A vacuum monitoring device and a vacuum toilet equipped with a vacuum monitoring device

Abstract

This application relates to a vacuum monitoring device for connection to a vacuum pipeline. It includes a first storage body forming a vacuum cavity; a second storage body connected to the first storage body; an indicator block disposed within the second storage body, one end of which is movably connected to the outer wall of the first storage body, and the other end of which is elastically connected to the inner wall of the second storage body; a through hole is formed in the wall of the first storage body, communicating with the vacuum pipeline. Changes in the vacuum level within the vacuum cavity cause the indicator block to reciprocate. The device also includes a vacuum toilet connected to the vacuum monitoring device. This vacuum monitoring device has a simple structure and is easy to install. More importantly, it can determine the vacuum level in the vacuum pipeline in real time, thus facilitating better use of the vacuum toilet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vacuum toilet monitoring technology, and in particular to a vacuum degree monitoring device and a vacuum toilet equipped with a vacuum degree monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] A vacuum toilet is a sanitary facility that uses vacuum suction technology to remove waste, and it is widely used in transportation vehicles such as large ships and modern passenger planes. Its working principle relies on the negative pressure generated by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the toilet, combined with the release of flushing water and the opening of the drain valve, to efficiently complete the flushing process in just 8 seconds. Compared to traditional toilets, vacuum toilets are significantly more water-efficient, requiring only 1 / 10 of the water. Furthermore, they are easier to pipe in limited spaces, and their suction-type operation effectively reduces odors in the bathroom. They also boast advantages such as high hygiene standards, small size, and light weight.

[0003] A vacuum toilet requires a vacuum level of at least 0.3 bar to activate. However, due to the limited total volume of the vacuum lines and the limited vacuum pump's pumping capacity, insufficient vacuum may occur during peak toilet usage periods, causing the toilet to temporarily fail to start.

[0004] After a short wait, the continuously operating vacuum pump usually manages to raise the vacuum level in the vacuum lines to a level that meets usage requirements. However, this can also confuse users, making it difficult to determine whether the toilet's inability to start is due to a malfunction or simply insufficient vacuum. This is especially difficult for users who do not frequently use vacuum toilets. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides a vacuum degree monitoring device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution.

[0007] This application is primarily for connection to vacuum lines, including:

[0008] A first storage device, wherein a vacuum cavity is formed within the first storage device;

[0009] A second storage device, which is connected to the first storage device;

[0010] An indicator block is disposed within the second storage body. One end of the indicator block is movably connected to the outer wall of the first storage body, and the other end is elastically connected to the inner wall of the second storage body.

[0011] The first storage body has a through hole that is connected to the vacuum pipeline. Changes in the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber cause the indicator block to reciprocate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first storage body includes a U-shaped storage body and a flexible sealing body that is sealed to the U-shaped storage body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the flexible seal is made of rubber material.

[0014] In some embodiments, a connecting rod is also included, one end of which is fixedly connected to the first storage body and the other end is slidably connected to the indicator block, so that the indicator block reciprocates along the length of the connecting rod.

[0015] In some embodiments, an elastic element is also included, the two ends of which are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second storage body and the indicator block, respectively, and are disposed opposite to the connecting rod.

[0016] In some embodiments, the elastic element is one of a helical spring, a tension spring, or a compression spring.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the second storage body is provided with a first annular limiting strip, and the first annular limiting strip is located on the side close to the first storage body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the second storage body is further provided with a second annular limiting strip, and the second annular limiting strip is located on the side of the indicator block away from the first storage body, so that the indicator block can move between the first annular limiting strip and the second annular limiting strip.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second storage body has a through opening, which is corresponding to the indicator block and is used to observe the movement position of the indicator block.

[0020] A vacuum toilet with a vacuum monitoring device is also provided, characterized in that it includes:

[0021] The vacuum monitoring device is the vacuum monitoring device in the above embodiment, and the vacuum monitoring device is installed on the vacuum toilet;

[0022] A connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the through hole of the vacuum monitoring device, and the other end of which is connected to the vacuum pipeline of the vacuum toilet.

[0023] This application relates to a vacuum monitoring device for the vacuum pipeline of a vacuum toilet. The vacuum monitoring device can determine the vacuum level in the vacuum pipeline in real time, so as to make better use of the vacuum toilet. It is not only simple in structure and easy to install, but also simplifies the monitoring method and improves the monitoring efficiency.

[0024] The technical solutions and embodiments of this application each have at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1) Real-time monitoring of the vacuum level in the pipes of the vacuum toilet is achieved through a vacuum monitoring device;

[0026] 2) The first storage body is formed by a U-shaped storage body and a flexible sealing body that is sealed to the U-shaped storage body. When the vacuum level in the internal vacuum cavity changes, the indicator block moves by the change of the flexible sealing body.

[0027] 3) By using connecting rods and elastic elements, the position of the indicator block can be moved and limited, thereby limiting the upper and lower limits of the vacuum degree.

[0028] 4) By setting the first and second annular limiting bars in the second storage body, the movement position of the indicator block in the second storage body is further limited.

[0029] 5) The opening on the second storage unit allows the operator to monitor the position of the indicator block in real time, thus facilitating timely subsequent operations by the user.

[0030] 6) By establishing a vacuum monitoring device and a vacuum pipeline for the toilet, the structure is simple, the installation is convenient, and the monitoring efficiency is high. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The preferred embodiments will now be described in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, with reference to the accompanying drawings, to further illustrate the above-mentioned characteristics, technical features, advantages, and implementation methods of this application. The preferred embodiments are given only as examples, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an axial view of the vacuum monitoring device;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the vacuum monitoring device;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0036] Explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures.

[0037] 100: Vacuum degree monitoring device;

[0038] 101: First storage body; 1011: Vacuum cavity; 1012: Through hole; 1013: Connecting tube; 1014: U-shaped storage body; 1015: Flexible sealing body; 1016: Connecting rod; 1017: Elastic element;

[0039] 102: Second storage body; 1021: Indicator block; 1022: First annular limiting bar; 1023: Second annular limiting bar; 1024: Opening; 1025: Air inlet; 1026: Atmospheric pressure chamber.

[0040] 200: Button assembly; 201: Panel; 202: Press button. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to this application and does not represent their actual structure as a product. In some drawings, only one of the components with the same structure or function is schematically depicted, or only one is labeled. In this document, "a" means not only "only one" but also "more than one." The term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, underlined reference numerals indicate illustrated assemblies. Reference numerals with short curves without arrows are used to indicate solid parts or structures; reference numerals with short curves with arrows indicate non-solid structures or geometric features of solid structures, such as recesses, through holes, slots, and surfaces. Parentheses indicate the extent of a local structure. Double-dotted lines indicate the structural boundaries of a local structure, the outline of a virtual component, or indicate direction. Leader lines with arrows and reference numerals are used to indicate dimensions.

[0045] Currently, there are several methods on ships to display the vacuum level of vacuum lines, such as pressure sensors and vacuum gauges. However, due to different application scenarios, different requirements are placed on the configuration, installation, and real-time performance of monitoring devices. As mentioned above, vacuum monitoring devices are often only installed in specific areas, such as the engine room. This application specifically proposes a vacuum level monitoring device 100, which is mainly used for vacuum toilet systems. It is not only simple in structure and easy to install, but more importantly, it can determine the vacuum level in the vacuum line in real time, so as to better use the vacuum toilet.

[0046] This application provides a vacuum monitoring device 100 and a toilet equipped with the vacuum monitoring device 100. The following specific embodiments illustrate how this application solves the aforementioned technical problems.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a vacuum monitoring device 100, which is mainly used to connect to a vacuum pipeline. Specifically, it includes a first storage body 101, which forms a vacuum chamber 1011; it also includes a second storage body 102, which is connected to the first storage body 101. There are various ways to connect the two, such as sleeve for easy disassembly and assembly, or integral molding at the factory. Simultaneously, an indicator block 1021 is installed inside the second storage body 102. During actual installation, one end of the indicator block 1021 is movably connected to the outer wall of the first storage body 101, and the other end is elastically connected to the inner wall of the second storage body 102. The first storage body 101 has a through hole 1012, which connects to a vacuum pipeline. This connection can be achieved via a flexible hose or a fixed conduit, ensuring that the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber 1011 matches the vacuum level in the measured vacuum toilet. When both vacuum levels are identical, any change in the vacuum level within the vacuum chamber 1011 causes the indicator block 1021 to reciprocate within the second storage body 102. By observing the positional changes of the indicator block 1021, it is possible to determine whether the vacuum level in the measured vacuum pipeline meets the requirements for starting the vacuum toilet, allowing for timely assessment.

[0048] In the above configuration, the first storage body 101 and the second storage body 102 can be detached or fixedly connected. The indicator block 1021 has a certain weight. According to a common vacuum toilet, when the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011 is -0.25 bar, the indicator block 1021 reaches the upper limit position, and when the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011 is -0.5 bar, the indicator block 1021 reaches the lower limit position.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the vacuum monitoring device 100 of this application, the first storage body 101 includes a U-shaped storage body 1014 and a flexible sealing body 1015 disposed at the opening 1024 of the U-shaped storage body 1014, the two being sealed together. In actual design, the flexible sealing body 1015 is a thin film made of rubber material. This utilizes the strong flexibility of the rubber material to improve the judgment of the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011, which not only plays a role in isolating and regulating pressure, but also achieves the purpose of controlling mechanical action. When the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011 is greater than or equal to the required value, the indicator block 1021 is in the initial state, while when the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011 is less than the required value, the rubber material undergoes elastic deformation, causing the indicator block 1021 to move toward one side of the first storage body 101.

[0050] In the above configuration, the connection between the U-shaped storage body 1014 and the second storage body 102 can be such that the inner diameter of one end of the second storage body 102 is equal to the outer diameter of the U-shaped storage body 1014. After the indicator block 1021 and other components are pre-installed in the second storage body 102, the second storage body 102 can be directly fitted onto the outside of the U-shaped storage body 1014, i.e., the side with the flexible sealing body 1015. The structure is simple, easy to install, and also easy to disassemble.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, in the preferred embodiment of the vacuum monitoring device 100 of this application, there are multiple ways to connect the indicator block 1021 to the first storage body 101. This application also includes a connecting rod 1016, one end of which is fixedly connected to the first storage body 101. Specifically, the connecting rod 1016 is connected to the outer surface of the flexible sealing body 1015 (rubber diaphragm) of the first storage body 101. In this way, when the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011 is -0.25 bar, the indicator block 1021 reaches the upper limit position, that is, the rubber diaphragm deforms at this time, causing the indicator block 1021 to move towards the first storage body 101. When the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011 is -0.5 bar, the indicator block 1021 reaches the lower limit position, that is, the rubber diaphragm is in the initial state, or the indicator block 1021 moves away from the first storage body 101. The user can directly judge the specific situation of the vacuum degree in the vacuum chamber 1011 by the movement position of the indicator block 1021, which is not only convenient but also improves the operating efficiency.

[0052] The above configuration also includes an elastic element 1017. During actual installation, one end of the elastic element 1017 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second storage body 102, while the other end is fixedly connected to the indicator block 1021. Simultaneously, the elastic element 1017 and the connecting rod 1016 are arranged opposite each other, preferably on the same straight line. This effectively maintains the stability of the indicator block 1021 and prevents it from shifting during reciprocating motion, thus affecting the user's final judgment. Therefore, during production and installation, it is preferable to position the connecting rod 1016 at the central axis of the entire vacuum monitoring device 100, which not only facilitates installation but also ensures high stability.

[0053] In practical use, the elastic element 1017 can be one of a coil spring, a tension spring, or a compression spring. The specific choice depends on the weight of the indicator block 1021 and the range of motion. However, after prolonged use, the elastic element 1017 is prone to deformation, affecting the accurate judgment of the movement position of the indicator block 1021. This application makes further optimizations based on this, as follows:

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the vacuum monitoring device 100 of this application, a first annular limiting strip 1022 is provided on the inner wall of the second storage body 102, and the first annular limiting strip 1022 is located on the side close to the first storage body 101. This allows the indicator block 1021 to move toward the first storage body 101 to a certain position and then continue to move under the limitation of the first annular limiting strip 1022, thereby accurately limiting the movement range of the indicator block 1021 and providing accurate observation data. Furthermore, a second annular limiting strip 1023 can also be provided on the inner wall of the second storage body 102, and the second annular limiting strip 1023 is located between the indicator block 1021 and the inner wall of the second storage body 102. The purpose is to transform the unlimited change of vacuum degree into movement of the indicator block 1021 within a limited range between the first annular limiting strip 1022 and the second annular limiting strip 1023, ultimately achieving accurate judgment through precise testing.

[0055] In actual use, the vacuum monitoring device 100 of this application limits the movable distance of the indicator block 1021 to L / cm, and the distance between the two annular limit bars is 3L / cm.

[0056] Assume the area of ​​the flexible seal 1015 is A0 / cm². 2 The spring constant is k1, the elastic constant of the rubber diaphragm is k2 (the elastic force of the flexible seal 1015 is non-linear, and this is only a rough calculation), the mass of the indicator block 1021 (and the connecting rod 1016) is m / kg, and the gravitational acceleration is g. The selection of the spring and the rubber diaphragm can be calculated as follows.

[0057] mg + k1L / 1000 = 2.5 A0(1)

[0058] mg + (k1L + k2L)1000 = 5 A0(2)

[0059] When the above-mentioned device is in use, it mainly changes the position of the indicator block 1021 by the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber 1011. The position movement of the indicator block 1021 is mainly used to judge the vacuum level. Therefore, in order to intuitively observe the position indicated by the indicator block 1021, the indicator block 1021 needs to be divided into at least two parts, one part is marked in red, and the other part is marked in green (i.e., Figure 2The indicator block 1021 is green on the side closest to the first storage body 101 and red on the other side. Simultaneously, a through opening 1024 is formed in the second storage body 102, corresponding to either the red or green portion of the indicator block 1021. Thus, when the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber 1011 is -0.25 bar, the indicator block 1021 reaches its upper limit and moves towards the first storage body 101, with the opening 1024 displaying its red color (indicating insufficient vacuum). Conversely, when the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber 1011 is -0.5 bar, the indicator block 1021 reaches its lower limit and moves away from the first storage body, with the opening 1024 displaying its green color (indicating fully satisfied vacuum). Of course, in actual use, an air inlet 1025 is opened on the side of the box connected to the elastic member 1017 of the second storage body 102, so that an atmospheric pressure cavity 1026 is formed between the indicator block 1021 and the inner wall of the second storage body 102, so that the indicator block 1021 can reach the initial state in the shortest time. At the same time, a transparent cover can be set at the opening 1024 to reduce the entry of debris and moisture. The specific design methods will not be described in detail in this application.

[0060] The vacuum monitoring device 100 of this application is mainly used on vacuum toilets to monitor the vacuum level in the toilet pipes.

[0061] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, in actual use, the vacuum monitoring device 100 can be installed in various ways. In this application, the vacuum monitoring device 100 is preferably installed on the flush button assembly 200 of the vacuum toilet. The button assembly 200 includes a panel 201 for fixing to the vacuum toilet body and a press button 202 for pressing. Specifically, a mounting groove for installing the vacuum monitoring device 100 is opened on the panel 201, and it can be directly installed on the panel 201. A connecting pipe 1013 is also provided. One end of the connecting pipe 1013 is connected to the through hole 1012 opened on the first storage body 101 of the vacuum monitoring device 100, and the other end is connected to the vacuum pipeline of the toilet or a component of the vacuum toilet. It is only necessary to ensure that the vacuum degree of the vacuum chamber 1011 is the same as the vacuum degree in the measured vacuum toilet. In this way, when the vacuum degree in the pipeline of the vacuum toilet changes, the indicator block 1021 moves under the action of the flexible sealing body 1015. Users can easily determine whether the vacuum level in the toilet's vacuum system is sufficient to start the toilet by observing the color change of the indicator block 1021 at opening 1024. (For example, when the observation window is completely red, it indicates that the current vacuum level is low and the toilet cannot be started.) It's simple and convenient.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment and the technical principles employed in this application. Various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. Where there is no conflict, the above embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A vacuum degree monitoring device for connection with a vacuum line, characterized by, include: A first storage device, wherein a vacuum cavity is formed within the first storage device; A second storage device, which is connected to the first storage device; An indicator block is disposed within the second storage body. One end of the indicator block is movably connected to the outer wall of the first storage body, and the other end is elastically connected to the inner wall of the second storage body. The first storage body has a through hole that is connected to the vacuum pipeline. Changes in the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber cause the indicator block to reciprocate.

2. The vacuum degree monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first storage body includes a U-shaped storage body and a flexible sealing body that is sealed to the U-shaped storage body.

3. The vacuum monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flexible seal is made of rubber material.

4. The vacuum degree monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a connecting rod, one end of which is fixedly connected to the first storage body, and the other end is slidably connected to the indicator block, so that the indicator block reciprocates along the length of the connecting rod.

5. The vacuum degree monitoring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes an elastic element, the two ends of which are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second storage body and the indicator block, respectively, and are arranged opposite to the connecting rod.

6. The vacuum degree monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic element is one of a helical spring, a tension spring, or a compression spring.

7. The vacuum monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the second storage body is provided with a first annular limiting strip, and the first annular limiting strip is located on the side close to the first storage body.

8. The vacuum monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the second storage body is also provided with a second annular limiting strip, and the second annular limiting strip is located on the side of the indicator block away from the first storage body, so that the indicator block can move between the first annular limiting strip and the second annular limiting strip.

9. The vacuum monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second storage body has a through opening, which is corresponding to the indicator block and is used to observe the movement position of the indicator block.

10. A vacuum toilet with a vacuum level monitoring device, characterized in that include: The vacuum monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vacuum monitoring device is installed on the vacuum toilet; A connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the through hole of the vacuum monitoring device, and the other end of which is connected to the vacuum pipeline of the vacuum toilet.

Images