US20060117473A1 - Automatically-cleaning sanitary module comprising a bowl and a seat back that are tiltable - Google Patents
Automatically-cleaning sanitary module comprising a bowl and a seat back that are tiltable Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060117473A1 US20060117473A1 US11/258,748 US25874805A US2006117473A1 US 20060117473 A1 US20060117473 A1 US 20060117473A1 US 25874805 A US25874805 A US 25874805A US 2006117473 A1 US2006117473 A1 US 2006117473A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bowl
- axis
- seat back
- sanitary module
- module according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
- E03D9/002—Automatic cleaning devices
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/12—Swivel-mounted bowls, e.g. for use in restricted spaces slidably or movably mounted bowls; combinations with flushing and disinfecting devices actuated by the swiveling or sliding movement of the bowl
Definitions
- this type of module comprises:
- Such a module is driven from its utilization position to its cleaning position by a single motor and gearbox unit operating via a grooved cam disk to actuate a lever hinged on a stationary shaft and controlled by a wheel traveling in the grooved cam, with a connecting rod driven by the lever serving to pivot the seat back.
- That module gives full satisfaction. Indeed it has been used to equip numerous public washrooms. Nevertheless, the inventors have sought to provide improvements to that type of module, in order to reduce its size and weight, and in order to simplify its drive.
- control mechanism comprises:
- FIG. 3 is a three-quarters front perspective view of the right side
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the right side
- FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the front
- FIGS. 7 to 9 are views showing the sanitary module of FIGS. 1 to 6 , shown in an intermediate position between its utilization position and a cleaning position:
- FIGS. 10 to 12 are views of the sanitary module of FIGS. 1 to 9 , shown in its cleaning position:
- FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the right side
- FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the left side
- FIG. 12 is a three-quarters rear perspective view of the right side.
- the figures show an automatically-cleaning sanitary module 1 , e.g. for installing in a public washroom of the type comprising a closed cubicle with access thereto being controlled, e.g. by a payment-operated door.
- the module 1 comprises firstly a load-carrying structure 2 having two facing side flanks, i.e. a first side flank 3 —referred to herein as the “left” flank—, and a second side flank 4 —referred to herein as the “right” flank—, interconnected by a back wall 5 and surmounted by a top wall 6 which, as is explained below, forms a support for the functional members of the module 1 .
- the structure 2 further comprises, opposite from its top wall 6 , a stand 7 having legs 8 for securing the module 1 to the floor of a toilet cubicle.
- the module 1 comprises a toilet bowl 9 mounted on the structure 2 to pivot about an axis 10 by using two stub axles on that axis, namely a first stub axle 11 mounted in the left side flank 3 , and a second stub axle 12 mounted in the right side flank 4 , to pivot between:
- the sanitary module 1 comprises a seat back 13 mounted on the structure 2 above the bowl 9 to pivot about an axis 14 on which there are two stub axles, namely a first stub axle 15 mounted in the left side flank 3 and a second stub axle 16 mounted in the right side flank 4 , to pivot between:
- the utilization and cleaning positions of the seat back 13 correspond respectively to the utilization and cleaning positions of the bowl 9 , with the respective turning movements thereof on passing from one position to the other being synchronized, as is explained below.
- the seat back 13 closes the structure 2 in part by interconnecting the front edges 17 and 18 of the side flanks 3 and 4 .
- a cover (not shown) placed vertically above the seat back 13 finishes off this closure by covering an opening 19 that extends between the flanks 3 and 4 above the seat back 13 , the seat back 13 when in its utilization position co-operating with the cover so that together they form the front wall of the structure 2 .
- the seat back 13 In the cleaning position, the seat back 13 has pivoted through half a turn about its axis 14 and is disposed vertically inside the structure 2 between the flanks 3 and 4 .
- the seat back 13 presents a top edge 20 forming a curved cutout so as to leave a gap while passing between the two positions in order to enable the bowl 9 to pass freely without any risk of collision.
- the sanitary module 1 also comprises a control mechanism 21 for ensuring that the bowl 9 and the seat back 13 move simultaneously from their in-use positions to their cleaning positions, and vice versa.
- the mechanism 21 comprises a motor 22 mounted on the top wall 6 of the structure 2 at the top of the left flank 3 , and coupled in rotation with the first stub axle 15 on the axis 14 of the seat back 13 .
- the motor 22 comprises an outlet shaft 23 having fastened thereto a first toothed pulley wheel 24 , while the first stub axle 15 on the axis 14 of the seat back 13 carries a second toothed pulley wheel 25 coupled in rotation to the first pulley wheel 24 by means of a toothed belt 26 for synchronous transmission.
- the control mechanism 21 further comprises, beside the right side flank 4 , a transmission 27 coupling the second stub axle 16 on the axis 14 of the seat back 13 with the second stub axle 12 on the axis 10 of the bowl 9 .
- the transmission 27 comprises:
- gearwheel 28 mounted on and secured to the second stub axle 16 on the axis 14 of the seat back 13 ;
- a toothed wheel 29 mounted to rotate on the flank 4 and meshing with the gearwheel 28 ;
- eccentric 30 secured to the toothed wheel 29 , the eccentric 30 being in the form of a rod screwed onto the wheel 29 and having a portion that projects substantially radially from the periphery of the wheel 29 ;
- crank 31 mounted on and secured to the second stub axle 12 on the axis 10 of the bowl 9 ;
- an electronic control unit After detecting a predetermined event (e.g. the most recent user closing the pay-operated door to the toilet cubicle), an electronic control unit (not shown) causes the motor 22 to be powered electrically, thereby driving the pulley wheel 25 by means of the transmission belt 26 to turn in the clockwise direction (as shown in the view of FIG. 7 and as represented in this figure by arrow F 1 ), thus causing the seat back 13 to tilt.
- a predetermined event e.g. the most recent user closing the pay-operated door to the toilet cubicle
- the module also has a safety device 33 serving to ensure that the bowl 9 and the seat back 13 are not caused to tilt while a weight is acting on the bowl 9 (e.g. the weight of a child).
- a safety device 33 serving to ensure that the bowl 9 and the seat back 13 are not caused to tilt while a weight is acting on the bowl 9 (e.g. the weight of a child).
- the safety device 33 comprises a sensor 34 having a moving electrical contact that is secured to the left flank 3 of the structure 2 , being actuated by a pivotally-mounted lever 35 having a top end 36 placed facing the contact and a bottom end 37 connected to a return spring 38 urging the lever 35 towards a rest position ( FIG. 1 ) in which the top end 36 is spaced apart from the contact.
- a weight exceeding a predetermined threshold value e.g. 3 kilograms (kg) to 4 kg, corresponding to the weight of a small child
- a predetermined threshold value e.g. 3 kilograms (kg) to 4 kg, corresponding to the weight of a small child
- the safety device 33 includes a damper system 39 integrated in the control mechanism 21 .
- This damper system 39 is in the form of a resilient link interconnecting two portions of the connecting rod 32 end to end, namely a top portion 40 connected to the eccentric 30 and a bottom portion 41 connected to the crank 31 .
- the resilient link 39 comprises a spring working in compression interposed between the two portions 40 and 41 of the connecting rod 32 , and of stiffness that is selected in such a manner that under its own weight the bowl 9 does not pivot far enough to cause the lever 35 to tilt towards its active position, whereas under the combined weight of the bowl 9 and a predetermined weight placed on the bowl (in practice a weight greater than 3 kg to 4 kg), the bowl pivots about the axis 10 so as to cause the lever 35 to pivot towards its active position, thereby actuating the contact of the sensor 34 and thus preventing the control mechanism 21 from causing the bowl 9 and the seat back 13 to tilt.
- the sanitary module 1 comprises a system 42 for passively compensating the weight of the bowl 9 , seeking to limit the opposing torque applied about the pivot axis 10 of the bowl 9 when pivoting under drive from the control mechanism 21 , in either direction.
- the compensation system 42 mounted on the left flank 3 of the structure 2 comprises:
- a lever 43 mounted to pivot over the left flank 3 about a pivot axis 44 , and coupled to turn with the first stub axle 11 on the axis 10 of the bowl 9 ;
- a thrust strut 45 comprising a cylinder 46 having a top end mounted to turn relative to the left flank 3 , said cylinder having a rod 47 slidably mounted therein with a bottom end mounted to turn on a free end of the lever 43 .
- the rotary coupling between the lever 43 and the first stub axle 11 on the axis 10 of the bowl 9 is implemented by means of a chain 48 meshing with a first sprocket 49 mounted on the first stub axle 11 on the axis 10 of the bowl 9 , and a second sprocket 50 mounted on the axis 44 of the lever 43 .
- the tension in the chain 48 can be adjusted by means of a tensioner device 51 comprising a sprocket 52 mounted to turn freely on a plate 53 slidably mounted on the left flank 3 of the structure 2 to move perpendicularly to the chain 48 .
- the bowl 9 pivots about its axis 10 , e.g. while tilting from the utilization position towards the cleaning position (arrow F 6 , FIG. 7 ), the bowl 9 acts via the chain 48 (arrow F 7 ) to pivot the lever 43 about its axis 44 (arrow F 8 ), which, by applying traction to the rod 47 , causes the thrust strut 45 to be extended (arrow F 9 ), which thrust strut opposes this extension by exerting a return force on the rod 47 having a value that is selected by the person skilled in the art—by appropriately selecting the thrust strut—as a function in particular of the weight of the bowl 9 .
- the compensation system 42 also operates in the opposite direction, while the bowl 9 is passing from its cleaning position to its utilization position, the thrust strut 45 likewise opposing compression being applied thereto.
- the sanitary module 1 is also fitted with a dryer device 54 for drying the bowl 9 and the seat back 13 .
- the dryer device 54 comprises firstly a carriage 55 mounted on the right side flank 4 of the structure 2 , said carriage 55 being movable in vertical translation in register with a window 56 formed through the flank 4 , between a low position in which the carriage 55 is close to the stand 7 (the position shown in FIG. 3 ) and a high position (not shown), in which the carriage 55 is close to the top wall 6 .
- the window 56 is closed by a pair of brushes (not shown) secured to the sides of the window 56 , allowing the carriage 55 to pass between them while simultaneously forming a barrier against splashes caused by water being sprayed during cleaning.
- the dryer device 54 further comprises a hose 57 having a first end 58 for connection to an air blower system (not shown), and having a second end 59 opposite to the first end 58 secured to the moving carriage 55 in register with the window 56 .
- the dryer device 54 further comprises a carriage drive system comprising a motor 63 having an outlet shaft 64 with a first toothed pulley wheel 65 mounted thereon; a second toothed pulley wheel 66 is rotatably mounted on the right flank 4 of the structure 2 in the proximity of the stand 7 , with a toothed synchronizing belt 67 being under tension between the pulley wheels 65 and 66 . Movement of the belt 67 under drive from rotation of the first pulley wheel 65 drives the carriage 55 from its low position to its high position, and vice versa.
- the electronic control unit begins by causing the seat back 13 and the bowl 9 to tilt towards their cleaning position, as described above. Thereafter, secondly, the electronic control unit causes the seat back 13 and the bowl 9 to be cleaned. Thirdly, the control unit causes electrical power to be delivered both to the motor 63 and to the system for blowing air into the hose 57 . The seat back 13 and the bowl 9 are then dried by a laterally-directed sheet of air sweeping thereover upwards and downwards as the carriage 55 moves. This sweeping operation can be repeated as often as necessary, depending on the strength of the air flow generated.
- the control unit causes the seat back 13 and the bowl 9 to tilt in the opposite direction so as to return to their utilization position, in which the sanitary module 1 is ready to receive the following user.
- the above-described sanitary module 1 presents certain advantages.
- the motor 22 is coupled to the seat back 13 only: it is via the seat back 13 that the rotary movement of the motor 22 is transmitted to the bowl 9 .
- This ensures that the seat back is functionally integrated in the control mechanism 21 .
- This results in simplification to the drive system of the sanitary module 1 and enables it to be made more compact, since there is no need to provide two distinct transmissions, i.e. one between the motor and the seat back, and the other between the motor and the bowl.
- the transmission 27 interposed between the seat back 13 and the bowl 9 ensures that the movements of the seat back 13 and of the bowl 9 are reliably synchronized.
- the offset position of the dryer device 54 also enables the sanitary module 1 to be made more compact, since in prior art modules (as described in above-mentioned documents FR-2 635 131 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,069), drying is performed by means of a blow nozzle fed with air via a succession of telescopic tubes that engage one in another, thus requiring sufficient room to be provided in the top portion of the structure and in its rear portion for receiving the nozzle and the tubes.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Toilet Supplies (AREA)
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
- Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
- Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
Abstract
An automatically-cleaning sanitary module comprising: a structure; a toilet bowl pivotally mounted on the structure to pivot about an axis between a utilization position and a cleaning position; a seat back pivotally mounted on the structure above the bowl to pivot about an axis between a utilization position and a cleaning position; and a control mechanism for causing the bowl and the seat back to pass from the utilization position to the cleaning position, and vice versa, the control mechanism comprising: a motor coupled in rotation to the seat back; and a transmission coupling the seat back in rotation to the bowl.
Description
- The invention relates to an automatically-cleaning sanitary module of the type suitable for being installed in public places and in which cleaning operations are caused to be performed automatically, as soon as the departure of a user is detected.
- In general, this type of module comprises:
- a structure;
- a toilet bowl pivotally mounted on the structure to pivot about an axis between a utilization position and a cleaning position;
- a seat back pivotally mounted on the structure above the bowl to pivot about an axis between a utilization position and a cleaning position; and
- a control mechanism for causing the bowl and the seat back to pass from the utilization position to the cleaning position, and vice versa.
- A sanitary module of this type is described in the French patent application published under the No. FR-2 635 131 in the name of the Applicant, and also in the corresponding US patent granted under the No. U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,069.
- Such a module is driven from its utilization position to its cleaning position by a single motor and gearbox unit operating via a grooved cam disk to actuate a lever hinged on a stationary shaft and controlled by a wheel traveling in the grooved cam, with a connecting rod driven by the lever serving to pivot the seat back.
- That module gives full satisfaction. Indeed it has been used to equip numerous public washrooms. Nevertheless, the inventors have sought to provide improvements to that type of module, in order to reduce its size and weight, and in order to simplify its drive.
- To this end, the invention provides a sanitary module of the above-specified type, in which the control mechanism comprises:
- a motor coupled in rotation to the seat back; and
- a transmission coupling the seat back in rotation to the bowl.
- As a result, the rotary movement of the motor is transmitted to the bowl via the seat back. This leads to a substantial saving in weight and in space, and to a drive that is simplified.
- Other objects and advantages of the invention appear in the light of the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIGS. 1 to 6 are views of a sanitary module of the invention shown in its utilization position:
-
FIG. 1 is a three-quarters front perspective view of the left side; -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the left side; -
FIG. 3 is a three-quarters front perspective view of the right side; -
FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the right side; -
FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the front; and -
FIG. 6 is a plan view from above; - FIGS. 7 to 9 are views showing the sanitary module of FIGS. 1 to 6, shown in an intermediate position between its utilization position and a cleaning position:
-
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the left side; -
FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the right side; and -
FIG. 9 is a three-quarters rear perspective view of the right side; - FIGS. 10 to 12 are views of the sanitary module of FIGS. 1 to 9, shown in its cleaning position:
-
FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the right side; -
FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the left side; and -
FIG. 12 is a three-quarters rear perspective view of the right side. - The figures show an automatically-cleaning
sanitary module 1, e.g. for installing in a public washroom of the type comprising a closed cubicle with access thereto being controlled, e.g. by a payment-operated door. - The
module 1 comprises firstly a load-carryingstructure 2 having two facing side flanks, i.e. afirst side flank 3—referred to herein as the “left” flank—, and asecond side flank 4—referred to herein as the “right” flank—, interconnected by aback wall 5 and surmounted by atop wall 6 which, as is explained below, forms a support for the functional members of themodule 1. Thestructure 2 further comprises, opposite from itstop wall 6, astand 7 havinglegs 8 for securing themodule 1 to the floor of a toilet cubicle. - Secondly, the
module 1 comprises atoilet bowl 9 mounted on thestructure 2 to pivot about anaxis 10 by using two stub axles on that axis, namely afirst stub axle 11 mounted in theleft side flank 3, and asecond stub axle 12 mounted in theright side flank 4, to pivot between: - a utilization position in which the
bowl 9 extends horizontally, projecting forwards from the structure 2 (FIGS. 1 to 6), this position serving in particular to allow a user to sit on thebowl 9; and - a cleaning position in which the
bowl 9 is retracted vertically into the structure (FIGS. 7 to 12), in which position thebowl 9 is ready to be cleaned by being sprayed with water and detergent using a cleaning device which is not described in detail herein since it does not form part of the invention. - Thirdly, the
sanitary module 1 comprises aseat back 13 mounted on thestructure 2 above thebowl 9 to pivot about anaxis 14 on which there are two stub axles, namely afirst stub axle 15 mounted in theleft side flank 3 and asecond stub axle 16 mounted in theright side flank 4, to pivot between: - a utilization position in which the
seat back 13 extends substantially vertically between the edges of theflanks back wall 5; and - a cleaning position in which the
seat back 13 is retracted into thestructure 2. - The utilization and cleaning positions of the
seat back 13 correspond respectively to the utilization and cleaning positions of thebowl 9, with the respective turning movements thereof on passing from one position to the other being synchronized, as is explained below. - In the utilization position, the seat back 13 closes the
structure 2 in part by interconnecting thefront edges side flanks opening 19 that extends between theflanks structure 2. - In the cleaning position, the
seat back 13 has pivoted through half a turn about itsaxis 14 and is disposed vertically inside thestructure 2 between theflanks - As can be seen in
FIG. 1 , the seat back 13 presents atop edge 20 forming a curved cutout so as to leave a gap while passing between the two positions in order to enable thebowl 9 to pass freely without any risk of collision. - The
sanitary module 1 also comprises acontrol mechanism 21 for ensuring that thebowl 9 and the seat back 13 move simultaneously from their in-use positions to their cleaning positions, and vice versa. - The
mechanism 21 comprises amotor 22 mounted on thetop wall 6 of thestructure 2 at the top of theleft flank 3, and coupled in rotation with thefirst stub axle 15 on theaxis 14 of theseat back 13. - More precisely, beside the
left side flank 3, themotor 22 comprises anoutlet shaft 23 having fastened thereto a firsttoothed pulley wheel 24, while thefirst stub axle 15 on theaxis 14 of the seat back 13 carries a secondtoothed pulley wheel 25 coupled in rotation to thefirst pulley wheel 24 by means of atoothed belt 26 for synchronous transmission. - The
control mechanism 21 further comprises, beside theright side flank 4, atransmission 27 coupling thesecond stub axle 16 on theaxis 14 of theseat back 13 with thesecond stub axle 12 on theaxis 10 of thebowl 9. - More precisely, and as can be seen clearly in
FIG. 4 , thetransmission 27 comprises: - a
gearwheel 28 mounted on and secured to thesecond stub axle 16 on theaxis 14 of the seat back 13; - a
toothed wheel 29 mounted to rotate on theflank 4 and meshing with thegearwheel 28; - an eccentric 30 secured to the
toothed wheel 29, the eccentric 30 being in the form of a rod screwed onto thewheel 29 and having a portion that projects substantially radially from the periphery of thewheel 29; - a
crank 31 mounted on and secured to thesecond stub axle 12 on theaxis 10 of thebowl 9; and - a
coupling rod 32 interconnecting the eccentric 30 and thecrank 31. - Starting from the utilization position, moving towards the cleaning position is performed as follows (an intermediate position between the utilization position and the cleaning position is shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, to which reference is made below).
- After detecting a predetermined event (e.g. the most recent user closing the pay-operated door to the toilet cubicle), an electronic control unit (not shown) causes the
motor 22 to be powered electrically, thereby driving thepulley wheel 25 by means of thetransmission belt 26 to turn in the clockwise direction (as shown in the view ofFIG. 7 and as represented in this figure by arrow F1), thus causing the seat back 13 to tilt. - Titling the seat back 13 causes the
gearwheel 28 to turn simultaneously in the counterclockwise direction (as shown in the view ofFIG. 8 , and as represented in this figure by arrow F2). Thetoothed wheel 29 meshes with thegearwheel 28 and is thus driven clockwise (arrow F3,FIG. 8 ) causing the eccentric 30 to tilt, thereby in turn moving the connectingrod 32 downwards (arrow F4) and thus turning thecrank 31 clockwise (arrow F5). At the end of the movement, the seat back 13 has turned through 180°, while the bowl has turned through 90° (this can be achieved merely by ensuring that thetoothed wheel 29 has a diameter that is twice the diameter of thegearwheel 28 and that thecrank 31 is of a length equal to the distance between the end of the eccentric 30 and the axis of the toothed wheel 29). - The module also has a
safety device 33 serving to ensure that thebowl 9 and the seat back 13 are not caused to tilt while a weight is acting on the bowl 9 (e.g. the weight of a child). - The
safety device 33 comprises asensor 34 having a moving electrical contact that is secured to theleft flank 3 of thestructure 2, being actuated by a pivotally-mountedlever 35 having atop end 36 placed facing the contact and abottom end 37 connected to areturn spring 38 urging thelever 35 towards a rest position (FIG. 1 ) in which thetop end 36 is spaced apart from the contact. - When a weight exceeding a predetermined threshold value (e.g. 3 kilograms (kg) to 4 kg, corresponding to the weight of a small child) is placed on the
bowl 9, the bowl tilts about itsown axis 10 causing thelever 35 to pivot against thereturn spring 38 towards an active position in which itstop end 36 actuates the contact of thesensor 34, thereby ensuring that the control unit to which thesensor 34 is connected prevents operation of themechanism 21 for tilting thebowl 9. - In order to allow the bowl 9 a certain amount of freedom to move about its
axis 10 independently of thecontrol mechanism 21, and without forcing the mechanism, thesafety device 33 includes adamper system 39 integrated in thecontrol mechanism 21. - This
damper system 39 is in the form of a resilient link interconnecting two portions of the connectingrod 32 end to end, namely atop portion 40 connected to the eccentric 30 and abottom portion 41 connected to thecrank 31. - By way of example, the
resilient link 39 comprises a spring working in compression interposed between the twoportions rod 32, and of stiffness that is selected in such a manner that under its own weight thebowl 9 does not pivot far enough to cause thelever 35 to tilt towards its active position, whereas under the combined weight of thebowl 9 and a predetermined weight placed on the bowl (in practice a weight greater than 3 kg to 4 kg), the bowl pivots about theaxis 10 so as to cause thelever 35 to pivot towards its active position, thereby actuating the contact of thesensor 34 and thus preventing thecontrol mechanism 21 from causing thebowl 9 and the seat back 13 to tilt. - Furthermore, and as shown in
FIG. 1 , thesanitary module 1 comprises asystem 42 for passively compensating the weight of thebowl 9, seeking to limit the opposing torque applied about thepivot axis 10 of thebowl 9 when pivoting under drive from thecontrol mechanism 21, in either direction. - The
compensation system 42 mounted on theleft flank 3 of thestructure 2 comprises: - a
lever 43 mounted to pivot over theleft flank 3 about apivot axis 44, and coupled to turn with thefirst stub axle 11 on theaxis 10 of thebowl 9; and - a
thrust strut 45 comprising acylinder 46 having a top end mounted to turn relative to theleft flank 3, said cylinder having arod 47 slidably mounted therein with a bottom end mounted to turn on a free end of thelever 43. - As can be seen in
FIG. 1 , the rotary coupling between thelever 43 and thefirst stub axle 11 on theaxis 10 of thebowl 9 is implemented by means of achain 48 meshing with afirst sprocket 49 mounted on thefirst stub axle 11 on theaxis 10 of thebowl 9, and asecond sprocket 50 mounted on theaxis 44 of thelever 43. - The tension in the
chain 48 can be adjusted by means of atensioner device 51 comprising asprocket 52 mounted to turn freely on aplate 53 slidably mounted on theleft flank 3 of thestructure 2 to move perpendicularly to thechain 48. - When the
bowl 9 pivots about itsaxis 10, e.g. while tilting from the utilization position towards the cleaning position (arrow F6,FIG. 7 ), thebowl 9 acts via the chain 48 (arrow F7) to pivot thelever 43 about its axis 44 (arrow F8), which, by applying traction to therod 47, causes thethrust strut 45 to be extended (arrow F9), which thrust strut opposes this extension by exerting a return force on therod 47 having a value that is selected by the person skilled in the art—by appropriately selecting the thrust strut—as a function in particular of the weight of thebowl 9. - The
compensation system 42 also operates in the opposite direction, while thebowl 9 is passing from its cleaning position to its utilization position, thethrust strut 45 likewise opposing compression being applied thereto. - As can be seen in
FIG. 3 in particular, thesanitary module 1 is also fitted with adryer device 54 for drying thebowl 9 and the seat back 13. - The
dryer device 54 comprises firstly acarriage 55 mounted on theright side flank 4 of thestructure 2, saidcarriage 55 being movable in vertical translation in register with awindow 56 formed through theflank 4, between a low position in which thecarriage 55 is close to the stand 7 (the position shown inFIG. 3 ) and a high position (not shown), in which thecarriage 55 is close to thetop wall 6. - In practice, the
window 56 is closed by a pair of brushes (not shown) secured to the sides of thewindow 56, allowing thecarriage 55 to pass between them while simultaneously forming a barrier against splashes caused by water being sprayed during cleaning. - The
dryer device 54 further comprises ahose 57 having afirst end 58 for connection to an air blower system (not shown), and having asecond end 59 opposite to thefirst end 58 secured to the movingcarriage 55 in register with thewindow 56. As a result, when thebowl 9 and the seat back 13 are in the cleaning position inside thestructure 2, the inside of thestructure 2 is put into communication with the air blower system. - As can be seen in
FIG. 3 in particular, thecarriage 55 is fitted with rotary wheels 60 (in particular of the grooved pulley wheel type) that co-operate with twoguide rails right side flank 4 of thestructure 2 on either side of thewindow 56. - The
dryer device 54 further comprises a carriage drive system comprising amotor 63 having anoutlet shaft 64 with a firsttoothed pulley wheel 65 mounted thereon; a secondtoothed pulley wheel 66 is rotatably mounted on theright flank 4 of thestructure 2 in the proximity of thestand 7, with atoothed synchronizing belt 67 being under tension between thepulley wheels belt 67 under drive from rotation of thefirst pulley wheel 65 drives thecarriage 55 from its low position to its high position, and vice versa. - Thus, when departure of the most recent user has been detected, the electronic control unit begins by causing the seat back 13 and the
bowl 9 to tilt towards their cleaning position, as described above. Thereafter, secondly, the electronic control unit causes the seat back 13 and thebowl 9 to be cleaned. Thirdly, the control unit causes electrical power to be delivered both to themotor 63 and to the system for blowing air into thehose 57. The seat back 13 and thebowl 9 are then dried by a laterally-directed sheet of air sweeping thereover upwards and downwards as thecarriage 55 moves. This sweeping operation can be repeated as often as necessary, depending on the strength of the air flow generated. Once the drying operation has been completed, with thecarriage 55 being returned to its starting position (specifically its low position), the control unit causes the seat back 13 and thebowl 9 to tilt in the opposite direction so as to return to their utilization position, in which thesanitary module 1 is ready to receive the following user. - The above-described
sanitary module 1 presents certain advantages. - Firstly, as can be seen from the above description, the
motor 22 is coupled to the seat back 13 only: it is via the seat back 13 that the rotary movement of themotor 22 is transmitted to thebowl 9. This ensures that the seat back is functionally integrated in thecontrol mechanism 21. This results in simplification to the drive system of thesanitary module 1 and enables it to be made more compact, since there is no need to provide two distinct transmissions, i.e. one between the motor and the seat back, and the other between the motor and the bowl. In addition, thetransmission 27 interposed between the seat back 13 and thebowl 9 ensures that the movements of the seat back 13 and of thebowl 9 are reliably synchronized. - Secondly, the offset position of the
dryer device 54 also enables thesanitary module 1 to be made more compact, since in prior art modules (as described in above-mentioned documents FR-2 635 131 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,069), drying is performed by means of a blow nozzle fed with air via a succession of telescopic tubes that engage one in another, thus requiring sufficient room to be provided in the top portion of the structure and in its rear portion for receiving the nozzle and the tubes.
Claims (12)
1. An automatically-cleaning sanitary module comprising:
a structure;
a toilet bowl pivotally mounted on the structure to pivot about an axis between a utilization position and a cleaning position;
a seat back pivotally mounted on the structure above the bowl to pivot about an axis between a utilization position and a cleaning position; and
a control mechanism for causing the bowl and the seat back to pass from the utilization position to the cleaning position, and vice versa;
wherein the control mechanism comprises:
a motor coupled in rotation to the seat back; and
a transmission coupling the seat back in rotation to the bowl.
2. A sanitary module according to claim 1 , in which the transmission comprises:
a gearwheel secured to the axis of the seat back;
a toothed wheel mounted to rotate on the structure and meshing with said gearwheel;
an eccentric secured to the toothed wheel;
a crank secured to the axis of the bowl; and
a connecting rod connecting the eccentric to the crank.
3. A sanitary module according to claim 1 , including a safety device preventing the control mechanism from being actuated when a weight greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold weight is acting on the bowl.
4. A sanitary module according to claim 3 , in which the safety device comprises:
a sensor;
a lever for actuating said sensor, the lever being movable under the effect of the bowl pivoting about its axis; and
a damper system enabling the bowl to move angularly independently of the action of the control mechanism.
5. A sanitary module according to claim 4 , in which the transmission comprises:
a gearwheel secured to the axis of the seat back;
a toothed wheel mounted to rotate on the structure and meshing with said gearwheel;
an eccentric secured to the toothed wheel;
a crank secured to the axis of the bowl; and
a connecting rod connecting the eccentric to the crank, which connecting rod comprises two portions, namely a top portion connected to the eccentric, and a bottom portion connected to the crank, with the damper system being in the form of a resilient link interconnecting the top and bottom portions.
6. A sanitary module according to claim 1 , including a compensation system for compensating the weight of the bowl.
7. A sanitary module according to claim 6 , in which the compensation system comprises:
a lever pivotally mounted on the structure about a pivot axis and coupled in rotation to the axis of the bowl; and
a thrust strut having a first end secured to the structure, and a second end secured to one end of the lever.
8. A sanitary module according to claim 7 , in which the lever and the axis of the bowl are coupled in rotation by means of a chain meshing with a first sprocket mounted on the axis of the bowl and with a second sprocket mounted on the axis of the lever.
9. A sanitary module according to claim 1 , including a dryer device for drying the bowl and the seat back.
10. A sanitary module according to clam 9, in which the dryer device comprises:
a carriage mounted on a side flank of the structure, said carriage being movable in vertical translation in register with a window formed through the flank, between a low position and a high position; and
a hose having a first end for connection to an air blower system and a second end secured to the carriage that is movable in register with the window.
11. A sanitary module according to claim 10 , in which the movable carriage has rotary wheels co-operating with guide rails mounted on the side flank of the structure on either side of the window.
12. A sanitary module according to claim 10 , in which the dryer device includes a system for driving the carriage, the system comprising:
a motor having an outlet shaft;
a first pulley wheel secured to the outlet shaft;
a second pulley wheel rotatably mounted on the structure; and
a belt passing over said pulley wheels and secured to the movable carriage.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR0411535A FR2877362B1 (en) | 2004-10-28 | 2004-10-28 | AUTOMATIC CLEANING SANITARY MODULE HAVING MOBILE TILT CUP AND BACK |
FR0411535 | 2004-10-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060117473A1 true US20060117473A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 |
Family
ID=34950439
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/258,748 Abandoned US20060117473A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 | 2005-10-26 | Automatically-cleaning sanitary module comprising a bowl and a seat back that are tiltable |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060117473A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1653017B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE448368T1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2524600A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005017556D1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2877362B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090217447A1 (en) * | 2006-02-13 | 2009-09-03 | Toto Ltd | Sanitary cleansing apparatus and toilet apparatus |
WO2024023792A1 (en) * | 2022-07-28 | 2024-02-01 | Exotictarget - Lda | Retractable toilet bowl with automatic cleaning |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102010016200A1 (en) * | 2010-03-29 | 2011-09-29 | Brähmig Fluidautomation GmbH | Sanitary module and method for automatic cleaning of sanitary basins for sanitary cells |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1859127A (en) * | 1931-04-27 | 1932-05-17 | Edward D Bufmyer | Toilet |
US4045827A (en) * | 1976-12-06 | 1977-09-06 | Acorn Engineering Company | Combination lavatory and toilet assembly |
US5090069A (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1992-02-25 | Decaux Jean Claude | Self-cleaning sanitation module incorporating a tilting back |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITBO20020046A1 (en) * | 2002-01-30 | 2003-07-30 | Linea Citta S R L | AUTOMATED TOILET SERVICE DEVICE |
-
2004
- 2004-10-28 FR FR0411535A patent/FR2877362B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-10-18 DE DE602005017556T patent/DE602005017556D1/en active Active
- 2005-10-18 AT AT05292191T patent/ATE448368T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-10-18 EP EP05292191A patent/EP1653017B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-10-25 CA CA002524600A patent/CA2524600A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-10-26 US US11/258,748 patent/US20060117473A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1859127A (en) * | 1931-04-27 | 1932-05-17 | Edward D Bufmyer | Toilet |
US4045827A (en) * | 1976-12-06 | 1977-09-06 | Acorn Engineering Company | Combination lavatory and toilet assembly |
US5090069A (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1992-02-25 | Decaux Jean Claude | Self-cleaning sanitation module incorporating a tilting back |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090217447A1 (en) * | 2006-02-13 | 2009-09-03 | Toto Ltd | Sanitary cleansing apparatus and toilet apparatus |
US8082607B2 (en) * | 2006-02-13 | 2011-12-27 | Toto Ltd | Sanitary cleansing apparatus and toilet apparatus |
WO2024023792A1 (en) * | 2022-07-28 | 2024-02-01 | Exotictarget - Lda | Retractable toilet bowl with automatic cleaning |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE448368T1 (en) | 2009-11-15 |
EP1653017A1 (en) | 2006-05-03 |
FR2877362A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 |
FR2877362B1 (en) | 2007-02-23 |
CA2524600A1 (en) | 2006-04-28 |
EP1653017B1 (en) | 2009-11-11 |
DE602005017556D1 (en) | 2009-12-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6381766B1 (en) | Spa cover removal apparatus and method | |
US5806105A (en) | Automatic toilet seat cleaning system | |
US20060117473A1 (en) | Automatically-cleaning sanitary module comprising a bowl and a seat back that are tiltable | |
EP0906744B1 (en) | Completely automatic waterless closet | |
USRE31178E (en) | Wheelchair lift | |
NO171228B (en) | SELF-CLEANING SANITARY MODULE OR CLOSET | |
JP2002529624A (en) | Extendable shower enclosure | |
CN114847703B (en) | Intelligent electric folding vibration type multifunctional sofa bed | |
JP2566339Y2 (en) | Garbage can storage device with drawer lid | |
CN2893009Y (en) | Closet plate circulating disinfecting machine and separated closet plate system | |
CN112471806A (en) | Folding massage armchair with self-cleaning function | |
JPH059916Y2 (en) | ||
JP2009040123A (en) | Rear flapper device of platform in lifting device for vehicle | |
JP2003319890A (en) | Storage paper holder | |
JP3060706U (en) | Fully automatic toilet equipment that does not require washing | |
JP4150526B2 (en) | Grip at the two-fold door of the vehicle | |
JPH0350231Y2 (en) | ||
JP7231000B1 (en) | Airplane lavatory unit door opening/closing mechanism | |
WO2023100550A1 (en) | Door opening/closing mechanism in lavatory unit for aircraft | |
CN217827314U (en) | Intelligent electric folding multifunctional sofa bed | |
JP2000300468A (en) | Toilet seat opening device and western style toilet | |
JP3139489B2 (en) | Vehicle lift-up seat | |
JP2526574Y2 (en) | Step equipment for vehicles | |
JPH083356Y2 (en) | Hand dryer | |
JP3004885U (en) | Chair |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JCDECAUX SA, FRANCE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZEFERINO, EMMANUEL;REEL/FRAME:017152/0403 Effective date: 20051019 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |