WO2007024217A1 - Systeme de detection de fuites et anti-debordement pour toilettes - Google Patents

Systeme de detection de fuites et anti-debordement pour toilettes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007024217A1
WO2007024217A1 PCT/US2005/029951 US2005029951W WO2007024217A1 WO 2007024217 A1 WO2007024217 A1 WO 2007024217A1 US 2005029951 W US2005029951 W US 2005029951W WO 2007024217 A1 WO2007024217 A1 WO 2007024217A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water level
water
toilet
level sensor
toilet tank
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/029951
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Quintana
Devon Niccole
Original Assignee
Richard Quintana
Devon Niccole
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Richard Quintana, Devon Niccole filed Critical Richard Quintana
Priority to PCT/US2005/029951 priority Critical patent/WO2007024217A1/fr
Publication of WO2007024217A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007024217A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A10/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE at coastal zones; at river basins
    • Y02A10/30—Flood prevention; Flood or storm water management, e.g. using flood barriers

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to fluid control devices, and more particularly, to devices adapted to be mounted in or to a toilet for detecting and shutting off any leaks in or around the toilet and/or controlling overflow of water from the toilet bowl or tank.
  • toilet bowls and tanks may leak or overflow for any number of reasons, such as becoming blocked, toilet flappers or valves becoming stuck in the open position, or a person may repeatedly flush a toilet to cause it to overflow.
  • the leaking or overflow of water may cause serious problems, particularly in institutions, such as homes for the aged, since older people may slip and fall, or be subjected to diseases by such flooding waters.
  • water conservation becoming increasingly more important, the detecting and prevention of water leakage and wastage has become a priority.
  • the present invention incorporates one or more devices formed integrally with or removably held in a toilet bowl and/or in the interior of a toilet tank to detect leaks, an open flapper valve, and/or an overflow condition, and to selectively operate a shut-off device to control the flow of water to the toilet tank, in a more expeditious, reliable and cheaper manner.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a leak detection and overflow prevention device of the present invention adapted to be mounted in a toilet tank and connected to a device for activating a valve means to control water flow to the toilet tank;
  • FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a device of the present invention having two sensor/float means therein;
  • FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the rear of the device of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a toilet tank having the device of FIG. 2 held therein;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further, toilet tank having a leak detecting device and a flap-open or overflow indicating device incorporated therein, and connected to a shutoff device for the toilet tank;
  • FIG. 6 is a further cross-sectional view of a toilet tank showing a toilet overflow device held therein;
  • FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of leak and overflow assemblies held together and to a toilet tank overflow pipe by a clip;
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a further detector having a single float and a plurality of operating means therein;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section of a control valve connected in the waterline below a toilet tank having a replaceable cleaner cartridge inserted and held in the waterline;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a water level sensor secured to or in a toilet bowl;
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a toilet bowl having a further water level sensor integrally formed therein.
  • a first embodiment of a system is shown at 10 and has one or more first detectors 12, 14, such as leak detectors or water level sensors. These leak detectors 12, 14 are electrically or otherwise operated, as by means of a lead, infrared, microwave, or RF to a valve 16, such as a gear or solenoid-actuated valve, held in a housing 18, connected to a waterline 20 below a toilet tank 23 of a toilet (see FIG. 4).
  • the one or more first or leak detectors or sensors 12, 14 may be held in any desired manner in the toilet tank 23, for example as shown in FIG. 4 they may be mounted on a holding means 22 supported on a rim or otherwise in the toilet tank 23.
  • the holding means 22 may take any desired form, such as a flexible or rigid assembly in the form of a clip, or an assembly having an upper hook portion 24 and a pair of arms or legs 26, 28 on which are slidably supported the one or more leak detectors or sensors 12, 14.
  • the detectors 12, 14 are adjustable along or on the arms 26, 28, so as to be supported in the water tank at desired levels, as explained more fully below.
  • the first or leak detectors or sensors 12, 14 may take any desired form such as capacitance, infrared, laser, magnetic, microswitch, RF, sound, or any other type of water level or leak sensor that is activated by rising and falling levels of "water in a toilet tank.
  • the detector elements 12, 14 have bodies 30, 32, slidably held or mounted on the arms 26, 28.
  • the bodies 30, 32 include float elements 34, 36 held therein with ring elements 38, 40 secured thereto and slidably held on the arms 26, 28.
  • the floats 34, 36 are movable with the water level in the toilet tank 25, in the direction of arrow 42 (see FIG. 1) between bottom and top portions 44, 46 and 48, 50.
  • the top or upper sensor 12 may be placed on the holding element 22 so that the float 34 is near to or just touches the top portion 46 of the body 30.
  • This position 5 places a line 25 on the float 34 at the waterline 27, above or at a line 29 formed on the body 30.
  • the device 10 may, of course, be supported in the tank 23 in any desired manner, such as on an overflow or inlet pipe by a clip or other similar means.
  • magnets 52 and magnetic reed switches 54 are held in at the rear of the floats 34, 36 and the bodies 30, 32.
  • the magnets 52 are preferably held on fingers 56 secured to the floats 34, 36.
  • the magnets 52 are preferably spaced from the reed switches 54, when the water level 27 in the toilet tank 23 reaches the desired level, shown in FIG. 4. However, when the toilet is flushed, the top float 34 and the bottom float 36 will be lowered, thereby lowering the magnets 52 whereby they will be sensed by the magnetic reed switches 54 to connect to a microprocessor held in housing 18.
  • the housing 18 includes a switch or other means 60, such as a dip switch having a plurality of switching elements to enable a predetermined time limit to be incrementally set, whereby if either or both floats 34, 36 do not return to their start positions, the microprocessor will operate the valve in the housing 18 to shut off water flow from waterline 20 to the water tank 23. Furthermore, if there is a slow leak and the top float 34 rises and falls a pre-selected number of times, or takes over a predetermined amount of time to drop, within a specified time period, because of the slow draining and refilling of the tank, the microprocessor will determine that there is a leak, therefore, preferably sounding or sending an alarm or warning and shutting the valve 16 to stop water flow to the tank 23.
  • a switch or other means 60 such as a dip switch having a plurality of switching elements to enable a predetermined time limit to be incrementally set, whereby if either or both floats 34, 36 do not return to their start positions, the microprocessor will
  • the circuit may include a relay connected to an auto dialer to alert a pager or telephone system that a problem exists.
  • the water leak detectors or sensors 12, 14 may be mounted within the water tank 23 in any desirable manner, as by hanging the holding means 22 by hook 24 over an edge of the water tank or hanging it or mounting the leak detectors on a pipe or pipes therein.
  • the leak detectors must be held in a position to allow the floats 34, 36 to easily and smoothly move up and down with the water level in the water tank.
  • the valve 16 in housing 18 may take any desired form, such as a solenoid operated ball, disk, or other type valve, but is preferably of the type set forth in U.S. Patent 6,367,096, referred to above, and incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.
  • a colored cleaning or dye dispenser of any type, such as shown at 64 may be held in the water tank 23.
  • This dye dispenser may be of the standalone type, or may be connected to either or both of the leak detectors or sensors 12, 14 so that a colored cleaner or dye may be released if a leak occurs to flow into the toilet bowl and give a visual indication of the leak.
  • a replaceable cleaner cartridge holder 65 may be inserted in the waterline 20 leading to the toilet tank 23, before or after housing 18, or may be mounted in the housing itself.
  • the cleaner cartridge holder 65 includes an opening into which a removable compartment 67 slides in and out, to enable a water cleaning cartridge or tablet 69 to be inserted for cleaning water flowing therethrough.
  • a leak alarm and a leak alarm LED light are contained in the housing 18, they will be turned on if the valve 16 is actuated to shut off water flow to the tank.
  • the alarm may be turned off, if desired, and the leak repaired, and/or a stuck flapper may be closed or repaired.
  • an open valve button may be pressed to open the water valve 16 to allow water to flow back to the toilet tank 23.
  • the microprocessor will again start its leak detecting monitoring.
  • the switch 60 and/or microprocessor can be set or programmed to monitor for any time intervals or other desired parameters. Turning now to FIG.
  • a toilet tank 66 having a magnet 52' held in or integrally formed with a valve operating arm 67, connected to a float 68 held on a fill or stand pipe 70, held in the toilet. Additionally, a flapper 62', to control a water outlet 72, has a further magnet 52' and a reed switch 54' placed in any convenient position or arrangement on or near the flapper. Additionally, a magnet 52' and a reed switch 54' may be placed above, on or near the arm 67.
  • a valve 16' is preferably integrally formed with the toilet tank 66 at a lower end thereof, and connected to inlet 20.
  • the valve 16" is also electrically or otherwise connected to a normally-closed circuit including the reed switches 54', so as to be opened to close the valve 16' if a water leak or overflow is detected by magnet 52', or the flapper 62' remains open past a predetermined time period.
  • FIGS. 6 - 1 1 further embodiments of the present invention may include various combinations of floats and/or magnets and reed switches, "water level detectors or sensors, and other overflow detectors.
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a toilet tank 66 having a leak or overflow sensor 68 secured in a float, or overflow sensors or water level detectors may be mounted or secured elsewhere in the tank or at 71, 75 in the toilet bowl (see FIGS. 10 and 11).
  • These leak or overflow sensors 68, 71, 75 are connected to the valve means 16' in a manner similar to the detectors 12, 14 described above, to stop flow of water to the toilet tank 66, if any of the sensors is activated. For example, if any of the sensors is actuated or moved by the water level in the tank or bowl and does not return to a neutral position it will cause the microprocessor to close the valve 16'.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 show further embodiments of floats held in the toilet tank 66 on or secured to an overflow pipe 76 or a water inlet line 78 in any convenient manner.
  • a single housing 70 may have a float 72 held on a slide post 74.
  • the housing 70 may be closed or open and may be removably held on or permanently secured to the overflow pipe 76 or the inlet pipe 78 in the toilet tank, as by means 80, such as a clip, a sliding or ratcheting means, or an element secured around the pipes.
  • the housing 70 may be mounted in or on the overflow pipe 76 in a desired position within the toilet tank and magnets 82, 84 held on opposed ends of the float 72 to operate reed switches 86, 88 mounted at the ends of the slide post 74, adjacent ends 90, 92 of the housing 70. Therefore, with the housing 70 mounted in the selected position with the float 72 in the center of the housing, the float moves with the water level. Then, if the water level moves the float 72 downwardly to where the magnet 84 actuates the reed switch 88, a signal will be sent to the microprocessor in housing 18.
  • the valve 16 will be operated to shut off water flow to the tank. Furthermore, if the water level rises to move the float 72 upwardly to where the magnet 82 actuates the reed switch 86, this would indicate a potential tank overflow, and the valve 16 would be operated to shut off water flow to the tank.
  • the single housing 70 could be replaced by a pair of tandem mounted sensors 92, 94, similar to sensors 12, 14.
  • the first sensor 92 includes a clip 96 to hold it to an overflow pipe and operates in the same manner as sensor 12, explained above. However, the second sensor 94 is raised above the sensor 92 and is actuated by water moving its float upwardly, to thereby signal that there is a potential over-the-top overflow. This will shut off water flow to the tank.
  • All of the sensors shown in FIGS. 7 - 1 1 may be tied into or work in conjunction with the further magnets 52' and reed switches 54' placed on the flapper 62' adjacent the water outlet 72, controlled by the flapper. Additionally, the devices or sensors of the present invention may be formed integrally in a toilet, if desired.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositifs de détection de fuites d’eau ou anti-débordement (10) pour toilettes, susceptibles d’être insérés dans les toilettes ou formés d’un seul tenant avec celles-ci. Les dispositifs comportent au moins un ensemble détecteur de fuites d’eau (12, 14, 68, 70) monté dans une certaine position dans un réservoir de toilettes (23, 66) de manière à détecter la montée et la descente du niveau d’eau dans le réservoir de toilettes, et un détecteur de débordement (71, 75) monté dans une cuvette de toilettes. Si le niveau d’eau monte et descend un nombre prédéterminé de fois, ou si l’eau continue de s’écouler dans les toilettes plus longtemps qu’un intervalle de temps déterminé, un microprocesseur actionne une vanne normalement ouverte (16, 16’) pour couper l’écoulement d’eau dans le réservoir de toilettes. Les dispositifs comprennent également un deuxième détecteur (52’, 54’) permettant au microprocesseur de couper l’écoulement d’eau dans les toilettes si un clapet (62, 62’) reste ouvert ou si l’eau atteint un niveau susceptible d’entraîner le débordement de la cuvette ou du réservoir et reste à ce niveau pendant un intervalle de temps prédéterminé.
PCT/US2005/029951 2005-08-23 2005-08-23 Systeme de detection de fuites et anti-debordement pour toilettes WO2007024217A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2005/029951 WO2007024217A1 (fr) 2005-08-23 2005-08-23 Systeme de detection de fuites et anti-debordement pour toilettes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2005/029951 WO2007024217A1 (fr) 2005-08-23 2005-08-23 Systeme de detection de fuites et anti-debordement pour toilettes

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WO2007024217A1 true WO2007024217A1 (fr) 2007-03-01

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3214233B1 (fr) 2016-03-04 2019-05-08 Geberit International AG Douche-wc comprenant une conduite d'eau pouvant etre fermee
US10672252B2 (en) 2015-12-31 2020-06-02 Delta Faucet Company Water sensor

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5940899A (en) * 1997-12-31 1999-08-24 Envision This, Inc. System for preventing toilet overflows
US6058519A (en) * 1999-04-19 2000-05-09 Niccole Family Trust Toilet overflow control

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5940899A (en) * 1997-12-31 1999-08-24 Envision This, Inc. System for preventing toilet overflows
US6058519A (en) * 1999-04-19 2000-05-09 Niccole Family Trust Toilet overflow control

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10672252B2 (en) 2015-12-31 2020-06-02 Delta Faucet Company Water sensor
US11217082B2 (en) 2015-12-31 2022-01-04 Delta Faucet Company Water sensor
EP3214233B1 (fr) 2016-03-04 2019-05-08 Geberit International AG Douche-wc comprenant une conduite d'eau pouvant etre fermee

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