TOILETRY DEVICE

Abstract

TITLE: TOILET DEVICE The dry toilet device (100) comprises: - a reservoir (105) of clean carbonaceous material, - an area (110) for storing soiled carbonaceous material, - a toilet bowl (115), - a first mechanism (120) for transporting clean carbonaceous material, from the reservoir, to the bowl, - a second mechanism (125) for transporting soiled carbonaceous material, from the bowl, to the storage area and - a means (130) for actuating the first and / or second mechanism. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: TOILET DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet device. It applies, in particular, to the field of dry toilets and portable toilets. State of the art

[0002] The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been conceived or pursued previously. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section constitute prior art solely because of its inclusion in this section.

[0003] Ordinary dry toilets generally have a tray, positioned under a bowl, filled with sawdust suitable for receiving excrement.

[0004] In these dry toilets, the soiled sawdust is manually removed and new sawdust is made available to users. Such an action is carried out globally, that is to say that the entire tank is emptied and then put back into service for a filling cycle. Thus, in the tank, the excrement (unseparated excrement and urine) is gradually superimposed and then evacuated.

[0005] These dry toilets have several disadvantages, including, in particular, a significant loss in terms of hygiene and pleasantness in the event of excessive use which does not allow for adequate renewal of the sawdust. This leads to the presence of bacteria and unpleasant odors.

[0006] In addition, these dry toilets are unable to reprocess the excrement depending on its nature and therefore limit the recovery of materials.

[0007] Furthermore, these dry toilets often depend on the willingness of an operator to handle a sawdust deposit shovel to cover odors and promote subsequent composting, which presents a hygiene defect contrary to health regulations. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a dry toilet device, which comprises: - a reservoir of clean carbon material, - a storage area for soiled carbonaceous material, - a toilet bowl, - a first mechanism for transporting clean carbonaceous material from the reservoir to the bowl, - a second mechanism for transporting soiled carbonaceous material from the basin to the storage area and - a means of actuating the first and / or second mechanism.

[0010] Thanks to these arrangements, the first endless screw allows clean carbonaceous material to be brought into the bowl, while the second screw allows dirty carbonaceous material to be removed from the bowl. This allows a user, operating the actuating means, to emulate the operation of a flush for non-dry toilets.

[0011] In addition, thanks to these provisions, a double action takes place in the bowl: - on the one hand, the solid materials present in the bowl are mixed with clean carbonaceous material and dirty carbonaceous material still present in the bowl and not evacuated and - on the other hand, the mixture is covered with clean carbon material, limiting the diffusion of unpleasant odors and allowing their absorption.

[0012] In particular embodiments, at least the first mechanism and / or the second mechanism is a worm screw.

[0013] In optional embodiments, the first screw is located higher than the second screw.

[0014] This allows a flow from the top of the clean carbonaceous material, promoting the deposition in the lower part of the dirty carbonaceous material removed by the actuation of the second screw.

[0015] In optional embodiments, the clean carbonaceous material reservoir is located higher than the bowl.

[0016] This allows for a top flow of clean carbonaceous material, ensuring that the carbonaceous material is deposited on the surface of the carbonaceous material already present in the bowl.

[0017] In optional embodiments, at least one of the reservoir and / or the storage area is located at the rear of the device relative to the bowl, with at least one associated mechanism configured to convey the carbonaceous material between the front and rear of the device.

[0018] This makes it possible to manage the supply of clean carbonaceous material and the removal of soiled carbonaceous material from the rear part of the device, which in particular allows separation of the usage and maintenance spaces of the device.

[0019] In optional embodiments, the means for actuating the first and / or second screw comprises an actuating pedal and a system for mechanically transforming this actuation into rotation of the first and / or second screw.

[0020] These embodiments make it possible to carry out the actuation of the screws in a manner manual by an operator.

[0021] In optional embodiments, the actuating means is configured to simultaneously actuate the first and / or the second mechanism.

[0022] These embodiments allow for adding clean carbonaceous material and removing dirty carbonaceous material simultaneously.

[0023] In optional embodiments, the transformation system is configured to operate the first and second screws at distinct rotational speeds.

[0024] These embodiments allow a differentiated mechanical treatment of the carbonaceous material whose mechanical properties are distinct between the clean state and the soiled state.

[0025] In optional embodiments, the bowl comprises a double wall for transporting the clean carbonaceous material.

[0026] These embodiments make it possible to constrain the flow of dry carbonaceous material supply in the bowl.

[0027] In optional embodiments, the second auger is inclined upwardly as it approaches the storage area, the device comprising a reservoir for urine collected by flow along the second auger.

[0028] These embodiments make it possible to separate the collection of urine from the collection of solid matter.

[0029] In optional embodiments, the bowl comprises a trough configured to at least partially surround the first transport mechanism.

[0030] These embodiments make it possible to facilitate the extraction of solid material contained in the bowl. Brief description of the figures

[0031] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0032] [Fig-1] schematically represents a perspective view of a mode of rea particular use of the device which is the subject of the present invention,

[0033] [Fig.2] schematically represents a side view of a particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention and

[0034] [Fig.3] schematically represents a top view of a particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0035] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0036] It should be noted from now on that the figures are not to scale.

[0037] As understood from reading this description, various concepts inventive methods may be implemented by one or more methods or devices described below, several examples of which are provided herein. The actions or steps performed in carrying out the method or device may be ordered in any suitable manner. Accordingly, it is possible to construct embodiments in which the actions or steps are performed in a different order than that illustrated, which may include performing certain acts simultaneously, even if they are shown as sequential acts in the illustrated embodiments.

[0038] The expression "and / or", as used herein and in the claims, is to be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to these specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0039] As used herein in the description and claims, "or" is to be understood inclusively.

[0040] As used in this specification and in the claims, the term "at least one", with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the term "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, possibly including more than one, A, without B. present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0041] In the claims, as well as in the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", and the like, are to be understood as being open, i.e., as meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0042] In the variants shown in figures 1 to 3, the device which is the subject of the present invention, which comprises: - a reservoir of clean carbon material, - a storage area for soiled carbonaceous material, - a toilet bowl, - a first mechanism for transporting clean carbonaceous material from the reservoir to the bowl, - a second mechanism for transporting soiled carbonaceous material from the basin to the storage area and - a means for actuating the first and / or second mechanism,

[0043] is shown and described for a first and second mechanism corresponding to endless screws. A person skilled in the art knows how to adapt the descriptions of figures 1, 2 or 3 to implement another type of mechanism. For example, the first and second mechanism can also correspond to bucket chains.

[0044] By “carbonaceous material” is meant any material suitable for movement by transport mechanisms.

[0045] Such carbonaceous material is preferentially compostable.

[0046] Such carbonaceous material is preferentially absorbent.

[0047] Such carbonaceous material preferentially neutralizes the odors of human excrement.

[0048] Such carbonaceous material corresponds to, for example, sawdust, wood shavings or ash, all carbonaceous materials and plant debris.

[0049] [Fig.l], which is not to scale, shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the device 100 which is the subject of the present invention. This device 100 of dry toilet, includes: - a 105 tank of clean carbon material, - a zone 110 for storing soiled carbonaceous material, - a 115 toilet bowl, - a first 120 endless screw for transporting clean carbonaceous material from the tank to the bowl, - a second 125 worm screw for transporting soiled carbonaceous material from the tank to the storage area and - a means 130 for actuating the first screw and / or the second screw.

[0050] The carbonaceous material reservoir 105 corresponds to any container suitable for retaining clean carbonaceous material. This container is preferably closed. This reservoir 105 may be formed from plastic, metal, wood or any other material suitable for the particular use case of the device 100.

[0051] The dimensions of the tank 105 correspond to a maximum number of uses of the device 100 before the benefits of this device 100 are degraded or even cancelled. Thus, a manufacturer of such a device 100 can size this tank 105 according to the use case envisaged for the device 100. For example, a device 100 having a domestic purpose can be provided with a tank 105 of smaller dimensions than a device 100 having a purpose of making available on a construction site or at a festival site.

[0052] The reservoir 105 of clean carbonaceous material may further comprise an access hatch, allowing the insertion of clean carbonaceous material.

[0053] The storage zone 110 corresponds to any container suitable for retaining the soiled carbonaceous material. This container is preferably closed. This storage zone 110 may be formed from plastic, metal, wood or any other material suitable for the particular use case of the device 100.

[0054] The dimensions of the storage area 110 correspond to a maximum number of uses of the device 100 before the benefits of this device 100 are degraded or even cancelled. Thus, a manufacturer of such a device 100 can size this storage area 110 according to the use case envisaged for the device 100. For example, a device 100 having a domestic purpose can be provided with a storage area 110 of smaller dimensions than a device 100 having a purpose of making available on a construction site or at a festival site.

[0055] The zone 110 for storing soiled carbonaceous material may also include an access hatch, allowing the extraction of soiled carbonaceous material.

[0056] The storage area 110 may be removable, so that it can be replaced and does not require the use of a collection bin (such as a dumpster transported by a truck) to be composted.

[0057] The bowl 115 corresponds, for example, to an at least partially open container. Such an opening may be located on an upper or lateral face of the bowl 115. Such a bowl 115 is configured, preferably to be associated with a seat (not shown) located on / above the bowl 115 and allowing a user to sit. Such a bowl may have any suitable shape and, for example, that of a trapezoid whose large side is located towards the bowl 115.

[0058] The bowl 115 optionally has a horizontal sectional area decreasing towards the base of the bowl 115, aimed at concentrating the soiled carbonaceous material around the second endless screw 125.

[0059] The bowl 115 has, for example, a vertical section surface having a general trapezoidal shape, the small side of which is located near, and below, the second endless screw 125.

[0060] The bowl 115 acts as an intermediate volume for the carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material entering this bowl 115 by the action of the first endless screw 120 and being extracted from this bowl 115 by the action of the second endless screw 125.

[0061] The bowl 115 may also be associated with a trough 126, positioned in the lower part and surrounding the second screw 125. Such a trough 126 has, for example, a longitudinal sectional shape of a hollow cylinder of revolution. Such a trough has, for example, a “U” or “V” cross-sectional shape.

[0062] The first endless screw 120 thus passes through the reservoir 105 to, as this first screw 120 rotates, capture and then move clean carbonaceous material towards a trough at the bottom of the bowl.

[0063] In variants, the first endless screw 120 passes through both the reservoir 105 and the bowl 115.

[0064] However, for hygiene reasons, the first endless screw 120 is preferably configured so as not to come into contact with a volume defined by the bowl 115.

[0065] Thus, in variants, the first endless screw 120 is positioned higher than the bowl 115 so that the clean carbonaceous material falls into the bowl. Preferably, the device 100 comprises a conduit for the flow of the clean carbonaceous material from the first screw 120 to the bowl. Such a conduit may take the form of a double wall 140 for transporting the clean carbonaceous material connecting the first screw 120 to the bowl 115.

[0066] The first screw 120 may also be positioned higher than the desired nominal height for the carbonaceous material in the bowl 115.

[0067] The second endless screw 125 passes through the bowl 115 to, as this second screw 125 rotates, capture and then move soiled carbonaceous material towards the storage zone 110.

[0068] The second endless screw 125 can pass through the bowl 115 and the storage area 110 or, similarly to certain variants of the first endless screw 120, discharge the soiled carbonaceous material into a transport conduit towards the storage area 110. With regard to the second screw 125, the hygiene constraint is less considering that this second screw 125 handles soiled carbonaceous material.

[0069] In preferred variants, the first screw 120 is located higher than the second screw 125. By "higher" is meant located at a higher altitude when the device 100 is positioned in a configuration for making available for use.

[0070] In preferred variants, the reservoir 105 of clean carbonaceous material is located higher than the bowl 115.

[0071] In preferred variants, at least one of the elements among the reservoir 105 and / or the storage zone 110 is located at the rear of the device relative to the bowl 115, at least one associated screw, 120 and 125, being configured to convey the carbonaceous material between the front and the rear of the device.

[0072] In preferred variants, the means 130 for actuating the first and / or second screw, 120 and 125, comprises an actuating pedal 135 and a system 140 for mechanically transforming this actuation into rotation of the first and / or second screw.

[0073] The actuating pedal 135 is preferably positioned in the lower part so as to be actuated by the foot of a user. The actuating pedal 135 can also be positioned in the intermediate or upper part so as to be actuated by the hand of a user. This actuating pedal 135 is associated with the mechanical transformation system 140.

[0074] This mechanical transformation system 140 comprises, for example, a ratchet system actuated by the actuating pedal 135 driving at least one gear in rotation, at least one such gear being configured to cause a screw, 120 and / or 125, to rotate.

[0075] In variants, the transformation system 140 comprises an angle transmission making it possible to position the actuating pedal 135 close to the bowl 115 and to locate gears for actuating at least one screw, 120 and / or 125, behind the reservoir 105 and / or the storage zone 110.

[0076] In variants, the device 100 comprises two separate mechanical transformation systems 140 for each screw, 120 and 125.

[0077] In variants, the mechanical transformation system 140 is associated with an automatic actuation system, such as an electrical system actuated, for example, by pressing a button.

[0078] In variants, the actuating pedal 135 is replaced by a crank manually operated by a user.

[0079] In preferred variants, the actuating means 130 is configured to simultaneously actuate the first and second screws, 120 and 125.

[0080] In preferred variants, the transformation system 140 is configured to actuate the first and second screws, 120 and 125, according to distinct rotation speeds.

[0081] In such variants, the first screw 120 and the second screw 125 may have different diameters and pitches.

[0082] Such a configuration is obtained, for example, by the implementation of gears (or transmission shafts or transmission belts for example) of variable dimensions adapted to cause a variation in angular speed from the same actuation of the pedal 135.

[0083] In preferred variants, the second endless screw 125 is inclined upwards when approaching the storage zone 110, the device comprising a reservoir 145 for urine collected by flow along the second screw.

[0084] In variants, whatever the nature of the mechanisms implemented, the device 100 comprises a reservoir 145 for collected urine. This makes it possible to obtain a separation of the urine and excrement collected.

[0085] The term "upwardly inclined" refers to the fact that the second screw 125 has an angle, relative to the horizontal, greater than zero degrees, from the point of the axis of rotation of the second screw 125 furthest from the storage zone 110.

[0086] Such a reservoir 145 can be supplied, for example, by two separate inlets, as shown in [Fig.2]: - an inlet 150 in the lower part, configured to collect urine by gravity flow from the bowl 115 and, in particular, from the screw 125 and - an inlet 155 in the upper part, configured to collect a jet of urine directly, by the implementation of a special pipe not requiring interaction between the urine and the carbonaceous material.

[0087] An example of such a variant is shown in [Fig.2]. In this [Fig.2], the direction of flow of the urine is indicated as descending while the direction of flow of the soiled carbonaceous material is indicated as ascending along the axis of rotation of the second screw 125.

[0088] [Fig. 3] shows a top view of a particular embodiment of the device 100 which is the subject of the present invention. In this particular view, the different spaces for processing the carbonaceous material can be seen, as well as the mechanisms allowing the movement of this carbonaceous material from one space to another.

[0089] Thus, firstly, the carbonaceous material is deposited in the tank 105, positioned for example in the rear part.

[0090] The first screw 120 is configured to move the carbonaceous material from the first reservoir 105 to the bowl 115, effecting a movement of the carbonaceous material from the rear to the front of the device 100. It can be seen, in particular, that the first screw 120 is covered once outside the reservoir 105. It is noted that optionally, the clean carbonaceous material falls into the bowl 115 via a conduit or a double wall.

[0091] The bowl 115 is configured to, by gravitational action, concentrate the carbonaceous material around the second screw 125. This carbonaceous material is initially clean, then dirty, then a mixture of the two as new carbonaceous material is supplied by the first screw 120. Thus, at the same time, a formation of a deposit of carbonaceous material in a bed takes place by preparation for receiving the material, and by covering the material.

[0092] The second screw 125 removes the carbonaceous material present in the bowl to transport this carbonaceous material towards the storage zone 110, carrying out a movement from the front to the rear of the device 100.

[0093] The soiled carbonaceous material thus stored can be collected in the storage area 110 while clean carbonaceous material can be inserted into the tank 105.

Claims

Claims

1. A dry toilet device (100), characterized in that it comprises: - a reservoir (105) of clean carbonaceous material, - a storage area (110) for soiled carbonaceous material, - - a toilet bowl (115), being an intermediate volume for transporting clean carbonaceous material, - a first mechanism (120) for transporting clean carbonaceous material, from the reservoir, to the bowl, the first mechanism (120) being placed outside the volume defined by the bowl and higher than the bowl, - a second mechanism (125) for transporting soiled carbonaceous material, from the bowl, to the storage area, the second mechanism (125) passes through the bowl (115) to, as this second mechanism (125) rotates, capture and then move soiled carbonaceous material to the storage area (110) and - a means (130) for actuating the first mechanism (125) and / or the second mechanism.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein at least the first mechanism (120) and the second mechanism (125) are worm screws.

3. Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first screw (120) is located higher than the second screw (125).

4. Device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 3, in which the means (130) for actuating the first and / or second screw (120, 125) comprises an actuating pedal (135) and a system (140) for mechanically transforming this actuation into rotation of the first and / or second screw.

5. Device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the second endless screw (125) is inclined upwards when approaching the storage area (110), the device comprising a reservoir (145) for urine collected by flow along the second screw.

6. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the actuating means (130) is configured to simultaneously actuate the first and second mechanisms (120, 125).

7. Device (100) according to claims 4 and 6, wherein the transformation system (140) is configured to actuate the first and second screws (120, 125) according to distinct rotational speeds.

8. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the reservoir (105) of clean carbonaceous material is located higher than the bowl (115).

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the elements among the reservoir (105) and / or the storage zone (110) is located at the rear of the device relative to the bowl (115), at least one associated mechanism (120, 125) being configured to convey the carbonaceous material between the front and the rear of the device.

10. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the bowl (115) comprises a double wall (140) for transporting the clean carbonaceous material.

11. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the bowl (115) comprises a trough (126) configured to at least partially surround the transport mechanism (125).

Images