EP3170945A1

EP3170945A1 - Toilet module and method for controlling lavatory technology of automatic toilet

Info

Publication number: EP3170945A1
Application number: EP16199589.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juha Olavi Lahtivuori; Jari Kalevi Kaskelin
Original assignee: High Gienic Oy
Current assignee: High Gienic Oy
Priority date: 2015-11-19
Filing date: 2016-11-18
Publication date: 2017-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-18
Also published as: FI20155858A; EP3170945B1; FI126776B

Abstract

The object of the invention is a toilet module, which can be transferred and installed into a lavatory for automatic toilet functions. The toilet module comprises at least the following
- a toilet bowl (2),
- a backrest element (3) having an outer surface (4) and an inside (5), into which inside lavatory technology (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) required by an automatic toilet has been placed, such as an electric resistance (34) or other heating device which is arranged to heat a heating area (41) on the outer surface of the backrest element,
- one or more movable mechanic auxiliaries (11, 12, 13),
- a sewer connection (21), a water supply connection (22) and an electric connection (23) of the toilet module for connecting toilet module to the corresponding lavatory connections.

The toilet module according to the invention is used in an automatic toilet as well as in a method for controlling lavatory technology of an automatic toilet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a toilet module, an automatic toilet and a method for controlling lavatory technology of an automatic toilet according to the preambles of the independent claims presented below. The invention relates especially to a new way of installing and using lavatory technology of an automatic toilet in public premises.

PRIOR ART

Public lavatory, that is a toilet in public premises, is typically expected to be easy to maintain, to withstand vandalism and to have automation which guides the user and performs functions on behalf of the user. Role of the automation and technology has increased remarkably, devices are more complex and more expensive. Due to this, a separate service room, wherein all automation technology is installed, and through which the lavatory is maintained, is built into a typical public automatic toilet. The purpose of a separate service room is, for example to facilitate maintaining toilet actuators and preventing vandalism.
For the above mentioned reasons, among others, installation of an automatic toilet into a public lavatory is usually multi-stage, complex and expensive. It is expensive to build a separate service room, typically the lavatory has to have, among others, another door for the service room in addition to the entrance door.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to reduce or even eliminate the above-mentioned problems appearing in prior art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet module and a lavatory which is more inexpensive, simpler and faster to construct than before, and which is more reliable than before.
An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic toilet which withstands vandalism more efficiently than before.
An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet module which is easy to install into existing premises.
An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet module by means of which an existing lavatory is easily modified into an automatic toilet.
An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet module by means of which using, maintaining and heating of an automatic toilet is easier than before.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the objects mentioned above, among others, the toilet module, automatic toilet, and method according to the invention, as well as the other objects of the invention, are characterised by what is presented in the characterising parts of the enclosed independent claims.
The embodiment examples and advantages mentioned in this text are in suitable parts applicable to all objects of the invention, that is to the toilet module, automatic toilet and lavatory, as well as to the method according to the invention, even if this is not always specifically mentioned.
The invention can be used in the lavatories of public premises. Public premises means for example parks, metro, service and train stations or the like, usually places with no surveillance.
It is possible to realize the invention to withstand vandalism well. This means that strong and slow-burning material, such as stainless steel, concrete, tempered thick glass, aluminium or composite, is used as manufacturing material for the structures.
It is possible to realize the invention as an automatic toilet. An automatic toilet means that the toilet can be provided with for example an automatic rising and/or lowering of toilet seat, automatic toilet bowl flush, automatically rising and/or lowering support handles, hand dryer integrated into the structure, electric bowl flush tank integrated into the structure, cleaning hose, and electric automation unit controlling the functions. The automation unit may also control functions outside the toilet, such as lavatory heating, opening and/or closing of the lavatory entrance door, inside and outside lightening of the lavatory, electric door locking, occupied/vacant light, and automatic floor flush.
Automatic toilets and many of their features are known as such, and not all of their features are covered in this text.
A typical toilet module according to the invention can be transferred and installed into a lavatory having readily a sewer connection, a lavatory water supply connection, and a lavatory electric connection for toilet functions. A typical toilet module comprises at least the following

a toilet bowl,
a backrest element having an outer surface and an inside,
one or more movable mechanic auxiliaries,
a toilet module sewer connection, a toilet module water supply connection and a toilet module electric connection which can be connected to the above mentioned corresponding lavatory connections.

Lavatory technology required by an automatic toilet, such as power transfer means required by movable mechanic auxiliaries, is installed inside the backrest element. It is possible to install even all lavatory technology required by an automatic toilet inside the backrest element.
Typically, the lavatory technology inside the backrest element comprises an electric resistance or other heating device which is arranged to heat a heating area on the outer surface of the backrest element. This way the lavatory can be heated, if wanted, for example during cold season. Function of the resistance or other heating device can be controlled for example by a thermostat, controlling can be performed by a control unit controlling also other lavatory technology. The same or other heating resistance or other heating device may be arranged to heat hand drying air. Control technology of the heating, such as a possible thermostat, may be placed even entirely inside the backrest element.
A toilet module according to the invention is installed into a typical automatic toilet according to the invention. In that case, the sewer connection, water supply connection and electric connection of the toilet module are connected to the corresponding lavatory connections.
In a typical method according to the invention, there is a lavatory having a lavatory sewer connection, a lavatory water supply connection, and a lavatory electric connection for toilet functions. For controlling lavatory technology of the automatic toilet, a toilet module delivered at the site in one piece has been installed into the lavatory. The toilet sewer connection, water supply connection and electric connection of the toilet module are connected to the corresponding lavatory connections. In the method, lavatory technology functions required by the automatic toilet are performed inside the backrest element. Such functions can be, for example moving the power transfer means required by the mechanical auxiliary. Even all lavatory technology functions required by the automatic toilet can be performed inside the backrest element.
One great advantage of the invention is that it enables implementation of an automatic lavatory which is service room free. Being service room free means that along with the toilet bowl, and possibly as an inseparable part of it, there is a backrest element, to which necessary lavatory technology is integrated, and which can be maintained from the lavatory.
One great advantage of the invention is that it enables implementation of a heated automatic lavatory also into not previously heated premises.
One advantage of the invention is that it enables moving and installing of the toilet bowl as well as all necessary lavatory technology, that is the toilet module, into the lavatory in one piece. Installation and service are thus efficient.
One advantage of the invention is that it enables installation of the toilet bowl as well as all necessary lavatory technology, that is the toilet module, as independent from the lavatory building structures, at least from the floor and/or wall structures. It is not necessary to construct the toilet module according to the invention at any parts as part of lavatory structures. The toilet module can be attached to the floor surface and/or wall surface of the lavatory, but it is not necessary to pull down lavatory structures for installation. The toilet module can be installed as self-supporting, for example. The toilet module can be installed so that the customer or maintenance person can go around the toilet module. This facilitates its usage and service. The toilet module can be realized as a unit to be installed onto the lavatory wall surface. It is not necessary, unless wanted, for the toilet module to be built like current automatic toilets, that is at least partly built-in inside the wall.
One way to describe the invention, some of its applications and their advantages is that nowadays automatic toilet functions, such as lavatory heating control, toilet seat controls, support handle controls, flush controls, hand dryer and its controls, as well as equipment necessary for cleaning the lavatory, can be integrated into the toilet backrest. Due to this integration, maintenance work can be performed from inside the lavatory and no separate service room is needed. By means of the invention, it is possible to significantly influence lavatory construction expenses because the lavatory requires less construction area. By means of the invention, an automatic toilet unit withstanding vandalism can be installed at the site to already existing buildings with low construction expenses.
In some embodiments of the invention, the movable mechanic auxiliary can be for example one or more of the following:

a toilet seat, which is arranged to be movable mainly between a horizontal sitting position and a free position,
a toilet bowl flush mechanism which is arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position,
one or more toilet user support handles which are arranged to be movable for example between a mainly horizontal lower position and a free position.

The functions and the structure of these devices can be arranged to excellently suit the concept of the toilet module according to the invention.
In some embodiments of the invention, lavatory technology required by the automatic toilet has been installed inside the backrest element. In some embodiments of the method, this lavatory technology is used inside the backrest element. This lavatory technology may comprise for example one or more of the following:

power transfer means for transferring the toilet seat between the sitting position and the free position,
a control valve of a toilet bowl flush mechanism which control valve is arranged to be movable between the open position and the closed position,
power transfer means for transferring the support handle between the lower position and the free position.

These lavatory technologies suit very well inside the backrest element of the toilet module according to the invention.
Other possible auxiliaries placed inside the backrest element are a hand dryer and a cleaning water hose, for example. Even all lavatory technology needed by them, such as a warm air heating resistor, a drying air blower, and a valve for leading cleaning water to the cleaning hose, can be placed inside the backrest element.
The heating area on the outer surface of the backrest element may be a technically and/or visually separated part of the backrest element. If needed, the heating area can be detachable from the rest of the backrest element. The heating area can be made of for example material which conducts heat better than the rest of the backrest element. A separated heating area may thus enhance the heating and facilitate maintaining the heating area and/or the lavatory technology.
A part of the backrest element that does not differ at all, or from the outside does not seem to differ from the rest of the backrest element, can function as the heating area on the outer surface of the backrest element. A backrest element that is of one and the same surface is simple and reliable, and easy to keep clean.
The heating area on the outer surface of the backrest element is always measured and placed suitable according to each situation and need. The heating area may correspond in its surface area, for example approximately to the size of the toilet seat that can be turned against it. The heating area may have for example a rectangular form, or approximately the form of the toilet seat or the seat ring, such as oval or arch-like, or annular. The heating area may consist of several smaller heating areas. The heating area may be placed only on the part of the backrest element that is on the toilet seat side. The heating area may be at least mainly on the vertical part of the heating element. For example, the heating area which is placed mainly on the part of the backrest element that is vertical and towards the toilet seat, may be in its height and width less than 500 mm, or 300-600 mm.
In one embodiment of the invention, the toilet seat is maintained in its free position against the heating area on the outer surface of the backrest element, or at least close to it. Thus, typically at least main part of the toilet seat sitting surface provided for sitting is close to the heating area, for example at the distance of 0-20 mm or 5-15 mm. This way the toilet seat and at least its sitting surface provided for sitting can be heated ready for the next user. Heating of the toilet seat can be performed by conduction or by heat radiation from the heating area.
In one embodiment of the invention, one or more service hatches have been arranged on the outer surface of the backrest element for maintenance of the lavatory technology contained in the backrest element. According to need, service hatches can be at any point on the outer surface of the backrest element. Service hatches are easily installed so that the technology contained in the backrest element can be easily maintained through them.
In one embodiment of the invention, one or more, for example all service hatches of the backrest element are less than 1000 mm, or less than 500 mm at their greatest length. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner part of the backrest element is less than 1000 mm, preferably less than 500 mm, at its greatest length. Small service hatches and backrest elements are easy to use and easily constructed as functional. Solutions according to the invention enable small sized lavatory technology, and thus, also maintaining lavatory technology even through small service hatches.
In one embodiment of the invention, operational energy for several different functions and/or devices can be taken from the pressure energy of pressurised water used in the lavatory or toilet module, or led thereto. It is easy to arrange low water consumption for this kind of arrangement, only a few decilitres per function, for example. However, all water can be utilized, for example by leading water used as operational energy source into the toilet bowl flush tank.
In one embodiment of the invention, operational energy needed to move the mechanical auxiliary is arranged to be taken from the pressure energy of pressurised water led to the water supply connection of the toilet module. Municipal tap water pressure, for example, is usually enough for using hydraulic motors or the like power transfer means. Water hydraulics utilizing pressure energy of pressure water allows small physical size of the devices and makes them more reliable.
In one embodiment of the invention, toilet flush may function so that a magnetic valve allows the pressure water into the flush mechanism, thereby producing necessary movement in the flush mechanics for achieving flushing. Thus, flushing functions by the pressure energy of pressurised water.
In one embodiment of the invention, the movement of the toilet seat between the sitting position and the free position is achieved by a power transfer means powered by the pressure energy of pressurised water. A hydraulic cylinder arranged for example between the backrest element or another supporting point and the toilet seat can function as a power transfer means.
In one embodiment of the invention, the lavatory or the automatic toilet has an entrance door for the toilet user, the operational energy needed for moving the opening mechanism of the entrance door being arranged to be taken from the pressure energy of pressurised water led to the lavatory. For example, a hydraulic cylinder which is arranged for example between the lavatory wall and the entrance door and is powered by pressurised water energy, can function as an opening mechanism. Thus, functioning of the entrance door opening mechanism is controlled by the lavatory technology inside the backrest element, for example from an electric controlling unit.
In one embodiment of the invention, the lavatory technology inside the backrest element comprises an electric controlling unit by means of which functioning of the lavatory technology required by the toilet module and the automatic toilet, or the lavatory, is controlled. The electric control unit placed into the backrest element may comprise a computer having a memory and a software saved into the memory, and program code elements of the software for producing control functions. The control unit may comprise a user interface, or it can be used by remote use, for example via a mobile station screen. The control unit may comprise necessary telecommunication means for receiving measurement information from possible sensors, such as motion detectors and limit switches of the moving actuators. The control unit may comprise necessary telecommunication means for delivering control commands to the lavatory technology actuators, such as power transfer means which generate movements and functions of the toilet seat, support handles, toilet bowl flush, hand dryer and entrance door. Control technology and the function and structure of the control unit, computers and telecommunication are known prior art as such, and not specifically objects of this invention, so they will not be described here in more detail.
In one embodiment of the invention, rising and lowering of the automatic toilet seat is automatically performed as controlled by the control unit, for example by utilizing water hydraulics. Automation may control the seat to rise back up when the customer leaves the lavatory.
In one embodiment of the invention, the movement of the support handles may be automatically performed as controlled by the electric control unit. In case the customer, for example a physically disabled user, manually turns down the support handles, they remain in the lower position. The user may manually lift them up. Upon opening the door after use, the handles may automatically rise to an upper position.
In one embodiment of the invention, a hand dryer, which is automatically controlled by the electric control unit, is integrated into the backrest element. The dryer may be set on for example by means of an electric switch placed into the backrest element, or by means of movement sensor data.
In one embodiment of the invention, the electric control unit recognises a special need user by means of a special code or key. For example, in case the customer enters with a special key, for example with one given to physically disabled, with a so called EURO-key, for example, it may be assumed that the customer always needs the toilet seat and/or the handle, whereby the automation already lowers down the seat and/or the handle when the customer enters.
In one embodiment of the invention, toilet bowl flush is automatically controlled by the electric control unit. In case the customer has not performed flushing when leaving the lavatory, automation may perform automatic flushing, for example in connection with opening of the door.
In case the customer enters the lavatory and does not lower the seat cover, automatic control unit may control flushing so that the toilet bowl is flushed by a water saving low flush. This may lower the flush water volume by half compared to a high flush, for example.
In one embodiment of the invention, the lavatory technology inside the backrest element comprises a weight or weights arranged in connection with a support handrail, and a magnet. The weight or the weights tend to move the support handle from the lower position towards the free position. The magnet is arranged so that by means of it the support handle can be detachably locked into the lower position. This way, when the magnet is released, the support handle arises automatically into the free position. The support handle movement to the lower position can be achieved automatically by means of a motor, for example. Movement of the support handle and function of the magnet may be performed as controlled by the electric control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed schematic drawing, in which

Figure 1 shows a toilet module according to the invention as seen from the front,
Figure 2 shows a section A-A of Figure 1,
Figure 3 shows the toilet module of Figure 1 as a perspective view,
Figure 4 shows the toilet module of Figure 1 as a second perspective view,
Figure 5 shows a detail H of Figure 2,
Figure 6 shows another toilet module according to the invention as seen from the front,
Figure 7 shows the section B-B of Figure 6, and
Figure 8 shows a detail J of Figure 2, that is a support handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE FIGURES

For parts corresponding to each other, same reference numerals are used in different figures and embodiments for the sake of clarity.
Figures 1-4 show one and Figures 6 and 7 show another toilet module 1, which is transferrable and installable in one piece into a lavatory (not shown). The toilet module has a toilet bowl 2 and a backrest element 3 having an outer surface 4 and an inside 5. Auxiliaries, such as a toilet seat 11, a toilet bowl flush mechanism 12, and two support handles 13, a washing water hose stand and a hose 15 shown in the Figures behind an open service hatch 43, a hand dryer showing a blow nozzle 16, are attached to the backrest element.
In the examples of the Figures, a toilet module sewer connection 21, a water supply connection 22, and an electric connection 23 for connecting the toilet module to the corresponding lavatory connections, have been placed at the lower edge on the side of the toilet module backrest element.
Lavatory technology required by the automatic toilet, for example by the said auxiliaries, has been placed inside 5 the backrest element 3. The lavatory technology includes, among others, motors, valves and other power transfer means (all of these are not shown), by means of which the toilet seat 11 and the support handles 13 are moved, and by means of which a control valve 32 of the toilet bowl flush mechanism and the flush water tank 36, as well as functions of the washing water hose 15 and the hand dryer 16 are controlled. In the examples of the Figures, operational energy needed for moving the auxiliaries is taken at least partly from the pressure energy of the lavatory pressurised water. Thus, the said motors, valves and other power transfer means may be hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders, or other actuators powered by pressurised water.
The toilet seat 11, for example, can be moved, supported by an axis 31, between the mainly horizontal sitting position seen in Figures 4, 6 and 7, and the vertical position, i.e. the free position, seen in Figures 1-3. The support handles 13 can be moved, supported by the axis 33, between the horizontal lower position seen in Figures 4, 6 and 7, and the vertical position, i.e. the free position, seen in Figures 1-3 and 8. The support handles are balanced so that moving of them between the lower position and the free position requires only small force. The control valve 32 of the toilet bowl flush mechanism 12, the washing water hose 15 valve and the hand dryer are controlled for example between an open position and a closed position. The control valve 32 of the flush mechanism is controlled by a switch 17, which can be for example a press button or a movement sensor.
Figure 5 shows more closely a detail marked with a marking H in Figure 2, that is function of an electric resistance 34 arranged inside the backrest element. By means of the electric resistance 34, the heating area 41 on the outer surface of the backrest element can be heated. By means of the heating area 41, the entire lavatory can be heated, and especially the toilet seat 11 in the free position. The toilet seat is arranged on most part of its sitting surface 42 at the distance of 10 mm from the heating area 41. This way thermal energy transfers from the heating area 41 to the toilet seat 11 mainly by radiating. Due to the fact, that in the example of the Figure, the heating area 41 and the toilet seat 11 are substantially parallel in the free position, the sitting surface 42 of the toilet seat warms up rather evenly. The energy transferring from the heating area to the toilet seat is described by small arrows in Figure 5.
The lavatory technology inside the backrest element 5 comprises an electric control unit 35, which is arranged to control all lavatory technology of an automatic toilet.
Several openable and closable service hatches 43 and 44 are arranged on the outer surface 4 of the backrest element. Through them, it is easy to perform maintenance of the lavatory technology inside the backrest element. All service hatches 43, 44 of the backrest element are typically less than 1000 mm, or less than 500 mm at their greatest length.
Figures 6 and 7 show a toilet module embodiment having no electric resistance that would heat the heating area on the outer surface of the backrest element. Otherwise, the toilet module of Figures 6 and 7 corresponds the toilet module of Figures 1-4 in its structure. A possible heating area and its heating may be realised also in other ways than by an electric resistance. It is obvious, that the solutions explained in this text and its examples can be realised, if wanted, also without specific heating area on the outer surface of the backrest element and the electric resistance or other heating device heating it.
In the following, function of one armrest according to the invention is described by means of the free position of the armrest shown in Figures 1-3 and 8, and by the lower position shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7. The area shown in Figure 8 is marked as a detail J in Figure 2.
The support handles 13 can be moved, supported by the axis 33, between the horizontal lower position seen in Figures 4, 6 and 7, and the vertical position, i.e. the free position, seen in Figures 1-3 and 8. The axis 33 is closer to the back end 51 on the backrest side of the support handrail than to the front end 52 of the support handrail. This way the centre of mass of the support handrail is on the front end side of the axis 33, thus tending to rotate the support handle around the axis 33 towards the lower position. In order to balance the support handle, a first additional weight 53, and a second additional weight 54, have been placed at the back end 51 of the support handle. Consequently, both additional weights tend to rotate the support handle in the lower position towards the free position.
When the support handle 13 is in the free position, the first additional weight 53 is (as shown in Figure 8), as seen from the direction of the axis 33, mainly at the same vertical with the axis 33, for example inside the armrest pipe. Thus, the turning force applied to the support handle 13 by the mass of the first additional weight 53 is at its most when the support handle is in the lower position and weakens the more upwards the support handle turns around the axis 33.
The second additional weight 54 is, as seen from the direction of the axis 33, deviated from the same vertical as the axis 33 so that the turning force applied to the support handle by the second additional weight 54 is at its most when the support handle is at about 45 degrees to the horizontal plane, that is approximately at the middle of its movement path between the lower position and the free position. Upwards or downwards from thereon, the effect diminishes. In the examples of the Figures, the second additional weight 54 is supported to the axis 33 by means of a shaft 55, at a distance from the support handle 13 and the axis 33 as seen from the direction of the axis 33. In the example of the Figures, direct lines that are drawn from the centres of mass of the first and the second additional weights to the axis 33 are at an angle of about 45 degrees or 40-50 degrees with respect to each other.
Typically, the support handle remains in the free position due to the gravity, and can be lowered to the lower position by small force. In the lower position, being attached to the shaft 55, a support element 56, which is magnetic or composed of magnetising material, settles against a holding magnet 57 which is inside the backrest element and keeps the support handle in the lower position when activated. When the holding magnet 57 is released from the support element 56, the support handle turns up into the free position. The holding magnet can be released from the support element 56, for example manually or electrically for example by a press button, or automatically for example by a switch that is activated by opening of the lavatory door. Thus, the support handle can be raised into the free position when the lavatory becomes vacant, or the door is opened. Being inside the backrest element 3, the second additional weight 54, shaft 55, support element 56 and holding magnet 57 are protected from vandalism. Outside the backrest element 3, stoppers 58 are placed to prevent the support handle 13 from turning past the vertical free position. A toilet paper holder 59 is arranged in the support handle.
It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the examples mentioned in the application, but the scope is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims present some preferred embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Toilet module (1) that can be transferred and installed into a lavatory having a sewer connection, a water supply connection, and an electric connection for automatic toilet functions, the toilet module comprising at least the following:
- a toilet bowl (2),

- a backrest element (3) having an outer surface (4) and an inside (5),

- one or more movable mechanic auxiliaries (11, 12, 13),

- a toilet module sewer connection (21), a water supply connection (22), and an electric connection (23) for connecting the toilet module to the corresponding lavatory connections,
whereby lavatory technology (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) required by an automatic toilet has been placed inside the backrest element, characterised in that the lavatory technology inside the backrest element comprises an electric resistance (34) or other heating device which is arranged to heat a heating area (41) on the outer surface of the backrest element.
Toilet module according to claim 1, characterised in that the toilet module (1) is transferrable and installable in one piece into a lavatory.
Toilet module according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the movable mechanic auxiliary is one or more of the following:
- a toilet seat (11) which is arranged to be movable mainly between a horizontal sitting position and a free position,

- a toilet bowl flush mechanism (12) which is arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position,

- one or more support handles (13) which are arranged to be movable between a lower position and a free position.
Toilet module according to claim 3, characterised in that the lavatory technology which is required by the automatic toilet and installed inside the back rest element, comprises one or more of the following:
- power transfer means (31) for transferring the toilet seat between the sitting position and the free position,

- a control valve (32) of a toilet bowl flush mechanism which control valve is arranged to be movable between the open position and the closed position,

- power transfer means (33) for transferring the support handle between the lower position and the free position.
Toilet module according to any preceding claims, characterised in that in the free position, the toilet seat (11) is arranged so that at least most part of its sitting surface (42) is against or close to the heating area (41) on the outer surface of the backrest element.
Toilet module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operational energy needed for moving the mechanical auxiliary is arranged to be taken from the pressure energy of pressurised water led to the water supply connection of the toilet module.
Toilet module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lavatory technology inside the backrest element comprises an electric unit (35) which is arranged to control functioning of the lavatory technology required by the automatic toilet.
Toilet module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that one or more service hatches (43, 44) are arranged on the outer surface of the backrest element for maintenance of the lavatory technology inside the backrest element, whereby all service hatches (43, 44) of the backrest element are less than 1000 mm, preferably less than 500 mm at their greatest length.
Toilet module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lavatory technology inside the backrest element comprises, as arranged in connection with the support handrail,
- a weight (53, 54) which tends to move the support handle from the lower position towards the free position, and

- a magnet (57), by means of which the support handle (13) can be locked in a detachable manner to the lower position.
Automatic toilet, characterised in that it comprises the toilet module (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-9, whereby the sewer connection (21), water supply connection (22) and electric connection (23) of the toilet module have been connected to the sewer connection, water supply connection and electric connection of the lavatory.
Automatic toilet according to claim 10, characterised in that it has an entrance door having an opening mechanism, for example a hydraulic cylinder arranged between a lavatory wall and the entrance door, operational energy needed for moving the opening mechanism is arranged to be taken from the pressure energy of pressurised water led to the lavatory, whereby an electric control unit (35) inside the backrest element is arranged to control functioning of the opening mechanism of the entrance door.
Method for controlling lavatory technology of an automatic toilet, in which method a toilet module (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-9, which has been delivered to the site in one piece, is installed into the lavatory having a sewer connection, a water supply connection and an electric connection for toilet functions, whereby a sewer connection (21), a water supply connection (22) and an electric connection (23) of the toilet module have been connected to the corresponding lavatory connections, whereby the method comprises at least the following step:
- performing functions of lavatory technology required by the automatic toilet, such as moving of a power transfer means required by a mechanic auxiliary (11, 12, 13), inside (5) a backrest element,
characterised in
- heating a heating area (41) on the outer surface of the backrest element, and thus also heating the lavatory, by means of an electric resistance (34) or other heating device arranged inside the backrest element.
Method according to claim 12, characterised in
- arranging a toilet seat (11) so that in a free position at least most part of its sitting surface (42) is against or close to the heating area (41) on the outer surface of the backrest element, thereby

- heating the toilet seat (11) with thermal energy transferring from the heating area (41).
Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in
- heating the hand drying air with the electric resistance (34) or other heating device arranged inside the backrest element.
Method according to any of the preceding claims 12-14, characterised in
- taking operational energy needed to move the mechanical auxiliary from the pressure energy of pressurised water led to the water supply (22) connection of the toilet module.