Converting device for automatic toilet flushing and air deodorizing

Abstract

The invention converts a conventional domestic toilet into a system with automatic control of flushing water quantity and air deodorizing without any change of an internal flushing mechanism. A sensing means generates a presence signal, if a user is present in a toilet usage zone. A reversible electric driver actuates the existing toilet flush handle with the flush control mechanism and actuates a deodorant discharge valve with the deodorizing mechanism. A position feedback means defines in what position is located the flush control mechanism. A controller receives and processes the position feedback signals and the presence signals as well and makes the reversible electric driver to move, to stop or to change the movement direction. The invention is applicable for all toilets with pressure-type water flush system and with a water tank system comprising one or two manual flush handles.

Description

THE FIELD AND THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention refers to improvements of toilet flush systems and, more particularly, to retrofit devices for conversion an usual toilet flush system for the private dwelling to the automatic flush system with control of the flush water quantity and with the air deodorizing in necessary cases.

The water economy is very important in many regions of the planet. It concerns first of all to all big cities and territories with the high population density, including the USA. One way of the water spending is connected with the water closet usage, for as much as for each toilet flushing in the domestic toilets with manual control is being spent from 3 up to 5 gallons of the fresh water. It is desirable to provide an automatic control of the flush water quantity with reduced water quantity for a liquid waste.

It is desirable to create an automatic flush system for use in private dwellings for other reasons as well. Many people experience the temporary or constant difficulties, which can prevent the free pressing of the toilet handle, for example hospitalized persons. Some other people don't do it for a reason of the negligence or of the hygienic undesirability. The forgetfulness or the attentiveness shortage of children or older persons can prevent the manual toilet flushing. In these and other situations, the automatic toilet flushing systems for the private dwelling and the public usage would be necessary.

There are at least 3 types of the conventional flushable toilets in the dwelling structures, which are fitted to manual change of the flush water quantity.

The first type toilet is a toilet with a toilet bowl, a water tank and a flushing mechanism incorporated therein. It has only one handle established on a tank case (or on a tank lid, or on the nearest wall) for the manual flush control. Pressing on one end of the handle provides the beginning of the flushing process. Without the subsequent pressing on the other end, the full tank of the water quantity is discharged. The subsequent pressing of the other end provides the termination of the flushing process and the reduction of the flush water quantity.

The second type toilet is a toilet with a toilet bowl, a water tank, and a flushing mechanism with two handles (or buttons) for the manual flush control. A flushing mechanism provides the discharge of two various quantities of water by pressing the first or the second of two handles (buttons).

The third type toilet is a toilet with a toilet bowl, a pressurized water line, a valve interposed between the pressurized water line and the toilet bowl, and a handle connected with a valve for the manual flush control. The flush water quantity changes according to how long the handle is pressed.

There is a lot of the proposed automatic toilet flushing systems, which are frequently found in hotels, airports, train stations, etc. They operate on the principle of the interrupting of a radiation beam, which occurs at the usage of toilet by a person, and a control circuit initiates the flushing process when the person leaves a predetermined zone. As an example, the automatic toilet flushing systems are disclosed in the prior patents

• U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,864 B2 Sep. 16, 2003 (Veal),
• WO Pat. No. 02/46541 A1 Jun. 13, 2002 (Hefti et al.),
• WO Pat. No. 01/88285 A1 Nov. 22, 2001 (Kim),
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,227 B1 Mar. 20, 2001 (Gurowitz),
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,127 Feb. 18, 1997 (Veal),
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,880 Mar. 18, 1986 (Burgess),
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,091 Feb. 27, 1979 (Pulvari).
  All these systems based on the significant changes of the flush mechanism inside the water tank. Furthermore, they have no mechanism for the water quantity control and have no deodorizing mechanism.

A toilet flushing system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,446 Mar. 28, 1995 (Bloemer, et al.) has a flushing mechanism, which is disposed in the water tank and triggers a flush in response to the manual closing of the toilet seat cover. A magnet is attached to the seat cover and is detected by a sensor. The sensor activates a battery-powered motor having a crank arm, which directly raises a flapper valve with a tensile link. A delay timer prevents the repeated energy wasting.

Another toilet flushing system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,959 Jul. 18, 1995 (Ellsworth, et al.) consists a powered valve controlled by a timing circuit to pass one of a plurality of the water flow volumes from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. However, the selection of the water quantity and the water release occurs after the manual control.

The automatic toilet flushing system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,818 Feb. 23, 1993 (Barret et al.) consists an electric operated unit for the water volume control. The low water volume condition exists, when the sensor senses, that an elapsed time interval between the user arrival and the departure is less than a predetermined time interval (i.e. for the liquid waste flushing). The high water volume condition exists when the sensor senses, that the elapsed time interval is greater than the predetermined time interval (i.e. for the solid waste flushing).

All last three systems have changes of the flushing mechanism inside the water tank and have no deodorizing mechanism. More by token, two last systems have very complex and expensive control circuits.

Thereby the existing automatic flush systems cannot be used without changes of the flushing mechanism or without its full replacement. The changes of the flushing mechanism inside the toilet flush device are inaccessible to the majority of the users. Furthermore the full replacement of the flushing system or its re-equipment demands big charges.

An additional convenience for the toilet users, especially in private dwelling, is the air deodorizing only in necessary cases. A toilet deodorant spray mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004/0128751 A1 Jul. 8, 2004 (Haq). This simple adjustable mechanic dispenser is mounted on the side of a flush tank and is actuated manually with a handle of the toilet flush mechanism. This invention provides a convenient way of automatic deodorant dispensing out of a widely used air freshener sprays, but do it at the every toilet using.

The next group of patents discloses the toilet flushing systems with the manual controlled deodorizing mechanism or with means sensitive to user weight, but with considerable changes inside the water tank and without mechanism for water quantity control.

• U.S. Pat. No. 5,675,845 Oct. 14, 1997 (Martin et al.),
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,105 Jan. 15, 1980 (Womack),
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,670,916 Jun. 9, 1987 (Bloom),
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,434,938 Mar. 6, 1984 (Rosenkranz et al.),
• U.S. Pat. No. 713,977 Nov. 18, 1902 (Gallagher),
• U.S. Pat. No. 548,870 Oct. 29, 1895 (Hager).

Moreover, all existing deodorizing devices are not adapted for the coordinated work with the automatic flush system and cannot be used without any change of the mechanism inside the domestic device.

One of the most important conditions of the market success is a creation of a cheap and simple device, which can be easily attached to an existing toilet in the private dwelling without special skills and tools and without internal changes of the toilet construction. It is useful to convert the conventional toilet with manual flush control into advanced flush system with automatic control of flush water quantity and with air deodorizing in necessary cases. It is of current interest to create such an automatic flush system with air deodorizing especially for use in private dwelling.

THE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One of the primary objects of the present invention is to create an improved toilet flushing and air deodorizing system with the automatic changing of the flush water quantity and the automatic air deodorizing to use in private dwelling structures. Another object of the present invention is to create an improved toilet flushing and air deodorizing system adapted to using with the conventional toilet having a tank-type or a pressure-type flushing means.

The further object of the invention is to create an improved toilet flushing and air deodorizing system adapted to automatic changing of the flush water quantity and to the air deodorizing only when it is necessary.

It is still another object of the invention to create an improved toilet flushing and air deodorizing system adapted to using in private dwelling structures without the necessity of purchasing a completely new toilet and without any changing its built-in flush mechanism.

The additional object of the present invention is to create an improved toilet flushing and air deodorizing system, which can be installed at a relatively low cost without using any special tools and skills of the user.

The further object of the present invention is to create an improved toilet flushing and air deodorizing system assembled in its own housing, which can be easily joined to the flushing means of the conventional toilet.

Another object of the present invention is to create an opportunity of the aggregation of the toilet flushing and air deodorizing system during its industrial manufacturing with any element of the housing of the existing flushing system (for example, with a water tank cover or a water tank housing).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention represents an electromechanical device. The invention converts the usual domestic toilet into the system with the automatically controlled flushing water quantity and the air deodorizing. It can be used as so-called “retrofit device” for application to the conventional toilet.

It makes possible to use the various sprays (and another bulbs with the deodorant as well) produced in a wide assortment, which can be actuated by pressing the discharge valve (piston). The invention consists of the simple in manufacturing mechanical details and the cheap mechanical and electric elements and units as well.

Though the invention has some different details for each type of the existing flush mechanism accordingly, the principle of the action and the basic units of the invention remain unchanged. The principle of the action is described below.

The device operates in a cyclic mode. The cycle begins at the moment, when anybody (user) appears in a zone of the toilet using (independently on user standing next to or sitting on the toilet bowl). From this moment a sensing means generates a presence signal till the moment when the user leaves this zone. A character of the presence signal (for example, frequency, duration, on-off ratio etc.) depends on the duration of the toilet using.

The presence signal is transferred to the controller as a beam of radiation (such as the visible light or the infrared radiation, including a man's infrared radiation, ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation) or through an electric conductor.

The controller comprises decoders (for example, a time-interval analysers), which analyze the character of the presence signals and divide the presence signals into 3 groups depending on the duration of the toilet using. After termination of the presence signal the controller creates its own signals to control an executive mechanism. An executive mechanism comprises a flush control mechanism and a deodorizing mechanism together with a reversible electric driver (for example, a reversible electromotor or solenoids) to actuate both mechanisms. . The flush control mechanism acts on the existing toilet handle for the manual water discharge. The deodorizing mechanism acts on the valve (piston) for the deodorant discharge.

The position feedback means defines in what position is located the flush control mechanism and transfers its own signal to the controller. The controller processes the presence signal and the position feedback signal therefore the reversible electric driver receives signals to move, to stop, or to change a movement direction If the duration of the toilet using is shorter than the first predetermined time interval (mainly from 5 sec till 10 sec), the controller produces no control signal for the water discharge.

If the duration of the toilet using is longer than the first predetermined time interval, but shorter than the second predetermined time interval (mainly from 60s till 180s), the controller produces the control signal to discharge only the small water quantity and to return to the initial position.

If the duration of the toilet using is longer than the second predetermined time interval, the controller produces another control signal to discharge the large water quantity and a portion of the air deodorant and to return to the initial position.

Thus, direct and reverse movements of the reversible electric driver in various combinations and sequences are used for executing the first or the second group of operations, i.e. to discharge the small water quantity and than to return to the initial position or to discharge the large water quantity, to discharge the air deodorant portion and to return to the initial position.

For example, to execute the first group of operations after the short duration of the toilet using, the controller transfers the first type signal to the reversible electric driver. The last moves the flush control mechanism from the initial stop position in the direct direction, actuates the first end of the handle for manual flush control. The flushing water begins to discharge from the tank. In a short time the flush control mechanism comes to the predetermined reverse position, the position feedback means defines it and the controller transfers another signal to the reversible electric driver. The last moves the flush control mechanism in the opposite direction back to the initial stop position. During the last movement the flush control mechanism actuates the second end of the handle to terminate the flushing process. As a result the small quantity of the flushing water is discharged. The flush control mechanism returns back to the stop position. It is the end of the first type cycle.

To execute the second group of operations after long duration of the toilet use, the controller transfers the second type signal to the reversible electric driver. The last moves the flush control mechanism from the initial stop position in the opposite direction. The flush control mechanism actuates during a long time the first end of the handle for manual flush control, and the large quantity of the flushing water is discharged. At the same time the deodorizing mechanism acts on the valve (piston) for the deodorant discharge. The flush control mechanism and the deodorizing mechanism come to the initial stop position without change of the initial direction. It is the end of the second type cycle.

The device is supplied with an electric power source. The device has units for setting the first and second predetermined time intervals, for setting the large and small water quantity and for setting the deodorant portion quantity.

The installation of this device does not exclude an opportunity of the manual flush control. The device can be used without air deodorizing, if desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the position feedback means (external units are marked with the broken lines);

FIG. 3 shows the flush control mechanism;

FIG. 4 shows the deodorizing mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the controller and its connections with the external units marked with the broken lines;

FIG.6 presents an effective electric circuit of the controller;

FIG.7 and FIG. 8 show two sections of the preferable embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates the modified flush control mechanism for the toilet with two buttons for the manual water flushing.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate effective electric circuits of the electric driver comprising solenoids;

FIG. 12 shows the preferable embodiment of the invention comprising solenoids.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The block diagram of the invention, including its basic units, is shown on FIG. 1. All electric units—the sensing means 2, the controller 3, the reversible electric driver 4—are supplied with one electric power source or several electric power sources (not shown on FIG. 1)

The sensing means 2 creates a presence signal (or a signal of the toilet using), if the user is present in a zone of the toilet use. A character of the presence signal (for example, frequency, duration, on-off ratio etc.) depends on the duration of the toilet using. The presence signal is transferred from the sensing means 2 to the controller 3 as a beam of radiation. In another embodiment the sensing means 2 is a converter, which is located in a zone of the toilet use (on the floor directly in a front of the toilet bowl, or under the bowl seat, or under the bowl) and is sensitive to the user's weight. In the simplest embodiment, the sensing means 2 is at least one micro switch with a normally opened contact, which is sensitive to the user's weight and is connected with the controller 3 through an electric conductor. Instead of the micro switch it is possible to use a thin elastic mat with two conductive layers inside, which make a contact of one lay to another under influence of the user's weight. In this case, the duration of the presence signal is equal to the duration of the toilet using. It is possible to use the second micro switch with a normally opened contact infixed under a bowl seat and connected in bridge with the first micro switch on the floor. In another embodiment, the sensing means 2 corresponds to any known (contacting or contactless) converter, which is sensitive to interruption or to occurrence of radiation (such as infrared radiation including the user's infrared radiation, ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation). In all cases, the sensing means 2 executes the function of the normally opened contact, which jumps to the closed state during the time of the toilet using.

The controller 3 receives the presence signal from the sensing means 2, from the position feedback means 6, processes all signals, and creates its own signal to control the reversible electric driver 4.

A flush control mechanism 8 and a deodorizing mechanism 10 are actuated with the reversible electric driver 4. The flush control mechanism 8 is able to actuate the left end and the right end (on FIG. 1) of the handle 9 (in another embodiment the first 24 and the second 25 buttons) installed on the existing old structure I for the toilet flashing.

The deodorizing mechanism 10 actuates a means 12, which releases a separate deodorant portion from a tank 11 with deodorant.

The position feedback means 6 connected with the controller 3 and with the flush control mechanism 8 is shown more detailed on FIG. 2. The position feedback means 6 comprises a movable element 7, which is actuated with the flush control mechanism 8, the first position sensor 13 sensing the approach of the flush control mechanism 8 to the first predetermined position, and the second position sensor 14 sensing the approach of the flush control mechanism 8 to the second predetermined position. The first predetermined position (an initial position) is the position, in which the reversible electric driver 4, the flush control mechanism 8 and the deodorizing mechanism 10 are motionless without actuating the handle 9 and the deodorant discharging means 12. The second predetermined position (a reverse position) is the position, from which begins the reverse movement of movable units 4, 8 and 10 after their initial movement in the direct direction.

The position feedback means 6 has further an active element 17 disposed on the movable element 7. The active element 17 actuates the first position sensor 13 and the second position sensor 14. In the simplest embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4, FIGS. 8 and 9) the active element 17 is a cam 43, the position sensor 13 is a micro switch with a normally closed contact, and the position sensor 14 is a micro switch with a normally opened contact. Both contacts are connected to the controller 3. In a more complicated embodiment, the active element 17 is a moveable source of radiation, and the first 13 and the second 14 position sensors have radiation detectors. In another embodiment, the active element 17 is a moveable reflector of radiation, and both position sensors have sources and detectors of radiation. In further embodiment, the active element 17 is a moveable magnet, and both position sensors have transducers, which are sensitive to the magnetic field. In all embodiments, the first position sensor 13 executes the function of the normally closed contact, and the second position sensor 14 executes the function of the normally opened contact.

It is shown on FIG. 3, the flush control mechanism 8 is connected with the reversible electric driver 4 through a reduction gear. The reduction gear includes a motor spindle 39 connected with a driving screw 40 and a driven gear 41 with a secondary shaft 42. The flush control mechanism 8 has two rollers 62 and 63 connected with a triangular crossbeam 51, which is able to rotate on its axis 52. The crossbeam 51 is driven with a connecting rod 50, a crank 49 and the moveable element 7, which is connected with the driven gear 41. A special by-pass handle 27 for manual flush control (in the turned position is marked as 28) is connected with the crossbeam 51. In another embodiment, the crossbeam 51 is connected with the connecting rod 50 through an elastic member (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the crossbeam 51 is connected with the connecting rod 50 through a quick-disconnect coupling (not shown). The crossbeam 51 in the turned position is marked as 64, and the handle 9 in the turned position is marked as 61. In another embodiment, the flush control mechanism 8 has some differences depending on a type of the handle for manual flushing. For the toilet with two water flush buttons 24, 25 the crank 49 is installed at another place of the moveable element 7 (FIG. 9).

The deodorizing mechanism 10 (FIG. 4) includes a cam 53 connected with the moveable element 7, a lever 54 with a turn axis 65, a protrusion 58, which is disposed on the lever 54. A spring 55 carries the end of the lever 54 loaded with the tank 11. During rotating in the opposite direction (clockwise), the cam 53 is able to elevate the protrusion 58 and the lever 54 with the tank 11 as well. An arrester 67 is able to load a discharge valve 33 and to prevent a big elevation of the tank 11. The structure of the deodorizing mechanism 10 is practically independent on the means for release of separate deodorant portions 12. For example, in another embodiment the arrester 67 is able to load a piston, which provides the deodorant discharge from the bulb 11. FIG. 5 shows the more detailed block diagram of the controller 3. The receiving unit 32 receives the presence signal and transfers it to decoders 34 and 35. Decoders analyse the duration of the toilet using and together with the signals from the position sensors 13 and 14 create their own signal to activate a reversing unit 23, which controls the reversible electric driver 4. In the simplest case, if the sensing means 2 is a normally open contact, the receiving unit 32 is a connecting terminal.

An effective electric circuit of the controller 3 is shown on FIG. 6. The external units are marked with the broken lines. The controller 3 has a normally opened contact 19 as the sensing means 2, a normally closed contact 37 as the first position sensor 13 and a normally opened contact 36 as the second position sensorl4. The controller 3 has two time-interval analysers 15 and 16 as decoders 34 and 35. The first time-interval analyser 15 tuned on the first time interval (mainly from 5 sec. till 10 sec.) includes a differentiating unit R1, R4, C1 and an amplifier with a transistor T1. The resistor R1 is the first time justifying means 20. The second time-interval analyser 16 tuned on the second time interval (mainly from 60 sec. till 180 sec.) includes an integrating unit R2, C2 and an amplifier with a transistor T2. The resistor R2 is the second time justifying means 21. A relay K with a relay coil 47 and transfer relay contacts K1 marked as 48 executes the functions of the reversing unit 23. In the simplest embodiment the reversible electric driver 4 is the reversible electromotor 38 connected through the transfer contacts 48 with the controller 3, which causes motor's rotation in the direct or the reverse direction and the stopping as well. If the amplifiers T1 and T2 and the contact 37 have a nonconductive state, the reversible electric motor 38 does not move.

If the amplifier T1 or the contact 37 have a conductive state, but the amplifier T2 has no conductive state, the reversible electric motor 38 rotates in direct direction.

If the amplifier T2 have the conductive state, it turns on the relay coil 47, the transfer contacts 48 re-switch the voltage polarity, and if the amplifier T1 or the contact 37 have the conductive state as well, the reversible electric motor 38 rotates in the opposite (reverse) direction. A disconnection of the normally closed contact 37 causes a shut-off of the reversible electric motor 38. A connection of the normally opened contact 36 causes a quick actuation of the relay coil 47, and the reversible electric motor 38 rotates in the opposite direction. The switch 26 is a main “on-off” switch for automatic or manual operating. The switch S2 serves as a regime selector 22 for automatic control of the water flush quantity, or selection of constantly large (constantly small) water flush quantity.

Two cross sections of the preferable embodiment of the invention are shown on FIG.7 and FIG.8. In addition to the mentioned elements, there are a housing 57 and galvanic or storage batteries 56 as an electric power source 59. In another embodiment, a low voltage (6-12 volt) electric power source 59 supplies the device with electric energy from the electric network through the transformer and the rectifier (not shown). The housing 57 is connected by any known way to the existing old structure 1 of flush handle fixing, thus both rollers 62 and 63 are able to actuate the flush handle 9 (or the buttons 25 and 26 in the another embodiment).

The device operates in the automatic mode as described below. In a waiting state all mechanical members located in the initial position are motionless and are shown on FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 7-FIG. 9 as continuous lines. The main switch 26 of the controller 3 (FIG. 6) is closed, the normally closed contact 37 of the first position sensor 13 is disconnected with the cam 43, the normally opened contact 19 of the sensing means 2 and the normally opened contact 36 of the second position sensor 14 are disconnected as well. The regime selector 22 (the switch S2) is in a middle position (A) corresponding to the automatic flush and deodorizing control. The integrating unit capacitor 29 is discharged and the differentiating unit capacitor 30 is charged. The transistor T1 of the first time-interval analyzer 15 and the transistor T2 of the second time-interval analyzer 16 are in the nonconductive state, thus the relay coil 47 of relay K and the reversible electromotor 38 are not actuated. The transfer relay contacts 48 are in a lower (on FIG. 6) position marked as DIR.

The waiting state is over, when the user appears in the toilet-using zone and the sensing means 2 creates the presence signal. Regardless of the type of the sensing means 2, the creation of the presence signal is equal to closing of the normally opened contact 19. As a result, the capacitor 30 begins to discharge through the resistors R1 and R3. A discharge speed is inversely proportional to the product of C1 and R1 (R3 is very small as compared to R1). At the same time, the capacitor 29 begins to charge through the resistor R2. A charge speed is inversely proportional to the product of C2 and R2. The product of C1 and R1 is very small as compared to the product of C2 and R2. A voltage on the resistor R3 is not able to re-switch the transistor T1 to the conductive state, when the contact 19 is closed.

When the user leaves the toilet-using zone, the presence signal ceases, the normally opened contact 19 jumps at the open state and the capacitor 30 begins to charge through the resistors R4 and R3.

If the user was in the toilet-using zone for a relatively very short time (less then the first predetermined time interval, for example, 5 sec.), then the normally opened contact 19 was in the closed state for the same time. Thus, the voltage on the capacitor 30 is insignificantly reduced and the charging current through the resistors R4 and R3 is too small for re-switching the transistor T1 to the conductive state. As a result, the electromotor 38 remains at the initial position. It occurs at any accidental appearances of a person or an animal in the controllable zone without the intention to use the toilet. If the user was in the toilet-using zone for a relatively short time (between the first and the second predetermined time intervals, for example, more then 5 sec., but less then 180 sec.), then the normally opened contact 19 was in the closed state for the same time, thus the voltage on the capacitor 30 is significantly reduced. In this case, the charging current through the resistors R4 and R3 is able to re-switch the transistor T1 to the conductive state. At the same time the voltage on the capacitor 29 was increased to the small value, which is not able to re-switch the transistor T2 to the conductive state, thus relay 47 is not actuated. As a result the electromotor 38 is actuated for rotation in the direct direction. The motor spindle 39 drives the screw 40 and the driven gear 41. The crank 49 begins to rotate in the direct direction marked on FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 with the arrow D; the triangular crossbeam 64 begins to rotate clockwise and the roller 62 descends the right end of the handle 9. After a small turn of the movable element 7 together with the cams 53 and 43, the last ceases its action on the first position sensor 13, thus the normally closed contact 37 jumps to the closed state. When the charge current of the capacitor 29 is decreased to the negligible value and the transistor T1 is re-switched to the nonconductive state, the normally closed contact 37 provides further operation of the electromotor 38. The roller 62 continues to descend the right end of the handle 9 and the water flush begins. In some seconds the roller 62 tilts the handle 9 to the turned position 61, the cam 43 arrives to the second position sensor 14 and actuates it. At the same time the cam 53 arrives not to the protrusion 58. The actuation of the second position sensor 14 with the cam 43 is equal to the jumping of the normally opened contact 36 to closed state, that caused the conductive state of the transistor T2, the actuation of the relay coil 47 and re-switch of the relay transfer contacts 48 in the upper (on FIG. 6) position marked as REV. As a result, the electromotor 38 is actuated for the rotation in the reverse direction. The crank 49 begins to rotate in the reverse direction marked on FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 with the arrow R; the crossbeam 64 begins to rotate anticlockwise and the roller 63 descends the left end of the handle 9. The water flush with the small water quantity terminates without the air deodorizing. The electromotor 38 continues to rotate; the cam 43 arrives to the first position sensor 13 and actuates it. The normally closed contact 37 jumps to the opened state, the electromotor 38 stops in the initial position and the device sets in the waiting state.

If the user was in the toilet-using zone a relatively long time (more then the second predetermined time interval, for example, 180 sec.), then the normally opened contact 19 was in the closed state for the same time, thus the voltage on the capacitor 30 is reduced to the negligible value. In this case, the charging current through the resistors R4 and R3 is large and is able to re-switch the transistor T1 to the conductive state. The voltage on the capacitor 29 was increased to the enough large value, which is able to re-switch the transistor T2 to the conductive state, thus relay coil 47 is actuated and the contacts 48 jump to the upper position marked on FIG. 6 as REV. As a result, the electromotor 38 is actuated for rotation in the reverse direction. The motor spindle 39 drives the screw 40 and the driven gear 41. The crank 49 begins to rotate in the reverse direction marked with the arrow R; the triangular crossbeam 51 begins to rotate clockwise and the roller 62 descends the right end of the handle 9. After a small turn of the movable element 7 cam 43 stops its action on the first position sensor 13, the normally closed contact 37 jumps to the closed state and further provides operation of the electromotor 38. The roller 62 continues to descend the right end of the handle 9, and the water flush begins. In a few seconds roller 62 tilts the handle 9 to the turned position 61. After that, the triangular crossbeam 51 begins to rotate anticlockwise from the turned position 64; the roller 63 begins to descend the left end of the handle 9. The cam 43 arrives later to the second position sensor 14 and actuates it. The normally opened contact 36 jumps to the closed state, but the transistor T2 is already at the conductive state due to its base current through a line R8, D1, the upper position of the contacts 48 and the contact 37. Still later, the cam 53 arrives from below to the protrusion 58 and elevates it together with the lever 54 and the tank 11. It causes the short-time air deodorizing unless and until the cam 53 can to slide below the elevated protrusion 58. The electromotor 38 continues to rotate, the roller 63 continues to descend the left end of the handle 9 and the water flush with the large water quantity terminates. Still later, the cam 43 arrives to the first position sensor 13 and actuates it. The normally closed contact 37 jumps to the opened state, the electromotor 38 stops in the initial position and the device sets in the waiting state.

For the toilet with two buttons 24, 25 for the manual water flushing, the initial position of the crank 49 and the connecting rod 50 are shown on FIG. 9 with continuous lines and in the actuated position with the broken lines. In this embodiment, the controller 3 and other electric units operate as described above.

For the water flushing with the small water quantity without the air deodorizing in the automatic mode, the roller 62 descends the right button 24 during the crank 49 rotation in direct direction (anticlockwise) and goes back to the initial position after the cam 43 arrives to the second position sensor 14 and actuates it.

For the water flushing with the large water quantity and the air deodorizing in the automatic mode, the roller 63 descends the left button 25 during the crank 49 rotation in the reverse direction (clockwise). The cam 53 arrives later from below to the protrusion 58, elevates it and causes the short-time air deodorizing as described above. Still later, the roller 63 disconnects from the button 25 and the roller 62 descends the right button 24. The water flushing with the large water quantity terminates. Still later, the cam 43 arrives to the first position sensor 13 and actuates it. The normally closed contact 37 jumps to the opened state, the electromotor 38 stops in the initial position and the device sets in the waiting state.

In addition to the automatic mode of operation described above, the device may also be operated manually. For this purpose, it is necessary to detach a quick-disconnect coupling (not shown) between the crossbeam 51 and the connecting rod 50. After that, the flush control may be performed with the special handle 27 (28 in the turned position). If the crossbeam 51 is connected with the connecting rod 50 through an elastic member (not shown), it is necessary only to actuate the special handle 27.

As mentioned above, the solenoids can be applied to activate the flush buttons and the deodorant discharge means. The scheme of solenoids connection to control the toilet of the second type is shown on FIG. 10 and on FIG. 11 to control the toilet of the first and the third type. The block 45 is used instead of the block 38 on FIG. 6.

With reference to the second type toilet (FIG. 12), activation of the button 25 trough a core 73 and triangular cross-beam 51 occurs for release of the reduced water quantity, when only transistor T1 (FIG. 6) is unclosed. Then the positive voltage acts on the block 45 (FIG. 10) and the solenoid 70 is activated through the diode 77. Transistor T1 is adjusted on the switching-off delay from 8 till 15 seconds through the resistor R4 and closes after adjusted time interval. The system comes back into waiting mode. Activation of the button 24 trough a core 74 and triangular cross-beam 51 originates for release of standard water quantity, when transistor T2 (FIG. 6) is unclosed, and the negative voltage acts on the block 45 (FIG. 10). Then the solenoid 71 is activated through the diode 76. Simultaneously the solenoid 69 is activated, a core 72 move up together with tank 11 upward to the arrester 67 and the deodorant discharge occurs. After 8-15 seconds, the system comes back into waiting mode.

With reference to the first and the third type toilet, release of the reduced water quantity occurs, when the positive voltage acts on the block 45 (FIG. 11) and the solenoid 71 is activated. After predetermined time the solenoid 70 is activated through the diode 77. Change of the resistor 79 provides to adjust the solenoid 70 activation delay and to adjust the reduced water quantity. After 8-15 seconds, the system comes back into waiting mode. Discharge of standard water quantity occurs, when the negative voltage acts on the block 45 (FIG. 11) after unclosing transistor T2 (FIG. 6). The solenoid 71 is activated, and the solenoid 69 is activated through the diode 76 after another predetermined time. Change of the resistor 78 provides to adjust the solenoid 69 activation delay and the deodorant discharge quantity.

The present invention is highly unique and effective in order to convert the conventional toilet into the automatic system with controlled quantity of the flushing water and the air deodorizing.

This invention provides advantages for consumer:

• water saving (automatic water volume control);
• hygienic water flush (water flush takes place necessarily and without contact with handles );
• economical deodorizing (only in necessary cases and with the predetermined deodorant quantity);
• universality (the device can be used with any type of water flush system, for example, with a water tank system or with a water-pressure line system);
• quick and easy installation (a user should neither change an internal mechanism of water flush system nor possess special skills or use special tools);
• low expenses (special installation services are not required; it is not necessary to buy a new toilet set with advanced functions even if such a system will be created);

This invention provides advantages for manufacturer as well:

• the device incorporates new useful characteristics for consumer and a license will give a long term competitive advantages;
• the device with insignificant constructive variations can be applied to all existing water flush systems and, therefore, guarantees a plenty of consumers;
• the device consists of simple in manufacturing mechanical and inexpensive electrical units that reduces expenses and makes an excellent return of investments;
• a device housing can be fabricated together with some elements of the flush system housing, for example, with a removable water tank cover, that significantly facilitates the device installation and enlarges a number of consumers.

All presented embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. This invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the scope and spirit of essential characteristics thereof. The scope of the invention should be determined from the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for converting of a toilet supplied with a water flush mechanism and handles for manual water quantity option, said device having an electric power supply, a sensing means for detection of user in a toilet using zone and for creation a presence signal, a controller with units for determination a toilet usage duration and for comparison said duration with the first and the second predetermined time intervals to control an executive mechanism, said executive mechanism to actuate the water flush with standard and reduced water quantity depending on said toilet usage duration and a housing for fixing all device units, comprising:

a) a removable tank with deodorant and a deodorant discharge means,

b) said executive mechanism supplied with a reversible electric driver and a control flush mechanism to actuate said handles for manual water quantity option,

c) said executive mechanism further supplied with a deodorising mechanism to actuate said deodorant discharge means if said control flush mechanism is actuated for standard flush water quantity,

d) a position feedback means for creating a stop signal, when said flush control mechanism has come to an initial position, and for creating a reverse signal, when said flush control mechanism has come to the predetermined reverse position,

e) said controller supplied with units for receiving of signals from said sensing means and from said position feedback means, units for processing all signals and units for creating its own control signals for said executive mechanism to discharge said reduced water quantity or to discharge a portion of said deodorant and standard water quantity, said control signals depend on feedback means signals and on toilet usage duration,

f) a housing disposed to be able to actuate said toilet handles through said flush control mechanism,

herewith said predetermined reverse position corresponds to flushing with reduced water quantity

2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said executive mechanism comprises a reversible electromotor

3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said executive mechanism comprises a reversible stepping motor,

4. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said executive mechanism comprises solenoids,

5. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said position feedback means comprises the first position sensor at said initial position, the second position sensor at said predetermined reverse position, both connected to said controller, and a moveable actuator driven with said executive mechanism to actuate said sensors,

6. The device as recited in claim 5, wherein said position feedback means comprises the first and the second position sensors, both sensitive to magnetic field and connected to said controller, and a moveable magnet driven with said executive mechanism to actuate said sensors,

7. The device as recited in claim 5, wherein said position feedback means comprises a normally closed electrical contact as the first position sensor in said initial position, and a normally opened electrical contact as the second position sensor in said predetermined reverse position, and a cam actuated with said reversible electric driver to switch the status of said contacts,

8. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said flush control mechanism comprises a crank connected to said reversible electric driver, a connecting rod and a cross-beam with a turn axis, wherein two roller pushers are fixed on the opposite sides of said cross-beam and adapted to actuate said toilet flush handle,

9. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said flush control mechanism comprises a handle for manual flush control,

10. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein said flush control mechanism comprises a quick-disconnect coupling with handle for manual flush control.

11. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said deodorizing mechanism comprises a crank connected to said reversible electric driver, a spring lever connected with said tank and a motionless arrester for push on said discharge valve, when said lever raises,

12. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller comprises the first time interval justifying means (adjusted mainly from 5 till 10 seconds), the second time interval justifying means (adjusted mainly from 60 till 180 seconds), said controller further comprises a unit for creating its own signals to control said reversible electric driver

for initial movement of said reversible electric driver in direct direction and for its subsequent movement in the opposite direction back to initial position with discharging said reduced quantity of flushing water after said reverse signal, if said toilet usage duration exceeds the first predetermined time interval, but does not exceed the second predetermined time interval,

for initial movement of said reversible electric driver in opposite direction and its subsequent arrival to said initial position from this direction with discharging said standard quantity of flushing water and with actuating of said deodorizing mechanism for air deodorizing, if said toilet usage duration exceeds the second predetermined time interval.

13. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensing means comprises units to create and to transmit said presence signals which electrical characteristics depend on the toilet usage duration

14. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said sensing means comprises units to create and to transmit said presence signals which frequency depends on the toilet usage duration

15. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said sensing means comprises at least one sensor disposed in said zone of toilet usage and sensitive to user weight

16. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said sensing means comprises an electric capacity sensor disposed in said zone of toilet usage

17. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said housing is produced in connection with one of replaceable details of the flush mechanism housing, for example, with a water tank cover,

18. Method of automatic control of air deodorizing and flushing water quantity based on creation of presence signals, on determination of toilet usage duration and on activation of an executive mechanism for a toilet having a flush mechanism and handles for manual water quantity option, comprising

a) setting and periodical replacement of a tank with a deodorant and a deodorant discharge means

b) creation of feedback signals in accordance with the position of said executive mechanism

c) creation of control signals for said executive mechanism in accordance with said feedback signals and said toilet usage duration

to activate said handles for a reduced water quantity option, if usage duration exceeds the first predetermined time interval, but does not exceed the second predetermined time interval,

to activate the handles for a standard water quantity option and said deodorant discharge means, if usage duration exceeds the second predetermined time interval,

herewith said reduced water quantity is the quantity necessary to remove a liquid waste, the first predetermined time interval corresponds to the shortest duration necessary for formation of liquid waste in a toilet, the second predetermined time interval corresponds to the shortest duration necessary for formation of solid waste in a toilet.