Subject of the Invention

The invention relates to a liquid level detection system and a method for the detection of the liquid level, which enable to detect the liquid level within the S-pipe or S-shaped structure providing the connection of the ceramic sanitary ware with the wastewater installation.

State of the Art

The ceramic sanitary ware are mainly used for the purpose of personal cleaning in the bathrooms and toilets and for the purpose of washing various objects and foods in the kitchens. The water used during the cleaning and washing is required to be drained from the system. For this reason, the ceramic sanitary ware are connected to the wastewater installation. Because the wastewater is conveyed by the wastewater installation, a malodor may pervade from the installation to the ambience in case the necessary measures are not taken. The S-pipes or S-shaped structures are used most of the time in order to prevent this situation. Owing to the S-pipe or S-shaped structure, each time some quantity of water remains in the system and this water forms a barrier between the wastewater installation and the ambience for preventing the diffusion of the malodor in the wastewater installation to the ambience.

It is desirable that the liquid within the S-pipe or S-shaped structure is at an optimum level that would prevent the diffusion of the malodor in the wastewater installation to the ambience. During the use, the utility liquid pushes the liquid within the S-pipe or S-shaped structure towards the wastewater installation, replaces the existing liquid and thus replenishes the quantity of liquid that is lost. However, in case the ceramic sanitary ware is not used for a long duration, the liquid level within the S-pipe or S-shaped structure may drop below the optimum level as a result of evaporation. On the other hand, in case a clogging is present in the wastewater installation, S-pipe or S-shaped structure, this time the liquid level may exceed the optimum level and lead to overflows.

For this reason, in cases where the ceramic sanitary ware is not used; in other words, in cases where there is no liquid flow into the ceramic sanitary ware, it is aimed to replenish the lost quantity of liquid by performing the automatic liquid flow into the ceramic sanitary ware at certain intervals. In most practices according to the state of the art, such replenishment takes place at predefined intervals in a manner independent from the ambient conditions. In other words, the liquid flow is automatically performed in case the ceramic sanitary ware is not used for a predefined duration. However, the rate of evaporation varies according to the temperature, humidity and pressure values of the ambience and to the surface area of the water within the S-pipe or S-shaped structure that is in contact with the air. Performing the replenishment of water at predefined intervals may result in a delay in the liquid replenishment and thus the pervasion of malodor to the ambience in the ambiences with a high rate of evaporation, whereas it may cause the undesirable consumption of liquid as a result of a number of liquid replenishment actions that is more than necessary in the ambiences with a low rate of evaporation.

The overflows that could result from the clogging in the connection of the ceramic sanitary ware with the wastewater installation are attempted to be prevented by the use of various bypass lines. However, most of the time said bypass line is of no use in the cases of clogging in the wastewater installation and the overflows may thus occur. In case the process of liquid replenishment continues to be performed at predefined intervals despite the presence of clogging at any point in the system, the water that is not able to be drained will overflow.

The invention relates to a liquid level detection system and method enabling to detect the liquid level within the elbow structure by the use of wireless signals, wherein, in case of the liquid level rising above a critical level, the user is warned and the system is stopped to prevent possible overflows; on the other hand, in case of the liquid level dropping below a critical level and resulting in the elimination of the water barrier, the automatic replenishment of liquid is provided to prevent the diffusion of the malodor from the wastewater installation to the ambience.

Object of the Invention

An object of the invention is to develop a liquid level detection system and method enabling to detect the liquid level within the elbow structure.

Another object of the invention is to develop a liquid level detection system and method enabling to detect the liquid level within the elbow structure in a wireless manner owing to the sensors positioned in a way to see the walls of the elbow structure or positioned on the wall of the elbow structure.

Another object of the invention is to develop a liquid level detection system and method enabling to detect the liquid level within the elbow structure without the need for any change in the structure of existing ceramic sanitary ware and without the need for any component to be in contact with the liquid.

Another object of the invention is to develop a liquid level detection system and method, which, in case the liquid level within the elbow structure rises above a predefined level, warn the user about a possible clogging in the connection of the ceramic sanitary ware with the wastewater installation or in the wastewater installation and prevent the water flow into the ceramic sanitary ware to thereby preclude the possible overflows.

Another object of the invention is to develop a liquid level detection system and method, which, in case the liquid level within the elbow structure drops below a predefined level, provide automatic liquid replenishment into the ceramic sanitary ware to thereby prevent the diffusion of the malodor from the wastewater installation to the ambience.

Description of the Figures

Figure 1: A side sectional view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned perpendicular to the floor.

Figure 2: A front sectional view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned perpendicular to the floor.

Figure 3: A perspective view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned perpendicular to the floor.

Figure 4: A sectional view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned perpendicular to the floor.

Figure 5: A bottom view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned parallel to the floor.

Figure 6: A side sectional view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned parallel to the floor.

Figure 7: A bottom view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned parallel to the floor.

Figure 8: A front sectional view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned parallel to the floor.

Figure 9: An angled rear view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned parallel to the floor.

Figure 10: An angled bottom view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned parallel to the floor.

Figure 11: A side sectional view of an embodiment where the receiver/transmitter is positioned parallel to the floor.

Reference Numerals

1 : Ceramic sanitary ware

2 : Elbow structure

3 : Receiver/transmitter

4 : Receiver/transmitter connection Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention relates to the liquid level detection system and method enabling to detect the liquid level within the S-pipe or S-shaped structure, which provides the connection of the ceramic sanitary ware (1) with the wastewater installation. More particularly, the invention relates to a liquid level detection system and method, wherein the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) may be detected by the use of wireless signals by means of the sensors positioned in a way to see the elbow structure (2).

The liquid used in the ceramic sanitary ware (1) in the areas like bathroom, toilet and kitchen is conveyed to the wastewater installation and drained from the system. The ceramic sanitary ware (1) may be a sink, urinal, Turkish style toilet and a toilet bowl, but it is not limited thereto and may be in the form of any ceramic sanitaryware (1). Most of the time the elbow structures (2) are employed in order to prevent the malodor in the wastewater installation from pervading to the ambience. Some quantity of liquid is always present within the elbow structure (2) and said liquid forms a barrier between the wastewater installation and the ambience, thereby preventing the diffusion of the malodor. Said liquid within the elbow structure (2) may evaporate over time, in which case the water barrier may be eliminated to allow the diffusion of malodor from the wastewater installation to the ambience. For this reason, it is desired to monitor the decreases in the liquid level within the elbow structure (2). The clogging in the wastewater installation and/or the elbow structure (2) may prevent the drainage of the water within the elbow structure (2). In this case, the liquid flowing into the ceramic sanitary ware (1) may lead to a gradual increase in the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) and eventually to the liquid overflows. For this reason, it is also desired to monitor the increases in the liquid level within the elbow structure (2).

In the liquid level detection system and method according to the invention, at least one receiver/transmitter (3) is utilized in order to detect the liquid level within the elbow structure (2). The wireless signals sent by the receiver/transmitter (3) pass through the liquid present within the elbow structure (2) and reach the same receiver/transmitter (3) or a different receiver/transmitter (3). Depending on the differences between the sent and received wireless signals, the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) is determined.

The number and positions of the receiver/transmitters (3) being employed may vary depending on the preferences and needs of the user. The receiver/transmitters (3) are preferably positioned in a way to face the outer wall of the elbow structure (2) and/or positioned on the elbow structure (2). In the embodiments where it is preferred to use a single receiver/transmitter (3), the signals sent by the receiver/transmitter (3) pass through the outer walls of the elbow structure (2) to reach the liquid within said elbow structure (2) and are/eflected to return to the receiver/transmitter (3). A difference forms between the signals that are sent and the signals that are reflected to return to the receiver/transmitter (3), according to the liquid level. The level of the liquid is determined based on such differences. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, more than one receiver/transmitter (3) is used. Again, these receiver/transmitters (3) are positioned on the outer wall of the elbow structure

(2) or positioned in a way to face the outer wall of the elbow structure (2), such that one receiver/transmitter (3) will be positioned opposite to at least one other receiver/transmitter

(3). According to this embodiment, the signals sent by the receiver/transmitter (3) acting as the transmitter pass through the elbow structure (2) and the liquid within the elbow structure (2) and are received by another receiver/transmitter (3), which is positioned opposite to first receiver/transmitter (3) and which acts as the receiver. Depending on the differences between the signals sent by the receiver/transmitter (3) acting as the transmitter and the signals received by the receiver/transmitter (3) acting as the receiver, the level of the liquid within the elbow structure (2) is determined.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more receiver/transmitter (3) operating based on the principle of a receiver/transmitter (3) receiving the signals sent also by the same receiver/transmitter (3) and two or more receiver/transmitters (3) operating based on the principle of a receiver/transmitter (3) receiving the signals sent by another receiver/transmitter (3) may be used together in combinations that include different numbers of such receiver/transmitters (3).

Depending on the needs, preferences and area of use, the receiver/transmitters (3) may be positioned in a way to face the outer wall of the elbow structure (2) and/or on the elbow structure (2), such that they will send signals in a direction parallel to the floor and/or in a direction perpendicular to the floor. In other words, the receiver/transmitters (3) may be positioned on the elbow structure (2) in a way to extend upwards from the floor as shown in Figure 3, while it is also possible for the same to be positioned in a direction parallel to the floor and/or in an angled manner with respect to the floor.

The receiver/transmitters (3) are preferably connected to a main processing unit by means of a receiver/transmitter connection (4). The main processing unit enables a receiver/transmitter (3) to send a signal, the sent signal to be received by another receiver/transmitter (3) or the reflections to be received by the same receiver/transmitter (3). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver/transmitter (3) operates in the band range of 1 kHz - 6 GHz. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver/transmitter (3) operates in the band range of 6 GHz - 18 GHz. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver/transmitter (3) operates in the band range of 18 GHz - 40 GHz. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver/transmitter (3) operates in the band range of 40 GHz - 100 GHz. The received signals are recorded preferably as amplitude and phase and said recorded amplitude and phase are compared to the amplitude and phase that are measured in case an optimum level of liquid is present within the elbow structure (2) in order to determine the liquid level within the elbow structure (2).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid level detection system comprises at least one actuator that controls the flow of liquid into the ceramic sanitary ware (1). In case the liquid level detected by the main processing unit is below the desired optimum level, the actuator is activated to enable the same to permit the flow of water into the ceramic sanitary ware (1), and in this way, the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) is enabled to rise again to the optimum value. After the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) reaches the optimum level, the actuator is deactivated until the liquid level drops again to the critical level that would cause the elimination of the water barrier between the wastewater installation and the ambience. In case the liquid level is above the desired value, the actuator is brought into the passive state, thereby preventing the flow of water into the ceramic sanitary ware (1) and precluding the possible overflows.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in case the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) is above the predefined optimum level, the user is warned audibly and/or visually about the presence of clogging in the connection of the ceramic sanitary ware (1) with the wastewater installation and about the inability to achieve the drainage and/or a respective notification is sent to the user. In this embodiment, the system comprises at least one audible and/or visual warning member and/or at least one communication unit enabling a notification to be sent to the user's portable device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in case the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) fails to reach the desired optimum level despite the liquid level within the elbow structure (2) having dropped and the actuator having been activated by the main processing unit, the user is warned audibly and/or visually about the inability to provide the flow of liquid into the ceramic sanitary ware (1) and/or a respective notification is sent to the user. In this embodiment, the system comprises at least one audible and/or visual warning member and/or at least one communication unit enabling a notification to be sent to the user's portable device.

The liquid level detection method according to the invention comprises the following process steps:

• The wireless signals are sent at certain predefined intervals by the receiver/transmitter (3) to the liquid within the elbow structure (2) and said sent signals are received by the same receiver/transmitter (3) or another receiver/transmitter (3) depending on the use.

• The received signals are compared to the reference values defined in the main processing unit and the level of the liquid within the elbow structure (2) is decided measured as a result of said comparison.

• In case the liquid level within the ceramic sanitary ware (1) is below the critical level so that it permits the diffusion of malodor from the wastewater installation to the ambience, the main processing unit activates the actuator and the flow of liquid is enabled into the ceramic sanitary ware (1) to thereby replenish the lost liquid quantity.

• In case the liquid level within the ceramic sanitary ware (1) rises above the predefined maximum liquid level, the actuator is brought into the passive state to thereby prevent the flow of liquid into the ceramic sanitary ware (1) and preclude the possible overflow problems.

The liquid level detection system and method according to the invention will respectively become a preferred system and method owing to the facts that the quantity of liquid within the elbow structure (2) is detected by means of the wireless signals without having to make any change in the structure of the existing ceramic sanitary ware (1) and without any physical contact occurring with the liquid, that the liquid level is automatically replenished to thereby prevent the elimination of the water barrier and the diffusion of malodor from the wastewater installation to the ambience as a result of a decrease in the liquid level, and that, in case the liquid level rises above the predefined maximum liquid level, the flow of liquid into the ceramic sanitary ware (1) is prevented and thus the possible problems of overflow are precluded.