Patent Application
20250092655
The present application relates generally to toilets. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to flush controllers for toilets.
Recent developments have improved the water efficiency of toilets by reducing the amount of water for each flush. Regulations in different geographic areas or countries target different water usage rates. The end users also vary in their preferred water usage rates.
Objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure should become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
The figures illustrate certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details and methodology set forth in the detailed description or illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for flushing in-line toilets. Specifically, described herein are valves and flush assemblies for flushing in-line toilets. The gate valves and flush assemblies described herein may advantageously allow selection of the amount of water usage for a flush.
It should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the base 20, seat assembly 30, and the internal components (including the trapway and other features) may vary from the embodiments shown and described herein, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended as limitations. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be made of a vitreous material such as clay. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be polymeric and/or over molded or otherwise fixed to the toilet. The toilet disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. The following description of various toilet features is therefore intended as illustration only of one possible embodiment, and it should be understood by those reviewing the present description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other embodiments.
The base 20 of the toilet 10 may include a wall 23 having any suitable shape that is configured to form a bowl 21 having an opening formed by an upper rim at the top of the opening. The base 20 may also be configured to include a plurality of walls having varying shapes that together form a bowl having an opening formed by a rim. The wall 23 of the pedestal may extend downward and/or rearward from the bowl 21 to form a lower portion 22 configured to support the base 20 and the toilet 10. The lower portion 22 may be formed by the end (e.g., lower rim) of the wall 23, or may include a member that extends generally in a horizontal plane from one or more than one end of the wall 23.
The base 20 may also include a top member that extends between two sides of the wall 23 (or between two opposing walls) and is provided rearward (or behind) the bowl 21, wherein the top member forms a plateau for supporting the seat assembly 30. For example, the top member may include one or more than one opening, wherein each opening is configured to receive a fastening device (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) to couple (e.g., attach) the seat assembly 30 to the top member of the base 20. As another example, the top member may include one or more than one fastening device (e.g., bolts, recessed nuts, etc.) integrally formed therein (i.e., already provided connected or coupled to the base 20), wherein the fastening device may be used to couple or secure at least a portion of the seat assembly 30 to the base 20. The seat assembly 30 may include a hinge, hinge shoulders configured to receive a fastener, a seat coupled to the hinge and a cover coupled to the hinge.
The bowl 21 of the base 20 may be configured to include a receptacle (e.g., sump) and an outlet opening, wherein the water and waste is collected in the receptacle until being removed through the outlet opening, such as upon activation of the actuator. The base 20 may also include a base internal passageway, such as a trapway, that connects the outlet opening or discharge outlet of the bowl 21 to a drain or soil pipe. The passageway, or trapway, generally includes a first portion, a second portion, and a weir separating the first and second portions. The first portion of the passageway may extend from the outlet opening of the bowl 21 at an upwardly oblique angle to the weir. The second portion of the passageway may extend from the weir downwardly to the exiting device, such as the drain or soil pipe.
Between operational cycles (e.g., flush cycles) of the toilet 10, the water (and waste) is collected in the first portion of the trapway (in addition to the receptacle of the bowl), such that the weir prohibits the water from passing past the weir and into the second portion of the trapway. A flushing cycle may begin upon activation of the actuator. Upon activation of the actuator, additional water (e.g., from an in-line water supply 40) may be discharged into the bowl 21 of the base 20, resulting in the flushing action and waste removal through the soil pipe. For example, water may be discharged into the bowl from one or more rim outlets located in or below a rim of the toilet 10 and/or a sump jet disposed in a sump (e.g., first part of the trapway) of the toilet 10. The flushing cycle may include generation of a siphon to assist the flushing action and waste removal.
The seat assembly 30 may include a cover member 32 (e.g., lid), a seat member 31 (e.g., ring member), and a hinge. The seat member 31 may be configured to include an annular member that encircles an opening, wherein the annular member provides a seating surface for the user of the toilet 10. The seat member 31 may also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 32 may be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover member will be configured to match (i.e., to be substantially similar) to the profile of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly 30 and toilet 10. The cover member 32 may also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 32 may be provided above the seat member in the down position to thereby cover the opening of the seat member 31, as well as to conceal the inside of the bowl 21 of the base 20. The cover member 32 may be configured to be disposed in an upright position, such that the cover member 32 remains in the upright position in order for a user to sit upon the seat member 31.
According to some examples, the toilet 10 may be comprised of two or more materials. For example, the toilet 10 may include a flush engine including the bowl 21 and/or the trapway of the toilet 10 and shroud configured to cover (e.g., hide, conceal) the flush engine. According to some examples, the flush engine may be comprised of a first material, or a first class of materials and the shroud may be comprised of a second, different material or class of materials. According to some examples, the flush engine (e.g., bowl and/or trapway) may be comprised of a vitreous material and the shroud may be comprised of a plastic and/or metal material.
Referring to
The toilet 400 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 101 and actuator 102, as described in more detail below. The PCB 101 is connected to and/or in communication with the first valve 320 and the second valve 330. The controller 100 may be configured to send control signals and/or electric current to the first valve 320 and/or second valve 330 to open or close. The first valve 320 and/or second valve 330 may be controlled or otherwise implemented by solenoids. Alternatives to the PCB may include other types of circuits.
In some examples, the toilet 400 may further include a power supply 470 connected to the first valve 320, the second valve 330, and the controller 100. The power supply 470 may be configured to provide power (e.g., electric current) to the first valve 320, second valve 330, and controller 100. In some examples, the power supply 470 may be a battery pack including one or more batteries (e.g., disposable, rechargeable). In other examples, the power supply 470 may include a plug and/or wall outlet.
The actuator 102 is connected to the PCB 101 via a pair of wires 106 or another type of electrical connector. The wire 106 can connect to one of low connector 104A, medium connector 104B, and high connector 104C. Each connector is an input corresponding to a different flush volume (e.g., a first input corresponding to a first flush volume; a second input corresponding to a second flush volume; and a third input corresponding to a third flush volume). Depending on where the connection is made, the controller 100 sets a water usage for a flush accordingly. The low connector 104A is associated with a small flush (e.g., 0.8 gallon). The medium connector 104B is associated with a medium flush (e.g., 1.0 gallon). The high connector 104C is associated with a large flush (e.g., 1.28 gallon). Other flush volumes are possible.
The selection of the flush may be implemented by the controller 100 in a variety of techniques. In some examples, the input 102 (actuator) includes a switch that connects two wires 106 to complete a circuit. The complete circuit may connect a powered pin of the controller to a settings pin and cause the controller 100 to select the corresponding flush volume. The controller 100 may select the flush volume by actuating valve 300 for an amount of time necessary for the flush volume.
For example, the low connector 104A and the small flush may correspond to a first rim jet duration and a first sump jet duration. The first rim jet duration may be 1 second, and the first sump duration may be 1.5 seconds.
The medium connector 104B and the medium flush may correspond to a second rim jet duration and a second sump jet duration. The second rim jet duration may be 2 seconds, and the second sump duration may be 3 seconds.
The high connector 104C and the large flush may correspond to a third rim jut duration and a third sump jet duration. The third rim jet duration may be 3 seconds, and the second sump duration may be 5 seconds. Other durations are possible. In some examples, the rim jet may be omitted. In some examples, the sump jet may be omitted.
In one embodiment, the controller 100 may generate and send a command signal to a driving device for a valve 451 of the trapway 440. The valve 451 of the trapway 440 may be opened and closed by a motor or solenoid as the driving device. In some examples, the valve 451 is biased closed by a spring and pulled open by the driving device. In some examples, the valve 451 is biased open by the spring and released by the driving device. In any of these examples, an opening time (e.g., flush duration) may be set by the controller 100 according to the connection where the actuator 102 is connected to the PCB 101. When the low connector 104A is used, the valve 451 is held open by a short duration, when the medium connector 104B is used, the valve 451 is held open by a medium duration, and when the high connector 104C is used, the valve 451 is held open by a long duration.
As shown in
In another example, two inputs 102 are used and each input is configured to plug into a different connector to provide a dual flush operation.
In some examples, multiple models of toilet may include identical PCBs 101 but include different shapes for the plug 107. Different actuator sets, for example, include the input 102, the pair of wires 106, and the plug 107 may be included with the toilet according to model, geographic, area or another factor. In one example, the actuator sets shipped to a first geographic area (e.g., Asia) may include plug 107 that only fits into the low connector 104A, the actuator sets shipped to a second geographic area (e.g., Europe) may include plug 107 that only fits into the medium connector 104B, and a third geographic area (e.g., North America) may include plug 107 that only fits into the high connector 104C.
In one embodiment, the actuator 102 may be powered differently according to the connection to the controller 100. For example, the actuator 102 may include different colored lights. When the actuator 102 is connected to the low connector 104A, a first light is used (e.g., blue color), when the actuator 102 is connected to a medium connector 104B, a second color is used (e.g., yellow color), and when the actuator 102 is connected to a high connector 104C, a third color is used (e.g., red color). The actuator 102 may include an LED for each of the first, second, and third colors. The actuator 102 may have a single light that produces different colors based on a frequency, wavelength, voltage or other electric parameter of the signal received from the controller 100 through the connectors.
In another example, a sensor 202 is connected to the controller 100 instead of the actuator 102. In some examples, both actuator 102 and sensor 202 are connected to the controller 100. When the sensor 202 is connected via a pair of wires 106 or another type of electrical connector one of low connector 104A, medium connector 104B, and high connector 104C, the controller 100 may select a time period according to the connection. The time period may be applied to an auxiliary device of the toilet.
In one example, the auxiliary device is a toilet seat opening/closing mechanism. The controller 100 includes a first sensor input corresponding to a first automatic seat timing and a second sensor input corresponding to a second automatic seat timing, wherein the control circuit is configured to select the first automatic seat timing when a sensor is connected to the first sensor input and second the second automatic seat timing when the sensor is connected to the second sensor input.
The sensor 202 may include a microwave sensor configured to detect the presence of a user or gesture in proximity to the toilet. When no user or gesture has been detected for a set time period, the toilet seat opening/closing mechanism closes the toilet seat. In one example, the toilet seat opening/closing mechanism mechanically pushes the toilet seat via a gear or other drive mechanism. In another example, the toilet seat opening/closing mechanism, removes a hold or locking device and allows the toilet seat to fall or rotate downward under the force of gravity.
When the sensor 202 is connected to the controller 100 using the first sensor input, the first automatic seat timing causes the seat to automatically close after a first time period (e.g., 30 seconds), and when the sensor 202 is connected to the controller 100 using the second sensor input, the second automatic seat timing causes the seat to automatically close after a second time period (e.g., 1 minute).
In another example, the auxiliary device is a dispenser. The dispenser may apply a sanitizing fluid or mist in proximity to the toilet seat and/or toilet bowl. The time period causes the sanitizing fluid or mist in a specific volume. The amount of sanitizer or mist may be select by the user or a service person using the connection of the sensor 202 to the toilet.
Referring to
In a first act S101, a flush actuator 102 is connected to a printed circuit board 101 at one of multiple available locations. The connection may be made in manufacturing or assembly of the toilet 10. Thus, the PCB 101 described herein may be operable for a variety of toilet designs, geographic locations, etc. When the actuator 102 and the PCB 101 are assembled, the desired flush volume is identified, and a connection is selected corresponding to the desired flush volume.
In act S103, during testing of the toilet or in normal use of the toilet 10, the actuator 102 is actuated to send an indication to the control circuit of the PCB 101. The indication may be a completed circuit (e.g., an electrical connection is made in the actuator 102 and provides a signal to the PCB 101). The indication may be a data message sent to the PCB 101.
In act S105, in response to the indication of actuation, the control circuit of the PCB 101 provides an output signal to open at least one valve based on the predetermined flush volume selected in and S101. The output signal may drive a solenoid to open a valve. The valve may include a sump jet valve and/or a rim rinse valve. The control circuit may operate the sump jet valve at different times than the rim rinse valve. For example, the sump jet valve may be opened first for a first predetermined time set by the connection of the actuator 102, and the rim rinse valve may be opened for a second predetermined time set by the connection of the actuator 102.
Referring to
The contents of the database 703 may include one or more volumes of water for example, a volume of water to pre-rinse the bowl, a volume of water dispensed from a sump jet outlet during an operational cycle, and/or a volume of water required to fill the bowl and trapway. The database may store volumes of water, flow rates (e.g., through rim outlet, sump jet outlet) and/or predetermined periods of time corresponding (e.g., required to provide) volumes of water. In some examples, the database 703 may store an equation or equations for calculating a volume, flow rate, or time period relating to water dispensed and/or conveyed through the first valve 320 and second valve 330.
The memory 704 may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory 704 may include one or more read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an electronic erasable program read only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory. The memory 704 may be removable from the apparatus 700, such as a secure digital (SD) memory card.
The memory 704 and/or the computer readable medium 705 may include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the controller to perform any one or more of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein. For example, the controller 750 may send one or more controller signals and/or electric current to the first valve 320 and second valve 330.
A user may initiate an operational cycle using the display 712 and/or user input device 713. The display 712 may comprise a screen and the user input device 713 may comprise one or more buttons on the apparatus 700. In some embodiments, the display 712 and user input device 713 may comprise a touch sensitive surface (i.e., a touch screen). In some examples, the user input device may be an actuator as described above with respect to
The communication interface 714 may be connected to the network 720, which may be the internet. In some embodiments, the network 720 may be connected to one or more mobile devices 722. The one or more mobile devices may be configured to send a signal to the communication interface 714 via the network 720. For example, a more mobile devices may send a signal to the communication interface to initiate an operational cycle of the toilet 400 or change one or more volumes of water and/or time periods (e.g., predetermined time periods) associated with an operation cycle of the toilet.
The communication interface 714 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical connections and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 714 provides for wireless and/or wired communications in any known or later developed format.
When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” meet that purpose or to perform that operation or function.
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 disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) 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.
Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
This application claims priority benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/539,314 (Docket No. 010222-23057A-US) filed on Sep. 19, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63539314 | Sep 2023 | US |
