NZ726733B2 - Toilet bowl unit - Google Patents
Toilet bowl unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ726733B2 NZ726733B2 NZ726733A NZ72673315A NZ726733B2 NZ 726733 B2 NZ726733 B2 NZ 726733B2 NZ 726733 A NZ726733 A NZ 726733A NZ 72673315 A NZ72673315 A NZ 72673315A NZ 726733 B2 NZ726733 B2 NZ 726733B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- toilet bowl
- unit
- slot
- peripheral
- water
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 85
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 102000010637 Aquaporins Human genes 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 108010063290 Aquaporins Proteins 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-UHOFOFEASA-O Serpentine Natural products O=C(OC)C=1[C@@H]2[C@@H]([C@@H](C)OC=1)C[n+]1c(c3[nH]c4c(c3cc1)cccc4)C2 WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-UHOFOFEASA-O 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 abstract 4
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 22
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 18
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003670 easy-to-clean Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/02—Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/02—Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
- E03D11/06—Bowls with downwardly-extending flanges for the sake of flushing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/02—Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
- E03D11/08—Bowls with means producing a flushing water swirl
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D2201/00—Details and methods of use for water closets and urinals not otherwise provided for
- E03D2201/40—Devices for distribution of flush water inside the bowl
Abstract
toilet bowl unit (1) comprises a toilet bowl (101) with an inner toilet bowl surface (102) having an upper peripheral portion (103), a central peripheral portion (104) and a lower sump portion (105). A peripheral slot (400) separates a lower edge (305) of the upper peripheral portion (103) from an upper edge (203) of the central peripheral portion (104). A peripheral water channel (210) is concealed inside the toilet bowl unit (1) and has a side wall (211) which is a weir over which water may flow into the peripheral slot (400). The slot (400) has a discharge opening (401) which is substantially horizontal at the rear and sides of the inner toilet bowl surface (102), for discharging a curtain of water, and includes at least one serpentine portion at the front of the inner toilet bowl surface (102), for discharging a jet of water. The horizontal portions of the discharge opening (401) are positioned just below a seat platform surface (302) in order to minimise the unwashed area at the top of the inner toilet bowl surface (102). upper edge (203) of the central peripheral portion (104). A peripheral water channel (210) is concealed inside the toilet bowl unit (1) and has a side wall (211) which is a weir over which water may flow into the peripheral slot (400). The slot (400) has a discharge opening (401) which is substantially horizontal at the rear and sides of the inner toilet bowl surface (102), for discharging a curtain of water, and includes at least one serpentine portion at the front of the inner toilet bowl surface (102), for discharging a jet of water. The horizontal portions of the discharge opening (401) are positioned just below a seat platform surface (302) in order to minimise the unwashed area at the top of the inner toilet bowl surface (102).
Description
TOILET BOWL UNIT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is in the technical field of toilets and is particularly directed to
an improved toilet bowl unit for a toilet.
BACKGROUND
When flushing a toilet, it is desirable to ensure that as much as possible of the inner
surface of the toilet bowl is washed clean by the flushing water. It is also desirable to reduce
the possibility for waste to remain hidden out of sight in the toilet bowl and that the toilet bowl
should have an attractive appearance and be easy to clean.
For many years, the conventional toilet has had a rim channel which overhangs the
toilet bowl and which discharges water downwards into the toilet bowl through an open-bottom
chamber or holes in the bottom wall of the overhanging rim.
In an attempt to improve the flushing of the toilet bowl surface and to reduce the
places where waste can hide out of sight, so-called “rimless” toilets have been proposed in
recent years. An example is shown in WO2009/030904 (Ideal Standard), the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
Another example of a “rimless” toilet is shown in US2013/0219605 (AS IP Holdco,
LLC), which shows an American version of a rimless toilet having a “sump jet” which
discharges into the sump of the toilet bowl. The contents of US2013/0219605 are also
incorporated herein by reference for aiding the technical understanding of the reader.
These prior art rimless toilets can still leave un-rinsed various portions of the inner
toilet bowl surface that are not flushed in an effective manner by the water. In particular, the
rear surface portion and the front top portion of the bowl may not be washed clean. Moreover,
recent amendments to the EN standards (EN 997) allow for an unwashed circumferential strip
running around the top edge of the bowl and having a depth of 85 mm below the upper rim
surface of the “rimless” toilet.
A toilet bowl that is visually attractive, easy to clean and hygienic (without undercuts
which are exposed to faecal matter) is also desirable, such as in the commercial market for
toilets where a toilet may be used by members of the public. Examples of locations include
hospitals, care homes, offices, schools and hotels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet bowl unit
comprising:
a toilet bowl with an inner toilet bowl surface having an upper peripheral portion, a
central peripheral portion and a lower sump portion;
a peripheral slot which separates a lower edge of the upper peripheral portion from
an upper edge of the central peripheral portion, and which has a discharge opening; and
a peripheral water channel which is concealed inside the toilet bowl unit and has a
side wall which is a weir over which water may flow into the peripheral slot; and
wherein the discharge opening of the peripheral slot includes at least one local
downward deflection of the discharge opening, and the or each local downward deflection is a
serpentine downward deflection which is positioned in the front half of the toilet bowl. .
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet bowl
unit as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising:
a base unit which provides the central peripheral portion and the lower sump portion
of the inner toilet bowl surface; and
a top unit which provides the upper peripheral portion of the inner toilet bowl surface;
wherein the top unit is joined to the base unit and the peripheral water channel is
provided between the top unit and the base unit; and
wherein the top unit comprises a plate having an aperture surrounded by a
downwardly-depending annular wall which provides the upper peripheral portion of the inner
toilet bowl surface.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a toilet bowl unit
comprising:
a toilet bowl with an inner toilet bowl surface having an upper peripheral portion, a
central peripheral portion and a lower sump portion;
a peripheral slot which separates a lower edge of the upper peripheral portion from
an upper edge of the central peripheral portion; and
a peripheral water channel which is concealed inside the toilet bowl unit and has a
side wall which is a weir over which water may flow into the peripheral slot.
The peripheral slot may be configured to discharge a “curtain” of water onto the
inner toilet bowl surface for efficient and effective cleaning purposes.
In some embodiments, the peripheral water channel is located radially outwards of
an outer toilet bowl surface of the toilet bowl.
For example, the toilet bowl unit may have an outer wall around at least the front and
sides of the toilet bowl. This outer wall may give an attractive outer shape to the overall toilet
bowl unit. The peripheral water channel may be located between the outer wall and the toilet
bowl. Alternatively, if the wall of the toilet bowl is itself sufficiently thick, the peripheral water
channel may be located in the thickness of the toilet bowl wall.
In some embodiments, the weir is located radially outwards of the outer toilet bowl
surface of the toilet bowl.
Preferably, the peripheral slot extends around at least 80%, 90%, 95% or 98% of the
circumference of the inner toilet bowl surface. Preferably the peripheral slot extends around
100% of the circumference. In other words, the peripheral slot is annular.
Preferably, the peripheral slot faces downwards and radially inwards into the toilet
bowl. Thus, the slot may guide or direct a curtain of water that exits the slot down onto the
inner toilet bowl surface.
Preferably, the lower edge of the upper peripheral portion is stepped radially inwards
from the upper edge of the central peripheral portion by 1 to 10 mm. Preferred ranges include
1 (or 2) mm to 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm or 3 mm. A particularly preferred
range is 2 to 5 mm. From a distance, this helps to ensure that the toilet bowl appears to have
a smooth contour or shape for the inner toilet bowl surface. A small step inwards also helps to
ensure that waste is less likely to be trapped unseen in the toilet bowl for a prolonged period of
time between the routine regular manual cleaning of the toilet bowl. The cleaning is also made
easier because the operative can easily see all parts of the inner toilet bowl surface.
Preferably, the peripheral slot has a depth between a roof and a floor of the slot at
the discharge opening of the slot of between 1 mm and 10 mm. Preferred ranges are 2 mm
(or 3 mm) to 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm or 4 mm. A particularly preferred range
for the depth of the slot is 3 mm to 5 mm.
Preferably, the roof and the floor of the slot are generally parallel as the slot extends
back from the discharge opening of the slot towards the peripheral water channel in a radially
outwards and upwards direction.
Preferably, the slot is angled at 20 to 35 degrees (more preferably, 25 to 30 degrees)
relative to the horizontal.
Preferably, the depth of the discharge opening of the slot at all measurement points
around the periphery of the inner toilet bowl surface does not vary by more than plus or minus
3 mm from an average slot depth value. This helps to give the slot a substantially uniform
visual appearance and to produce a substantially uniform curtain of water during flushing. The
average slot depth value may be, for example, 4 mm. If the variation is limited to plus or minus
2 mm, 1 mm or 0.5 mm, the slot may be given an even more uniform and pleasing visual
appearance.
Preferably, the discharge opening of the peripheral slot is generally or substantially
horizontal around at least 50% (or 60%, 70% or 80%) of the periphery of the inner toilet bowl
surface (and is not horizontal, e.g. is serpentine, around substantially all of the rest of the
periphery of the inner toilet bowl surface).
Preferably, the discharge opening of the slot includes at least one local downward
deflection (in the peripheral direction of the inner toilet bowl surface). The or each local
downward deflection is preferably a serpentine downward deflection. It may be in the form of a
lobe. Usually, the or each local downward deflection is positioned in the front half of the toilet
bowl.
When the discharge opening of the slot is annular, the annulus of the discharge
opening may comprise substantially horizontal portion(s) at the rear and the sides of the inner
toilet bowl surface and serpentine portion(s) in the front half of the inner toilet bowl surface.
There may be a single local downward deflection which is, for example, positioned
centrally at the front of the toilet bowl.
Preferably, first and second local downward deflections of the discharge opening of
the slot are positioned at the front of the toilet bowl on respective sides of the bowl. They are
preferably symmetrically positioned relative to a front to rear axis of the toilet bowl.
Preferably, at the or each local downward deflection of the discharge opening of the
slot, a corresponding portion of the weir of the peripheral water channel has a (locally) reduced
height (e.g. a substantially zero height). This helps to produce a local (high flow rate) stream
in contrast to the curtain of water which issues from substantially horizontal portion(s) of the
discharge opening. The portion of the weir with reduced height may comprise a gap in the
weir between adjacent (full height) portions of the weir.
When the toilet bowl unit has two local downward deflections of the slot, the
arrangement may be such that the two streams or jets of water produced by the local
downward deflections collide in front of the sump and produce a plume which drops into the
lower sump portion of the toilet bowl and provides the main motive energy for flushing out the
sump.
Preferably, the toilet bowl unit has a top surface which is a seat platform surface for
supporting a toilet seat, and substantially horizontal portion(s) of the discharge opening of the
peripheral slot are positioned 10 to 25 mm below the seat platform surface. This configuration
helps to reduce the wall area above the slot which will not be washed by the flushing water.
Preferably, the range is 10 to 20 mm, 15 to 20 mm, or 18 to 20 mm. A preferred value is 15
Preferably, at the discharge opening of the slot, the upper edge of the central
peripheral portion of the inner toilet bowl surface has a greater radius of curvature in the
vertical plane than the lower edge of the upper peripheral portion.
This helps to guide the “curtain” of water which exits the slot so that the curtain holds
onto the toilet bowl surface beneath the slot as the curtain of water flows down into the sump
of the toilet bowl. Thus, the curtain of water is better able to wash clean the entire toilet bowl
surface beneath the slot.
The radius of curvature of the upper edge of the central peripheral portion may be 5
to 15 mm (more preferably, 8 to 10 mm). The radius of curvature of the lower edge of the
upper peripheral portion may be 1 to 4 mm (more preferably, 2 to 3 mm).
Preferably, the toilet bowl unit comprises: a base unit which provides the central
peripheral portion and the lower sump portion of the inner toilet bowl surface; and a top unit
which provides the upper peripheral portion of the inner toilet bowl surface; wherein the top
unit is joined to the base unit and the peripheral water channel is provided between the top unit
and the base unit. This makes it easier to manufacture the toilet bowl unit. The base unit and
the top unit or cover may be separately moulded and then joined together in the manufacturing
process.
The peripheral water channel may be formed as an (annular) trough in the top
surface of the base unit. The peripheral water channel may then be closed or covered by the
top unit.
Preferably, the top unit comprises a plate having an aperture surrounded by a
downwardly-depending annular wall which provides the upper peripheral portion of the inner
toilet bowl surface.
Preferably, the area of the plate is substantially coterminous with the area of the top
of the base unit.
The downwardly-depending annular wall may include one or more lobes (at each
position where a stream of water is required to issue from the slot). For example, the
downwardly-depending annular wall may include two front lobes. These lobes are preferably
symmetrically positioned on respective sides of the aperture of the plate.
The side wall (weir) of the peripheral water channel may include a plurality of
circumferentially spaced-apart supports which support the underside of the plate of the top
unit. The size and shape of the supports may be chosen so that the curtain water flowing over
the weir and out of the slot does not have noticeable breaks in the curtain when the curtain
exits the slot. At each opening in the weir wall (for allowing a stream or jet of water to
discharge from the slot), a support may be provided on the weir wall at each side of the
opening. The supports may be moulded into the base unit during the manufacturing process.
Preferably, an inlet at the rear of the toilet bowl unit communicates with a manifold
which communicates with two arms of the peripheral water channel. The arms may extend
around the toilet bowl on respective sides of the toilet bowl and join together at the front of the
toilet bowl. Alternatively, distal (front) ends of the arms may be separated by a (small) gap at
the front of the toilet bowl. The water which flows over the weir at the front ends of the arms
may be arranged to combine together so that an uninterrupted curtain of water issues from the
slot at the front centre of the toilet bowl.
Preferably, the depth of the lobe(s) and associated weir opening(s) is such that, at
the end of a flushing cycle, they let air back into the peripheral water channel and partially or
entirely drain the water out of the rear inlet.
Preferably, the floor of the peripheral water channel is substantially horizontal in the
circumferential direction of the toilet bowl.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figures 1 to 3 show a left half of a toilet bowl unit of a first embodiment in side view,
rear perspective view and front perspective view.
Figures 4 to 6 show a right half of the toilet bowl unit in side view, rear perspective
view and front perspective view.
Figures 7 to 13 show the whole toilet bowl unit in rear perspective view, front
perspective view, rear view from above, side view, other side view, front view and rear view.
Figure 14 is a plan view of the toilet bowl unit and shows the cutting lines for the
sectional views of Figures 16 to 29.
Figure 15 is an underneath plan view of the toilet bowl unit.
Figures 16 to 29 are sectional views of the toilet bowl unit.
Figures 30 to 33 show the base unit of the toilet bowl unit (i.e. the toilet bowl unit
omitting the top unit in the form of a lid or cover) as a plan view, rear perspective view, front
perspective view and rear view from above.
Figures 34A and 34B show the base unit in perspective and plan view so as to show
more clearly the locations of the supports or upright projections on the weir wall which support
the underside of the top unit.
Figures 35A, 35B and 35C show the water channel and a lobe of the toilet bowl unit
and are a perspective view, a perspective sectional view and an enlarged sectional view.
Figures 36A, 36B and 36C show the water channel at a position where the water
discharge slot is horizontal and is arranged to produce a curtain of water and are a perspective
view, a perspective sectional view and an enlarged sectional view.
Figures 37A, 37B and 37C are similar to Figures 36A, 36B and 36C but show how
the radius of curvature of upper and lower edges of the discharge opening of the slot are
arranged to draw the curtain of water down onto the toilet bowl surface.
Figures 38A, 38B and 38C are line drawings produced from photographs showing a
flush test using coloured sawdust on a prior art toilet of the traditional type having an
overhanging rim channel.
Figures 39A, 39B and 39C are line drawings produced from photographs showing a
flush test using coloured sawdust on a prior art toilet of the “rimless” type.
Figures 40A, 40B and 40C are line drawings produced from photographs showing a
flush test using coloured sawdust on a toilet having a toilet bowl unit in accordance with the
present invention.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described
in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereof
are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed but, on the contrary, the
invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and
scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a toilet bowl unit in accordance with the present invention is
shown in the Figures. The toilet bowl unit 1 as illustrated is of the wall-mounted type, but the
present invention may be applied to any type of toilet including to floor-mounted toilets
(pedestal toilets). Also, the toilet bowl unit 1 as illustrated is of the “European” type in that it
does not have a “sump jet”, but the present invention may be applied to any type of toilet
including siphonic (e.g. “American”) type toilets which do have a “sump jet”.
The toilet bowl unit 1 is illustrated prior to a toilet seat being fitted to the top of the
unit 1 and prior to the unit 1 being connected to a source of water such as a tank and prior to
the sump outlet being connected to a sewer or the like. These actions would be performed in
order to produce a working toilet.
The toilet bowl unit 1 can be made using standard chinaware materials and
techniques. Moulds are used to form a base unit 200 and a top unit 300 and these two
components are joined together during the manufacturing process to form the final toilet bowl
unit 1 as a one-piece product.
The toilet bowl unit 1 includes a toilet bowl 101 having an inner toilet bowl surface
102 which may be considered as being divided in the vertical direction into an upper annular
portion 103, a central annular portion 104 and a lowermost sump portion 105.
The base unit 200 comprises an outer wall 201 which is generally U-shaped in
horizontal cross-section and which is positioned around an inner toilet bowl wall 202. The
inner surface of the toilet bowl wall 202 provides the central portion 104 and the lowermost
sump portion 105 of the overall inner toilet bowl surface 102. The outer surface of the toilet
bowl wall 202 provides an outer toilet bowl surface 106.
The top unit 300 comprises a plate 301 which sits on top of and is joined to the top of
the base unit 200. The top unit 300 has a top surface 302 onto which a toilet seat may be
fitted and a central aperture 303 which supports a downwardly-projecting annular wall 304
which projects down below the level of the plate 301. The annular inner surface of the wall
304 provides the upper portion 103 of the overall inner toilet bowl surface 102.
An annular lower edge 305 of the wall 304 is spaced above and slightly radially
inwards of a corresponding shaped upper annular edge 203 of the toilet bowl wall 202 at the
top of the central portion 104.
Thus there is an annular slot 400 defined between the top unit 300 and the base unit
200 between the edge 305 and the edge 203.
The rear and the sides of the slot 400 are horizontal, but at the front of the toilet bowl
101 the slot 400 has a sinuous or serpentine form at two positions. The horizontal portions of
the slot 400 are arranged to produce a generally uniform curtain of water during a flushing
operation, and the serpentine portions are arranged to produce two streams or jets. The
curtain of water serves to wash clean the inner toilet bowl surface 102. The two streams
collide and produce a plume of water which is intense enough to flush away the contents in a
sump 204. The flushed waste then exits the toilet bowl unit 1 via a sump outlet 205.
The base unit 200 has a rear inlet 206 for receiving flushing water such as from a
tank or cistern. The inlet 206 leads to a manifold 207 which splits the water into two flows and
directs the flows into two semi-circular arms 208, 209 of an annular water channel 210 which is
concealed inside the toilet bowl unit 1 by virtue of the top unit 300 having been fitted as a lid or
cover onto the top of the base unit 200 during the manufacturing process.
The annular water channel 210 is shaped like a trough and its annular floor is
generally horizontal. It is radially outwards of the outer toilet bowl surface 106 and is
positioned between the toilet bowl wall 202 and the outer wall 201 of the base unit 200. A
radially inner side wall 211 of the channel 210 functions as a weir because, during flushing,
water spills over the top of the wall 211 and flows radially inwards and downwards through the
slot 400 to enter the toilet bowl 101 as a curtain of water.
The wall 211 has two openings or gaps 212 (see Figures 31 to 33) at the front of the
toilet bowl 101. The openings 212 extend down to the floor level of the channel 210 and are
symmetrically positioned on respective sides of the toilet bowl unit 1 relative to a front to rear
longitudinal axis of the toilet bowl unit 1.
The openings 212 produce streams or jets of water during flushing, as will be
explained in more detail later. The two streams pass through the slot 400 but are more
powerful than the curtain of water which exits the horizontal portions of the slot 400.
Supports 213 project upwards from the wall 211 above the level of the horizontal top
or weir surface of the wall 211 and support the underside of the plate 301. The Figures show
seven supports 213. At the front of the toilet bowl 101 there are four supports 213, with two
supports 213 being positioned on respective sides of each of the two openings 212. Thus,
each opening 212 is defined between two supports 213. At the rear of the toilet bowl 101 there
are three supports 213, including a central support 213 which is positioned on top of a central
splitter portion 214 of the wall 211 which helps the manifold 207 to split the incoming water into
two flows for the water channel arms 208, 209. The central rear support 213 is shaped so as
not to impede excessively the water flowing over the splitter 214 to form the water curtain at
the rear of the toilet bowl 101.
The openings 212 are hidden from view because the wall 304 of the top unit 300
includes two front lobes 306 which project down below the level of the horizontal side and rear
portions of the wall 304. The lobes 306 are symmetrically positioned on the two sides of the
toilet bowl 101 and the lower edge 305 at the lobes 306 is serpentine so as to give the slot 400
an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The wall 304 does include a horizontal front portion
between the lobes 306 but this portion is of short length and the two lobes 306 effectively
appear to blend into one another.
Where the lobes 306 are not present, and where the water simply flows from the
channel 210 and over the top of the weir wall 211 (e.g. as in Figures 21 to 29), the roof and
floor of the slot 400 are generally parallel and form a passageway that is usually at an angle of
to 30 degrees to the horizontal (see Figure 36C).
At the centre of a lobe 306 (see Figure 35C), the water flows from the channel 210
through an opening 212 and into a lowermost part of the slot 400 where, again, the roof and
the floor of the slot 400 are generally parallel and form a passageway that slopes downwards
and radially inwards into the toilet bowl 101.
At positions of the slot 400 between these two extremes, such as in Figures 16, 19
and 20, the passageway of the slot has a generally dog-legged configuration as the water
flows over the weir, downwards and then radially inwards and downwards as the water
navigates its way behind the lobe 306 and out into the toilet bowl 101.
The exit or discharge opening 401 of the slot 400 usually has a height (depth from
floor to roof of the opening) of 3 to 5 mm (see Figure 36C). This gives the slot 400 a slim and
uniform appearance.
Where the slot 400 produces a curtain of water at the horizontal portions of the slot,
the radius of curvature of the lower edge 305 is usually 8 to 10 mm, and the radius of curvature
of the upper edge 203 is usually 2 to 3 mm (see Figure 37C). This helps the curtain of water,
as it exits the opening 401, to cling to the wall of the central portion 104 as it flows down into
the toilet bowl 101. In this way, the curtain of water can wash clean substantially all of the wall
surface of the central portion 104.
The water streams which flow out of the slot 400 from underneath the two lobes 306
are powerful enough to leave the toilet bowl surface 102 and project into the central volume of
the toilet bowl 101 in a generally rearwards and downwards direction. The two water streams
collide to form a plume of water which drops down into the sump 204 to flush waste matter and
water out of the sump 204 and through the sump outlet 205.
Because the slot 400 is annular and because water issues from the slot outlet 401 at
all points around the circumference of the slot 400, the issued water (water curtain and water
streams) washes clean all of the inner toilet bowl surface 102 that is below the level of the slot
400.
With the toilet bowl unit 1, in order to minimise the area of inner toilet bowl surface
102 which is not washed with water, because it is above the level of the slot 400, the height of
the lower edge 305 below the top surface 302 of the plate 301 is usually set to be 18 to 20 mm
(see Figure 36C).
The slot angle of 25 to 30 degrees below the horizontal (see Figure 36C) helps to
direct the water downwards as well as radially inwards. This configuration helps to reduce
splashing of the water out of the toilet bowl 101 during flushing.
The lower edge 305 is stepped radially inwards from the upper edge 203 (see Figure
36C) by usually 2 to 5 mm. This gives the inner toilet bowl surface 102 an almost smooth
appearance when viewed from a distance because the overhang (inward step) of the lower
edge 305 is barely visible. It also improves visibility of the toilet bowl 101 when it is being
manually cleaned by an operative and makes it less likely that any portion of the surface 102
will miss being scrubbed clean.
The water channel 210 is capped by the top unit 300 (see Figure 35C) and has a
typical width of 15 to 45 mm (including the opening 212 shown in Figure 35C), and a typical
height (depth) of 20 to 55 mm. The same height (depth) is used at other positions around the
circumference of the toilet bowl 101 (e.g. see Figure 36C) but the width of the channel 210 is
less where the side wall 211 is present to form the discharge weir. The height (depth) may be
greater (say the 55 mm value) at the rear of the toilet bowl unit 1 and may be lesser (say the
mm value) at the front of the toilet bowl unit 1. However, whilst the floor of the channel 210
may slope upwards to some extent from the rear to the front, the floor is generally flat or level
on a macro scale.
A flush test is shown being performed on three toilets in Figures 38A to 40C.
The toilet being tested in Figures 38A, 38B and 38C is a prior art toilet of the
traditional type having an overhanging rim channel. In Figure 38A, coloured sawdust has been
applied inside the toilet bowl to simulate a used toilet. In Figure 38B, the flushing occurs.
Figure 38C shows the completion of the test after the flushing has finished. From Figure 38C,
it may be seen that the toilet bowl surface below the overhanging rim channel is clean, but that
the tall side wall T1 of the overhanging rim channel is still covered with sawdust.
The toilet being tested in Figures 39A, 39B and 39C is a prior art toilet of the
“rimless” type. In Figure 39A, coloured sawdust has been applied inside the toilet bowl to
simulate a used toilet. In Figure 39B, the flushing occurs. Figure 39C shows the completion of
the test after the flushing has finished. From Figure 39C, it may be seen that the toilet bowl
surface below the annular ledge for guiding the flushing water is clean, but that the annular
wall T2 above the guiding ledge is still covered with sawdust. Also, the water distribution
feature at the rear of the guiding ledge is still covered with sawdust. In real life, the complex
shape of the water distribution feature can make it difficult to keep it fully clean with manual
cleaning.
The toilet being tested in Figures 40A, 40B and 40C is a toilet having a toilet bowl
unit 1 in accordance with the present invention. In Figure 40A, coloured sawdust has been
applied inside the toilet bowl to simulate a used toilet. In Figure 40B, the flushing occurs.
Figure 40C shows the completion of the test after the flushing has finished. From Figure 40C,
it may be seen that the toilet bowl surface below the annular flushing slot is clean. The height
of the “rim”, in the form of the downwardly-projecting wall and the lobes 306 of the top unit, is
sufficiently small or shallow that the “rim” did not pick up any “splattered” sawdust at the
beginning of the test during the sawdust-application phase. In real life, this means that the
overall toilet bowl unit 1 is likely to remain inherently clean simply through flushing of the toilet.
The need for manual cleaning is reduced.
Also, it has been found during tests of the toilet bowl unit 1 that the water flow (water
curtain and water streams) during flushing rapidly becomes quieter than for prior art toilet bowl
designs. In other words, the average noise level during the flush cycle is less.
It will be recognised that the various features, aspects and embodiments described
and illustrated herein may be used in any convenient combination and constitute part of the
invention.
Claims (15)
1. A toilet bowl unit comprising: a toilet bowl with an inner toilet bowl surface having an upper peripheral portion, a central peripheral portion and a lower sump portion; a peripheral slot which separates a lower edge of the upper peripheral portion from an upper edge of the central peripheral portion, and which has a discharge opening; and a peripheral water channel which is concealed inside the toilet bowl unit and has a side wall which is a weir over which water may flow into the peripheral slot; and wherein the discharge opening of the peripheral slot includes at least one local downward deflection of the discharge opening, and the or each local downward deflection is a serpentine downward deflection which is positioned in the front half of the toilet bowl.
2. A toilet bowl unit according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral water channel is located radially outwards of an outer toilet bowl surface of the toilet bowl.
3. A toilet bowl unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the weir is located radially outwards of the outer toilet bowl surface of the toilet bowl.
4. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral slot is annular.
5. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral slot faces downwards and radially inwards into the toilet bowl.
6. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower edge of the upper peripheral portion is stepped radially inwards from the upper edge of the central peripheral portion by 1 to 10 mm.
7. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral slot has a depth between a roof and a floor of the slot at the discharge opening of the slot of between 1 mm and 10 mm, the depth of the slot at all measurement points around the periphery of the inner toilet bowl surface does not vary by more than plus or minus 3 mm from an average slot depth value.
8. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the discharge opening of the peripheral slot is substantially horizontal around at least 50% of the periphery of the inner toilet bowl surface.
9. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each local downward deflection is defined by a lobe of the lower edge of the upper peripheral portion which projects down below substantially horizontal portion(s) of the discharge opening of the peripheral slot.
10. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one local downward deflection comprises first and second local downward deflections positioned at the front of the toilet bowl on respective sides of the toilet bowl , and the first and second local downward deflections are symmetrically positioned relative to a front to rear axis of the toilet bowl.
11. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at the or each local downward deflection of the discharge opening a corresponding portion of the weir of the peripheral water channel has a locally reduced height.
12. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the toilet bowl unit has a top surface which is a seat platform surface for supporting a toilet seat, and substantially horizontal portion(s) of the discharge opening of the peripheral slot are positioned 10 to 25 mm below the seat platform surface.
13. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, at the discharge opening of the slot, the upper edge of the central peripheral portion of the inner toilet bowl surface has a greater radius of curvature in the vertical plane than the lower edge of the upper peripheral portion.
14. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: a base unit which provides the central peripheral portion and the lower sump portion of the inner toilet bowl surface; and a top unit which provides the upper peripheral portion of the inner toilet bowl surface; wherein the top unit is joined to the base unit and the peripheral water channel is provided between the top unit and the base unit; and wherein the top unit comprises a plate having an aperture surrounded by a downwardly-depending annular wall which provides the upper peripheral portion of the inner toilet bowl surface.
15. A toilet bowl unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an inlet at the rear of the toilet bowl unit communicates with a manifold which communicates with two arms of the peripheral water channel.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1412805.2A GB2528324B (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2014-07-18 | Toilet bowl unit |
GB1412805.2 | 2014-07-18 | ||
PCT/GB2015/052096 WO2016009230A1 (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2015-07-20 | Toilet bowl unit |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ726733A NZ726733A (en) | 2021-05-28 |
NZ726733B2 true NZ726733B2 (en) | 2021-08-31 |
Family
ID=
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