Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR DEVICE FOR RAISING AND LOWERING A SEAT LID
Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to means
and devices used in toilets or lavatories, particularly
relates to means used for automatically raise and lower the
toilet covering lids and more specifically relates to a
hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the covering
lid and seat of the toilet hole.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Is well known that common toilets are shaped in
such a way that structurally comprise a bowl consisting of a
body with a central hollow of round or oblong hole, with an
internal trap that discharge in a base fixed to the floor
where the exit of the trap is connected to the sanitary
drainage network, said bowl comprises an upper tank where a
volume of water is deposited, which is connected through a
duct to said bowl, wherein said ducts comprise a ball-cock
supply valve with actuating means for discharging water into
the bowl.
A water supply duct from a water supply source of
domestic network or public network connects directly into the
water storage upper tank comprising a control bypass valve;
wherein said tank includes valve means controlled by a float
element to control the water volume to be stored and
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downloaded to the toilet, so as to dislodge urine and/or
feces.
The toilet bowl hole comprises in the back part
some orifices where are inserted fixing means of a swinging
lid and seat that cover the hole, which are disposed over the
hole for hygiene reasons, preventing the user from direct
contact with the toilet surface, besides of provide greater
comfort to the user.
The covering lid of the bowl consists of a solid
body in a similar shape to the hole (round or oblong) and the
seat has an annular or elliptical shape that follows the
contour of the bowl hole, some seats are shaped like a
horseshoe. Said seat is used so that people seat over it and
avoid the direct contact with the bowl surface; in some cases
the seat is padded for comfort, while the lid allows covering
the bowl hole.
When a female person uses the toilet, usually tends
to lift the lid with her hands or with at least one hand,
which imply contamination, poor hygiene, etc.
As for a male person, is well known existing
problems, as when a man just trying to urinate, usually if it
has a good habit, lifts with his hands both the lid and the
seat to avoid splashing the seat with urine and keep clean
the seat, with the sanitary implications already indicated
due to the direct contact of the hand with the lid and seat,
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but in many cases men, when the lid is covering the bowl
hole, just lift the lid, or if the lid is lifted, is no
longer necessary lift the seat, which imply that when they
urinate splash and wet with urine the seat, causing
displeasure in other users of the toilet and causing
contamination of the lid that could be a source of infection
for other users.
In the prior art, various hydraulic and pneumatic
mechanisms and mechanical devices were found that allow lift
the toilet lid and/or seat, thus by example PA/a/2001/006808
Mexican patent application to Jaime Barrios Gomez Garibay, of
July 2, 2001 which seeks to protect a mechanism for lifting
the lid of toilets indirectly and without use the hands,
characterized in that comprises a hydraulic system with two
plastic valves, one of which is disposed on the floor and the
other ring-shaped or horseshoe-shaped under the lower plastic
lid, covering the upper surface of the toilet bowl; both
valves being interconnected through a high pressure hose, the
valve provided on the floor being of round pouch shape with
convex upper surface, housing the same within certain amount
of a liquid; while the valve disposed below the ring-shaped
or horseshoe shaped lower plastic lid is a cylinder with a
piston inside or in accordion bellows shape.
We found the patent application GB 2376475 (A) to
Moran Lynn and Murphy Darly of December 18, 2002, which seeks
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to protect a mechanism to lift the seat 6 and lid 7, designed
to be fitted to standard toilets, which is drive to lift the
lid and seat pressing a foot-operated pedal 4 surrounding the
bottom of the toilet bowl, a metal casing 3 which houses the
drive mechanism 5 to lift said lid 7 and seat 6, consisting
of rods and levers.
We found the utility model PA/u/2005/000273, grant
number MX1636 to David Herrera Gurrola, issued on December
18, 2006, which protects a device for raising and lowering a
toilet seat, the device generally comprises a rotation shaft
placed under the toilet seat and is attached to or makes
contact with the same; a lever attached to the rotation shaft
and moved by a user so as to transmit its movement to the
rotation shaft, which being attached to the seat or making
contact with it, achieves the desired motion of ascent or
descent of the seat, the rotation shaft that is hosted on
channels or ducts of the existing hinges formed by the lid,
the seat and the toilet hinge brackets or is housed along of
a housing provided on a support base fixed to the mounting
orifices existing in the back part of the toilet ring.
We also found the Mexican patent application
document Pa/a/2006/012503 to Mark Anthony Dercksen and
Johannes Gideon Francois Johannes, which seeks the protection
of a foot-operated hydraulic toilet seat lift that may be
installed easily in a toilet; the universal bracket with a
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retained cylinder and a piston is mounted to the toilet bowl
using the existing toilet seat fasteners; the toilet seat
lift is activated by foot pressure applied to the pedal,
which in turn opens a valve to deliver water pressure from
the existing toilet water supply to the cylinder and piston.
It was also found the U.S. Patent 4,291,422 to John
J. Shoemaker and Kenneth R. Stark, of September 29, 1981,
which discloses a device for raising and lowering the lid and
seat members of a toilet comprising a pair of independent
hydraulic systems, operatively associated to one of the
toilet members (lid or seat). Each hydraulic system includes
a manually operable control valve, a hydraulic cylinder
having a water inlet/ connection port disposed on each of its
distal and medium ends operatively connecting the piston rod
of the cylinder with the member (lid or seat) associated to
the toilet. Any member of the toilet (lid or seat) can be
controlled with the hydraulic system associated with a
control valve that directs water to one of the ports of the
cylinder, while the other port that moves the piston rod in a
first direction receives water from the extractor, moving to
the toilet member (lid or seat) rotationally in one
direction. In operation, the toilet member lowers the
control valve to reverse the cylinder ports that receive and
deplete the water that makes the piston rod to move in a
second direction by which the rotating toilet member is moved
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on the other direction.
In none of the found documents it is protected or
disclosed a hydraulic drive device for automatically raising
and lowering the toilet covering lid and seat and using the
same fluid source used to fill the elevated tank and to
dislodge the excreta down the drain, wherein said device is
of a simple structure, easy installation and easy operation
that may be activated by sensors or by manual driving buttons
or by the feet.
Said device is novel and represent inventive
activity, as the same has been designed and developed after
multiple testing, development, research, investment of
financial, personnel and supplies resources, allowing
obtaining the device which we believe is novel, because there
are not any documents that disclose its existence and neither
may be deduced from the combination of information from the
found documents, so that it complies with inventive activity.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to make
available a hydraulic drive device for automatically raising
and lowering the toilet covering lid and seat, so as to avoid
the use of the hands and avoid wetting the seat with urine
when it is used by men to urinate in the toilet.
Another object of the present invention is allow
said hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the
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toilet covering lid and seat, that also provides greater
safety and hygiene to the toilet users.
Other object of the invention is to make available
said hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the
toilet covering lid and seat, which also avoids the
possibility of infection by the users avoiding splashing the
seat with urine.
Another object of the invention is to make
available said hydraulic drive device for raising and
lowering the toilet covering lid and seat that is also
structurally simple, easy to manufacture, easy to drive and
easy installation.
Another object of the invention is to make
available the hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering
the toilet covering lid and seat that can also be driven
indirectly using driving sensors and directly with contact
drive elements.
And all those qualities and objects that will
become apparent from a description of the present invention
supported on the illustrated embodiments.
SUMA,RY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, the hydraulic drive device for raising
and lowering the toilet covering lid and seat in accordance
with the present invention consists of a housing comprising
two adjoining hollow chambers, one left and one right, the
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chambers housing a left rotating shaft and a right rotating
shaft, respectively, both shafts having a fixed counterweight
that can rotate along with the shaft inside the chambers;
said shafts are fixed within the housing capable of rotating
motion; each chamber also houses a left and right elastic
diaphragm, adjoined and interacting with the counterweights,
said diaphragms comprising at least one connecting pivot
wherein a inlet and/or outlet duct of working fluid is
connected so as to drive-push the counterweights when are
inflated with fluid and cause the swinging of said shafts, a
lid of the toilet hole and a seat disposed below the lid and
over the periphery of the toilet bowl hole are comprised on
the rear part by two left and right connection flanges with
hole, through which is inserted a fixing bolt that is fixed
at the ends of the rotating shafts with the counterweights,
anchoring the lid to the left shaft and the seat to the right
shaft; so that the left rotating shaft is firmly fixed to the
left connection flange of the lid, the shaft passes through
the orifice of the seat left flange without locking the seat,
and the right rotating shaft is firmly fixed to the seat
right flange, the shaft passes through the orifice in the lid
flange without locking the lid.
When the pressure fluid is introduced through the
pivots, the diaphragms are filled with fluid, pushing the
counterweights attached to the left and right rotating
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shafts, rotating them, and being attached the left and right
shafts to the lid and seat respectively, allowing them to
raise, when the fluid is expelled from the diaphragms,
helping the counterweight to the soft gravity drop of the lid
and seat.
The device can operate in different ways in
different settings, by example, it only allows lift the lid
when the lid and seat are folded down, this when it will be
used to defecate by men and women; to lift the lid and seat
simultaneously when they are folded down, this when it will
be used for a man to urinate; to lower the seat when the lid
and seat are lifted, this when it will be used to defecate by
men and women; to lift the seat when the lid is lifted and
the seats is folded down, this when it will be used for a man
to urinate.
Said device housing in its preferred embodiment
consists of two modules, a left module and right module, both
modules are adapted to engage each other. Said housing
includes on its underside, a pair of exterior thread hollow
fixing tubes, spaced, inferiorly projected and coincident
with the orifices in the toilet bowl by means of which is
fixed with nuts to that bowl. Through said hollow tubes is
passed the working fluid supply duct to said diaphragms.
In its preferred embodiment, the chambers are
semicircular and the counterweights attached to the rotating
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shafts are substantially of triangular prism shape with
curved base, which are smaller than said chambers so as to be
moved rotationally inside the same and pressing the
diaphragms.
There are two embodiments of the invention for
passing the working fluid to the diaphragms within the
chambers of the device housing and to allow raise and lower
the seat and lid of the toilet, where the working fluid used
is water from the main supply water tap to the toilet tank.
In one of the embodiments of the invention, the
device is automatically driven (version "Premium") and in
other of the embodiments the device is driven by contact
drive elements ("standard").
In the automatic actuating embodiment (version
"Premium"), the device is powered by a network of water
supply pipe, which supply is regulated by three-way solenoid
valves, two left and right motion sensors and a central
presence sensor in communication with an circuit board that
processes the sensor signals so as to actuate said solenoid
valves.
This embodiment then consists of two supply ducts
connected to a duct diversion of the main supply source into
the toilet water tank and into one way of the two three-way
solenoid valves arranged on the sides of the back part of the
bowl; in the second way of the solenoids, the supply duct is
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connected to the pivot of the left and right diaphragms, and
in the third way of the solenoids are connected the water
discharge ducts of the diaphragms, connected from the
solenoids to a main discharge duct that discharge into the
toilet water tank.
In this embodiment the diaphragms only have a pivot
where the working fluid enters and leaves.
The left and right motion sensors, the central
presence sensor and the circuit board, are housed within the
driving device housing, the sensors being exposed at the
upper front part of the device housing; said circuit board is
connected to solenoid valves to activate them as the need of
the hydraulic system.
In operation, in different work settings, as
indicated above, the device operates as follows:
The Premium version device allows lift the lid or
the seat and lid at the same time by water pressure. To lift
only the lid is necessary to pass hand or foot by the left
motion sensor, then when said sensor is trigger the signal
travels to the circuit board and this in turn sends a signal
to the left solenoid valve to actuate, allowing the water
flow through the left supply duct to the left diaphragm; by
the water pressure, said left diaphragm is inflated to press
the left counterweight fixed to the left rotating shaft to
move it into the left chamber and rotating-lifting the lid
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connected by means of a bolt to said left rotating shaft to
the open position.
In order to lift the lid and the seat at the same
time, it is necessary to pass hand or foot by the right
motion sensor, then when said sensor is trigger the signal
travels to the circuit board and this in turn sends a signal
to the left and right solenoid valve, these are activated
allowing the water flow through the left and right ducts into
the two diaphragms; through water pressure said diaphragms
are inflated, forcing and pressing each diaphragm to the
corresponding counterweights to move it into the device
chambers and rotating-lifting the lid and seat
simultaneously, to the open position.
In both situations while the person is located near
the device, the central presence sensor sends a signal to the
electronic board to keep open both solenoid valves forcing
the lid and seat to remain in the open position. Once the
person leaves the place, the central presence sensor sends a
signal to the electronic board so that this in turn send the
signal to both solenoid valves, closing the water supply and
opening the way where the water discharge ducts are connected
to the drain into the toilet tank or into the toilet itself
by the main discharge duct. This action releases the
diaphragms pressure and using gravity the lid or lid and seat
are closed, as appropriate.
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This closing action also happen if both the lid and
the seat are in the open position and the person pass his
hand or foot by the left sensor and said sensor sends a
signal to the circuit board, which is in turn activates left
solenoid valve to release pressure of the left diaphragm and
release the water into the toilet tank or into the toilet
itself so as to lower the seat by gravity without the need to
lower the lid.
Similarly, if the lid is in the open position, the
user can pass the hand or foot by the right motion sensor,
when the sensor is triggered the signal travels to the
circuit board and this in turn sends a signal to the right
solenoid valve, it is driven and allows water flow through
the right duct to the right diaphragm. Using water pressure
said diaphragm is inflated forcing the right counterweight to
move it into the right device chamber and rotating-lifting
the seat to the open position.
In the Standard embodiment where the device is
driven with contact elements, the device is supplied by a
network of pipelines from a distributor element; said
distributor elements are arranged in the back part of the
bowl and connect directly the main water supply duct to the
toilet tank.
In the case of the left diaphragm of the device,
comprises a first left supply duct connected to the
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distributor element and to a left driving button or foot or
hand-operated valve disposed on the floor next to the toilet,
which takes water from the main water supply duct; a second
left distribution duct connected from the left driving button
to the distributor element in communication with a third left
supply duct coming out of said distributor element and is
connected to a first upper pivot of the device left
diaphragm, a fourth discharge duct connected to a second
pivot of the left diaphragm and the distributor element and
discharging water from said diaphragm and a main discharge
duct connected from the distributor element into the toilet
water tank comprising in its end a valve with pressure device
which opens when the tank is discharged due to the pressure
differential, allowing the water discharge from the system.
The same configuration of piping connections and a
left driving button or foot or hand-operated valve, is
comprised for the right diaphragm.
In operation of the device standard version, the
lid or the seat and the lid may be lifted at the same time,
by water pressure. To lift only the lid it is necessary to
press by foot or hand the left driving button or valve with
the foot or hand; this allows the water flow from the main
supply duct through the first left supply duct and continuing
by the second left distribution duct to the distributor
element, to pass through the third left supply duct into the
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left diaphragm. Using water pressure, said left diaphragm is
inflated to press the left counterweight, moving it into the
left device chamber and rotating-lifting the lid to the open
position.
To lift the lid and the seat at the same time, it
is necessary to press by foot or hand the right driving
button or valve with the foot, allowing the water flow from
the main supply duct through the first right supply duct and
continuing by the second right distribution duct to the
distributor element, to pass through the third left duct and
also through the third right supply duct to the left and
right diaphragms to press the counterweights and rotating the
left and right shafts to lift the lid and the seat to the
open position. To close the lid and seat, it is necessary to
discharge the toilet water tank and once the level drops, the
water pressure sensitive valve placed at the end of the main
discharge duct opens, allowing the left and right diaphragms
discharge water inside the toilet tank and allowing by
gravity and the weights of the counterweights, that the lid
and seat down to the closed position.
The lid and the back, in any of the embodiments are
lifted to an angle of about 85 which allows have some slope,
favoring the gradual descent of the lid and seat, helped by
the counterweights.
The device as described, further allows a user may
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to lift the lid and seat by hand if the user does not wished
drive the device with the automatic driving system or
deactivate it with the contact elements driving system.
In another of the embodiments, where the toilet is
used exclusively for a male person, the system allows to
deactivate the valve and left sensor to only be able to drive
the valve and right sensor, which allows to drive the system
for raising and lowering the seat only, keeping lifted the
lid permanently.
To better understanding of the invention
characteristics, it is attached to this description, as an
integral part of it, the drawings for purposes of
illustration but not limitation, as described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the hydraulic
drive device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat, in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a conventional perspective view of the
assembled device for the hydraulic driving, for raising and
lowering the covering lid and the seat of a toilet, without
displaying the external housing.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a conventional
toilet with the hydraulic drive device for raising and
lowering the toilet covering lid and seat.
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the hydraulic
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drive device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat in the automatic actuating embodiment (Premium
version).
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a toilet with
the device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat in the automatic actuating embodiment (Premium
version) with the lid and seat folded down or closed.
Figure 6 shows a side view of a toilet with the
device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid and
seat, in the automatic actuating embodiment (Premium version)
with the lid raised and the seat folded down or closed.
Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a toilet with
the device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat in the automatic actuating embodiment (Premium
version) with the lid and seat lifted.
Figures 8a to 8e illustrate cross sections of the
device in the automatic actuating embodiment (Premium
version), illustrating the evolution of a diaphragm during
its filling with working fluid to drive the counterweight and
rotate it along with the rotating shaft to lift the lid
and/or seat.
Figures 9a to 9e illustrate cross sections of the
device in the automatic actuating embodiment (Premium
version), illustrating the evolution of a diaphragm during
its draining of the working fluid, to return the
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counterweight and the rotating shaft to a resting position
which leads to cover and/or seat to a lying position.
Figure 10 illustrates an electronic circuit
diagram, circuit board-solenoid valves-motion sensors-central
presence sensor.
Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the hydraulic
drive device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat in the actuating embodiment with contact elements
(Standard version).
Figure 12 illustrates a side view of a toilet with
the device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat in the actuating embodiment with contact elements
(Standard version) with the lid and seat folded down or
closed.
Figure 13 shows a side view of a toilet with the
device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid and
seat in the actuating embodiment with contact elements
(Standard version) with the lid raised and the seat folded
down or closed.
Figure 14 illustrates a side view of a toilet with
the device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat in the actuating embodiment with contact elements
(Standard version) with the lid and seat lifted.
Figures 15a to 15e illustrate cross sections of the
device in the actuating embodiment with contact elements
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(standard version), illustrating the evolution of a diaphragm
during its filling with working fluid to drive the
counterweight and rotate it together with the rotary shaft to
lift the lid and/or the seat.
Figures 16a to 16e illustrate cross sections of the
device in the actuating embodiment with contact elements
(standard version), illustrating the evolution of a diaphragm
during its draining of the working fluid, to return the
counterweight and the rotating shaft to a resting position
leading the lid and/or the seat to a lying position.
For better understanding of the invention, a
detailed description of any of its embodiments will be made,
which is shown in the drawings that for illustrative but not
limitative purposes are annexed to the present description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The characteristic details of the hydraulic drive
device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid and
seat, is clearly shown in the following description and the
appended illustrative drawings, serving the same reference
signs to indicate the same parts.
Referring to Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the
hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the toilet
covering lid and seat in accordance with the present
invention. In said figure the device comprises a housing 1
comprising two modules la and lb, a left module la and a
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right module lb, both modules are adapted to engage each
other, the housing already assembled defines a left hollow
chamber 2 and a right hollow chamber 3 (not shown) in
semicircular shape, adapted to receive a left rotating shaft
4 and a right rotating shaft 5, and to accommodate a left
counterweight 6 and a right counterweight 7, respectively.
Said shafts are fixed within the chambers with a rotating
motion capacity; each of the chamber 2 and 3 also houses one
left elastic diaphragm 8 and one right 9, adjoining and
interacting with the counterweights 6 and 7; said diaphragm 8
and 9 include at least one connecting pivot 10 where a supply
duct and/or working fluid outlet (not shown) are connected
making such diaphragms increase in volume to drive-push the
counterweights 6, 7 and cause the rotation of said left 4 and
right 5 shafts.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a lid 11 of the
toilet hole and a seat 12 disposed below the lid 1 and on the
periphery of the toilet bowl hole (not shown), the lid and
seat comprise on the rear part, two left connection flanges
13a, 13b and right 14a, 14b with a hole through which a left
fixing bolt 15 is inserted and right 16 which is fixed at the
ends of the respective rotating shafts, left 4 and right 5.
The left bolt 15 fixes and anchors the lid 11 to the left
shaft 4, the left connection flange 13a being passing without
fixing through the orifice of the left connection flange 13b
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of the seat 12, allowing it to spin; while the right bolt 16
fixes and anchors the seat 12 to the right shaft 5 through
the right connection flange 14b passing without fixing
through the orifice of the right connection flange 14a of the
lid 11 allowing it to spin.
when the pressure fluid is introduced through the
pivots 10, the diaphragms 8 and 9 are filled with water,
pushing the counterweights 6 and 7 attached to the rotating
shafts, left 4 and right 5, rotating them, and being united
shafts, left 4 and right 5 to the lid 11 and seat 12,
respectively, allow them to rise. When the water is expelled
from the diaphragms 8 and 9, the counterweights 6 and 7 help
to the soft gravity drop of the lid 11 and seat 12.
Referring to Figure 1, said housing 1 comprises on
its underside a pair of exterior thread hollow fixing tubes
17, spaced, inferiorly projected and coincident with the
orifices in the toilet bowl (not shown) by means of which is
fixed with nuts (not shown) to said bowl. Through said
hollow tubes 17 is passed the working fluid supply duct to
said diaphragms 8 and 9.
Referring to Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a
conventional toilet with the hydraulic drive device for
raising and lowering the toilet covering lid and seat. In
said figure, the device is fixed in a bowl 18 of a toilet 19
by means of the hollow tubes 17 of the housing 1 with nuts 20
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so that the lid 11 and seat 12 are disposed on the bowl 18.
Referring to Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the
hydraulic drive device for raising and lowering the toilet
covering lid and seat in the automatic actuating embodiment
(Premium version). In said figure, the same numerical
references described in Figures 1 to 3 are used, in case of
the device, in this embodiment, the device is supplied by a
water supply pipe network which supply is regulated by two
three-way solenoid valves 21 and 22, two motion sensors, left
23 and right 24 and a central presence sensor 25 in
communication with a circuit board 26 which processes the
sensor signals to actuate said solenoid valves 21 and 22.
Referring to Figures 4 to 7, two supply ducts, left
27 and right 28 are connected to a duct bypass 29 of the main
supply source 30 that supply water to the toilet water tank
31 and to one way of the corresponding associated solenoid
valves 21 and 22 of the three ways disposed at the sides of
the back part of the bowl 18; at the second way of the
solenoid valves are connected the supply ducts, left 32 and
right 33 which is connected to pivot 10 of the diaphragms,
left 8 and right9, and in the third way of the solenoids are
connected the water discharge ducts 34 and 35 of the
diaphragms, connected from the solenoids 21 and 22 to a main
discharge duct 36 that drain in the toilet water tank 31.
Figure 4 also shows the covering lids, left 37 and
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right 38 of housing 1 of the device.
In Figures 5 to 7 are used the same reference
numbers to indicate the elements described in Figure 4.
Figure 5 shows the lid 11 and seat 12 folded down over the
bowl hole 18 of toilet 19. Figure 6 shows the lid 11 lifted
and the seat 12 folded down. Figure 7 shows the lid 11 and
the seat 12 lifted.
In Figures 8a to 8e are illustrated cross sections
of the device in the automatic actuating embodiment (Premium
version), illustrating the evolution of a diaphragm during
its filling with working fluid to drive the counterweight and
rotate it along with the rotating shaft to lift the lid
and/or seat. In said figures is observed the three-way
solenoid valve 21, being the lower way 39 where the left
supply duct 27 is connected (not shown), connected to the
duct bypass 29 of the main supply source 30 (not shown); in
the second way 40 is connected the left supply duct 32 which
is connected to pivot 10 of the left diaphragm 8 disposed
within the left chamber 2 of the housing 1 of the device,
adjoining to the counterweight 6, and passing through the
inner of the threaded hollow tube 17 with which is fixed with
the nut 20 to the bowl; and the third way 41 is connected to
the water discharge duct 34 (not shown) through which is
discharged out water from the left diaphragm 8.
Figures 8a to 8e illustrate the gradual filling
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sequence of working fluid of the left diaphragm 8, which
allows the left diaphragm 8 push the counterweight 6 fixed to
the left rotating shaft 4 inside the chamber 2, so that when
is inflated with water, causes the rotation of the left shaft
4 which is fixed to the lid 11 (not shown) lifting it.
Figures 9a to 9e, there is a reverse sequence,
illustrating the evolution of a left diaphragm 8, which is
reduced in volume in the draining, returning the
counterweight 6 and the rotating shaft 4 to a resting
position that leads the lid to the lying position.
In these figures is observed how the solenoid valve
21 is operated by activating the plunger 42 which clears the
third way 41, where the discharge duct 34 is connected (not
shown), leaving the water out of the diaphragm 8.
This operation is the same with the right elements
of the device in which the right shaft is fixed to the seat
to lift or lower it.
Figure 10 shows the two motion sensors, left 23 and
right 24, and the central presence sensor 25 in communication
with an circuit board 26 which processes the sensor signals
to actuate said solenoid valves 21 and 22 with which are in
communication.
Figure 10 shows the sensitivity adjustment means 43
of the sensors 23, 24, 25.
Referring to Figures 4 to 10, in operation the
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following events occur:
The Premium version device allows lift the lid 11
or the seat 12 and lid 11 at the same time by water pressure.
To lift only the lid 11 it is necessary to pass the hand or
foot by the left motion sensor 23; triggering said sensor,
the signal travels to the circuit board 26 and this in turn
sends a signal to the left solenoid valve 21 to activate it,
allowing the water flow through the left supply duct 32 to
the left diaphragm 8; by the water pressure said left
diaphragm 8 is inflated to press the left counterweight 6
fixed to the left rotating shaft 4 to move it inside the left
chamber 2 and rotating-lifting the lid 11 which is connected
by bolt 15 to said left rotating shaft 4 to the open
position.
To lift the lid 11 and the seat 12 at the same
time, it is necessary to pass the hand or foot by the right
motion sensor 24; triggering said sensor, the signal travels
to the circuit board 26 and this in turn sends a signal to
the solenoid valves, left 21 and right 22, these are
activated allowing the water flow through the ducts, left 32
and right 33 to the two diaphragms 8 and 9; by the water
pressure said diaphragms are inflated, pressing each
diaphragm to the corresponding counterweights, left 6 and
right 7, to move into the chambers 2 and 3 of the device and
rotating-lifting the lid 11 and seat 12 simultaneously, to
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the open position.
In both situations while the person is located near
the device, the central presence sensor 25 sends a signal to
the circuit board 26 to keep open both solenoid valves 21 and
22, forcing the lid 11 and seat 12 to remain in open
position. Once the person leaves the place, the central
presence sensor 25 sends a signal to the circuit board 26 so
that this in turn sends the signal to both solenoid valves
21, 22, closing the water supply and opening the way which
are connected the water discharge ducts 34, 35 for the drain
through the main discharge duct 36 into the toilet tank 31 or
to the toilet itself. This action relieves the pressure of
the diaphragms 8 and 9, and closes by gravity the lid 11 or
the lid 11 and seat 12, as appropriate.
This closing action is also true if both lid 11 and
seat 12 are in the open position and the person passes his
hand or foot by the left sensor 23 and said sensor sends a
signal to the circuit board 26 where it in turn activates the
left solenoid valve 21 that releases the pressure of the left
diaphragm 8 and release the water in the toilet tank 31 or
into the toilet itself so as to lower the seat 12 by gravity
without the need to lower the lid.
Similarly, if the lid 11 is in the open position,
the user can pass the hand or foot by the right motion sensor
24; triggering said sensor, the signal travels to the circuit
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board 26 and this in turn sends a signal to the right
solenoid valve 22, activating it and allows the water flow
through the right duct 33 into the right diaphragm 9. Using
water pressure said diaphragm 9 is inflated, forcing the
right counterweight to move into the right chamber 3 of the
device and rotating-lifting the seat 12 to the open position.
Referring to Figures 11 to 14 shows the hydraulic
drive device for raising and lowering the toilet covering lid
and seat, in the actuating embodiment with contact elements
(Standard version). In said figures are used the same
numerical references described in Figures 1 through 3 for the
case of the device; in this embodiment, the device is
supplied by a pipe network from a distributor element 44, the
distributor element is disposed in the rear part of the bowl
18 and connected directly to the main water supply duct 30 to
the tank 31 of the toiletl9.
The diaphragms, left 8 and right 9, comprise a
first supply duct, left 45 and right 46 respectively,
connected to the distributor element 44 and to an actuating
button or valve, left 47 and right 48, respectively, arranged
on the floor next to the toilet, which take water from the
main water supply duct 30; a second distribution duct, left
49 and right 50 connected from the corresponding foot or
hand-operated valve, left 47 and right 48 to the distributor
element 44 in communication with a third supply duct, left 51
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and right 52, which coming out from said distributor element
44 and is connected to a first upper pivot 10 of the
corresponding diaphragms, left 8 and right 9 of the device; a
fourth discharge duct, left 53 and right 54 connected to a
second pivot (not shown) of the diaphragm, left 8 and right 9
and to the distributor element 44 and which discharges water
from said diaphragms, and a main discharge duct 55 connected
from the distributor element 44 into the water tank 31 of the
toilet 19 comprising at its end a valve with pressure device
56 which is opened when the tank 31 is discharged due to
pressure differential, allowing the water discharge from the
system.
In Figures 12 to 14 are used the same reference
numbers to indicate the elements described in Figure 11.
Figure 12 shows the lid 11 and seat 12 folded down
over the hole of the bowl 18 of toilet 19. Figure 13 shows
the lid 11 lifted and the seat 12 folded down. Figure 14
shows the lid 11 and seat 12 lifted.
Referring to Figures 15a 15e illustrate cross
sections of the device in the actuating embodiment with
contact elements (Standard version), illustrating the
evolution of a diaphragm during its filling with working
fluid to drive the counterweight and rotate it together with
the rotating shaft to lift the lid and/or seat. In said
figures, it is show the threaded hollow tube 17 which fixes
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the device into the orifices of the toilet bowl by means of
nuts 20; through the hollow tube 17 is passed the third left
supply duct 51 where water is dispensed from the distributor
element 44 (not shown) and which is connected to the first
upper pivot 10 of the left diaphragm 8 disposed within the
left chamber 2 of the device housing 1, adjoining to the
counterweight 6. Said figures show the gradual filling
sequence of working fluid of the left diaphragm 8, which
allows the left diaphragm 8 pushing the counterweight 6 fixed
to the left rotating shaft 4 within the chamber 2, so that
when inflated with water, causes the rotation of the left
shaft 4 which is fixed to the lid 11 (not shown) lifting it.
In Figures 16a to 16e is observed a reverse
sequence, illustrating the evolution of the left diaphragm 8,
which is reduced in volume in the draining, returning the
counterweight 6 and the rotating shaft 4 to a resting
position that leads to the lid into the lying position, when
the water goes through the fourth left discharge duct 53
connected at a second pivot 57 of the diaphragm 8, which
drains water to the distributor element 44 and this discharge
it through the main discharge duct 55 (not shown) into the
water tank 31 of the toilet 19 which comprises at its end a
valve with pressure device 56 which is opened when the tank
31 is discharged due to the pressure differential, allowing
the water discharge from the system (see Figures 12 to 14).
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This operation is the same with the right elements
of the device, on which the right shaft is fixed to the seat
for lifting or lowering it.
Referring to Figures 11 to 14 and 15a-15e and 16a-
16e, in operation of the standard version device, the lid 11
or the seat 12 and lid 11 may be lifted at the same time by
the water pressure. To lift only the lid 11 it is necessary
to press by foot or hand the left actuating button or valve
47; this allows the water flow from the main supply duct 30
by the first left supply conduit 45 connected to the
distributor element 44 and continuing by the second left
distribution duct 49 into the distributor element 44, to pass
through the third left supply duct 51 to the left diaphragm
8. Using water pressure said left diaphragm 8 is inflated
pressing the left counterweight 6 displacing it within the
left chamber 2 of the device and rotating-lifting the lid 11
to the open position.
To lift the lid 11 and seat 12 at the same time, it
is necessary to press by foot or hand the right actuating
button or valve 48, allowing the water flow from the main
supply duct 30 through the first right supply duct 46
connected to the distributor element 44 and continues by the
second right distribution duct 50 into the distributor
element 44, to pass through the third left duct 51 and also
by the third right supply duct 52 into the diaphragms, left 8
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and right 9 to press the counterweights 6 and 7 and rotates
the shafts, left 4 and right 5 to lift the lid 11 and seat 12
to the open position. To close the lid 11 and seat 12, it is
necessary to drain the water from the toilet tank 31 and once
the level drops, the water pressure sensitive valve 56
disposed at the end of the main discharge duct 55 is opened,
allowing the diaphragms, left 8 and right 9, discharge the
water inside the toilet tank 31 allowing by gravity and the
weights of the counterweights6 and 7, that the lid 11 and
seat 12 down to the closed position.
The invention has been described sufficiently to
allow a person with ordinary skill in the art to reproduce
and obtain the results mentioned in the present invention.
However, any person skilled in the technical field which
pertains the present invention may be able to make
modifications not described in this application, however, if
the implementation of these modifications in a particular
structure or in the manufacturing process of the same, the
matter claimed in the following claims is required, such
structures should be included within the scope of the
invention.
