JP2009541621A - Ventilated toilet device and dual functional toilet seat - Google Patents

Abstract

The ventilated toilet device includes a toilet seat assembly (1), a hinge assembly (3) and an air purification system (102). The toilet seat assembly includes a number of inlets (5), air passages (11), pivots (14), and exhaust passages (6). The hinge assembly includes a receptacle (15) and a shaft post (17). The receptacle receives a pivot that is attached to the toilet seat assembly. The axle column allows air to flow between the toilet seat assembly and the intake device (4). The addition of a heating unit to the toilet seat body provides a dual functionality device that can be warmed to a predetermined temperature. The air purification system includes a filter (104) for catching unpleasant odors, a blower (110) for extracting unpleasant odors from the toilet, and a UV lamp (122) for killing harmful bacteria and viruses.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet seat body, pivot and hinge in a tight connection for drawing dirty air from a toilet bowl and discharging it remotely by a remotely controlled suction device. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of a toilet seat body that can be warmed to a predetermined temperature setting in order to relieve cold air on the toilet seat during cold weather. Finally, the present invention discloses how to incorporate these two different functions into a single unit to provide additional comfort to the bathroom user.

  Applicant must file a divisional application number 60 / 816,280 in the United States filed on June 23, 2006, an application number 60 / 853,674 filed on October 24, 2006, an application filed on May 16, 2007. Requests priority of application number 11 / 733,688, filed April 10, 2007, filed on April 10, 2007.

  Many bathroom accessories and products are available to meet the various needs in the bathroom. One product designed to provide bathroom users with a comfortable feeling in cold weather is that the upper surface is warmed by an electric heating coil mounted in the toilet seat body in the cold weather. It is a warm toilet seat that can relieve the cold air from a cold toilet seat.

  Houses and buildings in cold climate areas tend to have poor ventilation, and residents can often experience an unpleasant odor by location, especially around the bathroom. In the bathroom, deodorants and fragrances are typically applied to treat malodors, but these simply hide the malodors and not remove them.

  Alternatively, the bad odor from the bathroom is discharged by an electric fan attached to the ceiling or wall of the bathroom. This type of ventilation method requires a large amount of air to be exhausted, and unpleasant odors that do not go away can remain until the bathroom is filled with fresh air. In the bathroom, the dispersal of gas from the toilet to the surrounding atmosphere is the main cause of the bad odor, so the gas directly from the toilet is given priority over the diffusion of the gas to the surrounding area. Elimination has been proposed as a more effective way to remove malodors from bathrooms than traditional ventilation systems that employ electric fans on the ceiling.

  A number of ventilators have been described as prior art to remove bathroom malodor at their source: US Pat. No. 2,072,780 (FL Turner, 1937), 3,733,619 (FD Smith, 1973), 3,916,459 (M. Ivancevic, 1975), 4,007,498 (RH Pearson, 1977), 4,085,470 (G. Roberts, 1978), 4,1 17,559 (DD Boyle, 1978), 4,365,361 (GH Sanstrom, 1982), 4,556,999 (JE Lindley, 1985), 4,617,687 (EN) Wadsworth, 1986), 4,701,966 (CL Schafer, 1987), 4,726,078 (RA Carballo, et al, 1988), 4,893,359 (PN Vu, et al., 1990), 5,345,617 (JF Jahner, et al., 1994), 5,355,536 ( A. Prisco, 1994), 5,539,937 (RE Barefoot, 1996), 6,237,163 (J. Gusso, et al., 2001), 6,260,215 (M. Miller, 2001), 6,523,184 (A. Prisco, 2003), 6,553,581 (D. Lee, 2003), 6,775,853 (A. Szekely, 2004), 6,298,500 (JL Sollami, 2001), 6,772,449 (JP Wolfe, 2004), but most of these methods are Sensitive to dirt On the grounds that, have not been received in the market.

  Many toilet seats disclosed in the prior art are assembled by the attachment of at least two separate members to form an internal air passage, resulting in a wide area seam or poor appearance opening. Toilet seats assembled in this manner not only require frequent cleaning to remove the contamination problem, but also tend to be at risk of structural integrity leading to potential leakage of air flow. Become.

  Currently, toilet seats that provide warmth to toilet users and relieve disgust from the toilet seat are in commercial use. Various methods of making a warm toilet seat are disclosed in the following US patents: 4,123,807 (T. Oguma, et al., 1978), 4,422,190 (C. Huang, 1983), 4,446,584 (K, Suzuki, et al. , 1984), 4,798,936 (AK Johnson, Sr., 1989), 4,850,060 (CM Kou, 1989), 5,095,555 (Y. Torii, et al., 1992), 5,586,214 (CM Eckman, 1996), 5,898,952 (MD Hickey, 1999 ), 5,940,895 (DS Wilson, et al., 1999), 6,307,180 (TV Arx, et al., 2001).

  However, all of the prior art teaches or proposes a dual function toilet body or device that allows ventilation to the outside atmosphere of gas from the toilet and raises the required toilet seat temperature in one unit. Not done. The dual functionality in these single units provides maximum comfort and pleasure for the bathroom user.

  A general object of the present invention is to provide a device that draws a bad odor from a toilet and discharges it to a remote location or recirculates the purified air through a filter to the bathroom It is to be.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that eliminates the discomfort of a cold toilet seat by allowing the user to adjust the temperature of the toilet seat. This feature provides a comfortable feeling for the bathroom user.

  A further object of the present invention is to double the first functionality that draws an unpleasant odor from the toilet and discharges it to the outside atmosphere by a suitable suction device, and the second functionality that raises the temperature of the toilet seat body. To provide a toilet seat with functionality within one toilet seat body. These two functionalities can be used simultaneously or can be selected according to the needs of the user.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a device whose outer configuration is similar to a conventional toilet seat and therefore has a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can easily modify various existing toilets.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ventilated toilet device that is economical to manufacture, is easy to disinfect and is durable.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a toilet seat body comprising an upper surface adapted to contact a user's body and a lower surface adapted to be disposed proximate to a toilet bowl. A toilet assembly comprising a toilet assembly, a hinge assembly, and a pivot device to which the toilet assembly is pivotally attached to the hinge assembly. The toilet seat assembly further includes a pivot receiver formed in the toilet seat body and a plurality of inlets provided on the lower surface.

  The ventilated toilet apparatus further includes an exhaust passage provided in the pivot receiving portion, a cleaning port provided below the exhaust passage and communicating with the exhaust passage, and a plurality of air passages connected to the intake port and the exhaust passage. Including. The pivot receiver surrounds the pivot device.

  The ventilated toilet apparatus further includes a cleaning port cap that hermetically seals the cleaning port.

  The air inlet is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface and the air passage is substantially parallel to the lower surface.

  The exhaust passage includes a junction to which the air passage is connected, and a tubular opening connected to the junction. The tubular opening receives the pivot device.

  The pivot device includes a hollow pivot tube.

  The pivot tube is made from copper, copper alloy, polymer resin or plastic.

  The pivot tube is fixed in the tubular opening of the exhaust passage.

The junction includes a junction opening that opens to the rear of the toilet seat assembly and a junction cap that hermetically seals the junction opening.
The exhaust passage includes a junction to which an air passage is connected and two tubular openings connected to the junction. The tubular opening receives the pivot device.

  The pivot tube includes a hollow pivot tube and a plurality of pivot ports. The pivot port is provided in the middle of the pivot tube. The pivot tube is fixed in the tubular opening of the exhaust passage.

  The toilet seat body includes a bumper provided on the lower surface and adapted to contact the toilet bowl. The bumper surrounds the inlet.

  The hinge assembly includes a hollow hinge case, a receptacle for receiving a pivot device, and a shaft post adapted to be secured to the toilet hinge assembly.

  The pivot device is rotatably received in the receptacle. The hinge assembly further includes an O-ring mounted in a groove formed in the receptacle.

  The axial column includes a hollow hinge tube.

  The hollow hinge tube includes a notch and is formed into a beveled shape so that the hinge assembly is secured to the toilet bowl by a fastening nut associated with the tube.

  The axial post further includes a pinhole that receives a pin across the notch of the hollow hinge tube.

  The ventilated toilet device further includes a suction device connected to the hinge assembly. The suction device sucks air through the hinge assembly.

  The ventilated toilet apparatus further includes a heating unit that heats the toilet seat body, and an air passage that connects the air inlet and the pivot device. The toilet seat body includes a hollow space between the upper surface and the lower surface.

  The heating unit includes a resistance wire attached to the lower side of the upper surface in a hollow space, an electric cord connecting the resistance wire to the control device, a sensor indicating the temperature of the toilet seat body, and a sensor cord connecting the sensor to the control device ,including. The control device receives information from the sensor and controls the amount of current to the resistance wire.

  The ventilated toilet apparatus further includes a cord fastener for fixing the electric cord and the sensor cord to the hollow space of the toilet seat body, and a grommet for fixing the electric cord and the sensor cord to the hinge assembly.

  The toilet seat body includes two tubular openings for receiving the pivot device and at least one bumper provided on the bottom surface and adapted to contact the toilet bowl. The bumper surrounds the inlet.

  The invention will again be described on the basis of individual elements.

  A ventilated toilet device draws disgusting air from the inside of the toilet to the air intake and draws it out to the outside atmosphere via air passages, junctions, pivots, hinge assemblies, and suction devices A ventilated toilet seat assembly, a pivot, and at least one hinge assembly that are processed in communication with the device. Ventilated toilet devices are used as a single unit or multiple units, where many units are connected to a single suction device. Ventilated toilet devices are used in conventional toilets, baths, recreational vehicles, trains and movable toilets. A ventilated toilet device can be used in combination with a bidet.

  A ventilated toilet seat has a plurality of inlets at the bottom of the toilet seat, an exhaust passage assembled at the rear end of the toilet seat, an exhaust passage including a junction, a junction cap, a tubular opening, and a cleaning port, and a plurality of ports connecting the inlet and the junction. A pivot fixed with a tubular opening to form an air passage, at least one bumper around the inlet, a ventilated toilet seat assembly in communication with a suction device for removing unwanted air in the toilet; and a toilet seat Including a cleaning port that is opened during liquid disinfection.

  The hollow tube includes a plurality of openings in its central portion to form a pivot. The pivot is made of copper, other metals, composite materials, polymer resins or plastics. The pivot is fixed to the tubular opening of the ventilation toilet seat.

  The hinge assembly includes a receptacle including an internal groove for receiving an O-ring for an air tight seal when the suction device is in operation, a shaft post, a beveled hollow tube, a washer, and A nut that fastens the hinge assembly to the toilet bowl via a shaft post, pivoting of the toilet seat assembly, and a ventilated toilet seat assembly for allowing air flow between the toilet bowl and the suction device. At least one hollow, slanted tube is connected to a remotely controlled suction device.

  It is an advantage of the present invention that the toilet seat assembly does not have protruding, poor-looking openings, seams, or gaskets that have been used in most of the prior art. In the present invention, special care has been taken to minimize the number of inlets and seams in the toilet bowl and hinge assembly so as to greatly reduce the chance of contamination.

  While the invention is briefly summarized, a full understanding of the invention may be obtained by the following drawings, detailed description, and appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilated toilet seat assembly, a hinge assembly, and a suction device constructed according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2a is a bottom view of a ventilated toilet seat and junction cap, both formed by injection molding, and Fig. 2b is a rear elevation view of an unfinished ventilated toilet seat formed by injection molding. is there. 3a is a bottom view of a ventilated toilet seat with an air passage being constructed, and FIG. 3b is a rear elevation view of a ventilated toilet seat with an air passage being constructed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilated toilet seat on the toilet according to line 4-4 of FIG. 3a. FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the pivot. 6a is a plan view of the hinge with the hinge cap removed from the hinge, FIG. 6b is a side elevation view of the hinge, and FIG. 6c is a side elevation view of the hinge with hollow tube and pin. It is. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hinge cap, a hollow tube, and a pin attached to the hinge. Fig. 8a is a side elevational view of the hinge of the second embodiment, and Fig. 8b is another side elevational view of the hinge of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of the second embodiment showing the hollow tube and the pins attached to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ventilated toilet seat assembled with pivots and hinges, with some parts and bumpers, eliminated for illustrative clarity. 11a is a bottom view of the ventilated toilet seat of the second embodiment, FIG. 11b is a rear elevation view of the ventilated toilet seat, and FIG. 11c is an elevation view of the pivot. FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of a dual functional toilet seat body, pivot and hinge assembly, partially cut away and illustrated. A schematic arrangement of a dual functional toilet seat assembly with respect to the hinge assembly, suction device, and control device is also shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the bottom of the dual-functional toilet seat body. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the dual-functional toilet seat body taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the dual-functional toilet seat body taken along line 15-15 in FIG. FIG. 16a shows a bottom view of the dual-functional toilet seat body of the second embodiment illustrated with a cut-out portion, and FIG. 16b shows the dual-functional toilet seat body according to the second embodiment. It is a bottom view of a bottom part. FIG. 17a is a side elevation view of an air purification system with a portion of the body cut away for illustrative clarity, and FIG. 17b is an electrical schematic of the air purification system. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an air purification system with a portion of the body cut away for illustrative clarity. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the arrangement of the dual-functional toilet seat body and the air purification system. FIG. 20a is a side elevational view of the air purification system with a portion of the body cut away for illustrative clarity, and FIG. 20b is an electrical view of the cordless air purification system. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a ventilated toilet seat assembly covering a conventional toilet and a cordless air purification system communicating wirelessly with a transmitter.

  These and other features, appearances and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows that the toilet seat assembly 1 and the hinge assembly 3 on the toilet bowl 2 communicate with a remotely controlled suction device 4 to draw disgusting air from inside the toilet bowl 2 and exhaust it to the outside atmosphere. Illustrates being processed.

  FIG. 2 a shows that the toilet seat assembly 1 includes an inlet 5, an exhaust passage 6 and a cleaning port 7 formed therein. The air inlet 5 is arranged close to the rear bottom of the toilet seat assembly 1.

  The inner edge of the toilet seat assembly 1 near the air inlet 5 is mounted downward as shown in FIG. This configuration is advantageous in protecting the inlet 5 from leaks and splashes during use of the toilet, as well as providing a better aesthetic appearance.

  Referring back to FIG. 2 a, the exhaust passage 6 is a hollow opening formed at the rear end of the toilet seat assembly 1. The exhaust passage 6 includes a junction 8, a junction cap 9, and a tubular opening 10 attached to the rear end of the toilet seat assembly 1.

  3a and 3b show that the air passage 11 is constructed to connect the inlet 5 and the junction 8 so that air movement is possible between them when proper suction is performed. It shows that. The tubular opening 10 accommodates a pivot 14 (see FIG. 5) that mediates the air flow between the junction 8 and the hinge assembly 3.

  Once the internal air passage 11 has been installed and the pivot 14 is secured inside the tubular opening 10, a junction cap 9 is attached to the junction opening 32 to provide an airtight seal.

  FIG. 4 shows that a cleaning port 7 at the rear end of the bottom of the toilet seat assembly 1 is provided with an easily removable cleaning port cap 13. In the upright position of the toilet seat assembly 1, the cleaning port 7 can be adapted to a flushing vacuum cleaner or suction device (or conveniently a nasal suction ball) so that liquid is collected and trapped during the disinfection of the air inlet 5. .

  Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an unfinished toilet assembly 1 in which a number of inlets 5, junctions 8 and junction caps 9, tubular openings 10 and cleaning ports 7 are advantageously formed by injection molding.

  The toilet seat assembly 1 is first manufactured by injection molding. The internal air passage 11 is then drilled through the junction 8. In this way, the present invention provides a ventilated toilet seat assembly 1 that is virtually made as one unit that allows structural stability of the toilet seat. Due to the relatively small area of the seam around the junction cap 9, the user is usually unaware of the bad differences in the appearance of the ventilated toilet seat assembly 1 of the present invention from a conventional toilet bowl.

  The bumper 12 surrounding the air inlet 5 maintains close contact with the toilet 2 so that air flows from the front of the toilet 2 to the air inlet 5 in order to prevent unwanted air leakage from the toilet 2. Provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the pivot 14 is a 6 inch long hollow tube having a plurality of openings 34 (approximately 7/32 inch to 1/4 inch diameter) at the center. The pivot 14 cuts the tube to the desired length and drills the opening 34 to provide a commercially available copper tube or copper alloy (outer diameter 0.500 inch x inner diameter 0.430 inch x wall thickness 0. 035 inches).

  The pivot 14 is approximately the same size as the tubular opening 10 and is secured by sliding the pivot 14 through the tubular opening 10. The pivot 14 includes means for securing the toilet seat assembly 1 to the toilet 2 through the hinge assembly 3 and establishes air flow between the junction 8 and the hinge assembly 3.

  The toilet seat cover 36 (see FIG. 1) can be assembled into a pair of hinge assemblies (3 and 30) that allow the toilet seat assembly 1 and the toilet seat cover 36 to pivot.

  Both ends of the pivot 14 can be attached to a pair of hinge assemblies (3 and 30). Instead, one end of the pivot 14 is capped or blocked if the user does not want to use both sides of the pivot 14 for air flow. The pivot 14 is preferably structurally stable, anti-erodible, and prone to contamination. With respect to these features, copper alloys are desirable raw materials for the manufacture of the pivot 14, however, other metal, composite, and plastic materials can be used to manufacture the pivot 14.

  6a, 6b, 6c and 7 show how the hinge assembly 3 secures the toilet seat assembly 1 to the toilet bowl 2. FIG. The hinge assembly 3 includes a receiving port 15, a hinge cap 16, a shaft column 17, a beveled hollow tube 18, a pin 22, a pinhole 68, and a toilet seat cover support 70. The receptacle 15 receives the pivot 14 horizontally to provide a hermetic seal and allows the toilet seat assembly 1 to pivot. The beveled hollow tube 18 is beveled at one end and has a notch 19 near the opposite end. Axle 17 receives beveled hollow tube 18 that can be attached to the hinge by inserting pin 22 through pinhole 68 and across notch 19. This beveled hollow tube 18 fixed to the shaft column 17 provides a means for attaching the hinge assembly 3 to the toilet 2 using a matching nut in an airtight manner. The hollow tube 18 having a sloped shape is connected to a suction device 4 that is remotely controlled via a connection hose 38. The toilet seat cover support 70 receives the toilet seat cover 36 in a horizontal shape and allows rotation.

  The hollow space in the hinge assembly 3 between the receptacle 15 and the shaft column 17 allows free air flow. Finally, the hinge assembly 3 serves to allow air to flow between the pivot 14 and the suction device 4.

  The receptacle 15 may have a groove 20 that can accommodate an O-ring 21 for providing a hermetic seal to the pivot 14 when the suction device 4 is being operated.

  Desirably, a second hinge assembly 30 having a mirror image structure of the hinge assembly 3 is provided for constructing a pair of hinge assemblies (3, 30) for receiving the toilet seat assembly 1 for ventilation.

  There are a wide variety of toilet bowls with different shapes and sizes. In particular, the horizontal distance from the toilet rim to the toilet bowl hole varies between toilet bowls. For any ventilated toilet seat designed to retrofit various existing toilet bowls, the advantage is that it has flexibility in multiple hinges or multiple hinge systems that can accommodate the toilet seat geometric distance required for the toilet bowl is there. As a solution to this object, the hinge assembly of the second embodiment 3 'is provided in the present invention illustrated in Figs. 8a, 8b and 9. The hinge assembly of the second embodiment 3 'includes a receiving port 15', a shaft column 17 ', a hollow tube 18 having a beveled shape, a pin 22, a pin hole 68', and a toilet seat cover support 70 '. The receptacle 15 'receives the pivot 14 horizontally to provide a hermetic seal and also allows the toilet seat assembly 1 to pivot. The shaft post 17 'receives a hollow tube 18 that has a beveled shape that can be attached to the hinge by inserting the pin 22 through the pin hole 68' and across the notch 22. This beveled hollow tube 18 secured to the shaft post 17 'provides a means for attaching the hinge assembly of the second embodiment 3' to the toilet 2 using a matching nut in an airtight manner. . The toilet seat cover support 70 'receives the toilet seat cover 36 in a horizontal manner and allows the pivot to move. The receptacle 15 ′ includes a groove 20 ′ that receives an O-ring for providing an air tight seal with the pivot 14 when the suction device 4 is being operated.

  There is a geometric distance (L, FIG. 6 b) between the axis of the receptacle 15 and the axis of the axial column 17 of the hinge assembly 3. This horizontal distance (L) is in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 centimeters for the hinge assembly 3, and this horizontal distance is the second angle where the axis of the receptacle intersects the axis of the axial column at right angles in the plane. In the case of the hinge assembly of embodiment 3 ′, it is zero. When the ventilated toilet seat assembly 1 is attached to the toilet bowl 2 using a pair of hinge assemblies, the toilet seat attached to the hinge assembly 3 is 1.5 compared to the toilet seat attached to the hinge assembly of the second embodiment 3 ′. 2.0 centimeters away from the toilet bowl. Since the pivot axis of the ventilated toilet seat assembly 1 coincides with the hinge receptacle axis, the horizontal distance between the receptacle (15 or 15 ') and the axle column (17 or 17') is reduced when the toilet seat is lowered and When the toilet seat is raised and tilted relative to the water tank, the geometric position of the toilet seat assembly 1 relative to the toilet bowl 2 is determined. To attach a ventilated toilet seat to an existing toilet bowl, either of two different types of hinge assemblies (3 or 3 ') make the toilet seat ideal for toilet bowl 2 for efficient discharge of unpleasant odors from the toilet bowl Can be selected to adapt.

  FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the toilet seat assembly 1, the pivot 14, and the pair of hinge assemblies (3 and 30) that are arranged to intervene in the air flow between the toilet 2 and the suction device 4. As can be seen in FIG. 10, either side of the hinge assembly (3 or 30) is connected for air flow between the pivot 14 and the suction device 4 via the connecting hose 38 (see FIG. 1). The opposite hinge can be sealed conventionally if one hinge is attached to the tube connected to the suction device.

  Conventionally, the bumper 12 and some parts are omitted in FIG. 10 for clarity of illustration, but the ventilated toilet device described in this invention is one of the key elements well accepted by the user It will be clear to those skilled in the art that it does not have any noticeable difference from the toilet seat.

  FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show only one tubular opening that can communicate the air flow between the junction 8 and the hinge assembly 3 that is interposed using a pivot 23 that is fixedly secured in the tubular opening 10. FIG. 5 illustrates another toilet seat assembly 40 having the same features as described in FIG. Tubular opening 24 is provided for securing toilet seat assembly 40 to toilet 2 via hinge 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the pivot 23 is a hollow tube having the same size as the tubular opening 10. The toilet seat assembly 40 including the elements illustrated in FIGS. 11a-11c can be advantageously manufactured at a reduced cost compared to the toilet seat assembly 1 utilizing the toilet seat and the pivot 14 illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows a dual function toilet seat assembly that is arranged with hinge assemblies 3 and 30, suction device 4 and control device 60. The dual functional toilet seat assembly includes a dual functional toilet seat body 45 and a pivot 23 to which the toilet seat assembly is pivotally attached to a hinge assembly. The dual-functional toilet seat body includes a heating unit except for the control device 60, the tubular opening 57, the plurality of air inlets 46, and the air passage 52.

  The dual functional toilet seat body 45 includes a top portion 42 and a bottom portion 44. The upper portion 42 has an open air passage 52, a cord fastener 56, and two tubular openings 57. As shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of air inlets 46 are formed in the rear rim of the bottom portion 44. A bumper 48 is provided at the bottom 44 and is adapted to contact the toilet bowl 2. The bumper 48 surrounds the air inlet 46. The top part 42 and the bottom part 44 are attached to each other to form a dual-functional toilet seat body 45, which has a hollow space 51 and an air passage 53. The hollow space 51 is used to accommodate the resistance wire 50 and the sensor 61. At the upper rear end, two tubular openings 57 for receiving the pivot 23 are formed.

  A firm top and bottom attachment in air and water establishes an air passage that allows air to flow between the inlet 46 and the pivot 23 housed in one of the tubular openings 57. The other pivot 23 in the opposite tubular opening is used as a passage for the electrical cord 54 and sensor cord 62 extending towards the control device 60. The top and bottom are attached to each other by conventional techniques.

  The heating unit includes a resistance wire 50, an electric cord 54, a sensor 61, a sensor cord 62, and a control device 60.

  The resistance wire 50 is hermetically encapsulated and electrically insulated within the thermally conductive polymer coating. The resistance wire uses electricity to provide warmth and efficiently transfers heat within the hollow space 51 of the dual function toilet seat body 45, preferably on the upper surface of the dual function toilet seat body 45. To be distributed close to the horizontal portion of the upper portion 42. Thermal conductivity and heat resistant polymer resin or adhesiveness is used to keep the resistance wire 50 and sensor 61 in a hollow space.

  The electric cord 54 connects the resistance wire 50 to the control device 60.

  The sensor 61 reads the actual temperature of the dual functionality toilet seat and the sensor code 62 sends this information to the controller 60. The electric cord 54 and the sensor cord 62 are fixed in the hollow space of the toilet seat body by the cord fastening portion 56. The middle portion of the electrical cord and sensor cord with the conductor extending to the control device 60 is fastened in the hollow space of the hinge assembly 3 by the grommet 58. The portion where the cord is loosened between the cord fastener and the grommet reduces fatigue in the cord when the toilet seat body rotates up and down with respect to the hinge assemblies 3 and 30 attached to the toilet bowl 2.

  The control device 60 is connected to the resistance wire 50 by the electric cord 54 and connected to the sensor 61 by the sensor cord 62 in order to control the resistance wire. The control device receives information from the sensor and controls the amount of current to the resistance wire.

  The dual-functional toilet seat body 45 ′, the pivot 23, and the hinge assembly 30 inhale unwanted air from the inside of the toilet 2 through the air passage 53, the pivot 23, the hinge assembly 30, the hose 38, and the suction device 4. Provided to communicate with a suction device for movement to the mouth 46. In addition to ventilation, the dual function toilet seat body 45 can be heated by resistance wires 50 that are evenly distributed across the upper surface. Therefore, the dual functionality toilet apparatus described in the present invention can be used in combination with toilet ventilation and toilet seat heating, or separate dual functionality separately as needed. It can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the top and bottom are attached in a gas and water tight manner to ensure that the hollow space 51 and the air passage are protected from potential leakage. In order to efficiently distribute heat to the upper surface of the dual-functional toilet seat body 45, the resistance wire 50 extends to cover the horizontal portion of the upper portion. Similar to sealing the top and bottom contact areas, a heat stable polymer resin or tack is used to maintain contact to the top horizontal portion of the resistance wire 50.

  The cross section at the rear end of the dual-functional toilet seat body shows a tubular opening 57 that is suitably formed during upper injection molding (see FIG. 15). The tubular opening receives pivot 23 horizontally to provide a hermetic seal, and the pivot secured within tubular opening 57 allows pivoting of dual function toilet seat body 45.

  Figures 16a and 16b illustrate the bottom of another dual functional toilet seat body. The dual functional toilet seat body 45 'includes a top portion 42' and a bottom portion 44 '. The upper portion 42 'has an open air passage 52', a cord fastener 56 ', and two tubular openings 57'. As shown in FIG. 16b, a plurality of air inlets 46 'are formed in the rear rim of the bottom 44'. A bumper 48 ′ is provided at the bottom 44 ′ and adapted to contact the toilet bowl 2. The pump 48 'surrounds the air inlet 46'. The top 42 'and the bottom 44' are attached to each other to form a dual function toilet seat body 45 '.

  The resistance wire 50 'is sealed and encapsulated and electrically insulated within the thermally conductive polymer resin. The resistance wire uses electricity to provide warmth, and is preferably close to the horizontal portion of the upper portion 42 'to efficiently distribute heat to the upper surface of the dual function toilet seat body 45', It is disposed in the hollow space of the dual-functional toilet seat body 45 '. Thermally conductive and heat resistant polymer resin or tack is used to keep the resistance wire 50 'and the sensor 61' in the hollow space.

  The electrical cord 54 ′ connects the resistance wire 50 ′ to the control device 60.

  The sensor 61 ′ reads the actual temperature of the dual-functional toilet seat body, and the sensor code 62 ′ sends this information to the control device 60. The electrical cord 54 'and the sensor cord 62' are fixed in the dual-functional toilet seat body by a cord fastener 56 '.

  The dual-functional toilet seat body 45 ′, the pivot 23, and the hinge assembly 30 inhale unwanted air from the toilet 2 through the air passage 52 ′, the pivot 23, the hinge assembly 30, the hose 38, and the suction device 4. It is provided to communicate with the suction device 4 for moving to the mouth 46 '. In addition to ventilation, this dual function toilet seat body 45 'can be heated by resistance wires 50' that are evenly distributed across the upper surface. The shape of the toilet seat body shown in FIG. 16 is different from the shape of the toilet seat body shown in FIG. 12, but each element of the other dual-functional toilet seat body is the same as the element described in FIG. 12 functions. Designed to function as follows.

  Figures 17a, 17b and 18 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the suction device 4 which can be adapted to a ventilated toilet seat. The purification system 102 includes a filter unit that removes unpleasant odors, a blower unit that allows air to pass through the filter unit, a lamp unit 120, a switch unit, a heated toilet seat switch knob 116, and an electric control device 118. The filter unit includes a filter 104, a filter cage 106, and a filter cage cap 108. The filter 104 is filled with activated carbon and receives unwanted air carried by the connecting hose 38 through the filter cage cap 108. The filter cage 106 is sealed to ensure that all the bad air entering the filter cage 106 passes through the filter 104 and the purified air leaves the filter unit and goes to the blower unit. The blower unit includes a blower 110 and a blower cage 112. The blower 110 is rotationally driven by electricity and provides a constant air flow of pressure / vacuum that can also be applied to the filter 104 that may have a high back pressure. The filter 104 is periodically replaced as necessary by the user. The lamp unit 120 is equipped with a UV lamp 122 that kills microorganisms by emitting an effective range of ultraviolet spectrum. The lamp unit is configured such that the air flow entering the unit is exposed to germicidal light before leaving the unit. The UV lamp 122 is easily detached for replacement when replacement is necessary. The switch unit activates or deactivates both the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 simultaneously.

  In a preferred embodiment, the blower 110 can provide controlled airflow delivery in the range of 2-5 cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at a maximum pressure / vacuum in the range of 2-5 inches of water. Regenerative blower (also known as ring blower). The blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 can be operated by an AC power source provided in a wall outlet. Alternatively, the blower motor can be modified to be operated by a low voltage DC power supply (9-15V) supplied by a rechargeable battery or an AC / DC converter. The blower cage 112 surrounds the blower 110 connected to the filter unit through an opening provided in the blower cage 112. The blower cage 112 is suitably sealed and is provided with a sound absorbing material so that noise generated by the blower 110 during operation can be greatly reduced. The air leaving the blower can be circulated through the hollow space of the blower cage 112 so that the blower 110 is exposed to a constant air flow during operation so that a separate cooling device is not required. Several vibration damping means 114, such as rubber, are used to attach the blower 110 to the blower cage 112. An electrical wire 142 extending from the switch unit and electrical control device 118 is connected to the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 such that activation or deactivation is controlled by the switch unit. Through an airtight fit provided at the blower cage outlet, the air leaves the blower cage 112 and travels to a lamp unit 120 that kills bacteria and viruses that appear in the air by known germicidal UV radiation. The purified air leaving the lamp unit 120 passes through the noise reducer 124.

  The switch unit includes an on switch 130, an off switch 132, a foot switch 134, and a time delay device 136, all connected together. The on switch 130 is a push button type that activates the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 when pressed, and the time delay device 136 is predetermined by the user, such as 2, 6, 12 minutes. After a certain period, the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 may be stopped. For example, the ON switch 130 and the time delay device 136 complete the cycle in 2 minutes by the first press, 6 minutes by the second press, 12 minutes by the third press, and start again with the fourth press. It is adjusted in such a way that a cycle of a predetermined period of 2 minutes starting the cycle is repeated. A number of indicators, such as LEDs 140 that indicate a predetermined period for stopping, are lit to indicate that the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 are operating. The off switch 132 is also a push button type and can be pushed to immediately stop the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120. The foot switch 134 is disposed at the front of the purification system 102 so that the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 can be operated and stopped by the foot. The foot switch 134 may be an on / off switch, such as a push button, toggle switch, or light recognition switch. In the “on” position, the foot switch 134 operates the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 for a predetermined period of time, such as two minutes displayed by the lit LED 140. The user can select a desired operation time with the switch 130, and can touch the off switch 132 to stop the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120. If the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 are still in operation when the user finishes using the toilet, the user can stop the blower 110 and the lamp unit 120 in the same manner as pressing the off switch 132. The foot can be moved to turn off the switch 134.

  The electrical controller 118 is processed to communicate with the switch unit and the heated toilet seat switch knob 116. The electric control device 118 is connected to the resistance wire to be encapsulated in the hollow space 51 of the dual-functional toilet seat body 45 by the electric cord 54, and is connected to the inside of the toilet seat by the sensor cord 62. The electrical control device 118 receives information from the sensor 61 and adjusts the amount of current to the resistance wire 50 by operating the heating toilet switch knob 116 that functions as an on / off switch, like the current regulator. By rotating the heated toilet seat switch knob 116 clockwise or counterclockwise, the resistance wire 50 is heated to a predetermined temperature of 30 ° C. to 40 ° C.

  Both the switch unit and the electrical control device 118 are connected to a power cord 156 that extends from the rear side of the air purification system 102 into an electrical outlet 158 near the toilet.

  FIG. 19 shows a dual functional toilet seat body 45 disposed with a toilet seat cover 174, a pair of hinge assemblies (3 and 30), a connecting hose 38, and an air purification system. The toilet nut 2 and the conventional nut for attaching the hinge assembly (3 and 30) to the toilet bowl 2 have been deleted in FIG. 19 for clarity of illustration, but the arrangement is within the reach of the user. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the air purification system 102 near the toilet 2 is shown. One hinge assembly 3 receives a pivot 23 for air flow, and the other hinge 30 on the opposite side is a pivot that supports an electrical cord 54 and a sensor cord 62 connected to an electrical controller 118 of the air purification system 102. 23. The unpleasant air flow in the toilet is as follows. Air enters the air inlet 46, passes through the air passage 53, and reaches the pivot 23. Through the pivot, air continues to pass through the hinge assembly 3 and enters the connecting hose 38 and moves in the direction of the filter unit. Air in the filter cap 108 passes through the filter 104, is sucked into the blower 110, and is blown out to circulate through the blower cage 112. The air leaves the blower cage 112 and enters the lamp unit 120 through the outlet. The purified air exits the lamp unit 120, passes through the noise attenuator 124, and leaves the purification system 102 through the opening 180.

  Alternatively, the purification unit can be placed in a position hidden from the user, such as outside the bathroom or behind the toilet bowl. In such a case, the remote control device 182 may be provided to operate a switch unit and a heated toilet seat switch provided in a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted by the remote control device 182.

  Figures 20a and 20b show a cordless air purification system 102 '. The air purification system 102 ′ includes a filter unit, a blower unit, a lamp unit 120 ′, a switch unit, an electric control device 118 ′, and a charging battery 192. The filter unit includes a filter 104 ', a filter cage 106', and a filter cage cap 108 '. Filter 104 'is filled with activated carbon and receives unwanted air carried by connecting hose 38 through filter cage cap 108'. The filter cage 106 'is sealed to compensate for all unwanted air entering the filter cage 106' passing through the filter 104 ', and the purified air exits the filter unit toward the blower unit. The blower unit includes a blower 110 'and a blower cage 112'. The blower 110 'is rotationally driven by electricity and provides a constant air flow of pressure / vacuum that can also be applied to the filter 104', which can have high back pressure. The filter 104 'can be replaced periodically as needed by the user. The lamp unit 120 'is equipped with a UV lamp 122' that kills microorganisms by emitting an effective range of ultraviolet spectrum. The lamp unit is configured such that the air flow entering the unit is exposed to germicidal light before leaving the unit. The UV lamp 120 'is easily removed for replacement when replacement is necessary. The switch unit activates or deactivates both the blower 110 'and the lamp unit 120' simultaneously.

  Blower 110 'is a regenerative blower capable of providing controlled airflow delivery in the range of 2-5 cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at maximum pressure / vacuum in the range of 2-5 inches of water. is there. The blower 110 'and the lamp unit 120' can be operated by a low voltage DC power supply (9-15V) supplied by a rechargeable battery. The blower cage 112 'surrounds the blower 110' connected to the filter unit through an opening provided in the blower cage 112 '. The blower cage 112 is suitably sealed and is provided with a sound absorbing material so that noise generated by the blower 110 during operation can be greatly reduced. The air exiting the blower can be circulated through the hollow space of the blower cage 112 so that the blower 110 'is exposed to a constant air flow during operation so that a separate cooling device is not required. Several vibration dampening means 114 ', such as rubber, are used to attach the blower 110' to the blower cage 112 '. An electrical line 142 'extending from the switch unit and electrical controller 118' is connected to the blower 110 'and the lamp unit 120' so that activation or deactivation is controlled by the switch unit. Through an airtight fit provided at the blower cage outlet, the air leaves the blower cage 112 'and goes to a lamp unit 120' that kills bacteria and viruses that appear in the air by known germicidal UV light.

  The switch unit includes an on switch 130 ', an off switch 132', a foot switch 134 ', and a time delay device 136', all connected together. The on switch 130 'is a push button type that activates the blower 110' and the lamp unit 120 'when pressed, and the time delay device 136' is selected by the user for 2, 6, 12 minutes. After such a predetermined period, the blower 110 ′ and the lamp unit 120 ′ may be stopped. The ON switch 130 ′ and the time delay device 136 ′, for example, complete the cycle in 2 minutes by the first press, 6 minutes by the second press, 12 minutes from the third press, and again by the fourth press. The cycle is adjusted in such a way that a cycle of a predetermined period of 2 minutes is started. A number of indicators, such as LED 140 ', indicating a predetermined period for stopping, are lit to indicate that blower 110' and lamp unit 120 'are operating. The off switch 132 'is also a push button type and can be pushed to immediately stop the blower 110' and the lamp unit 120 '. The foot switch 134 'is disposed at the front of the purification system 102' so that the blower 110 'and the lamp unit 120' can be activated and deactivated by the foot. The foot switch 134 'can be an on / off switch, such as a push button, toggle switch, or light recognition switch. In the “on” position, foot switch 134 ′ activates blower 110 ′ and lamp unit 120 ′ for a predetermined period of time, such as 2 minutes indicated by illuminated LED 140 ′. The user can select a desired operation time with the switch 130 ', and touch the off switch 132' to stop the blower 110 'and the lamp unit 120'.

  The electrical control device 118 'is arranged to communicate with the switch unit and the lamp unit 120'. Both the switch unit and the electric control device 118 'are connected to the rechargeable battery 192 by an electric wire 142'.

  The function and operating procedure of the unit in the cordless air purification system 102 ′ is such that the power supply for the blower and lamp unit is charged wirelessly by the power transmitter 194 or using a conventional charger (see FIG. 21). The same as that described for the conventional air purification system 102 described in FIGS. 17 and 18 except that it is derived from a rechargeable battery 192 that can be separated from the cordless air purification system 102 ′ to be charged. It is. The rechargeable battery 192 is provided with a rectifier antenna that converts electromagnetic energy from the receiver chip or the transmitter 194 into a direct current. This eliminates the need for a power cord and a high voltage physical power connection to the cordless air purification system 102 '. A ventilated toilet seat assembly 1 that employs hinge assemblies (3 and 30) is connected to a cordless air purification system 102 'by a connecting hose 38 for exhausting disgusting air. This cordless air purification unit is suitable for areas where high voltage electrical outlets are not allowed in rooms where toilets are placed by harsh building cords or bathrooms that do not have electrical outlets near the toilet.

  The invention has been shown and described with reference to different embodiments so that variations in form, details, construction, and operation do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this is done. For example, toilet seats are usually provided in two different shapes, a horseshoe or U-shaped type and an oval or closed type. Although only an elliptical toilet seat was used to describe some novel features that are apparent in the present invention, the same features of the present invention are applicable to the horseshoe type.

Claims (33)

a) a toilet seat assembly including a toilet seat body including an upper surface adapted to contact a user's body and a lower surface adapted to be disposed proximate to the toilet bowl;
b) a hinge assembly, and c) a pivot device adapted to be pivotally mounted to the hinge assembly.
The ventilated toilet apparatus, wherein the toilet seat assembly further includes a pivot receiving portion formed in the toilet seat body, and a plurality of air intakes provided on the lower surface.   The pivot receiving portion further includes an exhaust passage provided in the pivot receiving portion, a cleaning port provided below the exhaust passage and communicating with the exhaust passage, and a plurality of air passages connecting the intake port and the exhaust passage. The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 1 surrounding the pivot device.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a cleaning port cap that hermetically seals the cleaning port.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the air inlet is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface and the air passage is substantially parallel to the lower surface.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the exhaust passage includes a junction to which the air passage is connected, and a tubular opening connected to the junction, and the tubular opening receives the pivot device.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pivot device includes a hollow pivot tube.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pivot tube is made of copper, copper alloy, polymer resin, or plastic.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pivot pipe is fixed in a tubular opening of the exhaust passage.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the junction includes a junction opening that opens rearward of the toilet seat assembly, and a junction cap that hermetically seals the junction opening.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the exhaust path includes a junction to which the air passage is connected, and two tubular openings connected to the junction, and the tubular opening receives the pivot device.   The ventilated toilet according to claim 10, wherein the pivot tube includes a hollow pivot tube and a plurality of pivot ports, and the pivot port is provided in a middle portion of the pivot tube, and the pivot tube is fixed in the tubular opening of the exhaust passage. apparatus.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the toilet seat body includes a bumper provided on the lower surface and adapted to contact the toilet bowl, the bumper surrounding the air inlet.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hollow hinge case, a receptacle for receiving the pivot device, and a shaft post adapted to secure the hinge assembly to the toilet bowl.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the pivot device is rotatably received in the receptacle, and the hinge assembly further includes an O-ring provided in a groove formed in the receptacle.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the shaft column includes a hollow hinge tube.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the hinge pipe includes a notch and is formed in an inclined shape, whereby the hinge assembly is fixed to the toilet pipe by fastening a nut associated with the pipe.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the hinge shaft further includes a pinhole for receiving a pin across a notch of the hollow hinge tube.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the distance between the shaft of the receptacle and the axis of the column is in the range of about 1.5 to about 2.0 centimeters.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the axis of the receptacle intersects the axis of the shaft column at a right angle in a plane.   The ventilation according to claim 1, further comprising a heating unit for heating the toilet seat body, an air passage connecting the air inlet and the pivot device, and the toilet seat body includes a hollow space between the upper surface and the lower surface. Toilet equipment.   The heating unit includes a resistance wire attached to the lower side of the upper surface in the hollow space, an electric cord for connecting the resistance wire to the control device, a sensor for reading the temperature of the toilet seat body, and a sensor cord for connecting the sensor to the control device, The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control device receives information from the sensor and controls the amount of current to the resistance wire.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: a cord fastener that fixes the electric cord and the sensor cord in the hollow space of the toilet seat body; and a grommet that fixes the electric cord and the sensor cord in the hinge assembly.   21. The toilet seat body includes two tubular openings for receiving a pivot device and at least one bumper provided on the bottom surface and adapted to contact the toilet bowl, the bumper surrounding the air inlet. Ventilated toilet equipment.   The ventilation toilet apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a suction device connected to the hinge assembly, wherein the suction device sucks air through the hinge assembly.   The ventilation toilet apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a suction device connected to the hinge assembly, wherein the suction device sucks air through the hinge assembly.   26. The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the suction device includes a filter unit that removes an unpleasant odor and a blower that allows air to pass through the filter unit, and the purified air leaves the filter unit and travels to the blower unit.   27. A ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the filter unit includes a filter comprising activated carbon, a filter cage surrounding the filter, and a filter cage cap adapted to receive a connecting hose.   27. The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the blower unit includes a blower for inducing an air flow, and a blower cage surrounding the blower, and the air exiting the blower circulates inside the blower cage.   27. The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the suction device further includes a lamp unit that kills microorganisms, and the lamp unit includes a UV lamp.   30. The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the suction device further includes a switch unit for operating the suction device on and off.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the switch unit includes a time delay device that stops the blower and the lamp unit after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation.   The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the switch unit includes a foot switch adapted to be operated by a foot of a user of the ventilated toilet apparatus.   27. The ventilated toilet apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the suction device further includes a heated toilet seat switch knob for turning on and off a resistance wire adapted to heat the toilet seat.

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