WO2019069313A1

WO2019069313A1 - Toilet cleaning robot and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2019069313A1
Application number: PCT/IL2018/051085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ari ZAUSMER
Original assignee: Trobot
Priority date: 2017-10-04
Filing date: 2018-10-04
Publication date: 2019-04-11

Abstract

A toilet cleaning robot for cleaning a toilet comprising: a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted to clean the bowl of the toilet and the rim of the toilet; a controller for controlling the operation of the toilet robot wherein the controller is a computing device; a wall mount adapted for storage of the cleaning assembly; and an extender arm for connecting the cleaning assembly to the wall mount and for extending to place the cleaning assembly on the toilet.

Description

TOILET CLEANING ROBOT AND METHOD OF USE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a system and method for washroom maintenance and particularly for an automated toilet cleaner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floor cleaning robots have become increasingly popular. These devices are placed in a room and periodically move about the room vacuuming or washing the floor, before returning to a base for recharging. While these can be effective for flooring, they do not provide any solution for cleaning of toil ets.

Prior art exists for automated or semi-automated cleaning of a toilet. However the prior art is either focused on cleaning the inner bowl, or on cleaning the toilet seat. None of the prior art teaches cleaning both of the bowl, the rim (area under the seat including the back area where the seat attaches to the bowl), and the seat itself. Further, some prior art methods relate to a cleaning system that is built into a specific toilet thus making the system ineffective for all other toilets. Still further, some prior art systems are fixedly attached to the toilet and therefore interfere with use of the toilet as they need to be folded or moved out of the way. Finally systems for toilet cleaning are taught that require manual attachment and/or manual activation of the cleaning system every time the toilet needs to be cleaned, thus not providing the cleaning robot experience that is currently in favor.

There is therefore a need for a system for an automated toilet cleaning system that can adapt to any shape of existing toilet, that functions automatically, and that cleans all potentially dirty surfaces of the toilet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a toilet cleaning robot capable of adapting to any toilet shape and automatically cleaning the toilet bowl and all other toilet surfaces that may be dirty. Cleaning the interior of the toilet bowl and the toilet rim is performed by one or more rotating brushes that can reach every spot within the toilet bowl and rim. Water and cleaning solution, optionally comprising a disinfectant, are preferably provided to the brushes or optionally sprayed onto the surfaces to be cleaned during operation of the toilet robot to enhance the cleaning and hygienic result of use of the toilet robot. The brushes are mounted on flexible adjusting shafts such that the cleaning assembly brings the rotating and turning and descending/ascending brushes to each and every spot of the toilet bowl and rim with the ability to adapt to every different size and shape of toilet.

Cleaning the rim of the toilet bowl is achieved with a rim cleaning mechanism that comprises at least one brush or pad or cloth that moves around the rim. The rim cleaning mechanism includes a spring or other self-adjusting mechanism to push the cloth against the rim to enable adaptation to any size or shape of rim.

A preferred embodiment of the rear rim cleaning mechanism of the present disclosure has multiple rectangular pads that function as follows. A first pad gets shif ted out of the back side of the robot in between the 2 holes that hold the toilet seat along with two, more narrow pads on either side of each hole. After performing a wiping action, the side pads on either side of each hole are retracted into the main body of the robot. Finally, a third set of pads extend to each side of the first pad and perform a wiping action before they are withdrawn along with the first pad. The width of each of the rear cleaning pads is determined by the user, according to the specific size of the toilet as part of the installation process of the robot, taking place before the first usage.

The robot comprises a cover to prevent water being splashed out while the robot operates. The cover optionally attaches the robot to the toilet bowl with handles. Optionally, adj ustment of these handles is performed once by the user before the first usage of the robot. The handles preferably connect automatically and autonomously every time the robot begins its operation.

When not in operation the robot is retracted to a wall mount mounted on a surface proximal to the toilet bowl. The robot is either activated by a user when needed or functions autonomously based on a preset program or other trigger events. When activated, the robot is extended to the toilet bowl from its mount on the proximal surface, connects to the toilet with the handles and begins its cleaning operation. At any time the operation can be stopped manually Impressing an appropriate control. Optionally pipes for carrying water and cleaning fluid to the brushes and or cleaning assembly are attached to or provided within the extension arm. The robot comprises a reservoir for storing cleaning fluid. The water is preferably provided from the toilet water supply. An interface panel enables programing and activating and deactivating of the robot such as times for activation. Optionally the robot can be controlled by a remote device such as a smartphone running a toilet robot app, or from a toilet robot management system.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure a toilet cleaning robot for cleaning a toilet comprises: a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted to clean the bowl of the toilet and the rim of the toilet; a controller for controlling the operation of the toilet robot wherein the controller is a computing device; a wall mount adapted for storage of the cleaning assembly; and an extender arm for connecting the cleaning assembly to the wall mount and for extending to place the cleaning assembly on the toilet. Preferably the brush assembly comprises at least one lower brush for cleaning the bowl of the toilet. Preferably the brush assembly comprises at least one side brush for cleaning the rim of the toilet.

Optionally the cleaning assembly further comprises a rear rim cleaning system .

Optionally the rear rim cleaning system comprises a central rear pad. at least one rear side pad and at least one rear extender pad extending from the central rear pad. Preferably the rear rim cleaning system is adapted to clean the rear toilet rim around rear rim bolts of the toilet.

Preferably the cleaning assembly comprises a cover assembly. Preferably the brush assembly is mounted on the cover assembly and is adapted to retract for storage in the cover assembly and adapted to deploy from the cover assembly for cleaning the toilet.

Preferably the wall mount is mounted on a surface adjacent to the toilet. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a cleaning fluid dispenser and wherein the cleaning fluid dispenser is in fluid communication with the cleaning assembly. Optionally the cleaning assembly is in fluid communication with a water source. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises an interface adapted for at least one of programing, activating or deactivating the robot. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises handles adapted to attach the robot to the toilet during cleaning,

Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a seat sensor in data

communication with the controller adapted to determine the positions of a toilet cover and toilet seat of the toilet. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a seat actuator in data communication with the controller adapted to raise or lower at least one of a toilet cover and toilet seat of the toilet. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a sensor in data communication with the controller adapted to monitor the cleanliness of a toilet bowl of the toilet. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a sensor in data communication with the controller adapted to determine the shape and size of a toilet bowl and of a rim of the toilet. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a sensor in data communication with the controller adapted to determine that a user has used the toilet. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a sensor in data communication with the controller adapted to determine the level of water in a toilet bowl of the toilet.

Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a seat cleaner adapted to clean the seat of the toilet. Optionally the controller controls the movements of the brush assembly.

Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises an air freshener dispenser. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a battery for powering the toilet robot. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a toilet robot management system adapted to manage a plurality of the toilet robots. Optionally the toilet cleaning robot further comprises a toilet robot app in data communication with the controller adapted to control the controller. Optionally the cover assembly comprises a cover. Optionally the cover is adapted to prevent splashing of liquid out of the toilet during cleaning by the toilet robot and wherein the adaptation is based on splash patterns of the toilet robot.

Optionally the controlling the operation of the toilet robot comprises controlling an activity selected from the group consisting of: deploying the cleaning assembly from a storage position on the wall mount to a cleaning position on the toilet; retracting the cleaning assembly from a cleaning position on the toilet to a storage position on the wall mount; activating the cleaning assembly to clean the toilet; deactivating the cleaning assembly to cease cleaning the toilet; directing the motion of the brush assembly; directing the deployment of the brush assembly from withm the cover assembly; directing the retraction of the brush assembly into the cover assembly; directing the motion of the rear rim cleaning system; and a combination of the above. Optionally the lower brush comprises one or more of bristles, cloth, sponge, or a mop. Optionally the side brush comprises one or more of bristles, cloth, sponge, or a mop. Optionally the water source is the same water source as used by the toilet. Optionally the side brush comprises at least two sub-brushes.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure a method for setting up a toilet cleaning robot for cleaning a toilet comprises: providing a toilet cleaning robot comprising: a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted for cleaning the bowl of the toilet and for cleaning the rim of the toilet; a controller for controlling the operation of the toilet robot wherein the controller is a computing device; a wall mount adapted for storage of the cleaning assembly; and an extender arm for connecting the cleaning assembly to the wall mount and for extending to place the cleaning assembly on the toilet; and mounting the wall mount on a surface adjacent to the toilet. Optionally the method further comprises adjusting the extender arm such that when extended the extender arm will position the cleaning assembly on the toilet.

Optionally the toilet robot further comprises: attachment handles for attaching the cleaning assembly to the toilet; and rear cleaning pads for cleaning the rear rim of the toilet. Optionally the method further comprises setup steps selected from the group consisting of: adjusting the attachment handles to fit the toilet; adjusting the brushes to make contact with the toilet; adjusting the rear cleaning pads to make contact with a rear rim of the toilet; and a combination of the above. Optionally the method further comprises connecting a water supply to the cleaning assembly. Optionally the method further comprises connecting a cleaning solution dispenser to the cleaning assembly.

Optionally the method further comprises: providing a flush sensor; attaching the flush sensor to the flushing mechanism of the toilet; and connecting the flush sensor to the controller. Optionally the method further comprises: providing a flush actuator; attaching the flush actuator to the flushing mechanism of the toilet; and connecting the flush actuator to the controller.

Optionally the method further comprises: providing a seat sensor; attaching the seat sensor to the seat of the toilet; and connecting the seat sensor to the controller. Optionally the method further comprises: providing a seat actuator; attaching the seat actuator to the seat of the toilet, and connecting the seat actuator to the controller.

Optionally the method further comprises configuring the controller with at least one of: trigger events for activating the toilet robot; times and days of operation of the toilet robot; or the dimensions of the toilet.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure a method for cleaning a toilet comprises: providing a toilet cleaning robot wherein the toilet cleaning robot comprises: a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted to clean the bowl of a toilet and the rim of the toilet; a controller for controlling the operation of the toilet robot wherein the controller is a computing device; a wall mount adapted for storage of the cleaning assembly wherein the wall mount is mounted on a surface adjacent to the toilet; and an extender arm for connecting the cleaning assembly to the wall mount and for extending to place the cleaning assembly on the toilet; and activating the cleaning assembly by the controller to clean the toilet.

Optionally the activating is based on a trigger selected from the group consisting of: time of day; elapsed time since previous cleaning; periodic activation; activation by a user; detection by the controller of use of the toilet; detection by the controller that the toilet is dirty; and detection by the controller of flushing of the toilet; and a combination of the above. Optionally the method further comprises: deploying the cleaning assembly by extending the extender arm from the wall mount to place the cleaning assembly on the toilet.

Optionally the brush assembly comprises at least one brush and the method further comprises placing the brush in contact with the bowl of the toilet and rotating and moving the brush to clean the bowl. Optionally the brush assembly comprises at least one brush and the method further comprises placing the brush in contact with the rim of the toilet and rotating and moving the brush to clean the rim.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure a system for management of a plurality of toilet robots comprising: a toilet robot management server (TRMS) in data communication with the plurality of toilet robots wherein the TRMS is a computing device; wherein each of the plurality of toi let robots comprises: a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted to clean the bowl of a toilet and the rim of the toilet; a controller for controlling the operation of the toilet robot wherein the controller is a computing device; a wall mount adapted for storage of the cleaning assembly; and an extender arm for connecting the cleaning assembly to the wall mount and for extending to place the cleaning assembly on the toilet. Optionally the TRMS is adapted to group portions of the plurality of toilet robots into toilet robot zones.

According to other embodiments of the present disclosure a toilet cleaning robot for cleaning a toilet comprises: at least one bottom brush for cleaning the bottom of the bowl of the toilet; at least one toilet rim cleaner pad for cleaning the rim of the toilet; at least one side brush for cleaning the side of the bowl of the toilet; at least one rear rim cleaning system for cleaning the rear rim of the toilet; a controller, wherein the controller is a computing device; wherein the robot is directed by the controller to periodically clean the toilet. Preferably the robot further comprises a cover. Preferably the robot is mounted on a surface adjacent to the toilet. Preferably the robot extends from the surface mounting to clean the toilet. Preferably the robot is mounted on the toilet. Preferably the robot further comprises cleaning fluid and wherein the cleaning fluid is distributed to at least one of the bottom brush, the toilet rim cleaner pad, the side brush or the rear rim cleaning system. Preferably the rear rim cleaning system comprises a central rear pad, at least one rear side pad and at least one rear extender pad extending from the central rear pad.

Preferably the robot further comprises a water source wherein water from the water source is distributed to at least one of the bottom brush, the toilet rim cleaner pad, the side brush or the rear rim cleaning system. Preferably the water source is the same water source as used by the toilet. Preferably the side brush comprises at least two sub-brushes. Preferably each of the side sub-brushes rotates. Preferably the toilet rim cleaner pad rotates around the toilet rim and wherein the toilet rim cleaner pad comprises adjustment means to adapt to a toilet with an inconsistent diameter. Preferably the rear rim cleaning system cleans the rear toilet rim around rear rim bolts of the toilet. Preferably the robot further comprises a control panel for at least one of programing, activating or deactivating the robot and handles for attaching the robot to the toilet during cleaning.

According to other embodiments of the present disclosure a toilet cleaning robot for cleaning a toilet comprises: at least one brush for cleaning the bowl of the toilet; at least one toilet rim cleaner pad for cleaning the rim of the toilet; a controller, wherein the controller is a computing device; wherein the robot is directed by the controller to periodical ly clean the toilet.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present disclosure involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present disclosure, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the disclosure could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

Although the present disclosure is described with regard to a "computing device^", a

"computer", or "mobile device", it should be noted that optionally any device featuring a data processor and the ability to execute one or more instructions may be described as a computer, including but not limited to any type of personal computer (PC), a server, a distributed server, a virtual server, a cloud computing platform, a cellular telephone, an IP telephone, a smartphone, or a PDA (personal digital assistant). Any two or more of such devices in communication with each other may optionally comprise a "network" or a "computer network".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the disclosure may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 A-1 B are illustrative schematic drawings showing cross sectional views of an automated toilet cleaning robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2J are illustrative schematic drawings of an automated toilet cleaning robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3H. are illustrative schematic drawings showing an automated toilet cleaning robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a method for installation of a toilet robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 5 A and 5B-5H are respectively a flow diagram and illustrative drawings showing a method for operation of a toilet robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is an illustrative schematic drawings showing management of multiple toilet robots according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure in at least some embodiments is a system and for an automated toilet cleaner. Reference is now made to figures 1 A- IB which are illustrative schematic drawings showing cross sectional views of an automated toilet cleaning robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in figures 1 A and IB, a toilet robot 100 is provided for cleaning the inside bowl 62, upper rim 64 and seat 61 of a toilet 60. Robot 100 comprises controller 160, cleaning assembly 105, wall mount 180, sensors 106 and 108, and actuators 107 and 109. Cleaning assembly 105 comprises cover assembly 150 and brush assembly 170.

Figure 1A shows cleaning assembly 105 deployed onto toilet 60 for cleaning toilet 60 and figure IB shows cleaning assembly 105 retracted into wall mount 180. Wall mount 180 is mounted on a wall 20 of the room where toilet 60 is installed. Wall mount 180 comprises extender arm 182 for deploying and retracting cleaning assembly 105. Extender arm 182 preferably comprises one or more hinged segments 183 enabling extender arm 1 82 to retract for storage of cleaning assembly 1 0 and to unfold for deploying cleaning assembly 105. Although two segments 183 A and 183B are shown, optionally any number of segments 183 are provided for flexibility of deploying and retracting extender arm 182 and for covering the distance between wall mount 1 80 and toilet 60. Extender arm 1 82 comprises one or more motors (not shown) for extending and retracting extender arm. Extender arm 1 82 optionally comprises one or more sensors {not shown) for detecting the position of extender arm. Extender arm 1 82 preferably comprises means, such as adjustable length segments 1 83, for adjusting the length of extender arm 182 as part of an optional one-time setup step to accurately place cleaning assembly 105 on toilet 60 when extender arm 182 is extended.

Wall mount 1 80 is preferably mounted on a surface such as a wall 20 on the side of toilet

60. The distance between wall mount 1 80 and toilet 60 is preferably less than 2m. Robot 100 is preferably installed in bathrooms and lavatories such as but not limited to those in houses, apartments, offices, or public areas such as shopping malls, theaters, stadiums or airports. For installation in public bathrooms, robot 100 is preferably vandal proof. Optionally, installation includes a fluid blocking bar 199 to prevent fluid or dirt from accumulating on the rear rim 66 of toilet 60.

Wall mount comprises cleaning fluid dispenser 1 84 filled with a cleaning fluid and or disinfectant in fluid communication with cleaning assembly 105. Cleaning assembly is also preferably in fluid communication with water source 22, which is optionally the same water source as that used for the toilet 60. Wall mount 1 80 comprises a user interface 1 86 for programing the functioning of robot 100 as will be further described below. Interface 1 86 comprises any of buttons, a touchscreen or any other interface method or control method for interacting with robot 100. Extender arm 182 preferably comprises pipes for carrying water and cleaning fluid from water source 22 and cleaning solution dispenser 1 84 to cleaning assembly 105. Air freshener dispenser 1 88 is provided for dispensing air freshener such as after usage of toilet 60.

Robot 100 is powered by an external power source 24. Power source 24 is preferably an electrical outlet of 1 10V-240V. Alternatively robot 100 comprises one or more batteries (not shown) which are charged within robot 100 such as by power source 24. Alternatively the batteries are charged externally and then inserted into robot 100 hen robot 100 is to be used. Alternatively robot 100 comprises a renewable charging means for charging one or more internal batteries.

Seat sensor 108 detects the position of toilet cover 63 and toilet seat 61 . Cleaning assembly 1 05 can only be deployed when toilet cover 63 is raised. Optional ly cleaning assembly 105 is only deployed when both toilet cover 63 and toilet seat 61 are raised. Seat actuator 109 raises toilet cover 63 and also raises toilet seat 61 either separately or at the same time. Sensor 108 and actuator 109 are in wired or wireless data communication w ith controller 160 which monitors the position of toilet seat 61 and toilet cover 63 based on data from sensor 108 and activates actuator 109 for raising or lowering toilet cover 63 and/or toilet seat 61 .

Controller 160 in communication with sensor 1 08 optionally monitors the cleanliness of toilet bowl 62 such as by capturing images of toilet bowl 62 by a camera {not shown) on sensor 108 and analysis of these captured images of toilet bowl 62 to determine that toilet bowl is dirty. Controller 160 in communication with sensor 1 08 optionally detects the shape and size of toilet bowl 62 such as by capturing images of toilet bowl 62 by sensor 108, where sensor 1 08 comprises a camera, and analysis of these captured images of toilet bowl 62 to determine the shape and size of toilet bowl 62 and shape, size and/or position of rim 64 to enable controller 160 to plan the movements of brush assembly 170 to reach all parts of bowl 62 and rim 64 for cleaning bowl 62 and rim 64. Optionally sensor 1 08 comprises other means for detecting the shape and size of bowl 62 such as but not limited to ultrasound sensing or infrared sensing. Optionally controller 160 is preprogrammed with the dimensions of toilet 60 such that controller 160 can plan the movements of brush assembly 1 70 to reach all parts of bowl 62 and rim 64 for cleaning bowl 62 and rim 64.

Controller 160 in communication with sensor 1 08 optionally detects that a user has used the toilet. The presence of a toilet user is detected by motion detection or by weight sensor or by other means. Determining by controller 160 that the user has left the area of the toilet is optionally a trigger for deploying cleaning assembly to clean toilet 60, and/or spraying air freshener from air freshener dispenser 1 88.

Flush sensor 106 and flush actuator 107 are in wired or wireless data communication with controller 160. Flush sensor 1 06 determines whether a user of toilet 60 has pressed flush handle 68 and communicates such an event to controller 160. A flush event detected by sensor 106 is preferably used as a trigger to deploy cleaning assembly 105 by controller 160. Controller 1 60 can activate flush actuator 107 for flushing toilet 60 such as before or after deploying cleaning assembly 105. Optionally controller 160 in communication with sensor 1 08 detects that there is no water or not a high enough level of water in bowl 62 or that a user did not flush the toilet after use and controller 1 60 can then activate flush actuator 107 for flushing toilet 60.

Cover assembly 1 50 comprises cover 1 58 and cover motor 1 55 which rotates brush assembly 1 70. Cover assembly further comprises seat cleaner 1 53. Seat cleaner 1 53 comprises a mechanism for cleaning seat 61 . Seat cleaner 1 53 optionally comprises fluid spray nozzles (not shown) for spraying water and/or cleaning fluid onto toilet seat 61 and air blowing nozzles (not shown) for blowing air onto toilet seat 61 to dry seat 61 after fluid spray has completed. Cover 1 58 is optionally of large enough dimensions to cover the toilet bowl opening of any type or dimension of toilet known in the art to prevent splashing of liquid out of bowl 62 during cleaning. Alternatively, based on the known ^""splash patterns^" of cleaning assembly 105, cover 158 is dimensioned to prevent splashing of liquid out of bowl 62 during cleaning optionally without covering the enti re toilet bowl opening.

Cover assembly 150 comprises cover handles 152 for holding cleaning assembly 105 in place on toilet 60. Handles 152 optionally comprise suction cups. Handles 1 52 optionally comprise springs. Handles 1 52 are optionally connected to controller 160 and optionally comprise means such as, but not limited to, magnetically activated openers for opening handles 1 52 away from toilet 60 and closing handles 1 52 against toilet 60. Cover assembly 1 50 optionally comprises activation button 163 for starting or stopping the activation of cleaning assembly 05. Cover assembly 150 optionally comprises charging port 164 for connection of a power source for charging of battery 1 62.

Brush assembly 170 comprises sensors, servomotors and actuators for raising, lowering and rotating the components of brush assembly 170. Specific embodiments of brush assembly- are further described below with reference to figures 2A-2J and figures 3A-3H. Brush assembly optionally comprises a single brush or comprises multiple brushes and the embodiments shown herein should not be considered limiting. Brush assembly comprises side brush 130 for cleaning toilet rim 64 and also toilet bowl 62 and lower brush for cleaning toilet bowl 62. Brush assembly 170 also preferably comprises cleaner pads for cleaning the sides and rear of toilet rim 64 and 66 (figures 3A-3 H). Side brush 130 is rotated to side motor 1 36 and lower motor 1 16 rotates lower brush 110. Where further brushes are provided (not shown) these are optionally rotated by further electric motors (not shown) or by motors 1 16 or 1 36. Motors 1 16 or 136 are electric motors as known in the art.

Controller 160 is a computing device as defined above. Controller 160 stores the operation program for robot 100 and deploys and retracts cleaning assembly 105 by operating extender arm 1 82. The programming of controller 160 for operation of robot 100 is preferably performed via interface 1 86. Optionally controller 160 and operation of robot 100 is controlled by a mobile computing device 66 such as a smartphone running a toilet robot app 166 or alternatively by a toilet robot management system such as described with reference to figure 6. Controller 160 activates and directs the operation of motors and servomotors 1 16, 1 36, 1 55, to thereby control the motion of brush assembly 170. Brush assembly 1 70 and cover assembly 1 50 preferably comprise sensors for providing feedback to controller 160 about the positions of the motors, arms, shafts and brushes that form brush assembly 1 70. Controller 1 60 preferably detects errors or failures of parts of robot 100 and communicates these via interface 1 86.

Controller 160 preferably monitors the level of cleaning solution in dispenser 184 and communicates this level via interface 1 86.

In use, with cover 150 attached to toilet 60 by cover handles 152, controller 160 directs one or more of the following movements of brush assembly 1 70 wherein the movements are di ected simultaneously or sequentially or in a combination of simultaneous and sequential movements: Rotation of brush assembly 1 70 by rotation of cover motor 155; rotation of side brush 130 by rotation of side motor 1 36; rotation of lower brush 1 10 by rotation of lower motor 1 6; and extension and retraction of brush assembly into cover assembly. The rotation of brushes 1 10 and 130 as these make contact with the surface of toilet bowl 62 and toilet rim 64 preferably results in cleaning of the surface of toilet bowl 62 and toilet rim 64. The sequence and timing or triggers for operation of cleaning assembly 1 05 can be altered by altering the cleaning assembly activation program stored in controller 160 such as via interface 1 86 or via an external control (not shown).

Cleaning assembly 105 optionally comprises additional brushes or brush assemblies (not shown) and the embodiment as shown comprising only two brushes should not be considered limiting. Additionally or alternatively other motors or gear arrangements or linkages are provided as needed to provide for rotational or linear power to activate the brushes of robot 100 and the specific arrangement described above should not be considered limiting. Components of robot 1 00 are preferably waterproof to enable robot 100 to function in a wet environment without sustaining damage.

Lower brush 110 and side brush 130 are formed of bristles, cloth, sponge, a mop, or any combination of these or any other suitable scouring material. Brushes 1 10 and 130 are preferably connected to a cleaning solution dispenser 1 84 and or water 22 for flushing and cleaning as brushes 1 10 and 1 30 turn. Optionally robot 100 includes a self-cleaning mechanism for cleaning brushes 110 and 130 after use. Cover 1 58 preferably prevents water being splashed out while robot 100 operates. Cover 1 58 is preferably transparent.

Reference is now made to figures 2A-2J which are illustrative schematic drawings of an automated toilet cleaning robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of figures 2A-2J is one possible embodiment of the toilet robot 100 as described above with reference to figures 1 A and 1 B. In figures 2A-2J cleaning assembly 105 is shown deployed directly on toilet rim 64. As shown cleaning assembly 105 is provided for cleaning the inside bowl 62 and rim 64 of a toilet 60. Cleaning assembly 105 comprises controller 160, cover assembly 1 50, and brush assembly 170.

Cover assembly 1 50 comprises cover motor 1 55 which drives gear assembly I 56. Cover motor 1 55 and gear assembly 1 56 are mounted on cover 1 58 by mounts 1 54. Mounting plate 1 57 is attached to gear assembly 1 56 such that rotation of cover motor 1 55 results in rotation of gear assembly 156 and rotation of mounting plate 1 57 in directions D (figure IE) in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Brush assembly 170 is mounted on mounting plate 157 such that rotation of cover motor 1 55 results in rotation of brush assembly 170. Cover motor 1 55 is an electric motor as known in the art.

Cover assembly I 50 comprises cover handles I 52 for holding robot 100 in place on toilet 60. Handles 1 52 optionally comprise suction cups. Handles 1 52 optionally comprise springs Handles 1 52 are optionally connected to controller 160 and optionally comprise means such as, but not limited to, magnetically activated openers for opening handles away from toilet 60 and closing handles against toilet 60.

Upper servomotor 173 of brush assembly 170 is attached to mounting plate I 57. Main mounting arm 1 72 is attached to main servomotor 1 73 such that main servomotor 1 73 can raise or lower main mounting arm 1 72 in directions "C" about main pivot point 1 74. Side motor 136 and lower servomotor 1 76 are attached to main mounting arm 1 72. Side brush 130 is connected to side motor 136 by side shaft 1 38. Side shaft 138 optional ly comprises a servomotor for extending or retracting side brush 130 in directions E. Side shaft 1 38 servomotor comprises a sensor (not shown) for detecting that side brush 130 has engaged rim 64 of toilet 60 by detecting increased power needed to extend side shaft 1 38.

Lower brush mounting arm 1 75 is attached to lower servomotor 1 76 such that lower servomotor 1 76 can raise or lower brush mounting arm 1 75 in directions "A" about lower pivot point 1 77. Servomotors 1 1 2, 1 38, 1 73 and 1 76 are electric servomotors as known in the art.

Lower motor 1 16 is attached to lower brush mounting arm 1 75. Lower brush 1 10 is connected to lower motor 1 16 by lower shaft 1 14. Lower shaft 1 14 comprises lower shaft servomotor 1 1 2 for extending or retracting lower brush 130 in directions B. Servomotor 1 1 2 comprises a sensor (not shown) for detecting that lower brush 1 10 has engaged a surface of toilet bowl 62 by detecting increased power needed to extend lower shaft 1 14. Lower brush 1 10 is rotated by lower motor 1 16 and side brush 1 30 is rotated by side motor 136. Where further brushes are provided (not shown) these are optionally rotated by further electric motors (not shown) or by motors 1 16 or 1 36. Motors 1 16 or 1 36 are electric motors as known in the art.

Controller 160 is a computing device as defined above. Controller 160 activates and directs the operation of motors and servomotors 112, 1 16, 1 36, 1 38, 155, 1 73, 1 76 to thereby control the motion of brush assembly 170. Brush assembly 1 70 and cover assembly 150 preferably comprise sensors for providing feedback to controller 160 about the positions of the motors, arms, shafts and brushes that form brush assembly 1 70.

In use, with cover 150 attached to toilet 60 by cover handles 152, controller 160 directs one or more of the following movements of brush assembly 170 wherein the movements are directed simultaneously or sequentially or in a combination of simultaneous and sequential movements: Rotation of brush assembly 1 70 by rotation of cover motor 155; lowering or raising main mounting arm 1 72 by activation of main servomotor 1 73; rotation of side brush 130 by rotation of side motor 136; lowering or raising lower brush mounting arm 1 75 by activation of main servomotor 1 76, rotation of lower brush 110 by rotation of lower motor 1 16; and extension and retraction of lower shaft 1 14 by activation of lower shaft servomotor 1 12. The rotation of brushes 1 10 and 130 as these make contact with the surface of toilet bowl 62 and toilet rim 64 preferably results in cleaning of the surface of toilet bowl 62 and toi let rim 64.

Brush assembly 170 preferably folds into cover assembly 1 0 by full retraction of lower shaft 1 14, raising of lower brush mounting arm 1 75, and raising of main mounting arm 1 72.

Robot 100 optionally comprises additional brushes or brush assemblies (not shown) and the embodiment as shown comprising only two brushes should not be considered limiting. Additionally or alternatively other motors or gear arrangements or linkages are provided as needed to provide for rotational or linear power to activate the brushes of robot 100 and the specific arrangement described abov e should not be considered limiting. Components of robot 100 are preferably waterproof to enable robot 1 00 to function in a wet env ironment without sustaining damage.

Lower brush 110 and side brush 1 30 are formed of bristles, cloth, sponge, a mop, or any combination of these or any other suitable scouring material. As shown in figures 21 and 2J, Lower brush 1 10 and side brush 130 preferably comprise bristles 1 1 1 . Bristles 1 11 are longer than bristles found on hand held toilet brushes known in the art. Bristles I I I are longer in order to prov ide more cleaning/wiping surface area per revolution of each brush 1 10 and/or 1 30.

Reducing the number of revolutions required for the same cleaning effect reduces the power consumption and power requirements of motors 1 16 and 136 and therefore cleaning assembly 1 05 can run for longer and provide more cleaning cycles using an internal battery 162. Bristles 111 are preferably between 3 cm and 4cm. Bristles 111 are more preferably between 5 cm and 6cm.

As shown in the preferred embodiment of figure 21, lower brush 1 10 preferably comprises seven concentric circles of bristles 1 1 1 . The uppermost three circles of bristles 111 are perpendicular to lower shaft 114 and the remaining four circles of bristles 111 are progressively angled downwards. The number of circles and angles have been specifically chosen in the preferred embodiment as shown in figure 21 so as to make significant contact with toilet bowls 62 (which are generally rounded as known in the art) based on the angle of brush 1 10 descending from brush assembly 170.

As shown in the preferred embodiment of figure 2K, side brush 1 10 preferably comprises six concentric circles of bristles 1 11. The uppermost three circles of bristles 1 1 1 are

perpendicular to shaft 138 and the remaining three circles of bristles 111 are progressively angled downwards. The number of circles and angles have been specifically chosen in the preferred embodiment as shown in figure 2 J so as to make significant contact with the toilet rims 64 as known in the art.

Lower brush 1 10 and side brush 1 30 are preferably detachable from cleaning assembly 105 to enable replacement of lower brush 110 and side brush 130 such as after lower brush 1 10 and side brush 130 are worn out after usage. Controller 160 preferably monitors the number of cleaning cycles of robot 100 and can therefore optionally provide alerts via interface 1 86 when replacement of consumables such as but not limited to brushes 110 and 130 are due.

Brushes 1 10 and 1 30 are preferably connected to a cleaning solution dispenser 1 84 and/or water 22 for flushing and cleaning as brushes 1 10 and 130 turn. Optionally robot 100 includes a self-cleaning mechanism for cleaning brushes 110 and 1 30 after use.

Cover 158 preferably prevents water being splashed out while robot 100 operates. Cover 158 is preferably transparent. Cleaning assembly 105 is powered by an external power source 24. Power source 24 is preferably an electrical outlet of I 1 0V-240V. Alternatively cleaning assembly 105 comprises a battery 162 which is charged within cleaning assembly 1 05 such as by power source 24.

Alternatively the battery is charged externally and then inserted into cleaning assembly 1 05 when cleaning assembly 1 05 is to be used.

Reference is now made to figures 3A-3H which are illustrative schematic drawings showing an automated toilet cleaning robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of figures 3A-3H is one possible embodiment of the toilet robot 100 as described above with reference to figures I A and IB. In figures 3A-3H cleaning assembly 105 is shown deployed directly on toilet rim 64. As shown in figure 3 A, cleaning assembly 105 comprises multiple brushes for cleaning the inside bowl 62 and upper rim 64 of a toilet 60. The brushes as will be described below are powered by a main motor 190.

Additionally or alternatively other motors or gear arrangements or linkages are provided as needed to provide for rotational or linear power to activate the brushes and cleaning pads of the cleaning assembly 105 as described further below. Motor 1 90 is a motor as known in the art sized to power the brushes but sufficiently small so as to be economical to run. Components of cleaning assembly 1 05 are preferably sufficiently waterproof to enable cleaning assembly 105 to function m a wet environment without sustaining damage.

Motor 190 drives a central shaft 1 2 to cause rotational motion therein. Central shaft 192 in turn drives rim cleaner shaft 1 22 via first gearbox 196 and also side brush shaft 1 38 via second gearbox 1 98 and also lower brush shaft 1 14. Optionally rim cleaner shaft 1 22 and/or side brush shaft 1 38 and/or lower brush shaft 1 14 are powered by independent motors (not shown).

Lower brush 110 is pushed into contact with the bottom surface of bowl 62 by bottom brush extender 1 1 2. Bottom brush shaft 1 14 rotates to cause bottom brush 1 10 to clean the bottom of toilet bow l 62. Bottom brush 1 1 0 is formed of bristles, cloth, sponge, a mop, or any combination of these or any other suitable scouring material. Bottom brush 110 is preferably connected to a source of cleaning solution 1 84 and /or water 22 for flushing and cleaning as bottom brush 1 1 0 turns. Optionally bottom extender 1 1 2 moves up and down as bottom brush 110 turns. Optionally bottom brush 110 includes a self-cleaning mechanism for cleaning bottom brush 110 after use. Extending from first gear box 196 perpendicular to central shaft 192 is rim cleaner shaft 122. Rim cleaner pads 1 20 are attached to the ends of rim cleaner shaft 1 22 for cleaning the top rim 64 of toilet 60. Pads 1 20 are pushed against top rim 64 by rim cleaner extenders 1 24. R im cleaner shaft 122 rotates in the same plane as central shaft 192 to wipe rim 64 by the rotational movement of pads 120 against rim 64. The rotational movement and cleaning action of pads 1 20 on rim 64 is shown in figures 3B and 3C. Cleaning pads 120 may be any of a sponge, absorbent pad, brush, or cloth which may be smooth or abrasive or any other suitable material or texture for cleaning toilet surfaces. Pads 1 20 are preferably replaceable as part of routine maintenance. Pads 1 20 are preferably rinsed or otherwise cleaned after every cleaning operation.

Extending from second gear box 198 perpendicular to central shaft 192 is side brush shaft

138. On the distal ends of side brush shaft 138, attached to side arm pivot 134 are side arms 136. On the distal ends of each of side arms 1 36 are side brushes 130. Side brushes 130 are pushed into contact with the side surfaces of bowl 62 by side brush extenders 132, Side brush shaft 1 38 rotates in the same plane as central shaft 1 2 but additionally also in a horizontal plane so that side brushes 130 rotate around pivot 134. Further, side brushes 130 rotate around the axis of their attachment to arm 136. Side brushes 130 are formed of bristles, cloth, sponge, or any combination of these or any other suitable scouring material. Side brushes 130 are preferably connected to a source of cleaning solution 1 84 and/or water 22 for flushing and cleaning as side brushes 130 turn.

Extenders 1 1 2, 124, and 1 32 enable cleaning assembly 105 to clean any toilet bowl shape by adapting the cleaning movements to the shape of the bowl 62 and rim 64. Optionally, gearboxes 196 and 198 move up and down along central shaft 1 92 to extend the range of cleaner pads 120 and side brushes 130. Optionally side brushes 130 include a self-cleaning mechanism for cleaning side brushes 130 after use.

As shown in figures 3D-3G cleaning assembly 1 05 comprises a rear rim cleaning system

148. Rear rim cleaning system 148 comprises pads for cleaning the rear rim 66 of toilet 60 and adapted for working around rear rim bolts 67 that affix the toilet seat 61 to the toilet 60. Rear cleaning pads 144, 140 and 142 as described herein may be any of a sponge, absorbent pad, brush, or cloth which may be smooth or abrasive or any other suitable material or texture for cleaning toilet surfaces. Rear pads 144, 140 and 142 are preferably replaceable as part of routine maintenance. Pads 144, 140 and 142 are preferably rinsed or otherwise cleaned after every cleaning operation. As shown, central cleaner pad 140 extends from central shaft 192, optionally from first gear box 1 6. Pad 140 moves back and forth (towards and away from central shaft 192 ) to clean the central area of rear rim 66. Rear side cleaner pads 142 also extend from central shaft 104 on rear side shafts 143 to clean the side areas of rear rim 66. Rear side pads 142 also move in a back and forth motion as with central pad 140. Rear extender pads 144 are provided to clean the areas behind bolts 67. Rear extender pads 144 are also shown in figures 3F and 3G and are housed within central pad 140 where they extend on rear extender shafts 146 and move towards and away from central pad 140 to clean the areas behind bolts 67.

In use, central 140 and rear side pads 142 extend and move back and forth to clean rear rim 66 while bottom 1 10 and side brushes 130 clean the toilet bowl 62. Following a predefined period of time rear side pads withdraw (as shown in figure 3E) and rear extender pads 144 extend (as shown in figures 3E and 3G) and move back and forth to clean the areas behind bolts 67. During this time, central pad 140 does not move. Rear extender pads 144 then retract into central pad 140 (as shown in figure 3F), and rear side pads 142 again extend and clean rear rim 66. This process is repeated a set number of times, before both central pad 140 and rear side pads 142 retract towards central shaft 1 92 so that rim cleaner pads 120 can extend and begin rotating around rim 64 to clean rim 64.

As shown in figure 3H, cleaning assembly 105 is covered by a cover I 58 to prevent water being splashed out while robot 100 operates. Cover 1 58 is preferably transparent. Cover 1 58 attaches to the toilet 60 with adjustable handles I 52 on four sides. The adjustment of handles I 52 is performed once by the user before the first usage of robot 100. After this initial adjustment, the handles 1 52 connect automatically every time robot 1 00 begins its operation to hold robot 100 onto toilet 60. Reference is now made to figure 4 which is a flow diagram showing a method for setting up of a toilet robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Before using the robot 100 for the first time, it is mounted on a nearby surface such as a wall 20 as described with reference to figures 1 A and I B and initialized to adapt the robot 100 to a particular toilet 60:

In step 401 extender arm 1 82 is adjusted so that when extended, extender arm 1 82 will have a length appropriate to reach from wall mount 180 to cleaning assembly 105 placed on the toilet 60. In step 402 the handles that attach cleaning assembly 105 to toilet 60 are adjusted to fit toilet 60. In step 403, course adjustments are made to bring the toilet brushes 1 10, 130 into contact with the bowl 62 and rim 64. In step 404 the rear cleaning pads 140, 142 and 144 are positioned for the cleaning of the rear toilet rim 66. In step 405 the water supply 22 is connected. In step 406 the cleaning solution dispenser 1 84 is connected and in step 407 it is filled with cleaning solution. In step 408 flush sensor 1 06, flush actuator 1 07, seat sensors 108 and seat actuator 109 are attached to toilet 60 and connected to controller 160. In step 409 the timing of robot 100 operation (such as activation times/days and/or triggers) is set according to user needs, using interface I 86. Further in step 409, controller is optionally programmed with the dimensions of the toilet to enable planning of the movements of brush assembly 1 70.

Reference is now made to figures A and 5B-5H which are respectively a flow diagram and illustrative drawings showing a method for operation of a toilet robot according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 A which shows a process 500 for cleaning a toilet using toilet robot 100 and figure 5B shows robot 100 in an un-deployed state with cleaning assembly 1 05 retracted into wall mount 1 80. In step 502 controller 160 activates cleaning of the toilet 60 by robot 100. Activation may be based on but is not limited to any one or more of the fol lowing:

• Time of day;

· Elapsed time since previous cleaning;

• Periodic activation - for example but not limited to once every hour;

• Activation by a user such as via interface 1 86, app 166, or TRMS (see figure 6);

• Detection of use of toilet 60 such as by sensors 106 or 108;

• Detection that toilet is dirty such as by sensor 108; and

· Detection of flushing of toilet such as by sensor 1 06;

Optionally as part of step 502, if seat sensor 108 detects that seat 61 is down then seat actuator 109 is directed by controller 160 to raise toilet seat 61.

In step 504 shown in figure 5C, extender arm 1 82 opens to move cleaning assembly 105 from wall mount towards toilet 60. In step 506 shown in figure 5D, cleaning assembly 105 is placed on toilet 60 by extender arm 182, and handles 1 52 close against toilet 60 to hold cleaning assembly 105 in place on toilet 60. Optionally handles 152 are not provided and cleaning assembly 105 is held in place by arm 182.

In figures 5E and 5F cover assembly 150 is shown as transparent for purposes of illustration. In step 508 shown in figure 5E brushes 110 and 130 deploy from cover assembly 1 50 and descend and extend so as to make contact with toilet bowl 62 (lower brush 110) and toilet lip 64 (side brush 130). Although two brushes are shown it should be appreciated that the cleaning assembly may preferably comprise any suitable number of brushes or pads as described in the embodiments of toilet robot 100 herein. In step 5 10 as shown in figure 5F, brushes 0 and 130 rotate (such as by rotation of motors 1 16 and 136) while moving around toilet rim 64 (side brush 130) and moving around toilet bowl 62 (lower brush 1 10), such as by turning of motor 1 55. Brushes optionally move around in direction "H" as shown or in an opposite direction or in a combination of these. While lower brush 1 10 moves around toilet bowl 62, brush 1 10 also moves up and down the sides of bowl 62 so as to clean all of bowl 62. Optionally, where sensor 108 and controller 160 have detected dirt on bowl 62, lower brush 1 10 is directed to the dirty point to clean the dirt off bowl 62. Optionally side brush 130 also descends to clean bowl 62 after it has sufficiently cleaned rim 64. Optionally cleaning fluid and/or disinfectant is sprayed onto the surfaces to be cleaned by cleaning assembly 105 or is released through brushes 1 10 and or 130.

In step 5 12 controller 160 determines that cleaning is complete. This determination may be made by controller 160 based on, but is not limited to, one or more of:

· An elapsed cleaning period, for example but not limited to 1 -5 minutes; and

• Determination that detected dirt has been cleaned such as by analysis by controller

1 60 of images from sensor 108;

In step 5 14, as shown in figure 5G, controller 160 stops the rotation and movement of brush assembly 170 and directs the retraction of brushes 110 and 130 into cover assembly 1 50. The stopping of cleaning by cleaning assembly 105 is based on the determination of step 5 12 or optionally a result of a user manually deactivation robot 100 such as via interface 1 86, app 166, or TRMS (figure 6). Handles 1 52 release from toilet 60 and extender arm 1 82 begins retracting cleaning assembly 105 back towards wall mount 1 80 as shown in figure 5H).

In step 5 16, cleaning assembly 105 is completely retracted into wall mount 1 80 (as in figure 5B) and in step 5 1 8 robot 00 waits for the next activation (step 502). It should be emphasized and understood from the above that, once set up, robot 100 controlled by controller 160 operates autonomously without requiring activation or interaction from a human operator.

Reference is now made to figure 6 which is an illustrative schematic drawings showing management of multiple toilet robots according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in figure 6 an automated toilet robot system 600 comprises multiple toilet robots 100 in communication with a toilet robot management serv er (TRMS) 650. Toilet robot 100 may be any embodiment of toilet robot 100 as described hereinabove. A Ithough four robots 100A, 100B, 100C and 100η are shown, it should be appreciated that any number of toilet robots 100 may be in communication with TRMS 650. Toilet robots 100 are optionally installed in one lavatory or optionally multiple toilet robots 100 are installed in multiple lavatories. Each toilet robot 100 connects from controller 1 60 to TRMS 650 using wired or wireless communications protocols and methods as known in the art.

TRMS 650 is a computing dev ice as defined above and may optionally comprise a server, distributed server, cloud computing environment, data cluster or any other suitable computing device. TRMS 650 preferably comprises an analysis engine 652, a database (DB) 654 and a user interface (UI) 656. TRMS 650 is optionally an app running on a smartphone, laptop or tablet computing device.

Analysis engine 652 receives data from toilet robots 100 and analyses the received data to output insights, recommendations, summaries, trends, and alerts all related to the operation of toilet robots 100 and associated consumable materials such as but not limited to cleaning solution, air freshener, toilet paper, cleaning brushes and so forth. In a non-limiting example, when the cleaning solution dispenser 1 84 of a particular toilet robot 100 is near empty, an alert is generated via UI 656. Analysis engine 652 optionally uses big data analysis methods.

DB 654 is a database as known in the art and stores data transmitted by toilet robots 100 and also results of analysis by engine 652. DB 654 also stores configuration data defined in TRMS 650 for system 600 including toilet robot 100 profiles. A toilet robot 100 profile includes information about each toilet robot 100 in system 600 including but not limited to: unique identifier, name, position in site, site geolocation, etc. Optionally a toilet robot zone 670 is defined in TRMS 650 where each robot zone 670 includes one of more toilet robots 100. A toilet robot zone 670 optionally comprises toilet robots from one site or optionally comprises toilet robots from multiple sites. The zone 670 defined in figure 6 includes toilet robots 100B and lOOC but it should be appreciated that any number or any of toilet robots 100 could be included in a toilet robot zone 670 and any number of zones 670 may be defined in TRMS 650. Where more than one zone 670 is defined, these zones 670 may optionally overlap, i.e. : a toilet robot 100 may optionally be part of several zones 670.

UI 656 enables display of the results of analysis engine 652 and also interaction with TRMS 650 by a human operator (not shown). UI 656 optionally comprises a monitor or screen and information provided to a user of TRMS 650 may be visual (e.g., text or other content displayed on the monitor). Alternatively or additionally UI 656 comprises an audio player to emit a sound. UI 656 preferably comprises means for accepting user input such as a touch screen, keyboard and/or mouse. Optionally, UI 656 is provided on a multi-purpose device such as a smartphone, tablet or personal computer in communication with TRMS 650. UI 656 optionally comprises a web browser for operation of TRMS 650.

In use, an operator of TRMS 650 may remotely configure the controller 160 of a toilet robot 1 00. Optionally an operator of TRMS 650 may simultaneously remotely configure the controllers 160 of multiple toilet robots 100. Optionally an operator of TRMS 650 may simultaneously remotely configure the controllers 160 of multiple toilet robots 100 in a zone 670 or in multiple zones 670. Configuration includes activation times, activation triggers, etc. TRMS 650 enables a status view of all toilet robots 100 installed and managed by TRMS 650. As above TRMS 650 provides alerts related to errors, failures, or technical issues with toilet robots 100 and also optionally provides alerts related to toilet robot 100 consumables. Analysis engine 652 can optionally provide reports describing usage of toilets 60 as detected by toilet robots 100 for analysis of lavatories or toilets with greater or lesser usage. It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be prov ided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A toilet cleaning robot for cleaning a toilet comprising:

a. a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted to clean the bowl of said toilet and the rim of said toilet;

b. a controller for controll ing the operation of said toilet robot wherein said

controller is a computing device;

c. a wall mount adapted for storage of said cleaning assembly; and

d. an extender arm for connecting said cleaning assembly to said wall mount and for extending to place said cleaning assembly on said toilet.

2. The toilet cleaning robot of claim I wherein said brush assembly comprises at least one lower brush for cleaning the bowl of said toilet.

3. The toilet cleaning robot of claim I wherein said brush assembly comprises at least one side brush for cleaning the rim of said toilet.

4. The toilet cleaning robot of claim I wherein said cleaning assembly further comprises a rear rim cleaning system.

5. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 4 wherein said rear rim cleaning system comprises a central rear pad, at least one rear side pad and at least one rear extender pad extending from said central rear pad.

6. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 4 wherein said rear rim cleaning system is adapted to clean said rear toilet rim around rear rim bolts of said toilet.

7. The toilet cleaning robot of claim I wherein said cleaning assembly comprises a

cover assembly.

8. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 7 wherein said brush assembly is mounted on said cover assembly and is adapted to retract for storage in said cover assembly and adapted to deploy from said cover assembly for cleaning said toilet.

9. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 wherein said wall mount is mounted on a surface adjacent to said toilet.

10. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning fluid dispenser and wherein said cleaning fluid dispenser is in fluid communication w ith said cleaning assembly.

1 1 . The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 wherein said cleaning assembly is in fluid communication with a water source.

12. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising an interface adapted for at least one of programing, activating or deactivating said robot.

13. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising handles adapted to attach said robot to said toilet during cleaning.

14. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a seat sensor in data

communication with said controller adapted to determine the positions of a toilet cover and toilet seat of said toilet.

15. The toilet cleaning robot of claim I further comprising a seat actuator in data

communication with said controller adapted to raise or lower at least one of a toilet cover and toilet seat of said toilet.

16. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a sensor in data

communication with said controller adapted to monitor the cleanliness of a toilet bowl of said toilet.

17. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a sensor in data

communication with said controller adapted to determine the shape and size of a toilet bowl and of a rim of said toilet.

1 8. The toilet cleaning robot of claim I further comprising a sensor in data

communication with said controller adapted to determine that a user has used said toilet.

19. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a sensor in data

communication with said controller adapted to determine the level of water in a toilet bowl of said toilet.

20. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a seat cleaner adapted to clean the seat of said toilet.

21 . The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 wherein said controller controls the movements of said brush assembly.

22. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising an air freshener dispenser.

23. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a battery for powering said toilet robot.

24. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a toilet robot management system adapted to manage a plurality of said toilet robots.

25. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 further comprising a toilet robot app in data

communication with said controller adapted to control said controller.

26. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 7 wherein said cover assembly comprises a cover.

27. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 26 herein said cover is adapted to prevent

splashing of liquid out of said toilet during cleaning by said toilet robot and wherein said adaptation is based on splash patterns of said toilet robot.

28. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 wherein said controlling the operation of said toilet robot comprises controlling an activity selected from the group consisting of: a. deploying said cleaning assembly from a storage position on said wall mount to a cleaning position on said toilet;

b. retracting said cleaning assembly from a cleaning position on said toilet to a storage position on said wall mount;

c. activating said cleaning assembly to clean said toilet;

d. deactivating said cleaning assembly to cease cleaning said toilet;

e. directing the motion of said brush assembly;

f. directing the deployment of said brush assembly from within said cover

assembly;

g. directing the retraction of said brush assembly into said cover assembly; h. directing the motion of said rear rim cleaning system; and

i. a combination of the above.

29. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 2 wherein said lower brush comprises one or more of bristles, cloth, sponge, or a mop.

30. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 3 wherein said side brush comprises one or more of bristles, cloth, sponge, or a mop.

3 1 . The toilet cleaning robot of claim 1 1 wherein said water source is the same water source as used by said toilet.

32. The toilet cleaning robot of claim 3 wherein said side brush comprises at least two sub-brushes.

33. A method for setting up a toilet cleaning robot for cleaning a toilet comprising:

a. providing a toilet cleaning robot comprising:

l. a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted for cleaning the bowl of said toilet and for cleaning the rim of said toilet;

ii. a controller for controlling the operation of said toilet robot wherein said controller is a computing device;

lii. a wall mount adapted for storage of said cleaning assembly; and iv. an extender arm for connecting said cleaning assembly to said wall mount and for extending to place said cleaning assembly on said toilet; and

b. mounting said wall mount on a surface adjacent to said toilet.

34. The method of claim 33 further comprising adjusting said extender arm such that when extended said extender arm will position said cleaning assembly on said toilet.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein said toilet robot further comprises:

a. attachment handles for attaching said cleaning assembly to said toilet; and b. rear cleaning pads for cleaning the rear rim of said toilet.

36. The method of claim 35 further comprising setup steps selected from the group

consisting of:

a. adjusting said attachment handles to fit said toilet;

b. adjusting said brushes to make contact with said toilet;

c. adjusting said rear cleaning pads to make contact with a rear rim of said toilet; and

d. a combination of the above.

37. The method of claim 33 further comprising connecting a water supply to said

cleaning assembly.

38. The method of claim 33 further comprising connecting a cleaning solution dispenser to said cleaning assembly.

39. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

a. providing a flush sensor;

b. attaching said flush sensor to the flushing mechanism of said toilet; and c. connecting said flush sensor to said controller.

40. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

a. providing a flush actuator;

b. attaching said flush actuator to the flushing mechanism of said toilet; and c. connecting said flush actuator to said controller.

41 . The method of claim 33 further comprising:

a. providing a seat sensor;

b. attaching said seat sensor to the seat of said toilet; and

c. connecting said seat sensor to said controller.

42. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

a. providing a seat actuator;

b. attaching said seat actuator to the seat of said toilet; and

c. connecting said seat actuator to said controller.

43. The method of claim 33 further comprising configuring said controller with at least one of:

a. trigger events for activating said toilet robot.

b. times and days of operation of said toilet robot; or

c. the dimensions of said toilet.

44. A method for cleaning a toi let comprising:

a. providing a toilet cleaning robot wherein said toilet cleaning robot comprises: i. a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted to clean the bowl of a toilet and the rim of said toilet.

iii. a wall mount adapted for storage of said cleaning assembly wherein said wall mount is mounted on a surface adjacent to said toilet; and iv. an extender arm for connecting said cleaning assembly to said wall mount and for extending to place said cleaning assembly on said toilet; and

b. activating said cleaning assembly by said controller to clean said toilet.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein said activating is based on a trigger selected from the group consisting of:

a. time of day;

b. elapsed time since previous cleaning;

c. periodic activation;

d. activation by a user;

e. detection by said controller of use of said toilet;

f. detection by said controller that said toilet is dirty; and

g. detection by said controller of flushing of said toilet; and

h. a combination of the above.

46. The method of claim 44 further comprising deploying said cleaning assembly by extending said extender arm from said wall mount to place said cleaning assembly on said toilet.

47. The method of claim 44 wherein said brush assembly comprises at least one brush and said method further comprises placing said brush in contact with the bowl of said toilet and rotating and moving said brush to clean said bowl.

48. The method of claim 44 wherein said brush assembly comprises at least one brush and said method further comprises placing said brush in contact with the rim of said toilet and rotating and moving said brush to clean said rim.

49. A system for management of a plurality of toilet robots comprising: a toilet robot management server (TRMS) in data communication with said plurality of toilet robots wherein said TRMS is a computing device;

wherein each of said plurality of toilet robots comprises:

a. a cleaning assembly comprising a brush assembly adapted to clean the bowl of a toilet and the rim of said toilet;

b. a controller for controlling the operation of said toilet robot wherein said

controller is a computing device;

c. a wall mount adapted for storage of said cleaning assembly; and

50. The system of claim 49 wherein said TRMS is adapted to group portions of said plurality of toilet robots into toilet robot zones.