System for cleaning toilets

Abstract

The system (1) for cleaning toilets comprises: - one supporting structure (4) associated, in use, with a mounting wall (5) of a toilet (2) positioned where there is at least one hygienic sanitary device (3) positioned inside the toilet (2); - one cleaning assembly (6) associated with the supporting structure (4) and operable to clean one surface to be cleaned (7) defined on the hygienic sanitary device (3); wherein the cleaning assembly (6) comprises: - one flushing device (8) adapted to deliver one flushing liquid where there is the surface to be cleaned (7); - movement means (9) comprising one linear forward mechanism adapted to move the flushing device (8) in a sliding manner along a substantially straight predefined trajectory defined between a home configuration and a flushing configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for cleaning toilets.Technical Background

[0002] As is well known, the term "toilet" usually refers to a room accessible from the outside and inside which there is a toilet bowl and, possibly, a washbasin.

[0003] The use of public toilets, i.e., toilets that are freely accessible to the community and that are generally located in high-traffic areas such as e.g. city centers, is very widespread.

[0004] In relation to the use of toilets, it is common to use relevant cleaning systems that allow the toilet bowl to be sanitized after use by users.

[0005] The cleaning systems of known type generally comprise a flushing device that is operated to dispense a flushing liquid onto the toilet bowl, primarily onto the seat portion of the latter and inside the relevant toilet bowl.

[0006] The flushing liquid preferably consists of water with a sanitizing product added and is sprayed under pressure onto the toilet bowl so as to remove by friction any dirt deposited on the outer surface of the same toilet bowl.

[0007] Generally, these cleaning systems also comprise a drying device that is operated to blow a jet of pressurized air onto the toilet bowl in order to remove the flushing liquid in excess.

[0008] These cleaning systems comprise a supporting structure that is associated with a mounting wall with which the toilet is provided and which is positioned behind the toilet bowl.

[0009] Generally, this supporting structure is recessed within the mounting wall and holds the flushing device and the drying device.

[0010] A particular type of system for cleaning toilets is provided with movement means for moving the flushing device which displace it between a home position, wherein it is completely located inside the mounting wall, and a flushing position, wherein it is at least partly positioned outside the mounting wall and above the toilet bowl.

[0011] The aforementioned movement means usually comprise: a supporting bar for the flushing device, which is hinged at one end to a rotational pin fixed to the mounting wall; and a motor device, operable to make the supporting bar rotate around the rotational pin, the flushing device rotating locked together with the supporting bar.

[0012] When the flushing device is at the home position, the supporting bar is positioned so as to be concealed within the wall.

[0013] When the flushing device is at the flushing position, the supporting bar protrudes cantilevered from the wall.

[0014] The use of the cleaning systems of known type does however have some drawbacks, which are mainly related to the heavy and frequent maintenance required by the movement means.

[0015] This aspect is mainly due to the fact that the motion transmission members between the motor device and the supporting bar comprise a plurality of bearings that require a relevant lubrication system to ensure correct and continuous motion transmission.

[0016] This aspect is important in light of the fact that, generally, toilets have a high number of users and, as a result, the movement means are activated very often, thus increasing the frequency with which the bearings need lubrication. Furthermore, another drawback of the cleaning systems of known type is that the flushing liquid is often dispensed diffusely throughout the toilet, affecting not only the toilet bowl but also the whole interior space of the toilet.

[0017] This aspect is mainly related to the fact that the bar element supporting the flushing device moves along a circular trajectory along which it intercepts the toilet bowl.

[0018] The flushing liquid is dispensed along the entire circular trajectory, i.e. even at points that are outside the toilet bowl.

[0019] As a result, there is a considerable waste of flushing liquid.

[0020] Another drawback related to the cleaning systems of known type is that vandalism is frequently committed against the movement means, particularly the relevant motor.

[0021] This is mainly due to the fact that the motor of the movement means is easily accessible to toilet users, which makes it more likely to be targeted for tampering and / or damage.Description of the Invention

[0022] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets wherein the frequency of maintenance can be reduced and simplified, in particular that of the movement means of the flushing device.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets that allows the toilet bowl flushing liquid to be dispensed in a targeted manner, reducing the waste of flushing liquid as much as possible.

[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets that allows limiting vandalism of the system components, in particular of the flushing device movement means.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome in a simple, rational, easy and effective to use, as well as inexpensive solution.

[0026] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present system for cleaning toilets having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0027] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by the toilet having the characteristics of claim 15.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a system for cleaning toilets, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a toilet provided with a system for cleaning toilets according to the invention; Figure 2 is an axonometric, partly sectioned view of the toilet in Figure 1 wherein the flushing device of the system according to the invention is in the home configuration; Figure 3 is an axonometric, partly sectioned view of the toilet in Figure 1, wherein the flushing device of the system according to the invention is in the flushing configuration;

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded axonometric view of the system according to the invention.Embodiments of the Invention

[0030] With particular reference to these figures, reference number 1 globally indicates a system for cleaning toilets.

[0031] As is well known, a toilet 2 is a fixed structure that bounds a room internally, accessible from the outside, within which a hygienic sanitary device 3 is placed. More specifically, the toilet 2 defines at least one access opening through which a user can enter in order to use the hygienic sanitary device 3 and then exit. The system 1 is located inside the toilet 2 and is used to flush and sanitize the hygienic sanitary device 3 located therein after use by a user.

[0032] With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the system 1 is used to clean a hygienic sanitary device 3 of the type of a toilet bowl. It is however possible to envisage a different use of the system 1 wherein it is used to clean a different type of hygienic sanitary device 3, e.g. a washbasin.

[0033] The system 1 comprises: at least one supporting structure 4 associated, in use, with a mounting wall 5 of the toilet 2, the mounting wall 5 being positioned internally to the toilet 2 and where there is the hygienic sanitary device 3 with which the toilet 2 is provided; at least one cleaning assembly 6 associated with the supporting structure 4 and operable to clean at least one surface to be cleaned 7 defined on the hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0034] With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the mounting wall 5 with which the system 1 is associated is substantially vertical. Still with reference to the figures, the supporting structure 4 has a substantially elongated shape and is positioned behind the mounting wall 5, i.e., on the opposite side from the hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0035] The supporting structure 4 extends substantially vertically.

[0036] With reference to the figures, the surface to be cleaned 7 is defined where the seat of the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located and inside the collection bowl of the same hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0037] The cleaning assembly 6 comprises: at least one flushing device 8 adapted to dispense at least one flushing liquid onto the surface to be cleaned 7; movement means 9 adapted to move the flushing device 8 with respect to the supporting structure 4 between at least one home configuration, wherein the flushing device 8 is moved away from the surface to be cleaned 7, and one flushing configuration, wherein the flushing device 8 is at least partly positioned where there is the surface to be cleaned 7, the flushing device 8 dispensing the flushing liquid in the flushing configuration.

[0038] Usefully, the flushing device 8 has a substantially elongated shape along a relevant axis of development 10.

[0039] With reference to the figures, the axis of development 10 is substantially horizontal.

[0040] Still with reference to the figures, the axis of development 10 is substantially parallel to the mounting wall 5.

[0041] More specifically, the flushing device 8 comprises at least one supporting bar 11, extending along the axis of development 10, and at least one dispensing nozzle 12, supported by the supporting bar 11 and adapted to dispense the flushing liquid onto the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0042] Preferably, the flushing device 8 comprises a plurality of dispensing nozzles 12 arranged in succession along the supporting bar 11.

[0043] The cleaning assembly 6 also comprises at least one flushing liquid storage tank and at least one pumping device, operable to draw the flushing liquid from the storage tank and to send it under pressure to the dispensing nozzles 12.

[0044] The storage tank and the pumping device are not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity, but are of a type known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] Usefully, the mounting wall 5 with which the system 1 is associated defines at least one opening 33 adapted to allow the transit of the cleaning assembly 6, particularly of the flushing device 8, during the movement from the home configuration to the flushing configuration and vice versa.

[0046] The flushing device 8 is normally positioned in the home configuration (as shown in Figure 2), so as not to hinder the use of the hygienic sanitary device 3 by the user.

[0047] When it is necessary to clean the surface to be cleaned 7, the flushing device 8 is positioned in the flushing configuration (as shown in Figure 3) by activating the movement means 9.

[0048] According to the invention, the movement means 9 comprise at least one linear forward mechanism adapted to move the flushing device 8 in a sliding manner along a predefined, substantially straight trajectory defined between the home configuration and the flushing configuration.

[0049] In other words, as a result of the activation of the movement means 9, the flushing device 8 is shifted above the surface to be cleaned 7 and the dispensing nozzles 12 are progressively moved where the surface to be cleaned 7 is located. During the movement of the flushing device 8 along the predefined trajectory, the flushing liquid is sent under pressure to the dispensing nozzles 12 out of which it flows, progressively contacting the entire area of the surface to be cleaned 7. Usefully, the movement means 9 are adapted to move the flushing device 8 along one direction of movement 13, which is substantially straight and parallel to the predefined trajectory, alternately according to a first way 14, during the movement from the home configuration to the flushing configuration, and according to a second way 15, opposite the first way 14, during the movement from the flushing configuration to the home configuration.

[0050] The direction of movement 13 is substantially horizontal and substantially orthogonal to the flushing device 8.

[0051] The direction of movement 13 is substantially orthogonal to the mounting wall 5. Furthermore, the longitudinal extension of the flushing device 8 substantially coincides with the extension of the surface to be cleaned 7 in a direction which is transverse to the direction of movement 13.

[0052] In this way, it is possible to cover the entire surface to be cleaned 7 with the jet of flushing liquid as the flushing device 8 moves forward along the direction of movement 13.

[0053] Similarly, it is possible to minimize the waste of flushing liquid, which is dispensed in a manner substantially limited to the surface to be cleaned 7, without being substantially dispensed outside the surface to be cleaned 7. Advantageously, the movement means 9 comprise: actuating means 16; at least one guiding body 17 associated with the supporting structure 4 and extending substantially parallel to the direction of movement 13; at least one sliding body 18 associated with the guiding body 17 in a sliding manner and adapted to support the flushing device 8.

[0054] The actuating means 16 are adapted to move the sliding body 18 along the guiding body 17 in a sliding manner, alternately according to the first way 14 and according to the second way 15.

[0055] In detail, the movement means 9 comprise a supporting plate 19 locked together with the sliding body 18 along the direction of movement 13 and adapted to hold the flushing device 8.

[0056] Preferably, the flushing device 8 is associated with one of the edges of the supporting plate 19 and is substantially parallel to the latter.

[0057] Usefully, the guiding body 17 comprises at least one creeping portion 20, having a substantially elongated conformation along the direction of movement 13, and the sliding body 18 comprises at least one crawling portion 21, adapted to slide substantially crawling on the creeping portion 20 during the movement of the sliding body 18 along the direction of movement 13.

[0058] In other words, the sliding body 18 directly contacts the outer surface of the guiding body 17 and creeps on the latter during the forward movement along the direction of movement 13, without the interposition of any motion transmission member.

[0059] The lack of the motion transmission members eliminates the need for the relevant lubrication systems, thus greatly simplifying the construction of the system 1 and its relevant maintenance.

[0060] With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the creeping portion 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0061] Still with reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the crawling portion 21 is substantially C-shaped.

[0062] The crawling portion 21 is associated with the creeping portion 20 by means of a coupling of the shape complementary type.

[0063] This particular coupling between the guiding body 17 and the sliding body 18 allows improving the adhesion between the crawling portion 21 and the creeping portion 20, thus increasing the contact surface between the same and improving the sliding of the sliding body 18 on the guiding body 17.

[0064] The sliding body 18 usefully comprises at least one wheel element 22 associated with the crawling portion 21 and adapted to contact the creeping portion 20 during the movement of the sliding body 18 on the guiding body 17.

[0065] The presence of the wheel element 22 helps to improve the level of smoothness of the sliding body 18 on the guiding body 17.

[0066] Preferably, the movement means 9 comprise one pair of substantially parallel guiding bodies 17 and two pairs of sliding bodies 18, each of the pairs of sliding bodies 18 being mounted on a respective guiding body 17 in a sliding manner. Each pair of sliding bodies 18 is rigidly associated with a respective edge of the supporting plate 19 substantially orthogonal to the edge of the supporting plate 19 with which the flushing device 8 is associated.

[0067] Each guiding body 17 is positioned where one of the ends of the flushing device 8 is located.

[0068] The presence of two pairs of sliding bodies 18 and of the relevant guiding bodies 17, which hold the ends of the flushing device 8, allows the weight of the flushing device 8 itself to be balanced during the relevant sliding along the direction of movement 13.

[0069] Advantageously, the cleaning assembly 6 comprises at least one drying device 23 adapted to distribute on the surface to be cleaned 7 at least one stream of air, the latter removing the flushing liquid dispensed by the flushing device 8 and being in excess on the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0070] With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the drying device 23 comprises: a tubular body 24 associated with a fan-shaped body 25 in a fluid-operated manner, with which the cleaning assembly 6 is provided and which is operated to draw air from the outside and blow it into the tubular body 24; at least one dispensing body 26 associated with the tubular body 24 on the opposite side from the fan-shaped body 25 and adapted to dispense the air that flows inside the tubular body 24 as a result of the activation of the fan-shaped body 25.

[0071] Usefully, the tubular body 24 is made of a substantially flexible material. Advantageously, the dispensing body 26 comprises at least one dispensing port 27 having a substantially elongated conformation and extending substantially parallel to the flushing device 8.

[0072] Advantageously, the movement means 9 are adapted to move the flushing device 8 locked together with the drying device 23 along the predefined trajectory. The sliding bodies 18 are adapted to support the drying device 23 during the sliding along the direction of movement 13.

[0073] More precisely, the drying device 23 is mounted integrally on the supporting plate 19.

[0074] More specifically, the supporting plate 19 directly supports the dispensing body 26.

[0075] The tubular body 24, being made of a substantially flexible material, flexes during the movement of the dispensing body 26 along the predefined trajectory, thus allowing it to move forward along the direction of movement 13. Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one management and control unit (not shown in detail in the figures) of the system 1 operationally configured to control the operation of the movement means 9, the management and control unit being programmable with the predefined trajectory.

[0076] In detail, the management and control unit is adapted to store the predefined trajectory, i.e., the straight-line distance running between the home configuration and the flushing configuration.

[0077] The management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the actuating means 16 so that the sliding bodies 18 run along the guiding bodies 17 a distance coinciding with the predefined trajectory, first in the first way 14 and then in the second way 15.

[0078] Usefully, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the dispensing of the flushing liquid from the flushing device 8 during the movement of the sliding bodies 18 along the direction of movement 13 and according to the first way 14.

[0079] In other words, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the pumping device during the movement of the flushing device 8 from the home configuration to the flushing configuration.

[0080] Advantageously, the management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the dispensing of the flushing liquid from the flushing device 8 and to start the dispensing of the stream of air from said drying device 23 during the movement of the sliding bodies 18 along the direction of movement 13 and according to the second way 15.

[0081] In actual facts, the management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the operation of the pumping device during the movement of the flushing device 8 from the flushing configuration to the home configuration. Furthermore, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the fan-shaped body 25 during the movement of the flushing device 8 from the flushing configuration to the home configuration.

[0082] In other words, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the fan-shaped body 25 only after the flushing liquid has been dispensed. Advantageously, the management and control unit is operationally configured to selectively activate the dispensing of the flushing liquid and of the stream of air onto the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0083] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises detecting means 28 operationally connected to the management and control unit and adapted to detect the presence of at least one item at the point where said hygienic sanitary device 3 is located. Preferably, the detecting means 28 comprise at least one photoelectric sensor, e.g. a photocell, which is operationally configured to detect the absence or presence of an item using an optical source, usually infrared, and a photoelectric receiver. The detecting means 28 are operationally connected to the management and control unit and are adapted to communicate to the latter the detection of an item at the point where the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located.

[0084] For example, the item whose presence is detected by the detecting means 28 is a user of the hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0085] Preferably, the detecting means 28 are associated with the mounting wall 5 of the toilet 2 and are positioned where the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located.

[0086] Advantageously, the management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the operation of the movement means 9, the dispensing of the flushing liquid from the flushing device 8 and the dispensing of the stream of air from the drying device 23 when the detecting means 28 detect the presence of at least one item at the point where the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located.

[0087] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one containment body 29 externally associated with the mounting wall 5 and internally defining at least one housing compartment 34 for the cleaning assembly 6, the housing compartment 34 being inaccessible from the outside in the home configuration. Advantageously, the movement means 9 are adapted to move the containment body 29 locked together with the flushing device 8 and the drying device 23 along the predefined trajectory.

[0088] More specifically, the containment body 29 is mounted on the supporting plate 19.

[0089] With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the containment body 29 has a substantially pyramidal conformation and comprises a substantially open holding base.

[0090] When the flushing device 8 is in the home configuration, the holding base is associated with the mounting wall 5 and is arranged substantially adjacent to the latter.

[0091] When the flushing device 8 is in the flushing configuration, the holding base is moved away from the mounting wall 5.

[0092] The containment body 29 is adapted to cover the flushing device 8, the drying device 23 and, at least partly, the movement means 9 in the working configuration, in the flushing configuration, and during the movement between these configurations.

[0093] In detail, thanks to the presence of the containment body 29, it is possible to limit the access from the outside to the flushing device 8, to the drying device 23 and, at least partly, to the movement means 9.

[0094] Thanks to the presence of the containment body 29, it is in fact possible to reduce the possibility of vandalizing the flushing device 8, the drying device 23, and the movement means 9.

[0095] Preferably, the containment body 29 is at least partly made of a metallic material. For example, the containment body 29 is made of stainless steel.

[0096] This latter particular construction choice gives the containment body 29 high strength, making it highly resistant to vandalism and / or tampering.

[0097] Advantageously, the containment body 29 comprises at least one directing wall 30 adapted to direct at least one of either the flow of the flushing liquid exiting the flushing device 8 or the stream of air exiting the drying device 23 towards the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0098] The directing wall 30 is inclined with respect to a horizontal axis at an angle of inclination α of between 45° and 65°, preferably of between 50° and 60°, more preferably of between 52° and 58°.

[0099] For example, the angle of inclination α is equal to 55°.

[0100] The directing wall 30 usefully comprises at least one main edge 31 substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement 13 and facing the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0101] During the forward movement of the containment body 29 along the predefined trajectory, the main edge 31 is moved substantially skimming the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0102] The flushing device 8 and the drying device 23 are usefully arranged where the main edge 31 is located.

[0103] More specifically, the dispensing nozzles 12 and the dispensing port 27 are positioned where the main edge 31 is located.

[0104] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a toilet 2 comprising: at least one base structure 32 positioned in ground support and internally bounding an externally accessible environment; at least one hygienic sanitary device 3 positioned within the base structure 32 and positioned where there is at least one mounting wall 5 with which the base structure 32 is provided; at least one system 1 for cleaning toilets according to one or more of the embodiments described above; wherein the system 1 is associated with the mounting wall 5 and is operable to clean a surface to be cleaned 7 with which the hygienic sanitary device 3 is provided.

[0105] It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, it should be emphasized that, thanks to the possibility of moving the flushing device by means of a linear forward mechanism, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the movement means of the flushing device are maintained and to simplify this maintenance. Furthermore, the system for cleaning toilets according to the invention allows the flushing liquid to be dispensed in a targeted manner and limited to the hygienic sanitary device to be cleaned, thus reducing the waste of flushing liquid as much as possible.

[0106] Furthermore, thanks to the presence of the containment body, it is possible to reduce vandalism of the components of the system itself, in particular of the movement means of the flushing device.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0030]With particular reference to these figures, reference number 1 globally indicates a system for cleaning toilets.

[0031]As is well known, a toilet 2 is a fixed structure that bounds a room internally, accessible from the outside, within which a hygienic sanitary device 3 is placed. More specifically, the toilet 2 defines at least one access opening through which a user can enter in order to use the hygienic sanitary device 3 and then exit. The system 1 is located inside the toilet 2 and is used to flush and sanitize the hygienic sanitary device 3 located therein after use by a user.

[0032]With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the system 1 is used to clean a hygienic sanitary device 3 of the type of a toilet bowl. It is however possible to envisage a different use of the system 1 wherein it is used to clean a different type of hygienic sanitary device 3, e.g. a washbasin.

[0033]The system 1 comprises:

at least one supporting structure 4 associa...

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for cleaning toilets.Technical Background

[0002] As is well known, the term "toilet" usually refers to a room accessible from the outside and inside which there is a toilet bowl and, possibly, a washbasin.

[0003] The use of public toilets, i.e., toilets that are freely accessible to the community and that are generally located in high-traffic areas such as e.g. city centers, is very widespread.

[0004] In relation to the use of toilets, it is common to use relevant cleaning systems that allow the toilet bowl to be sanitized after use by users.

[0005] The cleaning systems of known type generally comprise a flushing device that is operated to dispense a flushing liquid onto the toilet bowl, primarily onto the seat portion of the latter and inside the relevant toilet bowl.

[0006] The flushing liquid preferably consists of water with a sanitizing product added and is sprayed under pressure onto the toilet bowl so as to remove by friction any dirt deposited on the outer surface of the same toilet bowl.

[0007] Generally, these cleaning systems also comprise a drying device that is operated to blow a jet of pressurized air onto the toilet bowl in order to remove the flushing liquid in excess.

[0008] These cleaning systems comprise a supporting structure that is associated with a mounting wall with which the toilet is provided and which is positioned behind the toilet bowl.

[0009] Generally, this supporting structure is recessed within the mounting wall and holds the flushing device and the drying device.

[0010] A particular type of system for cleaning toilets is provided with movement means for moving the flushing device which displace it between a home position, wherein it is completely located inside the mounting wall, and a flushing position, wherein it is at least partly positioned outside the mounting wall and above the toilet bowl.

[0011] The aforementioned movement means usually comprise: a supporting bar for the flushing device, which is hinged at one end to a rotational pin fixed to the mounting wall; and a motor device, operable to make the supporting bar rotate around the rotational pin, the flushing device rotating locked together with the supporting bar.

[0012] When the flushing device is at the home position, the supporting bar is positioned so as to be concealed within the wall.

[0013] When the flushing device is at the flushing position, the supporting bar protrudes cantilevered from the wall.

[0014] The use of the cleaning systems of known type does however have some drawbacks, which are mainly related to the heavy and frequent maintenance required by the movement means.

[0015] This aspect is mainly due to the fact that the motion transmission members between the motor device and the supporting bar comprise a plurality of bearings that require a relevant lubrication system to ensure correct and continuous motion transmission.

[0016] This aspect is important in light of the fact that, generally, toilets have a high number of users and, as a result, the movement means are activated very often, thus increasing the frequency with which the bearings need lubrication. Furthermore, another drawback of the cleaning systems of known type is that the flushing liquid is often dispensed diffusely throughout the toilet, affecting not only the toilet bowl but also the whole interior space of the toilet.

[0017] This aspect is mainly related to the fact that the bar element supporting the flushing device moves along a circular trajectory along which it intercepts the toilet bowl.

[0018] The flushing liquid is dispensed along the entire circular trajectory, i.e. even at points that are outside the toilet bowl.

[0019] As a result, there is a considerable waste of flushing liquid.

[0020] Another drawback related to the cleaning systems of known type is that vandalism is frequently committed against the movement means, particularly the relevant motor.

[0021] This is mainly due to the fact that the motor of the movement means is easily accessible to toilet users, which makes it more likely to be targeted for tampering and / or damage.Description of the Invention

[0022] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets wherein the frequency of maintenance can be reduced and simplified, in particular that of the movement means of the flushing device.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets that allows the toilet bowl flushing liquid to be dispensed in a targeted manner, reducing the waste of flushing liquid as much as possible.

[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets that allows limiting vandalism of the system components, in particular of the flushing device movement means.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for cleaning toilets that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome in a simple, rational, easy and effective to use, as well as inexpensive solution.

[0026] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present system for cleaning toilets having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0027] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by the toilet having the characteristics of claim 15.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a system for cleaning toilets, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a toilet provided with a system for cleaning toilets according to the invention; Figure 2 is an axonometric, partly sectioned view of the toilet in Figure 1 wherein the flushing device of the system according to the invention is in the home configuration; Figure 3 is an axonometric, partly sectioned view of the toilet in Figure 1, wherein the flushing device of the system according to the invention is in the flushing configuration;

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded axonometric view of the system according to the invention.Embodiments of the Invention

[0030] With particular reference to these figures, reference number 1 globally indicates a system for cleaning toilets.

[0031] As is well known, a toilet 2 is a fixed structure that bounds a room internally, accessible from the outside, within which a hygienic sanitary device 3 is placed. More specifically, the toilet 2 defines at least one access opening through which a user can enter in order to use the hygienic sanitary device 3 and then exit. The system 1 is located inside the toilet 2 and is used to flush and sanitize the hygienic sanitary device 3 located therein after use by a user.

[0032] With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the system 1 is used to clean a hygienic sanitary device 3 of the type of a toilet bowl. It is however possible to envisage a different use of the system 1 wherein it is used to clean a different type of hygienic sanitary device 3, e.g. a washbasin.

[0033] The system 1 comprises: at least one supporting structure 4 associated, in use, with a mounting wall 5 of the toilet 2, the mounting wall 5 being positioned internally to the toilet 2 and where there is the hygienic sanitary device 3 with which the toilet 2 is provided; at least one cleaning assembly 6 associated with the supporting structure 4 and operable to clean at least one surface to be cleaned 7 defined on the hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0034] With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the mounting wall 5 with which the system 1 is associated is substantially vertical. Still with reference to the figures, the supporting structure 4 has a substantially elongated shape and is positioned behind the mounting wall 5, i.e., on the opposite side from the hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0035] The supporting structure 4 extends substantially vertically.

[0036] With reference to the figures, the surface to be cleaned 7 is defined where the seat of the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located and inside the collection bowl of the same hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0037] The cleaning assembly 6 comprises: at least one flushing device 8 adapted to dispense at least one flushing liquid onto the surface to be cleaned 7; movement means 9 adapted to move the flushing device 8 with respect to the supporting structure 4 between at least one home configuration, wherein the flushing device 8 is moved away from the surface to be cleaned 7, and one flushing configuration, wherein the flushing device 8 is at least partly positioned where there is the surface to be cleaned 7, the flushing device 8 dispensing the flushing liquid in the flushing configuration.

[0038] Usefully, the flushing device 8 has a substantially elongated shape along a relevant axis of development 10.

[0039] With reference to the figures, the axis of development 10 is substantially horizontal.

[0040] Still with reference to the figures, the axis of development 10 is substantially parallel to the mounting wall 5.

[0041] More specifically, the flushing device 8 comprises at least one supporting bar 11, extending along the axis of development 10, and at least one dispensing nozzle 12, supported by the supporting bar 11 and adapted to dispense the flushing liquid onto the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0042] Preferably, the flushing device 8 comprises a plurality of dispensing nozzles 12 arranged in succession along the supporting bar 11.

[0043] The cleaning assembly 6 also comprises at least one flushing liquid storage tank and at least one pumping device, operable to draw the flushing liquid from the storage tank and to send it under pressure to the dispensing nozzles 12.

[0044] The storage tank and the pumping device are not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity, but are of a type known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] Usefully, the mounting wall 5 with which the system 1 is associated defines at least one opening 33 adapted to allow the transit of the cleaning assembly 6, particularly of the flushing device 8, during the movement from the home configuration to the flushing configuration and vice versa.

[0046] The flushing device 8 is normally positioned in the home configuration (as shown in Figure 2), so as not to hinder the use of the hygienic sanitary device 3 by the user.

[0047] When it is necessary to clean the surface to be cleaned 7, the flushing device 8 is positioned in the flushing configuration (as shown in Figure 3) by activating the movement means 9.

[0048] According to the invention, the movement means 9 comprise at least one linear forward mechanism adapted to move the flushing device 8 in a sliding manner along a predefined, substantially straight trajectory defined between the home configuration and the flushing configuration.

[0049] In other words, as a result of the activation of the movement means 9, the flushing device 8 is shifted above the surface to be cleaned 7 and the dispensing nozzles 12 are progressively moved where the surface to be cleaned 7 is located. During the movement of the flushing device 8 along the predefined trajectory, the flushing liquid is sent under pressure to the dispensing nozzles 12 out of which it flows, progressively contacting the entire area of the surface to be cleaned 7. Usefully, the movement means 9 are adapted to move the flushing device 8 along one direction of movement 13, which is substantially straight and parallel to the predefined trajectory, alternately according to a first way 14, during the movement from the home configuration to the flushing configuration, and according to a second way 15, opposite the first way 14, during the movement from the flushing configuration to the home configuration.

[0050] The direction of movement 13 is substantially horizontal and substantially orthogonal to the flushing device 8.

[0051] The direction of movement 13 is substantially orthogonal to the mounting wall 5. Furthermore, the longitudinal extension of the flushing device 8 substantially coincides with the extension of the surface to be cleaned 7 in a direction which is transverse to the direction of movement 13.

[0052] In this way, it is possible to cover the entire surface to be cleaned 7 with the jet of flushing liquid as the flushing device 8 moves forward along the direction of movement 13.

[0053] Similarly, it is possible to minimize the waste of flushing liquid, which is dispensed in a manner substantially limited to the surface to be cleaned 7, without being substantially dispensed outside the surface to be cleaned 7. Advantageously, the movement means 9 comprise: actuating means 16; at least one guiding body 17 associated with the supporting structure 4 and extending substantially parallel to the direction of movement 13; at least one sliding body 18 associated with the guiding body 17 in a sliding manner and adapted to support the flushing device 8.

[0054] The actuating means 16 are adapted to move the sliding body 18 along the guiding body 17 in a sliding manner, alternately according to the first way 14 and according to the second way 15.

[0055] In detail, the movement means 9 comprise a supporting plate 19 locked together with the sliding body 18 along the direction of movement 13 and adapted to hold the flushing device 8.

[0056] Preferably, the flushing device 8 is associated with one of the edges of the supporting plate 19 and is substantially parallel to the latter.

[0057] Usefully, the guiding body 17 comprises at least one creeping portion 20, having a substantially elongated conformation along the direction of movement 13, and the sliding body 18 comprises at least one crawling portion 21, adapted to slide substantially crawling on the creeping portion 20 during the movement of the sliding body 18 along the direction of movement 13.

[0058] In other words, the sliding body 18 directly contacts the outer surface of the guiding body 17 and creeps on the latter during the forward movement along the direction of movement 13, without the interposition of any motion transmission member.

[0059] The lack of the motion transmission members eliminates the need for the relevant lubrication systems, thus greatly simplifying the construction of the system 1 and its relevant maintenance.

[0060] With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the creeping portion 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0061] Still with reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the crawling portion 21 is substantially C-shaped.

[0062] The crawling portion 21 is associated with the creeping portion 20 by means of a coupling of the shape complementary type.

[0063] This particular coupling between the guiding body 17 and the sliding body 18 allows improving the adhesion between the crawling portion 21 and the creeping portion 20, thus increasing the contact surface between the same and improving the sliding of the sliding body 18 on the guiding body 17.

[0064] The sliding body 18 usefully comprises at least one wheel element 22 associated with the crawling portion 21 and adapted to contact the creeping portion 20 during the movement of the sliding body 18 on the guiding body 17.

[0065] The presence of the wheel element 22 helps to improve the level of smoothness of the sliding body 18 on the guiding body 17.

[0066] Preferably, the movement means 9 comprise one pair of substantially parallel guiding bodies 17 and two pairs of sliding bodies 18, each of the pairs of sliding bodies 18 being mounted on a respective guiding body 17 in a sliding manner. Each pair of sliding bodies 18 is rigidly associated with a respective edge of the supporting plate 19 substantially orthogonal to the edge of the supporting plate 19 with which the flushing device 8 is associated.

[0067] Each guiding body 17 is positioned where one of the ends of the flushing device 8 is located.

[0068] The presence of two pairs of sliding bodies 18 and of the relevant guiding bodies 17, which hold the ends of the flushing device 8, allows the weight of the flushing device 8 itself to be balanced during the relevant sliding along the direction of movement 13.

[0069] Advantageously, the cleaning assembly 6 comprises at least one drying device 23 adapted to distribute on the surface to be cleaned 7 at least one stream of air, the latter removing the flushing liquid dispensed by the flushing device 8 and being in excess on the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0070] With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the drying device 23 comprises: a tubular body 24 associated with a fan-shaped body 25 in a fluid-operated manner, with which the cleaning assembly 6 is provided and which is operated to draw air from the outside and blow it into the tubular body 24; at least one dispensing body 26 associated with the tubular body 24 on the opposite side from the fan-shaped body 25 and adapted to dispense the air that flows inside the tubular body 24 as a result of the activation of the fan-shaped body 25.

[0071] Usefully, the tubular body 24 is made of a substantially flexible material. Advantageously, the dispensing body 26 comprises at least one dispensing port 27 having a substantially elongated conformation and extending substantially parallel to the flushing device 8.

[0072] Advantageously, the movement means 9 are adapted to move the flushing device 8 locked together with the drying device 23 along the predefined trajectory. The sliding bodies 18 are adapted to support the drying device 23 during the sliding along the direction of movement 13.

[0073] More precisely, the drying device 23 is mounted integrally on the supporting plate 19.

[0074] More specifically, the supporting plate 19 directly supports the dispensing body 26.

[0075] The tubular body 24, being made of a substantially flexible material, flexes during the movement of the dispensing body 26 along the predefined trajectory, thus allowing it to move forward along the direction of movement 13. Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one management and control unit (not shown in detail in the figures) of the system 1 operationally configured to control the operation of the movement means 9, the management and control unit being programmable with the predefined trajectory.

[0076] In detail, the management and control unit is adapted to store the predefined trajectory, i.e., the straight-line distance running between the home configuration and the flushing configuration.

[0077] The management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the actuating means 16 so that the sliding bodies 18 run along the guiding bodies 17 a distance coinciding with the predefined trajectory, first in the first way 14 and then in the second way 15.

[0078] Usefully, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the dispensing of the flushing liquid from the flushing device 8 during the movement of the sliding bodies 18 along the direction of movement 13 and according to the first way 14.

[0079] In other words, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the pumping device during the movement of the flushing device 8 from the home configuration to the flushing configuration.

[0080] Advantageously, the management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the dispensing of the flushing liquid from the flushing device 8 and to start the dispensing of the stream of air from said drying device 23 during the movement of the sliding bodies 18 along the direction of movement 13 and according to the second way 15.

[0081] In actual facts, the management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the operation of the pumping device during the movement of the flushing device 8 from the flushing configuration to the home configuration. Furthermore, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the fan-shaped body 25 during the movement of the flushing device 8 from the flushing configuration to the home configuration.

[0082] In other words, the management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the fan-shaped body 25 only after the flushing liquid has been dispensed. Advantageously, the management and control unit is operationally configured to selectively activate the dispensing of the flushing liquid and of the stream of air onto the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0083] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises detecting means 28 operationally connected to the management and control unit and adapted to detect the presence of at least one item at the point where said hygienic sanitary device 3 is located. Preferably, the detecting means 28 comprise at least one photoelectric sensor, e.g. a photocell, which is operationally configured to detect the absence or presence of an item using an optical source, usually infrared, and a photoelectric receiver. The detecting means 28 are operationally connected to the management and control unit and are adapted to communicate to the latter the detection of an item at the point where the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located.

[0084] For example, the item whose presence is detected by the detecting means 28 is a user of the hygienic sanitary device 3.

[0085] Preferably, the detecting means 28 are associated with the mounting wall 5 of the toilet 2 and are positioned where the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located.

[0086] Advantageously, the management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the operation of the movement means 9, the dispensing of the flushing liquid from the flushing device 8 and the dispensing of the stream of air from the drying device 23 when the detecting means 28 detect the presence of at least one item at the point where the hygienic sanitary device 3 is located.

[0087] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one containment body 29 externally associated with the mounting wall 5 and internally defining at least one housing compartment 34 for the cleaning assembly 6, the housing compartment 34 being inaccessible from the outside in the home configuration. Advantageously, the movement means 9 are adapted to move the containment body 29 locked together with the flushing device 8 and the drying device 23 along the predefined trajectory.

[0088] More specifically, the containment body 29 is mounted on the supporting plate 19.

[0089] With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the containment body 29 has a substantially pyramidal conformation and comprises a substantially open holding base.

[0090] When the flushing device 8 is in the home configuration, the holding base is associated with the mounting wall 5 and is arranged substantially adjacent to the latter.

[0091] When the flushing device 8 is in the flushing configuration, the holding base is moved away from the mounting wall 5.

[0092] The containment body 29 is adapted to cover the flushing device 8, the drying device 23 and, at least partly, the movement means 9 in the working configuration, in the flushing configuration, and during the movement between these configurations.

[0093] In detail, thanks to the presence of the containment body 29, it is possible to limit the access from the outside to the flushing device 8, to the drying device 23 and, at least partly, to the movement means 9.

[0094] Thanks to the presence of the containment body 29, it is in fact possible to reduce the possibility of vandalizing the flushing device 8, the drying device 23, and the movement means 9.

[0095] Preferably, the containment body 29 is at least partly made of a metallic material. For example, the containment body 29 is made of stainless steel.

[0096] This latter particular construction choice gives the containment body 29 high strength, making it highly resistant to vandalism and / or tampering.

[0097] Advantageously, the containment body 29 comprises at least one directing wall 30 adapted to direct at least one of either the flow of the flushing liquid exiting the flushing device 8 or the stream of air exiting the drying device 23 towards the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0098] The directing wall 30 is inclined with respect to a horizontal axis at an angle of inclination α of between 45° and 65°, preferably of between 50° and 60°, more preferably of between 52° and 58°.

[0099] For example, the angle of inclination α is equal to 55°.

[0100] The directing wall 30 usefully comprises at least one main edge 31 substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement 13 and facing the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0101] During the forward movement of the containment body 29 along the predefined trajectory, the main edge 31 is moved substantially skimming the surface to be cleaned 7.

[0102] The flushing device 8 and the drying device 23 are usefully arranged where the main edge 31 is located.

[0103] More specifically, the dispensing nozzles 12 and the dispensing port 27 are positioned where the main edge 31 is located.

[0104] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a toilet 2 comprising: at least one base structure 32 positioned in ground support and internally bounding an externally accessible environment; at least one hygienic sanitary device 3 positioned within the base structure 32 and positioned where there is at least one mounting wall 5 with which the base structure 32 is provided; at least one system 1 for cleaning toilets according to one or more of the embodiments described above; wherein the system 1 is associated with the mounting wall 5 and is operable to clean a surface to be cleaned 7 with which the hygienic sanitary device 3 is provided.

[0105] It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, it should be emphasized that, thanks to the possibility of moving the flushing device by means of a linear forward mechanism, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the movement means of the flushing device are maintained and to simplify this maintenance. Furthermore, the system for cleaning toilets according to the invention allows the flushing liquid to be dispensed in a targeted manner and limited to the hygienic sanitary device to be cleaned, thus reducing the waste of flushing liquid as much as possible.

[0106] Furthermore, thanks to the presence of the containment body, it is possible to reduce vandalism of the components of the system itself, in particular of the movement means of the flushing device.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0030]With particular reference to these figures, reference number 1 globally indicates a system for cleaning toilets.

[0031]As is well known, a toilet 2 is a fixed structure that bounds a room internally, accessible from the outside, within which a hygienic sanitary device 3 is placed. More specifically, the toilet 2 defines at least one access opening through which a user can enter in order to use the hygienic sanitary device 3 and then exit. The system 1 is located inside the toilet 2 and is used to flush and sanitize the hygienic sanitary device 3 located therein after use by a user.

[0032]With particular reference to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the system 1 is used to clean a hygienic sanitary device 3 of the type of a toilet bowl. It is however possible to envisage a different use of the system 1 wherein it is used to clean a different type of hygienic sanitary device 3, e.g. a washbasin.

[0033]The system 1 comprises:

at least one supporting structure 4 associa...

Claims

1. System (1) for cleaning toilets, comprising: - at least one supporting structure (4) associated, in use, with a mounting wall (5) of a toilet (2), said mounting wall (5) being positioned internally to said toilet (2) and where there is at least one hygienic sanitary device (3) with which said toilet (2) is provided; - at least one cleaning assembly (6) associated with said supporting structure (4) and operable to clean at least one surface to be cleaned (7) defined on said hygienic sanitary device (3); wherein said cleaning assembly (6) comprises: - at least one flushing device (8) adapted to deliver at least one flushing liquid where there is said surface to be cleaned (7); - movement means (9) adapted to move said flushing device (8) with respect to said supporting structure (4) between at least one home configuration, wherein said flushing device (8) is moved away from said surface to be cleaned (7), and one flushing configuration, wherein said flushing device (8) is positioned, at least partly, where there is said surface to be cleaned (7), said flushing device (8) delivering said flushing liquid into said flushing configuration; characterized by the fact that said movement means (9) comprise at least one linear forward mechanism adapted to move said flushing device (8) in a sliding manner along a substantially straight predefined trajectory defined between said home configuration and said flushing configuration.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said movement means (9) are adapted to move said flushing device (8) along one direction of movement (13), substantially straight and parallel to said predefined trajectory, alternately according to a first way (14), during the movement from said home configuration to said flushing configuration, and according to a second way (15), opposite said first way (14), during the movement from said flushing configuration to said home configuration.

3. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means (9) comprise: - actuating means (16); - at least one guiding body (17) associated with said supporting structure (4) and extending substantially parallel to said direction of movement (13); - at least one sliding body (18) associated with said guiding body (17) in a sliding manner and adapted to support said flushing device (8); wherein said actuating means (16) are adapted to move said sliding body (18) along said guiding body (17) in a sliding manner, alternately according to said first way (14) and according to said second way (15).

4. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said guiding body (17) comprises at least one creeping portion (20) having a substantially elongated conformation along said direction of movement (13), and by the fact that said sliding body (18) comprises at least one crawling portion (21) adapted to slide substantially crawling on the creeping portion (20) during the movement of said sliding body (18) along said direction of movement (13).

5. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means (9) comprise one pair of said substantially parallel guiding bodies (17) and two pairs of said sliding bodies (18), each of said pairs of sliding bodies (18) being mounted on a respective said guiding body (17) in a sliding manner.

6. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said cleaning assembly (6) comprises at least one drying device (23) adapted to distribute on said surface to be cleaned (7) at least one stream of air, the latter removing said flushing liquid delivered from said flushing device (8) and being in excess on said surface to be cleaned (7).

7. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means (9) are adapted to move said flushing device (8) locked together with said drying device (23) along said predefined trajectory.

8. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one management and control unit of said system (1) operationally configured to manage the operation of said movement means (9), said management and control unit being programmable with said predefined trajectory.

9. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said management and control unit is operationally configured to activate the delivery of said flushing liquid from said flushing device (8) during the movement of said sliding bodies (18) along said direction of movement (13) and according to said first way (14).

10. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the delivery of said flushing liquid from said flushing device (8) and to start the delivery of said air stream from said drying device (23) during the movement of said sliding bodies (18) along said direction of movement (13) and according to said second way (15).

11. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises detecting means (28) operationally connected to said management and control unit and adapted to detect the presence of at least one item at the point where said hygienic sanitary device (3) is located.

12. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said management and control unit is operationally configured to stop the operation of said movement means (9), the delivery of said flushing liquid from said flushing device (8) and the delivery of said air stream from said drying device (23) when said detecting means (28) detect the presence of at least one item at the point where said hygienic sanitary device (3) is located.

13. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one containment body (29) externally associated with said mounting wall (5) and internally defining at least one housing compartment (34) of said cleaning assembly (6), said containment body (29) being inaccessible from the outside in said home configuration.

14. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means (9) are adapted to move said containment body (29) locked together with said flushing device (8) and said drying device (23) along said predefined trajectory.

15. Toilet (2), characterized by the fact that it comprises: - at least one base structure (32) positioned in ground support and internally bounding an externally accessible environment; - at least one hygienic sanitary device (3) positioned within said base structure (32) and positioned where there is at least one mounting wall (5) with which said base structure (32) is provided; - at least one system (1) for cleaning toilets according to one or more of the preceding claims; wherein said system (1) is associated with said mounting wall (5) and is operable to clean said hygienic sanitary device (3).

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