JP6885933B2 - Self-cleaning toilet assembly and system - Google Patents

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application is written in US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 239,841 filed on October 9, 2015, 35 U.S.A. S. C. It claims profits under §119 (e). This application is also a partial continuation of US Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 14 / 332,198 and US Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 14 / 332,209 filed on July 15, 2014, each of which is a continuation. Filed on April 16, 2014, US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 980,514, filed on March 8, 2014, No. 61 / 950,038, filed on November 22, 2013. No. 61 / 908,038, No. 61 / 881,948 filed on September 24, 2013, No. 61 / 846,427 filed on July 15, 2013, 35 U.S.A. S. C. It claims profits under §119 (e). The entire disclosure of each of the above US non-provisional patent applications and US provisional patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

The field of the present invention includes flush toilets, more specifically certain gravity powered flush toilets or siphon flush toilets having a cleaning system with a cleaning cycle.

There are a wide variety of types of toilets and toilet assemblies with toilet bowls, including gravity-powered siphon and wash-off toilets. Siphon toilets may include marginal feeders, non-injection, peripheral injection, and direct injection toilets. Such toilets for removing excrement such as human feces are well known. Typically, a toilet, such as a gravity-powered toilet, generally has two main parts: a tank and a toilet bowl. The tank and toilet bowl can be separate parts that are combined together to form a toilet system (commonly referred to as a two-part toilet), or (typically referred to as a one-part toilet). Can be combined into one integrated unit.

The tank, if present, is usually located on the back of the toilet bowl and contains water used to replenish the toilet bowl with fresh water as well as initiating flushing of excrement from the toilet bowl to the sewer. When the user wants to flush the toilet, he pushes down the flush lever on the outside of the tank, which is connected to a movable chain or lever inside the tank inside the tank. When the flush lever is pressed, it moves the chain or lever inside the tank, which acts to lift and open the flush valve, allowing water to flow from the tank into the toilet bowl and thus initiating toilet flushing. Other toilets operate without a tank using in-line tubing supplied from a water source and in-line wash valves that are actuated by the action of actuating devices such as flush handles, pushbuttons, or equivalents.

There are three general purposes served by the wash cycle. The first is to remove any solid, liquid, or other excrement into the drainage line. The second is to clean the toilet bowl to remove any solids, liquids, or other excrement that may have accumulated or adhered to the surface of the toilet bowl during use. Third, in the toilet bowl, relatively clean water stays in the toilet bowl between uses, restores the seal depth against backflow of sewage gas, and prepares the toilet for the next use and wash cycle. It is to change the water before washing.

The second requirement, that is, cleaning of the toilet bowl, is usually achieved through a hollow perimeter found in most toilets, which extends around the upper perimeter of the toilet bowl. Some or all of the wash water is directed through such a hollow peripheral channel, disperses the water over the entire surface of the toilet bowl, and flows through the openings located therein to achieve the required cleaning. To do.

Gravity-powered toilets can be divided into two general categories: wash-off and siphon. In a wash-off toilet, the water level in the toilet bowl remains relatively constant at all times. When the flush cycle begins, water flows from the tank or other water source and flows into the toilet bowl. This causes a rapid rise in water level, causing excess water to overflow the trapway weir, along with carrying liquid and solid excrement. At the end of the flush cycle, the water level in the toilet bowl naturally returns to the equilibrium water level as determined by the height of the weir.

In siphon toilets, the trapway and other hydraulic channels are designed so that the siphon is initiated in the trapway in response to the addition of water to the toilet bowl. The siphon pipe itself is an upside-down U-shaped pipe that draws water from the toilet bowl into the wastewater pipeline. When the flush cycle begins, water overflows the weir in the trapway faster than it can flow into the toilet bowl and out through the outlet towards the sewer. Sufficient air is eventually removed from the lower leg of the trapway to initiate a siphon, which in turn draws the remaining water out of the toilet bowl. As a result, the water level in the toilet bowl when the siphon is interrupted is well below the height of the weir, and a separate mechanism replenishes the toilet bowl at the end of the siphon-type flush cycle, and the original water level and protective seal. Need to be provided to reestablish and prevent backflow of sewage gas.

In general, siphon and wash-off toilets have their own advantages and disadvantages. Siphon toilets tend to have smaller trapways that can cause clogging due to the requirement that most of the air be removed from the lower legs of the trapway to initiate the siphon. Wash-off toilets can work with large trapways, but generally use a smaller amount of pre-wash water in the toilet bowl to achieve the 110: 1 dilution level required by plumbing regulations in most countries. Require (ie, 99% of the amount of pre-wash water in the toilet bowl must be removed from the toilet bowl during the flush cycle and replaced with fresh water). This small amount before washing appears as a small "water spot". The surface area of the water spot, or pre-wash water in the toilet bowl, plays an important role in maintaining the cleanliness of the toilet. Large water spots increase the probability that excrement will come into contact with water before it comes into contact with the ceramic surface of the toilet. This reduces the adhesion of excrement to the ceramic surface and makes it easier for the toilet to wash itself via a wash cycle. Wash-off toilets with those small water spots therefore frequently require manual cleaning of the toilet bowl after use.

Siphon toilets have the advantage of being able to work with more pre-wash water volume in the toilet bowl and larger water spots. This is possible because the siphon action pulls most of the pre-wash water volume from the toilet bowl at the end of the wash cycle. When the tank is refilled, some of the refill water is directed into the toilet bowl to return the pre-wash water level to its original level. In this way, the 110: 1 dilution level required by many plumbing regulations is achieved even if the starting amount of water in the toilet bowl is significantly higher than the flush water flowing out of the tank. In the North American market, siphon toilets have gained widespread support and are now considered the standard accepted form of toilets. While wash-off toilets are still accepted and popular in the European market, both versions are common in the Asian market.

Gravity-powered siphon toilets can be further divided into three general categories, depending on the design of the hydraulic channels used to achieve the flushing action. These categories are non-injection, peripheral injection, and direct injection.

In a typical non-injection toilet, all of the flush water flows out of the tank into the toilet inlet area and into the peripheral channel through the primary manifold. Water is dispersed around the perimeter of the toilet bowl through a series of holes located below the perimeter. Some of the holes can be designed to be larger in size and allow more water flow into the toilet bowl. A relatively high flow velocity is required to flood the trapway weir quickly enough to displace enough air in the lower leg to initiate the siphon. Non-injection toilets typically have good to good performance with respect to cleaning the toilet and exchanging pre-wash water, but are relatively poor in terms of mass removal. Feeding water to the trapway is inefficient and turbulent, filling the lower legs of the trapway well and making it more difficult to start a powerful siphon. As a result, non-injection toilet trapways typically contain bends and contractions that are smaller in diameter and designed to impede water flow. Without smaller sizes, bends, and contractions, a strong siphon would not be achieved. Unfortunately, smaller sizes, bends, and contractions result in poor performance and frequent clogging in terms of mass excretion removal, which is extremely unsatisfactory for the end user.

Toilet designers and technicians have improved the removal of large amounts of excrement in siphon-type toilets by incorporating a "siphon injection port". In a peripheral injection toilet, flush water flows out of the tank, through the toilet inlet area, and through the primary manifold into the peripheral channel. A portion of the water is dispersed around the perimeter of the toilet bowl through a series of holes located below the perimeter. The rest of the water flows through an injection channel located in front of the perimeter. This injection channel connects the peripheral channel to an injection opening located in the sump of the toilet bowl. The injection opening is sized and positioned to deliver a strong stream of water directly at the opening of the trapway. As water flows through the injection opening, it serves to fill the trapway more efficiently and rapidly than can be achieved with a non-injection toilet bowl. A more energetic and rapid stream of water to this trapway allows the toilet to be designed with a larger trapway diameter and fewer bends and contractions, which in turn is large for non-injection toilets. Improve the performance of excrement removal. The toilet cleaning function is generally acceptable because a smaller amount of water flows out of the perimeter of the perimeter jet toilet, but the water flowing through the perimeter channel is pressurized by the upstream stream from the tank. This allows water to flow out of the peripheral holes with higher energy and do a more effective job of cleaning the toilet bowl.

Peripheral injection toilets are generally superior to non-injection toilets, but the long path that water must travel through the periphery to the injection opening dissipates and wastes much of the available energy. .. The direct injection toilet bowl improves this concept and realizes even better performance from the viewpoint of removing a large amount of excrement. In general, in a direct-injection toilet, flush water flows out of the tank, through the toilet inlet, and through the primary manifold. At this point, the water has two parts, one that flows through the peripheral inlet port to the peripheral channel and one through the injection inlet port, with the primary purpose of achieving the desired toilet bowl cleaning. Is divided into a part that flows to the "direct injection channel" that connects to the injection opening in the sump of the toilet bowl. Direct injection channels can take different forms, sometimes unidirectionally around one side of the toilet, or "double feed" where symmetrical channels travel along both sides connecting the manifold to the injection opening. "Pay". Similar to the peripheral injection toilet bowl, the injection opening is sized and positioned to deliver a strong stream of water directly at the opening of the trapway. As water flows through the injection opening, it serves to fill the trapway more efficiently and rapidly than can be achieved with non-injection or peripheral injection toilet bowls. A more energetic and rapid stream of water to this trapway allows the toilet to be designed with a larger trapway diameter and minimal bends and contractions, thus non-injection and peripheral injection. Improve the performance of removing large amounts of excrement for toilet bowls.

In addition to the types of toilets and their cleaning capacity, there is pressure to use less water, making the cleaning function more difficult. Government agencies continue to demand reductions in the amount of water used by urban tap water users. Most of the focus in recent years has been to reduce the water demand required by toilet flushing operations. To illustrate this point, the amount of water used in the toilet for each wash ranges from 7 gallons / wash (before the 1950s) to 5.5 gallons / wash (until the end of the 1960s). It has been gradually reduced by government agencies until 5 gallons / wash (1980s). The National Energy Policy Act of 1995 now requires toilets sold in the United States to be able to use water in an amount of only 1.6 gallons / wash (6 liters / wash). Regulations have recently been passed in California that require water usage to be further reduced to 1.28 gallons / wash. Currently, the 1.6 gallon / flush toilets described and marketed in the patent literature lose the ability to consistently suck up when pushed to these lower levels of water consumption. Therefore, manufacturers are and will continue to be forced to reduce trapway diameters and sacrifice performance without the development of improved technology and toilet designs.

Some inventions therefore aim to improve the flushing performance of siphon toilets through optimization of the direct injection concept. For example, in US Pat. No. 5,918,325, the performance of siphon toilets is improved by improving the shape of the trapway. In US Pat. No. 6,715,162, performance is improved by the use of asymmetric water flow into wash valves and toilet bowls with radial inlets.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,475B2 demonstrates a pressurized rim and direct feed injection configuration for reinforced cleaning for use with small amounts of water and sufficient siphons according to current standards for environmental water. ..

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0198610A1 provides control elements in the area of the primary manifold to divide the flush water flow entering the toilet manifold from the tank inlet into the peripheral inlet port and the direct feed injection port inlet port. Shows a high performance toilet achieved by incorporating.

The above concept improves water wash performance and, in some cases, toilet bowl wash, but by directing all water either from the inlet port along the internal ledge or through the inlet. Co-pending Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0219605A1, which is incorporated herein by reference by the Applicant, for rimless toilet bowls that provide enhanced irrigation without the use of conventional marginal channels, etc. There are further attempts focused on improving toilet bowl cleaning. The flow through the inlet port supports the cleaning function. The cleaning function is improved in this design.

Similarly, a toilet with a primed injection port and a peripheral flow path isolated from the injection flow path, as well as a separate valve for the injection port and the peripheral flow path, is a toilet, wash valve, and valve backflow within it. It is the subject of Applicant's Co-pending US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0197928A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in relation to the design and construction of the protective structure. The present application provides a toilet assembly that allows strong water washing and enhanced washing with very small amounts by minimizing the airflow in the injection channel. The toilet may be constructed with a conventional rimless design with enhanced cleaning capacity and can provide excellent cleaning.

All the improvements described above seek to provide a toilet bowl with a strong wash capacity and good wash without the need for over-washing between flushes, but still in the art, consumers wash the toilet bowl. There is a need for periodic manual cleaning of the toilet, using toilet bowl cleaners in the usual way. Toilet bowl brushes, gel cleaners, replacements, tablets, and equivalents that are placed under the perimeter, directly in the tank, or in the container are known.

Attempts have also been made to make such toilets "self-cleaning" by providing a mechanism for regularly introducing cleaning agents in conjunction with each wash. Some such toilets have an external system that uses a controller or other external actuation mechanism to deliver the cleaning agent into or around the toilet bowl. Others provide the internal reservoir with a cleaning agent or material, such as tablets, that is slowly fed into the toilet bowl with flushing water through a tube in the overflow tube of a conventional cleaning valve. There are also programmable systems that allow washing through a water washing system.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,542,132, 5,608,923, 5,729,837, 5,867,844, and 5,913,611 are set timings and choices. Intended for the use of pumps and controllers that operate the cleaning agent flow to the perimeter or toilet bowl at the specified flow rate. U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,837 provides detergent receptacles and pumps. The receptacle contains a fluid cleaning agent that is delivered for cleaning after flowing directly into the perimeter after a water washing cycle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,392 describes placing the cleaning agent above the water level in a reservoir in a tank. The reservoir receives fluid from the replenishment valve water after washing with a conduit, and the cleaning agent is then combined with water, which exits the replenishment valve and enters the toilet and passes through the overflow pipe of the cleaning valve. The overflow pipe introduces water for washing at the base of the inner body of the washing valve. The cleaning agent is introduced after each washing with water.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,928 discloses a reservoir located within a toilet tank that communicates with a flush and fill valve. After the wash cycle, water flows from the wash valve through the reservoir (which has a cleaning agent such as cleaning pellets in the reservoir) and into the toilet through the replenishment pipe as a bypass. The cleaning agent sits in the toilet bowl for excess cleaning.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,450 includes a chemical injector system with a timer and controller that delivers a chemical solution through flexible molded tubes located in the toilet bowl below the peripheral exit hole. The chemical is injected into the toilet bowl in a pressurized fashion along the side wall to clean the toilet bowl.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,095,997 provides a modular on-board dispenser for cleaning fluids or deodorants that is introduced into the toilet in a controllable manner, either through an overflow pipe or directly into the tank water. Disclose. The controller may respond to the liquid level sensor.

All such improvements have been made, but the cleaning works in various prior art systems such as introducing the cleaning agent by repeated washing with water, or allows the cleaning agent to sit in the toilet bowl. Continuous introduction of fluid is due to complex external systems that are difficult to operate or fill, and / or wash water that can prove to be highly concentrated and harmful to pets and children when ingested. Has not been well received by consumers, either as a result of the abuse of cleaning agents. In addition, the abuse of cleaning agents over time can cause damage to internal components within the toilet bowl, such as rubber seals and equivalents. Ultimately, some of such systems are aesthetically unattractive and many external components are visible to the user.

In the art, it can operate on demand to minimize the effects of cleaning agents in the toilet, is safer for use in homes with children and pets, and is preferably easy to install. There is a need for a self-cleaning toilet that is portable and compact so that it is not visually undesirable. In addition, in the art, cleaning agents and / or actual cleaning systems so that the system can be easily replaced, repaired, and maintained by consumers without the need for special tools or plumbers. There is a need for a system etc. that provides easy administration and replacement of.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,325 U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,162 U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0198610 U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,132 U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,392 U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,928 U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,450 U.S. Pat. No. 8,095,997

The present invention includes a toilet assembly with a toilet and cleaning system, a method for cleaning the toilet and the toilet assembly with such a cleaning system periodically at the user's start, and a cleaning system for use with the toilet assembly. .. The toilets in the assembly herein are most preferably toilets with isolated marginal pathways, but the system can also be used with other types of toilets. The present invention provides a self-cleaning toilet assembly. Unlike conventional toilet assemblies that involve a cleaning system, the system automatically operates in a flush cycle so that the user can clean the toilet according to their own actions and needs. do not. In a preferred embodiment, the system allows minimal exposure of humans and animals to retained cleaning agents in water for washing when not in use, while providing excellent cleaning ability.

In one embodiment, the present invention (a) separates the toilet bowl that defines the internal space, the toilet tank that defines the inside of the tank, the cleaning valve, the peripheral inlet, and extends from the outlet of the cleaning valve to the peripheral inlet. The flush valve defines (b) an internal space with a toilet assembly comprising an isolated peripheral flow path configured to deliver fluid to the peripheral inlet of the toilet bowl. A reservoir for holding a liquid cleaning agent, which has a main body and an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir main body, a housing configured to receive the reservoir, and fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir. A supply conduit having a first end for receiving fluid from within the reservoir, a flow control device capable of controlling the flow through the supply conduit, and a control system that can be activated by an actuator feature. In response to the activation of the toilet features, the control system provides a flow control device over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver the dose of liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of the cleaning valve in the closed position. The step of operation, the wash valve is configured for the delivery of fluid to the peripheral inlet, the step and the wash valve are operated, the wash valve is opened and the flush is at least about 3 liters or more. A cleaning system, including a control system, equipped with a control system, adapted to initiate a cleaning cycle by introducing water and transporting a dose of liquid cleaning agent into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet. Provide accompanying toilet assembly.

The assembly may further include a vent line within the cleaning system. If a vent line is provided, this is preferably the first end located to communicate fluid with the interior of the reservoir and receive companion air and / or liquid from within the reservoir, and all within the reservoir. It is configured to have a second open end located at least above the level of the liquid level.

The control system within the assembly wash system may also operate to at least partially close the wash valve after delivering the liquid cleanser dose and wash water into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet. In addition, the control system may operate the wash valve to deliver a dose of liquid cleanser and wash water over a second time cycle.

The reservoir body preferably has an outlet portion and the outlet port is located within the outlet portion. The housing may also have a sheet portion configured to receive the outlet portion of the reservoir. The cleaning system may further include at least one peripheral seal so that the outlet portion of the reservoir fits into the seat portion of the housing in a closed engagement.

In embodiments herein, the system may include a tube that defines a passage through it and has an upwardly extending first end and a second end. The first end is configured to direct the fluid from the interior space of the reservoir through the passage in the pipe into the first end of the supply conduit, the pipe being located in the seat portion. Ventilation pipelines as described above may be incorporated into embodiments having tubes within the cleaning system. In such a case, the seat portion has a first opening for receiving the first end of the ventilation line and a second opening for receiving the first end of the supply conduit. May be provided. The first end of the tube may be sharp. The first end of the supply conduit may preferably be located within the second end of the tube when the reservoir is located within the housing. The tubing may also be located within the seat portion so that when the outlet portion of the reservoir is within the seat portion of the seat, the tubing extends upward within the outlet portion of the reservoir through the outlet port of the reservoir. Good. The tubing may also be provided with a voluntary side opening extending through it for fluid entering the upwardly extending end of the tubing to flow into the bottom region of the outlet portion.

In embodiments herein, the outlet port is optionally an end or liquid supply valve fitting that extends upwards in the pipe if the liquid supply valve is incorporated as described elsewhere herein. It may include a fragile seal that can be penetrated by. The bottom area of the outlet portion may be defined in this embodiment as the area below the fragile seal when the reservoir is fully installed in the housing, with an upwardly extending end or liquid supply of the tube. The valve fitting passes through a fragile seal when the reservoir is fully installed in the housing.

The flow control device may be any of a mechanized valve, a perturbation pump, a piston pump, a gear pump, and a gear motor. The outlet port of the reservoir may be covered with a fragile cover such as, for example, foil, bulkhead, foil with polymer lining, or membrane.

The toilet assembly may further include, in one embodiment of the specification, a tank lid that has a top surface and is configured to be mounted on top of the tank, the top surface of the tank lid receiving the housing. Includes an area configured to receive the seat portion of the housing. The tank lid may further comprise at least one opening, preferably at least two openings, extending through it that is configured to receive the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include at least one locking body having a first end and a second end. The second end may be configured to extend through at least one opening. The locking mechanism in such an embodiment further comprises a locking cap on the first end of at least one locking body to unlockably lock the locking mechanism so as to secure the tank lid. The locking body may be a locking rod and / or the locking mechanism may be a snap fit or rotary quick lock locking mechanism.

The tank may further have a cover configured to cover and position the tank lid, having an opening therein for access to a panel having an actuator button on it.

In such an embodiment, the tank lid further comprises at least one gear actuated by the lift arm actuator gear motor and extends through it to allow extension of at least a portion of the lift arm actuator assembly. An existing actuator opening may be provided, and at least one gear is attached to the lift arm to move the lift arm, for example by either turning or rotating to controlfully open the peripheral cleaning valve. It can be engaged and the lift arm is operably connected to the wash valve through a direct or indirect connection. The lift arm may also be operably connected to the wash handle and the wash handle and lift arm connected to operate the wash valve during a conventional wash cycle in response to pressing of the wash handle and lift arm actuator assembly. Are preferably arranged to operate the wash valve by the action of the lift arm actuator gear motor and at least one gear without pressing the wash handle.

The cleaning system in the assembly also preferably includes a bottom tray and a top lid that are configured to hold the reservoir and housing, the bottom tray and top lid where the top lid sits in place of the standard tank cover. The bottom tray is configured to be positioned above the toilet tank so that it sits inside the tank above the wash valve.

The cleaning system in the assembly preferably includes a cleaning valve operating mechanism for controllingly opening the cleaning valve in response to actuator features. The cleaning valve operating mechanism in one embodiment includes a gear motor that can be activated by a control system to operate the flow control device. The cleaning valve operating mechanism may optionally include a lift rod communicating with a connecting portion connected to a flapper lift mechanism installed around the valve body of the cleaning valve, the lift rod being mechanically actuated by a gear motor. The gear motor mechanically operates with a cam mechanism for moving the lift rod in response to contact. The wash valve actuating mechanism may also optionally include a lift arm actuator assembly comprising at least one gear actuated by the lift arm actuator gear motor, the at least one gear of the lift arm actuator assembly having the lift arm. It is possible to engage the lift arm actuator assembly to move a portion of the lift arm within the lift arm actuator assembly so that the peripheral cleaning valve can be opened in a controllable manner. It is operably connected to the peripheral cleaning valve through a direct or indirect connection.

The cleaning system may further include a lift arm actuator assembly, including gears actuated by a lift arm actuator gear motor, the lift so that at least one gear can open the peripheral cleaning valve in a controllable manner. It is possible to engage the lift arm actuator assembly to rotate the arm, which is operably connected to the peripheral cleaning valve through a direct or indirect connection. Such embodiments may further include a gear motor enclosure for encapsulating the gear motor and mounting at least one gear, the gear motor enclosure being configured to be positioned within the toilet tank. .. In one embodiment, the gear motor enclosure may further extend upward through at least one opening in the enclosure for the reservoir. Such gear motor enclosures may have mounting flanges for anchoring the gear motor enclosures to the reservoir enclosure or to trays configured to hold the reservoir and reservoir enclosure.

The control system in the assembly further opens the wash valve again at least partially after delivering the wash water with the dose of liquid clean and after a third time cycle, the wash cycle. At the end of the toilet bowl may be adapted to cleanse the interior of the toilet bowl with at least about 3 liters of fresh wash water. In such an embodiment, the toilet in the assembly is configured such that the cleaning valve is a peripheral cleaning valve and the toilet further comprises a direct feed injection port, an injection cleaning valve, and a separate jet path. The control system in the assembly may also then open the jet wash valve approximately at the same time that the peripheral channel reopens to introduce flush water and purify the toilet bowl, at least about 0. It may operate to discharge 5 liters of wash water, preferably at least about 1.0 liters of wash water, into the fountain path.

In one embodiment of the toilet assembly described above, the cleaning system may include a liquid supply valve that is positioned so that it is located in fluid communication with the outlet port of the reservoir and in fluid communication with the supply conduit.

The reservoir body in such an embodiment may have an outlet portion and the outlet port may be located within the outlet portion. Further, the housing may have a seat portion configured to receive the outlet portion of the reservoir when the reservoir is installed in the housing, and the liquid supply valve may supply liquid through it. Demarcating the valve passage, the liquid supply valve has a first upper end for directing the fluid from the interior space of the reservoir through the valve passage into the first end of the supply conduit, and the liquid supply valve , Has a second end.

In this embodiment, the assembly may also include a valve fitting that communicates with the second end of the liquid supply valve to connect the second end of the liquid supply valve to the first end of the supply conduit. Good.

The assembly may also include various liquid supply valves such as umbrella valves, duckbill valves, spring load valves, rotary valves, vented elastomer valves, and one of flap elastomer valves.

In another embodiment of the specification, the liquid supply valve may include a first mechanized valve and a second mechanized valve, and the assembly further comprises a dose of liquid cleaning agent from within the internal space of the reservoir. The dosing chamber may be provided with a dosing chamber configured to retain, which demarcates the internal space, has an inlet port and has an outlet port, and the inlet port of the dosing chamber is a first mechanized. The outlet port of the valve communicates with fluid, the outlet port of the dosing chamber communicates fluidly with the inlet of the second mechanized valve, and the outlet of the second mechanized valve communicates fluidly with the first end of the supply conduit. The housing in such an embodiment may have a seat portion configured to receive a reservoir and a dosing chamber.

The control system in such an embodiment preferably operates a first mechanized valve to load a dose of liquid cleaning agent into the internal space of the dosing chamber and then from inside the dosing chamber into the supply conduit. Over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver the dose of liquid cleaning agent into the internal space of the closed cleaning valve configured for delivery of the fluid to and to the peripheral inlet of the toilet bowl. By operating the mechanized valve of 2, it is adapted to operate the flow control device. The control system may operate the first mechanized valve to load a dose of liquid detergent prior to operating the second mechanized valve over the first time cycle.

The reservoir and dosing chamber may be aligned at an angle to the cross section through the housing in this embodiment.

The toilet assembly of the present invention preferably further comprises a direct feed injection port, the wash valve is a peripheral wash valve, and the toilet assembly further introduces wash water into the direct feed jet in the toilet. It is equipped with a second cleaning valve that can operate. The fluid path and jet wash valve for the peripheral wash valve are separated from each other and the jet wash path preferably remains primed before and after the wash cycle.

The second end of the supply conduit also preferably communicates fluid with the interior of the overflow pipe connected to the peripheral wash valve.

The actuator feature in the assembly herein may be a button located under the top lid and accessible through an opening in the top lid. The actuator feature may also be a button located on the top surface of the top lid. The actuator feature may also be a button located on the side of the toilet tank.

The second end of the supply conduit may be positioned to deliver the fluid into the wash valve, preferably the interior of the overflow pipe connected to the peripheral wash valve. The second end of the supply conduit also introduces a dose of liquid detergent into the bottom of the cleaning valve, or into the toilet bowl through an opening in the peripheral flow path upstream of the peripheral inlet. May be positioned to introduce a dose of.

The present invention is also a method for periodically cleaning the toilet in the toilet assembly using a cleaning system, the step of providing the toilet assembly as described above and elsewhere herein. Sufficient to activate the control system with actuator features, start the cleaning cycle, and operate the flow control device to deliver the dose of liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of the cleaning valve in the closed position. The step of opening it over the first time cycle, operating the wash valve, opening the wash valve and introducing at least about 3 liters of wash water with the dose of liquid wash into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet. Also includes methods, including steps to do.

The toilet assembly in the method preferably further comprises a direct feed injection port, the wash valve is a peripheral wash valve, and the toilet assembly further introduces wash water into the direct feed jet in the toilet. It is equipped with a second cleaning valve that can operate. The toilet assembly in the method also preferably has a fluid path for a peripheral cleaning valve that is isolated from the injection cleaning valve. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the jet wash valve remains primed before and after the wash cycle. The control system within the assembly provided in the method preferably operates to introduce a dose of wash water and a liquid washer over a second time cycle, and the method further operates a dose of the liquid washer. At the end of the wash cycle, the wash valve is operated to at least partially close the wash valve after the water for washing is introduced, and after the third time cycle, the wash valve is operated to open the wash valve again. Includes steps to cleanse the inside of the toilet bowl with fresh wash water.

The present invention also has a body that defines the internal space, has an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir body, a reservoir for holding the liquid cleaning agent, and a casing configured to receive the reservoir. A supply conduit having a first end for fluid communication with the body and the interior of the reservoir and receiving fluid from within the reservoir, a flow control device capable of controlling the flow rate through the supply conduit, and an actuator. A control system that can be activated by features, and in response to activation of actuator features, the control system is a closed wash valve configured for the delivery of fluid from the supply conduit to the peripheral inlet of the toilet bowl. Over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent to the internal space, the steps of operating the flow control device, operating the cleaning valve, opening the cleaning valve, and administering the liquid cleaning agent. It also includes a cleaning system for use with the toilet assembly, including a control system adapted to initiate the cleaning cycle by the step of introducing flushing water with the amount into the peripheral inlet of the toilet bowl.

In the cleaning system herein, optional ventilation lines are provided in fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir, with a first end located to receive companion air and / or liquid from within the reservoir, and the reservoir. It may be configured to have a second open end located at least above the height of the entire liquid level within.

The control system is to introduce the wash water and liquid cleaner over a second time cycle and then operate to close the wash valve at least partially after delivering the wash water and liquid cleaner doses. May be adapted to.

The reservoir body preferably has an outlet portion and the outlet port is located within the outlet portion. The housing may have a sheet portion configured to receive the outlet portion of the reservoir.

The system may further include at least one peripheral seal so that the outlet portion of the reservoir fits into the seat portion of the housing in a hermetically engaged manner.

In one embodiment, the system may include a tube that defines a passage through it and has an upwardly extending first end and a second end, the first end of which is , To direct the fluid from the interior space of the reservoir through the passage in the pipe into the first end of the supply conduit, the pipe is located in the seat portion and the seat portion is the first of the supply conduit. It may have a second opening for receiving one end. The first end of the tube may be sharp. The first end of the supply conduit may be located within the second end of the tube when the reservoir is located within the housing. The tubing may be located within the seat portion such that when the outlet portion of the reservoir is within the seat portion of the sheet, the tubing extends upward within the outlet portion of the reservoir through the outlet port of the reservoir. .. The tubing may also be provided with a voluntary side opening extending through it for fluid entering the upwardly extending end of the tubing to flow into the bottom region of the outlet portion. In embodiments with tubing, the system also communicates fluid with the interior of the reservoir and has a first end located to receive companion air and / or liquid from within the reservoir and the entire liquid level within the reservoir. An optional ventilation line may be provided that is configured to have a second open end located at least above the height, in which case the seat portion is also the first end of the ventilation line. May be provided with a first opening for receiving.

The outlet port in the cleaning system may have a fragile seal that can be pierced by an upwardly extending end of the pipe or a liquid supply valve fitting, and the bottom area of the outlet portion is a reservoir enclosure. Defined as the area below the fragile seal when fully installed in the body, the upwardly extending end or liquid supply valve fitting of the tube is fragile when the reservoir is fully installed in the housing. Go through the seal.

The flow control device in the system may be a mechanized valve, a perturbation pump, a piston pump, a gear pump, or a gear motor. The flow control device of the cleaning system may also include a gear motor that can be activated by the control system to operate the flow control device.

The outlet port of the reservoir in the cleaning system herein may be covered with a fragile cover. The tearable cover may be a foil, a bulkhead, a foil with a polymer lining, or a membrane.

The cleaning system may also include a cleaning valve operating mechanism. In one embodiment, the mechanism may include a lift rod communicating with a connecting portion connected to a flapper lift mechanism installed around the valve body of the wash valve, the lift rod being mechanically actuated by a gear motor. The gear motor mechanically operates with a cam mechanism for moving the lift rod in response to contact. The wash valve operating mechanism may also optionally include a lift arm actuator assembly comprising at least one gear actuated by the lift arm actuator gear motor, wherein the lift arm controls the peripheral clean valve. It is possible to engage the lift arm actuator assembly to move the lift arm within the lift arm actuator assembly so that it can be opened as possible, and the lift arm is peripheral through a direct or indirect connection. It is operably connected to the cleaning valve. Such embodiments may also include a gear motor enclosure for encapsulating the gear motor and mounting at least one gear, the gear motor enclosure being positioned within the toilet tank and for the reservoir. May be configured to extend upward through at least one opening in the housing. The housing in the assembly may further include a mounting flange for fastening the gear motor housing to the reservoir housing or to a tray configured to hold the reservoir and the reservoir housing.

The cleaning system may further include a bottom tray configured to hold the reservoir and housing, and a top lid, the bottom tray and top lid where the top lid sits in place of the standard tank cover and the bottom tray It is configured to be positioned above the toilet tank so that it sits inside the toilet tank above the toilet wash valve.

The control system uses, for example, a cleaning valve operating mechanism to close the cleaning valve at least partially after delivering a dose of liquid cleaning agent, and to reopen the cleaning valve after a third time cycle. It may be further adapted to purify the interior of the toilet bowl with fresh wash water at the end of the wash cycle.

The present invention also relates to (a) a toilet bowl that defines the internal space, a toilet tank that defines the inside of the tank, a cleaning valve, and a toilet bowl through a peripheral flow path that extends from the outlet of the cleaning valve to at least one peripheral outlet port. A toilet assembly with a perimeter that communicates with the interior, the wash valve is configured to deliver fluid to the perimeter, the wash valve is the wash valve, the toilet assembly initiates a flush siphon, or is washed off. To operate in the flush operating mode, which can provide a sufficient flush stream to provide a formula flush, and to clean the toilet bowl, although the flush valve is insufficient to start the siphon. Sufficient, only partially open to allow the introduction of the cleaning agent and the flush water mixture into the toilet bowl, configured to operate in the cleaning operating mode, and (b). A reservoir for holding a liquid cleaning agent, having a body defining the internal space and having an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir body, a housing configured to receive the reservoir, and a reservoir. Activated by a supply conduit, a flow control device capable of controlling the flow through the supply conduit, and an actuator feature, with a first end to communicate with the interior and receive fluid from within the reservoir. Control system, depending on the activation of the toilet features, the control system over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent from the reservoir to one or more peripheral outlets. At a flow rate that is not enough to operate the flow control device and operate the cleaning valve in the cleaning operating mode, introduce flush water, and start the siphon, but sufficient to clean the toilet bowl. A cleaning system comprising a control system adapted to initiate a cleaning cycle by opening the cleaning valve to carry a dose of liquid cleaning agent into the toilet bowl through at least one peripheral outlet port. Also includes a toilet assembly with a cleaning system.

In the above embodiment, the wash valve is washed in the wash actuated mode during the normal wash mode by about 20% to about 80% slower than the flow rate through the wash valve during the normal wash mode, preferably in the wash actuate mode. Washing water may be introduced at a flow rate that is about 40% to about 60% slower than the flow rate through the valve. In addition, the washing water may enter the valve in the washing operation mode over a period of about 2 seconds to about 30 seconds. The wash water and detergent may be introduced into the toilet bowl and have a residence time of about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes to clean the toilet bowl.

In one particular embodiment of the assembly, the toilet bowl may be a siphon gravity powered toilet bowl with a direct feed injection port. As an alternative, the toilet bowl may be a peripheral feeding injection type siphon type toilet bowl, a non-injection type siphon type gravity-powered toilet bowl, or a gravity-powered wash-off type toilet bowl.

Further, in an alternative embodiment of the assembly, the cleaning valve may be a flapper-type cleaning valve with poppet features in the valve cover for use when opening the valve during cleaning operating mode. Alternatively, the wash valve may be a flapper-type wash valve with hook and catch features for use in opening the valve during the wash operating mode. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning valve may be a poppet-type cleaning valve, the poppet-type valve cover opens the cleaning valve in the normal wash mode, and the cleaning valve opens the valve during the cleaning operation mode. It has a side port, with a cover on it for use in the event of an accident.

Such toilet assembly embodiments may also be used in a manner for periodically cleaning the toilet in the toilet assembly using a cleaning system. The method provides a toilet assembly as described above that can be used on a variety of conventional toilet assembly configurations, activates the control system by actuator features, initiates a wash cycle, and provides a flow control device. The step of operating and operating the cleaning valve over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver at least one dose of liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of the cleaning valve in the closed position, Liquid wash into the toilet bowl through at least one peripheral outlet port at a flow velocity that is not sufficient to open the wash valve and start the siphon but is sufficient to wash the toilet bowl in the toilet assembly. Includes the step of introducing wash water with at least one dose of the agent.

A further embodiment of the invention based on the above embodiments suitable for use in various conventional toilet designs has a body defining the internal space and an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir body. It has a reservoir for holding the liquid cleaning agent, a housing configured to receive the reservoir, and a first end for fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir and for receiving fluid from within the reservoir. A supply conduit, a flow control device capable of controlling the flow rate through the supply conduit, and a control system that can be activated by an actuator feature, the control system from the reservoir to the toilet, depending on the activation of the actuator feature. A step of operating the flow control device over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent to one or more peripheral outlets of the assembly, and a cleaning valve in the toilet assembly in cleaning operating mode. Through at least one peripheral exit port of the toilet assembly, at a flow velocity that is insufficient to operate, introduce flush water, and start the siphon, but sufficient to clean the toilet bowl in the toilet assembly. Toilet with a control system adapted to initiate the cleaning cycle by opening the cleaning valve in the toilet assembly to carry the dose of liquid cleaning agent into the toilet bowl of the toilet assembly. Includes a cleaning system for use with the assembly.

Such a cleaning system may be used in a non-injection siphon gravity-powered toilet, a peripheral injection siphon gravity-powered toilet, or a gravity-powered wash-off toilet. The control system may operate the cleaning valve in the toilet assembly, which is a flapper-type cleaning valve with poppet features in the valve cover for use in operating the valve during cleaning operating mode. It may also operate a wash valve in a toilet assembly, which is a flapper type wash valve with hook and catch features for use in opening the valve during wash actuation mode. It may further operate the cleaning valve in the toilet assembly, which is a poppet-type cleaning valve, the poppet-type valve cover opens the cleaning valve in normal wash mode, and the cleaning valve is in cleaning operating mode. It has a side port with a cover over it for use in operating the valve.
The present invention provides, for example,:
(Item 1)
Toilet assembly with cleaning system
(A) Toilet assembly
Toilet bowl that defines the internal space and
Toilet tank that defines the inside of the tank and
Cleaning valve and
Peripheral entrance port and
An isolated peripheral flow path extending from the outlet of the cleaning valve to the peripheral inlet port, wherein the cleaning valve is configured to deliver fluid to the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl. Peripheral flow path and
With toilet assembly and
(B) A cleaning system
A reservoir for holding a liquid cleaning agent, wherein the reservoir has a body defining an internal space and has an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir body.
A housing configured to receive the reservoir and
A supply conduit that communicates with the interior of the reservoir and has a first end for receiving fluid from within the reservoir.
A flow rate control device capable of controlling the flow rate through the supply conduit, and
A control system that can be activated by an actuator feature, the control system responding to activation of the actuator feature.
The cleaning valve is a step of operating the flow control device over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of the liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of the cleaning valve in a closed position. The steps configured for the delivery of fluid to the marginal inlet port,
The step of operating the cleaning valve, opening the cleaning valve, introducing at least about 3 liters or more of washing water, and delivering the dose of liquid cleaning agent into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet port. When,
With a control system, which is adapted to start the wash cycle,
With a cleaning system and
Toilet assembly.
(Item 2)
A first end located to communicate fluid with the interior of the reservoir and receive companion air and / or liquid from the reservoir, and at least above the height of the total liquid level in the reservoir. The toilet assembly of item 1, further comprising a ventilation line, configured to have a second open end.
(Item 3)
The first item, wherein the control system operates to at least partially close the cleaning valve after delivering the dose of liquid detergent and washing water into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet port. Toilet assembly.
(Item 4)
The toilet assembly of item 3, wherein the control system operates the cleaning valve to deliver said dose of liquid detergent and water for washing over a second time cycle.
(Item 5)
The toilet assembly according to item 1, wherein the reservoir body has an outlet portion, and the outlet port is located in the outlet portion.
(Item 6)
5. The toilet assembly according to item 5, wherein the housing has a seat portion configured to receive the outlet portion of the reservoir.
(Item 7)
6. The toilet assembly of item 6, further comprising at least one peripheral seal such that the outlet portion of the reservoir fits into the seat portion of the housing in a hermetically engaged manner.
(Item 8)
A first end of the reservoir that has a fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir and is located to receive companion air and / or liquid from within the reservoir, and the reservoir. The toilet assembly of item 6, wherein the toilet assembly is configured to have a second open end located at least above the height of the total liquid level within.
(Item 9)
The assembly further comprises a tube, which defines a passage through the tube and has an upwardly extending first end and a second end, said first end. Is for directing fluid from the interior space of the reservoir through the passage in the pipe into the first end of the supply conduit, the pipe being located in the seat portion. , Item 6.
(Item 10)
A first end located to communicate fluid with the interior of the reservoir and receive companion air and / or liquid from the reservoir, and at least above the height of the total liquid level in the reservoir. It has a ventilation line that is configured to have a second open end, the sheet portion having a first opening for receiving the first end of the ventilation line and said. 9. The toilet assembly of item 9, comprising a second opening for receiving said first end of the supply conduit.
(Item 11)
9. The toilet assembly according to item 9, wherein the first end of the tube is pointed.
(Item 12)
9. The toilet assembly of item 9, wherein the first end of the supply conduit is located within the second end of the tube when the reservoir is located within the housing.
(Item 13)
The tube extends upward within the outlet portion of the reservoir through the outlet port of the reservoir when the outlet portion of the reservoir is within the sheet portion of the sheet. The toilet assembly according to item 9, which is located in the seat portion.
(Item 14)
The tube comprises at least one side opening extending through the tube for fluid entering the upwardly extending end of the tube so as to flow into the bottom region of the outlet portion. The toilet assembly according to item 9.
(Item 15)
The outlet port has a fragile seal that can be penetrated by the upwardly extending end of the tube or a liquid supply valve fitting, and the bottom region of the outlet portion is the socket of the reservoir. When fully installed in the body, the upwardly extending end of the tube or the liquid supply valve fitting, defined as the area below the fragile seal, allows the reservoir to be fully installed within the housing. 14. The toilet assembly according to item 14, which passes through the fragile seal when squeezed.
(Item 16)
The toilet assembly according to item 1, wherein the flow control device is one of a mechanized valve, a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a gear pump, and a gear motor.
(Item 17)
The toilet assembly according to item 1, wherein the outlet port of the reservoir is covered with a fragile cover.
(Item 18)
The toilet assembly according to item 17, wherein the tearable cover comprises a foil, a bulkhead, a foil with a polymer lining, or a membrane.
(Item 19)
The toilet assembly of item 1, further comprising a gear motor that can be activated by the control system to operate the flow control device.
(Item 20)
It further comprises a tank lid that has an upper surface and is configured to be mounted on the tank, the upper surface of the tank lid being configured to receive the housing and a seat portion of the housing. The toilet assembly of item 1, comprising an area configured to be receptive.
(Item 21)
20. The toilet assembly of item 20, wherein the tank lid further comprises at least one opening extending through the tank lid, which is configured to receive a locking mechanism.
(Item 22)
The locking mechanism comprises at least one locking body having a first end and a second end, the second end for extending through the at least one opening. 21. The locking mechanism further comprises a locking cap on the first end of the locking body to releasably lock the locking mechanism so as to secure the tank lid. Toilet assembly.
(Item 23)
It further comprises a cover configured to cover and position the tank lid and housing, the cover having an opening in the cover for accessing the panel, the panel being on the panel. 21. The toilet assembly having an actuator button.
(Item 24)
The tank lid further comprises an actuator extending through the tank lid to allow extension of at least a portion of the lift arm actuator assembly comprising at least one gear actuated by the lift arm actuator gear motor. With an opening, the at least one gear can move the lift arm and engage the lift arm to controlably open the peripheral cleaning valve, which can be directly or 22. The toilet assembly according to item 22, which is operably connected to the cleaning valve through an indirect connection.
(Item 25)
The lift arm is also operably connected to the wash handle, and the wash handle and lift arm are connected to actuate the wash valve during a conventional wash cycle in response to pressing of the wash handle. 24. The toilet assembly of item 24, wherein the arm actuator assembly is arranged by the action of the lift arm actuator gear motor and the at least one gear to operate the wash valve without pressing the wash handle.
(Item 26)
It further comprises a bottom tray configured to hold the reservoir and housing, and a top lid, wherein the top lid sits in place of the standard tank cover and the bottom tray is of the wash valve. The toilet assembly according to item 1, wherein the toilet assembly is configured to be positioned above the toilet tank so that it sits above the inside of the tank.
(Item 27)
The toilet assembly according to item 1, further comprising a cleaning valve operating mechanism for controllingly opening the cleaning valve in response to the actuator features.
(Item 28)
The valve operating mechanism includes a lift rod that communicates with a connecting portion connected to a flapper lift mechanism installed around the valve body of the cleaning valve, and the lift rod is mechanically operated by the gear motor. 27. The toilet assembly of item 27, wherein the gear motor mechanically operates with a cam mechanism for moving the lift rod in response to contact.
(Item 29)
The valve operating mechanism comprises a lift arm actuator assembly comprising at least one gear actuated by a lift arm actuator gear motor, the at least one gear of the lift arm actuator assembly having the lift arm said peripheral cleaning valve. Can be engaged with the lift arm actuator assembly to move a portion of the lift arm within the lift arm actuator assembly so that the lift arm can be opened in a controllable manner. 27. The toilet assembly according to item 27, which is operably connected to the peripheral cleaning valve through a direct or indirect connection.
(Item 30)
The control system further opens the wash valve again so that the wash valve is at least partially closed after delivering the wash water with the dose of the liquid cleaner and after a third time cycle. The toilet assembly according to item 1, which is adapted to cleanse the inside of the toilet bowl with at least about 3 liters of fresh wash water at the end of the wash cycle.
(Item 31)
The cleaning valve is a peripheral cleaning valve, the toilet further comprises a direct feed injection port, an injection cleaning valve, and a separate jet path, and the control system introduces water for washing by the peripheral channel. 30. The toilet according to item 30, which operates to open the injection cleaning valve and discharge at least about 1.0 liter of flushing water into the injection path at substantially the same time as reopening the toilet bowl to purify it. assembly.
(Item 32)
The toilet assembly according to item 1, further comprising a liquid supply valve, which is positioned to communicate fluid with the outlet port of the reservoir and communicate with the supply conduit.
(Item 33)
The reservoir body has an outlet portion, the outlet port is located in the outlet portion, and the housing is the outlet portion of the reservoir when the reservoir is installed in the housing. The liquid supply valve defines a valve passage through the liquid supply valve, and the liquid supply valve connects the valve passage from the internal space of the reservoir. 32. The toilet assembly of item 32, wherein the liquid supply valve has a first end for directing fluid through the first end of the supply conduit and the liquid supply valve has a second end. ..
(Item 34)
Item 33, further comprising a valve joint communicating with the second end of the liquid supply valve to connect the second end of the liquid supply valve to the first end of the supply conduit. Described toilet assembly.
(Item 35)
34. The toilet assembly according to item 34, wherein the liquid supply valve is one of an umbrella valve, a Duckbill valve, a spring load valve, a rotary valve, a vented elastomer valve, and a flap elastomer valve.
(Item 36)
The liquid supply valve comprises a first mechanized valve and a second mechanized valve, and the assembly is further configured to retain a dose of liquid cleaning agent from within the internal space of the reservoir. The dosing chamber comprises an internal space, the dosing chamber has an inlet port and has an outlet port, the inlet port of the dosing chamber is fluid communicating with the outlet port of the first mechanized valve. 32. The outlet port of the dosing chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second mechanized valve and the outlet of the second mechanized valve is in fluid communication with the first end of the supply conduit. Toilet assembly.
(Item 37)
The toilet assembly further includes a direct feed injection port, the wash valve is a peripheral cleaning valve, and the toilet assembly is further for introducing wash water into the direct feed injection port in the toilet. A toilet assembly for use with the toilet according to item 1, comprising an operable second wash valve.
(Item 38)
37. Toilet assembly according to item 37, wherein the fluid path for the peripheral cleaning valve and the injection cleaning valve are separated from each other and the injection cleaning valve remains primed before and after the water wash cycle. ..
(Item 39)
38. The toilet assembly of item 38, wherein the second end of the supply conduit is positioned to deliver fluid into the interior of an overflow pipe connected to the peripheral cleaning valve.
(Item 40)
The toilet assembly according to item 1, wherein the actuator feature is a button located under the top lid, the button being accessible through an opening in the top lid.
(Item 41)
A method for periodically cleaning the toilet in the toilet assembly using a cleaning system.
The step of providing the toilet assembly according to item 1 and
The step of activating the control system by the actuator feature and initiating the cleaning cycle, and
The flow control device is operated to open the flow control device over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver the dose of liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of the cleaning valve in the closed position. Steps and
A step of operating the cleaning valve, opening the cleaning valve, and introducing at least about 3 liters of washing water into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet port together with the dose of the liquid detergent.
Including methods.
(Item 42)
The toilet assembly further includes a direct feed injection port, the wash valve is a peripheral cleaning valve, and the toilet assembly is further used to introduce wash water into the direct feed injection port in the toilet. 41. The method of item 41, comprising an operable second wash valve.
(Item 43)
42. The method of item 42, wherein the fluid path for the peripheral cleaning valve is isolated from the injection cleaning valve, and the injection cleaning valve remains primed before and after the water wash cycle.
(Item 44)
The control system operated to introduce the washing water and the dose of the liquid cleaning agent over the second time cycle, and the method further introduced the washing water together with the dose of the liquid cleaning agent. Later, the cleaning valve is operated to at least partially close the cleaning valve, and after a third time cycle, the cleaning valve is operated to open the cleaning valve again, and at the end of the cleaning cycle, a new one is used. 43. The method of item 43, comprising purifying the interior of the toilet bowl with wash water.
(Item 45)
A cleaning system for use with toilet assemblies
A reservoir for holding a liquid cleaner, having a body defining an internal space and having an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir body.
A housing configured to receive the reservoir and
A supply conduit that communicates with the interior of the reservoir and has a first end for receiving fluid from within the reservoir.
A flow rate control device capable of controlling the flow rate through the supply conduit, and
A control system that can be activated by an actuator feature, the control system responding to activation of the actuator feature.
Over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of a closed cleaning valve configured for delivery of fluid to the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl. The step of operating the flow control device and
A step of operating the cleaning valve, opening the cleaning valve, and introducing water for washing with the dose of the liquid detergent into the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl.
With a control system, which is adapted to start the wash cycle,
A cleaning system for use with toilet assemblies.
(Item 46)
The control system introduces the wash water and the liquid cleaner over a second time cycle and further closes the wash valve at least partially after delivering the dose of the wash water and the liquid cleaner. A cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 45, which operates in.
(Item 47)
The cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 45, wherein the reservoir body has an outlet portion, the outlet port being located in the outlet portion.
(Item 48)
The cleaning system for use with the toilet of item 45, wherein the housing has a seat portion configured to receive the outlet portion of the reservoir.
(Item 49)
A cleaning system for use with a toilet according to item 48, further comprising at least one peripheral seal such that the outlet portion of the reservoir fits into the seat portion of the housing in a hermetically engaged manner.
(Item 50)
The outlet port of the reservoir has a tearable seal that can be penetrated by the upwardly extending end of the tube or a liquid supply valve fitting, and the bottom region of the outlet portion is the reservoir. Is defined as the area below the fragile seal when fully installed in the housing, the upwardly extending end of the tube or the liquid supply valve fitting has the reservoir in the housing. A cleaning system for use with a toilet according to item 45, which, when fully installed, passes through the fragile seal.
(Item 51)
The cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 45, wherein the flow control device is one of a mechanized valve, a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a gear pump, or a gear motor.
(Item 52)
The cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 51, wherein the flow control device comprises a gear motor that can be activated by the control system to operate the flow control device.
(Item 53)
The cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 45, wherein the outlet port of the reservoir is covered with a fragile cover.
(Item 54)
The cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 53, wherein the tearable cover comprises a foil, partition wall, or membrane.
(Item 55)
The lift arm actuator assembly comprises at least one gear actuated by a lift arm actuator gear motor, said at least one gear so that the lift arm can controlably open the cleaning valve. It is possible to engage the lift arm actuator assembly to move the lift arm within the lift arm assembly, and the lift arm is operably connected to the wash valve through a direct or indirect connection. A cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 45.
(Item 56)
A gear motor housing for enclosing the gear motor and mounting the at least one gear is further provided, and the gear motor housing is positioned in the toilet tank and in the housing for the reservoir. A cleaning system for use with a toilet according to item 55, which is configured to extend upward through at least one opening.
(Item 57)
56. The housing comprises a mounting flange for fastening the gear motor housing to the reservoir housing or to a tray configured to hold the reservoir and the reservoir housing. A cleaning system for use with the toilet.
(Item 58)
It further comprises a bottom tray configured to hold the reservoir and housing, and a top lid, wherein the top lid sits in place of the conventional tank cover and the bottom tray is a toilet flush valve. A cleaning system for use with the toilet according to item 45, which is configured to be positioned above the toilet tank so that it sits above the inside of the toilet tank.
(Item 59)
The control system further opens the cleaning valve again so that the cleaning valve is at least partially closed after delivering the dose of liquid cleaning agent and after a third time cycle, at the end of the cleaning cycle. A washing system for use with the toilet according to item 45, which is adapted to cleanse the inside of the toilet bowl with fresh washing water.
(Item 60)
Toilet assembly with cleaning system
(A) Toilet assembly
Toilet bowl that defines the internal space and
Toilet tank that defines the inside of the tank and
Cleaning valve and
Peripheral entrance port and
An isolated peripheral flow path extending from the outlet of the cleaning valve to the peripheral inlet port, wherein the cleaning valve is configured to deliver fluid to the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl. Peripheral flow path and
With toilet assembly and
(B) A cleaning system
A reservoir for holding a liquid cleaner, having a body defining an internal space and having an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir body.
A housing configured to receive the reservoir and
A supply conduit that communicates with the interior of the reservoir and has a first end for receiving fluid from within the reservoir.
A flow rate control device capable of controlling the flow rate through the supply conduit, and
A control system that can be activated by at least one actuator feature, the control system depending on the activation of the actuator feature.
The cleaning valve is a step of operating the flow control device over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of the liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of the cleaning valve in a closed position. The steps configured for the delivery of fluid to the marginal inlet port,
The step of operating the cleaning valve, opening the cleaning valve, introducing at least about 3 liters or more of washing water, and delivering the dose of liquid cleaning agent into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet port. When,
With a control system, which is adapted to start the wash cycle,
With a cleaning system and
Toilet assembly.

The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be further understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purposes of implementing the present invention, the drawings currently show preferred embodiments. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise sequences and means shown.

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a cleaning system for a toilet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of a toilet tank with a cleaning valve for use with a cleaning system as part of the toilet assembly herein, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cleaning system tank lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the cleaning system tank lid assembly of FIG. 3 with the control panel open.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the cleaning system tank lid assembly according to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the reservoir and associated supply conduits and ventilation lines according to certain embodiments of the cleaning system.

FIG. 6 shows the tank portion of the toilet assembly according to the invention shown in FIG. 16 having the cleaning system according to FIG. 3, showing a connection for a cleaning valve with an overflow pipe and a funnel, a flapper lift mechanism, and a lift rod. It is sectional drawing taken along line 6-6 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cleaning system tank lid assembly of FIG. 3 with the top tank lid open.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a toilet bowl assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the interior of a tank having a peripheral edge and an injection cleaning valve assembly.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the toilet bowl assembly of FIG. 8, showing the interior of the tank.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the toilet assembly of FIGS. 1-2 and 8 obtained along line 10-10 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a top elevation view of the toilet assembly of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a top elevation view of the toilet bowl portion of the toilet assembly showing the injection opening and the peripheral opening.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the toilet assembly of FIG. 8 obtained along line 13-13 of FIG. 9 with the wash valve omitted.

FIG. 14 is a greatly enlarged portion of the toilet assembly of FIG. 13 showing the injection outlet.

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 16 obtained along lines 15-15.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the toilet assembly of FIG. 8 with the lid removed from the tank.

FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir of the cleaning systems of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the reservoir and liquid supply valve of the cleaning system of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the toilet assembly of FIG. 8 and the lift arm actuating assembly for the cleaning systems of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the lift arm actuating assembly of FIG.

FIG. 21 is an exploded front perspective view of the lift arm actuating assembly of FIG.

FIG. 22 is an exploded rear perspective view of the lift arm actuating assembly of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the lift arm actuating assembly of FIG. 19 mounted on a gear motor housing with a gear motor assembly.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the lift arm operating assembly, the gear motor housing, and the gear motor assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an exploded front perspective view of the lift arm operating assembly, the gear motor housing, and the gear motor assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an exploded rear perspective view of the lift arm operating assembly, the gear motor housing, and the gear motor assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a graph showing the relationship between the cleaning agent solution flow rate and the washing water flow rate with respect to the washing cycle time.

FIG. 28 is a schematic flow diagram of a cleaning system for a toilet assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention, using a conventional flush toilet.

FIG. 29 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the prior art toilet of FIG. 29A obtained along lines 29-29 of FIG. 29A.

FIG. 29A is a top elevation view of a prior art direct feed injection toilet bowl of a toilet bowl that clearly shows a direct feed injection flow path that is not isolated from the peripheral path.

FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl of FIG. 29A obtained along lines 29B-29B.

FIG. 30 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a further conventional toilet bowl having a peripheral feed injection port and clearly indicating a peripheral feed injection flow path.

FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of a cleaning valve according to an embodiment of the invention suitable for use in a cleaning system with a conventional toilet, where the valve has a flapper cover with poppet features in the closed position.

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of the cleaning valve according to FIG. 31 in the open position for the cleaning cycle of the system herein.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a cleaning valve according to an alternative embodiment of the invention suitable for use in a cleaning system with a conventional toilet, where the valve has a ball as well as a flapper cover with hook and catch features in the closed position.

FIG. 34 is a side elevation view of the cleaning valve according to the embodiment of FIG. 33 in the open position for the cleaning cycle of the system herein.

FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of a cleaning valve according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention suitable for use in a cleaning system with a conventional toilet, where the valve has a separate flapper coated side port in the closed position.

FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the cleaning valve according to FIG. 35 in the open position for the cleaning cycle of the system herein.

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of an alternative reservoir assembly that includes a fluid supply valve for use in an alternative embodiment of the cleaning system herein.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a schematic representation of the features of an alternative reservoir for use in a further embodiment of the cleaning system herein, which has a puncture injection needle tube in a housing sheet and an alternative flapper lift mechanism. is there.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged perspective view of the flapper lift mechanism of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir and gear motor for use in the cleaning system described herein.

42 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir and gear motor of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a further reservoir and gear motor for use in the cleaning system described herein.

FIG. 44 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir and gear motor of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a reservoir and gear motor for use in the cleaning system described herein.

FIG. 46 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir and gear motor of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment of a reservoir and gear motor for use in the cleaning system described herein.

FIG. 48 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir and gear motor of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a reservoir and gear motor for use in the cleaning system described herein.

FIG. 50 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir and gear motor of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of a further reservoir embodiment for use in the cleaning system described herein.

FIG. 52 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of a further reservoir embodiment for use in the cleaning system described herein.

FIG. 54 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reservoir of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective portion of a dosing chamber and an alternative reservoir with a mechanized valve for use in an alternative embodiment of the cleaning system of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a further perspective partial cross-sectional schematic view of the administration chamber according to FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of a further embodiment of the cleaning system of FIG. 1 with modified parts.

FIG. 58 is a front perspective exploded view of the alternative lift arm mechanism of the embodiment of FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a rear perspective exploded view of the lift arm mechanism of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a front perspective view of the tray of the cleaning system of FIG. 57, which has a gear motor housing and a mounting flange on it.

FIG. 61 is a rear perspective view of the tray of the cleaning system of FIG. 57, which has a gear motor housing and a mounting flange on it.

FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view of the gear motor housing, the gear motor assembly, and the housing mounting flange of FIG. 57.

FIG. 63 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gear motor housing and lift arm assembly disposed on the tray in the cleaning system of FIG. 57 in assembly mode.

FIG. 64 is a front vertical cross-sectional view of the gear motor housing disposed on the tray, obtained in front of the gear motor for the cleaning system of FIG. 57.

FIG. 65 is a rear sectional view of the gear motor housing disposed on the tray, obtained behind the gear motor for the cleaning system of FIG. 57.

FIG. 66 is a top elevation view of a gear motor housing and gear motor with a lift arm actuating mechanism assembled on top of the tray for the cleaning system of FIG. 57.

FIG. 67 shows the operation of the liquid supply valve, supply valve gear motor, and reservoir as part of the cleaning system of FIG. 57, a longitudinal section through an assembled tank lid, tray, reservoir housing, cover, and reservoir. It is a figure.

FIG. 68 is a partially exploded view of an enlarged section of the assembled cover, reservoir housing, and tray of the cleaning system of FIG. 57.

FIG. 69 is a fully exploded view of the same enlarged section of the assembled cover, reservoir housing, and tray of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 is a front perspective view of a further alternative body of a lift arm actuator assembly for use in a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 71 is an exploded front perspective view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 70.

FIG. 72 is a rear perspective view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 70.

FIG. 73 is an exploded rear perspective view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 70.

FIG. 74 is a front perspective view of a toilet tank assembly having a cleaning system tank lid according to a further embodiment of the present specification.

FIG. 74A is a perspective view of the toilet tank assembly of FIG. 74 with the tank lid cover open.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the cleaning system tank lid of FIG. 74 with the lid cover open.

FIG. 76A is an enlarged view of the control panel of the tank lid of FIG. 75 in which the LED panel light is off. FIG. 76B is an enlarged view of the control panel of the tank lid of FIG. 76A in which the LED panel light is on.

FIG. 77 is a perspective cut-out view of the tank of FIG. 74 showing the cleaning valve assembly therein.

FIG. 77A is a perspective view of the cleaning valve assembly for use in the cleaning system assembly of FIG. 74.

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of the injection cleaning valve of the cleaning valve assembly of FIG. 77.

FIG. 79 is a side elevation view of the injection cleaning valve of FIG. 78.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the opened injection cleaning valve according to FIG. 78.

FIG. 81 is an open side elevation view of the cleaning valve of FIG. 78.

FIG. 82 is a further rear perspective view of the wash valve assembly of FIG. 77.

FIG. 83 is a front view of the cleaning valve assembly of FIG. 77.

FIG. 84 is an exploded view of the wash operation assembly.

FIG. 84A is a perspective view of the wash operation assembly.

FIG. 85 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a flush handle with an axle extension and a bushing.

FIG. 86A is a side elevation view of the wash handle of FIG. 85.

FIG. 86B is a bottom elevation view of the wash handle of FIG. 85.

FIG. 86C is a perspective view of the washing handle of FIG. 85.

FIG. 87A is a rear perspective view of the flush handle and axle extension as assembled according to FIG. 85.

FIG. 87B is an exploded view of the washing handle of FIG. 87A.

FIG. 89 is a further longitudinal view of the wash handle, axle, and bushing of FIG. 85 incorporating the wash actuated lift arm.

90 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the wash handle, axle, and bushing of FIG. 85.

90A is a partially tilted cross-sectional view through the tilted longitudinal plane of the flushing actuating assembly of the cleaning system of FIG. 74 and the gear actuator motor.

90B is a top elevation view of the water wash operation assembly and gear actuator motor of FIG. 90A.

90C is a partial front perspective view of the gear motor and gears of the water wash operation assembly of FIG. 90A.

90D is a partial rear perspective view of the gear motor and gears of the water wash operation assembly of FIG. 90A.

90E is an exploded view of the gear motor of the wash operation assembly of FIG. 90A.

FIG. 91 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the toilet lid assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 74.

FIG. 92 is a further vertical cross-sectional view of the toilet lid assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 74.

FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet lid assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 74.

FIG. 94 is a close-up view of a part of the vertical sectional view of FIG. 91.

FIG. 95 is an exploded view of the liquid supply valve assembly used in the reservoir of the embodiment of FIG. 74.

FIG. 95A is a perspective view of the liquid supply valve assembly of FIG. 85.

FIG. 96A is a side elevation view of the reservoir for use in the embodiment of FIG. 74.

FIG. 96B is a close-up view of the bottom reservoir outlet of the reservoir of FIG. 96A.

FIG. 96C is a perspective view of the reservoir of FIG. 96A.

FIG. 96D is a further bottom perspective view of the reservoir of FIG. 96A.

FIG. 96E is a further side elevation view of the reservoir of FIG. 96A.

FIG. 96F is a bottom elevation view of the reservoir of FIG. 96A.

FIG. 96G is a further side elevation view of the reservoir of FIG. 96A.

FIG. 97 is an exploded view of the dosing lift cup and liquid supply valve motor of the cleaning system of FIG. 74.

FIG. 98 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dosing lift cup and liquid supply valve motor of FIG. 97.

FIG. 98A is an assembly perspective view of the administration lift cup and the liquid supply valve motor of FIG. 97.

FIG. 99A is a top elevation view of the tank liner viewed from the front of the toilet for use with the embodiment of FIG. 74.

FIG. 99B is a front elevation view of the tank liner of FIG. 99A.

FIG. 99C is a bottom elevation view of the tank liner of FIG. 99B visually recognized from the bottom of the toilet.

FIG. 99D is a close-up view of the recess in the tank liner for receiving the locking fasteners.

FIG. 99E is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the inside of the tank liner of FIG. 99A.

The present invention relates to various embodiments of a toilet and a cleaning system for use with a toilet assembly as described herein, as well as to periodically clean the toilet using such a cleaning system. Includes toilet assembly, including methods. The cleaning system herein provides a cleaning cycle that can be activated by the user whenever the user wants to clean the toilet. The washing system operates outside the traditional washing cycle and automatically shuts down after washing so that the toilet will flush water in the normal manner, depending on subsequent use of the toilet. The liquid cleaner is therefore delivered only during the wash cycle, not every wash cycle. The cleaning cycle can also include a cleaning step that removes the cleaning agent from the toilet bowl into the drain line. Such a cleaning cycle therefore does not abuse the cleaning agents or leave them present in the toilet bowl between cleanings, making them safer for the environment and otherwise toxic cleaning agents in water for washing. Be friendly to pets and children who can be damaged by. The system can be adapted to both simple and thorough wash cycles, so that the thorough wash cycle can both wash and kill and disinfect bacteria. Prior to activating the "cleansing" or "rinse" cycle, it can be set to leave the wash fluid in the toilet bowl for one or more desired and / or preset time cycles.

In one embodiment, the system may offer the option of providing a low or intermittent dose of wash fluid at each wash as a user choice. This is an alternative option programmed into the PLC, for example, using water rinsing in automatic mode or simply using a simple rinsing cycle so that smaller doses can be added before the valve is opened. Or, more preferably, with various other options available to those skilled in the art. While intermittent use or the addition of cleaning agents can increase power usage on the system, battery capacity can be increased or electrical connections such as AC current can be provided.

As an alternative, timers are placed at regular set intervals so that when the subsequent manual wash is activated, after the additional material is introduced, the manual wash water will pour a smaller amount of cleaning agent into the toilet bowl. It may be employed to add a smaller dose. In addition to the timer mechanism, a sensor is provided to alert the system when a manual flush cycle is activated to avoid the addition of some timed doses of cleaning agent without intermittent flushing. You may.

As used herein, "inside" and "outside", "top" and "bottom", "front" and "back", "front" and "rear", "left" and "right", Words such as "upward" and "downward", as well as words with similar meanings, refer to the figures in the accompanying drawings and with respect to the orientation of the toilet assembly as shown in the drawings. It is not intended to be limited to the scope of the present invention or to limit the scope of the present invention to preferred embodiments as shown in the figure. Embodiments 10, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2400 of the present specification are alternatives for specific features, respectively. In the absence of terms that conversely describe the structure, another embodiment that describes a similar feature based on the present disclosure and the drawings attached thereto, unless a description of one such feature is otherwise specified. Similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar features of the invention as described herein and as shown in the drawings, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. To use.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-27, a preferred assembly 10 having a toilet 30 and a cleaning system 100 is described for use in the toilet assembly together with the cleaning system assembly herein. Although the preferred toilet assembly 10 and cleaning system 100 in this embodiment are operational as shown, it is understood that based on the present disclosure, cleaning systems can be adapted and programmed for various toilets. I want to be done. This is further discussed below in embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800. Gravity-powered siphon flush toilets are preferred, whether single or multiple flush models, but flush toilets are also described in more detail in embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800 below. It can be used in the cleaning systems herein, with some modifications or adaptations. The most preferred toilet for this embodiment is one with an isolated peripheral flow path as described in detail herein. As shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9, and 16, a preferred toilet has two independent wash valves, a peripheral wash valve 80, and an injection wash valve 70. The peripheral cleaning valve 80 has an overflow pipe 190 that serves to direct water from the tank to the peripheral or peripheral channel when the water level in the tank exceeds the height of the overflow pipe. The filling valve 66 refills the tank after a wash cycle or a wash cycle. It also has a conduit 138 to provide water to the toilet bowl through the overflow pipe 190 when the flush cycle is completed and the toilet bowl needs to be replenished to restore the seal depth against backflow of sewage gas. ..

The preferred toilet assembly described herein is designed to keep the perimeter and jet path separate, thus avoiding the formation of siphons during the wash cycle (or otherwise, drainage pipes before the "hold" cycle. (Reduces the proportion of cleaning fluid that will flow out into the path) Operates effectively in the light of desire. One such toilet fully covers the valve cover for controlled operation to the extent that the toilet and such wash valve features, as well as a description of their operation, are incorporated herein by reference. Such toilets and theirs, including wash valve designs, which have a peel flapper feature, various check prevention mechanisms, the use of an internal valve web structure, and a double chain mechanism, which are useful for lifting or peeling. Explained by the applicant in Co-pending US Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1, which describes the features and operation of the wash valve.

The toilet assembly 10 comprises a toilet bowl 30 as described below in US Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1 and further herein. The assembly includes a toilet bowl 30 defining the internal region 36, a toilet tank 60 defining the tank interior 119, a wash valve 80, and a peripheral inlet port 28. The wash valve 80 is preferably configured to deliver fluid to the peripheral inlet port 28 of the toilet bowl 30 and, as described herein, a separate peripheral and jet wash with an isolated peripheral and jet path. In the case of a toilet with a valve, in a peripheral containing embodiment, from a peripheral channel around the toilet bowl through a conventional series of peripheral outlet ports, or for excess cleaning action as described below. Peripheral inlet port 28 to the toilet bowl through a preferred single side peripheral inlet port 28, which injects peripheral running water directly into the side surface of the non-peripheral toilet bowl embodiment from the peripheral flow path outside the peripheral wash valve 80. Can be incorporated. The cleaning system used in the toilet assembly is used in embodiments 10, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1900, or 2400 described herein. It may be any of the ones.

The toilet assembly 10 preferably has a direct feed injection port 20, a peripheral cleaning valve 80, and a second injection cleaning valve 70 that can operate to introduce water for washing into the direct feed injection port 20 in the toilet. And include. The fluid path RF for the peripheral cleaning valve 80 and the injection fluid path JF for the injection cleaning valve 70 are kept separate from each other in this embodiment. During the wash cycle, the jet wash valve 70 remains closed, preferably the jet fluid path is maintained primed before and after the wash cycle as well as before the wash cycle in normal wash operations. Will be done. However, if a purification step is added, the injection cleaning valve may also be opened during the purification step to release a certain amount of additional water, as described above.

The second end of the supply conduit in this embodiment fluid communicates with the inside of the overflow pipe 190 connected to the peripheral cleaning valve 80. Separate perimeter and injection tank compartments are embodiments with open tanks, as described in US Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928Al, with separate filling valves, separate wash actuators, and separate overflows. It may be used with a tube, but both wash valves can be operated using either a single or double wash lever and a single overflow pipe on the peripheral wash valve. A single wash actuator is preferred. However, based on the present disclosure herein, multiple compartments and / or one or more wash valves, and one or more associated mechanisms (using one or two flush levers). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it can be used with the cleaning systems herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

The peripheral cleaning valve 80 communicates with the coupling and is also connected to a flapper lift mechanism as described below, using a lift rod as further described below, or one or more thereof. By using various lift arm actuator assemblies 140 that exceed, a cleaning valve operating mechanism 82 such as a flapper lift rod lift mechanism 82a may be mounted or interlocked with it.

The flapper lift mechanism is located above or around the valve body of the peripheral wash valve, and the lift mechanism is during the wash cycle and / or the wash cycle when actuated by the control system, depending on the mechanical actuation by the gear motor. The peripheral cleaning valve can be lifted and operated manually. In a conventional wash cycle, the perimeter and jet wash valves are preferably operated by a wash actuator as described herein. The wash handle may be part of a wash valve operating mechanism 82 as described in, for example, the tenth embodiment and the 500, 1900, and 2400 embodiments so that the peripheral wash valve operates. Alternatively, the cleaning valve operating mechanism 82 may be in the form of a mechanized flapper lift mechanism with a lift rod as in the 400th embodiment. The various wash operation mechanisms may be operated by gear motors that can be activated by a control system to operate the wash valve. For example, a flow control device for measuring a solution using a gear pump and / or a gear motor, a perturbation pump, a rotating device, and an equivalent that operates a mechanized or other liquid supply valve is also a toilet of the present invention. It may be incorporated into a cleaning system for use with the toilet bowl described herein in the assembly. All other aspects of the various embodiments of the cleaning system described herein may be incorporated into the assembly herein.

The siphon flush toilet assembly preferred herein is preferably introduced into the toilet bowl assembly to deliver different fluid volumes from the jet cleaning valve and the peripheral cleaning valve through separate jet and peripheral path inlets. Maintaining a primed closed jet fluid path, including the jet channel, by isolating the fluid flow. It is more powerful than the more conventional gravity flush siphon toilets, which work with air-filled injection channels and must release air to minimize turbulence and flow restrictions. Performance is provided, and as a result, the preferred primed closed jet fluid path and isolated peripheral path contribute to better cleaning action and cleaning cycle.

The toilet assembly 10 of the present embodiment may incorporate an optional injection manifold for receiving the fluid from the injection valve outlet and delivering the fluid from the injection valve outlet to the injection inlet port and into the injection channel. However, the use of additional manifold regions is not necessary as the jet path is closed. The closed injection fluid path maintains the injection channel in a permanently primed state and isolates it from the ingress of air into the channel. This includes (1) isolating the injection channel from the peripheral channel, (2) closing the injection channel wash valve in a standard wash cycle before the water level in the tank drops to the level of the wash valve opening, (3). ) In one embodiment, the air flow may include the injection channel and any optional, which may include a step of establishing a seal depth within the injection trap in the sump region and helping to prevent air from entering the injection channel outlet. Steps to prevent entry into the injection manifold and / or (4) to a water level that allows the air to recede and proceed into the injection channel when the siphon is interrupted. Achieved by the steps of constructing and operating the assembly to ensure that it does not go down.

In general, the ratio of the amount of fluid to the peripheral inlet port of the toilet to the amount of fluid to the jet path also affects toilet performance. In a conventional siphon injection toilet, about 70% of the flush water is required to power the injection port to start the siphon, leaving only about 30% to clean the toilet bowl through the peripheral function. In the preferred primed toilets used in the assembly herein, much less water is required to start the siphon, allowing more water to be used in cleaning the toilet bowl. .. Applicants have determined that more than about 50% of flush water can be directed to the peripheral inlet port for a significant improvement in toilet bowl cleaning. In a preferred embodiment, more than about 65%, in some cases, more than about 70% water can be directed to peripheral function.

In addition to the above factors, another way to maintain a sufficient sealing depth of water in the sump region and / or prevent backflow of air from the sump into the injection channel is for the siphon to cycle the wash. Maintaining a slower flow of water through and from the injection channel during interruptions in the outside normal wash operation. For example, to start a siphon when the sump is empty, the flow through and from the injection channel outlet port is at a rate of about 23.4 cm / sec for a typical injection outlet port of about ^{747 mm 2.} It should proceed and exceed about 175 ml / sec. The drawings may be adjusted in response to variations in jet outlet port dimensions and may be as high as 1100 ml / sec or higher for certain embodiments. Flow should occur over about 0.1 to about 5 seconds. The flow velocity through the injection channel to generate a wash siphon in the trapway while still maintaining sufficient depth in the sump region and / or preventing air from entering the injection outlet port. For trapways of the same injection port outlet size and with an average diameter of about 2.125 inches, it should be about 950 ml / sec or more at a rate of about 127 cm / sec to up to about 1500 ml / sec. .. Flow should generally continue for about 1 to about 5 seconds until the siphon ends and the water level in the sump stabilizes.

Controlling such cleaning valve operation for injection cleaning valves and peripheral cleaning valves can be performed in several ways in the various embodiments herein. One method is a solenoid valve, as disclosed and described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0313750A1 and US Pat. No. 6,823,535, which are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant parts. Through the use of. Valve control methods are also pure, such as by modification to a double inlet wash valve as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,704,945, which is also incorporated herein by reference in the relevant parts. It can also be achieved through mechanical methods. Alternatively, a flush actuating arm or bar, sequentially balanced for optimal performance of the two wash valves, is used, as set forth in Co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0197928A and related applications. May be done. Such mechanisms may or may not require adjustment to work effectively with the automatic cleaning valve operating mechanism in place, to compensate for the weight of the mechanism or to adjust to its operating parts. In some cases.

Preventing sufficient post-cleaning depth and / or water in the sump region from entering the closed injection fluid path through the injection outlet port is also shown herein during siphon interruption. It can also be achieved by maintaining a stream of water to the rim shelves in such a rimless toilet. The toilet system described herein includes a separate channel and valve mechanism to control the flow to the perimeter and inlet, so the system continues to flow through the perimeter inlet port during siphon interruption. Can be designed as The water flow to the peripheral inlet port is preferably sufficient to maintain the water level in the sump region above the height of the jet outlet port, but not sufficient to maintain the siphon in the trapway. is there. In this way, additional security can be provided to maintain the air-free injection channel, reducing the dependence on seal depth in the sump region. It should be noted that the flow rates through the spout and perimeter can also be utilized together to maintain sufficient post-cleaning depth in the sump region.

Incorporating a cleaning system and toilet that work together, this assembly provides improvements over prior art, related areas are below 6.0 liters, preferably below 4.8 liters, in some cases. It is a high-efficiency siphon type toilet that uses a washing amount of less than 2.0 liters. The embodiments of the toilet assembly of the present invention described herein are only about 6.0 in a single flush toilet or double flush toilet assembly, while still achieving excellent toilet cleanliness at reduced water usage. It has liters / flush and can maintain resistance to clogging consistent with today's toilets. The primed toilet assembly embodiments herein can function with only up to about 4.8 liters per wash, preferably because much less water is required through the injection channel to initiate the siphon. It enables the production of ultra-efficient toilets, which can function at about 3.0 liters per wash, or less, and as low as about 2.0 liters per wash.

Also, a further relevant area where the present invention provides improvements over prior art is when used with siphon toilets with larger trapways. Water consumption and toilet performance can be significantly affected by modifying the size of the trapway. In the present invention, the toilet assembly herein is the turbulence and flow rate achieved through a closed jet fluid path that is primed along the jet path, which allows the toilet assembly to maintain excellent flushing and cleaning capabilities. Due to the reduced limitation of, it can remain primed in siphon toilets of various trapway sizes and volumes.

FIG. 1-27 includes any of the cleaning systems of this embodiment or of embodiments 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, or 1900 of the present specification. , A first assembly embodiment 10 with a toilet bowl 30 and a cleaning system herein to form the toilet bowl assembly 10. The toilet includes at least one injection cleaning valve assembly 70 having an injection cleaning valve inlet 71 and an injection cleaning valve outlet 13. The injection cleaning valve assembly may have various configurations and may be any suitable cleaning valve assembly known or developed in the art. Preferably, it is incorporated herein by reference to the description of the use of such valves and weighted covers, respectively, of Co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/090158A1 and Co-pending Patents. It is configured to be similar to that described in Application No. 2015/0197928A1. As shown, the injection cleaning valve assembly 70 has a lower valve height profile than the peripheral cleaning valve assembly 80 to control the flow rate through the injection cleaning valve assembly. The peripheral cleaning valve assembly 80 and the injection cleaning valve assembly 70 have separate covers 105 and 15, respectively. A voluntary float 17 may be attached to it via a chain or other connection. Such features help provide advanced performance and buoyancy control in a particular wash valve design, as described in Co-pending US Patent Publication No. 2014/090158A1. However, it should be understood that other wash valve assemblies operating on the principles of the present invention may be used to provide improved washability. Moreover, such floats are completely voluntary.

The injection cleaning valve assembly 70 delivers fluid from its injection cleaning valve outlet 13 to the closed injection fluid path 1. The closed injection fluid path 1 includes an injection channel 38 and may optionally include an optional injection manifold 12, as shown, for example, in FIG. Such manifolds may be omitted without altering operation. At least one peripheral cleaning valve assembly, such as the cleaning valve assembly 80 of FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, is also provided. Each peripheral valve assembly has a peripheral cleaning valve inlet 83 and a peripheral cleaning valve outlet 81, wherein the peripheral cleaning valve 80 is a fluid directly or indirectly from the outlet 81 of the peripheral cleaning valve 80 to the peripheral cleaning valve port 28. Any suitable wash valve assembly as described above may be used as long as it is configured for delivery.

In the embodiment shown, the peripheral edge 32 is such that the fluid is introduced into the toilet bowl 30 through the peripheral edge inlet port 28 and travels along a contour or geometric feature formed in the inner surface 39 of the toilet bowl 30. , "No margin" design. That is, the contour may be one or more shelves 27 or similar features formed along the upper peripheral portion 33 of the toilet bowl 30. The shelves, also referred to herein as peripheral shelves 27, generally extend laterally, at least in part, from the peripheral inlet port 28 around the toilet bowl along the inner surface 39 of the toilet bowl 30 in its upper peripheral portion 33. Exists. The toilet bowl 30 may have different shapes and configurations and may have different toilet seat lids and / or lid hinge assemblies. Since toilet seat lids are optional, they are not shown in the drawings, but any suitable lid known or developed may be used with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, the shelves 27 can extend around substantially the entire inner surface prior to termination so as to induce a vortex effect for cleaning. Peripheral shelf designs are also incorporated herein by reference in relevant sections with respect to non-peripheral features and descriptions of their operation, as described in Co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0219605A1. It can also be adapted to peripheral shelves and multiple peripheral entrances.

It also has a peripheral inlet that feeds into a peripheral channel defined by a more conventional upper peripheral, with one or more peripheral outlet ports for introducing flush water into the internal area of the toilet bowl. It is also appreciated that the standard marginal channels having can be used in the embodiments described herein. Where standard peripheral channels are adopted instead of peripheralless designs, such peripherals need not be pressurized or are incorporated herein by reference with respect to the toilet assembly design, US Pat. No. 8, It may be modified to deliver a pressurized stream by adopting features such as those described in 316,475. Peripheral features of the patent may be incorporated into the assembly to create a more conventional peripheral design of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

The toilet assembly also includes an injection port 20 that defines at least one injection channel 38. The injection port 20 has an inlet port 18 for fluid communication with the outlet 13 of the injection cleaning valve 70, and an injection outlet port 42 located under or in the bottom portion 39 of the toilet bowl 30. The injection outlet port may be configured with a variable cross-sectional shape and size for discharging fluid into the sump region 40 of the toilet bowl 30. The sump region 40 fluidly communicates with the inlet 49 to the trapway 44 having the weir 45. The closed injection fluid path 1 includes an injection channel 28. The injection cleaning valve 70 is preferably located at a height L above the weir 45 of the trapway. The closed injection fluid path 1 preferably extends from the outlet 13 of the injection cleaning valve 70 to the outlet port 42 of the injection port 20. Once the assembly is primed, the closed jet fluid path 1 can remain fluid primed to prevent air from entering the closed jet fluid path before and after the operation of the standard flush cycle. is there. However, when using the control system to operate the peripheral cleaning valve 80 independently during the cleaning cycle, the injection cleaning valve remains inactive during the cleaning cycle, but at the end of the cleaning cycle the system It may be used when operating to affect purification.

The closed injection fluid path is formed to engage the outlet 13 end of the injection cleaning valve assembly 70 and has an injection manifold inlet opening 14 that receives fluid from the outlet 13 of the injection cleaning valve assembly 70. The manifold 12 may be included.
However, the injection valve may flow directly into a separate injection channel path that travels from the outlet 13 of the injection valve assembly 70 to the bottom of the injection port and the injection outlet 42, without any optional injection manifold region. If present, the injection manifold 12 also has an injection manifold outlet opening 16 for delivery of fluid to the injection inlet port 18. If present, the injection inlet port and manifold outlet opening are essentially the same opening on any side of the wall defining the manifold. The toilet assembly 10 may also have an optional separate peripheral manifold 22 as well. When used, the optional peripheral manifold 22 is configured to engage the outlet 81 end of the peripheral cleaning valve assembly 80 and to receive fluid from the outlet 81 of the peripheral cleaning valve assembly 80. It has an opening 24. The peripheral manifold, if present, will have an outlet opening 26 for delivery of fluid to the peripheral inlet and / or peripheral inlet port 28. In such an embodiment, is it configured as a conventional peripheral channel with a peripheral 32 (pressurized or unpressurized) exit port, or as a peripheralless shelf as shown herein? (Whether or not) may extend at least partially around the toilet bowl with a peripheral inlet port 28 for fluid communication with the peripheral manifold outlet opening 26. It is also acceptable for a separate flow channel to extend directly from the outlet 81 of the peripheral cleaning valve 80 to the peripheral inlet port 28.

An assembly such as the one described above is a fluid for flushing use, such as connecting a tank filling valve when arranged to communicate fluid with a supply line that delivers tap water, tank water, well water, or equivalent. Includes a tank 60 that can be connected in any manner to receive fluid from the source. Depending on the arrangement of the assembly, the tank 60 can receive fluid flow through the tank into the filling valve 66. The tank preferably has at least one filling valve 66. The filling valve is any suitable filling commercially available or developed as long as it maintains the desired amount in the tank and provides sufficient water supply to perform the functions described in the present disclosure. It may be a valve. The tank 60 may be one large open container that holds both the periphery and the injection wash valve assembly as shown herein. The tank may also be modified as described above to have at least one injection reservoir and at least one peripheral reservoir, if desired. If a split reservoir is provided, the injection reservoir may include a filling valve associated with at least one injection cleaning valve assembly 70 or a separate injection filling valve, and the peripheral reservoir may include at least one peripheral cleaning valve assembly. , Tank or peripheral filling valve and may be included. The design is described in Co-pending US Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1, which is incorporated herein by reference to the use of separate inlets and peripheral tanks. If desired, such a peripheral reservoir may further be adapted to the overflow pipe on the peripheral wash valve assembly 80. However, an open tank with a single tank reservoir is preferred.

The toilet assembly 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1-27 can operate with a wash volume of only about 6.0 liters, preferably only about 4.8 liters, more preferably only about 2.0 liters. is there.

The sump region 40 of the toilet bowl preferably has an injection trap 41 defined by the inner surface 39 of the toilet bowl 30. The injection trap 41 has an inlet end 46 and an outlet end 50. The inlet end 46 of the injection trap receives fluid from the injection outlet port 42 and the internal region 37 of the toilet bowl 30, and the outlet end 50 of the injection trap 41 enters the inlet 49 to the trapway 44, the flow thereof. Accept. The injection trap has a sealing depth. The seal depth may vary with the jet path, and depth measurements and all such variations may be readily incorporated and operational in embodiment 10. Such variants are detailed in US Patent Publication No. 2015/0197928A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in the relevant parts to illustrate variants of the jet path and seal depth options for this particular toilet assembly. Explained.

In order to keep the siphon flush toilet assembly such as assembly 10 in a primed state, the initial step is to provide a toilet bowl assembly having the characteristics as described above herein, once primed. Once done, the closed inject fluid path can remain primed with fluid to prevent air from entering the closed inject fluid path before and after the flush cycle is activated and in it. The closed injection fluid path 1 having at least one injection channel 38 extends from the outlet 13 of the injection cleaning valve 70 to the outlet 42 of the injection port 20. The water wash cycle is preferably actuated by any suitable actuator such as the water wash actuator 2. In one preferred embodiment, the earthenware exterior and actuator 2 are formed or incorporated from a material that provides an antibacterial surface. The flush actuator 2 may be a standard flush handle or may be adapted to be part of a valve actuating mechanism as further described below, as shown herein. After initiating the flush cycle with a flush actuator such as a handle, the handle is operational and connected in some fashion to one or more flush activation lift arms 144 (sometimes removable and removable). It may not be). As shown in this embodiment, one flush activation lift arm 144 is used. Mechanisms as described in the present embodiment or embodiments 500, 1900, as well as mechanisms using two flush activated lift arms as described below in embodiment 2400 may also be provided.

The handle 2 as shown is operatively connected to a lift arm that connects to a pivot rod or similar device. As shown, it connects to the wash activation bar 75 through a rotatable connector or connection. As shown, the lift arm 144 may rotate laterally or at an angle, and as shown, longitudinally for positioning and balancing for optimized opening of the wash valve. Connect to a rotatable connector 144a, which may be adapted to have an adjustable connection 144b. Such adjustments may be preset by the manufacturer and / or may be adjustable for further modification and alignment by the installer or user. Any hinge, pin connection, washer, or other rotating connector may also be used. The wash activation bar 75 is preferably configured to have an equilibrium point for a movable connection to the activation lift arm 144 through a connection that is movable in some manner. Movable and rotatable connections 144a may be used as shown to connect the wash activation lift arm and its connections to the wash activation bar 75 at a preferred equilibrium point. The equilibrium point is selected by design to work with the wash valves to specifically and mechanically determine when to open each valve when the handle is pressed to operate the wash cycle in a normal wash cycle. To. When the handle is pressed, the flush activation lift arm and coupling are pushed upwards and associated with them, such as the adjustable, movable, and rotatable connector 144a, which is connected to the flush activation bar 75. The end of the mechanism having the connector is pushed. This in turn pulls up the activation bar 75. As shown, the mechanism may also be vertically adjusted according to different tank heights and value configurations using vertically adjustable connectors such as connector 144b as shown. The length and width of the connectors, flush activation lift arms, and connections assume that the overall valve assembly can be installed below the cleaning system, depending on the available area in the toilet tank design. Can vary for wash valve assemblies of different sizes.

When the conventional wash cycle is activated, fluid is provided through at least one injection wash valve assembly and at least one peripheral wash valve assembly. The configuration of the closed jet fluid path is such and the timing of the flush cycle is optimized to maintain the closed jet fluid path in a primed state after the completion of the flush cycle.

In one embodiment of the method herein, after activating the wash cycle, the wash activation bar is sufficient to prevent air from entering the jet outlet and to generate a siphon in the trapway. Operated by a flush actuator handle and lift arm (either the same lift arm used for standard flush or a separate lift arm) to provide fluid through at least one jet wash valve assembly at a high flow rate. The flow rate is then reduced through the injection channel for about 1 second to about 5 seconds until the siphon is interrupted, and the flow rate is then increased again after the siphon is interrupted to stabilize the water level in the sump region.

The fluid is also preferably provided through at least one peripheral wash valve assembly during the wash cycle. When first deployed, the toilet is initially primed by providing a flow rate through the injection wash valve assembly outlet, which is sufficient to prevent air from entering the injection outlet until the sump is filled with fluid. Can be requested. The toilet assembly can be self-priming. Self-priming, as the term is used herein, means that when the toilet is in a state of injecting air into the injection channel, all air is released from the injection channel.

The toilet is typically in that state, for example, when the toilet is first disposed as described above, but other situations such as plumbing or maintenance can also cause such a situation. .. The user may, of course, manually intervene to prime the toilet assembly depending on the arrangement, or the toilet is the first number of toilets without the user's manual intervention. Self-priming can be done over one or more of the flushes. With respect to the toilet assembly 10 in this embodiment, the toilet can release virtually all air in only about 3 flushes, but more or less air is required depending on the individual toilet geometry. Can be done. For self-priming to complete, the flow velocity of the fluid through the injection cleaning valve must exceed the flow velocity of the fluid flowing out of the injection outlet port to provide sufficient energy to displace the air. This can be achieved through modification of the injection channel and / or injection outlet port geometry and / or cross-sectional area and / or by modification of the wash valve to enhance performance. Therefore, it is preferable to use an injection cleaning valve that can contribute to high energy and high velocity flow rates into the closed injection fluid path through the injection channel. Suitable valves are the injection cleaning valve described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 8,266,733 and Co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/090158A1 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1 in FIGS. 35-68. Is described in various embodiments of. Each of these references may be referred to for an understanding of the various wash valves that may be used, have a streamlined valve body configuration, and if desired, a radial inlet and / or a weighted cover and / or rise. Incorporated herein by reference with respect to the teachings of those valves having the valve bodies. Other suitable wash valves are commercially available and may be adapted herein.

The two wash valves can be opened and closed at the same time, or at different times during the wash cycle to further optimize performance both for the wash cycle and during the operation of the conventional wash cycle. it can. Prior to opening the jet wash valve to achieve a cleaner toilet bowl with cleaner post-wash water during the traditional wash cycle and to operate to increase the benefit of the wash system in the assembly. It is desirable to open the peripheral cleaning valve. In a preferred embodiment of 6.0 liters / wash for a conventional wash cycle outside or after the wash cycle, the peripheral wash valve is opened immediately upon the start of the wash cycle and approximately 1 into the cycle. While closed in seconds to about 5 seconds, the injection wash valve opens in about 1 to about 5 seconds into the cycle and closes in about 1.2 to about 10 seconds.

Another embodiment opens the double wash valve as a peripheral wash valve immediately upon initiation of the water wash cycle, and then an injection wash valve (single or double wash) to open after the peripheral double wash valve. It may include a double flush toilet assembly that triggers any of the valves). The amount of water delivered to the perimeter for the pre-siphon cleaning is about 1 liter / wash to about 5 liters / wash, preferably about 2 liters to about 4 liters / wash, jet cleaning to establish a siphon. The amount of water delivered through the valve will be from about 1 liter / wash to about 5 liters / wash.

A siphon flush toilet assembly for use in a cleaning system according to the invention, which has a primed jet path as described above, further includes, in a preferred embodiment, a backflow prevention device mechanism within the injection cleaning valve. It may be. The backflow prevention mechanism may be one or more of a presser foot coupling mechanism, a hook and catch mechanism, a poppet mechanism, and / or a check valve. The peripheral and / or injection cleaning valve may also include a cleaning valve cover that is at least partially flexible and can be stripped upward in response to opening as shown herein. Such embodiments may also include a backflow prevention device mechanism. The wash valve cover may also include a hinge connecting arm to assist in lifting the cover and / or one or more grommets for mounting a chain to lift the cover for better performance. The associated wash valve cover, including such a backflow prevention mechanism, and a flexible cover, is of such a backflow prevention mechanism, valve cover, and hinged coupling lift mechanism for use in an isolated jet path toilet. The design and operation of the various embodiments will be described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1.

Injection wash valve performance in such toilets can be enhanced by providing a "peeling" or partially open valve cover that facilitates self-priming of the injection port. Such "peeling" covers generally provide additional control in opening the valve. Further, as embodiments herein provide a primed closed jet path, when a toilet requires cleansing, it is indicated herein and as described in Co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 01979281. Any optional backflow prevention device, such as one, may be provided for the jet wash valve (and / or, if desired, for the peripheral wash valve).

As described above, the injection port 20 has an inlet port 18 that communicates with and passes through any optional injection manifold outlet opening 16 for receiving fluid from the injection valve outlet opening 13. However, the injection inlet port may also be located at the outlet of the injection cleaning valve. The injection outlet port 42 is configured to discharge the fluid from the injection channel 38 into the sump region 40 that communicates with the trapway 44. The injection outlet port 42 is preferably (in one embodiment of the specification, about 0.5 cm to about 15 cm, preferably about 0.5 cm to about 8 cm, most preferably about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm. _{It has a height H hop (} measured across the exit port longitudinally). If the injection channel is circular, this measurement can also be similar to or close to the inner diameter of the injection channel 38. However, regardless of the height, the cross-sectional area of the injection outlet port, from about 2 cm ² ~ about 20 cm ^2, more preferably, from about 4 cm ² ~ about 12cm ^2, and most preferably, maintained at an area of about ^{5cm 2 ~8cm} 2 It should be. In one embodiment of the specification, the height of the injection outlet port 42 at the top surface 54 or top point is preferably to the trapway 44 as indicated and measured longitudinally through the sump region 40. It is located at the seal depth below the top surface 56 of the inlet 49. The seal depth x is preferably from about 1 cm to about 15 cm, more preferably from about 2 cm to about 12 cm, to help prevent the passage of air into the injection channel 38 through the outlet port 42. Most preferably, it is about 3 cm to about 9 cm. This distance is also preferably accompanied by fluid from the injection wash valve assembly 70 or other wash valves to avoid interruption of the injection channel 38 and before and after the operation of the wash cycle, the injection channel 38 and the toilet. In the sump region 40 so as to remain primed in the injection flow path 1 from the outlet of the injection valve to the outlet of the injection port, including through any optional injection manifold 12 of the toilet bowl assembly 10. It should be equal to or below the minimum water level 59 of the fluid.

As discussed above, maintaining a primed jet path, i.e., a closed jet fluid path 1, greatly reduces resistance to turbulence and flow, improves toilet performance, and produces less water. Allows it to be used to start a siphon. Air in any optional region along the injection channel 38 or the closed jet path impedes the wash water flow and limits the flow rate of the injection port 20. In addition, air in the jet path, if not efficiently expelled or purged, is expelled through the outlet port 42 and can enter the trapway 44, interfering with the trap siphon, toilet bowl 30 fluid and excrement. It can affect the cleanup. Other variations of the toilet, as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0197928A1, may also be used in assembly 10 herein, embodiments 10, 200, as described herein. The use of a primed rimless toilet design with enhanced flushing in combination with the 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1900, and 2400 cleaning systems is preferred. , Should not be considered limiting to the scope of disclosure of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1-27, according to one embodiment of the invention, a toilet assembly generally referred to herein as 10 and a cleaning system generally referred to herein as 100 are shown. In the cleaning system 100, a reservoir 6 is provided to hold the liquid cleaning agent. The reservoir may have a variety of shapes and configurations, however, it shows a compressed substantially rectangular shape and is preferably selected to save space within the tank lid assembly (see Figure 4-5). ). The reservoir 6 may be made of a variety of materials that are resistant to deterioration from the cleaning agent and should preferably be lightweight. Formable polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers such as linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene-polypropylene copolymers and copolymers, polyvinyl chloride materials, polyethylene terephthalates, polycarbonate, polylactic acid, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and Implementation of suitable polymers and polymer composite materials, including equivalents, and their copolymers and functional derivatives (eg, polymers having electrostatic properties, binding properties, and functional groups for their equivalents on their main chains). Examples are known in the art.

The reservoir preferably holds sufficient detergent solution to allow multiple wash cycles before the reservoir needs to be replaced and / or refilled. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir may hold from about 250 ml to about 2,000 ml, preferably from about 500 ml to about 1,000 ml of liquid detergent. The wash cycle is about 4 liters to about 15 liters from the tank filling valve due to the average wash volume in the stagnant filled toilet bowl, which holds about 21 to about 6 liters, preferably about 21 to about 5 liters. Preferably, about 9 liters of additional wash water will be introduced. The wash cycle will introduce about 20 ml to about 60 ml of liquid detergent, preferably about 25 ml of liquid detergent, for a given wash, along with an additional wash volume. This provides an average dilution factor of about 50: 1 to about 300: 1 for wash water with respect to the liquid detergent in the toilet bowl during the wash cycle.

For a reservoir body having a substantially rectangular cross section, the reservoir preferably has a length l of about 10 cm to about 20, a width w of about 5 cm to about 15 cm, and a length and width across the bottom surface 51 of the reservoir. The depth d, which is measured laterally in the surface PP'and is measured in the direction perpendicular to the surface PP', is about 2 cm to about 8 cm.

The reservoir 6 has a body 7 that defines an internal space 31 for holding the liquid cleaner 9. It is preferred that the cleaning agent solution have a viscosity close to that of water because of the desired fluidity and ease of delivery. The cleaning agent solution is preferably an aqueous solution of a quaternary ammonium compound, a bleaching agent, an acidic detergent or the like known or developed in the art. Commercially available quaternary ammonium detergent products such as Professional LYSOL ^(R) Brand Antibacterial All Purpose Cleaner are suitable and may provide bactericidal or disinfecting efficacy. Citric acid-based agents or other environmentally friendly cleaning agents (environmentally friendly) may also be used. Variable amounts of various optional additives may be added as follows. Citric acid-based cleaners include lemon, orange, or grapefruit-based cleaners. Other suitable cleaning agents for the cleaning agent solutions herein include grape seed oil, vegetable oils in combination with one or more of the weaker peroxides, surfactants, and equivalents. Including.

The cleaning agent solution can be one or more, including pigments or coloring additives, to provide a visual alert that the cleaning agent has been introduced and is present in the toilet bowl during the cleaning cycle. You may have any raw material. Other additives such as preservatives, thixotropic agents, and rheology modifiers, as well as aromatic additives to provide the toilet bowl with a clean odor upon cleaning (pine scent, lemon scent, orange scent, Flower scents, etc.) may also be used in detergent solutions. In addition, other agents for foaming, color change, or foaming (air bubbles) may be provided to demonstrate cleaning action, if desired.

The cleaning agent will pass through the cleaning valve mechanism into the toilet bowl and through the toilet trapway and sewers, which may adversely affect, erode, and / or corrode the equipment being contacted. It is preferably wax-corrosive or free of other materials. It is also preferred that the cleaning agent solution is safe and approved for introduction into a housing within a sewer or household sewage treatment system.

The body 7 of the reservoir 6 preferably has a voluntary outlet portion 11.
The reservoir also has an outlet port 19 for fluid communication with the internal space 31 of the reservoir body 7. As used herein, "fluid communication" means that one element of an assembly is structurally positioned to open to flow from or to another element.

The outlet portion 11 may be located and defined by the shape of the body of the reservoir at various locations on the reservoir. As shown, the exit port 19 is positioned within the optional exit portion 11 thereby being defined in a downward configuration. The optional outlet portion may have a variety of shapes, preferably extending downward to facilitate the gravitational flow from the reservoir 6, but also over other locations in the body 7. It may be arranged. As shown, the outlet portion 11 is substantially circular to facilitate laminar flow through the outlet portion 11, but can also be substantially rectangular, elliptical, triangular, or other shape in cross-sectional shape. Has.

As schematically shown in FIG. 5, various optional configurations of supply conduits for use in the flow control devices herein are inserted into openings, including the use of tubing designs or the insertion of liquid supply valves. May be done. Each will be described as an alternative for preferred use in this embodiment. When using the pipe and supply conduit design as the flow control device 66a, a voluntary opening 77 is provided at the outlet and fits within the pipe 67. The tube 67 may be positioned so that it is located within the outlet portion 11 when the reservoir 6 is installed in the seat 57 of the housing 121. Similar tubes may optionally be provided to facilitate aeration of the reservoir, but are not shown in this embodiment (see embodiment in FIG. 39). The optional pipe 67 defines a passage 86 through it. The tube 67 exits from the outlet portion 11 through the passage 86 from the interior space 31 of the reservoir 6 and through the outlet port 19 into the first end 78 of the supply conduit when the reservoir is installed in the seat 57. A second extending upward to direct the fluid through the second end 90 of the tube 67 into the first end 78 of the supply conduit 79, having an opening 69 in it for the liquid to go. It has one end 88.

The upwardly extending first end 88 may be configured to direct the fluid into the tube and / or to push through a fragile cover when used. It may be curvilinear and blunt or tapered or pointed, depending on the desired flow characteristics into the fragile cover and tubing used. In one embodiment, the first end 78 is configured like an injectable needle for specific flow characteristics as shown in FIG. 23, further described below.

The pipe 67 has one or more optional side openings extending through it for fluid entering the upwardly extending end 88 of the pipe to flow into the bottom region 108 of the outlet portion 11. 107 may be included. When the reservoir is installed in the housing 121, the bottom region 108 of the optional outlet portion is installed in the corresponding bottom region 109 of the seat portion 74. Preferably, a peripheral seal 110, such as an elastomer or polymer O-ring, between the outlet portion 11 and the seat portion 74 for hermetic engagement between the parts is provided. The O-ring seal 110 may be seated in an arbitrary groove inside the outside of the outlet portion. The O-ring seal 110 is preferably positioned so that fluid exiting the tube 67 through the side opening 107 fills the bottom region 108 of the outlet portion 11 but does not pass over the O-ring. When the reservoir 6 is fully installed within the housing 121, the defined area 108 is sealed at the bottom of the lower exit portion of the seal 110 and the fragile cover 106. If desired, the region 108 and the region of the upstream supply conduit of any additional mechanized valve, motor, or other flow control device should be administered the cleaning agent as desired when the cleaning agent is in the primed state. It can be pre-sized to hold the amount.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and other embodiments of the reservoir and outlet portion described herein, the outlet port 19 of the reservoir as described above may be covered with a fragile cover 106. The use of a fragile cover is such that the reservoir port 19 is positioned facing downward in a preferred embodiment of the assembly 10 (as in the case of commercial sale of a reservoir filled with a cleaning agent solution prior to use). ) Allows the seal to be maintained on the reservoir when the cap or other closure is removed from the reservoir. The tearable cover 106 can be easily penetrated by an upwardly extending end of the tube, but may be a foil or other membrane that is not fragile enough to tear completely in response to penetration. .. Suitable materials include, for example, aluminum packaging foils that are thick enough to provide such properties and / or have a fragile plastic film lining. Such materials are other cleaning agents (such as dishwasher cleaning liquids), milk to provide a protective coating to avoid contamination of the product or loss of the product when the cap is removed in the store. Alternatively, it is known in the field of packaging technology for use in paper packs of juices, or pharmaceuticals and vitamins.
The type of fragile cover is not important. Preferably, the tearable cover 106 is formed of polymer-lined aluminum foil. For commercial sale, a removable lid can be provided over a fragile seal for protection reasons.

The supply conduit 79 used herein may be any suitable tubing or conduit, and in assembly 10, the above polymers for forming reservoirs as well as various thermoplastic elastomers and flexible polymers. etc. are suitable for the fluid flow may be a flexible conduit which is resistant to the detergent solution to be chosen, for example, Tygon ^(R) tubing or other flexible hose is used May be good. The supply conduit 79 preferably includes or communicates with a flow control device such as one or more valves for regulating flow, gear pumps, piston pumps, perturbation pumps, motors, or similar control devices. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the flow control device 66a is a mechanized valve 91 for controlling the flow through the supply conduit, which is adjusted and opened and closed in response to a programmed cycle in the control system 1000. is there.

In response to operating feature 4, the control system 1000 exits the reservoir 6 through the valve 91, within the initial portion of the supply conduit 79 upstream of the mechanized valve 91, and then from the second end 92 of the supply conduit. A mechanized valve 91 or similar over a time period sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent 9 into the rest of the supply conduit (providing a set flow rate through the tube or other supply conduit). Activate the flow control device. At the same time, any companion air from the solution may enter the optional ventilation path to displace the solution. Such mechanized valves may be unidirectional or adjustable ball valves or similar valves that can be operated electronically and automatically by the control system 1000. The valve may be a solenoid or a pneumatic valve as well. It may be operated by gears or peristaltic pumps or gear motors.

The assembly may also be configured as a tank lid 170 that sits on top of the tank 60. The bottom portion of the tank lid 170 may be configured as a tray 94 and may incorporate additional receptacles to hold the gear pump and / or gear motor, or as indicated, in the actuator motor 23 and below. It may have an opening 96 adapted to the housing for other components of the valve operating mechanism in the form of a lift arm actuating assembly as described further.

Further receptacles and / or openings 95 adapted to the supply conduit and / or supply valve assembly and associated gear motors are further described below. A gear motor for the liquid supply function as well as the gear motor 23 (which may also be a gear pump if desired) may be activated by the control system 1000. Activation of a gear motor, such as the gear motor 187, will allow the cleaning fluid to drain out of the reservoir by opening the valve 180. The gear motor 187 can also operate mechanized valves such as the valve 91. When used, the gear pump may be any suitable small capacity gear pump that can be operated automatically and electronically. Other pumps, such as peristaltic or piston pumps, may also be used. Suitable gear motors are those that can be operated electronically and automatically. The gear pump may be used when the system includes a pump, or a gear motor may be used to promote gravitational flow.

With respect to its use in operating the wash valve, the system also supports one or more mechanized valves and the controlled actuated operation of the wash valve in the toilet as described further below. , May have a cam or other similar mechanism (see FIG. 39) that can be used in conjunction with the rotating shaft of such a gear motor.

As shown, the supply duct opening may be in the seat portion as shown in FIG. The sheet portion 74 of the sheet 57 may include a second opening 77 for receiving the first end 78 of the supply conduit 79.

Although the supply conduit of the present specification is shown as a tube such as a flexible tube in the present embodiment, based on various embodiments of the present disclosure of the present specification, the term "supply conduit" is used. As used herein, either directly into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet or peripherally, such that wash water and wash fluid enter the toilet bowl through the conventional peripheral channel and associated peripheral channel outlet. Washing agent in the mixture from the outlet in the reservoir into the overflow pipe 190 of the wash valve, into the wash valve, into the reservoir and the toilet bowl (whether or not it flows into the peripheral inlet entering the channel) A single supply conduit or any passage through the device that provides fluid communication from the reservoir interior 31 so that it flows into any designated location between the water and wash fluid inlets. Please understand that it is also good. Therefore, various alternatives are described herein, and the supply conduit assembles passages for introducing detergent from the reservoir into the toilet bowl through a single tube, molded parts, or various passages that communicate fluids. It is a series of parts that are formed. Also, the supply conduit is completely enclosed and continuous throughout its length, for example, the supply function while the funnel forms part or all of the supply conduit and is open to the atmosphere in the tank. It is not necessary to be able to direct the cleaning agent into the overflow tube to do. The feed conduit can, by gravity, introduce fluid through the funnel into the opening in the funnel and then, for example, into the overflow pipe without the use of a closed closure, or as described herein. As in the second embodiment, gravity can introduce the fluid into a funnel that is centrally formed with an overflow tube into the wash valve. In addition, the conduit may be interrupted and / or may include a dosing chamber.

Therefore, unless more specifically used for a particular embodiment, the "supply conduit" is from the overflow pipe to the wash valve and / or directly to the peripheral flow into the toilet bowl (direct peripheral inlet,). Further at any injection point along the peripheral flow path prior to toilet entry, which can be an inlet into a peripheral channel with one or more peripheral outlets (with or without an intervening manifold). Along any point in the peripheral flow path (which may or may not be a fully enclosed and / or continuous conduit), directly from within the reservoir interior space through the reservoir outlet. It is used in its broadest sense herein to describe any mechanism that provides fluid communication into the entrance into the toilet bowl, either indirectly or indirectly.

The second end of the supply conduit can be introduced into the wash water at various locations. For example, a second end of the supply conduit is located at the bottom 93 of the tray 94 through an opening 95 therein and may terminate at that point, or as indicated, the supply conduit in the form of a funnel 166. A funnel may be used to keep the cleaning agent flowing into the overflow pipe 190 of the cleaning valve 80 through, or to allow the supply to fluidly communicate with the peripheral inlet for peripheral flow into the toilet bowl 30. The fluid may continue to flow directly into the overflow pipe without any problem. The tray 94 is installed below the housing and holds the housing 121. The cleaning system may include an optional lower tray on the bottom of the system 100. The bottom of the tray 94 is preferably configured to be located at least about 4 inches to about 5 inches above the water level line in the toilet tank 60 when disposed, which is a given tank design. Can vary depending on the height and water level in the tank for. The tray is preferably configured to hold the reservoir 6, the housing 121 and the top lid 99. The tray 94 and the top lid 99 are such that the lid 99 sits in place of the top surface of the conventional tank cover and the bottom tray 94 sits above the toilet wash valve in the interior space 119 of the toilet tank 60. It is configured to be positioned above. However, the tank lid 170 otherwise looks like a conventional tank cover in use and sits on top of the tank.

The tank is preferably of standard toilet tank dimensions in cross section so that the cleaning system can be modified on existing toilets. However, it also provides a cleaning system in which the cross section of the toilet (length and width of the lid) is of a special size, and / or the size of the cleaning system for different embodiments as described herein. It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a cleaning system with a toilet having a specially sized tank to accommodate design variations. For purely aesthetic reasons, it is preferable that the tank be as close to conventional tank dimensions as possible.

When activated by the actuator feature 4, the control system 1000 in the cleaning system 100 receives signals to perform various functions. The liquid cleaner is preloaded into any mechanized valve or upstream outlet portion of the liquid supply valve and supply conduit. The initial loading of the cleaning fluid may require initial programmable features to prime the system and preload the cleaning agent, such as by the initial operating timing for priming the unit. A separate "start" button may be provided to the control panel if desired for pre-priming the unit in response to disposing of a new wash fluid container. Once in place and preloaded, the control system 1000 delivers the dose of liquid cleaning agent from the reservoir 6 through the supply conduit 79 into the interior space 103 of the cleaning valve 80 with its flapper in the closed position. The mechanized valve or other liquid supply valve is operated for a first time cycle sufficient to do so. The flush valve into which the fluid is introduced preferably has an overflow pipe 190 and / or is configured to receive the fluid, such as flush water, and deliver it to the peripheral inlet port 28 of the toilet bowl 30.

More preferred reservoirs 6 are shown in non-schematic form in FIGS. 17 and 18. Similar to the schematic reservoir described above with respect to FIG. 5, the dimensions may be the same as those described above, and the reservoir body 7 defines the interior space 31. The reservoir has an outlet port 19 above its outlet portion 11 as described above, which can be threaded for the mating cap when a separate replacement container is sold separately. ..

Instead of the tubing as described above for use with the tubing-like supply conduit, the reservoirs of FIGS. 4, 17, and 18 include a liquid supply valve 120. As shown, the liquid supply valve 120, operated by the gear motor and valve actuator, is part of the flow control device 66a so that it is an alternative to pipes and mechanized valves, such as the schematic reservoir described above. When installed in the reservoir sheet 57 in the complementary reservoir housing 121, it is similarly located through the outlet portion 11 of the reservoir 6. The liquid supply valve 120 defines a passage 122 through it for the discharge of the wash fluid. The valve 120 has a stationary valve insert 179 positioned to cover the internal valve plug 180. The valve plug can be operated to rotate by a valve tube actuator 185, which is operated by a gear motor 187 with a gear 186 and an optional limit switch 318. When the control system 1000 activates the valve to release the cleaning fluid, the stem of the valve gear motor 187 swivels and engages the valve plug 180 until the stop 181 on the plug 180 is contacted, the tube actuator 185. To operate. When the valve is open, the opening 319 in the stationary valve insert 179 and the opening 326 in the rotary valve plug 180 are aligned. When the valve is closed, the openings are no longer aligned. The cleaning agent may enter the open valve through the opening 319. The valve plug includes an internal baffle 320 that helps guide the cleaning agent liquid downwards and guides the trapped air upwards for ventilation purposes. The valve can also be partially aligned to partially align the openings and partially open to dispense the cleaning agent at a lower flow rate.

The cleaning agent solution as described above is delivered by gravity from the internal space 31 of the reservoir 6 through the valve insert 179 and the opening 319 in the valve plug 180 and then into the passage 122 in the valve 120. And may be directed into the supply conduit through its interior, the supply conduit may be a tube as described in the schematic embodiment, or as shown, via the interior 188 of the actuator 185. As a direct entry path into the funnel 166 and into the overflow pipe 190, either all fluid through the pipe actuator 185, or acting together as a supply pipe as shown. Can be formed.

In this embodiment and other such embodiments where the liquid supply valve is operated directly, a separate flow control device because the valve itself is a flow control device for the delivery of the wash fluid. Is not required to operate the valve. Thus, as used herein, the "flow control device" or metering mechanism can be any mechanism, including a liquid supply valve, in the various embodiments described herein, or from a reservoir. It should be understood that, as long as there is a flow control device that independently controls the flow rate of, it can be configured as a separate valve located along the supply conduit, such as the mechanized valve 91, roughly as described above in FIG.

Similar to other embodiments herein, depending on the activation of the actuator features (actuator features 4, etc.), the control system preferably fluidly communicates with the inlet of the washer and wash water into the toilet bowl. In a location along the flow path, eg, in the supply conduit, then in the internal space of the valve body of the closed wash valve (valve 80, etc.), or more preferably, as shown, in the interior 188 of the actuator 185. A first time sufficient to deliver a dose of the liquid cleaning agent solution either directly into the toilet bowl 66 through the supply conduit in a fashion and then either directly or by gravity flow into the overflow tube 190. By operating the valve 120 over the cycle, it is adapted to initiate the wash cycle. The cleaning agent is configured to deliver the fluid to either the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl or the conventional peripheral channel inlet, and then through one or more peripheral channel outlets. Enter the flow path that communicates with the fluid. Such a valve 120 (similar to other valve embodiments below) is isolated so that it feeds directly into the overflow pipe 190 above the wash valve, preferably as in the preferred embodiment herein. Connected to the peripheral valve 80 and for direct delivery to the peripheral inlet into the toilet bowl, or to the peripheral inlet of a conventional peripheral channel and exits through one or more outlet ports. be able to.

All that is required is for the cleaning agent to combine with the washing water at some point along the washing water path, downstream of the reservoir and upstream of the point where the washing water with the cleaning agent enters the toilet bowl. is there. In the tenth embodiment, the valve 120 can controlfully release a cleaning agent to be combined with the washing water at some point prior to entering the toilet bowl.

The control system 1000 is similarly described herein as opening the wash valve and introducing a dose of liquid cleaner with wash water over a second time cycle as described herein. After delivering such a dose of liquid cleaning agent, the cleaning valve is at least partially closed, and if desired, after a third time cycle (holding time), the cleaning valve, optionally of the assembly. Any jet wash valve 70 inside is opened again and the wash valve 80 is operated to cleanse the inside of the toilet bowl with fresh wash water at the end of the wash cycle. The time cycles in control system operation are identified as a first time cycle and a second time cycle from the point of view of fluid delivery, but these two time cycles do not have to be in any particular order and at the same time. It should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to be able to operate in overlapping fashions. For example, the cleaning agent may be delivered to the cleaning valve, the cleaning valve may be opened at the same time as the cleaning agent is delivered, or the cleaning valve may be used for the introduction and delivery of the cleaning agent, depending on how the cycle is organized. May be released before. In the preferred mode, delivery of the cleaning agent within the first time cycle precedes opening of the cleaning valve within the second time cycle, but this is only a preference and the steps are the first and second time cycles. May be modified or modified for fluid delivery by reversing the or operating them in a simultaneous or overlapping fashion. It is also possible to set the opening and timing (as discussed in more detail below with respect to Embodiment 2400) to adapt to user preferences, adapting to simple and / or thorough cleaning cycles. ..

The liquid supply valve 120 has an actuator passage (desired) either to connect the liquid supply valve 120 to the first end of the supply conduit or to act as a supply conduit as indicated by itself. If so, other fittings may also be provided). The system may further include any optional gear pump as described above, in addition to the gear motor 187 which can also be activated by the control system 1000 for operating any optional mechanized valve-like valve 91. It may be configured to work with an operating system as described herein. The reservoir 6 may be mounted in a housing 121 and a bottom tray 94 configured as shown, capable of holding the reservoir. The liquid supply valve 120 and the reservoir 6 may also incorporate one or more of the ventilation channels, openings, or ventilation mechanisms described herein, but the ventilation holes are shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Not shown in.

The control system 1000 can be activated and can be initiated by the actuator feature 4. Actuator features may be various features that can be manually activated by the user when the wash cycle 100 is desired. For example, the actuator features may be switches, toggles, buttons, touchpads with a set of button options, or equivalents as shown. It can also be activated remotely, for example by using remote control and infrared response mechanisms as is well known in the art to initiate a flush cycle in an automatic flush toilet. As shown in the drawings or in embodiments shown as non-limiting examples, the actuator feature 4 is at least one button on the panel. The button is electrically connected to the switch mechanism in the usual manner to transmit a signal that activates the control system 1000. Depending on the activation of actuator feature 4, the control system 1000 is adapted to initiate a wash cycle.

The control system 1000 in one embodiment has a programmable controller for setting wash cycle features on a set timing sequence. Suitable control systems may include programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or programmable logic relays (PLRs), depending on the number of features. In addition, Arduino systems that use open source programmable software, sensors, and logic boards for inputs and outputs programmed into timing sequences may also be used. Small microcomputers also provide liquid level sensors (not shown) and other sensor mechanisms to give the user feedback such as liquid level, system errors, or maintenance needs for easy user interaction. May be used with a touch screen interface, which can also be programmed with. A wide variety of control systems may be used and the listed options should not be considered limiting. The system, once programmed, has a storage memory for storing the program sequence and, if desired, to reprogram the control system or sequence, or is known in the art, or It is preferred to have active access memory and bidirectional software to access the Internet or other options and download upgrades to the program in any preferred manner developed. The control system is preferably located at or near the actuator features for easy wiring and connection.

As shown, the panel 97 of the control system 1000 is located on the tank lid 170 on the housing and telecommunications with the actuator feature 4. However, it should be understood that actuator features can be placed in a wide variety of locations on the toilet assembly 10, including on the sides or front of the tank 60, including in the vicinity of the handle or wash actuation 2 features. In the embodiments shown, the actuator feature 4, represented as at least one button, is located on the panel 97 on the housing, and the CPU 97a is in the recess 63 in the housing, as most often seen in FIG. Is located below the panel 97. Either additional buttons or controls for other features of the control system as desired may be provided on panel 97. The top cover 99 preferably covers and protects the control system panel 97. When the tank lid 170 with the housing 121 rests on the tank 60, it acts as a completely separate tank lid. The cover 99 may have edge 102 or similar recessed features, if desired, to give the toilet a clean top lid appearance. As an option, a hinge connecting door 98 may be provided to cover the opening 101 in the lid cover 99 that covers the panel 97. A finger lift feature may be provided to make it easier for the user to lift the door 98. The user opens the door 98 in the lid 99 to access the actuator button 4 and the control panel 97, which are accessible over a portion of the housing that emerges through the lid opening 101 below the door 98. .. The hinged connecting door 98, lid 99, and tray 94 can be made of various materials and molded thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, but preferentially, in one embodiment, such as ^{urea formaldehyde or Durablast TM.} It consists of a formaldehydeable polymer.

The cleaning system 100 further includes a housing 121 configured to receive the reservoir 6. The housing mounts the reservoir in the seat 57 and provides a battery receiving well 61 for receiving the plurality of batteries 61a. The wells 61 may include typical features for connecting to such poles of batteries of the desired size, arranged in contact with the poles and sized to accept the desired battery size. A voluntary cover 73 may be provided over the battery well 61.

If the reservoir has different features, such as an outlet portion as indicated, the housing 121 preferably includes a sheet portion 74 configured to accept such features, including an optional outlet portion 11 of the reservoir. Have. The seat portion 74 should have a shape that complements the shape of the outlet portion 11 or other features so that it stably receives the outlet portion or region of the reservoir where the outlet port is located. It does not have to be overly tight and allows the user to easily slide the reservoir in and out of the enclosure to replace and / or refill the reservoir when needed. Should be configured. If desired, snap fitting or holding features (not shown) may be provided for any optional sliding fit within the scope of the invention, but are not required by the invention.

With reference to the schematic reservoir of FIG. 5, any vents and / or supply conduits as further described herein also have optional openings that allow fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir as needed. It may be provided in the housing for access. As shown, such a voluntary opening is located within the housing at the base of the seat portion 74, the housing being the first for receiving the first end 75 of the vent passage 76. The hole 65 may be incorporated. The holes are configured to be sized for the vent line, which may have various sizes from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. Any optional vent line may also be formed within the material of the housing itself. Therefore, the hole 65 extends through only a portion of the housing and is a body of housing material such that when the reservoir is installed, it is ventilated above the liquid level L in the reservoir and above the housing. You may communicate with the passage through. Therefore, the ventilation line 76 is configured to have a first end 75 thereof located to receive companion air and / or liquid from the outlet portion 11. It also has a second open end 84 in the reservoir located at least above the height of the total liquid level L. The second open end may also have a voluntary check valve 85 to prevent exit and / or entry air and / or liquid from passing in the wrong direction in the one-way ventilation line. Good.

The tank lid 170 may have the features shown, but it is also within the scope of the present invention to vary the physical access to the control panel 97. For example, a portion of the full lid cover mounted over the housing may itself be hinged so that all compartments of the lid are bent upwards to reveal the control panel under the lid cover. Such a design may be useful, for example, when it is desired to open up a larger area for the use of a touch screen. In addition, a solid lid cover is used if the actuator features are located remotely on the toilet, such as on the front or side of the tank 60, or can be operated remotely using a remote control system. May be done.

The system also includes a cleaning valve operating mechanism 82 as briefly described above. This feature in a preferred embodiment is described herein in more detail with reference to FIGS. 19-26. The wash actuator handle 2 is connected to a wash valve actuator lift mechanism in the form of a lift arm actuator assembly 140 (as best shown in FIGS. 23-26). The lift arm actuator assembly 140 is adapted to operate independently of the wash actuator handle 2. That is, when the normal wash mode is enabled, the wash actuator handle 2 engages the lift arm 144 to open one or more valves in the toilet as described above, but wash. When the system is engaged and the control system is activated, the handle 2 will not operate or move with the lift arm mechanism, but instead will operate independently as described below. Let's go. In the lift arm actuator assembly 140, the wash actuator handle 2 operates in the first standard mode and the lift arm 144 and wash activation are activated to open wash valves such as wash valves 80 and / or 70 for standard operation. It is adapted with features that allow it to simply work with the bar 75 or operate in a second wash cycle mode.

The assembly 140 is optionally a valve (peripheral and injection valve in a preferred embodiment, or at least one wash valve when using conventional toilets of the type as described in embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800). Includes a lift arm 144 that can be connected and / or engaged with a standard flush lift mechanism (such as the flush activation bar and rotatable connector assembly described above) to operate. When in wash cycle mode, assembly 140 will lift the peripheral wash valve 80. The lift arm 144 is directly engaged by the assembly 140.

The lift arm 144 has an extension 287, as is most often seen in FIGS. 21 and 22. Such extensions may have variable shapes and are shown here as angled tabs. The extension tab engages the housing 290 for the gear motor 148 as described below. The lift arm is also mechanically operated in wash mode by the receiving tab 144a. The actuator gear 152 is positioned in the well of the gear motor housing 290. The housing 290 may be molded from any of the above polymers or other materials and may be a single component or multiple mountable / removable components. It is preferred that the housing be removable in some manner when easy access to internal components is desired in system maintenance. As shown, the actuator gear 152 is configured to fit within the housing.

The housing 290 may be one or two components. The gear motor housing 290 is configured to seat and / or extend from an opening 96 in the lower tray 94 of the reservoir housing 121 when assembled. It may extend further upward through the opening, if desired.

When the lift arm extending portion 287 and the gear motor housing 290 come into contact with each other, the lift arm 144 is operated to operate the opening mechanism for the cleaning valve.

During the wash cycle, the controller 1000 engages the gear motor 148 in the lift arm actuator assembly 140. The actuator assembly gear motor 148 therefore preferably electronically communicates with the controller. The gear motor 148 as shown is positioned within the gear motor housing 290 and is therefore kept dry and protected during operation. The gear motor and associated limit switch 153 are therefore located within the housing 290, which can be secured to the tray 94 by any suitable method.

During operation, the pinion gear 151 engages the actuator gear 152 inside the gear motor housing 290. As a trip lever, the extension of the actuator lift arm 144 will contact the gear motor housing 290 as the pinion gear 151 turns and then limit the movement of the lift arm 144 to open the wash valve. Positioned to operate 287.

During operation, the controller activates a gear motor 148 that operates the pinion gear 151. The pinion gear 151 engages with the actuator gear 152 and moves along it. The lift arm 144 will operate the valve mechanism until the housing 290 contacts the extension 287 on the lift arm 144 and ceases to operate. The limit switch 153 can also be used to stop the lift arm at the desired position. In a preferred embodiment of a toilet design incorporating an isolated perimeter and injection channel, the lift arm is preferably high enough to open the perimeter cleaning valve, but insufficiently high to open the injection cleaning valve. Moved to position. The lift arm can therefore operate either directly in connection with the peripheral cleaning valve or through a connection or coupling mechanism to lift the cover in a controllable manner and open the cleaning valve for the cleaning cycle. it can. When the controller turns off the gear motor, the action is stopped and can be reversed by the controlled operation of the gear motor. In a normal water wash cycle, when the gear motor is not operating, the lift arm will then remain positioned so that it does not touch the lift arm extension, normal water wash without moving to engage the gear. Will operate the mechanism.

In a conventional toilet design, eg, an embodiment with a peripheral feed injection toilet, the lift arm can be raised to open only the partial flow mode of the wash valve (see, eg, FIGS. 31-36). .. As an alternative to the limit switch, a feedback loop from the motor power draw can be used to sense the increase and decrease of force on the lift arm, thereby allowing the PLC to determine the position of the wash valve. To enable.

Therefore, in the wash cycle, the handle 2 will operate in standard water wash mode when the gear motor returns the mechanism to its original position. In normal water wash mode, the handle 2 has an internal rib 141 that interacts with the stud 143. The handle also has a flush handle axle 322 that passes through the stud passage 143 g and engages the actuator gear 152 shown. The stud 143 operates with the twist stop device 142 with respect to the handle rib 141 in use. The nut 155 or similar fastening mechanism secures the stud 143 to the handle 2 in order to operate with the stop device 142 during normal use.

The lid 170 preferably has a locking mechanism 164. The housing 121 has at least one opening 311 and, as shown herein, has at least two such openings. A similar opening 309 is provided through tray 94 to receive the lock. The number of parts or locks in the locking mechanism (one or more) may vary on the assumption that the lid 170 is stable. Such locking mechanisms are optional, but advantageous for safety and security, as well as for the smooth operation of gears and cleaning systems. The opening 311 extends through the housing 121. They are shaped, sized, and otherwise configured to accept locking mechanisms such as those shown, but the openings may vary to accommodate a wider variety of other designs.

Because the locking mechanism in the embodiments shown (see FIGS. 4 and 7) extends through at least one extending fastener 312, preferably through the various openings described above, as shown herein. With at least two or more fasteners each having a screwable or swivel head 312a and a second locking end 312b that can be configured in various ways to engage the mesh locking feature. It may be included. As shown, the snap end 312b fits into the quick lock fastener. Snap washer assembly 314 may be provided with compression springs 313, push nuts and / or washers or similar features. A compression spring 313 may be provided to operably lock the fastener 312. Such locking features can then be fitted within the receiving tube 168 in the liner 169 shown in FIG. 2, which liner and tube can be placed in a toilet tank such as the tank 60. Other locking mechanisms may be used (long rod locks, or threads on caps with internal threads that engage the threaded ends of the locking rods, other snap-fit engagements and equivalents, etc.).

Once the reservoir enclosure, tray, and tank lid are integrated, they are maintained as one assembly after unlocking the assembly from the tank liner at any time that the inside of the tank needs to be accessed. Easily removed for. The tank lid 170 may be made of earthenware, such as a toilet or tank thereof, or may be made of a molded composite material or a polymer material such as a molded thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. The tank also covers and fits the reservoir housing 121 for a clean appearance, while still providing easy access for reservoir replacement or refilling, so that the tank lid 170 is positioned on it. It may have a cover 99 inside. The cover 99 should be molded, sized, or otherwise configured to be positioned on top of the tank lid 170, on which it may also have actuator button or touchpad control, control panel / electronic assembly 97. May have an access opening 101 (or an optional door as described in other embodiments herein) as described above for visually recognizing and accessing.

The liner 169 may be made of various materials such as polyvinyl chloride or similar water-safe polymer materials. A small void between the liner and the tank can be used to provide anti-condensation properties. Liners may also be used to form locking rod receptor tubes as shown. Funnel 166 or similar guide features are also preferably provided to guide or direct the cleaning agent flow directly from the reservoir into the downstream flow for combination with flush water prior to entering the toilet bowl. As shown, this will direct water into the supply conduit and / or the overflow pipe 190. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 99 contacts the top of the liner to provide a more consistent vertical and horizontal positioning of the cover for the lift arm mechanism.

The lift arm as discussed above is preferably operably connected to the wash valve 80 and may also be connected to an injection valve as described above, either directly or through an indirect connection. The connection may be adjustable. The lift arm 144 is also preferably operably connected to the wash handle 2, and the wash handle and lift arm 144 are also connected as described above to operate the wash valve during the normal wash cycle. May be good. The lift arm actuator assembly is also arranged to operate the wash valve without a handle by the operation of the lift arm actuator gear motor 148 and at least one gear 151, 152. Therefore, during the cleaning cycle, the user only needs to use the actuator button or touchpad or other actuator feature 4 (shown as at least one button herein) to engage in cleaning, and the operation of the handle. You won't have to look at it or press the wash handle. Once the wash cycle is over and the wash handle is activated, the toilet returns to normal wash.

In response to pressing a button, contact is made in the lower part of the panel 97 to the CPU 97a or Arduino assembly to activate the control system 1000. The control system then activates the timing of the gear motor 148 for the lift arm assembly 140 and also adjusts the timing of the release of cleaning agent from the reservoir, designated as the reservoir 6.

After introduction, the liquid detergent and wash water are placed in the toilet bowl for a pre-determined amount of hold time of about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, preferably about 5 minutes to about 25 minutes, before the end of the cycle. Remaining, a normal flushing action will purify the cleaning agent in the washing water and remove the cleaning agent from the toilet bowl. The toilet is then set up for normal operation during the next use.

A mechanized valve 91 or gear motor 187 is operated in this case to open the liquid supply valve 120 so as to release a dose of fluid. Dosage is programmed over a set time based on the volumetric flow velocity of the cleaning agent into the overflow pipe through the funnel through the conduit, in this case the liquid supply valve, which is pre-determined and selected for programming purposes. Will be done. The timing is such that about 20 ml to about 60 ml of liquid cleaner, preferably about 25 ml of liquid cleaner, is in the supply conduit, in this case the internal space 103 of the cleaning valve 80 communicating with the peripheral inlet port 28 from the liquid supply valve passage. Should be set to pass through. The supply conduit is an injector mechanism (shown) located at the base of the cleaning valve 80 that communicates directly into the overflow pipe of the peripheral cleaning valve 80 or with the internal space 103 inside the valve body 104 of the peripheral cleaning valve. The cleaning agent solution may be introduced through any of the following. Alternatively, the supply conduit completely bypasses the wash valve 80 and exits the tank 60 through the opening or along the sides of the tank 60, mixed with cleaning agent and introduced with additional wash water. Into the perimeter, either through a voluntary perimeter manifold, or elsewhere on the perimeter washing route as described herein at any location in front of and upstream of the perimeter inlet port 28. It may be configured to re-enter the toilet.

In the embodiments shown, the cleaning agent flows from the actuated mechanized valve 91 and / or the liquid supply valve 120 and delivers at least one initial dose over a first time cycle of about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds. , Deliver the desired amount of cleaning agent solution to the internal space 103 of the peripheral cleaning valve through the overflow pipe 190.

The control system 1000 is also configured and programmed to operate the cleaning valve 80 to mechanically open the cleaning valve 80 to introduce a dose of liquid detergent along with wash water over a set second time cycle. Will be done. In this time cycle, the wash water in the tank flows down into the toilet that has not been operated for a longer time cycle, dilutes with the wash water to allow the distribution of the cleaning agent, and the toilet over a set time cycle. It then allows slower opening of the wash valve in normal cleaning so that it can be held within. When the wash valve is typically operated through a wash actuator 2 such as a wash handle and associated coupling mechanism, the control system is correct in the absence of a particularly modified wash valve operating mechanism as described herein. A separate mechanism is required for the controlled mechanical opening of the wash valve in time (after administration) and over the second time cycle.

The wash valve is opened to deliver about 4 liters to about 15 liters, preferably about 9 liters, from the tank to the toilet. This takes about 3 seconds to about 15 seconds, preferably about 9 seconds, but the timing can vary for different systems if desired. The toilet is preferably during the cleaning cycle if such a design is possible to prevent the toilet from discharging cleaning agents and wash water into the trapway until sufficient cleaning is achieved. Does not have an activated injection port. However, in conventional siphon flush toilets, control of the wash valve is important and preferably the mechanism provides to shut off the trapway during this step during the wash cycle and avoid water loss over the weir. Will be done. Therefore, it is preferred in this embodiment to incorporate the toilet into the assembly having the isolated peripheral and jet paths of embodiment 10 so that the jet path can be separated from the operation of the wash cycle.

If more than cleaning function is desired and the user desires to clean, disinfect or sanitize, the cleaning cycle may be modified to optimize disinfection and / or hygiene function along with cleaning. It is advantageous to add the dose to the toilet bowl in two dosing steps in order to more easily achieve the sterilization level required by the US EPA for hygiene or disinfection requirements. A second dose of cleaning agent may be administered and retained with a first dose and then with the last 500-1,000 ml of water in the washing cycle. This ensures that relatively high concentrations of active ingredient remain in the toilet bowl for the duration of the hold cycle. Higher concentrations of wash fluid and longer retention cycles are beneficial in reaching EPA-required efficacy levels.

In the preferred embodiment shown, which has an isolated peripheral flow path for the toilet assembly 10, the toilet is operated by a control system 1000 that mechanically and controllably opens the peripheral cleaning valve 80, the injection cleaning valve 70. It has a separate injection cleaning valve mechanism 70 so as not to open, thereby avoiding the formation of siphons in the trapway and allowing for a more effective cleaning cycle. The control system 1000 lifts the flapper 105 at a controlled rate over a set time cycle to deliver the desired cleaning agent and dilutes the wash water flow to the peripheral inlet port through the valve. The peripheral cleaning valve 80 is mechanically opened.

The control system 1000 then closes the cleaning valve at least partially after delivering one or more doses of liquid cleaning agent during the second time cycle (the second time cycle is disinfection and / or Note that for hygiene, one or more dosing steps may be included with the intervention suspension cycle as described above). After completion of administration, the control system then suspends operation for an additional third time cycle to allow the irrigation solution to reside in the toilet bowl and achieve the desired level of disinfection and / or irrigation action. Will do. The water is retained for an optimum wash time of about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, preferably about 5 minutes to about 25 minutes, until settling.

After a wash time cycle or "clean hold time", the control system may optionally be programmed to reopen the wash valve more mechanically to clean the internal area 36 of the toilet bowl 30. Optionally, the jet cleaning valve (as further described below herein) also introduces additional water, siphons in the trapway, and drains a larger amount of cleaning fluid. It may be opened during the introduction of purified water from the periphery (although the timing may vary with respect to the starting point of opening of the injection wash valve) to achieve a more complete purification. Alternatively, the control system may be programmed to simply stop the wash cycle at the end of the hold cycle. The user will then simply activate the wash actuator (handle) to initiate a normal wash cycle, introducing new wash water to purify the toilet bowl at the end of the wash cycle. The first option is preferred as a safety feature to ensure that no cleaning agent is left in the toilet bowl if the user forgets to start further washing and clean the toilet bowl, but both options Is acceptable and is within the scope of the present invention.

The preferred timing of delivery of the wash solution and wash water according to Embodiment 10 is shown in FIG. At the beginning of the cycle, the wash solution is dispensed from the reservoir by partially opening the valve to provide a flow rate of about 5 ml per second over a duration of 2 seconds and delivering about 10 ml of wash. .. This initial dose is then dispensed throughout the toilet bowl by opening the peripheral lavage valve via a lift arm mechanism. The water then flows from the tank to the peripheral outlet port at a rate of about 1,200 ml / sec to about 800 ml / sec for about 9 seconds, reducing the flow velocity as the height of the water droplets in the tank. Approximately 3 seconds prior to the end of water delivery, a larger dose of 30 ml of wash fluid was added with the last 2 liters of water, leaving a higher concentration of active ingredient in the toilet bowl due to the upcoming hold cycle. .. The control system, eg PLC, then goes into a 15 minute hold cycle, after which the purification step is started, the lift arm is driven to full extension, both the periphery and the injection wash valve are open and standard with the siphon. A wash will be started, the used wash solution will be drained into the drain and the toilet bowl will be refilled with clean water.

In the present wash embodiment as described above, after the start of the wash cycle at about 1 second to operation, the second time cycle is divided into two dosing step cycles 2-1 and 2-2. The administration time occurs. The first dosing cycle introduces about 10 ml (at a flow rate of about 5 ml / sec) into the toilet bowl and activates for a few seconds (here about 2 seconds). While flush water is introduced and the toilet bowl is retained, the wash cycle operation occurs over an additional cycle of about 6 seconds. At that point, an additional about 35 ml of wash solution is introduced at a rate of about 15 ml / sec over a few more seconds (here about 2.3 seconds), while the wash water is about 3 seconds into the cycle. Continues to be added into the cycle from nearly 1,200 ml / sec at a rate of decrease over time to about 800 ml / sec in about 12 seconds. This alternative wash cycle with a double dose step may be used to optimize disinfection in the wash and disinfection cycle and achieve the desired level of hygienic cleaning for bacterial disinfection.

International Patent Publication No. WO2009 / 030904A1 or US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0219605A1 and US Patent Publication No. 2015/0197928A1, respectively incorporated herein by reference with respect to operating marginalized toilets and a description of their characteristics. Borderless toilet designs, such as those described in the issue, may also be incorporated. In the embodiment set forth in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0197928A1, the perimeter is inside the toilet bowl through a perimeter inlet port 28 where the fluid travels along contours or geometric features formed within the inner surface of the toilet bowl 30. It is a "peripheralless" design in that it is introduced into the toilet. The contour may be one or more shelves 27 or similar features formed along the upper perimeter of the toilet bowl. As shown in FIG. 13, embodiments herein are shown with similar features in that they include shelves inserted into the pottery porcelain. The shelf, also referred to herein as the peripheral shelf 27, is the peripheral entrance along the inner surface of the toilet bowl in its upper peripheral portion, at least partially around the toilet bowl, and within the insertion contour of the inner surface of the toilet bowl 30. It extends substantially laterally from port 28.

The toilet bowl 30 may have different shapes and configurations, similar to the toilet 10 in embodiment 100 described herein, and may have different toilet seat lids and / or lid hinge assemblies. Since such lids are optional, they are not shown in the drawings and any suitable lid known or developed may be used with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, the shelves 27 can extend around substantially the entire inner surface. It terminates to induce a vortex effect for cleaning. Peripheral shelf design is also incorporated herein by reference in the relevant section from the perspective of explaining the non-peripheral features, as described in Co-pending US Publication No. 2013/0219605A1 with multiple peripheral shelves and multiple. It can also be adapted to the peripheral entrance of. The toilet bowl is formed without the traditional hollow perimeter, allowing fluid to pass around at least a partial path around the toilet bowl and enter the interior of the toilet bowl where it is laterally displaced from the perimeter entrance. In UK Patent Application GB2431937A, the water is directed around the contoured inner surface of the toilet bowl within the upper peripheral part, forming on the contour of the toilet bowl surface as shown on the shelf or similar geometric features. Similar designs as shown, or any future variants of such designs may also be used. It has a peripheral inlet port that feeds into a peripheral channel defined by a conventional upper peripheral, and has one or more peripheral exit ports for introducing flush water into the internal area of the toilet bowl. It should also be understood that standard marginal channels can also be used in the embodiments described herein. Such edges may or may not be pressurized.

In the toilet assembly 10 of Embodiment 100 as described above, the shelf 27 may be inserted. The shelf 27 is in the contour, having a depth measured laterally from the inner surface of the toilet bowl into the contour and a height measured longitudinally from the shelf 27 to the upper surface 47 above the shelf. Its parameters define the width or width of the shelf. The contour can have an inwardly extending portion and an upper top surface of the shelf 27 that extends along the shelf but varies in size to provide a deeper shelf in the area. The contour is slightly greater than the depth to accommodate the first depth and the strong fluid flow from the peripheral inlet port, with the rear of the toilet as the peripheral flow continues along the shelf towards the front of the toilet. It has a first height that maintains a reasonably large shelf size approximately in the middle of the front. The depth of the shelf is relatively constant, but the contour height begins to extend towards the front of the toilet bowl. For example, the depth may remain from about 15 mm to about 30 mm at the beginning of the peripheral contour through the intermediate location and from about 10 mm to about 30 mm at the front of the toilet bowl. Heights at these locations vary from about 35 mm to about 55 mm at the start of flow through the intermediate location to about 40 mm to about 55 mm at the front of the toilet bowl.

As the flow travels back from the front of the toilet bowl to the back of the toilet bowl and continues to the opposite side of the toilet bowl at the midpoint, the depth is still relatively constant (slightly smaller at the back of the toilet bowl but higher). The sword can be further extended, for example, from about 45 mm to about 60 mm in the middle place to the rear of the toilet bowl, which is about 50 mm to about 65 mm). As the height increases, the shelves 27 decrease in size and eventually terminate.

Several toilet assemblies may be used with the cleaning systems and methods herein as well as the various embodiments described herein. Suitable toilets for use with the wash system include all gravity powered siphon wash valve toilets, as well as single and multiple flush toilets and wash-off toilets. Those with pressurized margins and direct jet paths, such as US Pat. No. 8,316,475, which are incorporated herein in the relevant part with respect to the structure and operation of the toilet bowl, may be used. Described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0198610A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in reference to the operation and characteristics of the toilets therein, as well as the cleaning system within the toilet assembly herein. Toilet is also useful, as it has control features that regulate the perimeter and jet flow.

The present invention also presents the interior and fluid of the toilet bowl through a toilet bowl that defines the internal space, a toilet tank that defines the interior of the tank, a wash valve, and a peripheral flow path that extends from the outlet of the wash valve to at least one peripheral outlet port. Also including a toilet assembly with a cleaning system, including a toilet assembly with communicative perimeters, the cleaning valve is configured to deliver fluid to the perimeter and the cleaning valve is configured to operate in flush operation mode. Toilet. The wash valve can also provide sufficient flush water flow for the toilet assembly to initiate a flush siphon, or to provide a wash-off flush, and the wash valve is insufficient to initiate a siphon. Can operate in a wash operating mode, which is only partially open to allow the introduction of the cleaning agent and the wash water mixture into the toilet bowl, which is sufficient for cleaning the toilet bowl. The cleaning system also includes a reservoir for holding the liquid cleaning agent, which has a body defining the internal space and has an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir body. Many of these features have already been described above for Embodiment 10. However, in this embodiment, the toilet assembly may be a more conventional toilet.

The system passes through a supply conduit and a supply conduit having a housing configured to receive the reservoir, fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir, and a first end for receiving fluid from within the reservoir. Includes a flow control device capable of controlling the flow rate. A control system that can be activated by the actuator features is also provided, and depending on the activation of the actuator features, the control system is sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent from the reservoir to one or more peripheral outlets. Insufficient to operate the flow control device over the first time cycle, operate the wash valve in wash actuation mode, introduce wash water, and start the siphon, but to wash the toilet bowl The cleaning cycle is adapted to begin with a step of opening the cleaning valve to carry a dose of liquid cleaning agent into the toilet bowl through at least one peripheral outlet port at a sufficient flow velocity.

In conventional toilets such as direct feed non-injection toilets or wash-off toilets, the wash valve is about 20% to about 80% slower, preferably about 20% to about 80% slower in the wash operating mode than the flow velocity through the wash valve during normal wash mode. In the washing operation mode, the washing water may be introduced at a flow rate that is about 40% to about 60% slower than the flow rate passing through the washing valve during the normal washing mode. In addition, the washing water may enter the valve in the washing operation mode over a period of about 2 seconds to about 30 seconds. The wash water and detergent may be introduced into the toilet bowl and have a residence time of about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes to clean the toilet bowl.

In one particular embodiment of the assembly, the toilet bowl may be a direct feed injection siphon gravity powered toilet bowl. As an alternative, the toilet bowl may be a peripheral feeding injection type siphon type toilet bowl, a non-injection type siphon type gravity-powered toilet bowl, or a gravity-powered wash-off type toilet bowl.

Further, in an alternative embodiment of the assembly, the cleaning valve may be a flapper-type cleaning valve with poppet features in the valve cover for use when opening the valve during cleaning operating mode. Alternatively, the wash valve may be a flapper-type wash valve with hook and catch features for use in opening the valve during the wash operating mode. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning valve may be a poppet-type cleaning valve, the poppet-type valve cover opens the cleaning valve in the normal wash mode, and the cleaning valve opens the valve during the cleaning operation mode. It has a side port, with a cover on it for use in the event of an accident.

In addition to the preferred primed jet path toilets described above in Embodiment 10, with separate perimeters and jet streams, the concept of cleaning systems and methods herein is also for the reasons described below. Therefore, it may be adapted for standard toilets, preferably siphon or wash-off toilets with non-jet or peripheral feed jet structures.

Direct feed jet toilets are currently the majority of toilets sold in the North American and Asian markets for mass removal of excrement. However, the cleaning system herein may be adapted for such toilet bowls, but is not preferred for the most powerful cleaning action. The reason can be explained with respect to the structure of such a toilet bowl. Examples of prior art direct feed injection siphon gravity flush toilets are shown in FIGS. 29, 29A, and 29B. As can be seen, the flow into the toilet bowl through the inlet I enters the manifold M and splits into the peripheral channel RC and the injection channel JC at the peripheral inlet RI. The benefit of the self-cleaning system herein is that the cleaning fluid is delivered to the toilet bowl via a long-term stream of water and the cleaning agent is provided over substantially the entire or complete surface of the toilet bowl to provide both mechanical and chemical cleaning action. Includes the ability to disperse, provide some degree of swirling and turbulent rotational movement.

This is high enough to carry the mixture of detergent and wash water over the required surface and provide the required mechanical action, but add it at a flow rate not high enough to start a siphon. Achieved by doing. The siphon imitation carries a large amount of cleaning agent from toilet bowl B into drainage line D before the cleaning agent has sufficient residence time to achieve its true cleaning and / or hygiene potential. Will.

In the prior art direct injection toilet DJT shown in FIG. 29, most of the wash water is delivered at a slower rate, which is insufficiently high to initiate the siphon, in the flush channel JC. Will enter the Samp S and the Trapway TW through the injection outlet port JOP. The injection channel is a "down line" with respect to the manifold M and the peripheral inlet RI so that gravity pushes most of the water into the injection channel. Insufficient water and cleaning agent can reach into the peripheral channel RC and flow out of the peripheral exit port ROP to achieve the desired cleaning action. When such direct injection toilet systems are flushed at the flow rate intended for their full design, only about 30% of the flush water crosses the injection inlet to the injection channel JC and reaches the peripheral outlet port. This occurs because the flow rate from the wash valve exceeds the maximum flow rate reachable through the injection channel and the injection outlet port, causing water to flow back in the injection channel and into the peripheral inlet port. Therefore, the cleaning system herein will probably send most of the cleaning agent to the sump out of the drain and give a slight cleaning effect to the surface of the toilet bowl above the water level line. The cleaning system herein may be adapted and used with a prior art direct injection toilet or similar design as shown in FIG. 29, however, the cleaning action above the water level is described. It will not be as effective as the other toilet structures discussed in the specification.

The cleaning system herein can be adapted to other standard toilets with minor modifications as described below. As shown in FIG. 30, the peripheral feed injection toilet bowl 1630 may be adapted for use in a further embodiment of the system herein, referred to as embodiment 1600. In embodiment 1600, various valve opening mechanisms, flush actuators, alternative reservoirs including motorized cam-operated types, and embodiments 10, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 All of the systems of the embodiments herein, including 1900, as well as 2400 other cleaning agent inlet valves, may be used with the toilet assembly 1630 of the present embodiment. Therefore, other than the toilet 1630 and its wash valve operation as described below, only the clear aspects that fit the system for use in the standard peripheral injection toilet assembly will be otherwise identical. Given that there are variants of toilet bowls and valves, they are described herein. In peripheral feed injection toilets, the self-cleaning system can work well due to the geometry of the toilet. A typical marginal feed injection toilet bowl is shown in FIG. 30 as a toilet bowl 1630 (although other marginal feed designs may be used). Washing water will flow from the toilet inlet 16237 into the primary manifold 16238 in such a geometry in a manner known in the art for such toilets. From the primary manifold, flow flows out into the open peripheral channel formed by the upper hollow peripheral inlet port 1628.

As used herein, the "peripheral inlet port" in the no-periphery design creates a swirl around the interior of the toilet bowl, such as along the perimeter shelf 27 as described above in the previous embodiment. It is a port through which flush water enters the toilet bowl through the opening, or an inlet opening into a conventional marginal channel formed on the upper perimeter of the hollow perimeter around the toilet. Such hollow margins that define the marginal channels are well known in the art. Flow can exit the manifold 16238 in only one direction through the hollow rim 16239 defining the inner rim channel 16240, or the flow is the primary manifold at the rear of the toilet bowl 1630 on each side of the rim channel. There may be one or two entrances 1628 in that they can pass in two opposite directions through the two ports so that they pass from 16238 towards the front of the toilet bowl.

Several exit ports 16241 are formed on the periphery facing the interior 636 of the toilet bowl 1630. All such outlets may be of equal size, or may have some larger, if desired, due to additional cleaning action.

When the flow reaches the front portion of the peripheral feed injection type toilet bowl 1630, it passes through the peripheral feed injection inlet 16242 of the peripheral feed injection port 16243 and passes downward to the peripheral feed injection outlet 16244. Thus, water enters the toilet bowl from the perimeter, either through the perimeter channel outlet 16241 or through the perimeter feed injection outlet 16243, into the sump region leading to the trapway.

When the cleaning system herein is configured to include a peripheral feed jet toilet bowl 1630, a larger amount of cleaning agent and washing water is discharged at outlet 16241 so that less water is directed to the sump and trapway. Through, it will enter the toilet bowl through the periphery. Therefore, if the flow velocity and valve release are controlled as discussed below, sufficient residence time will be provided on the standard marginal delivery toilet 1630 in embodiments 10, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200. Can be obtained to enable good functioning of any of the cleaning systems 1,300, 1400, 1500, 1900, and 2400.

A typical non-injection gravity-powered toilet bowl has a configuration similar to that of a peripheral feed injection type as shown in FIG. 30, except that the peripheral channel remains solid and there is no peripheral injection port. Have. The toilet bowl remains a solid wall in its anterior part, without a spout that flows from the periphery to the sump. Such non-injection toilets also have a cleaning system herein in that all flush water must flow out of the hollow periphery (such as those shown above for toilet bowl 1630) through the edge outlet port. It can also work well with. In such a design, one or more of the peripheral outlet ports should provide a stronger wash water flow directed to the entrance of the toilet trapway in a manner that mimics a jet-acting toilet. It is also more common that it will be made larger than a typical peripheral outlet port to provide additional wash flow, at the desired location approximately near the front of the toilet bowl. There are also similar toilet bowls known as wash-off toilet bowls, which typically have slightly different toilet geometry with respect to the trapway and peripheral outlets, such as siphon non-injection toilet bowls. The wash-off toilet is generally similar in structure to that of a non-injection siphon toilet, except that the trapway is not designed to support the siphon. The wash-off toilet trapways generally have a larger cross-sectional area and are relatively simple P-trap or S-trap geometry for wall and floor outlet arrangements, respectively. Instead of traditional perimeters with multiple exit ports, they often allow faster flow rates into the toilet bowl and more efficient transport of excrement over the trapway weir. Constructed with an open bottom surface to the periphery.

The arrangement of the cleaning system as described above herein in a peripheral jet, non-injection, or wash-off standard toilet allows the cleaning agent and wash water to be cleaned by the peripheral outlet port (or open peripheral). ) Is more efficient than other standard toilet designs in that more can be directed onto the surface of the toilet bowl and less is wasted in the trapway and sump areas.

Such conventional toilet bowls, which lead to the cleaning system herein, have been primed with isolated effluent paths as described in detail in previous embodiments and US Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1. Unlike manifold toilets, most such standard toilets are now isolated because they only have a single wash valve that introduces fluid into the manifold and / or peripheral channels for introduction into the toilet. It is necessary to consider the lack of margins and jet paths, as well as separate margins and injection valves when introducing cleaning fluid into the toilet bowl through the margins.

Washing water and detergents at slower speeds to avoid the onset of the siphon effect in peripheral feed jet or non-spray toilets, or to avoid more intense flushes in the case of wash-off toilets. Required for introduction. Such a siphon or powered water wash can also prematurely carry too much cleaning agent out of the toilet bowl through the trap before achieving the intended cleaning action. It is also important to open and hold the wash valve during the wash cycle for a longer duration than normal water wash. This is achieved by providing a modified wash valve design to achieve a slower rate and longer wash cycle residence time when the wash cycle is initiated, which is achieved in standard toilets. Standard wash valves will not work properly. Standard wash valves come in a variety of configurations, including flapper cover valves with hinged coupling cover openings, or poppet valves with a central axis for upward floating of caps or lid covers.

The modified valve will be further described with respect to the first wash valve 16245 for use in the embodiment using the peripheral feed injection toilet bowl 1600 of FIG. 30, but other types of standard toilet bowls (wash-off). It should be understood that the formula or non-injection formula, etc.) can also use the modified wash valve 16245 as described herein. Accordingly, embodiment 1600 includes a combination of toilet 1600 with a wash valve shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, in which the valves are in closed and open positions, respectively. The wash valve 16245, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, has a valve body 16246 installed in an opening in the tank 1660, which may be identical to the tank 60 in embodiment 10 herein. The valve 16245 has a flapper-type cover 16247 with poppet features as described below. The cover 16247 is connected to the wash valve body 16246 at a hinge mount 16248 located on the overflow pipe 16249 (the overflow pipe can be like the overflow pipe 190 previously described). The poppet feature 16250 has a guide rod 16251 or other coaxial guide structure to allow reciprocating movement through a guide ring 16252 defining an opening 16253 for receiving the guide rod 16251. The end of the guide rod is sized larger and / or stops to prevent the guide rod 16251 from completely exiting the guide ring 16252 when moving upwards to prevent it from detaching from the cover 16247. It is either configured to have the feature 16254.

When the poppet activation chain C2 is pulled upward, the poppet feature 16250 moves upward, opening the area blocked by the poppet feature 16250 when in contact with the cover 16247. Water carries the cleaning fluid (eg, which can be introduced through the overflow pipe 16249) and uses the cleaning system herein to achieve the desired cleaning action without initiating a siphon. Enter at a sufficient speed. The chain C2 is attached to the top of the poppet feature 16250 through a link, grommet, or similar feature.

When the wash cycle is complete and normal wash is desired again, the wash actuator pulls the chain C1 attached at the link 16255 upwards and the entire cover 16247 upwards so that the water from the tank 60 is valved. It is possible to enter through a larger valve inlet opening that straddles the interior of the body and achieve sufficient flow velocity to initiate a siphon for normal flushing action.

In another embodiment of the wash valve for use with the standard toilet described above as demonstrated by embodiment 1600, an additional alternative valve for use in a system having such a toilet is shown in FIG. 33. And 34, identified as Embodiment 1700. This is described with reference to 1600 toilets, but it should be noted that it can be used with any of the standard toilets described above. Embodiments 1600 and 1700 (and 1800 described below) are standard gravity powered siphon or wash-off toilets of one or more types of embodiments 1600 and 1700, specifically non-injection toilets. , Peripheral injection, or wash-off toilets are used, and as a result, the toilet 10 and its variants described in the previous embodiment have an isolated peripheral and jet flow and a primed jet path. In contrast, with the exception of adopting modified valves as described herein, in embodiment 10 or in embodiments 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300. Use any of the system, mechanical parts, and method steps as illustrated above for a cleaning system as described in other embodiments herein, such as 1,400, 1500, 1900, and 2400. You may.

In valve 1700 of FIGS. 33 and 34, valve 17256 is shown with a ball and a flapper-shaped cover with hook and catch features. The cleaning valve 17256 has a valve body 17257 shown in cross section and a radial inlet 17258 having a substantially cylindrical interior of laminar flow. The flapper cover 17259 has floating spheres 17260 to assist lift and floating of the wash valve in normal water washing operations. The cover 17259 is attached to the valve body 17257 at a hinge mount 17261 on the overflow pipe 17262 (which may be like any other overflow pipe described herein). An additional hook hinge mount 17263 is provided on the first front end 17264 of the flapper cover 17259 opposite the side surface of the flapper cover hinge mount 17261.

The hook hinge mount 17263 engages the first mounting end 17265 of the hook 17266. As shown in FIG. 33, the wash valve is closed and the cover 17259 is in contact with the top of the valve body 17257 at the radial inlet 17258. In this position, the second capture end 17267 of the hook 17266 is loosely hanging and does not engage the valve body. Water cannot flow into the wash valve 17256 at this position. When the normal wash cycle is initiated, the hook 17266 has a wash actuator chain C1 with a toilet wash actuator, one of these wash actuators described in the wash system described herein, or a standard wash actuator. Is sized to rotate and swing around the catch 17268 when raised by. This allows the flapper cover 17259 as shown in FIG. 34 to be completely opened, allowing sufficient flush water to enter the valve and siphoning to flush the toilet bowl, or sufficient for wash-off toilets. Allows water to enter the trapway. In order for the hook 17266 to have such a gap, there is a sufficient gap x of about 1 mm to about 6 mm when in the stationary position, as shown in FIG.

In a cleaning cycle using the cleaning system according to embodiment 1700, the cleaning cycle actuating chain C2 is described herein to lift the flapper cover 17259 to the point where the second end 17267 of the hook 17266 engages the catch 17268. It is raised using the mechanism that is used. This allows a gap between the cover 17259 and the radial inlet 17258 above the valve body to allow limited wash water to enter the wash valve at slower flow rates. This slower flow rate is to carry the cleaning agent, which can be introduced into the valve body, through the overflow pipe 17262 into the standard toilet as described herein, and to initiate a siphon, if required. Sufficient to provide spiral mechanical agitation without sufficient flow rate.

In a further embodiment of the wash valve for use with the standard toilet described above as demonstrated by embodiment 1600, an additional alternative valve for use in a system having such a toilet is shown in FIG. 35 and. 36 is shown and identified as embodiment 1800. This is described with reference to 1600 toilets, but it should be noted that it can be used with any of the standard toilets described above. Similar to embodiments 1600 and 1700, embodiment 1800 is a standard gravity powered siphon or wash-off toilet of one or more types of embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800, specifically non-injection. What is the toilet 10 and variants thereof described in embodiment 10 which uses a formal, peripheral jet, or wash-off toilet and, as a result, the toilet has an isolated peripheral and jet flow and a primed jet path. In contrast, embodiment 10 and other embodiments 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 of the present specification, except that modified valves as described herein are employed. Any of the systems, mechanical components, and method steps as illustrated above for the cleaning system described in 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1900, and 2400 may be used.

In valve 1800 of FIGS. 35 and 36, valve 18269 is shown with a poppet-type cover 18270 with side port 18271. The cleaning valve 18269 has a valve body 18272 shown in cross section and a radial inlet 18273 having a substantially cylindrical interior of laminar flow. The poppet cover 18270 has a drooping guide rod 18274 for guiding the poppet cover upward in a central axial fashion during a standard water wash cycle and returning it to the closed position when the cycle is completed during a normal water wash operation. The guide rod 18274 has a stop 18275 at its end that engages a guide ring 18276 with an opening 18277 through which it is configured to be axially aligned with and receive the guide rod. Valve 18269 also includes an overflow pipe 18278, which may be like the other overflow pipes described herein.

The side port 18271 has a first end 18279 (optionally provided with a radial edge) having a side port cover 18280. The cover has a hinge 18281 (although it may have any suitable opening mechanism). The side port has a passage 18282 extending from a first end 18279 of the side port 18271 to a second end 18283 that communicates fluid with the interior 18284 of the valve body 18272. The side port cover 18280 is operable by the first chain C1 of FIG. 35, which is actuated during the cleaning cycle operation by the control system as described above. In a standard wash cycle, the cover 18270 is lifted by the second chain C2 shown in FIG.

During operation, as shown in FIG. 35, the wash valve is closed and the cover 18270 is in contact with the top of the valve body 18272 at the radial inlet 18273. In this position, the side port 18271 is closed and the side port cover 18280 is also closed. Water cannot flow into the wash valve 18270 at this position. When the normal flushing cycle is initiated, the chain C2 is the flushing actuator of the toilet with the flushing actuating chain C2 of FIG. 35 (one of these flushing actuators described in the cleaning system described herein, or The cover 18270 is activated to pull upwards when raised by (which can be a standard wash actuator). This completely opens the poppet-shaped cover 18270, allowing sufficient flush water to enter the valve and siphoning to flush the toilet bowl, or in the case of a wash-off toilet, ample water traps. Allows you to enter the way. At the end of the wash cycle, the cover 18270 will close and the valve will return to its initial closed position.

In a wash cycle using the wash system according to embodiment 1800, the wash cycle actuating chain C1 of FIG. 35 lifts the side port cover 18280 and enters side port 18271 such that only limited wash water flow is shown in FIG. It is elevated using the mechanism described herein to allow for. The side ports are configured and / or sized to allow limited wash water to enter the wash valve at slower flow rates. This slower speed initiates siphoning, as required, to carry the cleaning agent, which can be introduced into the valve body, through the overflow pipe 18278 into the standard toilet as described herein. It is sufficient to provide spiral mechanical agitation without sufficient flow rate.

Other embodiments are also sufficient to allow the cleaning agents to coalesce into the toilet for active cleaning operations, while during a cleaning cycle that is insufficient to initiate a siphon. Then, use the full flow velocity to clean the toilet bowl and introduce new wash water to engage in standard wash, slower rate of wash water entry into the valve body during separate wash. For this reason, the valve may be similarly designed to operate in a manner that is partially open in some way. For example, the wash valve has a separate smaller open path and hinged connecting lid that can operate on a separate wash cycle actuated chain to allow full wash operation with a wash activated poppet lift chain. , May be configured with a standard poppet lid and a coaxial guide rod to have a side opening (which can be an extending body).

For each proposed embodiment of the valve and the standard toilet cleaning valve described herein, as known in the art and as set forth in embodiment 1700 (if desired, a particular flow path). Use of radial inlets (for), if desired, and preferably without adversely affecting the wash flow velocity through the valve during wash operation, the United States for controlling elevated valve body, valve operation and opening speed. Backflow prevention device mechanism, such as one described in Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1, Simultaneous Dependence of Applicants of the Specification. Overflow as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0230136A1. Scoops, internal baffles for flow direction, can be hooked on either a wash-actuated chain or a wash-cycle actuated chain to optimize valve timing, such as US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/090158A1. Optional features, including additional attached floats, as well as equivalents, are described for standard toilets when adopted in the cleaning systems herein (such as embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800). May be provided for use with the valve.

For optimal operation, in conventional toilet bowls, such partially open valves are sufficient for opening in the gap or for good cleaning with a cleaning agent / washing water mixture. Is partially lifted (or separate) at an optimized distance to allow flow at a speed that is not sufficient to start the siphon in a toilet bowl that does not have an isolated jet path. (Has a side opening), etc. (partial flow mode). An acceptable gap in embodiment 1700 is that the flow rate achieved through a partially open valve is required to achieve a total flush flow rate for a given toilet design (ie, a complete siphon or complete wash-off effect). The partial opening above the inlet of the valve body in embodiments such as 1600 allows flow through the side opening port in embodiment 1800. It is a measurement similar to the area that is available to make. Preferably, the flow rate achieved through the partially open valve is about 40% to about 60% of the total flush flow rate for a given toilet design. Standard flush actuators (whether electronic or standard flush handles (or mechanized handles as described herein)) then preferably engage in cleaning the toilet bowl in a standard flush cycle. ..

During operation for all of the cleaning valves described herein, the cleaning cycle actuator 1604 (actuator button with gear drive or the like as described herein, a mechanized actuating handle, etc.) is activated. The control system 16000 as described above is a peripheral inlet port 1628 (a peripheral inlet port in a separate isolated peripheral valve such as the primed toilet of embodiment 10, or a non-injection toilet bowl, peripheral feed. Liquid from the reservoir 1606 prior to the introduction of flush water into the toilet 1630 through (whether it is a peripheral inlet port to a peripheral channel such as a standard toilet such as a flush toilet or a wash-off toilet). For the controlled introduction of the cleaning agent into the overflow pipe 16190 or other entry point within the cleaning valve as described in embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800 through the supply valve 16120 or other valve assembly. In addition, the system is operated to initiate one of the various embodiments described above. The wash valve in each toilet bowl is flushed into the toilet bowl without a toilet bowl wash / siphon start that causes an unnecessary loss of wash solution before the wash cycle is complete, as described in detail above. It is operated by a control system 16000 such as a CPU to open the cleaning valve for the controlled release of the cleaning agent mixed with the irrigation water. At the end of the wash residence time, conventional wash is usually released to the toilet bowl with the full flow of clean wash water, clearing the wash / wash water mixture and the residue removed by the wash from the wash cycle. May be actuated in the manner of (or through programmed actuation).

Similar to variations in toilet assemblies and varying wash valves to adapt to different behaviors of different toilet assemblies, embodiments herein include various modifications of the liquid supply valve 120 as described above. In some cases, it is varied by providing an alternative flow control device 66a, such as by interlocking with modifications in the liquid supply valve or by using a modified reservoir to provide additional features. You may. The following provide embodiments of various alternative liquid supply valves.

With reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, in a further embodiment 200 of the present specification, the cleaning system as described above is identical to the cleaning system 100 of the above embodiment 10 in all other respects, with similar numbers. , Used to indicate similar parts throughout, with the exceptions below. The present embodiment includes an alternative reservoir and a liquid delivery system. In the 200th embodiment, the reservoir 206 has a liquid supply valve 2120 that is positioned within the optional outlet portion 211 of the reservoir 206 when installed in a complementary enclosure. The liquid supply valve 2120 defines a passage 2122 through which the valve fitting 2125 is received. A first for directing a cleaning agent solution or other fluid from the internal space 231 of the reservoir 206 through the passage 2122 in the valve body 2126 and through the internal 2128 of the fitting 2125 when the valve 2120 is in place. It has an upper end 2123. Such a fitting acts as a feed to the overflow pipe or to the first end 78 of a pipe-type supply conduit or another similar supply conduit path into the wash valve of the toilet assembly. May be good. The valve 2120 also has a second lower end 2124 through which the joint 2125 passes.

In embodiment 200, the mechanized valve 91 (which can be identical to the valve in embodiment 100, as shown in FIG. 5) is also used as in combination with the liquid supply valve 2120 as an alternative flow control device. It may be, preferably it is possible to control the flow rate through the supply conduit 79 or into the overflow pipe. The control system 20000 can also be activated by actuator features such as actuator feature 4 in embodiment 10. In response to activation of actuator feature 4, the control system 20000 is for delivery of fluid from the supply conduit 79 and / or the overflow pipe 190 to the peripheral inlet port 28 of the toilet bowl 30 as described above in embodiment 10. The mechanized valve 91 as described above is operated over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of the liquid cleaning agent solution 9 to the internal space 103 of the valve body 104 of the configured closed cleaning valve 80. This is adapted to initiate the wash cycle. The control system 20000 may be programmed and include features as described above for the control system 1000. The control system 20000 also opens the wash valve and introduces a dose of the liquid cleaner with the wash water over the second time cycle as described above, as well as for the liquid cleaner as described above. After delivery of the dose, the wash valve is at least partially closed, and if desired, after a third time cycle (holding time), the wash valve, optionally any jet wash in the assembly. The valve is reopened and the wash valve 80 is operated to clean the inside of the toilet bowl with fresh wash water at the end of the wash cycle.

The liquid supply valve 2120 has a valve fitting 2125 that communicates with the second end 2124 of the liquid supply valve 2120 to connect the second end 2124 of the liquid supply valve to the first end 78 of the supply conduit 79. You may have. The liquid supply valve 2120 may be a variety of suitable valves used in the art for this purpose, having different valve seals 2127, eg, the seals are elastomeric valves, duckbill valves, spring load valves. , Rotating valves, vented elastomer valves, and flap elastomer valves. As shown, the liquid supply valve 2120 has an umbrella valve seal. Similar to embodiment 100, the system may further include a gear pump and / or gear motor 23 that can also be activated by the control system 20000 to open the mechanized valve 91. The reservoir 206 is installed in the housing 121 and the bottom tray 94, which is configured to hold the alternative reservoir 206 and the housing 121 and the top cover 99 in the tank lid 170, as in the tenth embodiment. Also, the bottom tray 94, housing 121, and lid cover so that the top lid or lid insert sits in place of the standard tank cover and the bottom tray sits inside the toilet tank above the toilet wash valve. , It is configured to be positioned above the toilet tank 60. The tray 94 and housing 121 may be modified by one of ordinary skill in the art to take into account valve fittings and shapes as described above.

With reference to FIG. 39-40, a further embodiment of the cleaning system 400 includes a reservoir 406 with a body 407 having an outlet portion 411 with an outlet port 419 closed by an elastomer partition 4140. Septum 4140 allows a tube in the form of a puncture injection-like needle 4138 to pass through to establish fluid communication through the needle into the supply conduit 79. The fluid from the reservoir 406 passes through the inlet of the overflow pipe 190 into the cleaning valve, which is the peripheral cleaning valve 80, via the gear pump 21.

The optional ventilation line 76 provides a check valve 85 in the vicinity of the second end 84 of the ventilation line 76 to draw air into the reservoir to exchange air in the internal region 431 of the reservoir 406. Will be done. A optional second vent needle 4139 is shown to allow such air and / or fluid to enter the system along with companion air.

The cleaning valve 80 as shown operates with the cam 4137 so that the lift rod 4112 operates after the cam engages the contact 4111. The control system 40000 operates in the same manner as the control system 1000, and the system also has a control panel 97, an actuator 4, and a battery compartment 61 in a housing that may be the same as that of the tenth embodiment. Although may include a battery 61a, it should be understood that the seat 4142 will be configured to receive the outlet portion 411 and the associated supply conduit 79 and vent line 76.

In order to mechanically lift the flapper 4105, a lift rod 4112 communicating with a connecting portion 4113 connected to a flapper lift mechanism 4114 installed around the valve body 4104 of the cleaning valve 480, which is also the same as the valve 80, is used. The cleaning valve operating mechanism 82a according to the present embodiment is provided. The flapper lift mechanism 4114 is configured to wrap around the valve body 4104 in a complementary shape (although it does not have to be, and it only partially extends around and may still function properly. ). Preferably, the flapper lift mechanism extends around the valve body to provide even lift when actuated. The front portion 4115 of the lift mechanism is preferably curved around the valve body (front and side surfaces of the valve body) around the flapper opening region. As shown, this is a substantially flat piece of longitudinal width that is located just below the edge of the flapper and is wide enough to catch it and lift the flapper when activated. The rear portion 4116 of the flapper lift mechanism 4114 has a rod 4118 positioned slightly higher than the front portion 4115 of the flapper lift mechanism so as to sit below the flapper hinge 4117. The rear portion 4116 of the flapper lift mechanism further has an outer component having a contact component 4111 to be acted upon by the lift rod 4112.

In use, when the gear motor 423 is activated by the control system to open the flapper cover 4105, the front portion 4115 of the mechanism 4114 is naturally pushed upwards and the gears in the gear motor are programmed. To lift the flapper 4105 in a timely and controlled manner, the gear motor pushes the lift rod downwards to push the contact component 4111 and pushes down the rear portion 4116 of the flapper lift mechanism 4114. The pivotable lift rod 4112 is swiveled. Gear motors may have cams or similar devices on their shafts to push the contacts during operation. The use of the flapper lift mechanism 4114 and lift rod 4112 is that the cleaning system 400 is essentially not anchored to the flush tank and other components of the toilet, which is easily removed for repair, repair and replacement. It enables the system design.

Assemblies such as those described above may have various reservoir designs useful in embodiments such as 10 above. Further examples of such reservoirs are described here with alternative valves with reference to FIGS. 41-56.

First referring to FIGS. 41-42, further embodiment 700, which may have a cleaning system as described above, is identical to embodiment 10 in all other respects, as described herein. It is shown with reference to alternative reservoirs and operable valves that can be used in embodiments 500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2400, and similar numbers are used to indicate similar parts throughout. The present embodiment includes an alternative reservoir as described. In the present embodiment 700, the reservoir 706 is positioned to be located within the optional outlet portion 711 of the reservoir 706 when installed in the complementary housing 7121 (which may be any of the above housings). It has a liquid supply valve 7120. The liquid supply valve 7120 defines a passage 7122 through which the wash fluid is released.

The valve 7120 has a stationary valve insert 7179 that is positioned to cover the internal valve plug 7180. The valve plug can be operated to rotate by a valve actuator 7185 driven by a gear 7186 and a gear motor 7187. When the control system 70000 (similar to the other control systems described herein) activates the supply valve 7120 to discharge the cleaning fluid, the motor swivels and the stop 7181 on the plug 7180 is brought into contact. Until then, the actuator that engages with the valve plug 7180 is operated.

The detergent solution may be directed by gravity feeding through the interior space 731 of the reservoir 706 through the passage 7122 in the valve 7120 and through the interior into the supply conduit, the supply conduit being any of the above. It may be as such, and the fluid will communicate with the supply conduit via the internal 7188 of the actuator 7185. In embodiments such as 700 and elsewhere where the valve is operated directly herein, no separate flow control device is required as the valve itself acts as an electric flow control device for the delivery of the wash fluid. .. Thus, as used herein, a "flow control device" is an embodiment of the various outlet valves described in embodiment 700 and other similar designs, or a supply for independently controlling the flow rate. It may be any mechanism, including a separate valve located along the conduit.

As in other embodiments, depending on the activation of the actuator features therein, the control system is preferably located along a flow path that communicates with the inlet of the cleaning agent and wash water into the toilet bowl. Fluid, for example, to the supply conduit and then to either the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl or the conventional peripheral channel inlet, as described elsewhere herein, and then to one or more peripheral channel outlets. Over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of the liquid cleaning agent solution into the internal space of the valve body of a closed cleaning valve (valve 80, etc.) configured to deliver the above. By operating such a valve 7120, it is adapted to initiate a wash cycle. Such a valve 7120 (similar to other valve embodiments herein) was isolated as in the preferred embodiment herein to feed directly into the overflow pipe above the wash valve. Can be connected to the peripheral valve and for direct delivery to the peripheral inlet into the toilet bowl, or to the peripheral inlet of a conventional peripheral channel and exit through one or more outlet ports. .. What is required is that the cleaning agent merges with the washing water at some point along the washing water path, downstream of the reservoir and upstream of the point where the washing water with the cleaning agent will enter the toilet bowl. It's just that. In the present embodiment 700, the valve 7120 can controlfully release a cleaning agent to be combined with the washing water at some point prior to the entry of the toilet bowl.

The control system may be programmed and featured as described above for the control system 1000 and other embodiments. The control system also opens the cleaning valve and administers the liquid cleaning agent as also described above so as to introduce a dose of the liquid cleaning agent along with the washing water over the second time cycle as described above. After delivery of the volume, the wash valve should be closed at least partially, and if desired, after a third time cycle (holding time), the wash valve, optionally any injection wash valve in the assembly. And operate the wash valve 80 to clean the inside of the toilet bowl with fresh wash water at the end of the wash cycle.

The liquid supply valve 7120 has an actuator passage that connects the liquid supply valve 7120 to the first end of the supply conduit (and may also have other fittings if desired). Similar to embodiments 10 and 200, the system may further include a gear pump 21 and / or a gear motor 23 that can also be activated by a control system to open the mechanized valve-like valve 91, or the embodiment described above. It may be configured to operate with a lift arm actuation system as described in embodiment 10. The reservoir 706 may be installed in a housing and / or bottom tray (or lid and housing as in embodiment 600) configured as in embodiment 10 to hold an alternative reservoir 706. Valves and reservoirs 706 may also incorporate one or more of the ventilation channels, openings, or ventilation mechanisms described herein, but the ventilation holes are shown in FIGS. 41-42. Not.

With reference to FIGS. 43-44, further embodiment 800 is shown in part and similar parts are similar to embodiments 10, 500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2400 as discussed below. Similar, or used in it, provides an alternative reservoir 806 and an alternative valve 8120, which in other respects is identical to the assembly in the other embodiments described, with similar numbers throughout. Will be used to indicate similar parts. In the 800 embodiment, the reservoir 806 has a liquid supply valve 8120 that is positioned within the optional outlet portion 811 of the reservoir 806 when installed in the complementary housing 8121. When the liquid supply valve 8120 is in place, the actuator 8185 passes through the valve 8120 from the internal space 831 of the reservoir 806 and fluidly communicates with the first end of the supply conduit such as that described in the tenth embodiment. Direct the cleaning solution or other fluid into and through the interior 8188.

During operation, the valve 8120 includes an elastomer valve 8189 and a valve body 8190. The elastomer valve has an outer ring 8189a and a central elastomer plug 8189b. The ring 8189a is connected to the plug 8189b by a series of ribs 8189c that exit through the opening 8189d in between. A motor 8197 having a thread pin 8192 with a thread 8192a swivels in a thread receiving hole 8195 having a meshing thread 8195a. When the screw turns, the pivot arm 8193 engages the actuator 8185, pushes its plunger 8194 into the passage 8122 in the valve body 8190, engages the elastomer valve 8189, and pushes up the plug 8189b of the elastomer valve 8189. When the plug is no longer firmly seated in the valve body 8190 in the passage 8122, a gap is created between the valve body and the elastomer valve as the cleaning agent flows between the elastomer valve ribs 8189c in the space 8189d. Be released.

In this embodiment, the mechanized valve 91 (shown in the previous embodiment) may also optionally be used as an additional flow control device and, where applicable, preferably controls the flow through the supply conduit. Used for. The control system may be activated by actuator features as described elsewhere herein. Depending on the activation of the actuator features, the control system liquids into the internal space of the valve body of the closed wash valve configured for the delivery of fluid from the supply conduit to the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl as described above. Cleaning by operating a mechanized valve 91 or motor as described herein in conjunction with a valve 8120 as described above over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of cleaning agent solution. Adapted to start the cycle. The control system may be programmed and featured as described above for the control system 1000. The control system also opens the cleaning valve and administers the liquid cleaning agent as also described above so as to introduce a dose of the liquid cleaning agent along with the washing water over the second time cycle as described above. After delivery of the volume, the wash valve should be closed at least partially, and if desired, after a third time cycle (holding time), the wash valve, optionally any injection wash valve in the assembly. Will be opened again and the wash valve will be operated to cleanse the inside of the toilet bowl with fresh wash water at the end of the wash cycle.

The liquid supply valve 8120 with the actuator may be fitted to communicate fluid with the supply conduit through the actuator passage 8188. The elastomer valve configuration may also be modified. The reservoir 806 may be installed in any housing as described herein.

Also, as shown, in this embodiment 800, optional ventilation assembly 8196 is provided. The ventilation assembly 8196 is inserted so that the opening 8199 within the insert 8198 will be aligned with the channel 8200 formed between the cap 8197 and the insert 8198 when assembled in the open position. It has a quarter swivel cap 8197 that fits into the object 8198. Alternatively, like other covers and inserts for tanks herein, cover 8099 interferes with the cap and preferably engages the cap so that it is positioned in the air intake and open position. It may be configured to have a drooping pin 8201. When open, air is pulled inward through the channel as the reservoir is emptied and the liquid flows downward through the valve 8120. The vent assembly 8196 may be installed in the inlet opening 8202 provided in the reservoir 806. An alternative inwardly molded portion 8203 may also be formed in the lower portion of the reservoir to provide stacking features for storage and transport of the replacement reservoir. Understand that other features such as ventilation assembly 8196 and molded part 8203 may also be provided in addition to or in place of any of the existing ventilation lines provided, to any other reservoir assembly herein. I want to be.

With reference to FIGS. 45-46, an alternative reservoir 906 and an alternative valve 9120 for use in various embodiments described for use with embodiments 700 and 800, as in embodiment 800, are introduced. , Yet another embodiment 900 is shown. In this embodiment, the valve 9120 is the same as the valve 8120 and is not further described herein. The assembly is also otherwise identical to embodiments 10, 500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2400 as described herein, with similar numbers indicating similar parts throughout. Used for. In the present embodiment 900, the reservoir 906 has a liquid supply valve 9120 that is positioned within the optional outlet portion 911 of the reservoir 906 when installed in the complementary housing 9121. When the liquid supply valve 9120 is in place, the actuator 9185 passes through the valve 9120 from the internal space 931 of the reservoir 906 and communicates fluidly with the first end of the supply conduit, such as that described in embodiment 10. Direct the detergent solution or other fluid into and through the interior 9188.

In operation, the valve 9120 includes an elastomer valve 9189 and a valve body 9190, which are not further described herein because they appear to be in the valve 8120. Motor 9187 operates gear 8186, which has a threaded internal gear surface 9204 that defines the gear opening 9205. When the motor operates and the gear turns, the internally threaded gear surface 9204 turns along the meshing thread 9206 on the actuator 9185. The plunger 9194 of the actuator 9185 then engages with the elastomer valve 9189 as described above for the plunger 8194 in embodiment 800. This pushes the plunger 9194 into the passage 9122 in the valve body 9190 to engage the elastomer valve 9189 and pushes it upwards to allow the cleaning agent to flow between the elastomer valve ribs. A gap is opened between the 9190 and the elastomer valve 9189. In other respects, the valve in embodiment 900 behaves like the valve in embodiment 800, like the cleaning system in which it is used.

The liquid supply valve 9120 with the actuator may be fitted to communicate fluid with the supply conduit through the actuator passage 9188. The elastomer valve configuration may also be modified. The reservoir 906 may be installed in any housing as described herein.

Also, as shown, in the present embodiment 900, an alternative optional ventilation assembly 9207 is provided. The ventilation assembly 9207 has a ventilation cap 9208 that fits into the insert opening 9202 in the reservoir. Alternatively, which can be like other covers and inserts for tanks herein, cover 9099 interferes with the cap and preferably engages the cap so that it is positioned and installed. It may be configured to have a drooping pin 9201, such as that of 800. When the reservoir is installed, the foil 9211 is positioned over the vent cap 9208. When the valve operates and the rotary gear 9186 activates the valve actuator 9185, the puncture point air of the rod 9209 is pushed upward so that the valve is opened and the fluid is drawn downward. Puncture of the foil with a rod allows air to be taken into the reservoir for ventilation. The lid 9099 may also be configured to act in place of a rod such as a rod 9209 by being fitted with an optional puncture droop pin 9210 on the cover. Therefore, when the cover 9099 is placed in place, the pin 9210 can puncture the foil as an alternative option. Ventilation assembly 9207 with optional foil and puncture features as well as alternative valve actuation features are also provided in addition to, or in place of, any existing vent line provided, to any other reservoir assembly herein. Understand what you get.

With reference to FIGS. 47-48, a further embodiment, generally referred to herein as 1200, is shown which further introduces an alternative reservoir 1206 and an alternative valve 12120. It will be identical to embodiments 10, 500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2400 in other respects, and similar numbers will be used to indicate similar parts throughout. In the present embodiment 1200, the reservoir 2106 has a liquid supply valve 12120 that is positioned within the optional outlet portion 1211 of the reservoir 1206 when installed in the complementary housing 12121. When the liquid supply valve 12120 is in place, the actuator 12185 passes through the valve 12120 from the internal space 1231 of the reservoir 1206 and fluidly communicates with the first end of the supply conduit, such as that described in embodiment 100. Direct the detergent solution or other fluid into and through the interior 12188.

During operation, the valve 12120 is a flap valve and includes a flap elastomer 12212 and a flap valve body 12213. The flap valve body is made of a more rigid material and has an upwardly extending pin 21214 that pushes through the opening 12215 in the flap elastomer 12212 when in the open position as shown in FIG. The flap elastomer valve then bends upward to allow fluid flow around the flap through the body. Motor 12187 engaging the worm gear 21218, which further engages the spur gear 12217 as the gear moves along the engagement thread 12219 on the pivot arm 12216, points the actuator 12185 on it upwards to the pivot arm. To open the valve by pushing up the flap actuator.

In all other respects, embodiment 1200 can be identical to other cleaning systems in embodiments 10, 500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2400 herein, and the reservoir and valve design is simple. Is. Ventilation assemblies and molded parts, foils, etc. of other reservoirs described herein and elsewhere herein in embodiments 800 and 900 are provided with the valves and reservoir parts described herein of the system. Understand what you get.

With reference to FIG. 49-50, yet another embodiment 1300 is shown which provides an additional alternative reservoir 1306 and valve 13120. In this embodiment, the valve 13120 is the same as the valve 8120 except for its valve body 13220. The valve body 13220 includes slightly different snap engagement features with a plurality of upward snapping arms 13221 that can engage and better install the elastomer valve 13189. The cleaning system and toilet in the assembly are otherwise identical to any of embodiments 10, 500, 1600, 1700, 1800, or 1900 herein, with similar numbers throughout. Used to indicate a part of. In the present embodiment 1300, the reservoir 1306 has a liquid supply valve 13120 that is positioned within the optional outlet portion 1311 of the reservoir 1306 when installed in the complementary housing 13121. When the liquid supply valve 13120 is in place, the actuator 13185 passes through the valve 13120 from the internal space 1331 of the reservoir 1306 and fluidly communicates with the first end of a supply conduit such as that described in embodiment 10. Direct the detergent solution or other fluid into and through the interior 13188.

In operation, the valve 13120 includes an elastomer valve 13189 and a valve body 13220, the elastomer valves being like those of embodiments 800 and 900. Motor 13187 operates worm gear 13220, which has a threaded gear surface. When the motor operates and the gear engages with and moves along the threaded engagement surface 13224 of the pivot arm 13223, then the elastomer is similar to that described above for the plunger 8194 in embodiment 800. Push the pivot arm drive plunger 13194 upward into the valve 13189. It pushes the plunger 13194 into the passage 13122 in the valve body 13220 to engage the elastomer valve 13189 and pushes it upwards to allow the cleaning agent to flow between the elastomer valve ribs. A gap is opened between 13220 and the elastomer valve 13189. In other respects, the valves in embodiments 800 and 900 behave similarly to the valves in embodiment 1300, such as the cleaning system in which embodiment 1300 is used.

The liquid supply valve 13120 with the actuator may be fitted to communicate fluid with the supply conduit through the actuator passage 13188. The elastomer valve configuration may also be modified. Reservoir 1306 may be installed in any housing as described herein.

Also, as shown, in the present embodiment 1300, an additional alternative optional ventilation assembly 13225 is provided. The ventilation assembly 13225 has a ventilation assembly valve body 13226 that is molded similarly to the valve body 13220 with an arm to install the ventilation assembly elastomer valve 13227. The assembly 13225 fits into the inlet opening 13202 in the reservoir 1306. Alternatively, like other covers and inserts for tanks herein, cover 1399 interferes with the cap and preferably engages the cap so that it is positioned and installed. It may be configured to have a drooping pin 13201, such as that of 800. The lid 1399 may also be configured to have a voluntary puncture droop pin 13210 on the cover. Thus, when the cover 1399 is in place, the pin 13210 can push open the vent assembly elastomer valve 13226 to allow air intake into the reservoir. It should be understood that the ventilation assembly 13225 and alternative valve actuating features may also be provided in addition to or in place of any of the existing ventilation pipelines provided, to any other reservoir assembly herein.

Referring to FIGS. 51-52, yet another embodiment 1400 with an additional alternative reservoir 1406 and valve 14120 is shown. In this embodiment, the valve 14120 is the same as the valve 13120 and is not further described herein. The assembly and cleaning system can be like embodiments 10, 500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2400 herein in all other respects, with similar numbers indicating similar parts throughout. Used for. In the present embodiment 1400, the reservoir 1406 has a liquid supply valve 14120 that is positioned within the optional outlet portion 1411 of the reservoir 1406 when installed in the complementary housing 14121. When in place, the liquid supply valve 14120 directs the cleaning solution or other fluid from the interior space 1431 of the reservoir 1406 through the valve 14120. Unlike other embodiments herein, the housing, when engaged, allows air to pass through the passage 14229 formed within the intake pipe 14228 and through the openings between the ribs within the elastomer valve 14189. Fitted to have a first air intake pipe 14228 that allows inward flow through and through it. The cleaning agent solution flowing out of the reservoir flows into the fluid passage 14231 in the fluid outflow pipe 14230 through the rib in the elastomer valve 14189. The stationary tube in the seat engages the valve when the reservoir is installed. No other ventilation holes are required, but optional additional vents and other reservoir features as described above may be provided.

The fluid flow may be engaged by the use of a gear pump or gear motor as described for Embodiment 10. The fluid flow pipe 14230 is configured to communicate fluid with the supply conduit. The elastomer valve configuration may also be modified. Reservoir 1406 may be installed in any housing described herein, provided that it has tubes 14230 and 14228 formed therein.

FIG. 53-54 shows embodiment 1500 of an additional fluid supply valve for use in embodiments such as assembly and cleaning systems of 10,500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2400 herein. In this embodiment, the valve 15120 operates with a tube for air inlet and liquid outlet flow as in embodiment 1400, but the tube is formed and positioned slightly different from embodiment 1400. .. The valve 15120 is a valve body 15232, a valve stem for its position in the body within the passage 15122, an O-ring 15233 for hermetic engagement, and a vertical movement of the stem for opening and closing the valve. A simple spring load O-ring valve with a spring 15235 for the purpose. The cleaning system is also identical to system 100 or 600 as described above in other respects and similar numbers are used to indicate similar parts throughout. In operation, this is otherwise like embodiment 1400. Other vents and features described herein may also be employed in this embodiment.

Further embodiments of reservoirs and liquid supply valves for cleaning systems for toilet bowls can be seen in FIGS. 55-56. Generally referred to herein as 300, this embodiment is identical to embodiment 10 except that it provides an alternative reservoir 306 that communicates with the administration chamber 3129 in other respects. Reservoir 306 holds the liquid cleaner as described for other reservoirs, but utilizes additional space on the sides of the tank that is more remote from the filling valve into the tank space along with the additional dosing chamber It may have an alternative shape (shown here as substantially circular in cross section) to fit. The reservoir 306 has a body 307 that defines the interior space 331. The reservoir body 307 has an outlet port 319, and as shown, the outlet port 319 is in an optional outlet portion 311 extending from the bottom surface 351 of the reservoir 306. The outlet port 319 communicates fluidly with the internal space 331 of the reservoir body 307 and the inlet to the first mechanized valve 391. The mechanized valve 391 can be like the mechanized valve in embodiment 10 and other embodiments herein. However, the valve 391 is positioned to connect the outlet port 319 to the inlet 3130 of the dosing chamber 3129 instead of lining up with the supply conduit. As shown, valve 391 is a spring load valve.

The administration chamber 3129 is preferably configured and sized to retain the desired dose of liquid detergent from the reservoir 306. The administration chamber 3129 defines the interior space 3131. The administration chamber further has an outlet port 3132 on the downstream end of the administration chamber. The inlet port 3130 of the dosing chamber 3129 fluidly communicates with the outlet port 3133 of the first mechanized valve 391. The outlet port 3132 of the dosing chamber 3129 fluidly communicates with the inlet 3134 of the second mechanized valve 3135. The outlet 3136 of the second mechanized valve 3135 communicates fluidly with the first end of the supply conduit 79. The supply conduit 79 may otherwise function in the same manner as the supply conduits of embodiment 10 and other embodiments herein.

Embodiment 300 also has a housing having a seat portion configured to receive an alternative reservoir 306 and a dosing chamber 3129. The seat portion extends from the bottom portion of the reservoir so that it has a first opening for fluid communication with the ventilation line in the manner of the previous embodiment and also receives the first end of the supply conduit. Will need to be modified to be configured to have a second opening for. The vent line has a first end located to receive companion air and / or liquid from the reservoir and a second open end located at least above the height of the total liquid level in the reservoir. As such, it will be configured as in the previous embodiment. The first and second mechanized valves 391 and 3135 are operated by the control system 30000 in this embodiment, which is programmed to control the flow rate into and out of the dosing chamber and into the supply conduit, respectively. There will be. The purpose of the dosing chamber would be to use the operation of the valve to ensure precise measurement of the dose, as opposed to relying on the timing of actuation.

The cleaning system 300 can also be operated to operate the lift rod and associated lift rod mechanism as described herein, along with a cam 3137 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 39-40. It may include a gear motor 323 that can be activated by the control system to operate the first and second mechanized valves, or the gear motor simply lifts the wash valve to open the wash valve cover, an alternative. The lift actuating mechanism can be used to operate the dosing chamber for the periodic supply of fluid to the overflow pipe and / or supply conduit.

In a preferred arrangement of system 300, a better flow of wash fluid into, for example, the funnel and / or the top of the overflow pipe, without the need for additional tubing, due to the gravity flow side of the chamber. It may be desirable to align the reservoir 306 and the dosing chamber 3126 at an angle to the cross section through the enclosure to provide loading as well.

A housing and tray specifically configured to hold the reservoir and dosing chamber, along with a lid cover that facilitates reservoir design, may also be provided with components as in other embodiments. The size and shape may be specially adapted for the dosing chamber and alternative reservoir. The bottom tray and lid cover are still positioned as tank lids above the toilet tank so that the tank lid sits in place of the traditional tank cover and the bottom tray is inside the toilet tank above the toilet wash valve. The tank lid tray will be positioned on the side of the tank away from the filling valve so that the low hanging dosing chamber provides more available space. It may be positioned.

In a further embodiment 1900 of the assembly herein, a further embodiment of a mechanized flush handle actuator similar to that of embodiments 10, 500, but with some modifications as described herein. Adopted with a preferred modified tank similar to that of embodiment 10. The wash handle actuator is configured such that most of the internal operating elements are seated in the tank and operate as if it were in the actuator housing, which is mounted in an opening in the reservoir housing. It provides operational stability, protects moving components, and improves ease of operation and maintenance. Therefore, the assembly tray is modified to accommodate this feature. Further, in such an embodiment 1900 (or any other embodiment as described above), the embodiments are embodiments 10, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500. , Or may include any of the various reservoir designs described herein in 2400, or have a tube actuator (similar to that of embodiment 700) as described herein. A modified reservoir may be incorporated. It is also adapted using wash valves of embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800 to work with other types of toilet assemblies other than the preferred and primed toilets described in embodiment 10. May be good.

Similar to embodiment 500, FIG. 57-69 targets embodiment 1900 as described above. This embodiment works in a simple manner to operate the cleaning system, with fewer moving parts, and, advantageously, the activation mechanism is coupled to the body of the toilet tank by, for example, cables, wires, etc. Allows maintenance in uncovered units. This allows easy removal of the cleaning system from the toilet tank as in embodiment 10 and facilitates access to other tank components for repair or maintenance. In this embodiment, with reference to FIG. 57, it is configured to sit on a toilet bowl as described elsewhere herein, preferably a toilet as described for embodiment 10. Tank 1906 is shown. It preferably has a tank lining 19169 as shown as part of assembly 1900 in disassembled form, along with cleaning system components also shown in disassembled form (tanks and toilet bowls are not shown, but preferably. , The tank and toilet bowl of embodiment 10). The first embodiment 1900 provides an additional alternative lift mechanism in the form of a lift arm actuator assembly 19285 (as best shown in FIG. 62).

The lift arm actuator assembly 19285 is adapted to operate independently of the wash actuator handle 1902. That is, when the normal wash mode is enabled, the wash actuator handle engages the lift arm to open one or more valves in the toilet, but the wash system is engaged and the control system When activated, the handle will not move or move with the lift arm mechanism, but instead will operate independently as described below. The lift arm actuator assembly 19285 has a pivot rod or other wash valve for the wash actuator handle 1902 to operate in the first standard mode and to open a wash valve such as the wash valve 1980 shown in FIG. 57 for standard operation. It is adapted with features that allow it to simply work with the lift mechanism or operate in a second wash cycle mode.

Assembly 19285 operates valves as desired (peripheral and injection valves in preferred embodiments, or at least one wash valve when using standard toilets as described in embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800). As such, it includes a lift arm 19286 that can be connected and / or engaged with a standard flush lift mechanism (a pivot rod or connecting assembly as described elsewhere herein). When in wash cycle mode, assembly 19285 will lift a peripheral wash valve (such as a valve 1980 that is otherwise similar to the valve 80 shown in embodiment 10). This portion operates as described above within assembly 10, the lift arm 19286 of which can be directly engaged by assembly 19285.

The lift arm 19286 best engages with an additional engagement extension 19288 on the actuator gear 19289, best in FIG. 59 (which may have a variable shape and is shown here as an angled tab). It has an extension 19287 as seen. The actuator gear is positioned above the exterior of the housing 19290. The housing may be molded from any of the above polymers or other materials and may be a single part or multiple attachable / removable parts. It is preferred that the housing be removable in some manner when easy access to internal components is desired in system maintenance.

The housing 19290 is configured to receive and be a base for the actuator gear 19289, which acts as a lift gear and its associated components (which will face the front of the toilet bowl when disposed). It is a two-part housing (see FIG. 62) having an actuator side 19291 and an opposite side 1922 or a rearward side. Such parts may have a meshing edge 19296 as shown, may be snapped together using other meshing features, may be screwed in, or may be fitted together otherwise. As shown, there is also a fastener hole 19297 for engaging the fastener 19298. The housing is any type of battery tray that is sized upward to receive the battery as a power source through the opening 19293 in the tray 1994 that sits below the reservoir housing 19121 when assembled. It extends in front of the battery receiving well 1961, which may be, and also extends upward through the corresponding opening 19294 in the tank lid 19295, as shown in FIG. 57.

Upon contact of the lift arm extension 19287 and the engagement extension 19288, the lift arm 19286 is configured as described elsewhere herein to operate the lifting of the flapper of the wash valve. It is operated to operate the opening mechanism for the wash valve.

During the wash cycle, the controller 19000 (which can be programmed similarly to the controllers of embodiments 10, 200, 300, 400, etc. above) engages the gear motor 19148 in the lift arm actuator assembly 19285. The actuator assembly gear motor 19148 therefore preferably electronically communicates with the controller. The gear motor 19148 as shown is positioned within the housing 19290 and is therefore kept dry and protected during operation. The gear motor and associated limit switch 19153 are therefore located within the housing 19290, which can be secured to the tray 1994 through the mounting flange 19299. The mounting flange has at least one fastener opening 19300 extending longitudinally through the mounting flange (as shown, one or two such fasteners on either end of the flange. There are openings, but the number may vary depending on the design). A further preferably larger opening 19300 also extends longitudinally through the mounting flange, preferably configured to accept the housing 19290 with meshing and stable engagement. Each fastener 19302 is tightened downward into an upwardly extending portion 19304 of tray 1994, each having a fastener receiving opening 19305 therein, the portion 19304 having a mounting flange 19299 on top of the tray 19303. It is fitted in the fastener opening 19300 of the mounting flange 19299 so as to be fixed to.

The tray 1994 sits on a modified tank lid 19295 configured to receive the housing 19290 through the opening 19294 for additional stability. The lid 19295 also has a recess 19307 to receive both the lower portion of the tray 1994 containing the supply valve gear motor as described below and the reservoir sheet 1957 in the reservoir housing 19121. It has 19306.

During operation, the pinion gear 19308 engages a downwardly positioned actuator gear 19289 mounted on the housing 19290. When the actuator gear 19289 turns, it limits the movement of the lift arm 19186 so that the extension 19287 of the lift arm 19286 contacts the engagement extension 19288 of the actuator gear 19289 and then opens the wash valve. It is positioned to operate the actuator lift arm 19286 as a starter lever in that it will.

During operation, the controller activates a gear motor 19148 that operates the pinion gear 19308. The pinion gear 19208 engages with and moves the actuator gear 19289. The lift arm will operate the valve mechanism until the actuator gear engagement extension 19288 pushes against the extension 19287 on the lift arm 19286 to stop operation. The limit switch 19153 can also be used to stop the lift arm at the desired position. In a preferred embodiment of a toilet design incorporating an isolated perimeter and injection channel, the lift arm is preferably high enough to open the perimeter cleaning valve, but insufficiently high to open the injection cleaning valve. Moved to position. The lift arm can therefore operate either directly in connection with the peripheral cleaning valve or through a connection or coupling mechanism to lift the cover in a controllable manner and open the cleaning valve for the cleaning cycle. it can.

When the controller turns off the gear motor, the action is stopped and can be reversed by the controlled operation of the gear motor. In a normal flush cycle, when the gear motor is not operating, the lift arm will then remain positioned out of contact with the lift arm extension, usually without moving to engage the actuator gear. Will operate the flush mechanism. Therefore, in the wash cycle, the handle 1902 will operate in standard water wash mode when the gear motor returns the mechanism to its original position. In normal water wash mode, the handle 1902 has an internal rib 19141 that interacts with the stud 19324.

The handle also has an opening 19321 for receiving the wash handle axle 19322, which may have a screw pan head 19323 for engaging the central mount of the working gear, as shown in FIG. The stud 19324 compresses a torsion spring (or similar torsion mechanism) 19325 against the handle during use. A nut 19155 or similar fastening mechanism can secure the stud 13324 to the handle 1902 due to the compression of the spring by the stud.

The toilet assembly therefore has a modified lid as described above, having a tank of embodiment 10, or a preferred tank shown, and a top surface 19306 configured to be mounted on top of a tank such as tank 60. 19295 and may be included. The top surface 19306 of the tank lid includes a recessed opening 19307 configured to receive both the reservoir housing 19121 and the tray 1994 and to receive the tray 1994 and the reservoir housing 19121 when hung downward. .. The lid 19295 preferably has a locking mechanism 19164 (similar to embodiment 10). As shown in embodiment 1900, the lid has at least one opening 19178 and, as shown herein, has at least two such openings. Similar openings 19309 are provided through tray 1994 and through tray extension 19310 to receive locks. An additional locking opening 19311 is also provided within the reservoir enclosure 19121. The number of parts or locks in the locking mechanism (one or more) may vary on the assumption that the lid is stable. Such locking mechanisms are optional, but advantageous for safety and security, as well as for the smooth operation of gears and cleaning systems. The opening 19178 extends through the lid 19295. They are molded, sized, and otherwise configured to accept locking mechanisms such as those shown (although openings may vary to accommodate a wider variety of other designs. ).

The locking mechanism in the embodiments shown (see FIG. 57) is a screw for extending through at least one extension fastener 19312, preferably the various openings described above, as shown herein. Including at least two or more fasteners each having an enterable or swivel head 19312a and a second locking end 19312b that can be configured in various ways to engage the mesh locking feature. Good. As shown, the snap end 19312b fits within the quick lock lock. Snap washer assembly 19314 may be provided with push nuts and washers or similar features. A compression spring 19313 may be provided to operably lock the fastener 19312. Such locking features then fit into the receiving tube 19168 in the liner 19169, which can be placed in the toilet tank, such as the tank 60 of embodiment 10. Other locking mechanisms may be used (rod locks, threads on caps with internal threads that engage the threaded ends of the locking rods, other snap-fit engagements and equivalents, etc.).

Once the reservoir enclosure, tray, and tank lid are integrated, they are maintained as one assembly after unlocking the assembly from the tank liner at any time that the inside of the tank needs to be accessed. Easily removed for. The tank lid 19295 may be made of earthenware, such as a toilet or tank thereof, or may be made of a molded composite material or a polymer material such as a molded thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. The tank is further mounted and positioned over the lid 19295 and reservoir housing 19121 for a clean look, but still provides easy access for reservoir replacement or refilling, such as 1999 covers. May have. The cover 1999 should be molded, sized, or otherwise configured to be positioned on the tank lid, on which an actuator button or touchpad control may also be provided, a control panel / electronic assembly 1997. It may have an access opening (or an optional door as described in other embodiments herein) for visual access.

The liner 19169 as described above may be made of various materials such as polyvinyl chloride or similar water-safe polymer materials. A small void between the liner and the tank can be used to provide anti-condensation properties. Liners may also be used to form locking rod receptor tubes as shown. Funnel 19166 or similar guide features are also preferably provided to guide or direct the cleaning agent flow directly from the reservoir into the downstream flow for combination with flush water prior to entering the toilet bowl. As shown, this will direct water into the supply conduit and / or overflow pipe 19249.

The lift arm as discussed above is preferably operably connected to the wash valve 1980 and may also be connected to an injection valve such as that described above, either directly or through an indirect connection. The connection may be adjustable. The lift arm is also preferably operably connected to the wash handle 1902, and the wash handle and lift arm 19286 may also be connected to operate the wash valve during the normal wash cycle. The lift arm actuator assembly is also arranged to operate the wash valve without a handle by the operation of the lift arm actuator gear motor and at least one gear. Therefore, during the cleaning cycle, the user only needs to use the actuator button or touchpad or other actuator feature 1904 (shown as a button herein) to engage in cleaning and see the movement of the handle. You wouldn't even have to press the wash handle. Once the wash cycle is over and the wash handle is activated, the toilet returns to normal wash.

As shown in FIGS. 68 and 69, the button actuator feature 1904 may be mounted on the receiving ring 19315. In response to pressing the button, the contact is made in the lower part of the panel 1997 located above the tray 1994. The Arduino assembly 13316 has a receptive contact mechanism 19317 for activating a control system 19000 (which can be identical to any control system in any embodiment herein). The control system then activates the timing of the gear motor 19148 for the lift arm assembly 19285 and also adjusts the timing of the release of cleaning agent from the reservoir, designated as reservoir 1906.

A further embodiment 500 of the present invention is provided with a cleaning system for toilet bowls herein as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 70-73. The 500 present embodiment provides an alternative wash valve operating mechanism 582 in the form of a lift arm actuator assembly 5140. The lift arm actuator assembly allows the wash actuator handle 502 to operate in a first standard mode and simply work with a pivot rod or other wash lift mechanism to open the wash valve for standard operation, or It is adapted to the wash actuator handle 502, which is adapted with features that allow it to operate in a second wash cycle mode. As can be seen from the exploded rear perspective view of FIG. 73, the wash actuator handle 502 has features such as ribs 5141 inside the actuator handle 502 that function with the starter lever stop feature 5142 located within the stud 5143. It can also operate as a starter lever in that it is adapted to. In the second standard mode, for daily flushing, the starter lever stop 5142 acts as a starter lever to hold another active mechanism of assembly 5140 in the normal flush position, a flush actuator. Engage with rib 5141 in handle 502. In such situations, the lift arm 5144 will operate both valves as desired, such as a standard flush mechanism (such as a flush activation bar or coupling assembly as described elsewhere herein). Can be connected to and / or engaged with.

When in the second wash cycle mode, the mechanism will lift the peripheral wash valve (such as the valve 80 shown in embodiment 10). To do so, the extending shaft portion 5145 of the lift arm 5144 is such that the end portion 5146 of the extending shaft portion of the lift arm 5144 engages the meshing opening 5147 in the starter lever stop 5142. Pass through assembly 5140. During the wash cycle (may be programmed similar to other embodiments herein, eg, 10, 200, 300, 700, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1900, or 2400 controllers). Controller 50000 engages gear motor 5148 located within lift arm actuator assembly 5140. The actuator assembly gear motor 5148 therefore preferably electronically communicates with the controller. The gear motor 5148 as shown is positioned above the mounting bracket 5149. The bracket has a recess 5149a for mounting the base of the pinion gear 5151. The pinion gear base 5151a has a recess 5151b on the opposite side of the pinion gear 5151 configured to receive the gear stem 5150 of the actuator assembly gear motor 5148. Therefore, when the controller activates the gear motor, the stem 5150 moves and turns the pinion gear 5151. The pinion gear has teeth 5151c configured to engage the teeth 5152a on the actuator gear 5152.

When the actuator gear 5152 turns, it moves between the limit switches 5153 on the mounting bracket 5149. The rotatable mounting stem 5154 extending from the actuator and pinion gear on the opposite side of the mounting bracket is hollow and is configured to receive the extending shaft portion 5145 of the lift arm 5144 within the passage 5154b in the stem 5154. It has an inner surface 5154a to be formed. The outer surface 5154c of the mounting bracket stem 5154 is configured to fit within the extending portion 5143a of the stud 5143. More specifically, the mounting bracket stem 5154 fits into the passage 5143e defined by the inner surface 5143f of the extending portion 5143a of the stud 5143. The outer surface of the stud, 5143b, is attached to a nut 5155 or other fastening device that can hold the mounting bracket firmly to the stud so that the extension of the stud fits around the mounting bracket mounting stem in a stable manner. It may have optional threads 5143c or other similar features to engage.

As shown, a nut 5155 having a passage 5155b through it or an inner surface 5155a defining a hole is provided. The inner surface 5155a may have a meshing thread 5155c capable of engaging an external thread 5143c on the stud 5143. Other locking snap fitting features or mutual locking meshing features may be used to retain these features together. Optional tightening features, such as the hexagonal surface 5155d, may be provided to the nut for in-position tightening. When assembled as shown in FIGS. 70 and 72, the nut is directed towards the mounting bracket so that the mounting stem 5154 of the mounting bracket 5149 is rotatably within the passage 5143f of the extending portion 5143a of the stud 5143. Tighten the studs. The mounting stem 5154 and the extending portion 5143a of the stud 5143 each have stop features 5154d, 5143d to position the component for alignment and operation, respectively.

On a portion of the stud 5143 opposite the extending portion 5143a, the stud is configured to receive the starter lever stop 5142 in an installed rotatable fashion, with a wider opening in the recess 5143h. Includes 5143 g. The wider opening 5143g communicates with the passage 5143f through the extending portion 5143a of the stud 5143. When the extending portion 5145 of the lift arm 5144 passes through the passage 5154a of the mounting stem, which is installed in the passage 5143f of the extending portion 5143a of the stud 5143, the end portion 5146 of the extending portion 5145 of the lift arm 5144 becomes a starting device. It fits into and engages with the opening 5147 on the lever stop 5142. The recess also includes an engagement stop feature 5143i that contacts the meshing engagement feature 5156 on the side surface of the starter lever stop 5142 facing the recess.

The surface of the starter lever stop 5142 facing the interior of the flush actuator handle 502 has an additional or second engaging feature 5157 over its outwardly extending portion 5158. The outwardly extending portion 5158 also has a screw 5160 that connects the wash actuator handle 502 to the starter lever stop 5142 and an optional receiving hole 5159 for a washer 5161 or other fastener. A spring mechanism 5162, which is a starter lever return spring, may also be provided to maintain tension when the wash cycle is activated.

During operation, the controller activates gear motor 5148, which has a stem 5150 that operates the pinion gear 5151. The pinion gear 5151 engages with and moves the actuator gear 5152. The actuator gear recess 5163 is configured to engage the rear portion of the rotatable mounting stem 5154. When the gear turns the stem, the stem that moves the starter lever stop portion 5142 within the recessed portion 5143h of the stud 5143 allows the starter lever stop portion to move to a fixed position, and the starter lever return spring. Maintains tension on the flush actuator handle 502 with recessed feature 5164 so that the handle remains stationary while the gear motor is swiveling the starter lever stop. As the on-board stem swivels, the extension 5145 of the lift arm 5144 also swivels and is directly connected to, connected to, or connected to the peripheral cleaning valve so that the cover is controlledly lifted to open the cleaning valve for the cleaning cycle. It can operate either through the coupling mechanism. When the controller turns off the gear motor, the action is stopped and can be reversed by spring action, or more preferably by the controlled operation of the gear motor.

After the wash cycle is over, the actuator assembly operates again in standard wash mode, and the wash actuator handle with feature 5141 is peripheral in the desired fashion, either directly or through another wash lift mechanism (such as a wash activation bar). The starter lever stop is moved so that it simply manually engages the extending portion 5145 of the lift arm 5144, which can open both the injection cleaning valve and the injection cleaning valve. In all other respects, embodiment 500 can be used with various other valves and toilet assemblies in other embodiments herein.

Methods for periodically cleaning a toilet having a cleaning system are provided herein, the methods of which are cleaning systems 10, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, as described above. It may be practiced using any of 900, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1900, and 2400. It may also be used with modifications, along with embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800. For brevity, this will be described with respect to embodiment 10, but all steps do not deviate from the spirit of the scope of the invention, embodiments 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, It can be carried out according to the above additional information for 800, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1900, and 2400. The method is a cleaning system for the toilet bowl 30 in the toilet assembly 10, which has a toilet bowl 30 defining the internal region 36, a toilet tank 60 defining the tank interior 119, a cleaning valve 80, and a peripheral inlet port 28. Includes steps to provide 100. These features are described in more detail above. The wash valve 80 is configured to deliver fluid to the peripheral inlet port 28 of the toilet bowl 30. The type of wash valve used, the shape of the toilet bowl and tank, and the peripheral inlet may vary to accommodate a wide variety of toilet assemblies.

The control system is activated by actuator feature 4 to initiate a wash cycle. The flow control device 66a, eg, the mechanized valve 91 or the liquid supply valve 120 as shown, is then from the supply conduit to the inside of the cleaning valve body 104 of the cleaning valve 80 when in the closed position as described above. It is operated and opened for a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent to space 103.

The wash valve is then lifted by lifting the flapper 105 of the wash valve 80 to introduce a dose of liquid detergent carried by at least about 3 liters of wash water over a second time cycle as described above. , Operated by the use of a wash valve operating mechanism to open the valve. Mechanisms such as those of embodiments 10, 400, 500, or 1900 may be used.

The cleaning valve 80 is preferably operated to close at least partially after delivering a dose of liquid cleaning agent. The flow control device 66a and the cleaning valve operating mechanism are operated by the control system and the timing programmed therein as described above.

The wash valve then optionally reopens the wash valve after a third time cycle (wash hold cycle), introduces at least about 3 liters, and cleans the inside of the toilet bowl with fresh wash water at the end of the wash cycle. May be adapted as such. Additional wash water, at least about 0.5 liter, may also be introduced through the injection wash valve 70 at a time of introduction that is adjusted as desired.

With reference to FIG. 74-100, a further preferred assembly 2400 is described herein. The assembly may include any toilet as described herein, including the toilet 30 as described above. The wash system 24000 is described below for use in the toilet assembly with the wash system assembly 2400, and additional features will take into account the dosing aspects for this embodiment as described in detail below. Similar to cleaning system 100, except that it can be incorporated into the system. Although the preferred toilet assembly 2400 and cleaning system 24000 can be operated using the toilet as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-27 herein, based on the present disclosure, the cleaning system is an embodiment. It should be understood that it can be adapted, programmed and / or modified for a variety of toilets, including those described above in 1600, 1700, and 1800. Gravity-powered siphon flush toilets, whether single or multiple flush models, are preferred, but wash-off toilets are also as described in more detail in embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800 above. It can be used in the cleaning systems herein, with some modifications or adaptations. The most preferred toilet for this embodiment is one with an isolated peripheral flow path as described in detail above for the toilet assembly of embodiment 10.

With respect to the toilet wash valve assembly, like the other assemblies herein, embodiment 2400 includes a peripheral wash valve 2480 and an injection wash valve 2470. Peripheral wash valve 2480 has an overflow pipe 24190 that serves to direct water from the tank to the peripheral or peripheral channel when the water level in the tank exceeds the height of the overflow pipe. Standard fill valves, such as the fill valve 66 described above, refill the tank after a wash cycle or wash cycle, and preferred such fill valves 2466 are shown in FIGS. 77 and 77A. Conduit such as conduit 138 of embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 77 and 77A as conduit 24384 is when the flush cycle is completed and the toilet bowl needs to be refilled to restore the seal depth against backflow of sewage gas. Water is provided to be introduced into the toilet bowl through the overflow pipe 24190 after passing through the funnel inlet 24166. However, as described above, various filling valves may be incorporated into embodiment 2400 on the premise that they can be operated in accordance with the present disclosure.

The preferred toilet assembly 2410 described herein preferably avoids the formation of siphons during the wash cycle as described above (or otherwise drains into the drainage line prior to the "hold" cycle. It is the same assembly as the toilet assembly of embodiment 10 so that it will work effectively in the light of desire, such as (to reduce the proportion of cleaning fluid).

The peripheral cleaning valve 2480 is preferably configured to deliver fluid to the toilet peripheral inlet port, which may be identical to the peripheral inlet port 28 of the toilet bowl 30 of embodiment 10. As in the previous embodiment, the toilet preferably has an isolated perimeter and jet path, a separate perimeter and jet wash valve, and a perimeter channel around the toilet bowl in embodiments that include a perimeter. From the peripheral flow path exiting the peripheral cleaning valve 2480, through a conventional series of peripheral outlet ports, or due to excess cleaning action, into the sides of the embodiment of the peripheralless toilet bowl. There may be a peripheral inlet port 28 to the toilet that introduces water into the toilet bowl, either directly through a preferred single-sided peripheral inlet port, such as the peripheral inlet port 28, which injects peripheral running water.

As in other embodiments, the injection cleaning valve 2470 remains closed during the cleaning cycle. Preferably, the jet fluid path is optionally maintained primed before and after the wash cycle and before the wash cycle in normal wash operations. However, if a purification step is included, the injection cleaning valve 2470 may also be opened during the purification step to release a certain amount of additional water as described above.

The second end of the supply conduit in this embodiment (at the outlet from the dosing cup as described below) is with the interior of the overflow pipe 24190 connected to the peripheral wash valve 2480 via a funnel 24166. Fluid communication. As in the previous embodiment, the separate perimeter and injection tank compartments have separate filling valves, separate wash actuators, and separate overflow pipes, as described in US Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0197928A1. Although may be used with, in embodiment 2400, assembly 2400 has a single wash actuator capable of operating both unsplit or open tank wash valves (as described below). ) It is preferred to incorporate a double wash lever and use a single overflow pipe 24190 (see FIG. 77) on the peripheral wash valve 2480. However, based on the present disclosure herein, multiple compartments and / or one or more wash valves, and one or more associated mechanisms (using one or two wash levers). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it can be used in embodiment 2400 without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

The peripheral cleaning valve 2480 may be equipped with, or may be interlocked with, a cleaning valve operating mechanism such as those described above in embodiments 10, 500, or 1900, or more preferably the cleaning valve is a control system. As operated by the 24000, the lift actuator assembly 24285 lifts and manually operates the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 during the cleaning cycle and / or during the normal washing cycle, depending on the mechanical operation by the gear motor 24148. Operate. In a conventional wash cycle, the perimeter and jet wash valves are also preferably operated by a wash actuator assembly as described herein. The water wash actuating handle 2402 in this embodiment is preferably part of the wash valve actuator assembly 24285 as described in this embodiment 2400, but other water wash such as those of embodiments 10, 500, and 1900. The handle mechanism may also be used to open the peripheral wash valve.

The various wash operation mechanisms may be operated by gear motors that can be activated by a control system for operating the wash valve. For example, a flow control device for measuring a solution using a gear pump and / or a gear motor, a perturbation pump, a rotating device, or an equivalent that operates a mechanized or other liquid supply valve is also of the invention. It may be incorporated into a cleaning system 2400 for use with the toilet bowl described herein in the toilet assembly.

Similar to the toilet bowl assembly of embodiment 10 with system 100, the toilet bowl in embodiment 2400 remains closed, maintaining the injection channel in a permanently primed state and isolating it from the ingress of air into the channel. It has an injection fluid path. Therefore, the principles and options described above in Embodiment 10 in terms of such toilet operation also apply in Embodiment 2400.

Controlling the cleaning valve operation for the injection cleaning valve 2470 and the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 can be done in several ways as described above in various embodiments herein, such methods. , May be adapted to embodiment 2400. In this embodiment, the toilet includes at least one injection cleaning valve assembly 2470 having an injection cleaning valve inlet 2471 and an injection cleaning valve outlet 2473. The injection cleaning valve assembly may have various configurations and may be any suitable cleaning valve assembly known or developed in the art. Preferably, this is co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/090158A1 or co-pending patent, which is incorporated herein by reference to the description of the use of such valves and weighted covers, respectively. It is configured to be similar to that described in application 2015/0197928A1 or non-provisional application 14/14/853,984. As shown, the injection cleaning valve assembly 2470 has a lower valve height profile than the peripheral cleaning valve assembly 2480 to control the flow rate through the injection cleaning valve assembly. The peripheral cleaning valve assembly 2480 and the injection cleaning valve assembly 2470 have separate covers 24105 and 2415, respectively. A voluntary float 2417 may be attached to it via a chain or other connection. Any suitable wash actuator connects to the wash valve, including through at least one chain attached to the top of the valve and / or incorporating an optional float such as float 2417, either directly or through a connection mechanism. It may be used and / or modified to do so. Lift chains with optional floats and / or separate float attachments may be used. For connecting a float to covers 24105, 2415, including a float assembly as described herein and co-pending US Non-Provisional Application No. 14 / 835,984 and as shown in FIG. 77-83. Other variants of the float attachment may also be used. Strings, cords, ropes, stainless steel cables, rigid rods or wires may also be used with the float as an alternative embodiment of the float attachment. Suitable valves for use in the valve assembly are co-pending U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/090158A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in the relevant part with respect to the valve assembly and associated lift mechanism and wash actuator, respectively. It will be described in detail in both U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0197928 and co-pending U.S. Non-provisional Patent Application No. 14 / 835,984. Such float and lift features help provide advanced performance and buoyancy control in a particular wash valve design. However, it should be understood that other wash valve assemblies operating on the principles of the present invention may be used to provide improved washability. In addition, the float enhances the operation of the optional valve.

The injection cleaning valve assembly 2470 delivers fluid from its injection cleaning valve outlet 2413 to a closed injection fluid path such as the closed injection fluid path 1 described above. At least one peripheral cleaning valve assembly, such as a cleaning valve assembly 2480, is also provided. Each peripheral valve assembly has a peripheral cleaning valve inlet 2843 and a peripheral cleaning valve outlet 2488, and the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 is directly or indirectly from the outlet 2481 of the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 according to the tenth embodiment of the assembly. Any suitable wash valve assembly as described above may be used as long as it is configured for delivery of fluid to a peripheral inlet port such as the peripheral inlet port 28 of the toilet.

An assembly as described above can be identical to the tank described above for embodiments 10 and 1900 and is arranged to communicate fluidly with a supply line for delivering tap water, tank water, well water, or equivalent. Includes tanks, which can be connected in any manner to receive fluid from a fluid source for flushing use, such as connecting a tank filling valve to the tank. Preferably, the tank is as shown in FIGS. 74, 74A, and 77, similar to that of embodiment 1900.

The flush cycle is preferably part of the flush actuated assembly 24285 and is actuated by any suitable actuator such as the flush actuator 2402, which is similar to actuator 1902 as described above and includes an operating gear motor 24148. To. The wash actuator 2402 may include a standard wash handle or may be adapted to be part of a wash valve actuating mechanism such as the wash actuator assembly 24285 as further described below. As shown in FIGS. 84-90, the wash handle 2402 has an open recess 24328 with a protrusion 24330. Such protrusions are received within the meshing holes defined in the steering wheel axle inserts discussed below. The handle 2402 is further one of the stops 24332, etc. or one thereof for interaction with the rearwardly extending handle axle insert 24334, which is inserted into the handle 2402, as shown in FIGS. 84 and 84A. Includes stops above. One end 24336 of the axle 24334 has an outwardly extending flange 24338 that defines a hole 24340 for receiving the protrusion 24330. Protrusions and holes are shown to engage the handle 2402 with the handle axle insert 24334, but based on the present disclosure, another meshing feature is the handle axle into the handle 2402 within the handle recess 24328. It should be understood that the insert 24334 can be used to install. Preferably, the flange has a lateral perimeter that is molded to install within the features provided in the handle recess 24328. A tightening nut 24343 may be provided (or another similar fastener) to secure the handle axle insert 24334 within the handle 2402.

The steering wheel axle insert 24334 extending rearward is configured to be installed within the steering wheel bushing 24342. The bushing provides a housing for stable rotation of the handle axle insert 24334. The bushing 24342 may include a bushing wear insert 24344 in the rotating region 24345, such as in the wear insertion ring 24344. One or more rotational features, such as the rotational feature 24346, also provide a rotary bearing contact between the inner surface 24350 of the bushing 24342 and the outer surface 24348 of the handle axle insert 24334 during operation, to the wear insert 24344. In addition to the rotational region in which it is located, it may be provided in a location along the outer surface 24348 of the steering wheel axle insert 24334 to provide an additional rotational region 24345. The wear insert 24344 is a voluntary feature and a standard rotation region may be provided as is known in the art, but the wear insert 24344 maintains the life of the part and operates the wash handle 2402. Helps provide rotary bearing support in the region where the wash handle 2402 is engaged with the most force so as to provide smoother rotation and stability under the force of the user.

After initiating a standard flush cycle with a flush actuator such as the handle 2402, the handle is fashionably connected (removable) with a flush activated lift arm 24286 in one or more of the flush actuator assemblies 24285. In some cases, it may not be removable), such a wash-activated lift arm is designed similar to the lift arm 19286 in the above embodiment 1900, except for the following modifications. As shown in FIG. 84, both lift arms 24286a, 24286b are coordinated to be assembled and interconnected through holes 24352a, 24352b defined by separate wash activation lift arms 24286a, 24286b, and bushings 24342. It is located above the rear end 24354 of. In terms of stability and operation, the rear-positioned flush-activated lift arm 24386b is configured to extend from the lift arm 24386b into the hole 24352a of the front-positioned lift arm 24286a. It has a part 24354. As shown in this embodiment, two wash activation lift arms are used. Mechanisms as described in this embodiment or 10, 500, 1900 may also be provided.

The handle 2402, as shown in FIGS. 84 and 84A, is operatively connected to the lift arms 24286a, 24286b. The rear-positioned wash activation lift arm 24286b operates within a standard wash cycle to lift the two wash valves 2480 and 2470 using the equilibrium activation bar 2475 throughout the equilibrium sequence. The anteriorly positioned lift arm 24286a as shown is connected only to the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 for use in the cleaning cycle operation. The lift arm 24286b also operates in the purification step when used in a wash cycle.

The lift arm 24286a is directly or indirectly connected to the first end 24333 of the chain C3 (or similar device such as a line or bar) for use in the cleaning cycle when acting only on the peripheral cleaning valve 2480. Ru. During a standard wash cycle, chain C4 connecting the peripheral wash valve 2480 to the equilibrium activation bar 2475 can be used to provide equilibration and timed opening of both wash valves 2480, 2470 as described above. ..

In one embodiment, the first end 24333 of the chain C3 is formed in the lift end portion 24331a of the lift arm 24286a, through a mounting device, such as through a hole 24345a defined thereby, through a pin 24329 or a similar mechanism. Connect to the lift arm 24286a. The same chain C3 then connects to the front end 24356 of the peripheral valve assembly 2480 on its second end 24337. As shown, a lift latch 24358 is attached to the front end 24356 of the peripheral cleaning valve cover 24105 to lift the peripheral cleaning valve cover 24105 independently of the peripheral and injection valve operation, such as in a standard wash cycle. Although lift latch 24358 is shown, any suitable grommet, lift arm, or attachment may be used. During operation, for example, such a separate lift arm 24286a is provided on the periphery to avoid opening the injection port in response to an activated cleaning cycle, which requires the operation of the peripheral cleaning valve only. It can be used to isolate the use of wash valves only.

The second lift arm 24286b is such that it carries out either a purification step and / or a standard wash cycle as described in previous embodiments such as embodiment 1900, where there is only a single lift arm. In addition, it operates in the cleaning cycle. Such a lift arm 24286b can allow both the periphery and the injection valve to be opened. The lift arm 24286b provides sequential opening of the peripheral and injection valves that are operational in this embodiment by the use of adjustable connectors and equilibrium as described above in embodiments 10 and 1900. It operates within the actuator assembly 24285.

As shown in this embodiment, the size can vary and, as shown, sized smaller than that shown in embodiment 10 to fit into the particular housing and tank array of embodiment 2400. 24144a in which a rotatable connector is employed, along with a vertically adjustable connector 24144b. As shown, the lift arm 24286b pivots through the rotatable connector 24144a or other suitable connector and may also rotate laterally as a result of the use of the rotating connector 24144a and / or rotate and rock. Connect to the wash activation bar 2475, which can also move. As shown, the lift arm 24286b can rotate laterally or at a swing angle, and as shown, longitudinal adjustment to adjust the positioning and equilibrium for the optimized opening of the wash valve. Connect to a rotatable connector 24144a, which may be adapted to have a connection 24144b. Such adjustments may be preset by the manufacturer and / or may be adjustable for further modification and alignment by the installer or user. Any hinge, pin connection, washer, or other rotating connector may also be used. The wash activation bar 2475 is preferably configured to have an equilibrium point for a movable connection to the activation lift arm 24286b through a connection that is movable in some manner. Movable and rotatable couplings 24144a may be used to connect the flush activation lift arm 24286b and its couplings to the flush activation bar 2475 at a preferred equilibrium point, as shown.

The equilibrium point is selected by design to work with the wash valves to specifically and mechanically determine when to open each valve when the handle is pressed to operate the wash cycle in a normal wash cycle. To. When the handle is pressed, the flush activation lift arm and coupling are pushed upwards and associated with them, such as the adjustable, movable, and rotatable connector 24144a, which is connected to the flush activation bar 2475. Push the end of the mechanism that has the portion. This in turn pulls up the activation bar 2475. As shown, the mechanism may also be longitudinally adjusted for different tank heights and valve configurations using longitudinally adjustable connectors such as connector 24144b as indicated. The length and width of the connector, wash activated lift arm, and connection will vary, assuming that the overall valve assembly can be installed below the wash system, depending on the available area in the toilet tank design. Can vary in size due to wash valve assembly.

As shown, the wash valve also allows the valve to have limited movement and be stabilized for optimum performance when the valve is positioned in the tank and the valve gasket 24362 is in place. Has an interconnected locking connection 24360.

When the conventional wash cycle is activated, fluid is provided through at least one peripheral wash valve assembly and at least one jet wash valve assembly. The configuration of the closed jet fluid path is such and the timing of the flush cycle is optimized to maintain the closed jet fluid path in the primed state after the completion of the flush cycle.

In other respects, flush cycles, wash valve covers, checkout prevention devices, connections, and equivalents, including "peeling" or partially open valve covers that facilitate self-priming of the injection port or gradual marginal valve opening, It may also be used in this embodiment.

In response to operating feature 2404, the control system 24000 operates a mechanized valve or similar flow control device (in this case, the liquid supply valve 24120) over a time cycle that fills the dosing chamber (described below). During operation, the dosing chamber enters the initial portion of the supply conduit 2479 from the interior space 2431 of the reservoir 2406, whose path continues through the rest of the supply conduit by entering the liquid supply valve. It will provide flow through the supply conduit at a rate sufficient to deliver the dose of liquid detergent as described herein. In embodiment 2400, the supply conduit 2479 preferably comprises a valve body of a liquid supply valve that empties the contents through the administration chamber into the funnel and into the overflow tube as described below. The liquid supply valve is preferably a one-way valve that can be operated electronically and automatically by the control system 24000. The valve may also be a solenoid or a pneumatic valve. It may be driven by the gears of a peristaltic pump or gear motor. As shown, it is driven by gear motor 24187.

The assembly in this embodiment is preferably configured as a tank lid 24170 that sits on top of the tank 2060. The bottom portion of the tank lid 24170 may be configured as a tray 2494 and incorporates a portion of the tray 2494 that forms the housing 24290 to accommodate the preferred actuator motor 24148. The tray may further include a portion 24290a formed to mount the liquid supply valve gear motor 24187. A further compartment 24290b is formed into the tray to house the control system CPU board, which can be any CPU board such as an Arduino board or a specially configured CPU as described elsewhere. You may. In this embodiment, the CPU is a CPU board configured and programmed in any suitable computer language, such as C, to operate the cleaning system of the present specification as further described below. May be good. Such housing portions 24290, 24290a, 24290b are preferably integrally and uniformly molded as a single tray, however, they are also through fasteners, ultrasonic welding, or thermal bonding. Alternatively, they may be formed as separate parts that can be connected through molded and / or glued or welded parts that are interconnected. As shown, the tray is an integral part (see FIGS. 74, 74A, 90A, 91, and 92).

The gear motor for the liquid supply function (which can also be a gear pump if desired) may be activated by the control system 24000. Activation of a gear motor, such as the gear motor 24187, will allow the cleaning fluid to drain from the reservoir 2406 by opening the liquid supply valve 24180.

In this embodiment similar to embodiment 1900, the supply conduit 2479 is positioned or fixed by gravity through a funnel such as 24166, and then, for example, allows easy spatial adaptation within the adjustment and tank and cleaning system. The fluid can be introduced into the overflow tube (or shortened overflow tube) 24190, which is shaped to install it in cooperation with the funnel 24166, which can be a funnel. As shown, the funnel 24166 is preferably molded as a separate fixing part or as one part with an overflow pipe 24190. Therefore, the fluid flows by gravity into the funnel 24166, which is integrally or separately molded to cooperate with the overflow pipe 24190 into the peripheral cleaning valve 2480. In addition, the conduit 2479 may be interrupted, preferably to include the administration chamber as described above.

The tank 2460 preferably has standard toilet tank dimensions in cross section so that the cleaning system can be modified on existing toilets. However, it also provides a cleaning system in which the cross section of the toilet (length and width of the lid) is of a special size, and / or the size of the cleaning system for different embodiments as described herein. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a cleaning system with a toilet having a specially sized tank to accommodate design variations. For purely aesthetic reasons, it is preferable that the tank be as close to conventional tank dimensions as possible. The tank should also have two lower openings to accommodate the perimeter and injection wash valves.

When activated by actuator feature 2404, control system 24000 powers on cleaning system 2400 and receives signals to perform various functions. The liquid cleaning agent exits from the outlet portion 2411 of the reservoir body 2407 via the liquid supply valve. The system operates differently for different cycles, such as a thorough wash or a simple wash cycle. In a thorough cleaning cycle, the gear motor 24187 for the liquid supply valve lifts the valve actuator 24185 as further described below, allowing the liquid to flow out of the valve through the valve passage 24122 and fill the dosing chamber 24362. The liquid supply valve is operated to allow for (a preferred dose for this embodiment may be about 24 ml, but the dose will vary as described elsewhere in the application. Can be). The system then activates the lift actuating arm 24286a, which activates the peripheral wash valve. The water wash actuating arm lifts the chain C3 via a lift latch 24358, which pulls open the peripheral wash valve 2480 by its cover 24105. The float 2417 connected to the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 takes over closing the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 after the lift actuating arm 24286a is lowered. The cover closes slowly as the water level in the tank drops, thereby limiting the amount to a given volume (preferably about 4.8-5.2 liters, which is the desired wash sequence. Can vary accordingly). The flush water flows to the peripheral inlet port and enters the toilet bowl.

The supply valve actuator 24185 is then lowered to allow the dose of wash fluid in the dosing chamber 24362 to enter and exit the lift cup 24366. The valve actuator 34185 is then raised again so that the additional dose can fill the dosing chamber. The system then lowers the valve actuator 24185 again to allow a second dose to exit the dosing chamber. The lift actuating arm 24286a is still in the lowered position. The cleaning agent is currently in the toilet bowl and will be retained while the toilet bowl is being washed (residence time). The system then operates a wash actuation arm 24286b, which allows the purification step to begin, and the wash water finishes the wash and empties the wash water with the toilet bowl cleaner solution.

In a standard or "rapid" wash cycle, the process is similar, however, after the first dose has been delivered by the lift actuating arm 24286a, the lift actuating arm is lowered and the detergent solution is then retained. Staying in the toilet bowl for hours, the system is cleaned by the action of the lift actuating arm 24286b.

The initial loading of the cleaning agent may require initial programmable features to prime the system and preload the cleaning agent, such as by the initial operating timing for priming the unit. As mentioned above in the previous embodiment, a separate "start" button may be provided to the control panel for pre-priming the unit in response to disposing of a new wash fluid container.

Once deployed and preloaded, when the control system 24000 is operated through the operating feature 2404, the control system is from reservoir 2406 to the supply valve and funnel (the passage through the supply valve and funnel is part of the supply conduit). ), The liquid supply valve 24120 is operated for a first time cycle sufficient to deliver the dose of the liquid cleaning agent into the internal space of the cleaning valve 2480 with its flapper in the closed position, however. As mentioned above, depending on the cycle and options, this step involves the use of a dosing chamber, such as dosing chamber 24362, and one or more dosing steps (preferably two doses for a thorough wash and a simple wash). One dose for) and may be included. Peripheral wash valves into which the fluid is introduced preferably have an overflow tube 24190 and / or otherwise, such as through a tube 24834 to the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl as described above, etc. It is configured to receive and deliver fluids such as tank water for toilets.

Reservoir for use in this embodiment may be in various embodiments as shown above and may also include reservoir 2406 shown in FIGS. 75, 91-93, and 96A-96G. The reservoir has a reservoir body that defines the interior space 2431. The reservoir has an outlet port 2419 on its outlet portion 2411 as described above, which can be threaded for the mesh cap when a separate replacement container is sold separately.

Embodiments further include a liquid supply valve 24120 and related mechanisms, as shown in FIGS. 91-93, 95, and 97-98. As shown, the liquid supply valve 24120, operated by the gear motor 24187 and the valve actuator, is positioned as part of the flow control device 2466a. The reservoir 2406 is installed in the reservoir sheet 2457 in the complementary reservoir housing 24121. The liquid supply valve 24120 defines a passage 24122 through which the wash fluid is released. The valve 24120 has a movable valve insert 24128 and a stationary valve body 24126. A seal 24127 is provided to seal the valve. The valve, in the present embodiment, is attached to, or is integral with, the lift cup 24366 hinged to the lift cup bracket 24367 having a track 24368 formed therein to move the lift cup 24366. Operates to move up and down in response to valve operation by the action of the gear motor 24187 activated by actuator feature 2404, which operates the valve actuator 24185 formed in. The gear motor 24187 has a rotatable shaft 24370 for operably engaging the pin 24371 in the track. As the lift cup 24366 moves downward, the preloaded cleaning agent into the dosing chamber 24362 drains from the valve, passes through the bottom of the lift cup 24366, is defined by the lift cup, and has an opening in the bottom through it. The valve actuator 24185 has also been moved downwards to a point as shown in FIG. 91, which allows it to pass through 24372 and through the corresponding opening 24374 in the reservoir enclosure 24121 portion of tray 2494. To. The cleaning agent solution exiting the dosing lift cup 24366 will enter the funnel 24166 and then through the overflow tube 24190 into the peripheral cleaning valve.

Once the valve is emptied, the control system 24000 is in reverse mode, either when emptied, or if desired, when the wash cycle is complete, or prior to the "redosing" step in the wash cycle. The gear motor 24187 can be reactivated and the lift cup can be triggered to move upwards. With reference to FIG. 92, when the lift cup 24366 moves upward, the valve actuator 24185 pushes the valve joint 24128 upward. The flexible silicone bellows 24388 closes the dosing chamber 24362 and the top of the valve actuator 24185 is pre-determined to allow a predetermined pre-determined dose of wash fluid to enter the dosing chamber 24362. The passage 24122 is opened through the supply valve 24120 and through the stationary body 24126 for a period of time. Due to size and liquid equilibrium and valve timing, the dosing chamber 24362 will be filled to the desired dose of 25 ml. The valve body is further compressed, which can be compressed when the valve is opened (to resist its opening), along with a flexible bellows 24388 that assists the valve in closing and closes the dosing chamber 24362. Includes spring 24364.

In this embodiment and in such other embodiments where the liquid supply valve is operated directly, to operate the valve because the valve itself is a flow control device for the delivery of the wash fluid. No separate flow control device is required.

Similar to other embodiments herein, depending on the activation of the actuator features (actuator features 2404, etc.), the control system preferably fluidly communicates with the detergent and wash water inlets into the toilet bowl. Along the flow path, i.e. through the supply conduit 2479 through the valve and the inner 24122 of the actuator 24185, through the dosing chamber 24362, through the outlet of the lift cup, through the reservoir sheet in the tray 2494, into the toilet 24166. A first time cycle sufficient to deliver the dose of the liquid detergent solution, in this case preferably the pre-administration dose of the detergent solution, into the overflow tube 24190, either directly or by gravity flow. By operating the valve 24120 over, the cleaning cycle is adapted to begin. The cleaning agent is a combined cleaning agent and water wash configured to deliver fluid to either the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl or the conventional peripheral channel inlet, and then through one or more peripheral channel outlets. Enter the toilet channel, which communicates with the inlet for water.

Such a liquid supply valve 24120 (similar to other valve embodiments herein) is preferably an isolated peripheral valve 2480 such that it feeds directly to the overflow pipe 24190 above the wash valve. And for direct delivery to the peripheral inlet into the toilet bowl, or connected to the peripheral inlet of a conventional peripheral channel, it can be exited through one or more exit ports.

In a preferred embodiment as shown, in the first time cycle, the cleaning agent solution is loaded into the administration chamber, the fluid is dropped from the administration chamber, and finally enters the overflow tube and mixed with the wash water. As such, it may be accompanied by an administration step using an administration chamber. All that is required is for the cleaning agent to combine with the washing water at some point along the washing water path, downstream of the reservoir and upstream of the point where the washing water with the cleaning agent enters the toilet bowl. is there.

The control system 24000 has a first flush activation arm that opens the peripheral wash valve 2480 by lifting the chain C3 and the lift mechanism 24358 so that the peripheral valve cover 24105 first slowly opens to release air. 24286a is used to operate the wash valve 2480. The working gear motor 24148 preferably resides in a sturdy housing such as housing 24290d (see FIGS. 90A-E) and thus has a stem for operating the pinion gear 24151, which operates the actuator gear 24152. Actuator gears include small and large cam working surfaces 24390, 24392 that are positioned to engage the lift actuating arm. In response to the rotation of the actuator gear 24151 in one direction, the smaller cam acting surface 24390 will contact the end 24287c of the lift actuating arm 24286a, causing the peripheral cleaning valve to operate during the cleaning cycle. A notch 24394 is provided in the lift arm 24286b at this time to prevent simultaneous contact of the smaller cam acting surface 24390 with the lift arm 24286b. The limit switch 24296 on the actuator motor 24148 specifies a home location. When the lift arm 24286a reaches a hard stop on the surface 24382a, the CPU operates in the system to detect a change in the current that stops the motor 24148. The motor then reverses to the home position of the limit switch. Multiple limit switches may be provided. However, in the embodiments shown, only one is required. When the wash cycle is complete, the lift arm 24286a will rest on the stop 242380a.

During the purification step, the actuator gear 24152 will swivel the gear in the opposite direction and the larger cam working surface 24392 will come into contact with the end 24287b of the lift actuating arm 24286b. This will lift the lift actuating arm 24286b to operate both wash valves. When the lower 24287d of the lift arm 24286b comes into contact with the surface 24382a, the CPU operates in the system to detect a change in the current that causes the motor 24148 to stop. The motor then reverses to the home position of the limit switch. Multiple limit switches may be provided. However, in the embodiments shown, only one is required. When the clean water wash is complete, the lift arm will rest on 242380a. In normal operation, the lift arm rests on the surface 24380a when the lift actuating arm is neither moved nor initiated. The surfaces 24380a, 24382a are on columns 24380, 24382, respectively, which can be part of a tank, tank liner, or can be disposed independently.

The system 24000 then closes the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 at least partially after delivering the dose of liquid cleaning agent, as also described above. The cleaning agent and wash water from the peripheral cleaning valve will have a sufficiently favorable time cycle to enter the toilet bowl and clean the toilet bowl with a cleaning action. The time cycle, including the retention time (or residence / residence time), is shorter (about 1 minute for a simple wash cycle) or longer (about 5-10 minutes for a thorough wash cycle) or 10 minutes kills bacteria. It is possible). In a thorough wash cycle as described above, two doses will be added dropwise for a deeper wash. After a retention or hold time, a purification step follows, with approximately 4.85 liters of wash water (although this may vary by design) inside the toilet bowl as fresh wash water at the end of each wash cycle. be introduced.

The time cycles in control system operation are identified as a first time cycle and a second time cycle from the point of view of fluid delivery, but these two time cycles do not have to be in any particular order and at the same time. It should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to be able to operate in overlapping fashions. For example, the cleaning agent may be delivered to the cleaning valve, the cleaning valve may be opened at the same time as the cleaning agent is delivered, or the cleaning valve may be used for the introduction and delivery of the cleaning agent, depending on how the cycle is organized. May be released before. In the preferred mode, delivery of the cleaning agent within the first time cycle precedes opening of the cleaning valve within the second time cycle, but this is only a preference and the steps are the first and second time cycles. May be modified or modified for fluid delivery by reversing the or operating them in a simultaneous or overlapping fashion. It is also possible to set the opening and timing as preferred in Embodiment 2400 to adapt to the simple wash and / or thorough wash cycle and to suit the user's preference.

The liquid supply valve 24120 has an actuator passage (and may also have other fittings if desired) so that the valve itself can act as a supply conduit as indicated. The system further includes a gear motor 24187 that can also be activated by the control system 24000. The reservoir 2406 may be mounted in a housing 24121 and bottom tray 2094 configured as shown, capable of holding the reservoir.

The control system 24000 is operable and can be initiated by actuator feature 2404. Actuator features may be various features that can be manually activated by the user when the wash cycle 2400 is desired. For example, the actuator feature may be a touchpad with a switch, toggle, button, set of button options as shown in the previous embodiment, or as shown, opening the panel lid by use of an electromagnetic switch. It may be an electronic touch panel that can operate according to the needs and can be activated through a touch screen panel or pushbutton cycle selection. It can also be activated remotely, for example by using remote control and infrared response mechanisms as is well known in the art to initiate a flush cycle in an automatic flush toilet. As shown in the drawings or in embodiments shown as non-limiting examples, the actuator feature 2404 is rapid and thorough, as shown, with an electromagnetic response feature or switch that activates the device upon opening of the panel. Includes a series of two or more feature buttons, including wash selection. The control system 24000 and the electromagnetic response feature and the cycle control touch icon are each electrically connected to the switch mechanism in the usual manner to transmit a signal activating the control system 24000. Depending on the activation of actuator feature 2404, the control system 24000 is adapted to initiate the wash cycle through one or more cycle selection touch icons 24376. Such an icon can specify a start button for various wash cycles such as simple wash and thorough wash as shown in FIGS. 75 and 76A, 76B. When the panel is electrically activated (such as by an electromagnetic switch), the icon may not be lit but may be operational, or it may be lit in response to the activation of the control panel 2497, with one or more cleaning cycles. It can be turned on, such as by using an LED panel, which can be used to operate.

The control system 24000 in one embodiment has a programmable controller for setting wash cycle features on a set timing sequence as described above. The control system includes and exhibits, for example, a CPU using open source or specialized programmable software programmed in the C language for the timing sequences and various actions described above, as described above, and sensors. Logical boards for input and output, including small microcomputer boards with touch icons and screen interfaces, are preferably used for easy user interaction and also require liquid level, system errors, or maintenance. It can also be programmed using a liquid level sensor (not shown) and other sensor mechanisms to give the user feedback on properties, battery life, cleaning agent level, and equivalents. The board 2497a, as shown in FIG. 93 in embodiment 2400, is behind the reservoir sheet in a separate sheet portion 24290b for security and below the touch control screen 2497 and actuator icon 2404 for convenience purposes. It is placed in the proximity of. A wide variety of control systems may be used and the listed options should not be considered limiting. The system, once programmed, has a storage memory for storing the program sequence and, if desired, to reprogram the control system or sequence, or is known in the art, or It is preferred to have active access memory and bidirectional software to access the Internet or other options and download upgrades to the program in any preferred manner developed. The control system is preferably located at or near the actuator features for easy wiring and connection, as shown.

As shown, the control board 2497a of the control system 24000 is located in a recess 2436 in the housing and telecommunications with the actuator feature 2404 and the control panel 2497. However, it should be understood that actuator features can be placed in a wide variety of locations. In the embodiments shown, the actuator feature 2404 is located inside the hinged connecting panel door 2498 in the top cover 2499 of the tank lid and in the top cover 2499 covering the LED-enabled display screen 2497 formed on the tank lid. Includes electromagnetic response features and control panel activation icon button 24376. The CPU2497a board is located in a recess 2463 within the housing, as is most often seen in FIG. 93. If desired, LED-enabled touch icons 24376 on the display screen for various features of the control system may be provided to interact with the panel 2497. Other LED non-touch screen warning words or icons may also be formed as part of panel 2497.

The top cover 2499 preferably covers and protects the control system panel 2497. When the tank lid 24170 with the housing 24121 is on the tank 2460, it acts as a completely separate tank lid. The cover 2499 may have edge 24102 or similar recessed features, if desired, to give the toilet a clean top lid appearance. A hinged connecting panel door 2498 may be provided to cover the LED-enabled display panel 2497. A finger lift feature may be provided to make it easier for the user to lift the door 2498. The user opens the door 2498 in the lid 2499, in doing so, cuts off the contact for the electromagnetic actuator feature, initiates an action from the control panel 2497, and also any system notification LED alert word or It also provides a "start" signal to the unit to allow access to the selected actuator icon to initiate. The activation icon 24376 is accessible over a portion of the housing that emerges through the lid opening 24101 under the hinged connecting panel door 2498. The hinged connecting door 2498, lid 2499, and tray 2494 can be made of various materials and molded thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, but preferentially, in one embodiment, such as ^{urea formaldehyde or Durablast TM.} It consists of a formaldehydeable polymer.

The cleaning system 2400 further includes a housing 24121 configured to receive the reservoir 2406. The housing mounts the reservoir within the seat 2457 and provides a battery receiving well 2461 for receiving a plurality of batteries. Wells 2461 may include typical features for connecting to such poles of batteries of the desired size, arranged in contact with the poles and sized to accept the desired battery size. A voluntary cover 2473 may be provided over the battery wells 2461 if desired.

If the reservoir has different features, such as an outlet portion as shown, the housing 24121 is preferably configured to accept the features discussed above so as to work with the fluid supply valve 24120. It has a portion 2474. The seat portion 2474 should have a shape that complements the shape of the outlet or other features of the liquid supply valve 24120 so that it stably receives the reservoir. It does not have to be overly tight and is configured so that the user can easily slide the reservoir in and out of the housing to replace and / or refill the reservoir when needed. However, it should be close enough to prevent easy removal by children. If desired, snap fitting or holding features 24378 may be provided for optional sliding fitting within the scope of the invention, but are not required by the invention.

With respect to the operation of the control system of the wash activation assembly 24140, the assembly includes one or more of the lift arms 24286a, 24286b, etc. as described above, at least one of which (24286b). ) Is connected to a standard flush lift mechanism (such as the flush activation bar 2475 and the rotatable connector assembly 24144 as described above) to operate the valve for a standard flush or purification step in the wash cycle. And / or can be engaged. The system also preferably includes at least one wash valve when using peripheral and injection valves, or conventional toilets of the type as described in embodiments 1600, 1700, and 1800. When in wash cycle mode, the lift arm 24286a will lift the peripheral wash valve 2480. The first lift arm 24286a is operated and engaged by the control system 24000, which activates the gear motor 24148 as described above.

The first lift arm 24286a, which is connected to the peripheral valve by the chain C3, also preferably also has an extension 24287a, as is most commonly seen in FIGS. 77 and 82-83. Such extension may have a variable shape and is shown here as a downwardly sloping tab with a flat portion. The extension tab engages the cam acting surface on the actuator gear of the gear motor 24148 as described above. The second lift arm 24286b has a similar flat extension 24287b and a notch as described above as well. The separate lower portions 24287c, 24287d of the extensions 24287a, 24287b also operate within the cycle to move the separate lift actuating arms in response to the wash cycle. The second lift arm 24286b is usually mechanically operated outside the system for flushing operation and is limited by the receiving tab 24144c. The actuator gear motor 24148 is preferably located within its own sturdy housing 24290d within a portion 24290 of a tray for accommodating the motor. The housing portion 24290 may be molded from any of the above polymers or other materials and may be a single part or multiple attachable / removable parts.

During the wash cycle, the controller 24000 engages both the liquid supply valve motor 24187 and the actuator gear motor 24148 in the lift arm actuator assembly 24140. Therefore, both motors preferably electronically communicate with the control system 24000. The gear motor 24148 may be kept dry and protected during operation if it is preferably positioned within the gear motor housing 24290d and within the housing 24290. The motor may optionally have one or more associated limit switches.

The lid 24170 preferably has a locking mechanism 24164. The housing 24121 has at least one opening 24311 and, as shown herein, has at least two such openings. A similar opening 24309 is provided through tray 94 to receive the lock. The number of parts or locks in the locking mechanism (one or more) may vary on the assumption that the lid 24170 is stable when locked. Such locking mechanisms are optional, but advantageous for safety and security, as well as for the smooth operation of gears and cleaning systems. The opening 24311 extends through the housing 24121. They are shaped, sized, and otherwise configured to accept locking mechanisms such as those shown, but the openings may vary to accommodate a wider variety of other designs.

The locking mechanism in the embodiments shown (see FIGS. 91-92 and 94) extends through at least one extension fastener 24312, preferably the various openings described above, as shown herein. At least two or more fastenings each having a screwable or swivel head 24312a for the purpose and a second locking end 24312b which may be configured in various ways to engage the mesh locking feature. Ingredients may be included. As shown, the locking end 24312b is a snap end and fits within the quick lock fixation. The locking end snaps into the receptive recess 24168a in the receptive tube 24168 in the tank liner 24169, as shown in FIGS. 94 and 99A-99E. A compression spring 24313 may be provided to adjustably lock the fastener 24312. An additional locking feature (not shown) may be fitted within the receptive tube recess 24168a within the liner 24169, the liner and tube being placed in a toilet tank such as a tank 2460. .. Other locking mechanisms may be used (long rod locks, or threads on caps with internal threads that engage the threaded ends of the locking rods, other snap-fit engagements and equivalents, etc.).

Once the reservoir enclosure 24121, tray 2404, and tank lid 24170 are integrated, they will be one after unlocking the assembly from the tank liner at any time the inside of the tank needs to be accessed. Easily removed for maintenance as an assembly. The tank lid 24170 may be made of earthenware, such as a toilet or tank thereof, or may be made of a molded composite material or a polymer material such as a molded thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. The tank 2060 also covers and fits the reservoir housing 24121 for a clean appearance, while still providing easy access for reservoir replacement or refilling, so that the tank lid 24170 is positioned on it. It may have a cover 2499 as part. The cover 2499 should be molded, sized, or otherwise configured to be positioned above the tank lid 24170, with an access opening 24101 and preferably an electromagnetic switch and wash cycle selection touch icon on it. Alternatively, it also has an actuator feature 2404 such as any other suitable operation control, preferably as described above in other embodiments herein for visual access to the control panel / electronic assembly 2497. It may have an optional door 2498.

The liner 24169 may be made of various materials such as polyvinyl chloride or similar water-safe polymer materials. A small void between the liner and the tank can be used to provide anti-condensation properties. Liners may also be used to form locking rod receptor tubes as shown. Funnel 24166 or similar guide features also preferably direct or direct the cleaning stream directly from the reservoir, supply valve, and dosing chamber into the downstream flow for combination with flush water prior to entering the toilet bowl. Provided to. As shown, this will direct water through the supply conduit 2479 to enter the overflow pipe 24190. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 2499 contacts the top of the liner 24169 to provide a more consistent vertical and horizontal positioning of the cover for the lift arm mechanism. The opening 24169a is provided in the liner 24169 to accept the passage of the extending axle 24334 and the bushing 24352 portion of the flush actuator assembly 24285 through the corresponding hole formed in the tank 2060.

The lift actuating arms 24286a, 24286b as discussed above are preferably independently operably connected to the wash valve 2080, and the lift arm 24286b is also preferably described above, preferably through a direct or indirect connection. It is connected to an injection valve such as the one to be used, the connection of which may be adjustable. The lift arm actuator assembly is also arranged to operate the peripheral cleaning valve without the handle 2402 by the operation of the lift arm actuator gear motor 24148 and at least one gear 151, 152 as described above. Thus, during the cleaning cycle, the user opens the lid to start the system and another actuator button or other actuator feature 2404 (herein the electromagnetic feature and at least one LED touch) to engage in cleaning. You will only need to use (shown as an icon) and you will not need to see the movement of the handle or press the wash handle. Once the wash cycle is over and the wash handle is activated, the toilet returns to normal wash.

In response to pressing the icon, a contact is made in the lower part of the panel 2497 to the CPU 2497a to activate the control system 24000. The control system then engages the liquid supply valve through motor 24187 and lifts the valve actuator 24185. The system will wait for a time cycle for the dosing chamber 24362 to fill to the desired dose (for a 25 ml dose, time may vary, but preferably about 190 ms). When the dose is loaded, the system starts the gear motor 24148 and operates the lift actuating arm 24286a to open the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 and from within the dosing chamber 24362 through the dosing lift cup 24366 to the funnel. The timing is set to coordinate the timing of the release of the cleaning agent solution into 24166, the overflow pipe 24190, into the peripheral cleaning valve 2480, and from there into the peripheral inlet port to the toilet bowl. Preferably, it should take about 5 seconds for about 4.8 liters of water to flow through the peripheral inlet port. The system should also allow about 70 ms for the detergent solution to flow from the dosing chamber 24362 (although this can vary). Once the water was released, the valve actuator 24185 was then raised again with the dosing lift cup 24366 and additional doses may be loaded into the dosing chamber 24362, which is about 190 ms. Further waiting cycles may be required. For a thorough wash cycle, at this point additional doses may be dropped into the system by lowering the valve actuator 24185 again. In either cycle, once administration is complete, the system will wait approximately 1.5 seconds (if desired) and then lower the lift actuating arm 24286a.

After introduction of the liquid cleaner and wash water into the toilet bowl, the solution and wash water should remain in the toilet bowl for a pre-determined amount of retention time, which can vary according to the desired wash cycle. The wash retention / hold time can vary from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, preferably about 5 minutes to about 25 minutes or 5 minutes to 10 minutes before the end of the cycle. For a thorough wash cycle, a hold time of at least 10 minutes is preferred, but a simple wash cycle of at least 1 minute is appropriate.

The cycle then has an optional purification step in which the second embodiment 2400 is initiated by the cleaning system 24000 through the operation of the lift actuating arm 24286b. The cleaning agent solution in the washing water is removed in the purification step of removing the cleaning agent from the toilet bowl. The toilet is then reconfigured for normal operation during the next use. In normal operation, the flush handle is pressed by the user and the handle, in an ordered fashion, allows for the equilibrium and timed flushes described above, and the lift actuating arm to lift both the peripheral and jet wash valves. Will work with 24286b and tab 24144c.

During the wash cycle, the gear motor 24187 is operated to open the liquid supply valve 24120 to release a dose of fluid. The dose is preferably pre-determined for programming purposes and, as described above, the volumetric flow rate of the cleaning agent into the overflow tube through the funnel through the liquid supply valve, administration chamber, and administration lift cup. Will be programmed over a set time based on. The timing is such that the desired amount of about 20 ml to about 60 ml of liquid cleaner, more preferably about 25 ml of liquid cleaner, in a single dose is from the supply conduit, in this case the liquid supply valve passage, to the periphery It should be set to pass through the internal space 24103 of the wash valve 2480 that communicates with the inlet port 28.

The supply conduit is an injector mechanism (shown) located at the base of the cleaning valve 2480 that communicates with the internal space 103 inside the valve body 24104 of the peripheral cleaning valve, either by direct injection of the peripheral cleaning valve 2480 into the overflow pipe. The cleaning agent solution may be introduced through any of the following. Alternatively, the supply conduit completely bypasses the wash valve 2480 and exits the tank 2460 through the opening or along the sides of the tank 2460, mixed with cleaning agent and introduced with additional wash water. Arbitrary peripheral manifolds, or other locations on the peripheral flush path as described herein, at any location in front of and upstream of the peripheral inlet port, such as the peripheral inlet port 28 of Embodiment 10. It may be configured to re-enter the toilet through any of the perimeters.

The control system 24000 is also configured and programmed to operate the cleaning valve 2480 to mechanically open the cleaning valve 2480 to introduce a dose of liquid cleaning agent along with wash water over a set second time cycle. Will be done. In this time cycle, the wash water in the tank flows down into the toilet that has not been operated for a longer time cycle, dilutes with the wash water to allow the distribution of the cleaning agent, and the toilet over a set time cycle. It then allows slower opening of the wash valve in normal cleaning so that it can be held within. The wash valve operation is modified as described above so that the control system controls the mechanical opening of the wash valve at the correct time (after administration) and over a second time cycle.

The peripheral wash valve is opened to deliver from the tank to the toilet about 4 liters to about 15 liters, preferably less than about 9 liters. This takes from about 3 seconds to about 15 seconds, preferably less than about 9 seconds, but the timing can be varied as described above for different systems, toilets, and applications, if desired. The toilet is preferably during the cleaning cycle if such a design is used to prevent the toilet from discharging cleaning agents and wash water into the trapway until sufficient cleaning is achieved. Does not have an activated injection port. However, in conventional siphon flush toilets, control of the wash valve is important and preferably the mechanism provides to shut off the trapway during this step during the wash cycle and avoid water loss over the weir. Will be done. Therefore, in the second embodiment 2400, it is preferable to incorporate the toilet into the assembly having the isolated peripheral and jet paths of the tenth embodiment so that the jet path can be separated from the operation of the wash cycle.

If more than cleaning function is desired and the user desires to clean, disinfect or sanitize, the cleaning cycle may be modified to optimize disinfection and / or hygiene function along with cleaning. It is advantageous to add the dose to the toilet bowl in two dosing steps in order to more easily achieve the sterilization level required by the US EPA for hygiene or disinfection requirements. A second dose of cleaning agent may be administered and retained with a first dose and then with the last 500-1,000 ml of water in the washing cycle. This ensures that relatively high concentrations of active ingredient remain in the toilet bowl for the duration of the hold cycle. Higher concentrations of wash fluid and longer retention cycles are beneficial in reaching EPA-required efficacy levels.

In the preferred embodiment shown, which has an isolated peripheral flow path for the toilet assembly 10, the toilet has the operation of a control system 24000 that mechanically and controllably opens the peripheral cleaning valve 2480, which causes the injection cleaning valve 2470. It has a separate injection cleaning valve mechanism 2470 so as not to open, thereby avoiding the formation of siphons in the trapway and allowing for a more effective cleaning cycle. The control system 24000 lifts its flapper cover 24105 at a controlled rate over a set time cycle to deliver the desired cleaning agent solution and dilutes the wash water flow to the peripheral inlet port through the valve. Mechanically opens the peripheral cleaning valve 2480.

The control system 24000 then delivers at least a partial cleaning valve during the second time cycle, preferably after delivering one or more doses of the pre-administered liquid cleaning agent using the administration chamber 24362. (Note that in the case of multiple doses, the second time cycle includes one or more dosing steps with an intervention suspension cycle as described above for disinfection and / or hygiene). .. After completion of administration, the control system then suspends operation for an additional third time cycle to allow the irrigation solution to reside in the toilet bowl and achieve the desired level of disinfection and / or irrigation action. Will do. The water is retained for the optimum wash time as described above until settling.

After a wash time cycle or "wash hold time", the control system optionally reopens the wash valve more mechanically (see bowl 30 in embodiment 10) to purify the internal region 36 of the toilet 30. May be programmed as Optionally, the jet cleaning valve (as further described below herein) also introduces additional water, siphons in the trapway, and drains a larger amount of cleaning fluid. It may be opened during the introduction of purified water from the periphery (although the timing may vary with respect to the starting point of opening of the injection wash valve) to achieve a more complete purification. Alternatively, the control system 24000 may be programmed to simply stop the wash cycle at the end of the hold cycle. The user will then simply activate the wash actuator (handle) to initiate a normal wash cycle, introducing new wash water to purify the toilet bowl at the end of the wash cycle. The first option is preferred as a safety feature to ensure that no cleaning agent is left in the toilet bowl if the user forgets to start further washing and clean the toilet bowl, but both options Is acceptable and is within the scope of the present invention.

The preferred timing of the wash solution and wash water delivery according to embodiment 10 is discussed elsewhere herein, and at the beginning of the cycle, the wash solution delivers about 25 ml of the wash solution in about 190 ms. Note that the valve 24120 is dispensed from the reservoir by partially opening the valve 24120 to provide the desired flow velocity. This initial dose, pre-administered using the administration chamber as described above, is dispensed throughout the toilet bowl by opening the marginal wash valve via the lift arm mechanism 24286a. Water then flows from the tank to the peripheral outlet port at a rate of about 1,200 ml / sec to about 800 ml / sec for about 9 seconds or less, reducing the flow rate as the height of water droplets in the tank. In the thorough wash cycle, a second dose (preferably also pre-administered) of about 25 ml of the detergent solution is added, leaving a higher concentration of active ingredient in the toilet bowl due to the upcoming hold cycle. The control system 24000 will then have a hold cycle of at least 10 minutes, after which a cleanup step will be initiated in which the lift arm 24286b is operated to cleanse the system.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad concept of the invention. Accordingly, it is understood that the invention is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, but not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. To.

Claims (18)

Toilet assembly with cleaning system
(A) Toilet assembly
Toilet bowl that defines the internal space and
Toilet tank that defines the inside of the tank and
Cleaning valve and
Peripheral entrance port and
An isolated peripheral flow path extending from the outlet of the cleaning valve to the peripheral inlet port, wherein the cleaning valve is configured to deliver fluid to the peripheral inlet port of the toilet bowl. Toilet assembly with peripheral flow path,
(B) A cleaning system
A reservoir for holding a liquid cleaning agent, the reservoir having a body defining an internal space and having an outlet port for fluid communication with the internal space of the reservoir.
A housing configured to receive the reservoir and
A supply conduit that communicates with the interior of the reservoir and has a first end for receiving fluid from within the reservoir.
A flow rate control device capable of controlling the flow rate through the supply conduit, and
A control system that can be activated by an actuator feature, the control system responding to activation of the actuator feature.
The flow control device is operated over a first time cycle sufficient to deliver a dose of liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to the internal space of the cleaning valve in a closed position, wherein the cleaning valve is: It is configured for delivery of fluid to the marginal inlet port and
After the first time cycle, the wash valve is operated so as to open the wash valve, water for washing with water is introduced, and the liquid detergent is introduced into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet port over the second time cycle. Adapted to initiate a wash cycle by carrying a dose of, said wash cycle is a thorough wash cycle or a simple wash cycle, with a control system, with a wash system ,
The control system was operated to close the cleaning valve over a third time cycle after introducing the dose of the liquid cleaning agent and the washing water.
A toilet assembly in which the third time cycle in the simple wash cycle is shorter than the third time cycle in the thorough wash cycle. The control system, wherein said causing the flush valve is operated for a second time period for a first time period after operating the flow control device, the toilet assembly as recited in claim 1. After delivering the dose and rinsing water of the liquid detergent, wherein the control system operates to cause to open the flush valve after the third time period in order to clean the inside of the toilet bowl, claims The toilet assembly according to 1. Said third time period, wherein a holding time of the dosage of liquid detergent stays in the toilet bowl, a dose of the liquid washing agent, in the wash the bowl in the third time in the period, The toilet assembly according to claim 3. The toilet assembly according to claim 4 , wherein in the thorough cleaning cycle, the third time cycle is about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes. In the thorough cleaning cycle, the third time period, wherein the dosage of liquid detergent is cleaning the toilet bowl, configured to enable to kill bacteria in the toilet bowl, to claim 4 Described toilet assembly. The toilet assembly according to claim 4 , wherein in the simple cleaning cycle, the third time cycle is about 1 minute. The toilet assembly according to claim 3 , wherein cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl comprises delivering about 4.85 liters of wash water to the inside of the toilet bowl. After delivering the liquid detergent dose and wash water, the control system is such that a second dose of the liquid detergent is delivered from the supply conduit to the internal space of the wash valve at the closed position. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the flow control device is operated. After delivering the second dose and rinsing water of the liquid detergent, wherein the control system operates to to open the flush valve after the third time period in order to clean the inside of the bowl , The toilet assembly according to claim 9. The control system delivers two doses of the liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit in the thorough cleaning cycle and one dose of the liquid cleaning agent for the supply conduit in the simple cleaning cycle. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flow control device is operated as described above. The toilet assembly according to claim 11 , wherein each dose of the liquid detergent in the thorough cleaning cycle is about 24 ml. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flow control device is a liquid supply valve, and the cleaning system further comprises a gear motor for the liquid supply valve. 13. The toilet assembly of claim 13 , wherein the gear motor is configured to lift a supply valve actuator and deliver a dose of the liquid detergent into the administration chamber. Further comprising a lift actuating arm configured to operate the wash valve, the control system opens the wash valve and doses the wash water and the liquid cleaner into the toilet bowl through the peripheral inlet port. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lift actuating arm is operated so as to introduce the above. Further provided with a lift actuating arm configured to operate the wash valve.
The control system
And said washing valve is opened, to deliver a dose and the rinsing water of the liquid detergent over the second time period, operating the lift operating arm,
To operate the lift actuating arm so as to close the wash valve,
Further performing the operating the said lifting actuating arm so as to open the flush valve after the third time period in order to clean the interior of the bowl, the toilet assembly as recited in claim 1. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the control system operates the flow control device over the first time cycle and simultaneously operates the cleaning valve to open. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the control system operates the cleaning valve to open before delivering a dose of the liquid cleaning agent over the first cycle time.

Images