WO2021038195A1

WO2021038195A1 - A urinal outlet conduit

Info

Publication number: WO2021038195A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/051972
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Martin RICHARDS
Original assignee: FVG Smarti Environmental products Limited
Priority date: 2019-08-28
Filing date: 2020-08-18
Publication date: 2021-03-04
Also published as: GB201912361D0; GB2586614B; EP4022140A1; GB2586614A

Abstract

A urinal outlet conduit (1) has an inlet and an outlet and a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet, the passageway defining a flow path for fluids between the inlet and the outlet; the passageway comprising a first section (4, 5) that defines a spiral flow path. The urinal outlet conduit (1) is particularly useful in a waterless urinal.

Description

A Urinal Outlet Conduit

The invention relates to a urinal outlet conduit and especially but not solely, a waste outlet conduit for a waterless urinal.

Waterless urinals have been known for a number of years and with supplies of water decreasing, there is an increasing interest in water conservation. One way of reducing water consumption is to reduce or eliminate the water used when flushing toilets or urinals. As a result of the demand to conserve water resources, waterless urinals were introduced a number of years ago.

Originally, such waterless urinals used a relatively low density oil that floated on top of waste liquid in the waste pipe of the urinal. This effectively forms a float valve which provides a physical barrier to the emission of gases from the urinal fixture. However, these systems tend to lose oil over time or require an additional cartridge to be used in which the oil seals the urine inside the cartridge.

More recently, waterless urinals have been introduced which use a valve in the waste outlet pipe and do not require an oil barrier. The valve is normally a one-way check valve which permits liquids in the urinal bowl to flow out of the bowl through the valve but prevents the back-flow of liquids or gases from the waste outlet pipe into the bowl. However, it has been found that these conventional waste outlets for waterless urinals can suffer from a number of disadvantages.

Firstly, the valves can become stuck in an open position, for example, by solid matter becoming lodged in them. This permits fluids and especially gases to pass back up the outlet conduit into the urinal bowl causing unpleasant odours.

Secondly, the flow of liquid through the outlet conduit is limited by the valve. This can cause build-up of liquid in the urinal and in some instances can cause the urinal bowl to overflow.

Thirdly, the valves act as restriction in the waste outlet pipe and have the effect of slowing down the flow of fluids through the waste outlet pipe. This slowing of the flow can cause undesirable residue to accumulate in the waste outlet pipe and the waste pipes into which fluids are discharged from the waste outlet pipe. Such accumulations can result in restrictions being formed within the waste pipes, which further slows the flow resulting further accumulations. In a worst case scenario, the waste pipes could become blocked by such accumulations.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a urinal outlet conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet and a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet, the passageway defining a flow path for fluids between the inlet and the outlet; the passageway comprising a first section that defines a spiral flow path.

Preferably, the first section of the passageway defining the spiral flow path is adjacent the inlet.

Preferably, the spiral flow path has a radius that decreases from the inlet.

More preferably, the radius of the spiral flow path progressively decreases.

The radius may decrease towards a longitudinal axis of the urinal outlet conduit.

Typically, the spiral flow path is in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the conduit and preferably, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outlet conduit.

Preferably, the passageway further comprises a second section, the second section defining a substantially linear flow path. The substantially linear flow path defined by the second section may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

The inlet may comprise an opening communicating with the first section. The inlet may comprise a number of openings in the outside of the first section and in fluid communication with the spiral flow path. In one example, the openings may be distributed around the outside of the first section. In another example, the openings may be located in one or more discrete locations on the outside of the first section.

Preferably, the openings are in direct fluid communication with the spiral flow path.

Preferably, the outlet conduit comprises a first conduit section having a first end and a second end; a housing coupled to the first end of the first conduit section, the housing comprising the first section of the passageway defining the spiral flow path; and wherein an outlet of the spiral flow path is in fluid communication with the first end of the first conduit section to permit fluid communication from the spiral flow path into the first conduit section.

Typically, the first section of the passageway comprises a curved wall member, the curved wall member defining the spiral flow path. The curved wall member may be in the shape of a spiral.

Preferably, the curved wall member is located within the housing.

Typically, the spiral flow path has at least a 360^Q rotation, and preferably may have up to a 720^Q rotation.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a urinal outlet conduit comprising an inlet; an outlet; and a retaining member mounted on the conduit so that a fluid flow path through the conduit, extends through the retaining member; and wherein the retaining member is adapted to retain a soluble tablet in the conduit in the flow path.

Preferably, the retaining member is located adjacent the outlet.

Typically, the retaining member is removably attached to the conduit.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises at least one of: (i) a side wall with a number of apertures formed in the side wall to permit fluid flow through the side wall; and (ii) a base wall with a number of apertures formed in the base wall to permit fluid flow through the base wall.

Typically, a portion of the retaining member forms the outlet.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a urinal outlet conduit comprising an inlet and outlet, and at least three one-way valves located in the conduit between the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the valves are located within the conduit such that a liquid flow path from the inlet to the outlet passes through each valve in sequence; and each valve permits liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet but each valve prevents fluid flow in a direction from the outlet to the inlet. Preferably, at least one of the one-way valves is a diaphragm valve. More preferably, the valve closest to the inlet is the diaphragm valve.

The diaphragm valve may comprise an elastomeric disc, and the elastomeric disc is preferably a free-floating elastomeric disc.

Typically, at least one of the one-way valves is an umbrella valve and preferably, the valve closest to the outlet is the umbrella valve. Even more preferably, the two valves closest to the outlet are umbrella valves.

The valves may be located within the conduit in a spaced apart relationship

Typically, the opening pressure of each valve is less than or equal to 2 kPa.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a urinal comprising an outlet conduit according to one or more of the first to third aspects of the invention.

Preferably, the urinal is a waterless urinal. Although the outlet conduit is particularly advantageous when used with a waterless urinal is possible that one or more of the first to third aspects could be used in an outlet conduit for a non-waterless urinal, such as a water flushing urinal. Examples of a urinal outlet conduit in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first example of a urinal waste outlet conduit for a waterless urinal:

Fig. 2 is a top view of an upper section of a liquid collector forming part of the conduit of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the upper section of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the upper section of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a top view of a lower section of the liquid collector forming part of the conduit of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the lower section of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the lower section of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a top view of the liquid collector with the lower and upper sections assembled;

Fig. 9 is an exploded side view of the liquid collector showing the upper and lower sections;

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the assembled liquid collector;

Fig. 11 a is a side view of a coupling member for use in the waste outlet conduit of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 11 b is a top view of the coupling member shown in Fig. 11 a;

Fig. 12a is a perspective view from above of a tablet retainer forming part of the conduit of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 12b is a perspective view from below of the tablet retainer; Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second example of a urinal waste outlet conduit for a waterless urinal;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative one-way valve for use with the waste outlet conduits of Figs. 1 and 13; and Fig. 15 is a top view of the alternative one-way valve of Fig. 14.

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a waste outlet conduit 1 for a waterless urinal together with an installation tool 2. The waste outlet conduit 1 comprises a liquid collector 3 formed an upper section 4 and a lower section 5. The liquid collector 3 is shown in more detail in Figs. 2 to 10.

Figs. 2 to 4 show the upper section 4 of the liquid collector 3. The upper section 4 has a domed-shaped member 6 which at its outer or peripheral edge joins a generally cylindrically-shaped side wall 7. Formed in the member 6 are a number of apertures 8 which are arranged in approximately a spiral configuration around the domed member 6 spiralling outwards from a central region 9 of the domed member 6 to a peripheral region 10 of the domed member 6 adjacent to where the peripheral edge of the member 6 joins the side wall 7. Also located in the central region 9 are a pair of locating apertures 11 and a pair of installation apertures 12. Each of the pair of installation apertures 12 is adapted to be engaged by a corresponding prong

13 of the installation key 2. Around lower edge 14 of the side wall 7, a number of slots 15, 16 of different heights are formed in the side wall 7 extending up the side wall 7 from the lower edge 14. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper section 4 also includes a spiral wall 17 that descends downwardly from the internal surface of the domed member 6. Similarly to the apertures 8, the spiral wall 17 spirals outwardly from adjacent the central section 9 towards the peripheral region 10 of the domed member 6. The spiral wall 17 defines a spiral flow path between the outside of the wall 17 and the inside of the side wall 7 and between the inside of the wall 17 and the central region 9. As shown in Fig. 4, the spiral flow path defined by the wall 17 makes approximately two full rotations or a rotation of approximately 720^Q before terminating adjacent inner end 44 of the wall 17.

Figs. 5 to 7 show the lower section 5 of the liquid collector 3 in more detail. The lower section 5 is generally in the shape of a circular disc 18 that has a first central cylindrical formation 19 extending upwardly from its centre and a second central cylindrical formation 20 extending downwardly from its central section. The upwardly extending cylindrical section 19 has locating lugs 21 that are adapted to engage in the locating apertures 11 in the upper section 4. The downwardly extending cylindrical section 20 has an engagement slot 22, the purpose of which will be explained in more detail below.

Formed in the disc 18 are a number of apertures 23 and a spirally shaped slot

24. The spirally shaped slot 24 is configured to match the spiral wall 17 on the upper section 4 so that the lower section 5 can be engaged with the upper section 4 by inserting the spiral wall 17 into the spiral slot 24 and pushing the upper section 5 upwardly inside the upper section 4 so that the locating lugs 21 engage in locating apertures 11 with the domed member 6 as shown in Figs. 8 to 10. The diameter of the disc 18 is configured such that it fits within the side wall 7 of the upper section 4, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Referring back to Fig. 1 , the waste outlet conduit 1 further comprises a waste pipe 25 having a flange 26 at its upper end. Mounted within the flange 26 is a coupling member 27 which engages with the top of the pipe 25 inside the flange 26. Typically, the coupling member 27 is a push fit into a recess in the upper end of the waste pipe 25 adjacent to the flange 26.

The coupling member 27 is shown in more detail in Figs. 11 a and 11 b and has a disc-shaped flange 32 on which is centrally located an upstanding hollow cylindrical section 28 with a pair of diametrically opposed engagement lugs 29. The engagement lugs 29 engage with the engagement slots 22 in the lower the section 5 of the liquid collector 3 to attach the coupling member 27 to the liquid collector 3. This couples the pipe 25 to the liquid collector 3.

The flange 32 has four apertures 71 formed therein to permit liquid to flow through the flange 32.

Located within the pipe 25 is a first one-way check valve unit 30 which includes an elastomeric umbrella-type valve member 31. The one-way valve unit 30 is orientated such that fluids can pass through the one-way valve unit 30 from the coupling member 27 in the direction of the arrow 70. The apertures 71 in the flange 32 of the coupling member 27 permit fluid flow from the liquid collector 1 into the top end of the pipe 25 above the valve unit 30. On the opposite side of the valve unit 30 from the coupling member 27 is located a second one-way check valve unit 33. Similar to the first valve unit 30, the second valve unit 33 comprises an elastomeric umbrella-type valve member 34. The second one-way valve unit 33 is orientated so that it permits flow in the same direction as the first one-way valve unit 30. That is, it permits flow through the valve unit 33 in the direction of the arrow 70 but prevents fluid flow in the opposite direction. Typically, the second valve unit 33 is removably attached to the end of pipe 25 by clips (not shown) which enable the unit 33 to be removed from the pipe 25, for example, for replacement, repair or servicing of the outlet conduit 1.

Each of the valve units 30, 33 has an opening (or “cracking pressure”) that is sufficient to allow a liquid entering the pipe 25 to open the valve units 30, 33. Typically, each of the valve units 30, 33 has an opening pressure of no more than 2 kPa. That is each of the valve units 30, 33 will open when there is a differential pressure across the respective valve unit of no more than 2 kPa.

Coupled to the lower end of the second valve unit 33, on the opposite side of the second valve unit 33 from the first valve unit 30, is a retainer unit 35 which is adapted to retain (or hold) a soluble tablet (not shown). The retainer unit 35 includes a number of slots 36 in its side wall 37. The retainer unit 35 also has a base 38.

The retainer unit 35 is shown in more detail in Figs. 12a and 12b, where the slots 36 in the side wall 37 can be seen more clearly. In addition, it can be seen from Figs. 12a and 12b that the base 38 is in the form of a mesh structure 39. At its upper end the retaining member 35 has a reduced wall thickness section 40 which engages within lower end of the second valve unit 33. The wall section 40 also incorporates retaining lugs 41 which engage with retaining apertures (not shown) in the lower end of the second valve unit 33.

As mentioned above, the retainer unit 35 is adapted to retain or hold a soluble tablet in the waste outlet conduit 1 below the second valve unit 33. Flence, liquid flowing through the waste outlet conduit 1 from the liquid collector 3 and through the valve units 30, 33 will then flow onto the soluble tablet in the retainer unit 35 before exiting from the retainer unit 35 through the mesh structure 39 in the base 38 or through the slots 36.

The soluble tablet may have one or more active ingredients. Preferably, the active ingredients include a lubricating compound which aids lubrication of urinal waste pipe below the waste outlet conduit 1 and helps to mitigate the build-up of residue from waste liquids from a urinal in which the waste outlet conduit 1 is fitted. Alternatively or in addition, the active ingredients may include other chemical compounds, such as deodorisers and/or sanitisers. Referring back to Fig. 1 , the outlet conduit 1 has a main longitudinal axis 43 which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the pipe 25. The spiral flow path defined by the wall 17 and described above is in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 43.

The waste outlet conduit 1 is installed in the waste outlet of a suitable urinal (not shown) by engaging prongs 13 of the installation key 2 with installation apertures 12 on the upper section 4 of the liquid collector 1. Prior to installation a suitable soluble tablet or material is preferably located within the retainer unit 35. The waste outlet conduit 1 is then inserted into the waste outlet aperture of the urinal. The waste outlet conduit 1 may be fixed in position by pushing the waste outlet conduit 1 into the waste outlet aperture of the urinal. The waste outlet conduit 1 may be a press fit such that flange 26 seals the waste outlet aperture of the urinal and the sealing section 42 engages with the waste outlet aperture of the urinal to hold the waste outlet conduit in position. As an alternative to the section 42, there may be engagement lugs on the outside of the pipe 25 below the flange 26 which can be engaged with a corresponding engagement slot in the waste aperture of the urinal to retain the waste outlet conduit 1 in position in the urinal waste aperture.

If it is required to remove the waste outlet conduit from the urinal, this can be facilitated by re-inserting the key 2 into the installation apertures 12 and pulling the key 2 to remove waste outlet conduit 1 from the urinal. If the pipe 25 has engagement lugs engaged in an engagement slot, removal may be facilitated by turning the key 2 turn the waste outlet conduit 1 and then pulling upwards to remove the waste outlet conduit 1 from the urinal.

Removal of the waste outlet conduit 1 may be necessary or desirable, for example, to replace the soluble tablet in the retainer unit 35 or to service the waste outlet conduit 1. Servicing may be required, for example, to remove debris or to replace or repair the valve units 30, 33 or the liquid collector 3.

In use, liquid entering the urinal bowl flows towards the waste outlet conduit 1 and enters the liquid collector 3 via the apertures 8, slots 15, 16 and apertures 23. The spiral wall 17 causes the liquid to flow around a spiral flow path within the liquid collector 1 which imparts a spiral flow component to the liquid flow. When the liquid then enters the pipe 25 through the apertures in the flange 32, the liquid has an at least partly circular or rotational component to the flow. This helps to reduce turbulence in the liquid as it enters the pipe 25 and flows through the first and second valve units 30, 33, thereby increasing the flow rate of the liquid through the valve units 30, 33 and through the waste outlet conduit 1.

As the valve units 30, 33 prevent or inhibit fluid flow in the direction opposite to the arrow 70, this prevents or mitigates the risk of liquids back-flowing up the waste outlet conduit 1 into the urinal or gasses in the waste pipe system below the waste outlet conduit 1 passing back up the waste outlet conduit 1 and entering the urinal and potentially causing unpleasant odours.

A second example of a waste outlet conduit for a waterless urinal is shown in Fig. 13. A waste outlet conduit 50 similar to the waste outlet conduit 1 and identical parts have been labelled with the same reference numerals for the waste outlet conduit 1.

The only difference between the waste outlet conduit 50 and the waste outlet conduit 1 , is that the waste outlet conduit 50 has a third one-way check valve unit 51 located between the second valve unit 33 and the retainer unit 35.

The valve unit 51 is similar to the one-way valve unit 33 and also incorporates an elastomeric umbrella-type valve member 52. The third one-way valve unit 51 is orientated in the same way as the first and second valve unites 30, 33 so that it permits flow in the same direction as the first and second one-way valve units 30, 33. That is, it permits fluid flow through the valve unit 51 in the direction of the arrow 70 but prevents fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Typically, the third valve unit 51 is removably attached to the lower end of the second valve unit 33 by clips (not shown) which enable the unit 51 to be removed from the unit 33, for example, for replacement, repair or servicing of the outlet conduit 1. As with each of the valve units 30, 33, the valve unit 51 has an opening (or “cracking pressure”) that is sufficient to allow a liquid entering the pipe 25 to open the valve unit 51. Typically, the valve unit 51 has an opening pressure of no more than 2 kPa. That is the valve unit 51 will open when there is a differential pressure across the valve unit 51 of no more than 2 kPa.

An advantage of the waste outlet conduit 50 is that there is enhanced sealing of the waste outlet conduit 1 between the inlet at the coupling member 27 and the outlet at the retaining member 35 due to the additional, third one-way check valve unit 51. This helps to mitigate the risk of liquids back-flowing up the waste outlet conduit back into the urinal and also mitigates the risk of gasses within the waste pipe system below the waste outlet conduit 1 being able to pass back up through the waste outlet conduit 50 to the urinal and thereby into the room or building in which the urinal is located.

Figs. 14 and 15 show an alternative type of one-way valve 60 that can be used in the waste outlet conduits 1 , 50 instead of one or more of the valve units 30, 33, 51. The one-way valve unit 60 is diaphragm-type valve and incorporates an elastomeric disc 61. Valve unit 60 permits flow through the valve in the direction of the arrow 62 but prevents fluid flow through the valve when fluid flow in a direction opposite to the arrow 62.

The valve unit 60 comprises an upper housing 63 and a lower housing 64 with the elastomeric disc 61 located between to the two housing 63, 64. In use, fluid flow in the direction of the arrow 62 forces the elastomeric disc 61 against member 65 and the edges of the disc 61 flex downwards to the member 65, thereby permitting flow through the valve unit 60. The flow is in the opposite direction, the flow presses the elastomeric valve member 61 against surface 66 of the upper housing 63 thereby causing the elastomeric valve member 61 to seal against the surface 66 to prevent the flow of liquid in the opposite direction from the arrow 62. An advantage of the valve unit 60 is that it typically permits increased flow through the valve unit 60 compared to the umbrella-type valve units 30, 33, 51 shown in Figs. 1 and 13. In addition, the valve unit 60 is less prone to be blocked by solid material such as foreign objects which may fall into the urinal and then enter the waste outlet conduit 1 , 50.

Advantages of the invention are that the spiral wall formation in the liquid collector helps to promote a spiral flow of liquid exiting the liquid collector and entering the pipe 25 through the coupling member 7 thereby promoting vortex or helical flow of the liquid within the pipe 25 which improves flow of liquids through the waste outlets conduit 1 , 50.

Claims

1. A urinal outlet conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet and a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet, the passageway defining a flow path for fluids between the inlet and the outlet; the passageway comprising a first section that defines a spiral flow path.

2. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 1 , wherein the first section of the passageway defining the spiral flow path is adjacent the inlet.

3. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spiral flow path has a radius that decreases from the inlet.

4. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spiral flow path is in a plane substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the conduit.

5. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passageway comprises a second section, the second section defining a substantially linear flow path.

6. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the substantially linear flow path defined by the second section is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

7. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet comprises an opening communicating with the first section.

8. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 7, wherein the inlet comprises a number of openings distributed circumferentially around the outside of the first section and in fluid communication with the spiral flow path.

9. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 8, wherein the openings are in direct fluid communication with the spiral flow path.

10. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit comprises a first conduit section having a first end and a second end; a housing coupled to the first end of the first conduit section, the housing comprising the first section of the passageway defining the spiral flow path; and wherein an outlet of the spiral flow path is in fluid communication with the first end of the first conduit section to permit fluid communication from the spiral flow path into first conduit section.

11. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section of the passageway comprises a curved wall member, the curved wall member defining the spiral flow path.

12. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 11 , wherein the curved wall member is in the shape of a spiral.

13. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 11 or claim 12 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the curved wall member is located within the housing.

14. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spiral flow path has at least a 360^Q rotation.

15. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 14, wherein the spiral flow path has a 720^Q rotation.

16. A urinal comprising a urinal outlet conduit according to any of the preceding claims.

17. A urinal according to claim 16, wherein the urinal is a waterless urinal.

18. A urinal outlet conduit comprising an inlet; an outlet; and a retaining member mounted on the conduit so that a fluid flow path through the conduit, extends through the retaining member; and wherein the retaining member is adapted to retain a soluble tablet in the conduit in the flow path.

19. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 18, wherein the retaining member is located adjacent the outlet.

20. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the retaining member is removably attached to the conduit.

21. A urinal outlet according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the retaining member comprises at least one of: (i) a side wall and a number of apertures are formed in the side wall to permit fluid flow through the side wall; and (ii) a base wall and a number of apertures are formed in the base wall to permit fluid flow through the base wall.

22. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of claims 18 to 21 , wherein a portion of the retaining member forms the outlet.

23. A urinal outlet conduit comprising an inlet and outlet, and at least three one-way valves mounted in the conduit between the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the valves are mounted within the conduit in a spaced apart relationship such that a liquid flow path from the inlet to the outlet passes through each valve in sequence; and each valve permits liquid flow from the inlet to the outlet but each valve prevents fluid flow in a direction from the outlet to the inlet.

24. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 23, wherein at least one of the one-way valves is a diaphragm valve.

25. A urinal outlet conduit according to claim 24, wherein the diaphragm valve comprises an elastomeric disc, and the elastomeric disc is preferably a free-floating elastomeric disc.

26. A urinal outlet conduit according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein at least one of the one-way valves is an umbrella valve.