EP0509503B1 - A toilet hygiene unit with automatic cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

A toilet hygiene unit with automatic cleaning apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0509503B1
EP0509503B1 EP19920106610 EP92106610A EP0509503B1 EP 0509503 B1 EP0509503 B1 EP 0509503B1 EP 19920106610 EP19920106610 EP 19920106610 EP 92106610 A EP92106610 A EP 92106610A EP 0509503 B1 EP0509503 B1 EP 0509503B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seat
fact
unit according
seat back
bowl
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19920106610
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0509503A1 (en
Inventor
Antonio Pellechia
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CENTRO ACCIAI SpA
Original Assignee
CENTRO ACCIAI SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CENTRO ACCIAI SpA filed Critical CENTRO ACCIAI SpA
Publication of EP0509503A1 publication Critical patent/EP0509503A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0509503B1 publication Critical patent/EP0509503B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/24—Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
    • A47K13/30—Seats having provisions for heating, deodorising or the like, e.g. ventilating, noise-damping or cleaning devices
    • A47K13/302—Seats with cleaning devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toilet hygiene unit having automatic cleaning apparatus.
  • apparatus for washing, disinfecting and drying the seat which apparatus comprises a tank disposed behind the seat, closed by a vertically slidable door.
  • This tank is divided by a vertical dividing wall carrying a series of nozzles disposed in a vertical ring of form corresponding to the seat.
  • a mixture of water and disinfectant is first supplied through this series of nozzles.
  • the ring shape zone further has a series of holes for the passage of hot air from a fan.
  • the seat is washed by means of a rotating double arm having two sets of nozzles at two ends.
  • This arm is also disposed within a vertical tank positioned behind the bowl and closed by a door hinged at its upper edge.
  • the rear edge of the toilet seat is mounted on a vertically movable carriage disposed in the tank.
  • This known toilet has the disadvantage that the door in the vertical tank, when closed, forms the seat back of the bowl, which comes into contact with the user's body. Therefore, it cannot be washed automatically by the cleaning apparatus.
  • the object of the invention is that of providing a toilet hygiene unit having automatic cleaning apparatus, which will be of maximum simplicity and will eliminate this and other disadvantages of known toilets.
  • the hygiene unit which comprises a bowl provided with a flushing system and having a liftable seat and a seat back, said apparatus including at least one seat washing, disinfecting and drying device, and being characterised by the fact that the said device is operable to act simultaneously on the said seat in the vertical position and on the said seat back.
  • the said seat is provided with a series of nozzles which are supplied during use of the said bowl to create a film of water on the inner surface of the said bowl in such a way as to inhibit the attachment thereto of organic substances.
  • the reference numeral 6 generally indicates a toilet for public or community conveniences, which comprises a floor 7, two side walls 8 and a back wall 9, advantageously provided with a glass window 11.
  • the toilet 6 is closed by a door known per se, and therefore not illustrated, which can for example be of the type openable by money or tokens.
  • the toilet 6 is provided with the usual attachments for water and electricity and with the usual waste pipe 12 (Figure 2) connected to the drain.
  • the floor 7 is provided with a sump 13 for the collection of small refuse items such as cigarette ends, and liquid such as the washing water from the toilet 6.
  • the sump 13 is covered by a floor grille 14, which allows the passage of liquids and other small refuse items into the sump 13. This latter is provided with a syphon discharge 10 for evacuation of such liquids and refuse items to the drain.
  • the grille 14 is further provided with an edge 15 ( Figure 3) carrying a series of nozzles 16 for washing the sump 13.
  • the toilet 6 is furnished with a monobloc sanitary unit generally indicated 17, which includes a bowl 18 fixed to a casing 19 of substantially rectangular form, which houses the entire automatic cleaning apparatus of the unit and is covered by three removable panels.
  • a monobloc sanitary unit generally indicated 17
  • the casing 19 has a plinth 21 at its end for connection to the grille 14.
  • the plinth 21 is provided with a series of nozzles 25 ( Figure 2), also provided for washing the sump 13.
  • the bowl 18 is provided with the usual seat 22 formed as a ring or annulus on which the user is to be seated.
  • the rear edge of the seat 22 is provided with a projection 23 ( Figure 3) fixed to a hollow shaft 24 which is rotatable in a housing 26 ( Figure 4) disposed within the casing 19.
  • the shaft 26 is turned by a shaft 28 of a reversible geared motor 29 via motion transmission means comprising a lead screw and nut 27. Therefore the seat 22 can be rotated about its rear edge from the horizontal use position indicated in Figure 2 to the raised or vertical position indicated with broken lines in Figure 2.
  • the casing 19 is provided with an aperture 31 disposed behind the bowl 18, which is normally closed by a seat back 32.
  • the seat back 32 can have the same shape and dimensions as the seat 22 so as to allow this latter, when raised, to lodge in the aperture 31.
  • the seat back 32 is mounted on an articulated parallelogram linkage comprising a pair of equal arms 33 and 34 ( Figure 3) pivoted onto projections 36 of the casing 19.
  • an articulated link 37 which, by means of a pivot 38 is articulated to a lever 39 pivoted to another projection 41 of the casing 19.
  • the pivot 38 is mounted on a nut 40 engaged with a screw 42, which is rotated by a reversible geared motor 43.
  • the actuation of the geared motor 43 causes displacement of the seat back 32 parallel to itself from the use position indicated in solid outline in Figure 2 to the washing position indicated in broken outline.
  • the automatic cleaning apparatus essentially comprises a device, generally indicated 44 ( Figures 2-4) for washing, disinfecting and drying the seat 22 and the seat back 32.
  • the device 44 is carried by a carriage 46 which is mounted on a pair of wheels 47 guided vertically in suitable guides of the casing 19.
  • the guides are disposed in such a way as to cause the device 44 to move in the space between the seat 22 in the vertical position and the seat back 32 in the retracted position.
  • the carriage 46 is displaced by a pair of belts 48 each of which engages two corresponding pulleys 49 and 50 disposed at the top and bottom of the casing 19.
  • a reversible geared motor 53 adapted to drive a shaft 54 rotatable in two supports 55 of the casing 19.
  • the shaft 54 carries two wheels 56 of the same size as the pulleys 49 and 50, and each of which engages simultaneously two branches of the respective belt 48.
  • the carriage 46 carries two rubber cleaning wipers 51 one of which faces towards the seat 22 and the other towards the seat back 32.
  • the carriage 46 also carries two series of nozzles 57 and 58, facing in opposite directions, that is to say respectively towards the seat 22 in the vertical position and towards the seat back 32 in the retracted position.
  • Each series of nozzles 57 and 58 is connected by flexible ducts not shown in the drawings with a water pump 61.
  • the ducts leading to the nozzles 57 and 58 are also connected in a known way with dispensers for detergent, disinfectant and possibly deodorant.
  • the carriage carries a motor-driven fan 59 which can possibly be connected to an air heater to dry the seat 22 and seat back 32.
  • a cistern for the usual flushing system for the bowl 18, which is actuated by means of a manual push button 60.
  • This can also be actuated automatically, for example, by means of an electromagnet, before washing of the bowl 18, as will be seen better hereinbelow.
  • the flushing system cistern is refilled directly with water from the mains.
  • the pump 61 is also connected, by means of a solenoid valve 63, to the nozzles 57 and 58 of the carriage 46.
  • Another solenoid valve 64 can be actuated to connect the pump 61, via a duct not indicated, to the nozzles 16 and 25 for washing the sump 13 under the floor-grille 14.
  • the seat 22 is provided with a series of nozzles 65 disposed on its lower surface close to the inner edge of the bowl 18.
  • the nozzles 65 are connected to a common duct 67, connected to the hollow shaft 25, in turn connected to the pump 61 by means of two further solenoid valves 62 and 66. These can be selectively operated when the seat is disposed in the horizontal position respectively to create a film of liquid on the inner surface of the bowl 18 and to wash the bottom of the bowl 18 after the operation of the flushing system.
  • the casing 19 encloses an apparatus control unit 69 which includes a logic circuit process controller 71 ( Figure 5).
  • This controller 71 has a logical step-by-step operation and is provided with a self-diagnosis program which continuously tests for the correct performance of the preceding operation before allowing the successive one.
  • the control unit 69 includes a series of circuits controlled by the controller 71 for controlling the various devices of the apparatus.
  • these circuits can be grouped in the following functional blocks:-
  • the operation of the hygiene unit described above is as follows:- Upon entrance of the user into the toilet 6 the block 72 sends a signal to the process controller 71 which, by means of the block 73 locks the toilet door. Further, the block 73 controls the illumination of an external warning lamp indicating that the toilet 6 is occupied. Possibly the block 73 may also control the illumination of an internal light and the starting of a fan for forced air change.
  • the controller 71 opens the valve 62 (see also Figures 2-4). This, by means of the nozzle 65, creates a film of water on the inner surface of the bowl 18, which prevents the adherence of organic substances or particles of faeces on this surface of the bowl 18 during use.
  • the user can press the manual push button 60 of the discharge system for a first cleaning of the bowl 18 by means of the flushing system. He can then use possible other sanitary equipment present in the toilet 6.
  • the controller 71 When the user leaves the toilet 6 the door automatically closes and initiates a more thorough cleaning of the bowl 18, a cleaning, disinfecting and drying of the seat 22 and the seat back 32, and a washing out of the under floor sump 13.
  • the controller 71 by means of the block 74, now causes the automatic emptying of the flushing system cistern if the push button 60 has not been operated manually.
  • the block 74 it now starts the pump 61 and operates the solenoid valve 66 which, via the nozzles 65 of the seat 22 effects a thorough washing of the interior of the bowl 18 with a high pressure jet of water.
  • the controller 71 via the block 76, causes actuation of the geared motor 43. This drives the mechanism 33, 34, 37, 39 so that the seat back 32 is brought into the retracted position indicated in broken outline. Further, the block 77 puts the geared motor 29 into operation carrying the seat 22 into the vertical position.
  • the geared motor 53 is put into operation by the block 78. This now displaces the carriage 46 between the seat 22 and the seat back 32, first downwardly and then upwardly so that the rubber wipers 51 remove any possible particles of dirt.
  • the block 74 operates the solenoid valve 63 so that the nozzles 57 and 58 wash and disinfect the seat 22 and the seat back 32.
  • the solenoid valve 63 is closed whilst the block 79 operates the electric fan 59 so that the seat 22 and the seat back 32 are dried.
  • This operation can be repeated automatically a predetermined number of times, for example three times.
  • the process controller 71 can be programmed in such a way as to control washing during a complete descent and rise excursion of the carriage 46, disinfection during a second complete excursion and drying during a third excursion of the carriage 46.
  • the process controller 71 controls washing of the sump 13 under the grille 14.
  • the controller 71 controls energisation of the geared motor 29 which causes the seat 22 to return to the horizontal rest position
  • the block 76 controls the geared motor 43 which causes the seat back 32 to return to the forward position.
  • the device 44 performs cleaning not only of the seat 22 and the bowl 18 but also cleaning of the seat back 32.
  • the bowl 18 is continually washed with water by means of the nozzles 65 of the seat 22 both during use and for the purpose of energetically washing during the flushing effected by the flushing system.
  • the monobloc 17, by means of the nozzles 16 and 25, also provides for washing of the underfloor sump 13 under the floor grille 14, and allows easy installation of the unit in the toilet cubicle 6.
  • the hygiene unit described can have modifications and improvements introduced thereto without departing from the ambit of the claims.
  • the nozzles of the plinth 21 can be dispensed with and the grille 14 can be separate from the casing 19.
  • the carriage 46 can be driven by different means, for example, by means of a linear motor.
  • the pump 61 can be of variable pressure, or else may be replaced by two low pressure pumps or by a low pressure pump and a high pressure pump.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Toilet Supplies (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
EP19920106610 1991-04-16 1992-04-16 A toilet hygiene unit with automatic cleaning apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP0509503B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000086 IT223245Z2 (it) 1991-04-16 1991-04-16 Gruppo sanitario per toeletta con apparecchiatura di pulizia automati-ca
ITTO910086U 1991-04-16

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0509503A1 EP0509503A1 (en) 1992-10-21
EP0509503B1 true EP0509503B1 (en) 1995-02-01

Family

ID=11408895

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19920106610 Expired - Lifetime EP0509503B1 (en) 1991-04-16 1992-04-16 A toilet hygiene unit with automatic cleaning apparatus

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0509503B1 (it)
DE (1) DE69201322T2 (it)
ES (1) ES2069337T3 (it)
GR (1) GR3015928T3 (it)
IT (1) IT223245Z2 (it)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11834080B2 (en) 2020-04-17 2023-12-05 Siemens Mobility GmbH Comfort ventilation for a sanitary module for a vehicle

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2718339B1 (fr) * 1994-04-12 1996-06-28 Michel Plante Toilettes comprenant un siège à la turc combiné à un abattant à commande automatique et auto-nettoyant.
DE102010045940A1 (de) * 2010-09-21 2012-03-22 Helmut Staubach Bodensystem für eine Sanitäranlage, Verfahren zur Reinigung eines Bodensystems für eine Sanitäranlage
CN102824136A (zh) * 2011-06-16 2012-12-19 上海美申环境设施设备有限公司 坐便器座圈自动清理装置
DE202012100932U1 (de) 2012-03-15 2012-04-24 Wolfgang E. Metzger Sanitäre Einrichtung
IL220601A (en) * 2012-06-21 2013-04-30 Yeshaya Gerafi Ecological system and method for toilet flushing
ITMI20121217A1 (it) * 2012-07-12 2014-01-13 Maurizio Ghiani Dispositivo di igienizzazione di un asse per un vaso sanitario
EP2898807B1 (en) * 2014-01-27 2016-08-31 Linea Citta' S.R.L. Self-cleaning toilet device
ES2553156B1 (es) * 2014-06-04 2016-09-13 Proyectos E Instalación De Material Urbano, S.A. (Primur) Inodoro sanitario autolimpiable y procedimiento de limpieza del mismo
FI126776B (fi) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-15 High Gienic Oy WC-moduuli, automaatti-WC ja menetelmä automaatti-WC:n käymälätekniikan ohjaamiseksi

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2164320A (en) * 1938-04-08 1939-07-04 Pierce John B Foundation Combination seat and flush rim
DE2907754A1 (de) * 1979-02-28 1980-09-04 Gertrud Stockburger Fa Einrichtung zum reinigen und/oder desinfizieren von klosetts
IT1199799B (it) * 1986-12-17 1988-12-30 P T Matic S P A Apparecchiatura a struttura modulare per la pulizia automatica e integrale del vaso igienico,utilizzabile in stanze da bagno sia pubbliche che private
GB2204611A (en) * 1987-04-14 1988-11-16 Mak Chai Leung Apparatus for washing a toilet seat
US4980931A (en) * 1989-09-01 1991-01-01 Chaskel Meisels Self sterilizing toilet seat

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11834080B2 (en) 2020-04-17 2023-12-05 Siemens Mobility GmbH Comfort ventilation for a sanitary module for a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0509503A1 (en) 1992-10-21
DE69201322T2 (de) 1995-07-20
DE69201322D1 (de) 1995-03-16
IT223245Z2 (it) 1995-06-21
ITTO910086U1 (it) 1992-10-16
ES2069337T3 (es) 1995-05-01
ITTO910086V0 (it) 1991-04-16
GR3015928T3 (en) 1995-07-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5183035A (en) Oral hygiene device
US3594826A (en) Sanitary closet
EP0509503B1 (en) A toilet hygiene unit with automatic cleaning apparatus
US4210973A (en) Sanitary unit
US4233692A (en) Rest rooms
EP0274588A2 (en) Modular-structure equipment for the automatic and integral cleaning of the toilet bowl, for use both in public and private toilets
US3919726A (en) Water closet having a bowl and a wash means
FI83683C (fi) Sanitetsenhet med automatisk rengoering.
US6000070A (en) Combination toilet and bidet
US3837011A (en) Self-cleaning restroom, and method for cleaning a restroom
KR19980701982A (ko) 회전 보울을 구비한 수세식 변기
JPS5919217B2 (ja) 衛生ユニット
US7269863B1 (en) Automatic self-cleaning toilet
JP5485553B2 (ja) 便座洗浄システム
US4597114A (en) Sanitary facility with means for automatic cleaning
US3969133A (en) Method for self-cleaning a restroom
JPH0280726A (ja) 単房型公衆衛生施設
US4974268A (en) Chair bathtub
US5022097A (en) Automated toilet seat cleaning system
US20100037379A1 (en) Interchangeable toilet tank with urinal
IT1223216B (it) Servizio igienico a pulitura automatica con risciacquo comandabile, particolarmente per locali pubblici e simili
JPH0566450B2 (it)
US6944894B1 (en) Self-cleaning toilet
KR0122450Y1 (ko) 좌변기의 자동 물 내림장치
WO1990004347A1 (en) Automated toilet seat cleaning system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GR LI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19930329

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19940405

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GR LI

ET Fr: translation filed
REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69201322

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19950316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2069337

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: FG4A

Free format text: 3015928

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19960325

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19960326

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19960417

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19960423

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 19960429

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19970417

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19970430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19970430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19971031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: MM2A

Free format text: 3015928

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19971231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 19990301