AIR EXHAUST APPARATUS AND TOILET BOWL COMPRISING SAME

Abstract

An air exhaust apparatus for use in conjunction with a flush toilet system having a rinsing liquid source and a toilet bowl configured with a rinsing inlet and a waste outlet. The air exhaust apparatus having: a housing constituting a gas tight space, a flushing conduit extending through the housing and having a front portion couplable to the rinsing inlet, and a rear portion couplable to the rinsing liquid source; the flushing conduit is configured with a suction opening disposed within the gas tight space. The suction opening is fitted with a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured for preventing rinsing liquid from flowing into the gas tight space during rinsing liquid flow towards the toilet bowl through the flushing conduit. A waste conduit extends through the housing and having a front portion couplable to the waste outlet, and a rear portion couplable to a sewage line; the waste conduit is configured with a gas discharge port disposed within the gas tight space. A gas propelling unit is disposed within the gas tight space and being in flow communication with the gas discharge port and configured to selectively propel gas in direction from the suction opening towards the gas discharge port and a gas flow valve is configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas discharge port when the gas propelling unit is active.

Claims

1-35. (canceled)

36. An air exhaust apparatus for use in conjunction with a flush toilet system including a rinsing liquid source and a toilet bowl configured with a rinsing inlet and a waste outlet, said air exhaust apparatus comprising: a housing constituting a gas tight space; a flushing conduit extending through the housing and comprising a front portion couplable to said rinsing inlet, and a rear portion couplable to the rinsing liquid source; the flushing conduit is configured with a suction opening disposed within the gas tight space, said suction opening is fitted with a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured for preventing rinsing liquid from flowing into the gas tight space during rinsing liquid flow towards the toilet bowl through said flushing conduit; a waste conduit extending through the housing and comprising a front portion couplable to said waste outlet, and a rear portion couplable to a sewage line; the waste conduit is configured with a gas discharge port disposed within the gas tight space; a gas propelling unit disposed within the gas tight space and being in flow communication with the gas discharge port and configured to selectively propel gas in direction from the suction opening towards said gas discharge port; and a gas flow valve configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas discharge port when the gas propelling unit is active.

37. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the gas flow valve is further configured to prevent gas flow therethrough when the gas propelling unit is not active.

38. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the gas flow valve is configurable between a flow-permitting position and a flow preventing position, and wherein the gas flow valve is configured to be displaced towards the flow-permitting position when the gas propelling unit is active and be displaced towards the flow-preventing position when the gas propelling unit is not active.

39. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the gas flow valve is a low pressure dependent check valve.

40. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the suction opening is disposed at an upper portion of the flushing conduit.

41. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the gas discharge port is disposed at an upper portion of the waste conduit.

42. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve and wherein the liquid valve comprising a flap member disposed within the flushing conduit in register with the suction opening.

43. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 42, wherein the flap member is configured with a sealing portion having a surface area larger than a surface area of the suction opening.

44. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 42, wherein the flap member is displaceable between a closed position, at which the sealing portion thereof sealingly covers the suction opening so as to prevent rinsing liquid flow therethrough, and an open position at which the sealing portion is at least partially spaced from the suction opening so as to enable fluid passage therethrough.

45. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 42, wherein the flushing conduit comprising an annular depression along the circumference thereof and rearwards to the suction opening, and wherein the flap member comprising a matching protrusion extending from a rear edge thereof positioned and secured inside the annular depression.

46. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 42, wherein the flap member comprises a truncated conical shape.

47. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 42, wherein the flap member comprises a maintainer element configured to maintain the flap member at the normally open position.

48. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 42, wherein the flushing conduit is configured with a tapering portion disposed within the flushing conduit and in register with the suction opening thereof and wherein the tapering portion tapers toward the front portion of the flushing conduit.

49. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the liquid flow prevention mechanism is an elevated member fluidly connecting the suction opening with the gas flow valve, and wherein the elevated member is extending upwards to a height above a water level line of the of the rinsing liquid inside the rinsing liquid source.

50. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein both of the flushing conduit and the waste conduit extend normally through the housing, are fixedly positioned relative to each other and having their respective portions extending through the housing in parallel.

51. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the gas propelling unit is disposed between the flushing conduit and the waste conduit.

52. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the flow communication of the gas propelling unit with the gas discharge port is configured such that gases propelled outwards from the gas tight space by the gas propelling unit are obstructed from flowing back to the gas tight space as long as the gas propelling unit is active.

53. The air exhaust apparatus of claim 36, wherein the gas discharge port is fitted with a screening mesh for preventing particle material from entering the housing.

54. A toilet for use in conjunction with a rinsing liquid source, said toilet comprising: a toilet bowl comprising a rinsing inlet, a waste outlet and a designated space disposed at the rear portion thereof; an air exhaust apparatus integral with or integrated in said toilet bowl and placed within said designated space, the air exhaust apparatus comprises: a housing constituting a gas tight space; a flushing conduit extending through the housing and comprising a front portion couplable to said rinsing inlet, and a rear portion couplable to the rinsing liquid source; the flushing conduit is configured with a suction opening disposed within the gas tight space, said suction opening is fitted with a liquid flow prevention mechanism configured for preventing rinsing liquid from flowing into the gas tight space during rinsing liquid flow towards the toilet bowl through said flushing conduit; a waste conduit extending through the housing and comprising a front portion coupled to the waste outlet, and a rear portion couplable to a sewage line; the waste conduit is configured with a gas discharge port disposed within the gas tight space; a gas propelling unit disposed within the gas tight space and being in flow communication with the gas discharge port and configured to selectively propel gas in direction from the suction opening towards said gas discharge port; and a gas flow valve configured to selectively propel gas in a direction between the suction opening and the gas discharge port when the gas propelling unit is active.

55. The toilet of claim 54, wherein the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve configured for sealing the suction opening during rinsing liquid flow towards the toilet bowl through said flushing conduit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a conventional flush toilet system;

[0073] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an air exhaust apparatus used in conjunction with the conventional flush toilet system of FIG. 1, according to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0074] FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of the air exhaust apparatus seen in FIG. 2A;

[0075] FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of the air exhaust apparatus of FIG. 3A;

[0076] FIG. 3C illustrates the air exhaust apparatus of FIG. 3B, with a back cover removed for clarity;

[0077] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3C;

[0078] FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of a gas flow valve of an air exhaust apparatus seen in FIG. 2A, at a flow-preventing position;

[0079] FIG. 4B illustrates a front perspective view of a gas flow valve of an air exhaust apparatus seen in FIG. 2A, at a flow-permissive position;

[0080] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a sealing element of the gas flow valve of FIG. 4A;

[0081] FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of a liquid valve of an air exhaust apparatus seen in FIG. 2A, with a flap member thereof at a closed position;

[0082] FIG. 5B illustrates a front perspective view of the liquid valve of an air exhaust apparatus seen in FIG. 2A, with a flap member thereof at an open position;

[0083] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view along line A-A in FIG. 3C, with illustrations depicting the flow path of rinsing liquid flow through the air exhaust apparatus;

[0084] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view along line A-A in FIG. 3C, with illustrations depicting the flow path of gas flow inside the air exhaust apparatus when the gas propelling unit is active.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view along line A-A in FIG. 3C, with illustrations depicting the flow path of gas flow inside the air exhaust apparatus when the gas propelling unit is not active;

[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a toilet bowl of a flush toilet system with an air exhaust apparatus integral therewith or integrated therewith, according to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0087] FIG. 10A illustrates a side view of an air exhaust apparatus used in conjunction with the conventional flush toilet system of FIG. 1, according to a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter; and

[0088] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional side view along a longitudinal axis of the air exhaust apparatus of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0089] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a known in art flush toilet system 10 with a toilet bowl 11, a rinsing liquid source 30 and a sewage line 36. The toilet bowl 11 comprises a rear portion 12 and a front portion 13. The rear portion 12 of the toilet bowl 11 comprises a rinsing inlet 14 and a waste outlet 16, both facing the rear side of the toilet bowl 11. The front portion 13 comprises a bowl 22, a rinse dispensing portion 24 fluidly connected to the rinsing inlet 14 disposed at a top portion of the bowl 22, and a liquid trapway 26 fluidly connected to the waste outlet 16 located at a bottom portion of the bowl 22.

[0090] The rinsing liquid source 30 (e.g. a cistern, a liquid supply pipe) is provided with a rinsing liquid tube 32 extending therefrom. The rinsing liquid source 30 is configured to dispense rinsing liquid through the rinsing liquid tube 32 upon flushing action. As shown, the rinsing liquid source 30 is positioned behind a wall 40, with the rinsing liquid tube 32 extending through the wall 40 and from a front side of the wall 40. The sewage line 36 is provided at the front side of the wall 40, and is configured to receive and facilitate waste from the waste outlet 16 to a sewage system (not shown). As shown, the toilet bowl 11 is fluidly connected to the rinsing liquid source 30 through the rinsing liquid tube 32 via the rinsing inlet 14, and also fluidly connected to the sewage line 36 via the waste outlet 16.

[0091] Further reference is made to FIGS. 2 to 8, illustrating an air exhaust apparatus, generally designated 100 which together with the toilet bowl 11 and the rinsing liquid source 30 define a flush toilet system 50. The air exhaust apparatus 100 is configured for use in conjunction with the flush toilet system 10 of the type illustrated and disclosed in FIG. 1, and accordingly like reference numbers are used to designate like elements.

[0092] The air exhaust apparatus 100 comprises a housing 102 which is a box-like structure comprising a front cover 104, a rear cover 106 and a perimetric side wall 107, giving rise together to a gas tight space 108 disposed in-between. The front cover 104 is configured to face the rinsing inlet 14 and the waste outlet 16, and the rear cover 106 is configured to face the rinsing liquid tube 32 and the sewage line 36.

[0093] The air exhaust apparatus 100 comprises a flushing conduit 110 for interconnecting the rinsing liquid source 30 (via rinsing liquid tube 32) with the rinsing inlet 14, and a waste conduit 130 interconnecting the sewage line 36 with the waste outlet 16. Both of the flushing conduit 110 and the waste conduit 130 extend normally through the housing 102, are fixedly positioned relative to each other and having their respective portions extending through the housing 102 substantially parallel. As will become apparent hereinafter, the flushing conduit 110 and the waste conduit 130 are in flow communication by the space 108 of the housing 102 such that gases can be propelled via the housing from the flushing conduit 110 towards the waste conduit 130 and vice versa. As shown, the waste conduit 130 is configured with larger diameter than the flushing conduit 110, whereby the pressure of the rinsing liquid flow in the waste conduit 130 is reduced so as to prevent rinsing liquid from reaching the gas discharge port 134.

[0094] The flushing conduit 110 comprises a front portion 112 extending through the front cover 104 coupled to the rinsing inlet 14, and a rear portion 111 extending through the rear cover 106 coupled to the rinsing liquid tube 32 of the rinsing liquid source 30.

[0095] The flushing conduit 110 is configured with a suction opening 113 within the space 108, whereby the suction opening 113 is fluidly connecting the flushing conduit 110 with the space 108 of the housing 102. In the illustrated example, the flushing conduit 110 is positioned at the upper section of the flushing conduit 110. In other examples (not illustrated), the suction opening 113 can be positioned at other positions than the upper position of the flushing conduit 110. The suction opening 113 is fitted with a liquid flow prevention mechanism, which is configured to prevent rinsing liquid from flowing into the space 108 during rinsing liquid flow towards the toilet bowl 11 through said flushing conduit 110. In a first example of the disclosed subject matter, the liquid flow prevention mechanism is a liquid valve 114 (FIGS. 5A and 5B), configured for preventing rinsing liquid from flowing into the space 108 via the suction opening 113. The liquid valve 114, which is normally opened, is configured to sealingly cover the suction opening 113 upon flushing action, in an automated manner, resulting from the flow of the rinsing liquid, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

[0096] In the presently disclosed subject matter, the liquid valve 114 comprises a resilient flap member 115 disposed within the flushing conduit 110. The flap member 115 is configured with a sealing portion 116 in register with the suction opening 113 and having a surface area larger than a surface area of the suction opening 113. The flap member 115 is displaceable between a closed position (FIGS. 5A and 6), at which the sealing portion 116 sealingly covers the suction opening 113 so as to prevent rinsing liquid flow therethrough, and an open position (FIGS. 5B, 7 and 8) at which the sealing portion 116 is at least partially spaced from the suction opening 113, so as to enable fluid passage therethrough. The flap member 115 is configured to be displaced towards the closed position thereof by the pressure forces applied by the rinsing liquid that flows through the flushing conduit, and is configured to be displaced towards the open position thereof by gravitational forces acting thereon.

[0097] The flap member 115 can be connected to the flushing conduit 110 in a plurality of methods. In the illustrated example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the flushing conduit 110 comprises an annular depression 118 (FIG. 3D) along the circumference thereof rearwards to the suction opening 113. The flap member 115 comprises a matching protrusion 118A extending from a rear edge thereof positioned and secured inside the annular depression 118. In the example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the flap member 115 is formed of a material that is durable in aqueous environment. The flap member 115 is thin and may be formed as a single material layer or a few layers formed from a plurality of material. The flap member 115 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, or rigid materials such as a stainless-steel leaf. The flap member 115 have a shape conforming to the shape of the suction opening 113, and in further examples to the shape of the flushing conduit 110. In the illustrated example of the disclosed subject matter, the flap member 115 has a truncated conical shape.

[0098] In the example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the flap member 115 comprises a maintainer element 119. The maintainer element 119 is a mass disposed on the flap member 115 and configured to maintain the flap member 115 at the normally open position by increasing the gravitational forces applied on the flap member 115. The maintainer element 119 is configured to increase the gravitational forces applied on the flap member 115 so as to overcome any opposing forces acting on the flap member 115 (as will be further discussed hereinbelow), when the rinsing liquid ceases to flow and apply pressure forces thereon. The maintainer element is disposed on the sealing portion 116 and is configured to minimally interfere with the displacement of the flap member 115 towards the closed position. According to other examples (not illustrated) the maintainer element can be a biasing member, e.g. a spring.

[0099] In a particular example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the flushing conduit 110 has a tapering portion 120 in register with the suction opening 113. As shown, the tapering portion 120 is disposed within the flushing conduit 110 and tapers toward the front portion 112 of the flushing conduit 110 at least below the suction opening 113. In the illustrated example, the tapering portion 120 is integral with the flushing conduit 110. In other examples (not illustrated) the tapering portion 120 can be integrated with the flushing conduit 110 as an insert fitted therein.

[0100] The waste conduit 130 of the air exhaust apparatus 100 has a front portion 132 extending through the front cover 104 coupled to the waste outlet 16, and a rear portion 131 extending through the rear cover 106 coupled to the sewage line 36. The waste conduit 130 is configured with a gas discharge port 134 positioned at an upper portion of the waste conduit 130 and disposed within the space 108, whereby the gas discharge port 134 fluidly connecting the waste conduit 130 with the space 108 of the housing 102. The gas discharge port 134 is fitted with a screening mesh 136, configured for preventing particulate material from entering the space 108 therethrough. Such particulate material can include, for example, sewage dwellers such as rats or bugs originating from the sewage system. In other examples (not illustrated) the screening mesh 136 can be fitted, either integral with or integrated with, the rear portion 131 of the waste conduit 130 instead of the gas discharge port 134.

[0101] The air exhaust apparatus 100 further comprises a gas propelling unit 150 disposed within the space 108. The gas propelling unit 150 according to a particular example is a fan-type gas blower, configured to propel gas from the space 108 into a gas inlet 152 thereof and outwards from a gas outlet 154 thereof when the gas propelling unit 150 is active. The gas propelling unit 150 is disposed between the flushing conduit 110 and the waste conduit 130. The gas outlet 154 is configured to propel gases therefrom towards the gas discharge port 134. The air exhaust apparatus 100 is configured such that gases propelled outwards from the gas outlet 154 are isolated from the gases positioned within the space 108.

[0102] A gas discharge member 156 is disposed between the gas outlet 154 and the gas discharge port 134 and facilitates direct gas flow therebetween. It is appreciated that the gas propelling unit 150 can comprise more than one gas propelling unit.

[0103] In another example (not illustrated) the gas propelling unit 150 can be configured to prevent gas flow therethrough when not active. In yet another example (not illustrated), a discharge pressure check valve can be fitted at the gas discharge port 134, and is configured to enable gas flow in direction from the gas discharge port 134 towards the waste conduit 130 only when the gas pressure between the gas outlet 154 and the discharge pressure check valve rises (i.e. the gas propelling unit is active).

[0104] In the example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the air exhaust apparatus 100 further comprises a controller 180 configured to activate and deactivate the gas propelling unit 150 upon triggering actuation thereof. In the illustrated example, the controller 180 is located within the space 108 and is electrically connected to the gas propelling unit 150. In other examples (not illustrated) the controller 180 can be positioned elsewhere and be in an electronic communication (either wired or wireless) with the gas propelling unit 150. The controller 180 can be configured to be actuated manually by a user or actuated in an automated manner For example, the automated manner for triggering actuation of the controller 180 comprises receiving input from one or more sensors (e.g. proximity sensor) that are configured to detect a presence of a user or a presence of rancid gases inside the toilet bowl 11.

[0105] The controller 180 is also configured to be actuated manually by a user or actuated in an automated manner for deactivating the gas propelling unit 150. For example, the automated manner for triggering actuation of the controller 180 comprises receiving input from one or more sensors (e.g. proximity sensor) that are configured to detect lack of presence of a user. Alternatively, a timer with a predetermined duration can be activated upon actuation of the controller 180 such that when the timer finishes the gas propelling unit 150 is turned off.

[0106] The controller is configurable between an always operating mode, at which the gas propelling unit 150 is active, actuation dependent mode, at which the gas propelling unit 150 is activated and deactivated in response to triggering actuation of the controller 180, and an off mode, at which the gas propelling unit 150 is not active.

[0107] In a possible example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the controller 180 can be configured to deactivate the gas propelling unit 150 when the flap member 115 is at a closed position. In other examples (not illustrated), the controller 180 can be electrically communicating with a lighting source and be configured to activate the gas propelling unit 150 when the lighting source is turned on and deactivate the gas propelling unit 150 when the lighting source is turned off.

[0108] The air exhaust apparatus 100 further comprises a gas flow valve 190 configured to selectively enable gases to flow therethrough in direction from the suction opening 113 towards the space 108 (FIGS. 4A-4C). The gas flow valve 190 is configurable between a flow-permitting position and a flow preventing position. The gas flow valve 190 is positioned within the space 108 and above the upper portion of the flushing conduit 110 in register with the suction opening 113. The gas flow valve 190 comprises a valve housing 191 having a housing wall 192 with a top cover 193, giving rise together with the flushing conduit 110 to a gas tight valve chamber 194. The valve chamber 194 is in flow communication with the flushing conduit 110 through the suction opening 113. As shown, the housing wall 192 of the valve housing 191 encompasses the entire circumference of the suction opening 113 on top of the flushing conduit 110 such that gas flow is enabled between the space 108 and the flushing conduit 110 only via the valve chamber 194.

[0109] The gas flow valve 190 further comprises two retention sections 195. Each retention section 195 comprises an inclined port wall 197 having a chamber outlet passage 198 disposed therein for enabling flow communication between the valve chamber 194 and the space 108 of the housing 102. Each retention section 195 further comprises an external support wall 200 spaced from the inclined port wall 197 and connected thereto by a bottom shoulder 201 extending below the chamber outlet passage 198. The inclined port wall 197, the support wall 200 and the bottom shoulder 201 define together a confining space 202 therebetween. Each retention section 195 is configured with a wedge-like sealing element 196 confined within the confining space 202. The confining space 202 is also wedge-shaped and is configured with a cross section slightly wider than the cross section of the sealing element 196 for restricting the freedom of movement of the sealing element 196 confined therein. The bottom shoulder 201 is configured to serve as a fulcrum for the tilting displacement of the sealing element 196, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

[0110] The sealing element 196 is configured with a surface area larger than a surface area of the chamber outlet passage 198. The sealing element 196 is tiltingly displaceable in the confining space 202 between a normal sealing position (FIG. 4A), and a permissive position (FIG. 4B). At the sealing position, the sealing element 196 sealingly bears at least over the peripheral surroundings of the chamber outlet passage 198 so as to prevent fluid passage therethrough. In some examples (not illustrated), the bottom shoulder 201 can be configured with an angular or rounded cross section that forms a slope from the support wall 200 towards the inclined port wall 197. The angular or rounded cross section that forms a slope can reduce friction forces during the tilting displacement thereof. In such examples, the bottom shoulder 201 causes the sealing element 196 to be displaced towards the inclined port wall 197 and be engaged over the peripheral surroundings of the inclined port wall 197. Sealing engagement with the inclined port wall 197 prevents fluid passage through the chamber outlet passage 198 which might occur in cases the sealing element 196 is not bearded properly against the chamber outlet passage 198 of the inclined port wall 197.

[0111] At the permissive position, the sealing element 196 is at least partially spaced from the chamber outlet passage 198 so as to enable fluid passage therethrough, in direction of arrow 199. The sealing element 196 is configured to be displaced towards the permissive position by suction forces applied thereon by the gas propelling unit 150. The gas propelling unit 150 is configured to generate the suction forces in the space 108 when the gas propelling unit 150 is active. The suction forces generated by the gas propelling unit 150 are configured to displace the sealing element 196 in direction from the sealing position thereof towards the permissive position thereof. The suction forces are also configured to maintain the sealing element 196 at the permissive position as long as the gas propelling unit 150 is active.

[0112] When the gas propelling unit 150 is not active, the sealing element 196 is configured to be displaced towards the sealing position. In accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, the sealing element 196 is configured to be displaced towards the sealing position in an automated manner by gravitational forces. In a particular example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the support wall 200 inclines towards the inclined port wall 197 so as to define an acute angle with a horizontal axis X extending parallel to the ground. Thus, the sealing element 196 remains tilted toward the inclined port wall 197 also at the permissive position thereof, whereby deactivation of the gas propelling unit 150 results in a spontaneous displacement towards the sealing position by gravitational forces only.

[0113] In another example (not illustrated), a counter-tilt element can be configured to add biasing force to the sealing element 196, upon displacement thereof from the sealing position. In yet another example (not illustrated), the sealing element 196 can be pivotally articulated at the confining space 202 through a pivot axel. In such example, the sealing element 196 can be pivotally displaceable about the pivot axel between the sealing position thereof and the permissive position thereof.

[0114] In an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the sealing element 196 is supported within the retention section 195 by one or more support arms 203, whereby the one or more support arms 203 are configured to reduce friction forces during the tilting displacement thereof. In the illustrated example, the sealing element 196 comprises two support arms 203 extending downwards from a bottom edge 204 of the sealing element 196. In some cases, the bottom edge 204 of the two support arms 203 is configured with a matching cross section to the cross section of the bottom shoulder 201. In other examples (not illustrated), the one or more support arms 203 can extend upwards from the bottom shoulder 201 or extend laterally from the inclined port wall 197 or the support wall 200.

[0115] FIG. 6 illustrates the flow path in which the rinsing liquid flows through the flushing conduit 110 to the toilet bowl 11, and from the toilet bowl 11 to the sewage line 36. Upon flushing the toilet, rinsing liquid flows from the rinsing liquid source 30, through the rinsing liquid tube 32 and into the flushing conduit 110 (arrow 301). The rinsing liquid flows along the length of the flushing conduit 110 (arrow 302), and applies pressure forces onto the flap member 115 (arrow 303). The pressure forces applied by the rinsing liquid flow displaces the flap member 115 towards the closed position thereof (i.e. by displacing the sealing portion 116 against the suction opening 113 to sealingly cover the suction opening 113).

[0116] Then, the rinsing liquid flows through the rinsing inlet 14 and into the bowl 22 via the rinse dispensing portion 24 (arrows 304). The rinsing liquid further flows through the liquid trapway 26 and out from the waste outlet 16 (arrow 305). Then, the rinsing liquid flows through the length of the waste conduit 130 into the sewage line 36 (arrow 306).

[0117] FIG. 7 illustrates the flow path of gases originating from the toilet bowl 11 towards the sewage line 36 when the gas propelling unit 150 is active (i.e. generates suction forces inside the space 108). As shown, gases are propelled from the bowl 22 (arrows 401) and into the flushing conduit 110 via the rinsing inlet 14 (arrow 402). Then, the gases flow through the liquid valve 114 (at which case the flap member 115 thereof is at the open position) and through the suction opening 113 (arrow 403). Then, the gases are further propelled through the gas flow valve 190, which is at the flow-permitting position, into the space 108 (arrow 404). Inside the space 108, the gases are propelled towards the gas inlet 152 (arrow 405) and outwards from the gas outlet 154 into the gas discharge member 156. Then, the gases are propelled out from the gas discharge port 134 and into the waste conduit 130 (arrow 406). At the waste conduit 130, gases are obstructed from flowing towards the toilet bowl 11 via the waste outlet 16 by the liquid trapway 26, and thus, the gases are propelled towards the sewage system via the sewage line 36.

[0118] FIG. 8 illustrates the flow path of gases originating from the sewage line 36 towards the toilet bowl 11 when the gas propelling unit 150 is not active. As shown, the sewage gases flow from the sewage line 36 into the waste conduit 130 (arrow 501). Then, the gases flow out from the gas inlet 152 into the space 108 (arrow 502). The gases further flow towards the gas flow valve 190 (at which case is at the flow-preventive position thereof). At the gas flow valve 190, the gases are obstructed from further flow via the chamber outlet passage 198 to the flushing conduit 110 by the sealing element 196, which is at the sealing position thereof.

[0119] Further reference is directed to FIG. 9 illustrating a flush toilet system 52 differing from the flush toilet system 50 of the previous example in that the air exhaust apparatus 100′ is integral with or integrated at the rear portion 512 of the toilet bowl 522, and within a designated space 560 thereof. Otherwise, the air exhaust apparatus 100′ is similar to the air exhaust apparatus 100 of the previous example and is interconnecting the rinsing inlet 514 and the waste outlet 516 of flush toilet system 52 with the rinsing liquid tube 32 and the sewage line 36, respectively, as discussed hereinabove. Also, operation of the flush toilet system 52 with the associated air exhaust apparatus 100′ is similar to the disclosure hereinabove.

[0120] Further reference is directed to FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrating an air exhaust apparatus 100″ which together with the toilet bowl 11 and the rinsing liquid source 30 defines a flush toilet system 54. Flush toilet system 54 differs from the flush toilet system 50 aforementioned hereinabove in that the air exhaust apparatus 100″ is positioned behind the wall 40 and interconnects the rinsing liquid tube 32 of the rinsing liquid source 30 with the sewage line 36. In other examples (not illustrated), the air exhaust apparatus 100″ can be integral with or integrated with the rinsing liquid source 30.

[0121] As shown, air exhaust apparatus 100″ is connected to the rinsing liquid tube 32 at the rear portion 611 of the flushing conduit 610 and also connected to the sewage line 36 at the rear portion of the waste conduit 631. Flush toilet system 54 further comprises an interconnecting flushing tube 614 for connecting the front portion 612 of the flushing conduit 610 with the rinsing inlet 14 and an interconnecting waste tube 634 for connecting the front portion 632 of the waste conduit 630 with the waste outlet 16. In other examples (not illustrated), the front portion 612 of the flushing conduit 610 extends through the wall and can be connected directly to the rinsing inlet 14 and the front portion 632 of the waste conduit 630 can extend through the wall and can be connected directly to the waste outlet.

[0122] The air exhaust apparatus 100″ also differs from the air exhaust apparatus 100 aforementioned hereinabove in that the liquid flow prevention mechanism is an elevated member 600 in accordance with a second example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The second example of the presently disclosed subject matter can be used in cases that the rinsing liquid source operates via gravity (e.g. flushing tank) and without additional pressure means (e.g. high pressure water tube).

[0123] The elevated member 600 is formed as a hollow tube positioned within the housing 602. The elevated member 600 is configured to fluidly connect the suction opening 613 of the flushing conduit 610, which is fluidly connected to a bottom end 601A thereof, with the gas tight valve chamber 694 of the gas flow valve 690, which is fluidly connected to an upper end 601B thereof. The elevated member 600 enables flow communication between the flushing conduit 610 via the suction opening 613 and the space 608 via the gas flow valve 690. Elevated member 600 is configured to extend from the flushing conduit 610 to a height above a water level line 31′ of the rinsing liquid 31 inside the rinsing liquid source 30 such that upon flushing action, water are prevented from reaching the gas flow valve 690 at the top of the elevated member 600, since the rinsing liquid source 30 and the elevated member 600 are communicating vessels.