Exhaust device and toilet bowl having the exhaust device

Abstract

An exhaust device for use in connection with a flush toilet system having a flushing fluid source and a toilet bowl configured with a flush inlet and a waste outlet. The exhaust device includes a housing defining an airtight space, and a flushing conduit extending through the housing and having a front portion connectable to the flushing inlet and a rear portion connectable to the flushing fluid source, the flushing conduit configured with a suction opening disposed within the airtight space. The suction opening is fitted with a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent flushing fluid from entering the airtight space while the flushing fluid is flowing through the flushing conduit toward the toilet bowl. A waste conduit extending through the housing and having a front portion connectable to the waste outlet and a rear portion connectable to a sewer line, the waste conduit configured with a gas exhaust port disposed within the airtight space. A gas propulsion unit is disposed within the airtight space and in fluid communication with the gas discharge port, and is configured to selectively propel gas in a direction from the suction opening toward the gas discharge port, and a gas flow valve is configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas discharge port when the gas propulsion unit is activated.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The subject matter of this disclosure relates to exhaust systems, particularly exhaust systems for use in conjunction with toilet bowls. [Background technology]

[0002] Humans have used toilets and sewers to dispose of human waste for many years. Since toilets first became available, many different forms of toilet design have been developed and there are now many types of toilets around the world. However, while toilets are suitable for disposing of unwanted liquids and solids, most are not designed to handle gases associated with the waste process, gases that often contain unpleasant odors.

[0003] To handle the associated gases, an external ventilation system may be installed near the toilet, which exhausts the gases to the air outside the building in which the toilet is located. Such external ventilation can be expensive, unaesthetic, noisy, and may limit the possible placement of the toilet due to the pipelines required to connect the external ventilation to the outside of the building. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an exhaust device and a toilet bowl with the exhaust device configured to direct air from the toilet bowl towards a sewer line connecting the toilet bowl to a sewer system. In particular, the present disclosure aims to provide an internal exhaust system suitable for applications involving a toilet bowl having a flush inlet and a waste outlet that connect the toilet bowl to a source of flush fluid and a sewer line, respectively. The toilet bowl can be wall mounted or floor mounted.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed an exhaust apparatus for use in association with a flush toilet system having a source of flushing fluid and a toilet bowl configured with a flush inlet and a waste outlet, the exhaust apparatus comprising: A housing forming an airtight space; a flushing conduit extending through the housing and having a front portion connectable to the flushing inlet and a rear portion connectable to a source of flushing fluid, the flushing conduit configured with a suction opening disposed within the space, the suction opening being fitted with a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent flushing fluid from entering the space during flow of flushing fluid through the flushing conduit towards the toilet bowl; a waste conduit extending through the housing and having a front portion connectable to the waste outlet and a rear portion connectable to a sewer line, the waste conduit being configured with a gas exhaust port disposed within the space; a gas propulsion unit disposed within the airtight space, in fluid communication with the gas exhaust port, and configured to selectively propel gas in a direction from the suction opening toward the gas exhaust port; a gas flow valve configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas exhaust port when the gas propulsion unit is activated; has.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a toilet for use in association with a source of cleaning fluid is disclosed, the toilet comprising: a toilet bowl having a flush inlet, a waste outlet, and a designated space disposed behind the toilet bowl; an exhaust device that is integral with the toilet bowl or is integrated with the toilet bowl and disposed within the designated space; having The exhaust system is A housing forming an airtight space; a flushing conduit extending through the housing and having a front portion connectable to the flushing inlet and a rear portion connectable to a source of flushing fluid, the flushing conduit configured with a suction opening disposed within the space, the suction opening being fitted with a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent flushing fluid from entering the space during flow of flushing fluid through the flushing conduit towards the toilet bowl; a waste conduit extending through the housing and having a front portion connectable to the waste outlet and a rear portion connectable to the sewer line, the waste conduit being configured with a gas exhaust port disposed within the space; a gas propulsion unit disposed within the space, in fluid communication with the gas exhaust port, and configured to selectively propel gas in a direction from the suction opening toward the gas exhaust port; a gas flow valve configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas exhaust port when the gas propulsion unit is activated; may have the following structure:

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a toilet connectable to a flushing fluid source and a sewer line is disclosed, the toilet having a front portion having a bowl and a rear portion having a flush inlet, a waste outlet, and a designated space configured to accommodate an exhaust device having a flushing conduit connectable between the flushing fluid source and the flush inlet, and a waste conduit connectable between the waste outlet and the sewer line.

[0008] According to certain configurations of any of the aspects of the present disclosure, a gas propulsion unit may be disposed within the space.

[0009] In general, the exhauster according to the first and second aspects interconnects a source of flushing fluid with a flush inlet of the toilet bowl and a sewer line with a waste outlet of the toilet bowl, respectively. The exhauster is configured to propel gas from the flush inlet of the toilet bowl towards a sewer line connected to the waste outlet. The exhauster may be a stand-alone device for use in connection with a conventional water closet system, such that the exhauster interconnecting the conventional water closet system may be located anywhere between the toilet bowl and both the source of flushing fluid and the sewer line.

[0010] In a first example, the exhaust device can be connected to a flushing fluid conduit coupled to a flushing fluid source and to a portion of the sewer line extending from the front face of the wall, such as in the case of a buried flush tank. Alternatively, the exhaust device can be located on the rear face of the wall and connected to a portion of the flushing fluid source and a portion of the sewer line located on the rear side of the wall, while its flush and waste conduits can extend through the front face of the wall. The exhaust device can also interconnect the flush inlet and waste outlet of the flush toilet system with the flushing fluid source and the sewer line, respectively, in a remote manner by additional conduits. However, it is preferred to locate the exhaust device as close as possible to the flush inlet, and even more preferred to locate it directly relative to the flush inlet. In other cases, the exhaust device can be integral with the toilet bowl or can be integrated with the toilet bowl.

[0011] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to allow gases and associated odors generated from the toilet bowl to flow toward the sewer line, whereby the exhaust device of the disclosed subject matter is configured to selectively establish flow to propel gases in a direction from the flushing conduit toward the waste conduit when the gas propulsion unit is operating. Also, the gas flow valve is configured to prevent gases from flowing through the gas flow valve when the gas propulsion unit is not operating by the gas flow valve. Thus, the exhaust device is configured to constantly prevent gases from the sewer line from flowing through the exhaust device toward the toilet bowl. Also, gases and odors generated from the sewer line and space are prevented from further flowing from the waste conduit toward the toilet bowl by a trapway installed in the toilet bowl.

[0012] The communication between the gas propulsion unit and the gas exhaust port is configured such that gas propelled outwardly from the space by the gas propulsion unit is prevented from flowing back into the space so long as the gas propulsion unit is activated.

[0013] The gas flow valve is configurable between a flow-permitting position and a flow-preventing position, where the gas flow valve is configured to be displaced toward the flow-permitting position when the gas propulsion unit is operating and displaced toward the flow-preventing position when the gas propulsion unit is not operating. When the gas propulsion unit is operating, gases generated from the toilet bowl (e.g., gases associated with the waste treatment process) flow in one direction through the exhaust device toward the sewer line, whereby gases reaching from the sewer line toward the waste conduit are prevented (e.g., by the gases being propelled toward the sewer line). When the gas propulsion unit is operating, the gases are propelled from the toilet bowl into the space. When the gas propulsion unit is not operating, the gases and associated odors generated from the sewer line flow toward the toilet bowl and occupy the space, where the gases are prevented from flowing further toward the toilet bowl by the gas flow valve in the flow-preventing position.

[0014] The gas flow valve can be a low pressure dependent check valve: when the gas propulsion unit is activated, a low pressure is created in the space by the gas propulsion unit, which displaces the gas flow valve towards a flow permissive position to allow gas to flow through the gas flow valve towards the space, and when the gas propulsion unit is not activated, the gas flow valve automatically assumes a flow preventing position to prevent gas from flowing through the gas flow valve to or from the space.

[0015] In an embodiment of the gas flow valve of the disclosed subject matter, the gas flow valve comprises: a valve housing defining an airtight valve chamber therein in fluid communication with the suction opening of the flushing conduit; one or more retention sections each having a sloped port wall with a chamber outlet passage disposed therein, the chamber outlet passage configured to allow fluid communication between the valve chamber and a volume of the housing; a sealing element disposed outside each chamber exit passageway and having a surface area greater than a surface area of ​​the chamber exit passageway, the sealing element disposed within the retention section and configured to be tiltably displaceable between a sealed position and a permissive position within the retention section; may have the following structure:

[0016] In the sealed position, the sealing element sealingly rests about at least an outer periphery of the chamber exit passage to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. In the permissive position, the sealing element is at least partially spaced from the chamber exit passage to allow passage of fluid therethrough. The sealed position can be associated with a flow preventing position of the gas flow valve, and the permissive position can be associated with a flow permissive position of the gas flow valve. The sealing element can be normally in the sealed position.

[0017] The valve housing may be configured to surround the entire periphery of the suction opening, such that gas can only flow between the space and the flushing conduit via the valve chamber.

[0018] The sealing element can be configured to be displaced toward the permissible position by a suction force generated by a gas propulsion unit. For example, when the gas propulsion unit is activated and the gas flow valve is in the sealing position, a vacuum can be created in the space, which exerts a suction force on the sealing element, resulting in displacement of the sealing element toward the permissible position, where a constant flow generated by an activated gas propulsion unit allows the sealing element to maintain its permissible position.

[0019] The sealing element may be displaced toward the sealing position by gravity acting thereon, in some cases shifting the center of gravity of the sealing element toward the inclined port wall, and therefore when the gas propulsion unit is deactivated, the suction force generated by the gas propulsion unit is stopped, resulting in the displacement of the sealing element toward the permissible position.

[0020] The exhaust device is configured to prevent cleaning fluid from flowing through the exhaust device with a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent cleaning fluid from entering the space while the cleaning fluid is flowing through the flushing conduit towards the toilet bowl. In a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve. The liquid valve, which may be normally open, is configured in an automated manner to sealingly cover the periphery of the suction opening as cleaning fluid flows through the flushing conduit.

[0021] The liquid valve attached to the flushing opening can include a flap member disposed within the flushing conduit in alignment with the suction opening. The flap member is configured with a sealing portion having a surface area greater than a surface area of ​​the suction opening. The sealing portion is located on an upper surface of the flap member. The flap member is displaceable between a closed position in which the sealing portion sealingly covers the suction opening to prevent cleaning liquid from flowing therethrough, and an open position in which the sealing portion is at least partially spaced from the suction opening to permit the passage of fluid therethrough.

[0022] When cleaning fluid flows through the flushing conduit, the flap member may be displaced toward its closed position by the pressure of the cleaning fluid flowing through the flushing conduit. For example, when cleaning fluid flows through the flushing conduit, the cleaning fluid may exert pressure on the flap member, resulting in the flap member being displaced toward the closed position. When the flow of cleaning fluid in the flushing conduit subsides, the flap member is configured to be displaced toward its open position by gravity acting thereon. For example, when the flow of cleaning fluid in the flushing conduit subsides, the pressure exerted on the flap member by the flow of cleaning fluid against gravity ceases, thereby displacing the flap member toward the open position.

[0023] In a particular example of the disclosed subject matter, the flushing conduit can have a tapered section disposed therein and aligned with the suction opening. The tapered section toward the front of the flushing conduit can be configured to increase the pressure of irrigation fluid flowing through said tapered section. By reducing the inner diameter of the flushing conduit, the irrigation fluid pressure at the tapered section increases, increasing the pressure on the lower end side of the flap member. The increased pressure on the flap member is configured to increase the pressure displacing and maintaining the flap member in an open position, extending the time that the seal of the flap member seals over the suction opening.

[0024] In a second embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the liquid flow prevention mechanism may be formed as a raised member that fluidly connects the suction opening with the gas flow valve and extends upward from the suction opening of the flushing conduit to a height above the water level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid source. Because the cleaning liquid source and the raised member are in communication, the cleaning liquid is prevented from flowing through the raised member toward the space.

[0025] Any one or more of the following characteristic features and configurations may be applied to any of the aspects of the present disclosure, either separately or in combination. Each retaining section may further comprise an outer support wall spaced from the inclined port wall and connected thereto by a lower end shoulder extending below the chamber outlet passage. The lower end shoulder may be configured with an angled or rounded cross section forming a slope from the support wall towards the inclined port wall. - The support wall may be inclined towards the inclined port wall to define an acute angle with a horizontal axis X parallel to the ground. The sealing element may have a wedge-shaped cross section. The sealing element may be supported within the retaining section by one or more support arms configured to reduce frictional forces during displacement of the sealing element within the retaining section. The sealing element may have two support arms extending downwards from its lower edge, the support arms being configured with a lower edge that is smaller than the lower edge of the sealing element. The support arm may be configured with a cross-section similar to that of the lower shoulder. The sealing element may be pivotally articulated in the retaining section by means of a pivoting axle arranged in the retaining section. - An anti-tilt element may connect the support wall and the sealing element, the anti-tilt element being configured to store energy when the sealing element is displaced towards the allowable position and to apply energy to the sealing element to displace the sealing element towards the sealed position. - The tapered section tapers towards the front of the flushing conduit. - when the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve, a flap member of the liquid valve may have a rear edge connected to a flushing conduit rearward of the suction opening, the flushing conduit may have an annular recess along its periphery rearward of the suction opening, and the flap member may have a matching protrusion extending from its rear edge that is located and fixed inside the annular recess. The flap member may have a retaining element configured to maintain the flap member in a normally open position, the retaining element may be configured to increase a gravitational force applied to the flap member to overcome any opposing forces acting on the flap member when the cleaning liquid stops flowing and applying pressure to the flap member. The flap member may have a frusto-conical shape. The flap member may be made from a material that is durable in an aqueous (or water-containing) environment. The gas propulsion unit may be arranged between the flushing conduit and the waste conduit. The communication between the gas propulsion unit and the gas exhaust port may be set such that gas propelled outwardly from the space by the gas propulsion unit is prevented from flowing back into the space as long as the gas propulsion unit is operating. The gas propulsion unit may be configured to propel gas from the space to its gas inlet and outwardly from its gas outlet when the gas propulsion unit is operating. A gas exhaust member may be disposed between the gas outlet and the gas exhaust port, the gas exhaust member being configured to promote direct gas flow therebetween. The exhaust device may further comprise a controller configured to operate and deactivate the gas propulsion unit when actuation thereof is triggered. The controller can be set between a constant operation mode, an activation-dependent mode and an off mode. The controller may have an illumination source to indicate its current mode and / or to warn the user when the exhaust system requires maintenance. The controller may be configured to be operated manually by a user or in an automated manner. The controller may be configured to stop operation of the gas propulsion unit when cleaning liquid flows in the flushing conduit. The flushing and waste conduits may typically extend through the housing. The flushing duct and the waste duct can be fixedly positioned relative to each other. The flushing conduit and the waste conduit may have their respective portions extending substantially parallel through the housing. The suction opening can be located at the top of the flushing duct. - The gas exhaust port can be located at the top of the waste duct. - The gas exhaust port may be fitted with a screening mesh to prevent particulate matter from entering the housing. In other instances, the screening mesh may be fitted integral with or with the rear of the waste conduit in place of the gas exhaust port. - The gas exhaust port may be fitted with an exhaust pressure check valve.

[0026] In order to better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a conventional flush toilet system. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a side view of an exhaust system for use in connection with the conventional flush toilet system of FIG. 1 according to a first aspect of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2B shows a front perspective view of the exhaust device shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a rear perspective view of the exhaust device of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] Figure 3B shows the exhaust device with the back cover removed for clarity. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3C. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2B shows a front perspective view of the gas flow valve of the exhaust apparatus seen in Figure 2A, in the anti-flow position. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2B shows a front perspective view of the gas flow valve of the exhaust apparatus seen in FIG. 2A, in the flow-permissive position. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the sealing element of the gas flow valve of FIG. [Figure 5A] 2B shows a front perspective view of the liquid valve of the exhaust device seen in FIG. 2A with its flap member in a closed position. [Figure 5B] 2B shows a front perspective view of the liquid valve of the exhaust device seen in FIG. 2A with its flap member in an open position. [Figure 6] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional side view taken along line AA of FIG. 3C, illustrating the flow path of the cleaning fluid through the exhaust system. [Figure 7] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional side view taken along line AA of FIG. 3C, illustrating the gas flow path within the exhaust system when the gas propulsion unit is operating. [Figure 8]3D is a cross-sectional side view taken along line AA of FIG. 3C, illustrating the gas flow path within the exhaust system when the gas propulsion unit is not operating. [Figure 9] 1 shows a side view of a toilet bowl of a flush toilet system having or integrated with an exhaust system according to a second aspect of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10A] 2 illustrates a side view of an exhaust system for use in connection with the conventional flush toilet system of FIG. 1 according to a third aspect of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional side view along the longitudinal axis of the exhaust device of FIG. 10A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a flush toilet system 10 known in the art, with a toilet bowl 11, a flushing fluid source 30, and a sewer line 36. The toilet bowl 11 has a rear portion 12 and a front portion 13. The rear portion 12 of the toilet bowl 11 has a flush inlet 14 and a waste outlet 16, both of which face the rear of the toilet bowl 11. The front portion 13 has a bowl 22, a flush water distribution portion 24 fluidly connected to the flush inlet 14 located at an upper end of the bowl 22, and a liquid trapway 26 fluidly connected to the waste outlet 16 located at a lower end of the bowl 22.

[0029] A flushing fluid source 30 (e.g., a tub, a liquid supply pipe) is provided with a flushing fluid conduit 32 extending therefrom. The flushing fluid source 30 is configured to distribute flushing fluid through the flushing fluid conduit 32 during a flushing operation. As shown, the flushing fluid source 30 is located behind a wall 40, where the flushing fluid conduit 32 extends through the wall 40 from a front surface of the wall 40. A sewer line 36 is provided in front of the wall 40 and configured to receive waste from the waste outlet 16 to facilitate disposal into a sewer system (not shown). As shown, the toilet bowl 11 is fluidly connected by the flushing inlet 14 to the flushing fluid source 30 via the flushing fluid conduit 32 and to the sewer line 36 via the waste outlet 16.

[0030] Reference is now made additionally to Figures 2-8 which show an exhaust system, generally designated 100, which together with the toilet bowl 11 and the source of flushing fluid 30 define a flush toilet system 50. The exhaust system 100 is configured for use in connection with a flush toilet system 10 of the type shown and disclosed in Figure 1, and therefore like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements.

[0031] The exhaust device 100 has a housing 102, which is a box-like structure having a front cover 104, a rear cover 106, and an outer peripheral side wall 107, which together provide an airtight space 108 disposed therebetween. The front cover 104 is configured to face the wash inlet 14 and the waste outlet 16, and the rear cover 106 is configured to face the wash liquid pipe 32 and the sewer line 36.

[0032] The exhaust system 100 includes a flushing conduit 110 for interconnecting the cleaning fluid source 30 with the cleaning inlet 14 (via the cleaning fluid line 32) and a waste conduit 130 for interconnecting the sewer line 36 with the waste outlet 16. Both the flushing conduit 110 and the waste conduit 130 typically extend through the housing 102 and are fixedly positioned relative to one another with their respective portions extending generally parallel through the housing 102. As will become apparent below, the flushing conduit 110 and the waste conduit 130 communicate with a space 108 in the housing 102 such that gas can be propelled from the flushing conduit 110 towards the waste conduit 130 or vice versa through the housing. As shown, the waste conduit 130 is configured with a larger diameter than the flushing conduit 110, whereby the pressure of the cleaning fluid flow in the waste conduit 130 is reduced to prevent the cleaning fluid from reaching the gas exhaust port 134.

[0033] The flushing conduit 110 has a front portion 112 extending through the front cover 104 where it is coupled to the flushing inlet 14, and a rear portion 111 extending through the rear cover 106 where it is coupled to the flushing fluid line 32 of the flushing fluid source 30.

[0034] The flushing conduit 110 is configured with a suction opening 113 in the space 108, whereby the suction opening 113 fluidly connects the flushing conduit 110 with the space 108 of the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the flushing conduit 110 is located in an upper section of the flushing conduit 110. In other embodiments (not shown), the suction opening 113 can be located at a position other than the upper position of the flushing conduit 110. The suction opening 113 includes a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent the flushing liquid from entering the space 108 while the flushing liquid is flowing through the flushing conduit 110 towards the toilet bowl 11. In a first embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve 114 configured to prevent the flushing liquid from entering the space 108 via the suction opening 113 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). The normally open liquid valve 114 is configured to sealingly cover the suction opening 113 in an automated manner during a flushing action effected by a flow of cleaning liquid, as described in more detail below.

[0035] In the disclosed subject matter, the liquid valve 114 has a resilient flap member 115 disposed within the flushing conduit 110. The flap member 115 is configured with a seal portion 116 aligned with the suction opening 113 and having a surface area greater than the surface area of ​​the suction opening 113. The flap member 115 is displaceable between a closed position (FIGS. 5A and 6) in which the seal portion 116 sealingly covers the suction opening 113 to prevent cleaning fluid from flowing therethrough, and an open position (FIGS. 5B, 7, and 8) in which the seal portion 116 is at least partially spaced from the suction opening 113 to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. The flap member 115 is configured to be displaced toward its closed position by pressure exerted by cleaning fluid flowing through the flushing conduit, and toward its open position by gravity acting thereon.

[0036] The flap member 115 may be connected to the flushing conduit 110 in a number of ways. In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the flushing conduit 110 has an annular recess 118 (FIG. 3D) along its circumference rearward toward the suction opening 113. The flap member 115 has a matching protrusion 118A extending from its rear edge that is positioned and secured inside the annular recess 118. In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the flap member 115 is formed from a material that is durable in an aqueous environment. The flap member 115 is thin and may be formed as a single layer of material or several layers formed from multiple materials. The flap member 115 is formed from an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, or a hard material such as a stainless steel leaf. The flap member 115 has a shape that matches the shape of the suction opening 113, and in a further embodiment, the shape of the flushing conduit 110. In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the flap member 115 has a frusto-conical shape.

[0037] In an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the flap member 115 has a retaining element 119. The retaining element 119 is a mass disposed on the flap member 115 and configured to maintain the flap member 115 in a normally open position by increasing a gravitational force applied to the flap member 115. The retaining element 119 is configured to increase a gravitational force applied to the flap member 115 to overcome any opposing forces acting on the flap member 115 when the cleaning fluid stops flowing and applying pressure to the flap member (discussed further below). The retaining element is disposed on the seal 116 and configured to minimally impede displacement of the flap member 115 to the closed position. According to another embodiment (not shown), the retaining element may be a biasing member, such as a spring.

[0038] In a particular example of the disclosed subject matter, the flushing conduit 110 has a tapered section 120 that is aligned with the suction opening 113. As shown, the tapered section 120 is disposed within the flushing conduit 110 and tapers toward the front portion 112 of the flushing conduit 110 at least below the suction opening 113. In the example shown, the tapered section 120 is integral with the flushing conduit 110. In other examples (not shown), the tapered section 120 may be integral with the flushing conduit 110 as an insert that fits into the flushing conduit.

[0039] The waste conduit 130 of the exhaust device 100 has a front portion 132 extending through the front cover 104 coupled to the waste outlet 16 and a rear portion 131 extending through the rear cover 106 coupled to the sewer line 36. The waste conduit 130 is configured with a gas exhaust port 134 located at the top of the waste conduit 130 and disposed within the space 108, such that the gas exhaust port 134 fluidly connects the waste conduit 130 with the space 108 of the housing 102. The gas exhaust port 134 is provided with a screening mesh 136 configured to prevent particulate matter from entering the space 108 through the gas exhaust port. Such particulate matter may include, for example, sewer inhabitants such as rats and insects originating from the sewer system. In other examples (not shown), the screening mesh 136 may be attached or integrated with the rear portion 131 of the waste conduit 130 instead of the gas exhaust port 134.

[0040] The exhaust apparatus 100 further includes a gas propulsion unit 150 disposed within the space 108. The gas propulsion unit 150 according to a specific embodiment is a fan-type gas blower configured to propel gas from the space 108 into its gas inlet 152 and outwardly from its gas outlet 154 when the gas propulsion unit 150 is operating. The gas propulsion unit 150 is disposed between the flushing conduit 110 and the waste conduit 130. The gas outlet 154 is configured to propel gas therefrom towards the gas exhaust port 134. The exhaust apparatus 100 is configured such that gas propelled outwardly from the gas outlet 154 is separated from gas located within the space 108.

[0041] A gas discharge member 156 is disposed between the gas outlet 154 and the gas exhaust port 134 to facilitate direct gas flow therebetween. It is understood that the gas propulsion unit 150 can include multiple gas propulsion units.

[0042] In other instances (not shown), the gas propulsion unit 150 may be configured to prevent gas flow when not activated. In yet other instances (not shown), a discharge pressure check valve may be attached to the gas exhaust port 134 and configured to allow gas flow in a direction from the gas exhaust port 134 toward the waste conduit 130 only when gas pressure between the gas outlet 154 and the discharge pressure check valve increases (i.e., the gas propulsion unit is activated).

[0043] In an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the exhaust device 100 further includes a controller 180 configured to activate and deactivate the gas propulsion unit 150 when activation is triggered. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 180 is located in the space 108 and is electrically connected to the gas propulsion unit 150. In other embodiments (not shown), the controller 180 may be located elsewhere and in electronic communication (either wired or wireless) with the gas propulsion unit 150. The controller 180 may be configured to be manually activated by a user or activated in an automated manner. For example, an automated manner for triggering activation of the controller 180 includes receiving input from one or more sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) configured to detect the presence of a user or the presence of malodorous gases in the toilet bowl 11.

[0044] Controller 180 is also configured to be manually activated by a user or activated in an automated manner to stop operation of gas propulsion unit 150. For example, an automated manner for triggering activation of controller 180 includes receiving input from one or more sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor) configured to detect a lack of user presence. Alternatively, a timer with a predetermined duration may be activated upon activation of controller 180 such that gas propulsion unit 150 is turned off when the timer expires.

[0045] The controller is configurable between an always-on operation mode in which the gas propulsion unit 150 is activated, an activation-dependent mode in which the gas propulsion unit 150 is activated and deactivated in response to triggering activation of the controller 180, and an off mode in which the gas propulsion unit 150 is not activated.

[0046] In a possible implementation of the disclosed subject matter, controller 180 may be configured to disable operation of gas propulsion unit 150 when flap member 115 is in the closed position. In another implementation (not shown), controller 180 may be in electrical communication with an illumination source and configured to operate gas propulsion unit 150 when the illumination source is on and disable operation of gas propulsion unit 150 when the illumination source is off.

[0047] The exhaust device 100 further comprises a gas flow valve 190 configured to selectively allow gas to flow from the suction opening 113 in a direction toward the space 108 (FIGS. 4A-4C). The gas flow valve 190 is settable between a flow-permitting position and a flow-preventing position. The gas flow valve 190 is positioned within the space 108 above a top of the flushing conduit 110 in alignment with the suction opening 113. The gas flow valve 190 comprises a valve housing 191 having a housing wall 192 with a top cover 193, thereby providing an airtight valve chamber 194 together with the flushing conduit 110. The valve chamber 194 is in fluid communication with the flushing conduit 110 via the suction opening 113. As shown, the housing wall 192 of the valve housing 191 completely surrounds the suction opening 113 at the upper end of the flushing conduit 110 such that gas can only flow between the space 108 and the flushing conduit 110 via the valve chamber 194.

[0048] The gas flow valve 190 further includes two retention sections 195. Each retention section 195 includes an angled port wall 197 having a chamber exit passage 198 disposed therein to allow fluid communication between the valve chamber 194 and the space 108 of the housing 102. Each retention section 195 further includes an exterior support wall 200 connected to the angled port wall 197 by a lower end shoulder 201 spaced from the angled port wall 197 and extending below the chamber exit passage 198. The angled port wall 197, the support wall 200, and the lower end shoulder 201 together define a containment space 202 therebetween. Each retention section 195 includes a wedge-shaped sealing element 196 that is confined within the containment space 202. The containment space 202 is also wedge-shaped, configured with a cross-section slightly wider than the cross-section of the seal element 196 to limit the freedom of movement of the seal element 196 trapped within the space. The lower end shoulder 201 is configured to act as a fulcrum for tilting displacement of the seal element 196, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0049] The sealing element 196 is configured with a surface area larger than the surface area of ​​the chamber outlet passage 198. The sealing element 196 is tiltably displaceable within the containment space 202 between a normal sealing position (FIG. 4A) and a permissive position (FIG. 4B). In the sealing position, the sealing element 196 sealingly rests over at least the outer periphery of the chamber outlet passage 198 to prevent the passage of fluid through the chamber outlet passage 198. In some examples (not shown), the lower end shoulder 201 can be configured with an angled or rounded cross section that forms a slope from the support wall 200 toward the angled port wall 197. The angled or rounded cross section that forms the slope can reduce frictional forces during the tilting displacement. In such examples, the lower end shoulder 201 displaces the sealing element 196 toward the angled port wall 197 to engage over the outer periphery of the angled port wall 197. The sealing engagement with the angled port wall 197 prevents the passage of fluid through the chamber exit passage 198 which may occur if the sealing element 196 does not properly oppose the chamber exit passage 198 of the angled port wall 197 .

[0050] In the permissive position, the sealing element 196 is at least partially spaced from the chamber exit passage 198 in the direction of arrow 199 to permit passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element 196 is configured to be displaced toward the permissive position by a suction force applied to the sealing element by the gas propulsion unit 150. The gas propulsion unit 150 is configured to generate a suction force in the space 108 when the gas propulsion unit 150 is actuated. The suction force generated by the gas propulsion unit 150 is configured to displace the sealing element 196 in a direction from its sealing position toward its permissive position. The suction force is also configured to maintain the sealing element 196 in the permissive position so long as the gas propulsion unit 150 is actuated.

[0051] When the gas propulsion unit 150 is not operating, the sealing element 196 is configured to be displaced toward the sealing position. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the sealing element 196 is configured to be displaced toward the sealing position in an automated manner by gravity. In a particular example of the disclosed subject matter, the support wall 200 is inclined toward the inclined port wall 197 to define an acute angle with a horizontal axis X extending parallel to the ground. Thus, the sealing element 196 remains inclined toward the inclined port wall 197 even in its permitted position, such that cessation of operation of the gas propulsion unit 150 results in its spontaneous displacement toward the sealing position by gravity alone.

[0052] In other examples (not shown), an anti-tilt element may be configured to apply a biasing force to the sealing element 196 upon displacement from the sealed position. In yet other examples (not shown), the sealing element 196 may be pivotally articulated in the containment space 202 via a pivot axle. In such examples, the sealing element 196 may be pivotally displaceable about the pivot axle between its sealed position and its permitting position.

[0053] In one example of the disclosed subject matter, the seal element 196 is supported within the retention section 195 by one or more support arms 203, which are configured to reduce frictional forces during its tilting displacement. In the illustrated example, the seal element 196 has two support arms 203 that extend downwardly from a lower edge 204 of the seal element 196. In some cases, the lower edge 204 of the two support arms 203 is configured with a cross-section that matches the cross-section of the lower shoulder 201. In other examples (not shown), the one or more support arms 203 can extend upwardly from the lower shoulder 201 or can extend laterally from the tilted port wall 197 or the support wall 200.

[0054] 6 illustrates the path that cleaning fluid takes through the flushing conduit 110 to the toilet bowl 11 and from the toilet bowl 11 to the sewer line 36. When the toilet is flushed, cleaning fluid flows from the cleaning fluid source 30, through the cleaning fluid line 32 and into the flushing conduit 110 (arrow 301). The cleaning fluid flows along the length of the flushing conduit 110 (arrow 302) and exerts pressure on the flap member 115 (arrow 303). The pressure exerted by the cleaning fluid flow displaces the flap member 115 towards its closed position (i.e. by displacing the seal portion 116 against and sealingly covering the suction opening 113).

[0055] The wash liquid then passes through the wash inlet 14 and into the bowl 22 via the wash distribution section 24 (arrow 304). The wash liquid continues to flow through the liquid trapway 26 and out the waste outlet 16 (arrow 305). The wash liquid then circulates the length of the waste conduit 130 and into the sewer line 36 (arrow 306).

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates the flow path of gas from the toilet bowl 11 towards the sewer line 36 when the gas propulsion unit 150 is operating (i.e., generating suction in the space 108). As shown, gas is propelled from the bowl 22 (arrow 401) and forced into the flushing conduit 110 via the flush inlet 14 (arrow 402). The gas then flows through the liquid valve 114 (whose flap member 115 is in an open position) and passes through the suction opening 113 (arrow 403). The gas is then propelled further into the space 108 through the gas flow valve 190 in a flow-permitting position (arrow 404). Within the space 108, the gas is propelled towards the gas inlet 152 (arrow 405) and outwardly from the gas outlet 154 to the gas exhaust member 156. The gas is then propelled into the waste conduit 130 via the gas exhaust port 134 (arrow 406). In the waste conduit 130, the gas is prevented from flowing towards the toilet bowl 11 via the waste outlet 16 by the liquid trapway 26, and therefore the gas is propelled towards the sewer system via the sewer line 36.

[0057] 8 shows the flow path of gas from the sewer line 36 towards the toilet bowl 11 when the gas propulsion unit 150 is not operating. As shown, sewer gas flows from the sewer line 36 into the waste conduit 130 (arrow 501). The gas then exits from the gas inlet 152 into the space 108 (arrow 502). The gas flows further towards the gas flow valve 190 (which in this case is in its flow prevention position), where the gas is prevented from flowing further into the flushing conduit 110 via the chamber outlet passage 198 by the sealing element 196 in its sealing position.

[0058] Reference is now further made to Figure 9, which illustrates a flush toilet system 52 which differs from the previous example flush toilet system 50 in that the exhaust system 100' is integral with or integrated at the rear 512 of the toilet bowl 522 within its designated space 560. In other respects, the exhaust system 100' is similar to the previous example exhaust system 100 and interconnects the flush inlet 514 and waste outlet 516 of the flush toilet system 52 with the flush liquid line 32 and sewer line 36, respectively, as previously described. The operation of the flush toilet system 52 with its associated exhaust system 100' is also similar to that disclosed above.

[0059] Reference is further made to Figures 10A and 10B which show an exhaust system 100'' which, together with the toilet bowl 11 and the flushing fluid source 30, defines a flushing toilet system 54. The flushing toilet system 54 differs from the previously described flushing toilet system 50 in that the exhaust system 100'' is located behind the wall 40 and interconnects the flushing fluid line 32 of the flushing fluid source 30 with the sewer line 36. In other examples (not shown), the exhaust system 100'' may be integral or may be integrated with the flushing fluid source 30.

[0060] As shown, the exhaust system 100″ is connected to the flushing fluid line 32 at the rear 611 of the flushing conduit 610 and also to the sewer line 36 at the rear of the waste conduit 631. The flush toilet system 54 further includes an interconnecting flushing tube 614 for connecting the front 612 of the flushing conduit 610 to the flush inlet 14 and an interconnecting waste tube 634 for connecting the front 632 of the waste conduit 630 to the waste outlet 16. In other examples (not shown), the front 612 of the flushing conduit 610 can extend through a wall and be connected directly to the flushing inlet 14 and the front 632 of the waste conduit 630 can extend through a wall and be connected directly to the waste outlet.

[0061] Also, exhaust apparatus 100'' differs from the previously described exhaust apparatus 100 in that according to a second example of the disclosed subject matter, the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a raised member 600. This second example of the disclosed subject matter may be used when the cleaning liquid source operates via gravity (e.g., a flushing tank) and without additional pressure means (e.g., a high pressure water line).

[0062] The raised member 600 is formed as a hollow tube located within the housing 602. The raised member 600 is configured to fluidly connect the suction opening 613 of the flushing conduit 610, which is fluidly connected to its lower end 601A, with the airtight valve chamber 694 of the gas flow valve 690, which is fluidly connected to its upper end 601B. The raised member 600 allows communication between the flushing conduit 610 via the suction opening 613 and the space 608 via the gas flow valve 690. The raised member 600 is configured to extend from the flushing conduit 610 to a height above the water level line 31' of the cleaning liquid 31 in the cleaning liquid source 30 so as to prevent water from reaching the gas flow valve 690 at the upper end of the raised member 600 during the flushing operation. This is because the cleaning liquid source 30 and the raised member 600 are communicating vessels.

Claims

1. 1. An exhaust apparatus for use in association with a flush toilet system having a source of flush fluid and a toilet bowl configured with a flush inlet and a waste outlet, comprising: A housing forming an airtight space; a flushing conduit extending through the housing, the flushing conduit having a front portion connectable to the flushing inlet and a rear portion connectable to the source of flushing fluid, the flushing conduit being configured with a suction opening disposed within the airtight space, the suction opening having a liquid flow prevention mechanism attached thereto, the liquid flow prevention mechanism being configured to prevent flushing fluid from flowing into the airtight space while flushing fluid is flowing through the flushing conduit towards the toilet bowl; a waste conduit extending through the housing, the waste conduit having a front portion connectable to the waste outlet and a rear portion connectable to a sewer line, the waste conduit including a gas exhaust port disposed within the airtight space; a gas propulsion unit disposed within the airtight space and in fluid communication with the gas exhaust port, the gas propulsion unit configured to selectively propel gas in a direction from the suction opening toward the gas exhaust port; a gas flow valve configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas exhaust port when the gas propulsion unit is activated; and An exhaust system comprising:

2. 2. The exhaust system of claim 1, wherein the gas flow valve is further configured to prevent flow of gas therethrough when the gas propulsion unit is not operating.

3. 3. The exhaust system of claim 1, wherein the gas flow valve is settable between a flow-permitting position and a flow-preventing position, and the gas flow valve is configured to be displaced toward the flow-permitting position when the gas propulsion unit is operating and to be displaced toward the flow-preventing position when the gas propulsion unit is not operating.

4. 4. An exhaust system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the gas flow valve is a low pressure dependent check valve.

5. The gas flow valve comprises: a valve housing defining an airtight valve chamber therein in fluid communication with the suction opening of the flushing conduit; one or more retention sections each having a sloped port wall with a chamber outlet passage disposed therein, the chamber outlet passage configured to allow fluid communication between the valve chamber and the airtight space of the housing; a sealing element disposed outside each chamber exit passageway and having a surface area greater than a surface area of ​​the chamber exit passageway, the sealing element being disposed within the retention section and configured to be tiltably displaceable within the retention section between a sealing position and a permissive position; 5. An exhaust system according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. 6. The exhaust system of claim 5, wherein the valve housing is configured to surround the entire periphery of the suction opening, whereby gas flow is possible between the airtight space and the flushing conduit only via the valve chamber.

7. 7. An exhaust system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein in the sealing position the sealing element sealingly rests over at least a periphery of the chamber exit passage to prevent the passage of fluid therethrough, and in the allowing position the sealing element is at least partially spaced from the chamber exit passage to allow the passage of fluid therethrough.

8. 8. An exhaust system according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the sealing element is normally in a sealing position.

9. 9. An exhaust apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the sealing element is configured to be displaced towards the permissive position by suction force generated by the gas propulsion unit.

10. 10. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the sealing element is arranged to be displaced towards the sealing position by gravity acting thereon.

11. 11. An exhaust system according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the sealing element is configured with a wedge-shaped cross-section.

12. 12. An exhaust device according to claim 5, wherein the sealing element is supported within the retention section by one or more support arms configured to reduce frictional forces during displacement of the sealing element within the retention section.

13. 13. The exhaust system of claim 12, wherein the sealing element has two support arms extending downwardly from a lower edge thereof, the support arms being configured with lower edges that are smaller than the lower edge of the sealing element.

14. 14. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the support wall is inclined towards the inclined port wall and defines an acute angle with a horizontal axis X extending parallel to the ground.

15. 15. An exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein the suction opening is arranged at an upper portion of the flushing conduit.

16. 16. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the gas exhaust port is located at an upper portion of the waste conduit.

17. 17. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve, the liquid valve having a flap member positioned within the flushing conduit in alignment with the suction opening.

18. 18. The exhaust system of claim 17, wherein the flap member is configured with a seal portion having a surface area greater than a surface area of ​​the suction opening.

19. 18. The exhaust apparatus of claim 17, wherein the flap member is displaceable between a closed position in which a seal sealingly covers the suction opening to prevent flow of irrigation fluid therethrough and an open position in which the seal is at least partially spaced from the suction opening to permit fluid flow therethrough.

20. 20. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 17, 18 or 19, wherein the flushing conduit has an annular recess along its circumference and rearward of the suction opening, and the flap member has a matching projection extending from its rear edge, the matching projection being located and secured within the annular recess.

21. 21. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the flap member has a frusto-conical shape.

22. 22. An exhaust device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the flap member has a retaining element configured to maintain the flap member in a normally open position.

23. 23. The exhaust system of claim 22, wherein the flap member is formed from a material that is durable in an aqueous environment.

24. 24. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the flushing conduit is configured with a tapered section disposed within the flushing conduit and aligned with the suction opening, the tapered section tapering towards the front portion of the flushing conduit.

25. 17. The exhaust system of claim 1, wherein the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a raised member fluidly connecting the suction opening with the gas flow valve, the raised member extending upwardly to a height above a water level line of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid source.

26. 26. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein both the flushing conduit and the waste conduit normally extend through the housing, are fixedly positioned relative to each other and have respective portions extending in parallel through the housing.

27. 27. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the gas propulsion unit is disposed between the flushing conduit and the waste conduit.

28. 28. The exhaust device of claim 1, wherein the communication between the gas propulsion unit and the gas exhaust port is configured such that, when the gas propulsion unit is operating, gas propelled by the gas propulsion unit out of the airtight space is prevented from flowing back toward the airtight space.

29. 29. An exhaust apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the gas propulsion unit can be configured to propel gas from the airtight space to the gas inlet and out of the gas outlet when the gas propulsion unit is operating.

30. 30. The exhaust system of claim 29, wherein a gas exhaust member is disposed between the gas outlet and the gas exhaust port, the gas exhaust member being configured to promote direct gas flow therebetween.

31. 31. The exhaust system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to operate and deactivate the gas propulsion unit when actuation thereof is triggered.

32. 32. The exhaust system of claim 31, wherein the controller is configured to stop operation of the gas propulsion unit when cleaning fluid flows through the flushing conduit.

33. 33. An exhaust system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the gas exhaust port is fitted with a screening mesh to prevent particulate matter from entering the housing.

34. 1. A toilet for use in association with a source of cleaning fluid, the toilet comprising: a toilet bowl having a flush inlet, a waste outlet, and a designated space disposed at a rear of the toilet bowl; an exhaust system that is integral with or incorporated into the toilet bowl and that is positioned within the designated space; having The exhaust device includes: A housing forming an airtight space; a flushing conduit extending through the housing, the flushing conduit having a front portion connectable to the flushing inlet and a rear portion connectable to the source of flushing fluid, the flushing conduit being configured with a suction opening disposed within the airtight space, the suction opening having a liquid flow prevention mechanism attached thereto, the liquid flow prevention mechanism configured to prevent flushing fluid from flowing into the airtight space while flushing fluid is flowing through the flushing conduit towards the toilet bowl; a waste conduit extending through the housing, the waste conduit having a front portion connectable to the waste outlet and a rear portion connectable to a sewer line, the waste conduit including a gas exhaust port disposed within the airtight space; a gas propulsion unit disposed within the airtight space and in fluid communication with the gas exhaust port, the gas propulsion unit configured to selectively propel gas in a direction from the suction opening toward the gas exhaust port; a gas flow valve configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas exhaust port when the gas propulsion unit is activated; and The toilet has a

35. 35. The toilet of claim 34, wherein the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve configured to seal the suction opening while cleaning liquid flows through the flushing conduit towards the toilet bowl.

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