Wood chip distribution system for dry toilets and kit for building such a system

Abstract

Title: Wood chip dispensing system for dry toilets and kit for implementing such a system. The invention relates to a wood chip dispensing system (1) for dry toilets, characterized in that it comprises a wood chip reservoir (2), wood chip dispensing means including at least one auger (3), and actuating means for the dispensing means including a control member (4), manipulation of the control member (4) by a user causing the auger (3) to rotate to ensure the dispensing of wood chips into the toilet bowl. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Chip distribution system for dry toilets and kit for producing such a system Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of sanitary equipment.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a chip distribution system for dry toilets and a kit for producing such a system. State of the art

[0003] Dry toilets are increasingly used in public places or individual homes.

[0004] A major advantage of dry toilets lies in their low ecological impact and their low cost of use.

[0005] Thanks to these advantages, dry toilets are also increasingly used in collective places such as festivals, one-off public and private events, building sites and public works.

[0006] Furthermore, their appearance in workplaces or private homes illustrates the desire to reduce water consumption.

[0007] Traditionally, dry toilets comprise a bowl formed by a seat under which is located an excrement receptacle which must be emptied regularly.

[0008] To prevent the rise of unpleasant odors, facilitate the absorption of urine and conceal excrement, shavings, in particular wood shavings and / or other vegetable shreds, are then placed by users in the receptacle after use.

[0009] This deposit of shavings is carried out using a container that the user manipulates to grab a quantity of shavings which he then disperses on the excrement and urine.

[0010] However, lack of knowledge about dry toilets and the modesty of users can lead to excessive use of shavings in order to be sure of preventing the rise of bad odors and / or to mask their excrement.

[0011]

[0012] It is therefore appropriate to regulate the quantities of shavings used for covering in order to avoid overconsumption leading on the one hand to frequent replenishment of a shavings reserve and, on the other hand, to rapid filling of the excrement receptacle, synonymous with more frequent emptying.

[0013] There is therefore a need to manage the consumption of wood chips in dry toilets in order to limit the financial, ecological and logistical impact. Objectives of the invention

[0014] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a mechanized distribution system for shavings for dry toilets.

[0016] The invention also aims to provide such a system which allows several successive distributions of chips.

[0017] The invention further aims to provide such a system which is simple to install and use. Statement of the invention

[0018] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a system for distributing shavings for dry toilets, characterized in that it comprises a shavings reservoir, including a bottom wall having at least one hole for discharging shavings into a dry toilet bowl, the system also comprising means for distributing shavings including at least one endless screw rotatably mounted in the reservoir to guide the shavings towards the or each discharge hole, and means for actuating the distribution means, including: - a control member intended to be manipulated by a user from outside the tank, and - transmission means connecting the control unit to the distribution means, the manipulation of the control member by a user causing the worm screw to rotate via the transmission means to ensure the discharge of shavings into the toilet bowl.

[0019] Such a system allows chips to be poured into the dry toilet bowl in the same way as a conventional flush.

[0020] In fact, the user only has to act on the control member to ensure the discharge of chips.

[0021] Furthermore, thanks to the worm screw, the distribution of shavings is regular, which makes it possible to limit the quantity of shavings used to cover the excrement compared to the conventional use of a shovel to distribute the shavings. The use of a shovel requires, in fact, a certain dexterity to ensure a uniform covering of all the excrement with a single shovelful, thus requiring users to carry out several shovelfuls.

[0022] Furthermore, the control member avoids the use of a collective and unhygienic container to allow the discharge of chips.

[0023] Finally, the positioning of the organ outside the tank makes it possible to avoid a direct contact of users with the shavings, such contact being able to put off some users.

[0024] According to an advantageous aspect, the control member takes the form of a pedal movable from a high position to a low position to drive the worm screw in rotation via the transmission means according to a predetermined stroke.

[0025] The use of a pedal to form the control member offers a hygienic solution.

[0026] The pedal can actually be operated by foot, which prevents the user from touching the control member with his hands, thereby protecting him from viruses and other bacteria often present on control members that can be operated by hand.

[0027] Furthermore, the predetermined stroke ensures a determined rotation of the worm screw and therefore control of the quantity of chips discharged each time the system is used.

[0028] Furthermore, the predetermined stroke allows chips to be discharged in a similar quantity each time the system is used.

[0029] According to another advantageous aspect, the transmission means comprise a cable connected by a first end to the pedal and by a second end to a return member secured to the reservoir, the return member tending to: - deform elastically when the pedal moves from its high position to its low position, and - recover its initial shape when the pedal is not pressed, to position the pedal in its high position from its low position.

[0030] Such transmission means make it possible to carry out several successive uses since the return member ensures the movement of the pedal to its high position from its low position.

[0031] Thus, several discharges of a similar quantity of chips can be carried out successively.

[0032] According to another advantageous aspect, the transmission means also comprise return pulleys secured to the tank, the return pulleys being intended to guide the cable in the tank.

[0033] The return pulleys allow the cable of the transmission means to be guided in order to ensure the proper functioning of the system, in particular with regard to the rotation of the worm screw.

[0034] According to another advantageous aspect, the system also comprises at least one mixer mounted to rotate in the tank to prevent the chips from agglomerating, the or each mixer being coupled to the cable of the transmission means to be driven in rotation when the control member is manipulated by a user.

[0035] The or each mixer allows mixing of the chips in order to prevent them from agglomerating.

[0036] This mixing then ensures a constant flow of shavings into the bowl of the dry toilet by the endless screw, when the control member is actuated.

[0037] In other words, the or each mixer prevents the worm screw from rotating in a vacuum, i.e. from carrying chips.

[0038] According to another advantageous aspect, the tank incorporates a chip loading opening, located in an area opposite the bottom wall.

[0039] This opening allows the tank to be filled quickly and easily.

[0040] It is in fact not necessary to open the tank to allow it to be refilled.

[0041] Furthermore, the opening may be provided with a hatch allowing the chips to be confined in the tank and the distribution means to be soundproofed when in use.

[0042] According to another advantageous aspect, the system also comprises at least one deflector secured to the tank and intended to direct the shavings from the or each discharge hole towards a dry toilet bowl.

[0043] The deflector ensures guidance and distribution of the shavings in the dry toilet bowl so as to avoid several successive actuations to ensure complete coverage of the excrement and / or that certain areas of the dry toilet bowl are not covered.

[0044] According to another advantageous aspect, the or each endless screw is rotatably mounted in the tank by means of a freewheel device.

[0045] The freewheel device ensures that the worm screw, and therefore the chips, are driven in a single direction of movement of the cable.

[0046] In other words, the freewheel device prevents chips from jamming in the reservoir by the chips rising when the worm screw rotates in two opposite directions of rotation relative to each other. Such jamming is also encouraged by the possibility of chips agglomerating.

[0047] The invention also relates to a kit for a chip distribution system for dry toilets, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one worm screw intended to be mounted for rotation in a tank; - a control unit, and - transmission means connecting the control unit to the distribution means.

[0048] Such a kit makes it possible to create a chip distribution system in all dry toilets with a chip tank.

[0049] Thus the kit can be installed subsequently in a passive tank, i.e. one without distribution means, to transform it into an active tank allowing a user to pour shavings into the bowl of the dry toilet in a simple way.

[0050] According to an advantageous aspect, the kit also comprises at least one mixer intended to be mounted for rotation in a tank.

[0051] As explained previously, the mixer allows the chips to move in the tank to prevent them from agglomerating.

[0052] According to an advantageous aspect, the kit also comprises a support frame on which the or each worm screw, the or each mixer, the control member and the distribution means are installed.

[0053] Such a support frame allows easy and rapid transformation of a passive tank into an active tank since all the components of the system are carried by the support frame. Figures

[0054] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings described below.

[0055] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation in rear perspective of a chip distribution system for dry toilets, according to the invention.

[0056] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional representation of the chip distribution system for dry toilets, according to the invention, according to section plane II-II of [Fig.l], Detailed description of the invention

[0057] [Fig.l] illustrates a system 1 for distributing chips for dry toilets.

[0058] System 1 allows the distribution of chips, in particular wood chips, in a dry toilet bowl after use.

[0059] With reference to [Fig.2], the system 1 comprises: - a 2-chamber chip tank; - distribution means, housed in tank 2, - means of actuation.

[0060] The reservoir 2 makes it possible to store a significant quantity of shavings so as to allow several successive distributions of shavings into the bowl of the dry toilet.

[0061] For this purpose, the tank 2 comprises: - a bottom wall 201; - a top wall 202 opposite the bottom wall 201, - a belt joining the bottom wall 201 to the top wall 202.

[0062] More specifically, the belt comprises a front wall 203, a rear wall 204 opposite the front wall 203, and two side walls 205 each joining the front wall 203 to the rear wall 204.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the bottom wall 201 has at least one chip discharge hole 206.

[0064] In this case, as illustrated by [Fig.l], the bottom wall 201 has a single hole 206 for discharging chips.

[0065] The bottom wall 201 is thus intended to overhang a dry toilet bowl so that the shavings dispensed by the discharge hole 206 fall, by gravity, into the dry toilet bowl.

[0066] The discharge of chips is enabled by the distribution means and the actuation means described below.

[0067] With reference to [Fig.2], the distribution means comprise an endless screw 3.

[0068] When the bottom wall 201 has a plurality of discharge holes 206, then the distribution means comprise as many endless screws 3 as there are discharge holes 206.

[0069] The worm screw 3 advantageously has a diameter of between 250 mm and 350 mm. Such a range of diameters makes it possible to adapt to all or almost all tanks and to carry all or almost all types of wood chips and / or shredded plant matter.

[0070] Still with reference to [Fig.2], the actuating means comprise a control member 4 and transmission means.

[0071] The control member 4 takes the form of a pedal movable from a high position to a low position to drive the worm screw 3 in rotation via transmission means according to a predetermined stroke.

[0072] More specifically, the predetermined stroke is defined by the travel of the pedal between its high position and its low position.

[0073] The transmission means comprise a cable 5, a return member 6 and return pulleys 7.

[0074] The cable 5 has a first end 501 by which it is connected to the pedal, and a second end 502 by which it is connected to the reservoir 2 via the return member 6.

[0075] The cable 5 thus extends mainly inside the tank 2, its first end 501 being located outside the tank 2 and its second end 502 being located inside the tank 2.

[0076] The return member 6 takes the form of a spring, for example.

[0077] The return member 6 is thus intended to deform elastically when the pedal moves from its high position to its low position, and tends to recover its initial shape. when the pedal is not operated to position the pedal in its high position from its low position.

[0078] In the case of a return member 6 in the form of a spring, the action of a user on the pedal causes the spring to stretch, which then seeks to compress to recover its initial shape when the user no longer acts on the pedal.

[0079] With reference to [Fig.2], the transmission means are integrated as follows in the system 1.

[0080] The return member 6 is mounted integral with the bottom wall 201, inside the tank 2.

[0081] More specifically, the return member 6 is positioned on a first side of the or each discharge hole 206, close to one of the side walls 205.

[0082] The cable 5 is secured to the return member 6 by its second end 502.

[0083] The cable 5 runs along the side wall 205 near which the member of reminder 6 is installed, in the direction of the top wall 202, then along the top wall 202, before descending along the second side wall 205 in the direction of the bottom wall 201 which it passes through an orifice provided for this purpose, so that its first end 501 is located outside the tank 2.

[0084] The first end 501 is then connected to the pedal forming the control member 4.

[0085] The return pulleys 7 are arranged inside the tank 2 near the junction between the top wall 202 and each of the side walls 205.

[0086] When it runs along the top wall 202, the cable 5 is coupled to the worm screw 3 of the distribution means to allow it to rotate when the pedal forming the control member 4 is actuated by a user.

[0087] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the worm screw 3 is rotatably mounted on the top wall 202 by means of a freewheel device 301.

[0088] The cable 5 of the transmission means is thus coupled to the freewheel device 301 in order to drive the worm screw 3 in rotation.

[0089] As will be described later, the freewheel device 301 makes it possible to rotate the worm screw 3 in a single direction of movement of the cable 5 inside the tank 2.

[0090] In other words, the worm screw 3 is driven in rotation in a single direction of actuation of the pedal forming the control member 4.

[0091] The worm screw 3 is driven in rotation when a user acts on the pedal forming the control member 4 so as to position it in its low position from its high position. When the pedal moves from its low position to its high position under the effect of the return member 6, the worm screw 3 then remains stationary.

[0092] In order to limit their cost, the wood chips used for dry toilets are generally rough, that is to say that it presents a roughness favoring their agglomeration between them.

[0093] To avoid such agglomeration inside the tank 2, the system 1 comprises at least one mixer 8 located inside the tank 2.

[0094] More particularly, the system 1 comprises four mixers 8 located inside the tank 2.

[0095] According to the embodiment illustrated by [Fig.2], the four mixers 8 are divided into two pairs of two mixers 8 each positioned on one of the side walls 205.

[0096] Each mixer 8 is rotatably mounted inside the tank 2.

[0097] More specifically, each mixer 8 is rotatably mounted on one of the walls lateral 205 and is coupled to the cable 5 of the transmission means.

[0098] Thus, as explained below, the actuation of the control member 4 by a user causes the mixers 8 to rotate to set the chips in motion inside the reservoir 2 and thus prevent them from agglomerating, which prevents chips from being poured into a dry toilet bowl.

[0099] As illustrated by [Fig.2], each mixer 8 is rotatably mounted in the tank 2 by means of a freewheel device 301 so as to be driven in rotation only in one direction of manipulation of the control member 4, for example when the pedal forming the control member 4 is moved from its high position to its low position, like the endless screw 3.

[0100] In other words, each mixer 8 is driven in rotation simultaneously with the worm screw 3.

[0101] With reference to [Fig. 1], the reservoir 2, more particularly its rear wall 204, has an opening 207 allowing the loading of chips inside the reservoir 2.

[0102] This opening 207 is located in an area opposite the bottom wall 201.

[0103] Finally, the system 1 also comprises a deflector 9 secured to the bottom wall 201 and projecting outside the tank 2.

[0104] The deflector 9 is intended to direct the shavings from the or each discharge hole 206 towards a dry toilet bowl.

[0105] As the chips fall by gravity, they are thus directed into the bowl so as to disperse efficiently.

[0106] The operation of system 1 is now described.

[0107] When a user of a dry toilet in which the system 1 is installed has finished his needs, he actuates the control member 4.

[0108] More precisely, the user uses his foot to press the pedal forming the control member 4 in order to move it from its high position to its low position.

[0109] This has the effect of driving the cable 5, in a first direction of movement, against the return member 6 which is tensioned.

[0110] The drive of the cable 5 causes the endless screw 3 and each mixer 8 to rotate.

[0111] The chips contained in the tank 2 are then stirred by the mixers 8 so as not to agglomerate and are then directed towards the discharge hole 206 via the worm screw 3 in order to be dispersed in the bowl by means of the deflector 9.

[0112] When the pedal is in its low position, the rotation of the worm screw 3 and the mixers is stopped and the chips remain contained in the reservoir 2.

[0113] The user can then release the pressure exerted on the pedal so that the return member 6 retracts to recover its initial shape.

[0114] This has the effect of moving the pedal from its low position to its high position by means of the cable 5 which is then driven in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction of movement.

[0115] Thanks to the freewheel devices 301, the driving of the cable 5 in the second direction of movement has no influence on the rotation of the worm screw 3 and the mixers 8.

[0116] In other words, when the pedal forming the control member 4 moves from its low position to its high position, the worm screw 3 and the mixers 8 remain stationary and do not cause the chips to be discharged into the bowl of the dry toilet.

[0117] Thanks to this, the quantity of shavings dispersed in the bowl of the dry toilet can be calibrated so as to limit it to the quantity deemed necessary.

[0118] Thus, to modify the quantity of chips distributed by the system 1 at each actuation of the pedal forming the control member 4, it is sufficient to increase or decrease the travel of the pedal in order to increase or respectively decrease the rotation time of the worm screw 3 and the mixers 8 and, consequently, the quantity of chips discharged through the discharge hole 206.

[0119] As mentioned previously, a passive tank, i.e. a tank intended solely to contain wood chips, can be transformed into an active tank, i.e. a tank allowing the distribution of chips into a dry toilet bowl.

[0120] For this purpose, a kit for system 1 for distributing chips for dry toilets can be used. In [Fig.2], the kit is already installed in tank 2.

[0121] Such a kit comprises the elements previously described, namely: - at least one worm screw 3 intended to be mounted for rotation in a tank 2; - a control organ 4, and - transmission means connecting the control member 4 to the dis- tribute.

[0122] The kit may also comprise at least one mixer 8 as described previously.

[0123] Finally, the kit also comprises a support frame 100 on which the or each worm screw 3, the or each mixer 8, the control member 4 and the distribution means are installed.

[0124] This support frame 100 is installed in the tank 2 in particular by resting against the bottom wall 201, the top wall 202 and the two side walls 205.

[0125] Furthermore, the support frame 100 makes it easier to handle the kit for its installation in the tank 2 since all of the components of the kit are installed on it.

[0126] Finally, thanks to the diameter of the or each worm screw 3 between 250 mm and 350 mm, the kit can be adapted to the majority of tanks on the market, these having a depth between 350 mm and 400 mm.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for dispensing shavings for dry toilets, characterized in that it comprises a shavings reservoir (2), including a bottom wall (201) having at least one hole (206) for discharging shavings into a dry toilet bowl, the system (1) also comprising means for dispensing the shavings including at least one endless screw (3) rotatably mounted in the reservoir (2) to guide the shavings towards the or each discharge hole (206), and means for actuating the dispensing means, including: - a control member (4) intended to be manipulated by a user from outside the reservoir (2), and - transmission means connecting the control member (4) to the dispensing means, the manipulation of the control member (4) by a user causing the worm screw (3) to rotate via the transmission means to ensure the discharging of shavings into the toilet bowl.

2. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control member (4) takes the form of a pedal movable from a high position to a low position to drive the worm screw (3) in rotation via the transmission means according to a predetermined stroke.

3. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission means comprise a cable (5) connected by a first end (501) to the pedal and by a second end (502) to a return member (6) secured to the reservoir (2), the return member (6) tending to: - deform elastically when the pedal moves from its high position to its low position, and - recover its initial shape when the pedal is not actuated, to position the pedal in its high position from its low position.

4. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission means also comprise return pulleys (7) integral with the tank (2), the return pulleys (7) being intended to guide the cable (5) in the tank (2).

5. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it also comprises at least one mixer (8) mounted to rotate in the reservoir (2) to prevent the chips from clumping together, the or each mixer (8) being coupled to the cable (5) of the transmission means to be driven in rotation when the control member (4) is manipulated by a user.

6. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (2) incorporates an opening (207) for loading chips, located in an area opposite the bottom wall (201).

7. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises at least one deflector (9) integral with the tank (2) and intended to direct the shavings from the or each discharge hole (206) towards a dry toilet bowl.

8. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or each endless screw (3) is rotatably mounted in the tank (2) by means of a freewheel device (301).

9. Kit for a system (1) for distributing chips for dry toilets, characterized in that it comprises: - distribution means including at least one endless screw (3) intended to be mounted for rotation in a tank (2); - a control member (4), and - transmission means connecting the control member (4) to the distribution means.

10. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it also comprises at least one mixer (8) intended to be mounted for rotation in a tank (2).

11. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it also comprises a support frame (100) on which are installed the distribution means including at least one endless screw (3), the or each mixer (8), the control member (4).

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