NL2011150C2

NL2011150C2 - Toilet cleaning system and method for cleaning a toilet system.

Info

Publication number: NL2011150C2
Application number: NL2011150A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Johannes Houwelingen
Original assignee: Claleco B V
Priority date: 2013-07-12
Filing date: 2013-07-12
Publication date: 2015-01-15

Description

Toilet cleaning system and method for cleaning a toilet system

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a toilet cleaning system and a method for cleaning a toilet system.

In many offices, public buildings and in public spaces, toilet systems are provided for the people visiting these places. Many of these toilet systems comprise one or more flush toilets and/or urinals in one or more toilet rooms, which are cleaned in an automatic way. After a user has left the room, the room is locked and the toilet bowl is cleaned, usually with jets of water. Then, the bowl is usually dried using air and the room is unlocked, ready for the next user. During the cleaning and drying, the room is not available for a new user. Thus, the capacity (i.e. maximum number of usages per time unit) of such a toilet system is dependent on the time needed to clean and/or dry the toilet bowl after use.

It is an object of the present invention to increase the capacity of a toilet system.

SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, a toilet system is provided, comprising a structure with a first and a second bowl, wherein said structure is rotatable about a vertical rotation axis.

The term bowl or toilet bowl may refer to a vitreous or ceramic pan/bowl of a toilet, a seat less lavatory (or Turkish loo), or a urinal. The pan/bowl may be also made of stainless steel. Each bowl may comprise, or be provided with, a rim, a seat and/or a (toilet bowl) lid.

The vertical rotation axis may be arranged perpendicular on a horizontal floor, on which or above which the structure is placed. Because of the structure, the first and second bowl may be fixedly (i.e. not movable, i.e. not rotatable nor translatable), arranged with respect to each other, for example via a frame.

Since the structure is rotatable about a rotation axis, it is possible to rotate the structure from a first position, in which the first bowl can be used by a user and the second bowl can be cleaned and/or dried into a second position in which the first bowl can be cleaned and/or dried and the second bowl can be used by a user.

It may be the case that a bowl, after being used by the user, is flushed by the user, before the structure is rotated.

In this way the toilet system may provide a cleaned and dried bowl (one of the first and the second bowl) to a new user, while the other bowl (the other of the first and second bowl) is being cleaned and/or dried.

Thus the toilet system according to the invention will have a higher capacity with respect to other toilet systems with only one bowl. This may also be applicable to a toilet system, comprising a structure with a first and a second bowl, wherein said structure is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis, in addition or instead of a vertical rotation axis.

However, because of the vertical rotation axis, the first and the second bowl will have the same orientation when being used and when being cleaned and/or dried. The seat opening of each bowl may maintain an upward orientation, while the exit or outlet of each bowl may maintain a, preferably downward, orientation. To this orientation may be referred to by the term standard orientation.

One of the advantages may be that material that was left behind in one of the bowls after usage will remain in said bowl while the structure is being rotated. With a horizontal rotation axis, one of bowls may end up rotated substantially upside down, causing said material to fall out of the bowl.

Another advantage may be that a toilet cleaning system and/or drying device may be used, i.e. a device arranged for cleaning and/or drying of a bowl in the standard orientation, as may be known in the art. However, also a toilet cleaning system according to another aspect of the invention, as is described below, may be used.

Furthermore, a vertical rotation axis enables the use of the space above the backsides of the bowls. The side of the bowl connected to the structure may be referred to as the backside of the bowl. A toilet tank or a motor arranged for rotating said structure may be arranged there. In contrast, in case of a horizontal axis, the bowls would be rotated through this space. Moreover, it may be the case that, when rotating the structure about a horizontal axis, bowls would be rotated through the (plane of the) toilet floor, above which the toilet system is placed.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said structure comprises a first outlet of said first bowl, a second outlet of said second bowl and a common outlet, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet are connected to (or jointed with) said common outlet, and, wherein a longitudinal axis of an end part of said common outlet coincides with said vertical rotation axis .

An advantage of this embodiment may be that said end part of the common outlet will only be rotated about the vertical rotation axis and will not be translated or displaced, when the structure is rotated. This enables a simple connection of the end part of the common outlet with a main outlet, which does not rotate about the vertical rotation axis and is not displaced nor translated, when the structure is rotated.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a main outlet, connected to said common outlet, wherein said main outlet is fixedly arranged with respect to said vertical rotation axis. A longitudinal axis of an end part of said main outlet may coincide with said vertical rotation axis. Furthermore, said longitudinal axis of said end part of said main outlet may coincide with said longitudinal axis of said end part of said common outlet.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said structure comprises a first inlet of said first bowl, a second inlet of said second bowl and a common inlet, wherein the first inlet and the second inlet are connected to (or jointed with) said common inlet, and, wherein a longitudinal axis of an end part of said common inlet coincides with said vertical rotation axis.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that said end part of the common inlet will only be rotated and will not be translated or displaced, when the structure is rotated. This enables a simple connection with a main inlet, which does not rotate and is not translated nor displaced when the structure is rotated.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a main inlet connected to said common inlet, wherein said main inlet is fixedly arranged with respect to said vertical rotation axis. Said main inlet may comprise a main inlet end part. A longitudinal axis of said end part may coincide with said vertical rotation axis. Furthermore, said longitudinal axis of said end part of said main inlet may coincides with said longitudinal axis of said end part of said common inlet.

The main inlet end part may be inserted or arranged to be inserted in the end part of the common inlet. Said main inlet end part may be arranged for blocking one of the first and second inlets, such that when liquid is flushed through the main inlets, the water will be guided only to the other of the first and second bowl.

The main inlet end part may be arranged for blocking the second inlet in the first position and thus for guiding the water only to the first bowl in the first position. The main inlet end part may be arranged for blocking the first inlet in the second position and thus for guiding the water only to the second bowl in the second position.

In this case, when a user flushes the toilet system, only the bowl that is just used is flushed and not the other bowl.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, each outlet is arranged for draining waste water and/or wherein each inlet is arranged for supplying water.

The first, second and/or main outlet may comprise a siphon.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, a valve is provided in at least one of: first inlet, the second inlet, the common inlet, the first outlet, the second outlet and the common outlet.

An advantage of the valves in the first and second inlet may be that they enable selection of which toilet bowl is to be flushed, as an alternative and/or addition to the main inlet end part as described above. An advantage of the valves in the first and second outlet is that they may prevent the waste water from one bowl entering the other bowl.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a motor arranged for rotating said structure about said vertical axis from a first position to a second position.

The motor may comprise a linear actuator arranged for linearly moving (or translating) a part of said motor or a rotational actuator arranged for rotating a part of said motor, for example, at least a part of a second gear wheel, for rotating the structure about the vertical rotation axis.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said structure comprises at least a part of a first gear wheel. Said part may be used for rotating the structure.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said motor comprises at least a part of a second gear wheel, wherein said part of said second gear wheel engages with said part of said first gear wheel.

In this case, said part of said second gear wheel may drive the rotation of the structure.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said part of said first gear wheel surrounds a central opening and said common inlet or said common outlet is provided through said central opening.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that the said part of said first gear wheel may form at least a part of a circle.

The at least a part of said first gear wheel may be a complete, circular first gear wheel. Also, the at least a part of said second gear wheel may be a complete, circular second gear wheel.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system may further comprise a bearing. The bearing may surrounds a central space, wherein an end part of said common outlet is provided in said central space and/or an end part of said main outlet is provided in said central space.

The bearing may be connected to the structure. The structure may comprise a first plate to which the bearing is connected. The common outlet may be provided through said first plate. The bearing may also be connected to a second plate, wherein the main outlet is provided through said second plate.

The central space may be enclosed by the bearing and the first and second plate, preferably in a hermetically way, for example by providing an insulating material between said bearing and the first and second plate.

The end part of the common outlet may be inserted in the end part of the main outlet. Air may flow from the main outlet may between the end of the common outlet and the end of the main outlet into the central space. Because of the hermetical enclosure of the central space, this air, which may have an unpleasant smell, is prevented from reaching the user.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said structure further comprises a frame, wherein at least one of: the first bowl, the second bowl, the first inlet, the second inlet, the common inlet, the first outlet, the second outlet, the common outlet, the first gear wheel is attached to said frame.

An advantage of the frame may be that it may provide constructional strength or sturdiness to the structure. In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, further comprising two vertical panels arranged between the first and the second bowl, preferably perpendicular to a virtual line connecting the centres of the first and second bowl, and, preferably arranged on outer sides of said frame.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that the two vertical panels may separate the user of one of the first and second bowl from the other of the first and second bowl, which may be in the process of being cleaned and/or dried.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a toilet cleaning system arranged for cleaning the first bowl, when the structure is in one of the first and second position, and the second bowl, when the structure is in the other of the first and second position.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that the toilet system requires only one toilet cleaning system for cleaning a (single) bowl. By rotating the structure from the first into the second position, the toilet cleaning system is able to clean both the first and the second bowl.

The toilet cleaning system may be arranged for providing jets of water for cleaning the first and/or second bowl. The toilet cleaning system may be fixedly arranged with respect to the vertical rotation axis.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a drying device arranged for drying the first bowl and the second bowl. In a further embodiment, the drying device is arranged for drying the first bowl, when the structure is in one of the first and second position, and the second bowl, when the structure is in the other of the first and second position.

In another embodiment, the drying device is arranged for drying the first and/or second bowl, when said structure is being rotated, in particular from the first to the second position or from the second to the first position.

An advantage of this embodiment, is that the toilet system requires only one drying device, wherein said drying system is arranged for drying a (single) bowl. By rotating the structure from the first into the second position, the drying device is able to clean both the first and the second bowl.

The drying device may be arranged for providing air for drying the first and/or second bowl.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet cleaning system is arranged for cleaning the first bowl and the drying device is arranged for drying the second bowl, when the structure is in one of the first and second position.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that, at the same time, one of the bowls can be cleaned, while the other one can be dried.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet cleaning system is arranged for cleaning the first bowl and the drying device is arranged for drying the first bowl, when the structure is in one of the first and second position.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that, at the same time, one of the bowls can be used, while the other one can be cleaned and/or dried.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system comprises a toilet room, divided into a user room and a technical room, wherein said toilet structure is arranged or provided in said toilet room and said vertical rotation axis is preferably arranged between the user room and the technical room.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, in the first position, the first bowl is in the user room and the second bowl is in the technical room, and, in the second position, the first bowl is in the technical room and the second bowl is in the user room. A user may have only access to the user room and not to the technical room.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that a user using one of the bowls is separated from the other bowl, which may be in the process of cleaning and/or drying. In that case the user will not be in contact with possible hazardous cleaning substances and/or air, used in the process of cleaning and/or drying.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a main frame, wherein said structure is rotatable attached to said main frame, in particular wherein said frame is rotatable attached to said main frame.

When the structure is rotated, the structure and/or the frame may be rotated with respect to the main frame .

The frame may be at least partly arranged in said main frame. The frame and/or the main frame may have an elongated shape.

An advantage of the main frame may be that it may provide constructional strength or sturdiness to the toilet system.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said frame or said main frame is arranged for placement on a floor of a toilet room in order to provide said first and second bowl at a predetermined height from said floor.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that the toilet system may be easily placed on the floor of the toilet room. Said predetermined height may be in the range of 40-55 cm, or in particular in the range of 45-50 cm, or in particular 45 or 50 cm.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said toilet cleaning system is arranged in the technical room or in the user room. In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said drying device is arranged in the technical room. In another embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said drying device is arranged between the user room and the technical room.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said two vertical panels are arranged between the user room and the technical room.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that the two vertical panels separate the two rooms, while creating space between the two panels, for example for the first inlet, the second inlet, the common inlet, the first outlet, the second outlet, and/or the common outlet.

The two vertical panels may be arranged in parallel with respect to each other. The two vertical panels may be arranged on two outer sides of the main frame, respectively.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprising two further vertical panels, wherein said further two vertical panels in combination with said two vertical panels are arranged for dividing the toilet room in said user room and said technical room.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the drying device is provided in said main frame, between the user room and the technical room, and/or, at least partially in between said two further vertical panels .

The two further vertical panels may be arranged in parallel with respect to each other.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the two further vertical panels separate the two rooms, while creating space between the two further panels, for example for main inlet and/or the toilet tank.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said main inlet is arranged at least partially between said two further vertical panels.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, said main outlet is arranged at least partially in a floor of said toilet room.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a detector arranged for detecting a presence or absence of a user or person in said user room and/or said technical room.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that it enables determining when the toilet can be rotated, i.e. when no user is present in the user room or in the technical room.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a lock arranged for locking said user room.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that it prevents any new user from entering the user room.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprises a further lock arranged for locking said structure, or in particular for locking said frame in said main frame. An advantage of this embodiment may be that it prevents the structure from rotating, for example by a user.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, further comprising a further toilet cleaning system arranged for cleaning a wall and/or the floor of said user room and/or a further drying device for drying said wall and/or said floor.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that it enables not only the cleaning and/or drying of the bowls but also the walls and the floor of the user room.

In an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention, the toilet system further comprising a processing unit arranged for controlling at least one of: the motor for rotating the structure, the toilet cleaning system for cleaning said bowls, the drying device for drying said bowls, the further toilet cleaning system for cleaning the user room, the further drying device for drying the user room and said valves. The processing unit may also be connected to the sensor, the lock and/or the further lock.

An advantage of this embodiment may be that it enables the processing unit to execute one or more of the following method steps.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for cleaning a toilet system comprising a structure with a first and a second bowl, wherein said structure is rotatable about a vertical rotation axis from a first position into a second position, wherein, in the first position, the first bowl is in a user room and the second bowl is in a technical room, and, in the second position, the first bowl is in the technical room and the second bowl is in the user room; wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) detecting that a user has entered and left the user room; b) locking the user room; c) rotating the structure such that the structure changes its position; d) unlocking the user room; e) performing at least one of: cleaning and drying on the bowl in the technical room f) repeating steps a)-e)

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises step b2 between step b) en c) , wherein step b2) comprises: cleaning or flushing the bowl in the user room.

It may be understood that any feature applicable to the toilet system according to the invention may also be applicable to the method for cleaning a toilet system according to the invention, mutatis mutandis. Also the advantages of embodiments of the toilet system may also be applicable to corresponding embodiments of the method according to the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a toilet cleaning system is provided, arranged for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system, the system comprising a tube system arranged for at least partially extending into said bowl and for rotating about a rotation axis, preferably about a substantial vertical rotation axis, wherein said tube system comprises a first nozzle arranged for spraying liquid on a seat of said bowl, preferably on a upper side of said bowl, and a second nozzle arranged for spraying liquid on an inner wall of said bowl.

The toilet system may be arranged for cleaning the inner wall of the bowl and the seat of the bowl.

The toilet system may be the toilet system as described in this document, having a rotatable structure with two bowls. The toilet cleaning system may then be arranged for cleaning a first bowl while the second bowl can be used. The toilet cleaning system may be arranged in the technical room. The liquid may comprise water and/or a cleaning product or detergent.

By rotating the tube system, having two nozzles for spraying the liquid, the bowl and its seat may be rapidly and completely cleaned. This may increase the capacity of said toilet system.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, the cleaning system further comprises a lid for closing off said bowl, wherein said tube system extends from said lid, in particular towards said bowl. The lid may prevent the liquid from splattering away from the bowl.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, the tube system comprises a third nozzle arranged for spraying said water to a bottom part of said bowl. Said third nozzle may improve the cleaning of the bowl by the toilet cleaning system.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, said first nozzle is arranged for spraying said liquid in a direction substantially parallel to said rotation axis; and/or, said second nozzle is arranged for spraying said liquid in a direction substantially perpendicular to said rotation axis; and/or, said third nozzle is arranged for spraying said liquid in a direction, defining an angle between 10 and 80 degrees with said rotation axis.

Said direction substantially parallel to said rotation axis may be a substantially vertical direction. Said direction substantially perpendicular to said rotation axis may be a substantially horizontal direction.

By directing the spraying of the liquid as described in this embodiment, the liquid will hit the surface of the bowl and its seat more or less perpendicular. This increases the impact of the liquid and thus improves the cleaning.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, the cleaning system further comprises a motor arranged for rotating said tube system.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, at least one of said nozzles is arranged for spraying said liquid in direction, which is non-radial with respect to said rotation axis in order to cause rotation of the tube system. Thus, the tube system may be rotated either by a motor or by liquid flowing out of one of the nozzle.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, said lid comprises a peripheral rim arranged for enclosing a top part of said bowl, in particular for enclosing the seat of said bowl. The rim may further prevent the liquid from splattering away from the bowl.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, said system is arranged lowering said tube system and/or said lid at least partially into said bowl and/or for lifting said tube system and/or said lid from said bowl.

The tube system (and the lid) may be, at least partially, lowered into the bowl. In that case, the lid may, at least partially close off the bowl. After cleaning the bowl, the tube system (and the lid) may be lifted, preferably out of the bowl. Then, the bowl may be used again, or, in the toilet system described above, the structure with the bowl may be rotated, such that another bowl becomes available for cleaning by toilet cleaning system.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, said cleaning system further comprises a guide, in particular a rail, for guiding said lid and tube system towards and from said bowl.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, said cleaning system further comprises a further tube system, which comprises at least one nozzle for spraying a liquid on the seat of the bowl, in particular on a downside of said seat and/or on an outer wall of said bowl and is arranged for rotating about a further rotation axis, preferably about a substantial vertical further rotation axis.

In this case, the cleaning system is further arranged for cleaning the outer wall of the bowl.

The further tube system enables the cleaning of the outer wall of the bowl and the further cleaning of the seat of the bowl.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, the at least one nozzle comprises two nozzles, arranged for spraying said liquid in a direction parallel to said further rotation axis, wherein preferably said two nozzle are arranged at opposite sides with respect to said further rotation axis.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, said cleaning system further comprises a further motor arranged for rotating said further tube system about said further rotation axis.

In an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention, said cleaning system is provided with a drying device arranged for removing said liquid from said bowl, preferably by blowing air.

This drying device may be any of the embodiments of a drying device as described in this document.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system, comprising the steps of: - lowering a tube system at least partially into said bowl, the tube system comprising a first and a second nozzle for spraying a liquid; rotating said tube system about a rotation axis, preferably about a substantial vertical rotation axis, while spraying said liquid on a seat of said bowl by said first nozzle and spraying said liquid on an inner wall of said bowl by said second nozzle; and, - lifting said tube system out of said bowl.

In an embodiment of the method for cleaning a bowl according to the invention, said method further comprises the step of: - rotating a further tube system about a further rotation axis, preferable about a substantial vertical further rotation axis, while spraying said liquid on an outer wall said bowl by at least one nozzle of said further tube system.

In an embodiment of the method for cleaning a bowl according to the invention, said method further comprises the step of: - removing said liquid from said bowl, preferably by blowing air.

It may be understood that any feature applicable to the toilet cleaning system according to the invention may also be applicable to the method for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system according to the invention, mutatis mutandis. Also the advantages of embodiments of the toilet cleaning system may also be applicable to corresponding embodiments of the method for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system according to the invention.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 2A shows a schematic overview of a part of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 2B shows a schematic overview of a part of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 2C shows schematic overview of an end part of the main inlet of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 3A shows a schematic overview of a part of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 3B shows a schematic overview of a part of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 5A shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention;

Figure 5B shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows a schematic flow chart of two embodiments of the method for cleaning a toilet system according to the invention; and,

Figure 7 shows a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of the method for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention. The toilet system 103 may comprise a structure 104 of a first bowl 101 and a second bowl 102. The structure may further comprise a frame 301, to arrange the first and second bowl with respect to each other at a predefined distance and/or with a predefined orientation. The first and second bowl may extend in opposite directions. A back side of the first bowl may be facing a back side of the second bowl. The orientation of the first bowl 101 may be identical to the orientation of the second bowl 102. The second bowl 102 may be orientated such that it is ready for use. An upper side of the first bowl 101 may be in the same horizontal plane as an upper side of the second bowl 102. The orientation may be the above-described standard orientation.

The structure 104 may be rotatable about a vertical rotation axis A. The structure may be rotatable over an angle of 0-180 degrees, over an angle of 0-360 degrees, or even over an angle of more than 360 degrees.

It may be the case that the structure is only rotatable in one direction about the rotation axis. In that case, the structure may not be rotated back. A virtual, horizontal, line (indicated by the letter B in figure 4) connecting a centre of the first bowl 101 with a centre of the second bowl 102 may intersect with the vertical rotation axis.

The structure 104 may be rotatable from a first position into a second position. The embodiment of figure 1 may be said to be in the first position. The second position may be obtained by rotating the structure over 180 degrees, which would yield a similar figure as figure 1, with the first bowl and second bowl having swapped their places.

It may be the case that in the first position, the first bowl 101 can be used, while the second bowl 102 can be cleaned and/or dried. After use, the structure may be rotated into the second position, and the second bowl 102 can used, while the first bowl 101 can be cleaned and/or dried.

The structure may comprise more than two bowls. A third and a fourth bowl or even n-bowls may be provided, n being an integer greater than 1. In that case, n positions may be defined with an angle between two adjacent positions of 360/n degrees.

The structure may be positioned above a floor 105 of a toilet room. A distance h from an upper side of the first (and second bowl) to the floor 105 may be equal to a predefined height, for example 45 cm or 50 cm or lower.

Figure 2A shows a schematic overview of a part an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention. The structure 104 may comprises a first outlet 201 of said first bowl 101, a second outlet 202 of said second bowl 102 and a common outlet 203. The first and second outlets may be arranged to transport waste water from the respective bowls to the sewer, preferably via the common outlet 203 and via the main outlet 208. The first outlet 201 and the second outlet 202 are connected or jointed with the common outlet 203.

The first outlet, the second outlet, the common outlet and/or the main outlet may have a tubular shape.

When an end part of said common outlet 203 has a longitudinal axis that coincides with the vertical rotation axis A, said end part will only rotate when the structure is rotated and will not be moved or translated. This enables a simple connection with the main outlet 208, which does not rotate or translate when the structure is rotated.

The main outlet may be fixedly arranged with respect to said vertical rotation axis A. Alternatively, the main outlet may be made of a flexible material, such that one end part of the main outlet may be rotate and/or translated, when the structure is rotated, while the other end part of the main inlet remains fixed. A longitudinal axis of an end part of the main outlet 208 may coincide with the vertical rotation axis A and/or with the longitudinal axis of the end part of the common outlet 203. It may be the end part of the main outlet 208 that is connected to said end part of the common outlet 203.

The structure may further comprise a first inlet 204 of the first bowl 101, a second inlet 205 of the second bowl 102, a common inlet 206 and a main inlet 207. The inlets may be arranged to transport water to the respective bowls from a water storage, such as a toilet tank. The first and second inlet may be connected or jointed with the common inlet. An end part of the common inlet 206 may have a longitudinal axis which coincides with the vertical rotation axis A, such that this end part will only rotate and not translate when the structure is rotated. This enables a simple connection with the main inlet, which may be fixedly arranged with respect to said vertical rotation axis. A longitudinal axis of an end part of the main inlet 207 may also coincide with the vertical rotation axis A and/or with the longitudinal axis of the end part of the common inlet 206.

The first inlet, the second inlet, the common inlet and/or the main inlet may have a tubular shape.

The first inlet 204 may be provided with a first inlet valve 221. The second inlet 205 may be provided with second inlet valve 222. The first outlet 201 may be provided with a first outlet valve 223. The second outlet 202 may be provided with a second outlet valve 224.

With the first and second inlet valves it can be selected which toilet bowl is to be flushed. With the first and second outlet valves it can be prevented that the waste water enters one of the bowls.

The toilet system 103 may comprise a motor 250 arranged for rotating said structure 104 about said vertical axis A from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position.

The motor may comprise a drive shaft 253 and a drive gear wheel 252, also referred to as the second gear wheel. The structure may comprise a first gear wheel 251, which engages with the second gear wheel 252.

The first gear wheel 251 may comprise a central opening or may surround said central opening. The first gear wheel may be arranged such that the common inlet 206, said end part of the common inlet, the main inlet 207 or said end part of the main inlet passes through this central opening. Alternatively, the first gear wheel may be arranged such that the common outlet 203, said end part of the common outlet, the main outlet 208 or said end part of the main inlet passes through this central opening.

Instead of a complete circular gear wheel 251, 252 only parts of the respective gear wheels may be applied, mutatis mutandis.

Figure 2B shows a schematic overview of a part of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention. Figure 2B illustrates the connection of the first inlet and the second inlet, which may be rotated about axis A, to the main inlet, which is not to be rotated about axis A, in any of the embodiments described in this document.

As seen in figure 2B, the common inlet 206 may be a tube with a Y form, connecting the first inlet 204 and the second inlet 102 with the main inlet 207. The main inlet 207 may comprise an end part 260 which may be inserted in an end part of the common inlet 206. Said end part may have a shape that blocks the first inlet and leaves the second inlet open. Thus, when the toilet system is flushed, the water is only transported through the second inlet into the second bowl and the water will not reach the first bowl.

When the structure is rotated, the first and second bowl will change position, while the orientation of the end part 260 will not be changed.

Thus, when a user flushes the toilet system, only the bowl that the user has used, will be flushed, i.e. the bowl in the user room, and not the bowl in the technical room.

Figure 2C shows schematic overview of such end part of the main inlet. It comprises an opening 261 which, when the end part is inserted into the end part of the common inlet, faces only one of the first and second inlet or faces only one of the two legs of the (preferably Y-shaped) common inlet. The opening 261 may have substantially the same dimensions as an opening of said one of the first and second inlet or an opening of said one of the two legs.

The end part may further comprise a curved part 262, arranged to guide water coming from the main inlet into said one of the first and second inlet or into said one of the two legs of the (preferably Y-shaped) common inlet.

Figure 3A shows a schematic overview of another part an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention. The structure 104 may comprise a frame 301, wherein at least one of: the first bowl, the second bowl, the first inlet, the second inlet, the common inlet, the first outlet, the second outlet, the common outlet, the first gear wheel is attached to said frame. In figure 3A, the first bowl 101 and the second bowl 102 is shown to be attached to said frame 301.

The structure 104 or in particular the frame 301 may be provided in a main frame 302. The structure 104 or in particular the frame 301 may be rotatable attached to said main frame. The main frame may be placed on and/or attached to the floor of the toilet room.

The frame 301 and/or the main frame 302 may have an elongated shape and/or a box shape. The main frame 302 may be arranged for fully containing the frame 301.

In figure 3A, the structure 104 and in particular the frame 301 is depicted as being in between the first position and the second position. Both in the first and second position the frame 301 may be fully contained inside the main frame 302.

The frame 301 or the main frame 302 may be arranged for placement on the floor in order to provide said first and second bowl at a predetermined height h from said floor.

The structure may comprise two vertical panels 310, 311, preferably arranged between the first and the second bowl. The vertical panels may be arranged on the outer sides of the frame 301. The vertical panels may be arranged in parallel with the back sides of the bowls or may be arranged perpendicular to a virtual line B connecting the centres of the first and second bowl.

Figure 3B shows a schematic overview of another part of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention. Figure 3B shows the connection of the common outlet 203, which may be rotated about axis A, to the main outlet 208, which is not to be rotated about axis A, in any of the embodiments described in this document.

An end part of the common outlet 203 may be inserted into an end part of the main outlet 208. Both end parts may be in the form of a tube.

Because the common outlet may be rotated, while the main outlet is not rotated, it may be difficult to hermetically close off the space between the end parts of the main outlet and the common outlet. Without a hermetical closing off, it may be possible that air coming from the main outlet and having an unpleasant smell, reaches a user.

In the embodiment of figure 3B, the common outlet 203 is fed through and connected to a first plate 320. The main outlet 2 08 is fed through and connected to a second plate 321. The first and second plates are connected with each other via a bearing 322. The first and second plate and the bearing together enclose a central space comprising the connection of the common outlet with the main outlet. The connection between the first plate and the common outlet, between the first plate and the bearing, between the second plate and the main outlet and/or between the second plate and the bearing may be hermetical, thus the central space may be hermetically enclosed.

Because of the hermetical enclosure of the central space, air coming from the main outlet is prevented from reaching the user.

Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention. The toilet system may comprise a toilet room 400, divided into a user room 403 and a technical room 402, wherein the vertical rotation axis A is preferably arranged between the user room 403 and the technical room 402.

The volume of the user room 403 may be larger than the volume of the technical room 402. The floor area of the user room 403 may be larger than the floor area of the technical room 402. In the first position the first bowl 101 is in the user room 403 and the second bowl 102 is in the technical room 402. Figure 4 shows this position. After rotating the structure from the first position into the second position, the first bowl 101 will be in the technical room 402 and the second bowl 102 will in the user room 403. A figure depicted the structure in the second position will be similar to figure 4, only with the first and second bowl having swapped places .

The user room may be provided with a door 404, which may allow users to enter the user room. The door 404 may be an automatic door. A lock 405 may be provided for locking said door, in order to prevent a user from entering when the structure is rotated, and/or one of the bowls is being cleaned and/or drying. A sensor 406 may be provided, that is arranged for detecting a presence or absence of a person or user in said user room. With the detector 406 it may be determined that a user has entered and left the user room.

Furthermore, the motor may be provided with a safety mechanism, which may detect a rotational resistance when rotating the structure. When this resistance increases and the safety mechanism detects this increase, the safety mechanism may stop the rotation, because this increase may indicate that the structure has run or bumped into a person in the user room or in the technical room.

The toilet system may comprise a toilet cleaning system 420 arranged for cleaning the first bowl 101, when the structure 104 is in one of the first and second position, and for cleaning the second bowl 102, when the structure 104 is in the other of the first and second position.

The toilet cleaning system may be provided in the user room 403 or in the technical room 402. In figure 4, the toilet cleaning system 420 is provided in the technical room 402, and thus arranged for cleaning the second bowl 102 in the first position and for cleaning the first bowl 101 in the second position.

The toilet system may comprise a drying device 421 arranged for drying the first bowl 101, when the structure 104 is in one of the first and second position, and for drying the second bowl 102, when the structure 104 is in the other of the first and second position.

The drying device may be provided in the user room 403 or in the technical room 402. In figure 4, the drying device 421 is provided between the user room and the technical room 402, and thus arranged for drying the first and second bowl, while the structure is being rotated.

In an embodiment of the drying device, the drying device comprises a narrow, elongated outlet for blowing out air. While the bowl is rotated, the bowl may pass under said elongated outlet and may receive the air from the drying device.

Figure 5A shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet system according to the invention. The toilet system may comprise two further vertical panels 501, 502, wherein said further two vertical panels in combination with said two vertical panels 310, 311 are arranged, preferably in parallel, for dividing the toilet room in said user room and said technical room.

The main inlet may be arranged at least partially between said two further vertical panels 501, 502. Also, a toilet tank 401 and/or motor 250 may be arranged between said two further vertical panels 501, 502. The main outlet 208 may be arranged at least partially in the floor 105 of said toilet room 400.

The toilet system may comprise a further toilet cleaning system 510 arranged for cleaning the floor and/or one or more walls of said user room the user room) and/or a further drying device 511 for drying the same. The further toilet cleaning system and/or further drying device may be provided in the user room 403.

The toilet system may further comprise a further lock for locking the frame in the first or second position. Such further lock may be arranged for temporally connecting the frame to the main frame. The further lock may comprise a rod, connected to the main frame, which is arranged to be inserted into an opening of the frame, wherein said opening may be arranged in an upper part of said frame.

In figure 3A, an opening 321, 322 in the frame 301 is shown, in which such a rod may be inserted. The rod may be moved in an opening 320 of the main frame 302. A processing unit may be provided connected with at least one of: the motor 250, the toilet cleaning system 420, the drying device 421, the further toilet cleaning system 510, the further drying device 511, the valves 221-224, the door 404, the lock 405, the further lock and the sensor 406.

Figure 5B shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention.

The toilet cleaning system may comprise a tube system 520, comprising multiple nozzles. Each nozzle may be arranged for spraying or discharging a liquid on the bowl 102 (or providing jets of said liquid onto the bowl) in order to clean the bowl 102. This liquid may be water, preferably comprising a detergent.

The tube system may be arranged for rotating about a rotation axis R1. The rotation axis R1 may coincide with a longitudinal axis of said tube system. The rotation axis R1 may be substantially vertical. By rotating the tube system comprising the nozzles, the bowl 102 may be cleaned in a short time. A first nozzle 521 may be arranged for spraying said liquid on a seat 526 of the bowl, preferably on a part of first or upper side of the bowl. Since the seat may be arranged horizontally, the first nozzle may be arranged for spraying said liquid in a substantial vertical direction. A second nozzle 522 may be arranged for spraying said liquid on an inner wall 527 of the bowl. Since the inner wall has, at least partially, a vertical surface, the second nozzle may be arranged for spraying said liquid in a substantial horizontal direction. A third nozzle 523 may be arranged for spraying said liquid on an inner wall 527 of the bowl. The third nozzle may be arranged for spraying said liquid in a direction, defining an angle a between 10 and 80 degrees with said rotation axis.

The toilet cleaning system may comprise a lid 530 with optionally a rim 531. The tube system may extend from said lid towards the bowl 102 and/or may be fed through the lid. The lid may be arranged for closing off the bowl. The rim may extend from an edge of the lid towards the bowl and may improve the closing off of the bowl. The rim may be arranged for enclosing the seat 526 of the bowl.

The toilet cleaning system may be arranged for lowering the tube system 520 (preferably with the lid 530) into the bowl 102. When the tube system is lowered, the tube system may be rotated, while the nozzles spray the liquid on the bowl, in order to clean the bowl. The toilet system may be arranged for lifting the tube system 520 (preferably with the lid 530) from the bowl 102, in particular after the bowl has been cleaned.

The cleaning system may comprise a guide 532, in particular a rail, for guiding said tube system and/or said lid towards and from said bowl. A further safety mechanism may prevent the lowering and/or lifting of the tube system when the structure is being rotated.

Rotation of the tube system may be achieved by a motor 535 or by the discharge of the liquid from one or more nozzles .

In order to further improve the cleaning of the bowl 102, the toilet cleaning may further comprise a further tube system 540, comprising one or more nozzles, preferably arranged for cleaning an outer wall of the bowl 102 and/or for cleaning a part of a second side, or down side of the seat 526. The first and second side of the seat may be facing opposite's directions.

The further tube system may be arranged for rotating about a further rotation axis R2. The further rotation axis R2 may be a substantial vertical direction. The further rotation axis R2 may coincide and/or be parallel with rotation axis R1. Rotation of the further tube system may be achieved by a further motor 536.

The further tube system 540 may comprise two nozzles 524, 525, which may be arranged for spraying said liquid in a substantial vertical upward direction. The two nozzles may be arranged at opposite sides with respect to said further rotation axis R2. A first nozzle 525 of said nozzles may be arranged for spraying liquid on a part of a down side of the seat 52 6 and/or on an upper part of the outside wall of the bowl. A second nozzle 524 of said nozzles may be arranged for spraying liquid on an outer wall of the bowl, preferably on a lower part of the outside wall. The first nozzle 525 may be arranged further from said further rotation axis R2 than the second nozzle 524.

The toilet cleaning system may comprise a drying device, as described above, or any other device for removing said liquid from the bowl, preferably by blowing air.

Embodiments of the toilet system and/or the toilet cleaning system according to the invention may be used in the following embodiments of a method for cleaning and drying toilet bowls. The processing unit may be arranged for controlling at least one of the motor 250, the toilet cleaning system 420, the drying device 421, the further toilet cleaning system 510, the further drying device 511, the valves 221-224, the door 404, the lock 405, the further lock and the sensor 406 in order to execute at least one of the following method steps.

Figure 6 shows a schematic overview, in a flow chart, of two embodiments of the method for cleaning a toilet system according to the invention.

In a starting position, the structure may be in the first position and the user room may be accessible for a user. It may be detected that that a user has entered and left the user room (step 601) . Then the user room may be locked (step 602), in order to prevent persons or new users from entering the user room.

In the first embodiment, the structure may be rotated (step 603) such that the structure changes its position, i.e. when the structure was in the first position, it is rotated into the second position. When it was in the second position, it is rotated into the first position. Now the bowl that has been used by the user is in the technical room. And the bowl that has been cleaned and/or dried in the previous cycle is now in the user room and is ready to be used again.

Next, the user room is unlocked (step 604) and a new user may enter the user room. Irrespective of the presence of a new user, the bowl in the technical room may now be cleaned and/or dried (step 605). When the bowl in the technical room has been cleaned and/or dried the cycle may start over again.

Since the bowl in the cleaning is both cleaned and dried, both the toilet cleaning system 420 and the drying device 421 must be present in technical room.

It may be advantageous to use a single toilet cleaning system in the user room for the cleaning of both bowls and the floor and walls of the technical room. In that case, the toilet cleaning system 420 and the further toilet cleaning system 510 may be embodied in a single toilet cleaning system.

In another embodiment, the bowl in the user room may be cleaned or flushed (step 606) before the structure is rotated.

Any embodiment of the toilet cleaning system may be used for step 605. The cleaning of a bowl (step 605 or step 606) may be further described with reference to figure 7, which illustrates the use of an embodiment of the toilet cleaning system according to the invention.

Figure 7 shows a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of the method for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system according to the invention. Such toilet system may be a toilet system as described in this document, but may also be any other toilet system.

The method for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system may comprise the following steps: - lowering a tube system at least partially into said bowl (step 701), the tube system comprising a first and a second nozzle for spraying a liquid; - rotating said tube system about a rotation axis (step 702), preferably about a substantial vertical rotation axis, while spraying said liquid on a seat of said bowl by said first nozzle and spraying said liquid on an inner wall of said bowl by said second nozzle; and, - lifting said tube system out of said bowl (step 703).

Step 702 may further comprise rotating a further tube system about a, preferably substantial vertical, further rotation axis, while spraying said liquid on an outer wall said bowl by at least one nozzle of said further tube system.

After lifting the tube system (703) , the bowl may be rotated (step 704) and/or dried (step 705).

In summary, the invention may be described as relating to a toilet system, comprising a structure with a first and a second bowl, wherein said structure is rotatable about a vertical rotation axis, for example from a first position, wherein the first bowl is in a user room and the second bowl is in a technical room, into a second position, wherein the first bowl is in the technical room and the second bowl is in the user room.

The invention further relates to a method for such a toilet system, comprising the steps of a) detecting that a user has entered and left the user room; b) locking the user room; c) rotating the structure such that the structure changes its position; d) unlocking the user room; e) performing at least one of: cleaning and drying on the bowl in the technical room; and, f) repeating steps a)-e).

The invention relates further to a toilet cleaning system arranged for cleaning a bowl of a toilet system. The bowl may comprise a horizontal toilet seat. The system comprises a tube system that extends vertically downwards towards said bowl and comprises a first and a second nozzle for spraying a liquid. The tube system is arranged for rotating about a substantial vertical rotation axis. The first nozzle is arranged for spraying said liquid on a seat of said bowl and said second nozzle for spraying said liquid on an inner wall of said bowl. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning said bowl, comprising lowering said tube system, rotating said tube system about a substantial vertical rotation axis, while spraying liquid on the seat and on an inner wall of said bowl, and lifting said tube system.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

A toilet cleaning system, which is adapted for cleaning a toilet bowl of a toilet system, the system comprising a pipe system which is arranged for at least partially extending into the toilet bowl and for rotating about a rotation axis, preferably about a substantially vertical axis of rotation, the pipe system comprising: a first nozzle adapted for spraying liquid on a pair of toilet seat glasses, and a second nozzle adapted for spraying liquid on an inner wall of the toilet bowl toilet bowl.

A toilet cleaning system according to claim 1, further comprising a lid for closing the toilet bowl, wherein the pipe system extends from the lid.

A toilet cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pipe system comprises a third nozzle, which is arranged for spraying liquid to a bottom part of the toilet bowl.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 1-3, wherein: the first nozzle is adapted to spray the liquid in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; and / or the second nozzle is adapted to spray the liquid in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation; and / or the third nozzle is adapted to spray the liquid in a direction that defines an angle between 10 and 80 degrees with the axis of rotation.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 1-4, wherein at least one of the nozzles is adapted to spray liquid in a direction that is non-radial with respect to the axis of rotation to cause the rotation of the pipe system.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 1-5, further comprising a motor adapted to rotate the pipe system.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 2-6, wherein the lid comprises a peripheral edge which is adapted to close off an upper part of the toilet bowl, in particular for surrounding the toilet bowl seat.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the system is adapted to allow the pipe system and / or the lid to fall into the toilet bowl at least partially and / or to raise the pipe system and / or the lid from the toilet bowl.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 1-8, further comprising a guide device, in particular a rail, for guiding the pipe system and / or the lid to and from the toilet bowl.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 1-9, further comprising a further pipe system, which comprises at least one nozzle for spraying a liquid on an outer wall of the toilet bowl, and which is adapted to rotate about a further axis of rotation. , preferably around a substantially vertical further axis of rotation.

A toilet cleaning system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises two nozzles, which are adapted to spray liquid in a direction parallel to the further axis of rotation, wherein the two nozzles are preferably arranged on either side with respect to to the further axis of rotation.

A toilet cleaning system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a further motor, which is adapted to rotate the further pipe system around the further axis of rotation.

A toilet cleaning system according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the cleaning system is provided with a drying device, which is adapted to remove the liquid from the toilet bowl, preferably by blowing air.

A method for cleaning a toilet bowl from a toilet system, comprising the steps of: allowing a pipe system at least partially into the toilet bowl, wherein the pipe system comprises a first and a second nozzle for spraying a liquid; rotating the tube system about an axis of rotation, preferably about a substantially vertical axis of rotation, while the fluid is sprayed on the toilet bowl glasses through the first nozzle and while the fluid is sprayed on an inner wall of the toilet bowl through the second nozzle; and raising the pipe system from the toilet bowl.

The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of: rotating a further tube system about a further axis of rotation, preferably about a substantially vertical further axis of rotation, while spraying the liquid onto an outer wall of the toilet bowl through at least one nozzle of the further tube system.