EP3754123A1

EP3754123A1 - Trapway arrangement for toilet systems

Info

Publication number: EP3754123A1
Application number: EP20181404.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anshuman Gupta; Abhinay NATESH
Original assignee: Kohler India Corp Private Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler India Corp Private Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-21
Filing date: 2020-06-22
Publication date: 2020-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-22
Also published as: EP3754123B1

Abstract

Described herein is a trapway arrangement [106] for selectively fluidly connecting a toilet bowl [102] to a drain line [110] in a toilet system [100]. The trapway arrangement [106] includes a horizontally positioned trapway member [120], and a valve member [124]. The trapway member [120] is fluidly connected between the toilet bowl [102] and the drain line [110], and defines a main fluid passage [130] therethrough. The valve member [124] is installed within the main fluid passage [130] of the trapway member [120], and is capable of being adjusted between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the valve member [124] allows contents in the toilet bowl [102] to flow to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130]. In the closed configuration, the valve member [124] restricts the contents of the toilet bowl [102] from flowing to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130].

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to sanitary systems, such as toilet systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a substantially horizontal trapway arrangement for a toilet system, for allowing/restricting the flow of contents of the toilet bowl to the drain line.

BACKGROUND

Toilet systems are known in sanitation industry, to enable persons to defecate in good sanitary conditions. A typical toilet system includes a toilet bowl (also referred to as a water closet) and a flush arrangement. The water closet is provided to receive faecal matter, when a user performs defecation thereon. The flush arrangement is provided to supply water to the water closet, for removing faecal matter therefrom by pushing the faecal matter to a drain line with use of water pressure.
Water consumption optimization by a toilet system is also an essential requirement in addition to flushing. Typically, the toilet system requires not only more water, but also higher water head, to flush the faecal matter. The faecal matter is flushed to a drain line. The higher water head, here, relates to the potential energy of the water in the water storage tank of the flush arrangement. For such high water-head requirements, the water storage tank of the flush arrangement is required to be positioned at greater heights relative to the water closet. Such undesirable water consumption and higher water head requirements makes the toilet system less eco-friendly, functionally inefficient, and bulkier.
The water closet of the toilet system includes an integrally formed trapway, which fluidly connects the water closet to a drain line. The trapway allows for exit of contents (water and/or faecal matter) received in the water closet to the drain line. Moreover, the trapway also maintains a water seal of sump water in the toilet bowl, to avoid fowl smell. Conventionally, the trapway is an inverted U-shaped channel including at least one vertical channel, to maintain the water seal of sump water in the water closet. While flushing, the contents (water and/or faecal matter) in the toilet bowl have to climb the vertical channel of the trapway. This requires more flushing volume (more water) for flushing operations, which may be less eco-friendly. Additionally, such requirement of climbing the vertical channel requires a higher water head, which require the flush tank to be positioned at relatively higher heights. This may result in poor space-utilization. Such undesirable water consumption and higher water head requirements makes the toilet system less eco-friendly, functionally inefficient, and bulkier. Moreover, such water closets with integrated complex structure of trapways is difficult to manufacture and require complex and expensive moulds for such manufacturing in an industrial set-up.
In addition to the aforementioned problems, various countries/ regions define various regulations of construction for the toilet bowl. For example, different countries/ regions define different levels of sump water requirements to be maintained in the toilet bowl, for better sanitation in that particular region. Therefore, the toilet bowls are required to be manufactured differently for different regions, for enabling different levels of sump water for different countries/ regions. This requires a lot of management issues. For example, a toilet bowl manufactured for one region/country may not be supplied/ delivered to another region/ country, due to difference in sump water level requirements in the two countries/ regions. This incurs substantially high management costs.
For example, a Korean patent application number KR101789012 B1 (hereinafter, referred to as "KR 101"') relates to conventional systems as disclosed above. KR 101' discloses a flexible trap formed inside a water closet, in order to prevent back flow of faecal matter and bad smell. The KR 101' reference discloses a flexible trapway connecting the water closet to waste pipe in the floor. The KR 101' has a flapper valve arrangement, wherein water is drained out when the water closet is flushed by actuator button which will open the flapper valve. However, KR 101' fails to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks existing in conventional flush toilets. Particularly, the KR 101' reference fails to perform appropriately, during overflow of sump water in several unusual operation conditions, such as but not limited to, water leakage conditions, cleaning conditions, and the like.
Accordingly, in light of the aforementioned drawbacks and several other inherent in the existing arts, there is a well felt need to provide a water closet arrangement for the toilet system, which provides for, less wastage of water, increased overall functional efficiency, and minimal space requirements, and relatively easy manufacturing.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a trapway arrangement for selectively fluidly connecting a toilet bowl to a drain line in a toilet system. The trapway arrangement includes a horizontally positioned trapway member, and a valve member. The trapway member is fluidly connected between the toilet bowl and the drain line, and defines a main fluid passage therethrough. The valve member is installed within the main fluid passage of the trapway member, and is capable of being adjusted between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the valve member allows contents in the toilet bowl to flow to the drain line through the main fluid passage. In the closed configuration, the valve member restricts the contents of the toilet bowl from flowing to the drain line through the main fluid passage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a toilet system, illustrating a trapway arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the toilet system, clearly illustrating the trapway arrangement of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 shows a perspective of the toilet system, illustrating a front view and a side view of the toilet system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 shows a schematic of a valve mechanism of the trapway arrangement of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows an enlarged side view of a portion of the valve mechanism, illustrating the valve mechanism in a closed position and an open position of the valve member, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 shows a schematic of the trapway arrangement, employing such another embodiment of the auxiliary flow member, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 shows a schematic of the toilet bowl, clearly showing a plurality of levels of the sump water capable of being adjusted by another embodiment of the auxiliary flow member, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 shows a front view and a side view of a flush valve actuation mechanism of an actuation system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 9a shows a side view of the trapway arrangement, showing the embodiment of the foot pedal operated actuation system, in accordance with the concept of the present disclosure.
Figure 9b shows a schematic of a valve mechanism of the trapway arrangement, showing the embodiment of the foot pedal operated actuation system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 10a shows a front view flush valve actuation mechanism of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system, and enlarged views of portions of the flush valve actuation mechanism in the actuated state and the deactivated state of the flush valve, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 10b shows an enlarged side view of a portion of the valve mechanism, illustrating a positioning of various components of the valve mechanism and the trapway valve actuation mechanism of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system in a closed position and an open position of the valve member, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 11a shows a block diagram of the embodiment of the electro-mechanical actuation system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 11b shows the trapway valve actuation mechanism of the embodiment of the electro-mechanical actuation system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 11c shows an enlarged side view of a portion of the valve mechanism, illustrating a positioning of various components of the valve mechanism and the trapway valve actuation mechanism of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system in a closed position and an open position of the valve member, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a toilet system [100], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the toilet system [100], clearly showing the trapway arrangement in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a schematic of the toilet system [100], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 1, 2, and 3, should be referred to in conjunction with each other hereinafter, in order to clearly understand the concepts of the present disclosure. The toilet system [100] comprises of a water closet [102], a flushing arrangement [104], and a trapway arrangement [106].
The toilet bowl [102] is a water closet adapted to receive faecal matter [108], as a user performs defaecation thereon. Although, the toilet bowl [102] is described to be a wall mounted toilet bowl, it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the toilet bowl [102] may be a floor mounted toilet bowl as well. The toilet bowl [102] is in fluid communication with a drain line [110] via the trapway arrangement [106], for enabling evacuation of contents (faecal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. Also, the toilet bowl [102] is maintained with a sump water [112] therein with use of the trapway arrangement [106], which prevents sticking of faecal matter [108] in the toilet bowl [102] as well as prevent the leakage of foul gases from the drain line [110] into the toilet area. A structure and arrangement of the flush arrangement [104] and the trapway arrangement [106] will be described in detail in the forthcoming disclosure.
The flush arrangement [104] is provided to flush faecal matter [108] from the toilet bowl [102], when required. The flush arrangement [104] includes a flush tank [114] and a flush valve [116]. The flush tank [114] is a sealed pressurised tank fluidly connected to the toilet bowl [102], by way of the flush valve [116]. In particular, the flush tank [114] stores flushing water that may be flushed to the toilet bowl [102], upon actuation of the flush valve [116]. The flush valve [116] is further incorporated within the flush tank [114], and is adapted to allow/ restrict a supply of water from the flush tank [114] to the toilet bowl [102]. Particularly, upon actuation, the flush valve [116] allows the flow of water from the flush tank [114] to the toilet bowl [102] and perform the flushing action. Additionally, upon release/ deactivation, the flush valve [116] restricts the flow of water from the flush tank [114] to the toilet bowl [102]. In some embodiment, the flush arrangement [104] is provided with a flush button [118], wherein upon pressing the flush button [118], the flush valve [116] is actuated to allow the flow of water from the flush tank [114] to the toilet bowl [102] and perform the flushing action. Moreover, in such embodiments, upon release of the flush button [118], the flush valve [116] is released to restrict the flow of water from the flush tank [114] to the toilet bowl [102]. An actuation mechanism/ system [128] for actuation/ release of the flush valve [116] upon pressing/ release of the flush button [118] will be discussed later in details.
The trapway arrangement [106] selectively fluidly connects the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110], to allow/restrict the flow of contents (faecal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. The trapway arrangement [106] includes a horizontally positioned trapway member [120], a valve mechanism [122] including a valve member [124], an auxiliary flow member [126], and an actuation system [128]. Notably, the valve member [124] is capable of being adjusted between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the valve member [124] restricts the flow of contents (faecal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. In the open configuration, the valve member [124] allows the flow of contents (faecal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. A structure and arrangement of various components of the trapway arrangement [106] will now be discussed in detail hereinafter.
The trapway member [120] is an elongated tube made up of polymer material, and including a first end [120a] and a second end [120b]. The first end [120a] of the trapway member [120] is connected to a lower portion of the toilet bowl [102], and the second end [120b] of the trapway member [120] is connected to the drain line [110]. Notably, the first end [120a] and the second end [120b] of the trapway member [120] are connected to the toilet bowl [102] and the drain line [110] respectively, by way of gaskets [G]. Further, the trapway member [120] defines a main fluid passage [130] within an internal periphery.
Figure 4 shows a schematic of the valve mechanism [122] of the trapway arrangement [106], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows an enlarged side view of a portion of the valve mechanism [122], illustrating the valve mechanism [122] in a closed position and an open position of the valve member [124], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 1-5 should be referred to in conjunction with each other hereinafter, in order to clearly understand the concepts of the present disclosure. The valve mechanism [122] includes the valve member [124], a valve shaft [132], a torsional spring [134], and a valve actuation disc [136].
The valve member [124] is a disc-plate type butterfly valve positioned within the main fluid passage [130] of the trapway member [120], thereby bisecting the main fluid passage [130] into two regions. In particular, the main fluid passage [130] includes a first flow region [130a] defined on one side of the valve member [124] and fluidly connected to the toilet bowl [102], and a second flow region [130b] defined on other side of the valve member [124] and fluidly connected to the drain line [110]. Furthermore, the valve member [124] is mounted on the valve shaft [132]. The valve shaft [132] is further rotatably supported on the trapway member [120] at opposite ends, such that the valve member [124] is disposed within the main fluid passage [130] of the trapway member [120]. Moreover, the torsional spring [134] is also attached to the valve shaft [132], such that an outer periphery of the valve member [124] normally seals with an inner periphery of the trapway member [120]. Such a position of the valve member [124] is termed as a 'closed configuration'. Moreover, upon rotation of the valve shaft [132] against a spring force of the torsional spring [134], the outer periphery of the valve member [124] is separated from the inner periphery of the trapway member [120]. Such a position of the valve member [124] is termed as an 'open configuration'. Notably, a rotational motion of the valve member beyond a certain point is further restricted by a valve stoppers [124a]. Accordingly, it may be said that the valve member [124] is capable of being adjusted between the closed configuration and the open configuration. In the closed configuration, the outer periphery of the valve member [124] normally seals with the inner periphery of the trapway member [120], and thus restricts the flow of contents (faecal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. In the open configuration, the outer periphery of the valve member [124] is separated from the inner periphery of the trapway member [120], and thus allows the flow of contents (faecal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. Furthermore, it may be noted that the valve shaft [132] also supports the valve actuation disc [136] that facilitates adjustment of the valve member [124]] between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In particular, the valve member [124] is normally maintained in the closed configuration. A rotation of the valve actuation disc [136] corresponds to a rotation of the valve shaft [132], which further corresponds to adjustment of the valve member [124] from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Notably, a damper [138] is also connected to the valve actuation disc [136], to dampen the rotational motion of the valve actuation disc [136], the rotational motion of the valve shaft [134], and the rotational motion of the valve member [124]. The actuation system [128] for adjusting the valve member [124] from the closed configuration to the open configuration will be discussed later in details.
Furthermore, the auxiliary flow member [126] is provided to maintain a defined level of sump water [112] in the toilet bowl [102]. In particular, the auxiliary flow member [126] maintains a seal of sump water [112] in the toilet bowl [102], such that a fowl smell from the drain line [110] is prevented to enter toilet area. The auxiliary flow member [126] is installed on top of the trapway member [120] fluidly connecting the first flow region [130a] and the second flow region [130b] of the main fluid passage [130]. In one embodiment, the auxiliary flow member [126] is made up of a continuous pipe structure suitably bent at angles, to be mounted on top of the trapway member [120]. The auxiliary flow member [126] member further defines a first auxiliary fluid passage [140], to allow an overflow of the sump water [112] above the defined level, to flow from the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] through the auxiliary fluid passage [140]. In particular, the auxiliary fluid passage [140] allows the overflow of sump water to flow from the toilet bowl [102] to the first flow region [130a], through the auxiliary fluid passage [140], to the second flow region [130b] and thus to the drain line [110]. Notably, a defined level of sump water [112] maintained in the toiler bowl [102] is dependent on a height of the auxiliary flow member [126] relative to the trapway member [120]. Moreover, the defined level of sump water [112] can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the auxiliary flow member [126] relative to the trapway member [120].
In some embodiments, the auxiliary flow member [126] is suitably structured and arranged to be capable of being adjusted in a plurality of heights relative to the trapway member [120], and thus the defined level of the sump water [112] maintained by the auxiliary flow member [126] is adjustable between a plurality of levels. Figure 6 shows a schematic of the trapway arrangement [106], employing such an embodiment of the auxiliary flow member [126], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows a schematic of the toilet bowl [102], clearly showing a plurality of levels of the sump water [112] capable of being adjusted by such embodiment of the auxiliary flow member [126], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 6 and 7 should be referred to in conjunction with each other hereinafter, in order to clearly understand the concepts of the present disclosure. In such embodiments, the auxiliary flow member [126] includes a first side arrangement [142], a second side arrangement [144], and an intermediate flexible member [146]. Each of the first side arrangement [142] and the second side arrangement [144] are made up of multiple flow members. For example, each of the first side arrangement [142] and the second side arrangement [144] are made up of two flow members [142a, 142b] and [144a, 144b]. The flow members [142a, 142b] are interconnected with each other, to form the first side arrangement [142], while the flow members [144a, 144b] are interconnected with each other, to form the second side arrangement [144]. Further, the intermediate flexible member [146] is connected to each of the first side arrangement [142] and the second side arrangement [144], to form the auxiliary flow member [126]. In order to install the auxiliary flow member [126] on top of the trapway member [120], one of the flow members [142a] and [144a] of the first side arrangement [142] and the second side arrangement [144], respectively are installed on the trapway member [120], to be fluidly connected to the first flow region [130a] and the second flow region [130b], respectively. With such arrangement, the auxiliary flow member [126] is capable of maintaining a defined level of sump water [112] in the toilet bowl [102]. Moreover. one or more of the flow members [142a] and [144a] of the first side arrangement [142] and the second side arrangement [144] can be installed or uninstalled therefrom, to adjust the height of the auxiliary flow member [126] in the plurality of heights relative to the trapway member [120], and thus adjust the defined level of the sump water between the plurality of levels [148].
Furthermore, it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that in order to efficiently perform the flushing operations, i.e. for efficient removal of contents (faecal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102], each of the flush valve [116] of the flush arrangement [104] and the valve member [124] of the valve mechanism [122] of the trapway arrangement [106] are required to be substantially concurrently actuated. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment as described in the forthcoming disclosure, the valve member [124] of the valve mechanism [122] of the trapway arrangement [106] is required to be actuated concurrent to actuation of the flush valve [116] of the flush arrangement [104]. Although, in the present disclosure, the valve member [124] will be explained hereinafter as being actuated concurrent to actuation of the flush valve [116], however, an embodiment with different timing of actuation of the valve member [124] and the flush valve [116], is also within a scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, since in the preferred embodiment, the valve member [124] is required to be actuated concurrent to actuation of the valve member [124], the actuation system [128] may be utilized to actuate each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124]. Although, the present disclosure describes the actuation system [128] for concurrent actuation of each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124], it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124], may also be actuated by concurrent operation of separate actuation systems for each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124]. Actuation of the flush valve [116] refers to switching the flush valve [116] from a 'water storage state' to a 'water dispensing state'. Actuation of the valve member [124] refers to switching of the valve member [124] from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
The actuation system [128] as disclosed in the present disclosure is employed to actuate each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124]. Various types of the actuation system [128] may be envisioned. In a preferred embodiment, the actuation system [128] is a manual actuation system [128] that concurrently actuates each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124]. However, other embodiments of the actuation system [128] may also be contemplated, such as but not limited to, a foot pedal operated actuation system [128], a pneumatic actuation system [128], an electro mechanical actuation system [128].
Referring to Figs. 5 and 8, there is shown various portions of the manual actuation system [128]. The manual actuation system [128] includes a flush valve actuation mechanism [150], a trapway valve actuation mechanism [152], and a clutch wire [154] connecting the flush valve actuation mechanism [150] and the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152]. Figure 8 shows a front view and a side view of the flush valve actuation mechanism [150] of the manual actuation system [128]. Figures 5 shows the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152] of the manual actuation system [128]. The flush valve actuation mechanism [150] includes an actuation rod [150a], an actuation bracket [150b], a rotating shaft [150c], a link rod [150d], a flush valve link [150e], a clutch wire actuator shaft [150f], a clutch wire actuator lever [150g], and a coil spring [150h]. One end of the clutch wire [154] is connected to the clutch wire actuator lever [150g]. The actuation rod [150a], an actuation bracket [150b], a rotating shaft [150c], a link rod [150d], a flush valve link [150e], a clutch wire actuator shaft [150f], a clutch wire actuator lever [150g], and a coil spring [150h] are connected with each other and with the flush valve [116], such that upon pressing the flush button [118], the flush valve [116] is actuated. Concurrent to actuation of the flush valve [116], the clutch wire [154] is also pulled upon pressing of the flush button [118]. Further, the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152] includes a wire clip [152a] connecting other end of the clutch wire [154] to the valve actuation disc [136] of the valve mechanism [122], such that upon pulling the clutch wire [154], the valve member [124] is switched from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
In operation of the manual actuation system [128], as the flush button [118] is pressed by a user, the flush valve actuation mechanism [150] actuates the flush valve [116] and concurrently pulls the clutch wire [154], which corresponds to the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152] actuating the valve member [124] to be switched from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Therefore, by pressing the flush button [118], the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] are concurrently actuate. As the flush valve [116] is actuated, it allows the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. As the valve member [124] of the trapway arrangement [106] is actuated, it allows the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to be flown to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130]. Thus, flushing is efficiently performed. Furthermore, upon release of the flush button [118], each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] are deactivated. Deactivation of the flush valve [116] refers to switching back of the flush valve [116] from the 'water dispensing state' to the 'water storage state'. Deactivation of the valve member [124] refers to switching of the valve member [124] from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Accordingly, as the flush valve [116] is deactivated upon release of the flush button [118], the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102] is restricted. Moreover, as the valve member [124] is deactivated, the flow of contents from the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] is restricted. It may be noted that the flush valve [116] is suitably structured, such that a timing of deactivation of the flush valve [116] is more than a timing of deactivation of the valve member [124]. Accordingly, upon flushing of the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110], firstly the valve member [124] is deactivated while the flush valve [116] is still activated. Therefore, the flush valve [116] fills the toilet bowl [102] with fresh sump water [112] that is not flown to the drain line [110]. Thereafter, the flush valve [116] is deactivated to restrict the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. Thus, an operation of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124], to perform flushing operation is completed.
Referring to Figures. 9a and 9b, there is shown various portions of the foot pedal operated actuation system [128]. Figure 9a shows a side view of the trapway arrangement [106], showing the embodiment of the foot pedal operated actuation system [128], in accordance with the concept of the present disclosure. Figure 9b shows a schematic of a valve mechanism [122] of the trapway arrangement [106], showing the embodiment of the foot pedal operated actuation system [128], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure, 5, 9a, and 9b should be referred to in conjunction with each other, in order to clearly understand concepts of the embodiment of the foot-pedal operated actuation system [128], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. The foot pedal actuation system [128] includes a flush valve actuation mechanism [150'], a trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'], and a clutch wire [154] connecting the flush valve actuation mechanism [150] and the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152']. It may be noted that the flush valve actuation mechanism [150'] and the clutch wire [154] of the foot pedal operated actuation system [128], is same as the flush valve actuation mechanism [150] and the clutch wire [154] of the manual actuation system [128]. Therefore, the flush valve actuation mechanism [150'] and the clutch wire [154] of the foot pedal operated actuation system [128] is not described, for the sake or brevity. The trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'] of the foot pedal operated actuation system [128] includes a foot pedal [152a'] and a foot lever [152b']. The foot pedal is connected to the foot lever [152b'], which in turn is connected to the valve actuation disc [136] of the valve mechanism [122]. Moreover, the foot lever [152b'] is also connected to one end of the clutch wire [154], while other end of the clutch wire is connected to the clutch wire actuator lever [150g] of the flush valve actuation mechanism [150]. With such arrangement, upon pressing of the foot pedal [152a'] by user's feet [156], the valve member [124] is actuated, i.e. switched from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Concurrent to actuation of the valve member [124], upon of the foot pedal [152a'] by user's feet [156], the clutch wire [154] is pulled. Accordingly, upon pulling the clutch wire [154], the flush valve actuation mechanism [150] concurrently actuates the flush valve [116].
In operation of the foot pedal operated actuation system [128], as the foot pedal [152a'] by user's feet [156], the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'] actuates the valve member [124], and concurrently pulls the clutch wire [154], which corresponds to the clutch wire [154] causing the flush valve actuation mechanism [150] to actuate the flush valve [116]. Therefore, by pressing the foot pedal [152a'], the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] are concurrently actuated. As the flush valve [116] is actuated, it allows the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. As the valve member [124] of the trapway arrangement [106] is actuated, it allows the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to be flown to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130]. Thus, flushing is efficiently performed. Furthermore, upon release of the foot pedal [152a'], each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] are deactivated. Deactivation of the flush valve [116] refers to switching back of the flush valve [116] from the 'water dispensing state' to the 'water storage state'. Deactivation of the valve member [124] refers to switching of the valve member [124] from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Accordingly, as the flush valve [116] is deactivated upon release of the foot pedal [152a'], the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102] is restricted. Moreover, as the valve member [124] is deactivated, the flow of contents from the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] is restricted. It may be noted that the flush valve [116] is suitably structured, such that a timing of deactivation of the flush valve [116] is more than a timing of deactivation of the valve member [124]. Accordingly, upon flushing of the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110], firstly the valve member [124] is deactivated while the flush valve [116] is still activated. Therefore, the flush valve [116] fills the toilet bowl [102] with fresh sump water [112] that is not flown to the drain line [110]. Thereafter, the flush valve [116] is deactivated to restrict the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. Thus, an operation of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124], to perform flushing operation is completed.
Referring to Figs. 10a and 10b, there is shown various portions of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system [128]. The pneumatic actuation system [128] includes a flush valve actuation mechanism [150"], a trapway valve actuation mechanism [152"], and a connecting fluid line [158] fluidly interconnecting the flush valve actuation mechanism [150"] and the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152"]. Figure 10a shows a front view flush valve actuation mechanism [150"] of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system [128], and enlarged views of portions of the flush valve actuation mechanism [150"] in the actuated state and the deactivate state of the flush valve [116], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 10b shows an enlarged side view of a portion of the valve mechanism [122], illustrating a positioning of various components of the valve mechanism [122] and the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152"] of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system [128] in a closed position and an open position of the valve member [124], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 10a and 10b should be referred to in conjunction with each other, in order to clearly understand concepts of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system [128], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. The flush valve actuation mechanism [150"] includes a primary air bellow [150a"], an air distributor [150b"], a couple of secondary air bellows [150c"], a link rod [150d"], and valve links [150e"]. The primary air bellow [150a"], the air distributor [150b"], the secondary air bellows [150c"], the link rod [150d"], and the valve links [150e"], are suitably arranged with each other, such that upon pressing of the flush button [118] the flush valve [116] is actuated and a first air flow is generated to the connecting fluid line [158]. In particular, as the user presses the flush button [118], the primary air bellow [150a"] generates an airflow to the air distributor [150b"], which distributes the airflow between a first airflow directed towards the connecting fluid line [158] and a second airflow directed towards the secondary air bellows [150c"] through the supply line [160]. The secondary air bellows [150c"] in conjunction with a link rod [150d"], and valve links [150e"], actuates the flush valve [116]. Accordingly, upon pressing the flush button [118], the flush valve actuation mechanism [150"] actuates the flush valve [116] and concurrently generates the first airflow in the connecting fluid line [158]. Further, the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152"] of the pneumatic actuation system [128] includes a main air bellow [152a"], and a secondary clutch wire [152b"] connected thereto. The main air bellow [152a"] is fluidly connected to the connecting fluid line [158], to receive the first airflow. The secondary clutch wire [152b"] is further connected to the valve actuation disc [136] of the valve mechanism [122]. With such arrangement, upon receiving the first airflow from the connecting fluid line [158] at the main air bellow [152a"], the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152"] actuates the valve member [124] to be switched from the closed position to the open position.
In operation of the pneumatic actuation system [128], as the flush button [118] is pressed by a user, the flush valve actuation mechanism [150"] actuates the flush valve [116] and concurrently generated the first airflow in the connecting fluid line [158], which corresponds to the first airflow causing the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152"] to actuate the valve member [124] to be switched from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Therefore, by pressing the flush button [118], the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] are concurrently actuated. As the flush valve [116] is actuated, it allows the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. As the valve member [124] of the trapway arrangement [106] is actuated, it allows the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to be flown to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130]. Thus, flushing is efficiently performed. Furthermore, upon release of the flush button [118], each of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] are deactivated. Deactivation of the flush valve [116] refers to switching back of the flush valve [116] from the 'water dispensing state' to the 'water storage state'. Deactivation of the valve member [124] refers to switching of the valve member [124] from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Accordingly, as the flush valve [116] is deactivated upon release of the flush button [118], the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102] is restricted. Moreover, as the valve member [124] is deactivated, the flow of contents from the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] is restricted. It may be noted that the flush valve [116] is suitably structured, such that a timing of deactivation of the flush valve [116] is more than a timing of deactivation of the valve member [124]. Accordingly, upon flushing of the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110], firstly the valve member [124] is deactivated while the flush valve [116] is still activated. Therefore, the flush valve [116] fills the toilet bowl [102] with fresh sump water [112] that is not flown to the drain line [110]. Thereafter, the flush valve [116] is deactivated to restrict the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. Thus, an operation of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124], to perform flushing operation is completed.
Referring to Figs. 11a-11c, there is shown various portions of the embodiment of the electro-mechanical actuation system [128]. The electro-mechanical actuation system [128] includes an IR sensor [162], a flush valve actuation mechanism [150"'], a trapway valve actuation mechanism [152"'], and a control unit [164]. Figure 11a shows a block diagram of the embodiment of the electro-mechanical actuation system [128], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 11b shows the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"] of the embodiment of the electro-mechanical actuation system [128], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 11c shows an enlarged side view of a portion of the valve mechanism [122], illustrating a positioning of various components of the valve mechanism [122] and the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"] of the embodiment of the pneumatic actuation system [128] in a closed position and an open position of the valve member [124], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 11a, 11b, and 11c should be referred to in conjunction with each other, in order to clearly understand concepts of the embodiment of the electro-mechanical actuation system [128], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Upon receiving a handwaving signal [166] in front of a handwave panel [168], the IR sensor [162] receives an actuation signal. The IR sensor [162] transmits the actuation signal to the control unit [164]. The control unit [164] then controls each of the flush valve actuation mechanism [150'"] and the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"], to concurrently actuate the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124]. The flush valve actuation mechanism [150'"] includes a flush valve solenoid [150a'"], a connector wire [150b'"], a link rod [150c"'], a pair of flush valve links [150d'"], an actuation bracket, [150e'"]. The flush valve solenoid [150a'"] is electrically connected to the control unit [164] to receive the actuation signal therefrom. Further, the flush valve solenoid [150a'"], the connector wire [150b'"], the link rod [150c'"], the pair of flush valve links [150d'"], and the actuation bracket, [150e'"], are suitably arranged with each other and with the flush valve [116], such that upon receipt of the actuation signal by the flush valve solenoid [150a'"], the flush valve [116] is actuated. Further, the control unit also sends the actuation signal to the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"]. The trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"] includes a trapway valve solenoid [152a'"] and a wire [152b'"]. The wire [152b'"] is connected to the trapway valve solenoid [152a'"] at one end and is connected to the valve actuation disc [136] of the valve mechanism [122] at the other end. Further, the trapway valve solenoid [152a'"] is electrically connected to the control unit [164] to receive the actuation signal therefrom. With such arrangement, upon receipt of the actuation signal by the trapway valve solenoid [152a'"], the trapway valve [124] is actuated from the closed position to the open position.
In operation of the electro-mechanical actuation system [128], as the handwaving signal [166] in made front of a handwave panel [168], the IR sensor [162] sends signal to the control unit [164]. The control unit further sends actuation signals to each of the flush valve solenoid [150a'"] of the flush valve actuation mechanism [150'"] and the trapway valve solenoid [152a'"] of the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"], for concurrent actuation of the flush valve [116] and the trapway member [124]. As the flush valve [116] is actuated, it allows the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. As the valve member [124] of the trapway arrangement [106] is actuated, it allows the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to be flown to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130]. Thus, flushing is efficiently performed. Furthermore, upon completion of flushing operations, the control unit [164] sends deactivation signals to each of the flush valve solenoid [150a'"] of the flush valve actuation mechanism [150"'] and the trapway valve solenoid [152a'"] of the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"], for deactivation of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] respectively. Deactivation of the flush valve [116] refers to switching back of the flush valve [116] from the 'water dispensing state' to the 'water storage state'. Deactivation of the valve member [124] refers to switching of the valve member [124] from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Accordingly, as the flush valve [116] is deactivated upon receipt of the deactivation signal from the control unit [164], the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102] is restricted. Moreover, as the valve member [124] is deactivated, the flow of contents from the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] is restricted. It may be noted that the control unit [164] send deactivation signal to the flush valve solenoid [150a'"] of the flush valve actuation mechanism [150'"] later than the deactivation signal to the trapway valve solenoid [152a'"] of the trapway valve actuation mechanism [152'"]. Accordingly, upon flushing of the contents (faceal matter [108] + water) in the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110], firstly the valve member [124] is deactivated while the flush valve [116] is still activated. Therefore, the flush valve [116] fills the toilet bowl [102] with fresh sump water [112] that is notflown to the drain line [110]. Thereafter, the control unit [164] deactivates the flush valve [116], to restrict the supply of water to the toilet bowl [102]. Thus, an operation of the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124], to perform flushing operation is completed.
The present invention takes into account a number of advantages. One such advantage is during emergency operating conditions, such as cleaning of the toilet bowl [102]. In such conditions, the trapway arrangement [106] is required to be manually overridden. Particularly, in such conditions, the trapway arrangement [106] is required to allow the overflow of water from the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110], without initiating the flushing operations and/or actuating the valve member [124]. With use of the trapway arrangement [106] as disclosed in the present disclosure, the auxiliary member [126] allows the overflow of water above the defined level of the sump water [112] to flow form the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] through the auxiliary fluid passage [140].
Another advantage is minimal water requirements. Particularly, the trapway arrangement [106] discloses usage of a flat/horizontal trapway member [120] for connecting the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. Therefore, a need of complex inverted U channel is avoided. Thus, usage of the flat/ horizontal trapway requires minimal water requirement for flushing of faecal matter [108] from the toilet bowl [102]. Thereby, the overall water consumption by the toilet bowl [102] of the toilet system [100] is reduced optimally. This results in an increase in the functional efficiency of the toilet bowl [102] of the toilet system [100]. This provides for the toilet arrangement with more eco-friendly nature, more functional efficiency, and less bulky.
Yet another advantage of the disclosed trapway arrangement [106] relates to space optimization. The trapway arrangement [106] discloses usage of a flat/horizontal trapway member [120] for connecting the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. Specifically, a need of complex inverted U channel is avoided. Thus, usage of the flat/ horizontal trapway [120] requires low water head, and thus the flush tank [114] can be placed at relatively reduced heights. Thus, reducing the vertical space requirement of the toilet system [100].
The disclosed trapway arrangement [106] discloses usage of a flat/horizontal trapway [120] for connecting the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110]. As the toilet bowl [102] of the disclosed toilet system [100] avoids a need of integrally formed trapway [120], the structure and arrangement of the toilet bowl [102] is less complex. Therefore, manufacturing of the toilet bowl [102] of the toilet system [100], such as but not limited to ceramic manufacturing process, is relatively easy and less cumbersome. Particularly, manufacturing process of such toilet bowl [102], requires employment of less complex moulds and is thus relatively easy.
Yet another advantage of the present invention relates to adaptability of the toilet system [100] disclosed in the present disclosure with change in geography. As the auxiliary member [126] of the trapway arrangement [106] of the present disclosure is capable of adjusting defined levels of the sump water [112] capable of being carried by the toilet bowl [102], there is no need for manufacturing different toilet bowls [102] for different countries according to their sump water level requirements. This avoids management issues and substantially reduces management costs.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

List of Components:

100 - Toilet System
102 - Toilet Bowl of 100
104 - Flushing Arrangement of 100
106 - Trapway Arrangement of 100
108 - Faecal Matter
'110 - Drain Line of 100
112 -Sump Water
114 - Flush Tank of 104
116 - Flush Valve of 104
118 - Flush Button of 104
120 - Trapway Member
120a, 120b - First and Second Ends of 120
122 - Valve Mechanism
124 - Valve Member
126 - Auxiliary Flow Member
128 - Actuation System
130 - Main Fluid Passage
130a, 130b - First and Second Flow Regions of 130
132 - Valve Shaft
134 - Torsional Spring
136 - Valve Actuation Disc
138 - Damper
140 - Auxiliary Fluid Passage of 126
142 - First Side Arrangement of 126
142a, 142b - Flow Members of 142
144 - Second Side Arrangement of 126
144a, 144b - Flow Members of 144
146 - Intermediate Flexible Member of 126
148 - Levels of 112
150, 150', 150", 150'" - Flush Valve Actuation Mechanism of 128
152, 152', 152", 152'" - Trapway Valve Actuation Mechanism of 128
154 - Clutch Wire of 128
156 - User's Feet
158 - Connecting Fluid Line of 128
160 - Supply Line of 128

Claims

A trapway arrangement [106] for selectively fluidly connecting a toilet bowl [102] to a drain line [110] in a toilet system [100], the trapway arrangement [106] comprising:
- a horizontally positioned trapway member [120] fluidly connected between the toilet bowl [102] and the drain line [110], the trapway member [120] defining a main fluid passage [130] therethrough; and

- a valve member [124] installed within the main fluid passage [130] of the trapway member [120], the valve member [124] is capable of being adjusted between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein
in the open configuration the valve member [124] allows contents in the toilet bowl [102] to flow to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130] of the trapway member [120], and

in the closed configuration the valve member [124] restricts the contents of the toilet bowl [102] from flowing to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130] of the trapway member [120].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trapway member [120] includes a first end [120a] connected to the toilet bowl [102] and a second end [120b] connected to the drain line [110].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the main fluid passage [130] includes a first flow region [130a] defined on one side of the valve member [124] and fluidly connected to the toilet bowl [102], and a second flow region [130b] defined on other side of the valve member [124] and fluidly connected to the drain line [110].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve member [124] is a butterfly valve positioned within the main fluid passage [130] of the trapway member [120], such that in the closed configuration an outer periphery of the valve member [124] seals with an inner periphery of the trapway member [120] for restricting the flow of contents of the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130], and in the open configuration an outer periphery of the valve member [124] is separated from an inner periphery of the trapway member [120] for allowing the flow of contents of the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] through the main fluid passage [130].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 1, wherein a torsional spring member [134] normally maintains the valve member [124] in the closed configuration.
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 1 and claim 3, further includes an auxiliary flow member [126] defining an auxiliary fluid passage [140], the auxiliary flow member [126] mounted on top of the trapway member [120], and fluidly connecting the first flow region [130a] and the second flow region [130b] of the main fluid passage [130].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 6, wherein the auxiliary flow member [126] maintains a defined level of sump water [112] within the toilet bowl [102], and further allows an overflow of sump water [112] above the defined level of sump water to flow from the toilet bowl [102] to the drain line [110] through the auxiliary fluid passage [140].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the defined level of sump water [112] is dependent on a height of the auxiliary flow member [126] relative to the trapway member [120].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 6-8, wherein the auxiliary flow member [126] includes a first side arrangement [142] fluidly connected to first flow region [130a] of the main fluid passage [130], a second side arrangement [144] fluidly connected to first flow region [130b] of the main fluid passage [130], and an intermediate flexible [146] member fluidly connecting the first side arrangement [142] and the second side arrangement [144].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 9, wherein the auxiliary flow member [126] is adjustable to a plurality of heights relative to the trapway member [120], and thus the defined level of the sump water [112] maintained by the auxiliary flow member [126] is adjustable between a plurality of levels [148].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 9, wherein the wherein each of the first side arrangement [142] and the second side arrangement [144] includes multiple flow members [142a, 142b] and [144a, 144b], one or more of which can be installed or uninstalled therefrom to adjustable the auxiliary flow member [126] in the plurality of heights relative to the trapway member [120], and thus adjust the defined level of the sump water [112] between the plurality of levels [148].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve member [124] is selectively adjusted between the closed position and the open position with use of an actuation system [128].
The trapway arrangement [106] as claimed in claim 12, wherein the actuation system [128] is one of a mechanical actuation mechanism [128], a pneumatic actuation mechanism [128], and an electro-mechanical actuation mechanism [128].
The trapway arrangement as claimed in claim 12, wherein the actuation system [128] is a foot pedal actuation system [128] coupled to the valve member [124], and operated by foot to adjust the valve member [124] from the closed position to the open position.
The trapway arrangement as claimed in claim 13 and 14, wherein the actuation system [128] includes a flush valve actuation mechanism [150, 150", 150"'] for actuation of a flush valve [116] of the flushing arrangement [104] of the toilet system [100].
The trapway arrangement as claimed in claim 13 and 14, wherein the actuation system [128] includes a trapway valve actuation mechanism [152, 152', 152", 152'"] for actuation of the valve member [124] of the trapway arrangement [106].
The trapway arrangement as claimed in claim 15 and 16, wherein the flush valve [116] and the valve member [124] are concurrently actuated, for performing flushing operations.