US20080040842A1 - Toilet ventilation system - Google Patents
Toilet ventilation system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080040842A1 US20080040842A1 US11/812,959 US81295907A US2008040842A1 US 20080040842 A1 US20080040842 A1 US 20080040842A1 US 81295907 A US81295907 A US 81295907A US 2008040842 A1 US2008040842 A1 US 2008040842A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- toilet
- pump
- ventilation system
- seat
- pump unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 64
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 235000019645 odor Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000001473 noxious effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004887 air purification Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003610 charcoal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010865 sewage Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
- E03D9/04—Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices
- E03D9/05—Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices ventilating the bowl
- E03D9/052—Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices ventilating the bowl using incorporated fans
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
- A47K13/24—Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
- A47K13/30—Seats having provisions for heating, deodorising or the like, e.g. ventilating, noise-damping or cleaning devices
- A47K13/307—Seats with ventilating devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to ventilation systems, and more specifically to a ventilation system for a toilet.
- the toilet ventilation system includes a toilet seat for use with a conventional toilet, the toilet seat having an interior air channel disposed through the entire circumference of the seat and a plurality of apertures disposed through the bottom surface communicating with the interior channel.
- a vacuum or suction pump is connected to the channel by tubing.
- a plurality of microswitches are attached to the bottom of the toilet seat, including a standby switch that turns the pump on when the seat is lowered onto the bowl but does not activate the pump motor, a pressure switch that activates the pump when a person is seated on the toilet, and a water switch that shuts the pump off in the event of a toilet overflow.
- the pump features microcontroller operation, has an activated charcoal filter for removing odors from air pumped away from the mouth of the toilet bowl, and is powered either by a wall transformer with built-in GFCI protection or by rechargeable batteries.
- the pump may include a scent cartridge for releasing a scent when the pump is activated.
- FIG. 1A is a top view of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1B is a top view of the toilet ventilation system configured for multiple toilets according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view of the pump unit of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention with the cover removed.
- FIG. 4 is a pneumatic schematic diagram of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electronic components and circuits in a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of the power supply circuits of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the pump control unit circuit of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 shows an electrical schematic of a processor circuit of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic of an alternative embodiment of the toilet ventilation system pump control unit circuit according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 10A-10B show an electrical schematic of an alternative embodiment processor control circuit according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 11A-11B show an electrical schematic of a toilet ventilation system moisture detect and pressure sense circuitry for multiple toilets according to the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing pressure sense input connectors and operator input pushbutton circuitry of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention.
- the present invention is a toilet ventilation system, designated generally as 100 a and 100 b in the drawings.
- toilet ventilation systems 100 a and 100 b are for use with at least one conventional toilet.
- the system includes an annular toilet seat 12 having an interior channel 14 defined therein extending through the entire circumference of the seat 12 .
- the seat 12 also has a plurality of apertures 16 defined through the bottom surface that communicate with the interior channel 14 . Apertures 16 and interior channel 14 in toilet seat 12 act to collect and channel away noxious air that accumulates in and around the mouth of the toilet bowl.
- Pump unit 22 has a housing. As shown in FIG. 3 , disposed within the housing are an evacuation pump 24 , a pump control module 32 , a carbon filter 26 , and an optional scented cartridge 34 .
- the processor and pump control circuits described below may also be disposed within the pump housing.
- the pump 24 and related circuitry may be connected to the a.c. power main by a wall transformer plug 36 that has a case 35 housing the power supply and ground fault interrupter circuitry described below, with a GFCI reset button 37 mounted to a side of the case 35 .
- the pump 24 may be a vacuum pump, suction pump, exhaust fan, blower fan, or any other device that is adapted to draw air through apertures 16 , channel 14 , tubing or hose 28 , and filter 26 , and to exhaust the air from pump unit 22 .
- an adapter 30 is used to connect flexible hose 28 to pump unit 22 and is equipped with a one-way valve, allowing fluid to travel only from toilet seat 12 into pump unit 22 .
- evacuation pump 24 is controlled by pump control module 32 and acts to draw the noxious air collected in channel 14 away from the toilet area through flexible hose 28 and into pump unit 22 .
- the noxious air from flexible hose 28 travels through adapter/valve 30 , then through active carbon filter 26 (which exhaust is now non-noxious air), then through evacuation pump 24 , then through optional scent cartridge 34 and then out of casing of the pump unit 22 via venting holes 27 .
- activated carbon filter 26 is sufficient, by itself, to remove noxious odors from the air drawn through pump unit 22 , and adding scented fragrance to air exhausted from pump unit 22 is an optional feature.
- Switch 18 is disposed along the bottom surface of toilet seat 12 .
- Switch 18 may be two switches in a single housing, including a normally open standby switch that is configured to close when toilet seat 12 is in a down position.
- the standby switch is in electrical connection with pump unit 22 so that when the switch 18 is closed, evacuation pump 24 is put into standby mode.
- Switch 18 may also include a pressure sensor switch, which is also a normally open switch that is configured to close when a user is seated on toilet seat 12 .
- the pressure switch is in electrical connection with pump unit 22 so that when the pressure switch is closed, the entire circuit is closed and evacuation pump 24 is activated to pump air away from toilet seat 12 , and thus from the toilet bowl.
- Switch 18 is preferably a microswitch, and may, for example, include a single button or plunger that compresses two springs having different spring constants so that the button or plunger is depressed to two different depths, depending upon whether the seat is lowered against the bowl with or without additional pressure applied to the seat by the weight of a user sitting upon the seat, in order to close one contact in the standby mode or two contacts in the pressure mode.
- switch 18 may comprise two entirely separate switches. Momentary switches suitable for use as a standby switch and pressure switches that do not close until a predetermined weight or pressure is exerted against the switch are well known, and will not be described further.
- Switch 20 is a water sensor switch that senses when an overflow occurs in the toilet when the seat is lowered and cuts off current to the pump unit 22 and other circuitry in order to avoid the risk of electrical shock. The structure of the water switch 20 is described below in conjunction with FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 4 displays a pneumatic schematic drawing of the toilet ventilation system showing toilet seat 12 and pump unit 22 connected by hose 28 .
- Pump unit 22 includes adapter 30 with built-in one-way valve, filter 26 , evacuation pump 24 , and optional scented cartridge 34 .
- Toilet seat 12 includes interior channel 14 with corresponding apertures 16 and is in connection with hose 28 through the use of two valves or adapters 38 and 40 .
- FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the electrical components and circuits in toilet ventilation systems 100 a and 100 b .
- the systems 100 a and 100 b may include a power circuit 52 for converting power supplied by the ac power mains 50 from 120-volt ac power to a dc power level appropriate to power the pump motor of evacuation pump 24 , which is preferably about 12-volts dc, although the power level will depend upon the particular make and model of evacuation pump 24 that is used.
- the power circuit 52 preferably also includes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) 54 for the prevention of electrical shock in the event that water is disposed in the area of the pump unit 22 .
- GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter
- the power supply circuit 52 and GFCI 54 could be disposed in the pump housing or a separate, discrete housing connected to a wall outlet by a separate cord and plug. However, as described above, in a preferred embodiment, the power supply 52 and GFCI 54 are housed in a wall transformer case having prongs that can be plugged directly into the wall outlet in order to keep the high voltage components off of the floor, so that the high voltage components are not exposed to water if the toilet overflows, thereby decreasing the risk of electrical shock.
- the 12-volt power supply provides power for various components in the pump circuit 56 , including pump 24 , etc.
- the circuitry also includes a regulated 5-volt power supply circuit 58 that supplies power to various pump control circuitry, including a PIC microcontroller 60 or other processor circuit, standby and pressure switches 18 , water sensor 20 , relay 62 , etc.
- the processor or microcontroller 60 may include indicator diodes 64 and/or other display devices to indicate the state of systems 100 a or 100 b.
- the systems 100 a and 100 b may also include a 12-volt battery 66 or battery pack, which is preferably provided by rechargeable batteries.
- the pump control circuitry includes a battery charging circuit 68 for recharging battery 66 .
- the systems 100 a / 100 b may be operated by ac power when plug 36 is plugged into a wall outlet, or may be powered by battery 66 when the device is unplugged or when there is a power failure in the ac power mains 50 .
- FIG. 6 shows an exemplary electrical schematic of the power supply used in powering the pump unit of the system.
- T 1 is a transformer with a 120-volt AC primary and a 12-volt AC secondary.
- CR 2 is a bridge rectifier that converts the 12-volt AC to DC.
- TB 1 is a 2-position terminal strip connected to the cord leading to pump unit 22 .
- Circuit breaker CB 1 current sensing transformer T 2 , bridge rectifier CR 1 , silicon controlled rectifier Q 1 , integrated circuit U 1 , and the remaining resistors, capacitors, and diodes form the ground fault circuit interrupter.
- U 1 an LM1851 ground fault interrupter chip or comparable substitute. If a ground fault occurs, T 2 produces a voltage proportional to the severity of the fault.
- Q 1 will trigger U 1 if the fault current exceeds five milliamperes, tripping circuit breaker CB 1 and shutting down power to the systems 100 a / 100 b until the reset button 37 is pushed and the fault is removed.
- FIGS. 7 and 9 show alternative exemplary electrical schematics of a pump control circuit of the systems 100 a / 100 b that is used to control systems operation.
- the pump receives power from the 12-volt dc power supply.
- R 6 supplies a bias voltage to the base of bipolar power transistor Q 2 , which turns on and off upon receipt of control signals from microcontroller circuit 60 to switch relay K 1 , thereby turning the pump on and off.
- a plug terminal P 2 may be provided for electrical connections of the pump control circuit 900 to a battery and speaker, the speaker being provided to audibly alert alarm conditions and/or other status of the toilet ventilation system.
- FIG. 7 U 3 C 1 , C 2 , C 3 and D 1 provide a regulated 5-volt power supply for the microcontroller circuitry 60 and other components of the pump control circuit.
- FIG. 7 -U 3 is an LM7805 or equivalent 5-volt voltage regulator.
- D 1 and C 1 form a half-wave filter.
- TB 6 is a 2-position terminal strip connected to rechargeable battery or batteries 66 , which provide power to the regulator FIG. 7 -U 3 and pump 24 in the absence of an ac voltage.
- Transistors Q 3 and Q 4 (general purpose or switching bipolar transistors), R 7 -R 12 , R 14 , R 15 and microcontroller U 2 (shown in FIG. 8 ) form a battery charging circuit for battery 66 .
- the circuit provides a trickle charge current of approximately 100 mA.
- Resistors R 11 and R 12 provide a sensing voltage to microcontroller U 2 .
- the plug 36 is connected to ac power mains 50
- the voltage across R 12 will be high enough to cause U 2 to put 5V at R 7 , switching on Q 3 . This enables the charging circuit.
- U 2 also monitors the battery voltage through resistors R 14 and R 15 . When U 2 determines that the battery has been charged, it disables the charging circuit.
- D 4 prevents reverse current flow through the charging circuit when plug 36 is not connected to the ac mains 50 .
- D 3 provides an alternate power path for the control circuit in the event the battery voltage falls too low. When this happens, the control circuit will not operate the pump 24 until the battery 66 has been adequately charged.
- the standby switch, pressure switch, and water sensor switch are supplied with power by the 5-volt regulated circuit 58 .
- water sensor 20 may include two wires placed close together so that when water bridges across the two wires (e.g., when the toilet bowl overflows), a conductive path is formed in the base-emitter junction of Q 1 (a general purpose or switching bipolar transistor). Collector current from Q 1 produces a voltage across R 4 , which is monitored by U 2 .
- resistors R 5 and R 13 , zener diode D 8 , and capacitor C 4 protect the motor of pump 24 from excessive current.
- a small voltage is developed across R 5 . This voltage is applied across R 13 and C 4 , which form a filter to smooth the voltage. If the voltage becomes too large as a result of excessive motor current, U 2 will de-energize the relay K 1 , shutting off the motor of pump 24 . U 2 will periodically re-energize the relay K 1 for brief periods of time in an attempt to clear the fault.
- Zener diode D 8 protects U 2 from excessive voltage as a result of current spikes in pump 24 .
- U 2 is preferably a PIC16f914 microcontroller or comparable microcontroller or microprocessor.
- D 7 is a dual LED used as a charge indicator.
- D 5 and D 6 are indicators to show the status of the water sensor and standby switches, respectively.
- RP 1 is a resistor pack that provides current limiting resistors for the indicator diodes.
- U 2 monitors the battery voltage and controls the color of D 7 so that D 7 is a solid red with the power unit plugged in and the battery charging, D 7 is solid green when the power unit is plugged in and the battery is fully charged, D 7 is flashing red when the power unit is unplugged and the battery needs charging, and D 7 is off when the power unit is unplugged, the battery is fully charged, and the unit is functional.
- D 6 is an indicator for the standby switch and flashes once every two seconds when the seat 12 is lowered and the standby switch is closed.
- D 5 is an indicator for the water sensor 20 and turns on when water is sensed and Q 1 turns on.
- Pump control circuit 56 , relay 62 , 5-volt power supply circuit 58 , microcontroller circuit 60 , battery 66 , and battery charging circuit 68 may be housed in the pump unit 22 .
- the indicator diodes D 5 , D 6 , and D 7 may be mounted on the housing of the pump unit 22 .
- alternative processor configuration 1000 may comprise a PIC18f441040 DIP (Dual In-Line Packaged) microcontroller or comparable microcontroller or microprocessor.
- SMT Surface Mount Technology
- the processor U 4 may include a display interface 1007 for a display unit such as, e.g., Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ( FIG. 10B U 3 ).
- an operator interface 1009 for operator inputs is provided and may comprise connections for a keyboard, keypad (e.g., Left, Right, UP, Down arrow button keypad) or other means of operator input to the processor U 4 .
- a programming connector 1013 P 3
- the systems 100 a / 100 b provide a pump 24 for pumping air from around the toilet bowl when a person is seated on the toilet seat 12 , and remove noxious odors from the air by pumping the air through a charcoal filter 26 .
- the device includes a water sensor 20 to shut down the unit when the toilet overflows, and may also include a GFCI circuit 54 to interrupt power when a fault condition is detected.
- the high voltage components are preferably kept above the floor by incorporating the power supply 52 and GFCI circuit 54 into a wall transformer plug 36 to increase safety.
- either system 100 a or system 100 b may include an Ethernet communications port 1005 for communicating status of and accepting commands directed to the toilet ventilation system for either local or wide area status and system control.
- Ethernet connectivity of the systems 100 a / 100 b may be wired or wireless.
- the serial to Ethernet bridge 1005 has transmit and receive lines connected to processor U 4 at processor interface ports RC 7 and RC 6 , respectively.
- toilet ventilation system 100 b may be provided in a configuration that can ventilate a plurality of toilets T.
- the system 100 b configured in the manner shown in FIG. 1B is ideally suited for motels, hotels, convention centers, large homes, and the like.
- Toilets T may be separated by separation stalls SS having pivoting stall doors D.
- Each toilet seat 12 is equipped with interior channel 14 , seat apertures 16 , pressure switch 18 , water detect switch 20 , and exhaust conduit 28 .
- a manifold 13 is provided having inlet fittings 15 that free ends of exhaust conduits 28 can attach to.
- One end of the manifold 13 is capped off. The remaining end of manifold 13 is connected to the pump unit 22 .
- a common duct system is created in which one pump 22 can provide suction ventilation/air purification for the plurality of toilets T.
- pressure switches 18 from the plurality of toilets T can be multiplexed via multiplexers U 5 and U 6 to provide a single PRESSURE signal as input to processor U 4 .
- the PRESSURE signal goes TRUE to thereby activate the ventilation system 100 b .
- FIGS. 10A-11B within moisture and pressure detect systems ( 1100 , 1105 ), pressure switches 18 from the plurality of toilets T can be multiplexed via multiplexers U 5 and U 6 to provide a single PRESSURE signal as input to processor U 4 .
- a single moisture detect circuit 1105 can be responsive to the water switches 20 from each of toilets T a WATER (moisture detected) signal to processor U 4 .
- the WATER signal goes TRUE to thereby deactivate the ventilation system 100 b until the problem can be fixed.
- the ventilation system 100 b can be controlled via operator input and monitored via display of status at a conveniently located control station 1011 .
- input connections 1200 may be comprised of pressure switch sense connectors P 6 and P 7 for the plurality of pressure switches 20 . Additionally input connections 1200 may also include pushbuttons PB 1 -PB 5 to provide keypad functions KEY UP, KEY DOWN, KEY LEFT, KEY RIGHT, and KEY SELECT.
- the systems 100 a or 100 b may be operated from ac power or from battery power using batteries that may be recharged when either system is connected to the ac power mains.
- the toilet ventilation systems 100 a / 100 b therefore provide an effective, convenient, and safe method of removing noxious odors from the bathroom.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
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Abstract
The toilet ventilation system includes at least one toilet seat having an interior air channel disposed through the entire circumference of the seat and a plurality of apertures disposed through the bottom surface communicating with the interior channel. A vacuum pump is connected to the channel by tubing. A plurality of microswitches are attached to the bottom of the toilet seat, including a standby switch that turns the pump on when the seat is lowered onto the bowl, a pressure switch that activates the pump when a person is seated on the toilet, and a water switch that shuts the pump off in the event of a toilet overflow. The pump features microcontroller operation, has an activated charcoal filter for removing odors from air pumped away from the mouth of the toilet bowl, and is powered either by a wall transformer with built-in GFCI protection or by rechargeable batteries.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/816,636, filed Jun. 27, 2006.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to ventilation systems, and more specifically to a ventilation system for a toilet.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Noxious odors and gaseous fumes present in toilets and in the space about toilets have always been a normal, but unpleasant, result of toilet use. These odors and fumes are especially prevalent in areas containing many toilets and in a small bathroom containing a single toilet. Over the years, various venting systems have been developed to remove the odors resulting from normal toilet use. These systems have worked with greater or lesser degrees of success, depending upon their design and configuration of components. In most cases, such toilet venting systems have required a specially configured bowl to collect and channel odors in response to operation of a gas exhaust system. To implement such apparatus requires replacement of an existing toilet, which may involve new plumbing fixtures or at least detachment and reattachment of water and sewage lines. The labor for such removal and installation work is expensive and the costs for replacing a toilet are not insignificant.
- There is a need for a toilet ventilation system that can be used with a toilet of essentially conventional configuration. Thus, a toilet ventilation system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
- The toilet ventilation system includes a toilet seat for use with a conventional toilet, the toilet seat having an interior air channel disposed through the entire circumference of the seat and a plurality of apertures disposed through the bottom surface communicating with the interior channel. A vacuum or suction pump is connected to the channel by tubing. A plurality of microswitches are attached to the bottom of the toilet seat, including a standby switch that turns the pump on when the seat is lowered onto the bowl but does not activate the pump motor, a pressure switch that activates the pump when a person is seated on the toilet, and a water switch that shuts the pump off in the event of a toilet overflow. The pump features microcontroller operation, has an activated charcoal filter for removing odors from air pumped away from the mouth of the toilet bowl, and is powered either by a wall transformer with built-in GFCI protection or by rechargeable batteries.
- Optionally, the pump may include a scent cartridge for releasing a scent when the pump is activated.
- These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
-
FIG. 1A is a top view of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 1B is a top view of the toilet ventilation system configured for multiple toilets according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view of the pump unit of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention with the cover removed. -
FIG. 4 is a pneumatic schematic diagram of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electronic components and circuits in a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of the power supply circuits of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the pump control unit circuit of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 8 shows an electrical schematic of a processor circuit of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic of an alternative embodiment of the toilet ventilation system pump control unit circuit according to the present invention. -
FIGS. 10A-10B show an electrical schematic of an alternative embodiment processor control circuit according to the present invention. -
FIGS. 11A-11B show an electrical schematic of a toilet ventilation system moisture detect and pressure sense circuitry for multiple toilets according to the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing pressure sense input connectors and operator input pushbutton circuitry of a toilet ventilation system according to the present invention. - Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
- The present invention is a toilet ventilation system, designated generally as 100 a and 100 b in the drawings.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1A-3 ,toilet ventilation systems annular toilet seat 12 having aninterior channel 14 defined therein extending through the entire circumference of theseat 12. Theseat 12 also has a plurality ofapertures 16 defined through the bottom surface that communicate with theinterior channel 14.Apertures 16 andinterior channel 14 intoilet seat 12 act to collect and channel away noxious air that accumulates in and around the mouth of the toilet bowl. - Along a rear portion of
toilet seat 12,interior channel 14 is connected to a preferably flexible hose or tubing which forms anexhaust conduit 28 that keepschannel 14 in fluid connection with apump unit 22.Pump unit 22 has a housing. As shown inFIG. 3 , disposed within the housing are anevacuation pump 24, apump control module 32, acarbon filter 26, and an optional scentedcartridge 34. The processor and pump control circuits described below may also be disposed within the pump housing. Thepump 24 and related circuitry may be connected to the a.c. power main by awall transformer plug 36 that has acase 35 housing the power supply and ground fault interrupter circuitry described below, with aGFCI reset button 37 mounted to a side of thecase 35. Thepump 24 may be a vacuum pump, suction pump, exhaust fan, blower fan, or any other device that is adapted to draw air throughapertures 16,channel 14, tubing orhose 28, andfilter 26, and to exhaust the air frompump unit 22. - Again referring to
FIG. 3 , anadapter 30 is used to connectflexible hose 28 to pumpunit 22 and is equipped with a one-way valve, allowing fluid to travel only fromtoilet seat 12 intopump unit 22. As shown inFIGS. 1A-4 ,evacuation pump 24 is controlled bypump control module 32 and acts to draw the noxious air collected inchannel 14 away from the toilet area throughflexible hose 28 and intopump unit 22. The noxious air fromflexible hose 28 travels through adapter/valve 30, then through active carbon filter 26 (which exhaust is now non-noxious air), then throughevacuation pump 24, then throughoptional scent cartridge 34 and then out of casing of thepump unit 22 viaventing holes 27. It will be understood, however, that activatedcarbon filter 26 is sufficient, by itself, to remove noxious odors from the air drawn throughpump unit 22, and adding scented fragrance to air exhausted frompump unit 22 is an optional feature. - A
switch 18 is disposed along the bottom surface oftoilet seat 12.Switch 18 may be two switches in a single housing, including a normally open standby switch that is configured to close whentoilet seat 12 is in a down position. The standby switch is in electrical connection withpump unit 22 so that when theswitch 18 is closed,evacuation pump 24 is put into standby mode.Switch 18 may also include a pressure sensor switch, which is also a normally open switch that is configured to close when a user is seated ontoilet seat 12. The pressure switch is in electrical connection withpump unit 22 so that when the pressure switch is closed, the entire circuit is closed and evacuation pump 24 is activated to pump air away fromtoilet seat 12, and thus from the toilet bowl. -
Switch 18 is preferably a microswitch, and may, for example, include a single button or plunger that compresses two springs having different spring constants so that the button or plunger is depressed to two different depths, depending upon whether the seat is lowered against the bowl with or without additional pressure applied to the seat by the weight of a user sitting upon the seat, in order to close one contact in the standby mode or two contacts in the pressure mode. Alternatively, switch 18 may comprise two entirely separate switches. Momentary switches suitable for use as a standby switch and pressure switches that do not close until a predetermined weight or pressure is exerted against the switch are well known, and will not be described further. - A second switch 20 (or third switch, if
switch 18 comprises discrete switches) is also disposed on the bottom ofseat 12.Switch 20 is a water sensor switch that senses when an overflow occurs in the toilet when the seat is lowered and cuts off current to thepump unit 22 and other circuitry in order to avoid the risk of electrical shock. The structure of thewater switch 20 is described below in conjunction withFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 4 displays a pneumatic schematic drawing of the toilet ventilation system showingtoilet seat 12 andpump unit 22 connected byhose 28.Pump unit 22 includesadapter 30 with built-in one-way valve,filter 26,evacuation pump 24, and optionalscented cartridge 34.Toilet seat 12 includesinterior channel 14 withcorresponding apertures 16 and is in connection withhose 28 through the use of two valves oradapters -
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the electrical components and circuits intoilet ventilation systems systems power circuit 52 for converting power supplied by theac power mains 50 from 120-volt ac power to a dc power level appropriate to power the pump motor ofevacuation pump 24, which is preferably about 12-volts dc, although the power level will depend upon the particular make and model ofevacuation pump 24 that is used. Thepower circuit 52 preferably also includes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) 54 for the prevention of electrical shock in the event that water is disposed in the area of thepump unit 22. Thepower supply circuit 52 andGFCI 54 could be disposed in the pump housing or a separate, discrete housing connected to a wall outlet by a separate cord and plug. However, as described above, in a preferred embodiment, thepower supply 52 andGFCI 54 are housed in a wall transformer case having prongs that can be plugged directly into the wall outlet in order to keep the high voltage components off of the floor, so that the high voltage components are not exposed to water if the toilet overflows, thereby decreasing the risk of electrical shock. - The 12-volt power supply provides power for various components in the
pump circuit 56, includingpump 24, etc. The circuitry also includes a regulated 5-voltpower supply circuit 58 that supplies power to various pump control circuitry, including aPIC microcontroller 60 or other processor circuit, standby and pressure switches 18,water sensor 20,relay 62, etc. The processor ormicrocontroller 60 may includeindicator diodes 64 and/or other display devices to indicate the state ofsystems - The
systems volt battery 66 or battery pack, which is preferably provided by rechargeable batteries. The pump control circuitry includes abattery charging circuit 68 for rechargingbattery 66. Thus, thesystems 100 a/100 b may be operated by ac power whenplug 36 is plugged into a wall outlet, or may be powered bybattery 66 when the device is unplugged or when there is a power failure in theac power mains 50. -
FIG. 6 shows an exemplary electrical schematic of the power supply used in powering the pump unit of the system. T1 is a transformer with a 120-volt AC primary and a 12-volt AC secondary. CR2 is a bridge rectifier that converts the 12-volt AC to DC. TB1 is a 2-position terminal strip connected to the cord leading to pumpunit 22. - Circuit breaker CB1, current sensing transformer T2, bridge rectifier CR1, silicon controlled rectifier Q1, integrated circuit U1, and the remaining resistors, capacitors, and diodes form the ground fault circuit interrupter. U1 an LM1851 ground fault interrupter chip or comparable substitute. If a ground fault occurs, T2 produces a voltage proportional to the severity of the fault. Q1 will trigger U1 if the fault current exceeds five milliamperes, tripping circuit breaker CB1 and shutting down power to the
systems 100 a/100 b until thereset button 37 is pushed and the fault is removed. -
FIGS. 7 and 9 show alternative exemplary electrical schematics of a pump control circuit of thesystems 100 a/100 b that is used to control systems operation. Forsystem 1 φa, as shown inFIG. 7 , the pump receives power from the 12-volt dc power supply. R6 supplies a bias voltage to the base of bipolar power transistor Q2, which turns on and off upon receipt of control signals frommicrocontroller circuit 60 to switch relay K1, thereby turning the pump on and off. As shown inFIG. 9 , in alternativepump control circuit 900 used insystem 100 b, a plug terminal P2 may be provided for electrical connections of thepump control circuit 900 to a battery and speaker, the speaker being provided to audibly alert alarm conditions and/or other status of the toilet ventilation system. - (
FIG. 7 U3), C1, C2, C3 and D1 provide a regulated 5-volt power supply for themicrocontroller circuitry 60 and other components of the pump control circuit. FIG. 7-U3 is an LM7805 or equivalent 5-volt voltage regulator. D1 and C1 form a half-wave filter. TB6 is a 2-position terminal strip connected to rechargeable battery orbatteries 66, which provide power to the regulator FIG. 7-U3 and pump 24 in the absence of an ac voltage. - Transistors Q3 and Q4 (general purpose or switching bipolar transistors), R7-R12, R14, R15 and microcontroller U2 (shown in
FIG. 8 ) form a battery charging circuit forbattery 66. The circuit provides a trickle charge current of approximately 100 mA. Resistors R11 and R12 provide a sensing voltage to microcontroller U2. When theplug 36 is connected toac power mains 50, the voltage across R12 will be high enough to cause U2 to put 5V at R7, switching on Q3. This enables the charging circuit. U2 also monitors the battery voltage through resistors R14 and R15. When U2 determines that the battery has been charged, it disables the charging circuit. D4 prevents reverse current flow through the charging circuit whenplug 36 is not connected to theac mains 50. - D3 provides an alternate power path for the control circuit in the event the battery voltage falls too low. When this happens, the control circuit will not operate the
pump 24 until thebattery 66 has been adequately charged. - The standby switch, pressure switch, and water sensor switch are supplied with power by the 5-volt
regulated circuit 58. Although other water sensors may be used,water sensor 20 may include two wires placed close together so that when water bridges across the two wires (e.g., when the toilet bowl overflows), a conductive path is formed in the base-emitter junction of Q1 (a general purpose or switching bipolar transistor). Collector current from Q1 produces a voltage across R4, which is monitored by U2. - When the standby switch and the pressure switch are closed, and when Q1 is off, i.e., no water is sensed, inputs A, B, and C to U2 are all low voltage, so that U2 will put 5V at R6, turning on Q2 and energizing relay K1 to provide power to pump 24. Diode D2 protects Q2 from the high flyback voltage that occurs when the relay K1 drops out.
- Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , resistors R5 and R13, zener diode D8, and capacitor C4 protect the motor ofpump 24 from excessive current. When the motor is running, a small voltage is developed across R5. This voltage is applied across R13 and C4, which form a filter to smooth the voltage. If the voltage becomes too large as a result of excessive motor current, U2 will de-energize the relay K1, shutting off the motor ofpump 24. U2 will periodically re-energize the relay K1 for brief periods of time in an attempt to clear the fault. Zener diode D8 protects U2 from excessive voltage as a result of current spikes inpump 24. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , U2 is preferably a PIC16f914 microcontroller or comparable microcontroller or microprocessor. D7 is a dual LED used as a charge indicator. D5 and D6 are indicators to show the status of the water sensor and standby switches, respectively. RP1 is a resistor pack that provides current limiting resistors for the indicator diodes. When the charging circuit is not enabled, U2 monitors the battery voltage and controls the color of D7 so that D7 is a solid red with the power unit plugged in and the battery charging, D7 is solid green when the power unit is plugged in and the battery is fully charged, D7 is flashing red when the power unit is unplugged and the battery needs charging, and D7 is off when the power unit is unplugged, the battery is fully charged, and the unit is functional. - D6 is an indicator for the standby switch and flashes once every two seconds when the
seat 12 is lowered and the standby switch is closed. D5 is an indicator for thewater sensor 20 and turns on when water is sensed and Q1 turns on.Pump control circuit 56,relay 62, 5-voltpower supply circuit 58,microcontroller circuit 60,battery 66, andbattery charging circuit 68 may be housed in thepump unit 22. The indicator diodes D5, D6, and D7 may be mounted on the housing of thepump unit 22. - As shown in
FIGS. 10A-10B ,alternative processor configuration 1000 may comprise a PIC18f441040 DIP (Dual In-Line Packaged) microcontroller or comparable microcontroller or microprocessor. SMT (Surface Mount Technology) processors and other electronic components are also contemplated by the present invention. The processor U4 may include adisplay interface 1007 for a display unit such as, e.g., Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (FIG. 10B U3). Additionally, anoperator interface 1009 for operator inputs is provided and may comprise connections for a keyboard, keypad (e.g., Left, Right, UP, Down arrow button keypad) or other means of operator input to the processor U4. Additionally, a programming connector 1013 (P3) may be provided for ease of programming the processor U4. - Thus, the
systems 100 a/100 b provide apump 24 for pumping air from around the toilet bowl when a person is seated on thetoilet seat 12, and remove noxious odors from the air by pumping the air through acharcoal filter 26. The device includes awater sensor 20 to shut down the unit when the toilet overflows, and may also include aGFCI circuit 54 to interrupt power when a fault condition is detected. The high voltage components are preferably kept above the floor by incorporating thepower supply 52 andGFCI circuit 54 into a wall transformer plug 36 to increase safety. - Moreover, as shown in
FIGS. 10A-10B , eithersystem 100 a orsystem 100 b may include anEthernet communications port 1005 for communicating status of and accepting commands directed to the toilet ventilation system for either local or wide area status and system control. Ethernet connectivity of thesystems 100 a/100 b may be wired or wireless. As shown inFIGS. 10A-10B , the serial toEthernet bridge 1005 has transmit and receive lines connected to processor U4 at processor interface ports RC7 and RC6, respectively. - Referring to
FIG. 1B , alternative embodimenttoilet ventilation system 100 b may be provided in a configuration that can ventilate a plurality of toilets T. Thesystem 100 b configured in the manner shown inFIG. 1B is ideally suited for motels, hotels, convention centers, large homes, and the like. Toilets T may be separated by separation stalls SS having pivoting stall doors D. Eachtoilet seat 12 is equipped withinterior channel 14,seat apertures 16,pressure switch 18, water detectswitch 20, andexhaust conduit 28. A manifold 13 is provided havinginlet fittings 15 that free ends ofexhaust conduits 28 can attach to. One end of the manifold 13 is capped off. The remaining end ofmanifold 13 is connected to thepump unit 22. In this manner, a common duct system is created in which onepump 22 can provide suction ventilation/air purification for the plurality of toilets T. As shown inFIGS. 10A-11B , within moisture and pressure detect systems (1100, 1105), pressure switches 18 from the plurality of toilets T can be multiplexed via multiplexers U5 and U6 to provide a single PRESSURE signal as input to processor U4. Thus, if a person sits on any one of toilets T, the PRESSURE signal goes TRUE to thereby activate theventilation system 100 b. Moreover, as shown inFIGS. 10A-11B , a single moisture detectcircuit 1105 can be responsive to the water switches 20 from each of toilets T a WATER (moisture detected) signal to processor U4. Thus, if moisture is detected at any one of toilets T, the WATER signal goes TRUE to thereby deactivate theventilation system 100 b until the problem can be fixed. Referring again toFIG. 1B , theventilation system 100 b can be controlled via operator input and monitored via display of status at a conveniently locatedcontrol station 1011. - As shown in
FIG. 12 ,input connections 1200 may be comprised of pressure switch sense connectors P6 and P7 for the plurality of pressure switches 20. Additionally inputconnections 1200 may also include pushbuttons PB1-PB5 to provide keypad functions KEY UP, KEY DOWN, KEY LEFT, KEY RIGHT, and KEY SELECT. - The
systems toilet ventilation systems 100 a/100 b therefore provide an effective, convenient, and safe method of removing noxious odors from the bathroom. - It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A toilet ventilation system to be used with a toilet having a toilet bowl, the toilet ventilation system comprising:
a toilet seat having a bottom surface and an interior channel defined within the seat, the seat having a plurality of apertures disposed through the bottom surface and communicating with the interior channel; the toilet seat being pivotally mounted to the toilet bowl;
a pump unit having a housing and a vacuum pump disposed within the housing, the vacuum pump being connected to the interior channel and operative to pump air from the toilet bowl through the apertures, interior channel and pump unit;
a filter disposed in the pump unit housing for removing noxious odors from the air pumped through the pump unit;
a control circuit for turning the pump on and off, the control circuit having an Ethernet communications channel for communicating status of and accepting commands directed to the toilet ventilation system;
an electrical power source for powering the toilet ventilation system; and
a pressure switch disposed on the toilet seat, the pressure switch being connected to the control circuit and having a normally open position in which the control circuit turns the pump off when no weight is applied to the toilet seat, and a closed position causing the control circuit to turn the pump on when the toilet seat is pivotally lowered onto the toilet bowl and a person is seated on the toilet seat;
a water status switch disposed on the toilet seat, the water status switch being connected to the control circuit in which the control circuit deactivates the pump when water is detected at the switch.
2. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 1 , wherein the electrical power source further comprises:
a wall transformer housed in a case; a plurality of prongs extending from the case, the plurality of prongs being adapted for insertion into a wall outlet;
a step-down transformer circuit disposed within the case for stepping down voltage supplied from the wall outlet; and
a ground fault circuit interrupter disposed within the case, the ground fault circuit interrupter including a circuit breaker mounted within the case and a reset button mounted on a sidewall of the case for resetting the circuit breaker.
3. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 1 , wherein the interior channel defined therein extends through the entire circumference of the seat.
4. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 1 , wherein the vacuum pump being connected to the interior channel is facilitated by an exhaust conduit extending from the interior channel, the exhaust conduit being connected to the pump unit.
5. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 4 , further comprising: a plurality of the toilet seats attached to a respective plurality of toilets; a manifold having a plurality of inlets, a capped end, and a remaining end, the remaining manifold end being attached to the pump unit; exhaust conduits of the plurality of seats being connected to the pump unit via a respective of the manifold inlets; and wherein a single said pump can provide suction ventilation/air purification for the plurality of toilets.
6. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 4 , further comprising:
the pump being disposed in a housing; and
a pump control module, and a carbon filter being disposed in the housing.
7. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 6 , further comprising: an adapter used to connect the exhaust conduit to the pump unit, the adapter being equipped with a one-way valve, allowing flow only from the toilet seat into the pump unit.
8. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 7 , wherein noxious air is filtered through the carbon filter, the filtered air being released from the pump unit through a vent located on the pump unit.
9. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 8 , further comprising: a scented cartridge being disposed in the pump unit and an additional vent being disposed on the pump unit to accommodate air flow from the scented cartridge.
10. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 1 , wherein the switch further comprises:
a normally open standby switch in electrical connection with the pump unit so that when the switch is closed, the pump is put into a standby mode;
a normally open pressure sensor switch being configured to close when a user is seated on the toilet seat, the pressure switch being in electrical connection with the pump unit so that when the pressure switch is closed, the entire circuit is closed to activate the pump which pumps air away from the toilet seat and bowl.
11. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 1 , wherein the control circuit comprises:
a microcontroller circuit, the microcontroller circuit having control outputs to relay for controlling the pump;
the microcontroller having inputs for receiving pressure switch and water sensor status in order to determine whether to turn the pump on or off.
12. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 11 , wherein the system is inhibited from being activated when a toilet water overflow condition is sensed.
13. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 11 , wherein the system is deactivated when an overvoltage is detected.
14. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 11 , further comprising: a dual visual display used as a charge indicator; visual indicators to show the status of the water sensor and standby switches, respectively;
means for audibly alerting a user of toilet ventilation system status.
15. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 11 , further comprising: means for operably connecting a plurality of the pressure and water switches from a plurality of the toilet seats to the pressure switch and water sensor status inputs of the microcontroller; and wherein when a person sits on any one of the toilets, the ventilation system is activated, and conversely, when moisture is detected at any one of toilets, the ventilation system is deactivated until the problem can be fixed.
16. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 11 , further comprising: means for accepting operator inputs to the system; means for displaying the operator inputs; means for displaying status of the toilet ventilation system.
17. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 16 , wherein the means for accepting operator inputs to the system, means for displaying the operator inputs, means for displaying status of the toilet ventilation system are disposed in a conveniently located control station.
18. A toilet ventilation system to be used with a plurality of toilets, each of the toilets having a toilet bowl, the toilet ventilation system comprising:
a plurality of toilet seats, each toilet seat having a bottom surface and an interior channel defined within the seat, the seat having a plurality of apertures disposed through the bottom surface and communicating with the interior channel; each of the toilet seats capable of being pivotally mounted to a respective one of the toilet bowls;
a pump unit having a housing and a vacuum pump disposed within the housing; a manifold having a plurality of inlets, a sealed off end, and a remaining end, the remaining manifold end being connected to the pump unit; means for connecting each of the plurality of inlets to a respective interior channel of a respective one of the plurality of toilet seats; and wherein the system is operative to pump air from the toilet bowl through the apertures, interior channel, manifold and pump unit;
a filter disposed in the pump unit housing for removing noxious odors from the air pumped through the pump unit;
a control circuit for turning the pump on and off;
an electrical power source for powering the toilet ventilation system; and
a plurality of pressure switches, each being disposed on a respective one of the plurality of toilet seats, the pressure switches being connected to the control circuit and each of the pressure switches having a normally open position in which the control circuit does not activate the pump in the absence of weight being applied to the toilet seat, and a closed position causing the control circuit to turn the pump on when any one of the plurality of toilet seats is pivotally lowered onto a respective one of the toilet bowls and a person is seated on the toilet seat;
a plurality of water status switches, each being disposed on a respective one of the plurality of toilet seats, the water status switches being connected to the control circuit in which the control circuit deactivates the pump when water is detected at any one of the switches.
19. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 18 , further comprising: an Ethernet communications system, the Ethernet communications system being operably connected to the control circuit for communicating status of and accepting commands directed to the toilet ventilation system.
20. The toilet ventilation system, according to claim 18 , further comprising: a conveniently located control station, the control station including means for operator input to the control circuit and means for display and audible alert of ventilation system status to the operator.
Priority Applications (2)
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PCT/US2007/014695 WO2008002519A2 (en) | 2006-06-27 | 2007-06-26 | Toilet ventilation system |
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US81663606P | 2006-06-27 | 2006-06-27 | |
US11/812,959 US20080040842A1 (en) | 2006-06-27 | 2007-06-22 | Toilet ventilation system |
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US11/812,959 Abandoned US20080040842A1 (en) | 2006-06-27 | 2007-06-22 | Toilet ventilation system |
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