[go: up one dir, main page]

EP4428313A1 - A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device - Google Patents

A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4428313A1
EP4428313A1 EP23382227.9A EP23382227A EP4428313A1 EP 4428313 A1 EP4428313 A1 EP 4428313A1 EP 23382227 A EP23382227 A EP 23382227A EP 4428313 A1 EP4428313 A1 EP 4428313A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flushing liquid
toilet
flush tank
toilet flush
flushing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23382227.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Miguel Angel Munar Saura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Roca Sanitario SA
Original Assignee
Roca Sanitario SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Roca Sanitario SA filed Critical Roca Sanitario SA
Priority to EP23382227.9A priority Critical patent/EP4428313A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2024/056436 priority patent/WO2024188970A1/en
Publication of EP4428313A1 publication Critical patent/EP4428313A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D11/00Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
    • E03D11/02Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
    • E03D11/08Bowls with means producing a flushing water swirl
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/01Shape or selection of material for flushing cisterns
    • E03D1/012Details of shape of cisterns, e.g. for connecting to wall, for supporting or connecting flushing-device actuators
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/24Low-level flushing systems
    • E03D1/26Bowl with flushing cistern mounted on the rearwardly extending end of the bowl
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/24Low-level flushing systems
    • E03D1/28Bowl integral with the flushing cistern
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/30Valves for high or low level cisterns; Their arrangement ; Flushing mechanisms in the cistern, optionally with provisions for a pre-or a post- flushing and for cutting off the flushing mechanism in case of leakage
    • E03D1/34Flushing valves for outlets; Arrangement of outlet valves
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D11/00Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
    • E03D11/02Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
    • E03D11/11Bowls combined with a reservoir, e.g. containing apparatus for disinfecting or for disintegrating
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/02Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor
    • E03D5/026Devices preventing overflow or locks inhibiting the use of the flushing system ; Devices preventing sucking-up of sealing and flushing water

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates, in a first aspect, to a toilet flush tank for insertion into a housing of a toilet bowl, and more particularly to a toilet flush tank comprising an overflow exposed to air for protecting against eventual contamination by backflow.
  • the present invention relates to a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank of the first aspect.
  • the present invention relates to a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device of the second aspect.
  • Toilet flush tanks for insertion into a housing of a toilet bowl which comprise the features of the preamble of claim 1 are known in the art.
  • the toilet flush tank disclosed by EP3194670B1 has the drawbacks of having to considerably protrude from the toilet bowl housing, so that the output elbow-shaped segment also protrudes therefrom and thus no backflow enters therein.
  • the toilet flush tank is limited to a very specific channel configuration, not being adapted or adaptable to other configurations, such as those disclosed in patent ES2922153A1 .
  • the present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a toilet flush tank for insertion into a housing of a toilet bowl, wherein the toilet flush tank defines a main volume for containing a flushing liquid and defines, or is configured for supporting and at least partially housing, a flushing liquid discharge channel and a flushing liquid supply channel arranged so that, in use, flushing liquid outing said flushing liquid discharge channel enters into said flushing liquid supply channel and is supplied therefrom into a waste disposal basin of a toilet bowl.
  • the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention defines an overflow exposed to air configured and arranged to provide a flow path out of the main volume for protecting against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the main volume of the toilet flush tank by backflow, wherein said overflow is:
  • the above mentioned air gap in use position, includes a vertical distance component "dv" which is equal to or greater than 20 mm or a distance dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of reflux drinking water by backflow.
  • the toilet flush tank comprises a tray portion defining a further volume demarcated by walls, with an aperture susceptible to act as an inlet for, in use in case of eventual contamination, receiving said backflow from the waste disposal basin of the toilet bowl, wherein said further volume is separated from said main volume. That aperture is also susceptible to act as an outlet for draining flushing liquid into the basin of the toilet bowl.
  • the overflow is defined by a brim of the tray portion or by a through opening defined in at least one of said walls, to, in use in case of eventual contamination, discharge from the further volume a surplus of said backflow received therein, said air gap departing from said brim or from a lower edge of said through opening.
  • the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a spillway constituted by a through hole defined at least at a base of the tray portion, said base being tilted towards said spillway to, in use, drain therethrough possible flushing liquid outing the flushing liquid discharge channel and not reaching the flushing liquid supply channel.
  • an upper edge of at least one of the walls of the tray portion defines a recess for fitting therein at least part of an end portion of a discharge conduit defining the flushing liquid discharge channel, said end portion being adjacent to said outlet exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel.
  • At least one of the walls of the tray portion has the above mentioned through aperture susceptible to act as an inlet for backflow and is also configured for passing therethrough a portion of a distribution conduit defining the flushing liquid supply channel, so that, in use, an outlet of said distribution conduit faces the waste disposal basin of the toilet bowl to directly supply the flushing liquid thereinto.
  • At least one of the walls of the tray portion is shorter than the rest of the walls, an upper edge of said shorter wall constituting a further overflow to, in use in case of abnormal operation of a flushing liquid supply mechanism used for supplying flushing liquid to said main volume, discharge into the further volume a surplus of the flushing liquid contained in the main volume when a predetermined level is exceeded.
  • At least one of the flushing liquid discharge channel and flushing liquid supply channel is defined by the toilet flush tank.
  • the toilet flush tank of any of the first aspect of the present invention is made in a single piece, obtained by any suitable fabrication process, such as by injection molding, rotomolding or by 3D additive manufacturing.
  • the present invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank of the first aspect, the flushing liquid discharge channel, the flushing liquid supply channel, a flushing liquid supply mechanism for supplying flushing liquid to the main volume of the toilet flush tank, and a flushing liquid discharge mechanism for propelling and discharging flushing liquid from that main volume to the flushing liquid discharge channel.
  • the flushing liquid discharge channel and the flushing liquid supply channel are both defined by the toilet flush tank.
  • the flushing liquid discharge channel is defined by a discharge conduit and the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by a distribution conduit.
  • the flushing liquid discharge channel is defined by the toilet flush tank and the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by a distribution conduit.
  • the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by the toilet flush tank and the flushing liquid discharge channel is defined by a discharge conduit.
  • the toilet flushing device of the second aspect of the present invention comprises a further air gap between the outlet exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel and an inlet of the flushing liquid supply channel, said further air gap having a horizontal distance component "dh", wherein the further air gap is at least partially located within the further volume defined by the tray portion of the toilet flush tank, and the distance component "dh" is dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of drinking water by backflow.
  • the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by a distribution conduit configured and arranged partially inside the tray portion of the toilet flush tank so as to enable a vortex liquid flushing system on the basin of the toilet bowl, the inlet of said distribution conduit being configured and arranged to maintain the further air gap with the outlet exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel.
  • the present invention also relates, in a third aspect, to a toilet comprising:
  • the toilet flush tank 1 of the first aspect of the present invention defines a main volume V1 for containing a flushing liquid and is configured for supporting and partially housing respective discharge and distribution conduits 7, 8 (see Figures 9 , 10 and 11 ) defining a flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and a flushing liquid supply channel C2 arranged so that, in use, flushing liquid outing the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 enters into the flushing liquid supply channel C2 and is supplied therefrom into a waste disposal basin 2 of a toilet bowl 3 (see Figure 13 ).
  • At least one of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and flushing liquid supply channel C2 are not defined by a conduit but by the toilet flush tank 1.
  • the toilet flushing device 10 of the second aspect of the present invention is shown, for an embodiment for which the device comprises respective discharge and distribution tubes 7, 8, a flushing liquid supply mechanism M1 (schematically represented) for supplying flushing liquid to said main volume V1 of the toilet flush tank 1, and a flushing liquid discharge mechanism M2 (schematically represented), such as one based on a Venturi mechanism or an air injection device, for propelling and discharging flushing liquid from the main volume V1 to the flushing liquid discharge channel C1.
  • a flushing liquid supply mechanism M1 (schematically represented) for supplying flushing liquid to said main volume V1 of the toilet flush tank 1
  • a flushing liquid discharge mechanism M2 (schematically represented), such as one based on a Venturi mechanism or an air injection device, for propelling and discharging flushing liquid from the main volume V1 to the flushing liquid discharge channel C1.
  • the toilet flush tank 1 defines an overflow 4 exposed to air configured and arranged to provide a flow path out of the main volume V1 for protecting against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the main volume V1 of the toilet flush tank 1 by backflow.
  • the overflow 4 is spaced an air gap G1 from a location intended to correspond with an outlet C1o exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1, when said flushing discharge channel C1 is supported and at least partially housed by the toilet flush tank 1 (see Figure 11 ).
  • That location is at the lower region of recess R shown in Figure 1 , i.e. at which the lower region of the outlet C1o of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 will be arranged, specifically, as shown in Figure 12 for the toilet flushing device 10 which already incorporates discharge conduit 7 defining that flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and fitted into that recess R.
  • the toilet flush tank 1 also comprises a tray portion 5 defining a further volume V2 demarcated by walls W1-W5, with an aperture V2i susceptible to act as an inlet for, in use (i.e. when inserted into the housing 12 of the toilet bowl 3) in case of eventual contamination, receiving the backflow from the waste disposal basin 2 of the toilet bowl 3, wherein that further volume V2 is separated from the main volume V1, as clearly shown in Figures 1 , 3 , 4, 5 , 7 and 8 .
  • Said through aperture V2i is specifically define by wall W3, and, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 , is also configured for passing therethrough a portion of a distribution conduit 8 defining the flushing liquid supply channel C2, so that, in use, an outlet 8o of the distribution conduit 8 faces the waste disposal basin 2 of the toilet bowl 3 to directly supply the flushing liquid thereinto.
  • An upper edge of wall W2 of the tray portion 5 defines the above mentioned recess R, shown in Figure 1 , for fitting therein part of an end portion of discharge conduit 7, said end portion being adjacent to the outlet C1o exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1, as shown in Figure 9 .
  • the overflow 4 is defined by a through opening 5a defined in wall W1, to, in use in case of eventual contamination, discharge from the further volume V2 a surplus of the backflow received therein, said air gap G1 departing from a lower edge of said through opening 5a, as indicated in Figure 12 .
  • Figure 12 also shows that in use position (i.e. when the tank 1 is positioned as illustrated therein), the air gap G1 includes a vertical distance component "dv" which is equal to or greater than 20 mm or a distance dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of reflux drinking water by backflow.
  • dv vertical distance component
  • the discharge conduit 7 injects a jet of washing liquid in a horizontal direction into the distribution conduit 8.
  • the distribution conduit provides a water washing liquid in a direction substantially vertical or inclined up to 30° from the vertical.
  • the air gap G1 that includes the vertical distance "dv" is of the Family A - Type B type, dimensioned to comply with the associated regulation standards for protection against eventual contamination of drinking water by backflow.
  • the toilet flush tank 1 as shown in Figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 9 , and 10 , also comprises a spillway 6 constituted by a through hole 5b defined at least at a base B of the tray portion 5, the base B being tilted towards the spillway 6 to, in use, drain therethrough possible flushing liquid outing the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and not reaching the flushing liquid supply channel C2.
  • wall W4 of the tray portion 5 is shorter than the rest of the walls, an upper edge of that shorter wall W4 constituting a further overflow 9 to, in use in case of abnormal operation of a flushing liquid supply mechanism M1 (see Figures 9 and 11 ) used for supplying flushing liquid to the main volume V1, discharge into the further volume V2 a surplus of the flushing liquid contained in the main volume V1 when a predetermined level is exceeded.
  • a flushing liquid supply mechanism M1 see Figures 9 and 11
  • Figures 1 and 7 also show protection walls P1 and P2, comprised by the tray portion 5 and arranged at both ends of through opening 5a, and which are intended to prevent either washing liquid from the further overflow 9 or washing liquid from outlet C1o from falling through overflow 4.
  • the flushing liquid supply channel C2 is defined by a distribution conduit 8 configured and arranged partially inside the tray portion 5 of the toilet flush tank 1 so as to enable a vortex liquid flushing system on the basin 2 of the toilet bowl 3, the inlet C2i of the distribution conduit 8 being configured and arranged to maintain the further air gap G2 with the outlet C1o exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1.
  • Figure 13 shows the toilet 11 of the third aspect of the present invention, which, for the illustrated embodiment, comprises:

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toilet flush tank (1) for insertion into a housing (2) of a toilet bowl (3), wherein the toilet flush tank (1) defines an overflow (4) exposed to air for protecting against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in a main volume (V1) by backflow, wherein the overflow (4) is:
- spaced an air gap (G1) from an outlet (C1o) exposed to air of a flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) defined by the toilet flush tank (1), or
- spaced an air gap (G1) from a location intended to correspond with an outlet (C1o) exposed to air of a flushing liquid discharge channel (C1), when supported and at least partially housed by the toilet flush tank (1).
The present invention also relates to a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank of the invention, and to a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device. Fig.13.

Description

    Field of the Invention
  • The present invention generally relates, in a first aspect, to a toilet flush tank for insertion into a housing of a toilet bowl, and more particularly to a toilet flush tank comprising an overflow exposed to air for protecting against eventual contamination by backflow.
  • In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank of the first aspect.
  • In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device of the second aspect.
  • Background of the Invention
  • Toilet flush tanks for insertion into a housing of a toilet bowl, which comprise the features of the preamble of claim 1 are known in the art.
  • That's the case of the toilet flush tank of the toilet device disclosed in patent EP3194670B1 , which partially houses a discharge conduit defining a flushing liquid discharge channel with and output elbow-shaped segment protruding from the upper rim of the tank to direct the flushing liquid downwards towards a spillway defining a flushing liquid supply channel to discharge the flushed liquid into the bowl in order to clean it.
  • For the arrangement provided by the toilet device of EP3194670B1 , eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the main volume of the toilet flush tank by backflow cannot occur. This is due to the fact that the flushing liquid supply channel does not direct backflow towards the discharge conduit, and to the fact that the toilet flush tank is not fully housed into the housing defined in the toilet bowl, but partially protrudes therefrom, including the output elbow-shaped segment, so that if the toilet bowl clogged wastewater level would increase and overflow by the brim of the toilet bowl, thus not reaching the discharge conduit. Therefore, no overflow to prevent backflow in case of eventual contamination is defined by the the toilet flush tank of EP3194670B1 .
  • Therefore, the toilet flush tank disclosed by EP3194670B1 has the drawbacks of having to considerably protrude from the toilet bowl housing, so that the output elbow-shaped segment also protrudes therefrom and thus no backflow enters therein. Besides, the toilet flush tank is limited to a very specific channel configuration, not being adapted or adaptable to other configurations, such as those disclosed in patent ES2922153A1 .
  • In that patent ES2922153A1 , no toilet flush tank is disclosed, but only a water tank, the flushing liquid discharge channel defined by a conduit directly fitted into the housing of the toilet bowl, and the flushing liquid supply channel by a conduit fitted into cavity of the body of the toilet bowl. In this case, there is an overflow exposed to air but defined by an upper edge of an inlet of the conduit defining the flushing liquid supply channel, which must be arranged so that the backflow outing therefrom is directed towards a flange or upper edge of that cavity of the toilet bowl, said flange thus acting also as a further overflow.
  • Therefore, for the device disclosed in ES2922153A1 , to protect against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the water tank, the following constraints must be considered: a specific design of the inlet of the conduit defining the flushing liquid supply channel, of the upper edge thereof, of the cavity of the body of the toilet bowl, of the flange thereof, and of the interrelation of those features so that that inlet and that flange are mutually arranged to communicate those overflow and further overflow.
  • It is necessary to offer an alternative to the state of the art, which covers the gaps mentioned above, particularly by providing a toilet flush tank which does not have the above mentioned drawbacks and limitations of the tank of EP3194670B1 , and where the tank itself is really made to protect against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the main volume thereof, therefore doing without the above mentioned constraints associated to the device of ES2922153A1 .
  • Description of the Invention
  • To that end, the present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a toilet flush tank for insertion into a housing of a toilet bowl, wherein the toilet flush tank defines a main volume for containing a flushing liquid and defines, or is configured for supporting and at least partially housing, a flushing liquid discharge channel and a flushing liquid supply channel arranged so that, in use, flushing liquid outing said flushing liquid discharge channel enters into said flushing liquid supply channel and is supplied therefrom into a waste disposal basin of a toilet bowl.
  • In contrast to the toilet flush tanks known in the prior art, the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention defines an overflow exposed to air configured and arranged to provide a flow path out of the main volume for protecting against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the main volume of the toilet flush tank by backflow, wherein said overflow is:
    • spaced an air gap from an outlet exposed to air of said flushing liquid discharge channel, when said flushing discharge channel is defined by the toilet flush tank, or
    • spaced an air gap from a location intended to correspond with an outlet exposed to air of said flushing liquid discharge channel, when said flushing discharge channel is supported and at least partially housed by the toilet flush tank.
  • For an embodiment of the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention, in use position, the above mentioned air gap includes a vertical distance component "dv" which is equal to or greater than 20 mm or a distance dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of reflux drinking water by backflow.
  • According to an embodiment of the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention, the toilet flush tank comprises a tray portion defining a further volume demarcated by walls, with an aperture susceptible to act as an inlet for, in use in case of eventual contamination, receiving said backflow from the waste disposal basin of the toilet bowl, wherein said further volume is separated from said main volume. That aperture is also susceptible to act as an outlet for draining flushing liquid into the basin of the toilet bowl.
  • For an embodiment, the overflow is defined by a brim of the tray portion or by a through opening defined in at least one of said walls, to, in use in case of eventual contamination, discharge from the further volume a surplus of said backflow received therein, said air gap departing from said brim or from a lower edge of said through opening.
  • For another embodiment, the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a spillway constituted by a through hole defined at least at a base of the tray portion, said base being tilted towards said spillway to, in use, drain therethrough possible flushing liquid outing the flushing liquid discharge channel and not reaching the flushing liquid supply channel.
  • According to an embodiment of the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention, an upper edge of at least one of the walls of the tray portion defines a recess for fitting therein at least part of an end portion of a discharge conduit defining the flushing liquid discharge channel, said end portion being adjacent to said outlet exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel.
  • For an embodiment, at least one of the walls of the tray portion has the above mentioned through aperture susceptible to act as an inlet for backflow and is also configured for passing therethrough a portion of a distribution conduit defining the flushing liquid supply channel, so that, in use, an outlet of said distribution conduit faces the waste disposal basin of the toilet bowl to directly supply the flushing liquid thereinto.
  • For another embodiment, at least one of the walls of the tray portion is shorter than the rest of the walls, an upper edge of said shorter wall constituting a further overflow to, in use in case of abnormal operation of a flushing liquid supply mechanism used for supplying flushing liquid to said main volume, discharge into the further volume a surplus of the flushing liquid contained in the main volume when a predetermined level is exceeded.
  • For an embodiment of the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the flushing liquid discharge channel and flushing liquid supply channel is defined by the toilet flush tank.
  • According to an embodiment, the toilet flush tank of any of the first aspect of the present invention is made in a single piece, obtained by any suitable fabrication process, such as by injection molding, rotomolding or by 3D additive manufacturing.
  • The present invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank of the first aspect, the flushing liquid discharge channel, the flushing liquid supply channel, a flushing liquid supply mechanism for supplying flushing liquid to the main volume of the toilet flush tank, and a flushing liquid discharge mechanism for propelling and discharging flushing liquid from that main volume to the flushing liquid discharge channel.
  • For an embodiment of the toilet flushing device of the second aspect of the invention, the flushing liquid discharge channel and the flushing liquid supply channel are both defined by the toilet flush tank.
  • For another embodiment, the flushing liquid discharge channel is defined by a discharge conduit and the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by a distribution conduit.
  • For another embodiment, the flushing liquid discharge channel is defined by the toilet flush tank and the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by a distribution conduit.
  • For another embodiment, the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by the toilet flush tank and the flushing liquid discharge channel is defined by a discharge conduit.
  • According to an embodiment, the toilet flushing device of the second aspect of the present invention comprises a further air gap between the outlet exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel and an inlet of the flushing liquid supply channel, said further air gap having a horizontal distance component "dh", wherein the further air gap is at least partially located within the further volume defined by the tray portion of the toilet flush tank, and the distance component "dh" is dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of drinking water by backflow.
  • For an embodiment of the toilet flushing device of the second aspect of the invention, the flushing liquid supply channel is defined by a distribution conduit configured and arranged partially inside the tray portion of the toilet flush tank so as to enable a vortex liquid flushing system on the basin of the toilet bowl, the inlet of said distribution conduit being configured and arranged to maintain the further air gap with the outlet exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel.
  • The present invention also relates, in a third aspect, to a toilet comprising:
    • a toilet bowl with a body defining a waste disposal basin and a housing; and
    • the toilet flushing device of the second aspect of the invention, wherein the toilet flush tank is inserted into said housing, and wherein an outlet of the flushing liquid supply channel is fluidically communicated with the waste disposal basin to supply the flushing liquid thereinto.
    Brief Description of the Drawings
  • The previous and other advantages and features will be better understood from the following detailed description of embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, which must be considered in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, in which:
    • Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the toilet flush tank of the first aspect of the present invention, for an embodiment for which the tank does not define a flushing liquid discharge channel and a flushing liquid supply channel, but is configured for supporting and at least partially housing respective conduits defining those channels (not illustrated).
    • Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of the toilet flush tank of Figure 1.
    • Figure 3 shows a plan view of the toilet flush tank of Figure 1.
    • Figure 4 is a cross-section of the toilet flush tank of Figure 3, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines P-P.
    • Figure 5 is a cross-section of the toilet flush tank of Figure 3, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines R-R.
    • Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the toilet flush tank of Figure 1 inserted into the housing of the body of a toilet bowl.
    • Figure 7 is a cross-section of the toilet flush tank and toilet bowl of Figure 6, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines X-X.
    • Figure 8 is a cross-section of the toilet flush tank and toilet bowl of Figure 6, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines M-M.
    • Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of the toilet flushing device of the second aspect of the present invention, for an embodiment for which a flushing liquid supply mechanism and a flushing liquid discharge mechanism (both schematically represented) are housed within the toilet flush tank, and respective conduits defining a flushing liquid discharge channel and a flushing liquid supply channel are supported and partially housed within the toilet flush tank.
    • Figure 10 shows a side elevation view of the toilet flushing device of Figure 9.
    • Figure 11 shows a plan view of the toilet flushing device of Figure 9.
    • Figure 12 is a cross-section of the toilet flushing device of Figure 11, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines U-U, and of a corresponding toilet bowl into which the toilet flushing device is mounted.
    • Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the toilet of the third aspect of the present invention, showing the toilet flushing device being inserted into the housing of the body of the toilet bowl.
    Detailed Description of Several Embodiments
  • For the embodiment illustrated in the appended Figures, the toilet flush tank 1 of the first aspect of the present invention defines a main volume V1 for containing a flushing liquid and is configured for supporting and partially housing respective discharge and distribution conduits 7, 8 (see Figures 9, 10 and 11) defining a flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and a flushing liquid supply channel C2 arranged so that, in use, flushing liquid outing the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 enters into the flushing liquid supply channel C2 and is supplied therefrom into a waste disposal basin 2 of a toilet bowl 3 (see Figure 13).
  • Alternatively, for non-illustrated embodiments, at least one of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and flushing liquid supply channel C2 are not defined by a conduit but by the toilet flush tank 1.
  • In Figures 9 to 12 the toilet flushing device 10 of the second aspect of the present invention is shown, for an embodiment for which the device comprises respective discharge and distribution tubes 7, 8, a flushing liquid supply mechanism M1 (schematically represented) for supplying flushing liquid to said main volume V1 of the toilet flush tank 1, and a flushing liquid discharge mechanism M2 (schematically represented), such as one based on a Venturi mechanism or an air injection device, for propelling and discharging flushing liquid from the main volume V1 to the flushing liquid discharge channel C1.
  • As shown especially in Figures 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, the toilet flush tank 1 defines an overflow 4 exposed to air configured and arranged to provide a flow path out of the main volume V1 for protecting against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the main volume V1 of the toilet flush tank 1 by backflow.
  • The overflow 4 is spaced an air gap G1 from a location intended to correspond with an outlet C1o exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1, when said flushing discharge channel C1 is supported and at least partially housed by the toilet flush tank 1 (see Figure 11).
  • That location is at the lower region of recess R shown in Figure 1, i.e. at which the lower region of the outlet C1o of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 will be arranged, specifically, as shown in Figure 12 for the toilet flushing device 10 which already incorporates discharge conduit 7 defining that flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and fitted into that recess R.
  • As shown among others in Figure 1, the toilet flush tank 1 also comprises a tray portion 5 defining a further volume V2 demarcated by walls W1-W5, with an aperture V2i susceptible to act as an inlet for, in use (i.e. when inserted into the housing 12 of the toilet bowl 3) in case of eventual contamination, receiving the backflow from the waste disposal basin 2 of the toilet bowl 3, wherein that further volume V2 is separated from the main volume V1, as clearly shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
  • Said through aperture V2i is specifically define by wall W3, and, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, is also configured for passing therethrough a portion of a distribution conduit 8 defining the flushing liquid supply channel C2, so that, in use, an outlet 8o of the distribution conduit 8 faces the waste disposal basin 2 of the toilet bowl 3 to directly supply the flushing liquid thereinto.
  • An upper edge of wall W2 of the tray portion 5 defines the above mentioned recess R, shown in Figure 1, for fitting therein part of an end portion of discharge conduit 7, said end portion being adjacent to the outlet C1o exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1, as shown in Figure 9.
  • For the illustrated embodiment (see Figures 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 12), the overflow 4 is defined by a through opening 5a defined in wall W1, to, in use in case of eventual contamination, discharge from the further volume V2 a surplus of the backflow received therein, said air gap G1 departing from a lower edge of said through opening 5a, as indicated in Figure 12.
  • Figure 12 also shows that in use position (i.e. when the tank 1 is positioned as illustrated therein), the air gap G1 includes a vertical distance component "dv" which is equal to or greater than 20 mm or a distance dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of reflux drinking water by backflow.
  • For the illustrated embodiment, the discharge conduit 7 injects a jet of washing liquid in a horizontal direction into the distribution conduit 8.
  • However, for a non-illustrated embodiment, the distribution conduit provides a water washing liquid in a direction substantially vertical or inclined up to 30° from the vertical. Preferably, according to this non-illustrated embodiment, the air gap G1 that includes the vertical distance "dv" is of the Family A - Type B type, dimensioned to comply with the associated regulation standards for protection against eventual contamination of drinking water by backflow.
  • The toilet flush tank 1, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9, and 10, also comprises a spillway 6 constituted by a through hole 5b defined at least at a base B of the tray portion 5, the base B being tilted towards the spillway 6 to, in use, drain therethrough possible flushing liquid outing the flushing liquid discharge channel C1 and not reaching the flushing liquid supply channel C2.
  • As shown in Figures 1, 5, 9, and 12, wall W4 of the tray portion 5 is shorter than the rest of the walls, an upper edge of that shorter wall W4 constituting a further overflow 9 to, in use in case of abnormal operation of a flushing liquid supply mechanism M1 (see Figures 9 and 11) used for supplying flushing liquid to the main volume V1, discharge into the further volume V2 a surplus of the flushing liquid contained in the main volume V1 when a predetermined level is exceeded.
  • Figures 1 and 7 also show protection walls P1 and P2, comprised by the tray portion 5 and arranged at both ends of through opening 5a, and which are intended to prevent either washing liquid from the further overflow 9 or washing liquid from outlet C1o from falling through overflow 4.
  • As shown in Figures 9 to 12, there is a further air gap G2 between the outlet C1o exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1, i.e. of discharge conduit 7, and an inlet C2i of the flushing liquid supply channel C2, that further air gap G2 having a horizontal distance component "dh", wherein the further air gap G2 is partially located within the further volume V2 defined by the tray portion 5 of the toilet flush tank 1, and the distance component "dh" is dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of drinking water by backflow, in this case, preferably those associated to the Family A - Type D.
  • As shown, among others, in Figures 9 and 13, the flushing liquid supply channel C2 is defined by a distribution conduit 8 configured and arranged partially inside the tray portion 5 of the toilet flush tank 1 so as to enable a vortex liquid flushing system on the basin 2 of the toilet bowl 3, the inlet C2i of the distribution conduit 8 being configured and arranged to maintain the further air gap G2 with the outlet C1o exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel C1.
  • Figure 13 shows the toilet 11 of the third aspect of the present invention, which, for the illustrated embodiment, comprises:
    • a toilet bowl 3 with a body 3a defining a waste disposal basin 2 and a housing 12; and
    • the toilet flushing device 10, wherein the toilet flush tank 1 is inserted into the housing 12 (shown only partially inserted in Figure 13), and wherein an outlet C2o of the flushing liquid supply channel C2 is fluidically communicated with the waste disposal basin 2 to supply the flushing liquid thereinto, for example according to the above described configuration to enable a vortex liquid flushing system on the basin 2 of the toilet bowl 3, particularly through aperture 2a.
  • The above-mentioned backflow could enter into aperture 2a, and from then into distribution conduit 8 and/or aperture V2i, and then into the tray portion 5 to finally flow through the overflow 4 into the bottom of housing 12, from which it will be drained out of the bowl.
  • A person skilled in the art could introduce changes and modifications in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention as it is defined in the attached claims.

Claims (15)

  1. A toilet flush tank (1) for insertion into a housing (2) of a toilet bowl (3), wherein the toilet flush tank (1) defines a main volume (V1) for containing a flushing liquid and defines, or is configured for supporting and at least partially housing, a flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) and a flushing liquid supply channel (C2) arranged so that, in use, flushing liquid outing said flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) enters into said flushing liquid supply channel (C2) and is supplied therefrom into a waste disposal basin (2) of a toilet bowl (3), characterized in that the toilet flush tank (1) defines an overflow (4) exposed to air configured and arranged to provide a flow path out of the main volume (V1) for protecting against eventual contamination of the flushing liquid in the main volume (V1) of the toilet flush tank (1) by backflow, wherein said overflow (4) is:
    - spaced an air gap (G1) from an outlet (C1o) exposed to air of said flushing liquid discharge channel (C1), when said flushing discharge channel (C1) is defined by the toilet flush tank (1), or
    - spaced an air gap (G1) from a location intended to correspond with an outlet (C1o) exposed to air of said flushing liquid discharge channel (C1), when said flushing discharge channel (C1) is supported and at least partially housed by the toilet flush tank (1).
  2. The toilet flush tank (1) of claim 1, wherein, in use position, said air gap (G1) includes a vertical distance component "dv" which is equal to or greater than 20 mm or a distance dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of reflux drinking water by backflow.
  3. The toilet flush tank (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein the toilet flush tank (1) comprises a tray portion (5) defining a further volume (V2) demarcated by walls (W1-W5), with an aperture (V2i) susceptible to act as an inlet for, in use in case of eventual contamination, receiving said backflow from the waste disposal basin (2) of the toilet bowl (3), wherein said further volume (V2) is separated from said main volume (V1).
  4. The toilet flush tank (1) of claim 3, wherein said overflow (4) is defined by a brim of the tray portion (5) or by a through opening (5a) defined in at least one (W1) of said walls (W1-W5), to, in use in case of eventual contamination, discharge from the further volume (V2) a surplus of said backflow received therein, said air gap (G1) departing from said brim or from a lower edge of said through opening (5a).
  5. The toilet flush tank (1) of claim 4, comprising a spillway (6) constituted by a through hole (5b) defined at least at a base (B) of the tray portion (5), said base (B) being tilted towards said spillway (6) to, in use, drain therethrough possible flushing liquid outing the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) and not reaching the flushing liquid supply channel (C2).
  6. The toilet flush tank (1) of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein an upper edge of at least one (W2) of said walls (W1-W5) of the tray portion (5) defines a recess (R) for fitting therein at least part of an end portion of a discharge conduit (7) defining the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1), said end portion being adjacent to said outlet (C1o) exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1).
  7. The toilet flush tank (1) of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein at least one (W3) of said walls (W1-W5) of the tray portion (5) has said through aperture (V2i) also configured for passing therethrough a portion of a distribution conduit (8) defining the flushing liquid supply channel (C2), so that, in use, an outlet (8o) of said distribution conduit (8) faces the waste disposal basin (2) of the toilet bowl (3) to directly supply the flushing liquid thereinto.
  8. The toilet flush tank (1) of any of claims 3 to 7, wherein at least one (W4) of said walls (W1-W5) of the tray portion (5) is shorter than the rest of the walls, an upper edge of said shorter wall (W4) constituting a further overflow (9) to, in use in case of abnormal operation of a flushing liquid supply mechanism (M1) used for supplying flushing liquid to said main volume (V1), discharge into the further volume (V2) a surplus of the flushing liquid contained in the main volume (V1) when a predetermined level is exceeded.
  9. The toilet flush tank (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) and flushing liquid supply channel (C2) is defined by the toilet flush tank (1).
  10. The toilet flush tank (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein the toilet flush tank (1) is made in a single piece.
  11. A toilet flushing device (10), comprising the toilet flush tank (1) of any of the previous claims, the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1), the flushing liquid supply channel (C2), a flushing liquid supply mechanism (M1) for supplying flushing liquid to said main volume (V1) of the toilet flush tank, and a flushing liquid discharge mechanism (M2) for propelling and discharging flushing liquid from said main volume (V1) to the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1).
  12. The toilet flushing device of claim 11, wherein:
    - at least one of the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) and flushing liquid supply channel (C2) are defined by the toilet flush tank (1); and /or
    - at least one of the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) and flushing liquid supply channel (C2) are defined by a respective discharge or distribution conduit (7, 8).
  13. The toilet flushing device of claim 12, when including the toilet flush tank (1) of any of claims 4 or 5, wherein there is a further air gap (G2) between said outlet (C1o) exposed to air of said flushing liquid discharge channel (C1) and an inlet (C2i) of the flushing liquid supply channel (C2), said further air gap (G2) having a horizontal distance component "dh", wherein said further air gap (G2) is at least partially located within the further volume (V2) defined by the tray portion (5) of the toilet flush tank (1), and said distance component "dh" being dimensioned to comply with regulation standards against eventual contamination of drinking water by backflow.
  14. The toilet flushing device of claim 13, wherein the flushing liquid supply channel (C2) is defined by a distribution conduit (8) configured and arranged partially inside the tray portion (5) of the toilet flush tank (1) so as to enable a vortex liquid flushing system on the basin (2) of the toilet bowl (3), the inlet (C2i) of said distribution conduit (8) being configured and arranged to maintain the further air gap (G2) with the outlet (C1o) exposed to air of the flushing liquid discharge channel (C1).
  15. A toilet (11), comprising:
    - a toilet bowl (3) with a body (3a) defining a waste disposal basin (2) and a housing (12); and
    - the toilet flushing device (10) according to any claims 11 to 14, wherein the toilet flush tank (1) is inserted into said housing (12), and wherein an outlet (C2o) of the flushing liquid supply channel (C2) is fluidically communicated with the waste disposal basin (2) to supply the flushing liquid thereinto.
EP23382227.9A 2023-03-10 2023-03-10 A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device Pending EP4428313A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23382227.9A EP4428313A1 (en) 2023-03-10 2023-03-10 A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device
PCT/EP2024/056436 WO2024188970A1 (en) 2023-03-10 2024-03-11 A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23382227.9A EP4428313A1 (en) 2023-03-10 2023-03-10 A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4428313A1 true EP4428313A1 (en) 2024-09-11

Family

ID=85571197

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23382227.9A Pending EP4428313A1 (en) 2023-03-10 2023-03-10 A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4428313A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2024188970A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8032956B2 (en) * 2005-11-21 2011-10-11 Ideal Standard International Bvba Multi-phase, high energy flushing system
EP2058443B1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2017-05-17 Toto Ltd. Flush toilet
EP3816356A1 (en) * 2018-06-26 2021-05-05 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Toilet device
EP3194670B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2022-02-16 Siamp Cedap Device for toilets
ES2922153A1 (en) 2021-02-25 2022-09-09 Roca Sanitario Sa TOILET (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8032956B2 (en) * 2005-11-21 2011-10-11 Ideal Standard International Bvba Multi-phase, high energy flushing system
EP2058443B1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2017-05-17 Toto Ltd. Flush toilet
EP3194670B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2022-02-16 Siamp Cedap Device for toilets
EP3816356A1 (en) * 2018-06-26 2021-05-05 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Toilet device
ES2922153A1 (en) 2021-02-25 2022-09-09 Roca Sanitario Sa TOILET (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2024188970A1 (en) 2024-09-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8132533B2 (en) Overflow device for water tank
US8132534B2 (en) Overflow device for water tank
CN104583499B (en) toilet flushing tank
EP1886612B1 (en) Upward discharge waste device for a shower tray
US8646117B2 (en) Anti-siphon trap with snorkel
EP1928628B1 (en) Fixture for disposing of bodily waste having an anti-overflow feature and a method for making the same
CN111051624B (en) toilet bowl
KR20070094012A (en) Water traps for sanitary installations
EP4428313A1 (en) A toilet flush tank, a toilet flushing device comprising the toilet flush tank, and a toilet comprising the toilet flushing device
JP6993620B2 (en) Washing toilet
JP6891495B2 (en) Washing water supply device and flushing toilet
US4789487A (en) Septic tank with integral direct distribution system
EP4394140A1 (en) Flush toilet
KR100707720B1 (en) The main structure of the sewage collector with the invert and trap integrated
CN114108754B (en) Flushing closet
JP7378957B2 (en) flush toilet
JPS6343265Y2 (en)
EP1491694A1 (en) Drain water sump
CN222870296U (en) Drainage system for coffee machine and all-in-one coffee machine
JP7082312B2 (en) Washing toilet
JP7531791B2 (en) Flush toilet
KR102524742B1 (en) Sump device
KR200145999Y1 (en) Beekeeping Specification
JP7400503B2 (en) Water receiving member and cleaning water tank device
JP7687148B2 (en) Cleaning water supply device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN