, a passageway, an inlet, and a valve. The passageway includes an entrance, an outlet, and a dam located between the entrance and the outlet. The entrance is fluidly connected to the bowl, and the bowl and the dam are configured to hold a first volume of water prior to a flush cycle of the toilet. The inlet is located in the passageway downstream from the dam, and the inlet is configured to introduce water into the passageway downstream from the dam. The valve is located between the inlet and the outlet of the passageway, and the valve retains a second volume of water in a closed position prior to the flush cycle to affect a siphon during the flush cycle. The valve can be any type of valve that retains water and release water on command.
Another embodiment relates to a siphonic toilet that includes a passageway and a valve. The passageway is fluidly connected to a bowl, and the passageway includes an up leg and an outlet leg. The up leg extends from the bowl to a dam so that a first volume of water is retained in the up leg and the bowl prior to a flush cycle of the toilet. The outlet leg extends from the dam toward an outlet. The valve is located between the up leg of the passageway and the outlet, and the valve is configured to retain a second volume of water (when the valve is) in a closed position (e.g., prior to the flush cycle of the toilet) to affect a siphon during the flush cycle. The passageway may (e.g., optionally) include an inlet in the passageway, where the inlet is disposed in the passageway downstream from the dam to introduce the second volume of water into the passageway downstream from the dam.
Yet another embodiment relates to a method of flushing a siphonic toilet. The method includes retaining a first volume of water in a bowl and an up leg of a passageway that is upstream from a dam. The method includes retaining a second volume of water in the passageway between a valve and the dam with the valve in a closed position. The method includes activating a flush cycle of the toilet that introduces a third volume of water into the bowl, and moving the valve from the closed position to an open position to affect a siphon during the flush cycle.
The second volume of water may be introduced into the passageway using a flow control device prior to activating the flush cycle through an inlet located downstream of the dam and upstream from the valve.
The method may include venting (e.g., releasing) air through an air pressure release line extending between a first opening in the passageway and a second opening in the passageway. The first opening may be located upstream from the inlet and downstream of the dam. The second opening may be located downstream of the valve. The valve may be configured to seal off the second opening, such as when the valve is in the open position. The valve may be configured to expose the opening, such as when the valve is in the closed position.
Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed in this application are siphonic toilets that are pre-primed prior to a flush cycle to improve the siphon during the flush cycle. As discussed below in more detail, the toilets of this application may advantageously be configured, for example, to use less water during a flush cycle and/or decrease the time it takes to complete a flush cycle. The toilets may advantageously be configured to eliminate the need for a tank containing the water, which reduces cost and the size of the toilet. The performance of toilets of this application advantageously are not affected by changes in line pressure, unlike tankless toilets operating purely on line pressure (e.g., household line pressure), which can vary by 10 psi or more. This advantageously allows the toilets of this application to eliminate the use of electric pumps, which are used to increase line pressure.
For example, the toilets of this application improve how the siphon is created/induced, such as by pre-priming the siphon before each flush cycle is activated. A volume of water is introduced into a passageway (e.g., trapway, trap, etc.) of the toilet, and the water remains in the passageway until a user flushes the toilet (e.g., activates a flush cycle). Other siphonic toilets prime the siphon after the flush cycle is activated by introducing water directly into the bowl, which then must make its way (e.g. flow) to the trap at a flow rate that is greater than a threshold in order for a siphon to occur. One problem with these toilets is that waste can block the opening to the trapway and impede the siphon by reducing the flow of water from the bowl to the trapway below the threshold, which in-turn reduces the effectiveness of the flush.
The toilets disclosed in this application include a passageway with a valve (e.g., located proximate an outlet of the passageway) for pre-priming the system. As used herein, the term “pre-prime” denotes that the water is introduced into the passageway in advance of (e.g., prior to, before, etc.) activation of a flush cycle, as opposed to “priming” which is performed after activation (e.g., initiation) of a flush cycle. Thus, the systems disclosed herein hold the pre-primed water in the passageway and, therefore, remain primed while the system is idle (i.e., between flush cycles). When the toilet is used (e.g., activated, flushed, etc.) and the system is actuated, a series of functions will initiate. According to an exemplary embodiment, actuating a flush cycle triggers water to flow from the rim or one or more rim jets for a predetermined amount of time, the valve in the passageway opens (e.g., after the predetermined amount of time), the mixture of waste and water is expelled from the system, then the valve closes, and the system refills the bowl with a first volume of water and pre-primes the passageway with a second volume of water for the next flush cycle.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the system can be integrated with a “grey water” system. The term “grey water” as used herein includes sources of water other than fresh water (e.g., clean water, potable water that is typically safe for consumption by people and may be subject to various regulations, treatment requirements, etc.), such as unpurified water that has been captured (e.g., rainwater, salt water, etc.), recycled water (e.g., used shower and/or bath water, dishwasher, clothes washer, etc.), and other sources of non-potable water (e.g., city sourced “purple pipe” non-potable water, etc.). For example, the term “grey water” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, unpurified water such as captured rainwater, recycled water from another appliance and/or plumbing fixture, such as a shower, bath, dishwasher, sink, washing machine, etc., and the like. Toilets that use grey water to feed the entire toilet system are not attractive to many consumers because the user is exposed to the sight and smell of the grey water, which is visible in the toilet bowl. Additionally, these toilets having grey water flowing through the whole system can require extra cleaning and maintenance.
The toilets disclosed in this application may be configured such that the user is not exposed to the grey-water. For example, the toilets herein may use grey water only to fill the passageway that is downstream of a dam (e.g., weir, etc.). Further, the toilets herein may be more environmentally friendly, such as by using less water (e.g., fresh water). The grey water introduced into the passageway downstream of the dam equates directly into less fresh water used during each flush cycle. Moreover, the toilets disclosed herein may be configured such that the bulk (e.g., majority) of water used during each flush cycle is introduced to pre-prime the flush cycle and, therefore, can be grey water. Thus, the toilets may be configured to use fresh water only for refilling and rinsing the bowl. The toilets of this application could reduce the usage of fresh water down to 0.25 gallons per flush, or even lower. For example, the toilets may be configured to use 0.25 gallons (or less) of fresh water and 1.0 gallon (or more) of grey water resulting in 1.25 gallons of total water per flush cycle. This is on par with or even better than current HET Water Sense® certified toilets, which function at 1.28 gallons per flush or less. This is also a 20% (twenty percent) reduction in water usage from the current government standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.
Attention to the figures will now be turned and a description of the embodiments disclosed therein will be provided.
The bowl 103 includes an inlet opening 131, which may be defined by a rim of the toilet 101. Waste may be introduced into the bowl 103 through the opening and water may be introduced into the bowl 103 through the rim or in another suitable way. The bowl 103 also includes a sump 133 at the bottom of the bowl 103 for retaining a volume (e.g., a first volume) of water, as well as any waste prior to a flush cycle.
Water may be introduced into the bowl using one or more rim channel holes (e.g., openings, orifices, etc.), one or more jets, a combination of holes and jets, or any other suitable manner. The toilet 101 may include a flow control (e.g., the flow control 106) for controlling (e.g., metering) the water introduced into the bowl.
As shown best in
The passageway 104 may be configured having an inlet leg 144 (e.g., an up-leg) and an outlet leg 145. The inlet leg 144 may extend from the bowl 103 to the dam 143, such that the first volume of water is retained in the inlet leg 144 and the bowl 103 prior to a flush cycle of the toilet 101. The outlet leg 145 may extend from the dam 143 toward an outlet, such as the outlet at the second end 142. The outlet leg 145 may include a first portion 145a (e.g., a down leg) that extends generally downward from the dam 143 to a second portion 145b (e.g., a horizontal leg, a cross leg, etc.) that extends at an angle relative to the first portion 145a. For example, the second portion 145b may be configured to extend generally horizontally, such that the second portion 145b is generally orthogonal to the first portion 145a. As shown in
As shown in
Also shown in
The valve 105 is located in the passageway 104 and is configured to move (e.g., pivot, rotate, slide, translate, etc.) between a closed position and an open position. As shown best in
As shown in
According to other examples, the valve 105 may be located in the down leg of the outlet leg 145, such as the first portion 145a. The location of the valve 105 may be tailored to the volume of water used to pre-prime the passageway 104. For example, for long passageways having larger volumes, the valve 105 may be moved farther away from the outlet (e.g., at the second end 142) and closer to the dam 143, such as to retain a predetermined total flush volume (e.g., 1.25 gallons).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the valve is moved (e.g., rotated, pivoted, actuated, etc.) between open and closed positions using an electromagnet. As shown in
The toilet 101 may include a manual control for operating the valve 105, such as in the event of power failure. As shown in
Other devices may be used to move the valve, such as, for example, solenoids, motors (e.g., an electric motor), and other devices suitable to move the valve. The valve 105 may be controlled by any suitable device or in any suitable manner. For example, the valve 105 may be controlled by fluid (e.g., hydraulic, water, etc.) pressure, such as by a hydraulic piston that is driven by the water used with the toilet, or pneumatic (e.g., air) pressure. Water from the water supply to the toilet may open and close the valve 105. Using the existing water pressure to control the valve may advantageously eliminate the need to use electric power and incorporate devices that use electric power in the toilet. These toilets can be used without external power sources.
The toilet 101 may include a release line 107 that is configured to release pressure (e.g., air pressure) from one portion of the system to another portion of the system. For example, the toilet 101 may include a release line 107 that vents to the drain pipe or the outlet of the passageway 104 that is fluidly connected with the drain pipe to act as a seal and/or keep gases from escaping. As shown in
The release line 107 includes a first end 171 and a second end 172. The first end 171 is coupled to the passageway 104 such that the release line 107 is fluidly connected to the passageway 104 (e.g., at a first portion) through the first opening 148 and the first end 171. The second end 172 is coupled to the passageway 104 such that the release line 107 is fluidly connected to the passageway 104 (e.g., at a second portion) through the second opening 149 and the second end 172.
As shown, the first opening 148 in the passageway 104 is located upstream from the valve 105 and the second opening 149 in the passageway 104 is located downstream of the valve 105. This arrangement may advantageously permit air pressure to be released when the valve 105 is closed and a volume of water is in the passageway 104 upstream from the valve 105. As shown, the first opening 148 is located upstream from the inlet 147 in the passageway 104.
The toilet 101 may include a check valve 175 located in line with the release line 107 to prevent water and waste from back flowing. For example, the check valve 175 may be located proximate the first opening 148 of the passageway 104 and/or the first end 171 to prevent water and waste from flowing into the release line 107 through the first opening 148 (and down toward the second opening 149 and/or the second end 172). The check valve 175 may allow air to flow, such as, for example, from the second opening 149 to the first opening 148 (and out into the passageway 104 through the first opening 148) while preventing water and waste (e.g., liquids, solids) from flowing from the first end 171 toward the second end 172.
Although
The toilet 201 also includes a passageway 204 that is fluidly connected to the bowl 203. The passageway 204 transfers water and waste from the toilet 201 to an outlet. As shown in
The toilet 201 also includes a valve 205 for providing a pre-priming of the toilet for flushing. For example, the valve 205 can be configured to retain a volume of water in the passageway 204 to pre-prime the toilet 201 prior to a flush cycle. The valve 205 is located between the dam and the outlet (e.g., at the second end 242). As shown in
The valve 205 includes a gate 252 configured, such as a flat member (e.g., a flapper), to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The closed position of the gate 252 is shown in
The toilet 201 may include a flow controller. As shown in
The toilet 201 may include a release line. As shown in
The toilet 201 may also include another valve. For example, the toilet 201 may include a second valve 208 to maintain a volume of water in the sump 233 of the bowl 203 (e.g., illustrated by the fill line 235 shown in
A valve 805 may be located in the lower portion of the outlet portion 843. As shown in
A valve, such as the valve 105, 205, 208, 805, can be located anywhere in the passageways shown in
An exemplary method of flushing a toilet, such as the toilets 101, 201, will now be described. The method includes (e.g., as a first step) filling and retaining a first volume of water in a bowl and/or an up leg of a passageway that is downstream from the bowl and upstream from a dam. The first volume of water may be retained in the toilet by the geometry (e.g., configuration, shape, etc.) of the bowl, the passageway, a valve (e.g., the second valve 208), another element/feature, or any combination thereof.
The method includes (e.g., as a second step) filling and retaining a second volume of water in the passageway between a valve and the dam. For example, the valve may retain the second volume of water in the passageway when in a closed position. The second volume of water may be introduced into the passageway using a flow control device, which may be configured to meter out a specific amount of water. According to an embodiment, the second volume of water is introduced into the passageway prior to the activating the flush cycle through an inlet in the passageway (e.g., a pre-prime inlet), which is located downstream of the dam and upstream from the valve.
The method includes (e.g., as a third step) activating a flush cycle of the toilet. The activation of the flush cycle may be configured to introduce a third volume of water into the bowl, such as through a rim channel, jet, other suitable element/feature, or combination thereof. The activation of the flush cycle moves the valve retaining the pre-prime volume of water from the closed position to an open position to affect a siphon during the flush cycle. If the toilet includes more than one valve, such as the second valve 208, then the second valve can be moved to an open position upon activation of the flush cycle. The order between the opening of the valves (for toilets having more than one valve) may be tailored, such as to affect the siphon.
The method may also include venting (e.g., releasing) air through a release line (e.g., an air pressure release line). The release line may extend between a first opening in the passageway, which is upstream from the inlet and/or downstream of the dam, and a second opening in the passageway, which is downstream of the valve. Further, when the valve is in the open position the valve may be configured to seal off the second opening in the passageway to prevent the flow of water and waste into the air pressure release line.
The method may also include closing the valve (or valves if more than one valve is used during the flush cycle). The valve may be closed after evacuation of the water and waste. If the toilet includes more than one valve, the order in closing the valves may be tailored.
The method may also include introducing water into the system to pre-prime the toilet for a subsequent flush cycle. For example, the valve in the passageway for pre-priming may be closed after evacuation of the water and waste, then water may be introduced into the passageway (e.g., through the inlet) to pre-prime the toilet.
The pre-primed siphonic toilet, as disclosed herein, provide multiple advantages/benefits, some of which are described above. Another such advantage is that the toilets can operate without a tank (i.e., the toilets of this application can be configured as “tankless” toilets) thereby reducing size and cost (e.g., material, labor, packaging, etc.) and allowing for more freedom of design regarding the toilets. The system (e.g., the flushing engine) is a “line pressure system” since it can be configured to operate based on line pressure, as opposed to “gravity flushing systems” that rely on gravity to operate. In addition to utilizing line pressure for flushing, the systems disclosed herein may also utilize line pressure for other functions, such as those that would otherwise require electronics and a power source.
As discussed above, the toilets of this application enable the use of grey-water in the flushing system without degrading performance or exposing the customer to “grey” or possibly contaminated water. From a user's perspective, the toilets appear as conventional toilets utilizing only fresh water, but use far less fresh water when using grey water, such as for the pre-priming. Thus, the grey-water toilets appear and function at least as well as a standard line fed toilet. This grey water toilets of this application can be configured both with and without a conventional tank.
Also, the toilets of this application are configured to reduce the total volume of water used for each flush cycle of solid and/or liquid waste. This is in addition to being able to drastically reduce the volume of fresh water used for each flush cycle, such as by using grey water for pre-priming the passageway.
Also, the toilets of this application are able to reduce the time (e.g., actual time in seconds) it takes to complete each flush cycle. For example, the pre-priming eliminates the amount of time that conventional toilets take to prime after activation of the flush cycle. Thus, by pre-priming the passageway of the toilet, the priming phase of the flush is eliminated or reduced to a fraction of the time required in a traditional toilet design.
The pre-primed traps/trapways/passageways of this application function differently than toilets that, for example, use existing line pressure for flushing. For example, the pressurized water from the supply does not have to be used directly to push the waste from the bowl. Instead, the pressurized water may be used to control secondary functions of the toilet/system, which can be designed to function on as little as approx. 1-5 psi and less than 1 gpm of flow. Line pressure toilets may require the jet in the sump to move/push the solid waste upward into the trapway, while also providing a high enough flow rate of water to prime the trapway (i.e., introduce the water into the trapway during the flush cycle) and create a siphon to evacuate the bowl. At low pressure and flow rate (e.g., approximately less than 35 psi and 2 gpm) these systems typically begin to perform poorly and will fail to perform at rates much higher than 5 psi and 1 gpm. A common line pressure toilet may fail to remove solid waste at 20 psi and 3 gpm.
For the toilets having pre-primed traps/trapways/passageways, the trapway is sealed off, such as, for example, at the outlet using a valve that can be opened and closed when desired. The features/elements of the valve (e.g., openings, etc.) are large enough to not obstruct the flow of waste and water from the system when opened. The trapway can be filled with water to a predetermined level while the valve is closed. While at rest (e.g., between flush cycles) the trapway remains filled with water (e.g., pre-primed). Pressure and flow rate supplied (e.g., fluctuations thereof) do not affect waste removal performance of the toilets/systems of this application. Low pressure and flow supplied to toilets/systems of this application may increase the amount of time required to fill the trapway (e.g., the time to pre-prime the trap) between flushes, but would not detrimentally impact performance (e.g., waste/water removed with each flush). This is advantageous, because the toilets of this application will not fail to flush or fail to siphon at low pressure/flow.
The major components of the toilets of this application may be configured to operate or control operation of the primary and secondary functions, which can be designed in any number of different embodiments, such as any toilet disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the secondary functions that control the opening and closing of the valve in the passageway (e.g., the valve 105), timing of rim wash, and actuating the flush can all be controlled with water pressure. Accordingly, the entire system may be designed to function without electrical components.
In another embodiment, one or more than one electronic components may be used to control some or all of the toilets/systems functions. By way of example, an electric motor can be used to open and close the valve in the passageway (e.g., the valve 105). Solenoids and a simple circuit with programming can be used to control rim wash, bowl and trap refill, and/or operating a hydraulic piston to open and close the trap valve. Electromagnetic field or other proximity sensors can be used to achieve desired functions, and timing said functions. It is noted that various combinations of electronic and hydraulic functions may be utilized with the toilets of this application.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
The construction and arrangement of the elements of the siphonic toilets as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.
Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element (e.g., passageway, leg, valve, flow control, air pressure release line, pre-prime inlet, electromagnet, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
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