JP2021536331A - Filtration assembly that reduces the malodor of air from the toilet and aerosolized excrement - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly that filters the malodor of the toilet bowl includes a first housing that is isolated from each toilet bowl and has fluid communication with the toilet bowl. The conduit connects the inside of the first housing and the inside of the second housing by communicating fluid with each other. The fan assembly is placed in the first housing through fluid communication with the second housing via a conduit, and further, at the same time as the operation of the fan assembly, the conduit from the intake of the second housing, And, it is arranged so as to define a fluid flow path extending to the outside of the first housing through a filter assembly placed in the first housing and / or the second housing.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 362,063 filed March 22, 2019, which is the U.S. Patent No. 15/909 currently pending in the March 1, 2018 application. , 344, claiming the priority of the partial continuation application, further, under Section 119 (e) of the US Patent Act, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 465,963 filed March 2, 2017. Priority is claimed and these are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, under Section 119 (e) of the U.S. Patent Act, the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/726,624, which is currently pending at the U.S. Patent Office, filed on September 4, 2018, is claimed. , Incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an assembly for filtering and other processing of air and aerosolized fluids exiting the toilet bowl.

The malodor of human excrement released by humans into the toilet bowl generally enters the surrounding area and can remain floating during and after toilet use. This can be unpleasant for users who currently use the toilet, others in a nearby environment, or those who later enter the area and use the same toilet.

Air purifiers and air filters are widely used in indoor spaces such as homes and offices to minimize the amount of dust, allergens, and microorganisms present in the air. Typically, these systems include a fan that circulates air and a mechanical filter that is located in the air path and filters or purifies the air flowing through it. Larger fans, air purifiers, and / or air filters tend to be more effective due to the large volume of air that can be removed, filtered, and / or purified in a given time. However, when this type of unit is large, it usually stands out in the home or office and also occupies a considerable amount of space. Moreover, as these systems grow larger, they require more power and are often noisier due to the size of the fans included in the system.

Fans, air purifiers, and air filters can provide solutions to combat existing contaminants such as dust, allergens, and microorganisms, but lack the means to effectively remove malodor from the air. It is possible. Individuals are well aware of the foul odors released from gas, stool, or urine that can be unpleasant. These malodors can be disturbing and unpleasant for each individual in the vicinity of such malodors. If an unpleasant odor is present in the air, each individual usually uses an air freshener spray, plug-in air freshener, etc. to "hide" the unpleasant odor with a more pleasant scent. However, this operation only hides the presence of unpleasant odors and does not actually eliminate them.

In addition, the use of air fresheners, or sprays, raises the unfortunate problem that the individual must first come into contact with an unpleasant odor before using these devices to conceal the odor. In addition, scents such as air fresheners, sprays, etc. provide a pleasant odor compared to the malodor released from gas, stool, or urine, and some individuals do not enjoy such fragrances. It can be left alone or even unbearable.

Thus, specifically, air filtration that operates to remove malodors, including those resulting from gas, defecation, and / or urination, directly from the air space of the toilet bowl, filter, and otherwise treat or process. And / or a malodor control assembly, and / or a system is required. By treating such malodors, the emission of malodors into the surrounding air space is eliminated or greatly reduced. Such processing and / or treatment of such malodor may include passing the malodorous air or aerosolized fluid through a filter assembly configured to operate to absorb the malodor. In addition, the proposed assembly and / or system of the type described may also include a filter assembly capable of removing aerosolized particles contained in "toilet smoke".

In addition, the treatment or processing of the fluid removed from the interior of the toilet bowl may also include bactericidal performance that acts to remove bacteria, bacteria, etc. before the fluid reaches the air or space surrounding the toilet. In addition, by modifying certain structural and operational features, the improved malodor removal assembly and / or the versatility of the system is increased, thereby both in the home and in the commercial environment. Can be used. Finally, proposed and improved toilet malodor treatment assemblies and systems that solve the known shortcomings of the above types can be easily serviced at a low price, yet are convenient enough to be replaced, installed and maintained. Should be designed for.

The present invention relates to an assembly that filters / removes malodor from the toilet bowl. In addition, one or more preferred embodiments of the filtration assembly are to filter / remove malodors from the air and also to treat aerosolized fluids resulting from "toilet smoke" that may occur during toilet flushing. Operate. Of the plurality of possible filtration assembly embodiments, as described in great detail below, the other embodiments are used in either a home environment, a commercial environment, and / or both. It can be structurally and operationally adapted as such.

Accordingly, at least one preferred embodiment of the invention includes a first enclosure having a fan assembly that is spaced away from and contained within the toilet bowl. The second housing includes an intake that is adjacent to the toilet bowl and is fluidly communicated with the inside of the toilet bowl. The second housing includes a filter portion and a connector portion that are detachably connected to each other, and the filter is fixedly arranged and held in the filter portion. Further, the fixed and held filter is adjacent to the intake and / or in other embodiments of the intake so as to receive fluid that enters the interior of the filter portion of the second housing through the intake. It is located on the downstream side.

The elongated conduit is arranged so that the inside of the first housing and the inside of the second housing are interconnected and fluid communicates with each other. The elongated conduit allows the fluid flow entering the second housing to pass through the filter held by the intake and the filter portion, further through the inside of the connector portion, and along the length of the conduit. It is arranged so as to face the inside of the housing. Therefore, at the same time as the operation of the fan assembly in the first housing, the fluid flow path is from the intake, through the filter of the filter part of the second housing, through the connector part, and the length of the conduit. Along, further enters the interior of the first housing and is established through it.

Further, the fan assembly is configured to direct the fluid flow from the inside of the first housing to the outside when actuated. As a result, the air / fluid entering the second enclosure through the intake is then returned to the space or area surrounding the toilet, at least with respect to removing or largely eliminating the malodor contained therein. Is processed enough.

Further structural and operational features of at least one embodiment of the filtration assembly are mounted in a first enclosure to include the fan assembly comprising at least one or instead a plurality of fan units. include. Thus, when one or more fan units are activated, one or more fan units individually and / or collectively direct the fluid flow along the path of travel from within the second enclosure. , Through a conduit, further through the interior of the first housing, and directed outwards from there.

As shown, the filter and connector sections that collectively and at least partially define the second enclosure are detachably connected to each other so that their interiors are in direct fluid communication. The removable connection between them preferably includes, but is not limited to, the inner ends of both the filter and the connector that are co-configured to achieve mutually removable attachment. Further, in at least one embodiment, the collaborative structural features of the filter portion and the inner end portion of the connector portion of the second housing provide an inset connection between them and a "snap fit" attachment. make it easier. This allows them to be quickly and easily detached from each other.

In that regard, another practical advantage of this embodiment of the filtration assembly is that the filter section and the filter fixed and held therein are collectively removed from the connector section and discarded after a predetermined period of use. Including that it was configured as. The new filter section, and the filter contained therein, can then be connected to the existing and / or the same connector section for continuous long-term use of the rest of the filtration assembly.

To facilitate packing, shipping, installation, and maintenance of the filtration assembly, the elongated conduit is detachably attached to both the first and second enclosures, the latter with a connector section. Attached via.

A further feature is the inclusion of a secondary filter located inside the first housing and further upstream of the fluid entering the first housing through the conduit and downstream of the fan assembly. Can include. As a result, the fluid that enters the inlet of the filter portion of the second housing and from there along the conduit that enters the first housing is further filtered to further facilitate the removal of malodor. Further, although not essential, a scent emitting structure or device may also preferably be included within the first housing.

For home environments, home use, the embodiments of the filtration assembly may include a manual on / off user interface. Such an interface may preferably be placed in an exposed position outside the first housing. Further, a printed circuit board, or a control circuit in the form of another suitable control circuit, may be included in the first housing. Further, the control circuit may also include a time delay performance that facilitates manual operation of the fan assembly and then automatic stop after a predetermined time. Instead, and / or additionally, manipulate the manual on / off user interface to extend the operation of the fan assembly or stop it before a given amount of time. sell. Along with this, the present embodiment can be preferably operated by a battery pack and appropriately powered for quick and easy installation, maintenance and the like.

One or more further embodiments of the filtration assembly of the present invention are structurally and operatively similar to those of the embodiment, but may be more adapted for use in a commercial environment. Thus, one further embodiment of the filtration assembly is spaced apart from the toilet bowl and includes a first enclosure comprising a filter assembly. The second housing includes an intake that is located adjacent to the toilet bowl and is fluidly communicated with the inside of the toilet bowl. The elongated conduits can be arranged so that the interiors of the first and second enclosures are connected to each other to allow fluid communication.

Further, the fan assembly is mounted in the first housing with fluid communication with the conduit, and further with fluid communication with the inside of the second housing and associated intakes through the conduit. Therefore, the fan assembly is configured to direct the fluid flow from the conduit, through the interior of the first housing, and after processing, outward from there to the outside of the first housing. .. Therefore, by operating the fan assembly inside the first housing, the fan assembly is operated from the intake of the second housing, through the conduit, inside the first housing, and further through the filter assembly. Further, a fluid flow path extending to return to the space, area, or environment surrounding the toilet is defined or established outside the first housing.

Further features of one or more embodiments of the filtration assembly that may be more adapted for use in a commercial environment include a filter assembly comprising a first filter unit and a second filter unit, both. The unit is located upstream of the conduit and downstream of the fan assembly. The first filter unit may be a carbon-based filter that operates primarily to remove malodor from the air / gas passing through it. The second filter unit of the filter assembly is preferably configured to treat the aerosolized fluid and any particulate matter contained therein and may include a HEPA filter. As shown, the aerosolized fluid can result from flushing the toilet and the formation of "toilet smoke" that can contain malodors and produce particulate excretory material.

In addition to the filter assembly containing the first and second filter units, the fluid sterilization assembly may be located upstream of the conduit and downstream of the fan assembly within the first enclosure. The sterilization assembly is at least one or instead of at least one or more ultraviolet (UV) located in a fluid flow path exiting the filter assembly or, in other ways, inside a first enclosure. May include a light source.

Possible installation and use of this further embodiment of the filtration assembly of the present invention may include, but is not limited to, inclusion of a sensor assembly such as a motion sensor. The sensor assembly may preferably be mounted / oriented in a first housing to detect the presence of an individual using the toilet. The sensor assembly may further be configured to operate the fan assembly while the individual stays in a predetermined detection zone. The automatic stop of the fan assembly occurs when the individual is not in the detection zone. Powering to fan assemblies typically associated with most commercial locations, including dressing rooms and / or semi-public toilet facilities, is best achieved by a direct wired connection to conventional AC power. sell.

These and other purposes, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the drawings and detailed description.

For a more complete understanding of the essence of the invention, the following detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Throughout some of the drawings, similar reference numbers refer to similar parts.

It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the assembly of this invention in the assembled form. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 of one motion arrangement. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an assembly of an embodiment of FIG. 1 with an operating arrangement different from that shown in FIG. 2A. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of the 1st housing of embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the outside of the 2nd housing of embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a vertical cross section of the inside of the embodiment of FIG. 4A. It is a perspective view which shows the cross section in the horizontal direction inside the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B. It is an elevation view seen from the front which shows roughly one operation arrangement of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of an assembly of the invention that has been operationally arranged in different toilet structures. It is a perspective view seen from the front of the embodiment of the assembly as shown in FIG. 6, and is shown by cutting out a part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the inside of the embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a vertical cross section of the inside of the embodiment of FIG.

The present invention relates to an assembly that filters malodor emitted from a toilet bowl, one that operates to filter / remove malodor from air and / or from aerosolized fluid or "toilet smoke" generated by flushing the toilet. The above embodiments are included. Of the plurality of possible filtration assembly embodiments, as described in great detail below, different embodiments are to be used in a home environment, and / or a commercial environment, and / or both. It can be structurally and operationally adapted.

Thus, primarily with reference to FIGS. 1-5, at least one preferred embodiment of the filtration assembly is generally indicated by reference number 10 and includes a first enclosure 12 and a second enclosure 14. As schematically shown in FIGS. 2A to 2B, the first housing 12 is placed apart from the toilet bowl 100, such as by being placed on a water storage tank 102 operably associated with the toilet bowl 100. Further, the second housing 14 is directly adjacent to the inside 103 of the toilet bowl 100, communicates with fluid, and is freely mounted and / or supported on the outer peripheral edge portion 100'of the toilet bowl 100. Fitted as. The operating arrangement of the second housing 14 is mounted on the side surface portion of the toilet bowl 100 as shown in FIG. 2A and / or as shown in FIG. 2B, the toilet seat 106 (see FIG. 5). It may be placed in the rear portion of the toilet bowl 100 substantially adjacent to the connection area 105 of the above.

The filtration assembly 10 further comprises an elongated, preferably flexible material, a conduit 16 arranged to interconnect and fluidly communicate the interiors of both the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. .. As shown, the length and flexibility of the conduit 16 also vary, and as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the second housing 14 is different on the outer / upper edge 100'of the toilet bowl 100. It may be easy to selectively place and place it in the operating position. To facilitate shipping, storage, installation, maintenance, etc. of the filtration assembly 10, the conduit 16 is detachably connected to both the first and second enclosures 12, 14, respectively.

Further, the first and second enclosures 12, 14 may be removable, but with different operating arrangements on the toilet bowl 100 and the water storage tank 102, using adhesive or other suitable connection structure. It will be securely placed. Such an adhesive, or other connecting structure, is preferably the underside or rear of the first and second enclosures 12, 14 that engage the water storage tank 102 and the toilet rim 100', respectively. Placed on the side surface portion or directly associated.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 3, the structural and operational features of the first housing 12 are at least partially hollow and include interiors of dimensions suitable for enclosing a plurality of operating elements. More specifically, the first enclosure 12 includes the fan assembly generally referred to by reference number 18, which includes at least one fan unit 20, or instead, a plurality of fan units 20. As shown, the one or more fan units 20 allow fluid to flow outward from the inside of the first housing 12 and the conduit 16 to the outside of the first housing 12 in a region or space surrounding the toilet 100. Arranged to work towards. As shown, the conduit 16 is detachably connected to the first housing 12 by a suitable fitting portion 16', and the inside of the conduit 16 is fluid directly with the inside of the first housing 12. Arranged to communicate.

Further structural elements within the first housing 12 generally include the control circuit shown by reference number 24, which may be in the form of a printed circuit board, or other suitable circuit, and then It may be powered by the battery 26, or instead, by AC power (not shown). Due to the structural and operational versatility of the filtration assembly 10, including, but not limited to, battery power as described, and ease of use, installation, maintenance, etc., the filtration assembly 10 is home. , And / or may be suitable for use in a home environment.

Further, to ensure proper and effective filtration of fluid from the inside of the toilet bowl 100 through the filtration assembly 10, the first enclosure 12 also includes a secondary filter 22 used with the primary filter 36 thereof. Both can be activated carbons described in more detail below in relation to the second enclosure 14.

Therefore, mainly as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the second housing 14 includes a filter portion 30 and a connector portion 32 that are detachably connected to each other, and the insides thereof directly communicate with each other. Arranged to do. Further, the filter unit 30 includes an air / fluid intake 34 formed at the outer end of the filter unit 30 by at least partially defining the outer end. Further, the primary filter structure 36 communicates directly with the fluid that enters the inside of the filter unit 30 through the intake port 34, and is fixedly arranged inside the filter unit 30.

The connector section 32 includes a suitable fitting section, indicated by a reference number of 16 ”, which facilitates removable connection to the corresponding end of the conduit 16 and thus the filtration assembly 10 at least in the figure. When assembled as shown in 1 and 2A-2B, the interior of the elongated conduit 16 is the interior of the second enclosure 14, including the interior of both the removable filter portion 30 and the connector portion 32, as well as the interior of the second enclosure 14. It is arranged so that the fluid communicates directly with the inside of the first housing 12.

Further, the removable connection portion of the filter portion 30 and the connector portion 32 of the second housing 14 is substantially a fitting type and / or a snap-fit type connection as shown in both FIGS. 4A to 4B. Can be defined by a part. Therefore, the inner end of the filter portion 30 is at least partially flexible and can at least partially enter the interior of the opening inner end 32'of the connector portion 32. Further, the inner end of the filter portion 30 includes a fixed rib, or a similar structure 38, which is an opening or recess correspondingly formed adjacent to the inner end 32'of the connector portion 32. Within 38', arranged, dimensioned and configured for removable acceptance. Due to the flexibility of at least the inner end portion of the filter portion 30, the one or more fixing ribs 38 are "snap-fitted" to the correspondingly arranged one or more recesses 38'.

By detachably connecting the filter unit 30 from the connector unit 32, the filter unit 30 and the filter 36 contained therein are, if accurately described, a replaceable “single-use” filter means. Will be easier. More specifically, the filter 36 may need to be replaced after a predetermined period of use for efficient operation. The replacement of the filter 36 is performed by removing the second housing 14 from the operating arrangement (see FIGS. 2A-2B) and then removing the filter portion 30 from the connector portion 32. The filter unit 30 and the filter 36 fixedly held therein are configured to be collectively discarded when removed. After that, when the second housing 14 is placed in the intended operating position, a new or replacement filter unit 30 and a fixedly held filter 36 are connected to the connector for continued use of the filtration assembly 10. It can be reattached to the portion 32.

Therefore, when completely assembled and arranged in the intended operation arrangement as shown in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B, the intake 34 of the filter portion 30 of the second housing 14 passes through the inside of the filter portion 36 and the connector portion 32. A fan assembly 18 that includes one or more fan units 20 in, and further through, through a secondary filter 28, along the internal length of the conduit 16. A fluid flow path through and out of the first housing 12 is defined and / or established.

A further feature of the filtration assembly 10 is the additional fragrance or scent material placed in one or both of the first and second enclosures 12, 14 as clearly shown at least in FIGS. 4B and 4C. It may include 40 inclusions.

In order to ensure an appropriate operating arrangement in which the second housing 14 is in direct fluid communication with the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100, the outer end 14'of the filter portion 30 is provided as schematically shown in FIG. It has and is configured with appropriate dimensions to fit into the interstitial space under the closed seat 106 associated with the toilet bowl 100. For clarity, the filtration assembly 10, specifically including the second enclosure 14, is oriented in the correct direction to properly indicate the spacing 109 between the toilet seat 106 and the upper or outer edge 100'. No.

As is normally configured and used, the toilet seat 106 is spaced above the edge 100'by providing one or more cushioning materials 107 that are typically attached to the underside of the toilet seat 106. Along with that, further referring to FIG. 4B, the outer end 14'of the filter section 30 has a reduced "height" 14 "in the region continuous and / or adjacent to the inlet 34, preferably generally about 13 mm. Therefore, by reducing the height of the outer end 14'of the filter portion 30, the outer end 14'is the toilet bowl, as schematically represented by the direction arrow 111. It has and is configured to have sufficient dimensions to allow direct fluid communication with the interior 103 of the 100 and to fit into the space 109 between the toilet seat 106 and the outer edge 100'.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, one or more further embodiments of the present invention may include a filtration assembly 10'that is configured and operates in the same manner as the embodiment of the filtration assembly 10, but as shown in FIG. In addition, it may be more suitable for use in a commercial environment. Accordingly, at least one further embodiment of the present invention includes a filtration assembly 10'with a first housing 50 that is separated from the toilet bowl 100 and further separated from the second housing 52. In the case of a commercial environment, the first housing 50 may be placed on the exposed wall surface 110 adjacent to the toilet bowl 100. Further, because of the operational arrangement in a commercial environment, the filtration assembly 10'can be powered by conventional AC power via the wired connection 112. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the filtration assembly 10'also includes an elongated conduit 54 arranged to interconnect the interior of the first housing 50 and the interior of the second housing 52 to allow fluid communication. Therefore, the elongated conduit 54 can behave similarly to the conduit 16 of the filtration assembly 10.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 7, the second housing 52 includes an inlet 56 that is operational and arranged immediately adjacent to the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100, where the inlet 56 receives fluid and is inside the toilet bowl 100. It communicates with 103 in fluid. To provide stability, is the second housing 52 connected to a water pipe associated with the toilet bowl 100 and operating to facilitate washing of the toilet bowl 100 and / or a pipe fixing portion 114? , By them, supported in other embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first housing 50 includes, in it, the filter assembly generally indicated by reference number 58. Further, the fan assembly, generally referred to by reference number 60, communicates fluidly with the conduit 54 within the first housing 50, and further through the conduit 54 to the inside of the second housing 52 and associated with it. It is placed so that it communicates with the inlet 56 in a fluid manner. Thus, the fan assembly 60, when actuated, allows the fluid flow 120 exiting the conduit 54 to pass through the interior of the first housing 50, be filtered by the filter assembly 58, and then outward from there. It is arranged so as to face the outside of the first housing 50 as schematically represented by the arrow 120'representing. Therefore, by operating the fan assembly 60 inside the first housing 50, from the intake 56 of the second housing 52, through the conduit 54, to the inside of the first housing 50, the next A fluid flow path 120 is defined or established that extends through the filter assembly 58 to the outside of the first housing 50 and further back to the space, region, or environment surrounding the toilet bowl 100.

A further feature of one or more embodiments that further adapts the filtration assembly 10'for use in a commercial environment is a filter assembly 58 that includes a first filter unit 64 and a second filter unit 66. And both of them are located in the fluid flow path 120, upstream of the conduit 54 and downstream of the fan assembly 60. The first filter unit 64 is a carbon-based and / or activated carbon filter that can operate primarily to remove malodor from the air / gas passing through it. The second filter unit 66 of the filter assembly 58 is preferably configured to treat the aerosolized fluid and any particulate matter contained therein. Therefore, the second filter unit 66 may include a HEPA filter. As shown, the aerosolized fluid can be generated by washing the toilet with water and also by the generation of "toilet water smoke" that contains malodor and can produce particulate excretory material.

It is also noticed and found that the intake 56 of the second housing 52 is immediately adjacent to the inside 103 of the toilet bowl 100 and more preferably located outside the inside 103 of the toilet bowl 100. Thus, the fan assembly 60 is appropriately powered or otherwise configured to expose the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100 to a sufficiently strong fluid flow to allow the aerosolized fluid along the fluid flow path 120. Then, from the inside 103 of the toilet bowl 100, through the intake 56, further through the conduit 54, inside the first housing 50, and then through the filter assembly 58, the first housing 50. "Pull out" and / or collect from the outside of the toilet.

In addition to the filter assembly 58 including the first and second filter units 64, 66, the fluid sterilization assembly 70 is placed along the fluid flow path 120, within the first housing 50, upstream of the conduit 54. It can be placed on the side and on the downstream side of the fan assembly 60. The sterilization assembly 70 exits the filter assembly 58 or, in other embodiments, is located in the fluid flow path 120 through the interior of the first housing 50 with at least one or instead of a plurality of ultraviolet rays (UV). ) The light source 72 may be included.

Possible installation and use of the filtration assembly 10'of the present invention in this further embodiment may include, but is not limited to, a sensor assembly 74 such as a motion sensor. The sensor assembly 74 is preferably placed in a position at least partially exposed on the first housing 50 facing the anterior portion of the toilet bowl 100 so as to detect the presence of an individual using the toilet bowl 100. Can be placed / directed. The sensor assembly 74 may also be configured to operate the fan assembly 60 while the individual remains in a predetermined detection zone associated with the use of the toilet bowl. The automatic stop of the fan assembly 60 is performed when the individual is no longer in the detection zone. Typically, for most commercial locations, including dressing rooms and / or semi-public toilet facilities, the power supply to the fan assembly 60 is provided by a direct wired connection 112 to conventional AC power. Is the most preferable. The interconnection of the fan assembly 60, the sensor assembly 74, one or more light sources 72, and other electric structures of the filtration assembly 10'is, but is not limited to, the printed circuit 24 as described for the filtration assembly 10. It can be realized by an appropriate control circuit such as.

As an addable feature, an fragrance dispenser device or structure 40'similar to the fragrance dispenser structure 40 of the embodiments of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C may be included inside the first housing 50.

The details of the preferred embodiments of the invention described are subject to numerous modifications, modifications and variations, and all the matters described so far and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and meant to be limiting. Intended not. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be specified by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

10, 10'Filtration assembly 12, 50 First housing 14, 52 Second housing 16, 54 Conduit 58 Filter assembly 18, 60 Fan assembly 20 Fan unit 30 Filter part 32 Connector part 34, 56 Intake 64 1 filter unit 66 2nd filter unit 72 Light source 74 Sensor assembly 100 Toilet bowl 102 Water storage tank 106 Toilet seat

Claims (27)

In an assembly that filters the odor of a toilet bowl
The first housing separated from the toilet bowl and
A fan assembly arranged in the first housing in communication with the outside thereof,
It includes an intake that is fluidly communicated with the inside of the toilet bowl, and further includes a filter portion and a connector portion that are detachably connected to each other, and the filter portion is arranged while holding the filter. The second housing and
An elongated conduit arranged so that the inside of the first housing and the inside of the second housing are interconnected and fluidally communicated with each other.
Simultaneously with the operation of the fan assembly, from the intake, through the filter, along the length of the conduit, further into the first housing, through the inside and out of it. Including the fluid flow path to be
The filter unit and the assembly are configured to be removed from the connector unit and discarded. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fan assembly comprises at least one fan unit arranged to direct fluid flow along the traveling path. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fan assembly includes a plurality of fan units arranged together so as to direct the fluid flow along the traveling path. A secondary filter arranged in the first housing on the downstream side of the fan assembly and on the upstream side of the conduit is provided.
Including more
The assembly of claim 2, wherein the fluid flow path comprises the secondary filter. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion is arranged so as to interconnect the filter portion including the filter and the conduit to allow fluid communication. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the conduit is detachably connected to the second housing via the connector portion. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the conduit is detachably connected to the first housing. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the filter portion includes a corresponding arrangement portion of the connector portion and an inner end portion co-configured to define a removable, inset-type engaging portion. The removable, inset-type engaging portion further includes a substantially snap-fit type connection portion, and the snap-fit type connection portion is mounted on the filter portion and formed on the connector portion. 8. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the assembly is recessably arranged within the recess and is at least partially defined by at least one fixing rib having such dimensions. The filter portion includes an outer end portion adjacent to the intake.
1 The assembly described. 10. The assembly of claim 10, wherein a portion of the outer end adjacent to the inlet comprises a height of about 13 mm or less. 10. The first housing is interconnected with the second housing via the conduit and is arranged on the outer surface of a water storage tank operably associated with the toilet bowl. The assembly described in. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the filter is enclosed and fixedly placed in the filter portion on the downstream side of the intake. In an assembly that filters the odor of a toilet bowl
A first enclosure that is isolated from the toilet bowl and contains a filter assembly,
A second housing that is adjacent to the toilet bowl and includes an inlet that is fluidly communicated with the interior of the toilet bowl.
A conduit arranged so as to interconnect the inside of the first housing and the inside of the second housing to allow fluid communication, and
A fan assembly that is placed in the first housing in a fluid communication manner with the conduit, and the fluid flow is directed from the conduit through the inside of the first housing and from there to the outside. The fan assembly, which is arranged so as to face the outside of the first housing,
Simultaneously with the operation of the fan assembly, a fan assembly including a fluid flow path extending from the intake through the conduit and the filter assembly to the outside of the first housing. 14. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the filter assembly comprises a first filter unit configured to treat malodor in a fluid passing through it. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first filter unit includes a carbon-based filter. 15. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the filter assembly further comprises a second filter unit configured to process fine particles in an aerosolized fluid passing through it. 15. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the second filter unit comprises a HEPA filter. A fluid sterilization assembly disposed upstream of the conduit and downstream of the fan assembly in the first housing.
17. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising. 19. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the fluid sterilization assembly comprises at least one UV light source. 19. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the first filter unit, the second filter unit, and the fluid sterilization assembly are located within the fluid flow path. A fluid sterilization assembly that comprises at least one UV light source and is located upstream of the conduit and downstream of the fan assembly within the first enclosure.
The assembly of claim 14, further comprising. A sensor assembly mounted on the first housing and configured to determine the use of the toilet bowl by an individual.
The assembly of claim 14, further comprising. 23. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the sensor assembly comprises a motion sensor. 23. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the first housing is structurally adapted to be wall mounted in an operating arrangement separated from the toilet bowl. The separated movement arrangement includes an arrangement in which the sensor assembly facing outward from the support wall portion of the first housing and the first housing is exposed to a substantially front portion of the toilet bowl. 25. The assembly according to claim 25. In the separated operation arrangement, the intake is further arranged in the rear portion of the toilet bowl adjacent to the connection portion of the toilet seat to the toilet bowl, and at the same time, the first housing is the second casing. 25. The assembly of claim 25, comprising an arrangement connected to the body via said conduit.

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