Sanitary Installation

Abstract

Sanitary installation comprising: a waste detection device (22); a central unit receiving information from the waste detection device (22) and determining in which predetermined zone(s) (A1–A7) of the floor (7) the waste(s) is / are located; and a floor washing device (7), the washing device comprising: at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) adapted for spraying a fluid; means for rotating at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18); and means for detecting the angular positions of at least one nozzle, the drive means being controlled by the central unit (40) to selectively wash predetermined zones (A1–A7) of the floor (7) on which the waste(s) is / are present. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Sanitary Installation technical field

[0001] This description relates to sanitary facilities and in particular to sanitary facilities for public use. Previous technique

[0002] Document FR 3 129 416 Al describes an example of a sanitary installation with a system for detecting waste left on the floor of the installation, as well as cleaning nozzles that allow the floor to be selectively cleaned of this waste. Summary

[0003] The present description allows for the improvement of the existing system.

[0004] For this purpose, the present description relates to a sanitary installation comprising a building delimiting a reception area for users, the reception area comprising a floor and a toilet, the sanitary installation further comprising: a waste detection device adapted to detect and locate one or more wastes present on the floor; a central unit adapted to receive information from the waste detection device, and to determine in which predetermined zone(s) the waste(s) is / are located; and a washing device adapted to wash the floor, the washing device comprising: at least one nozzle adapted to spray a fluid; means for rotating the at least one nozzle;and means for detecting at least certain angular positions of at least one nozzle, detection means which transmit to the central unit position information of at least one nozzle, the drive means being controlled by the central unit to selectively wash predetermined areas of the floor on which the waste(s) are present.

[0005] The use of rotating nozzles makes it possible to adequately cover the entire floor surface while also targeting cleaning in areas containing waste. It is therefore possible to equip the system with nozzles that spray a linear jet rather than a spray, thus reducing the consumption of cleaning fluid. Reducing cleaning fluid consumption is advantageous in itself but also promotes hygiene in the sanitary facility since limiting the volume of water used reduces the need for water recycling and therefore the risk of viral or other contamination. The proposed device is also advantageous because it is mechanically simple and robust.

[0006] In various embodiments of the sanitary installation, one may also use one and / or the other of the following provisions (alone or in all their mutual combinations):

[0007] - the installation includes a solenoid valve controlled by the central unit to supply at least one nozzle in fluid when at least one nozzle is directed towards a specific area containing one or more wastes;

[0008] - means for detecting at least certain angular positions of the at least a nozzle includes at least one cam pivoting in concert with at least one nozzle and angular position sensors of at least one cam;

[0009] - the drive means impart to at least one nozzle a movement of oscillatory pivoting having two extreme positions defining the angular stroke of at least one nozzle, the angular stroke being subdivided into at least two angular sectors forming predetermined zones;

[0010] - at least one cam comprises a first cam configured to allow the detection of extreme angular positions of the stroke of at least one nozzle and a second cam configured to allow the detection of a boundary between two angular sectors associated with at least one nozzle;

[0011] - at least one nozzle comprises three nozzles and the installation comprises means respective rotational drive of each of the three nozzles;

[0012] - the drive means comprise a motor driving an eccentric in rotation and a connecting rod linking the eccentric to the nozzle;

[0013] - at least one nozzle is arranged at a lower end of a vertical tube;

[0014] - the installation further comprises a fixed nozzle, preferably arranged at proximity to a door giving or prohibiting access to the reception area;

[0015] This description also relates to a method for washing a sanitary installation according to one of the embodiments described above, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of waste; determining a specific zone among the predetermined zones (A1 - A7) in which the waste is located; determining a specific nozzle from among the at least one nozzle which is associated with the specific zone; driving this specific nozzle in rotation; and supplying this specific nozzle with fluid when this specific nozzle is directed towards the specific zone.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the installation includes a waste collection area and the specific nozzle is supplied with fluid only when it is oriented towards the specific area and when it has a movement tending to bring the orientation of the specific nozzle closer to the collection area. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other features and advantages of the sanitary installation will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which:

[0018] [Fig-1] is an isometric view of an example of a sanitary installation according to the present description.

[0019] [Fig.2] is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the sanitary installation of [Fig.1], in perspective.

[0020] [Fig.3] illustrates in top view the predetermined areas of the floor.

[0021] [Fig.4] shows an example of a nozzle.

[0022] [Fig.5] shows the means for driving and detecting the position of the nozzle.

[0023] [Fig.6] is a diagram of a process according to the present description. Description of the implementation methods

[0024] The figures represent the elements schematically. In the different figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements.

[0025] Fig. 1 presents an overall, external view of a sanitary facility 1, in particular a public sanitary facility which may be installed in an urban area S. The sanitary facility 1 generally comprises a building 2 forming an external enclosure equipped with a door 3 controlled by a user interface 4 (for example an opening button).

[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the sanitary installation 1. It can be seen in particular that the building 2 contains a reception area 5 for users and a technical area 6 separated from the reception area 5 by a partition 8. The reception area 5 is delimited by the floor 7, the partition 8, a peripheral wall 9 and the ceiling (not visible).

[0027] The reception area 5 comprises a floor 7 and is equipped with a toilet 10, for example, a toilet bowl. The term "floor" is used here in its broadest sense and includes, for example, a concrete floor, such as painted or tiled concrete. The reception area 5 may also accommodate various equipment, for example, a washbasin 11.

[0028] The sanitary installation 1 includes a washing device 12 adapted for washing the floor, and in particular for removing any waste that may be found on the floor 7. The washing device includes one or more pressurized liquid spray nozzles, independently controllable by a central unit described later, and adapted to selectively wash certain areas of the floor 7. The sprayed liquid may be water or a detergent. The wall 8 may be perforated at the level of the floor 7 to allow the washing device 12 to discharge waste through a free space 8a in the wall 8, propelled by the water jet initiated by the nozzles. The collection waste in the technical area may comply with what is presented in document FR 3 129 416 Al.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a possible configuration of the washing device 12 in top view. The floor 7 is subdivided into a number of predetermined zones A1-A7. Washing nozzles 14, 16, 18, 20 are distributed around the periphery of the floor 7. Thus, any point on the floor can be reached by a jet of liquid from at least one of the nozzles 14-20. The nozzles 14-20 can be flush with the floor 7.

[0030] The nozzles may comprise one or more fixed nozzles and one or more rotating movable nozzles. In this example, there are three rotating nozzles 14, 16, and 18 and one fixed nozzle 20. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number, position, and type of nozzles (fixed or rotating) can be adapted according to the geometry of the floor 7.

[0031] The rotary nozzles 14, 16, 18 can have a reciprocating motion, that is, an oscillatory or pendulum-like pivoting motion between two extreme positions, the two extreme positions defining the (angular) stroke of the nozzle. The motion is a rotation about a vertical axis. Alternatively, the axis of rotation can be inclined with respect to the vertical, for example at an angle of less than 30°, preferably less than 10°.

[0032] In one embodiment, the rotation of the nozzles is complete (as opposed to oscillatory rotation).

[0033] The predetermined zones A1 to A6 accessible by the rotating nozzles can be made up of angular sectors that are subdivisions of the angular strokes of each nozzle 14, 16, 18. Thus, in [Fig. 3], zones A1 and A2 are two adjacent angular sectors, with respective angles A1 and A2. These angles together form the angular stroke of nozzle 14. Similarly, zones A3 and A4 are angular sectors originating from nozzle 16, with angles A3 and A4, and zones A5 and A6 are angular sectors originating from nozzle 18, with angles A5 and A6. The angular stroke of each nozzle can be divided into two angular sectors with substantially equal angles (A1 = A2, A3 = A4, A5 = A6).

[0034] Angles a1 and a2 can, for example, be between 20 and 30°, and more precisely be close to 24°. Angles a3 and a4 can, for example, be between 20 and 30°, and more precisely be close to 23°. Angles a5 and a6 can, for example, be between 20 and 30°, and more precisely be close to 27°.

[0035] In one embodiment, an angle of an angular sector may be substantially larger than an angle of an adjacent angular sector.

[0036] If the angular stroke of the nozzles is illustrated here as divided into two predetermined zones (for example Al and A2 for nozzle 14), it is understood that the angular stroke of each nozzle could be subdivided into more than two zones, particularly when the floor is large.

[0037] The nozzle 20 closest to door 3 can be a fixed nozzle. It sprays the washing liquid onto area A7 in a spray pattern at an angle between 60° and 80°, preferably 70°. The sanitary installation can be equipped with other fixed nozzles, particularly in locations where rotary nozzles, which are more cumbersome due to their rotating drive mechanism, cannot be accommodated.

[0038] The sanitary installation 1 further includes at least one waste detection device 22 adapted to detect and locate waste present on the floor 7.

[0039] The waste detection device 22 may include an optical sensor, for example an electronic camera. In the example shown, the sanitary installation includes a single waste detection device 22, which may be located, for example, under the washbasin 11, the washbasin 11 helping to protect this waste detection device 22. Optionally, two (or more) waste detection devices 22 may be provided, fixed, for example, to the partition 8.

[0040] When the detection device 22 is a camera, said camera is preferably located at a height above the floor 7 of less than 75 cm. More generally, said camera may advantageously be oriented obliquely downwards and have a field of view (obtained by physical and / or software means) covering a volume having a certain maximum height above the floor, said maximum height being less than 75 cm. Preferably, said field of view does not cover the upper part of the toilet bowl 10 to ensure user privacy.

[0041] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates nozzle 14. An identical configuration can be provided for nozzles 16 and 18.

[0042] The nozzle 14 can be attached to a tube 24 oriented substantially vertically along an axis Z14. As shown in [Fig. 4], the nozzle 14 can be screwed onto the tube 24 by means of lateral flats. In one embodiment, the nozzle 14 is integrally formed with the tube 24. When supplied with water, the nozzle 14 projects a jet of water J through an outlet orifice 14.1. The water jet J can be substantially linear, that is, extending over an angle of less than 10°, preferably less than 5°, as opposed to a spray which would atomize a jet over an angle of at least 20°.

[0043] The nozzle 14 pivots around the axis Z14 from a first extreme position marked by line L1 to a second extreme position marked by line L2. These two extreme positions L1, L2 define the angular stroke of the nozzle. The stroke can be subdivided, for example, into two zones A1, A2. Line L3 marks the boundary between these two zones A1, A2. The angles between L1 and L3 on the one hand, and between L2 and L3 on the other, are denoted A1 and A2.

[0044] The wall 9 is perforated to largely conceal the nozzle feeding and movement mechanism while allowing the nozzle to project a jet onto the floor 7.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the drive means 26 for the rotating nozzle. The drive means 26 may include an electric motor 28 whose output shaft rotates about a vertical axis Z28. The motor 28 may be a stepper motor. The motor 28 may drive an eccentric 30 in rotation. A connecting rod 32 connects the eccentric 30 to a lug 34 which is kinematically fixed to the tube 24 and the nozzle (not visible). Thus, while the motor 28 rotates about the axis Z28, the tube 24 and the nozzle rotate about the axis Z14. The axes Z14 and Z28 are substantially parallel to each other. The motor 28 can rotate through 360°, in which case the connecting rod-crank type mechanism generates the oscillations of the nozzle.Alternatively, the motor 28 can rotate in less than one revolution and therefore have a stroke delimited by two extreme angular positions, in which case the two extreme positions of the motor correspond respectively to the two extreme positions of the nozzle.

[0046] The diameter of the eccentric 30 and the length of the connecting rod 32 can be chosen appropriately and independently for each nozzle, so that the nozzles can have a respective angular stroke enabling them, together, to cover substantially the entire surface of the floor 7.

[0047] In order to mechanically control the angular position of the nozzle, cams 36, 37 are fixed to the output shaft of the motor 28. One or more sensors 38 comprising a cam follower can detect certain critical positions of the cams (and therefore certain angular positions of the nozzle). The sensors 38 include, for example, a spring steel blade in contact with the cam, which opens or closes an electrical contact.

[0048] The cams 36, 37 have a respective profile designed to detect predefined angular positions of the nozzle. For example, one of the cams 36, 37 may have a profile enabling the detection of the extreme positions (L1, L2 in [Fig. 4]) of the nozzle, and the other of the cams 36, 37 may have a profile enabling the detection of the boundary (L3 in [Fig. 4]) between the two zones A1 and A2. The detectors 38 send the position information from the cams 36, 37 to a central unit 40.

[0049] In an unillustrated embodiment, the detection of the nozzle's angular position can be achieved by means other than cams. For example, the nozzle may have an angular stroke delimited by two physical stops, and the nozzle's position can be determined by measuring the time elapsed between a given instant and the instant the nozzle left a stop position. Knowing the nozzle's rotational speed and angular acceleration (by design or by learning), it is possible to establish a relationship between time and the angular position of the nozzle. Such a method of detecting the angular position of the nozzle makes it possible to subdivide the angular stroke of the nozzle into an infinite number of zones, or even to redefine the zones during the operation of the system.

[0050] The central unit 40 communicates: with the waste detector 22, from which it receives information on the position of the waste; with the motor 28, which it controls to orient the nozzle within the area occupied by the waste; and with a solenoid valve 50, which enables or disables the nozzle's water supply. The nozzle is supplied via a flexible hose 52 connected to the tube 24. The solenoid valve 50 can be arranged between the flexible hose 52 and a water source (not shown).

[0051] It is thus possible with this simple and robust design to (1) detect the end of travel of the nozzle 14; (2) control the motor 28 to stop it or reverse its direction of rotation when the nozzle 14 has reached an end of travel; and (3) detect if the nozzle is in zone Al or A2 (or when the nozzle moves from one zone to another) and therefore control the water supply to the nozzle so that it only projects a jet of water into the area occupied by waste.

[0052] The means for rotating each nozzle are independently controlled by the central unit 40, depending on the presence and location of the waste. Similarly, the water supply (by solenoid valve or other means) is regulated by the central unit 40 independently for each nozzle, depending on the presence and location of the waste.

[0053] The entire assembly of drive means 26 and detection means 36, 37, 38 can be arranged in a substantially hermetic housing (not shown). Openings fitted with seals allow the connecting rod and possibly electrical connectors (for powering the motor and sensors 38) to pass through the housing. The housing can be accessed from the technical area 6, from space 5, or from the outside, potentially by removing a protective panel, restricting access to the housing to a maintenance technician.

[0054] The reader will understand that [Fig.5] is only an illustrative example of the present description and that other devices for driving or controlling the angular position of the nozzle are conceivable, including non-contact detection (optical, hall effect, etc.) or drive with a geared motor.

[0055] While the present description favors an oscillatory pivoting movement for the nozzles, in one embodiment the rotation of the nozzle is complete, for example by means of a motor and a reducer, the nozzle rotating through 360°. It is only supplied with water when it faces a predetermined area which is occupied by waste.

[0056] Figure 6 shows a method for washing the floor of a sanitary facility. 1 described above. At step 110, the waste detection means 22 establish the The presence of waste and its location(s) on floor 7 are detected. In step 120, the central unit 40 receives information regarding the presence and location of waste and determines which specific zone(s) among the predetermined zones A1-A7 contain the waste. In step 130, the central unit 40 determines one or more specific nozzles associated with this or these specific zones. For example, in relation to [Fig. 3], an object may be located in both zone A1 and zone A5. It is therefore possible to choose one or both of the nozzles 14 and 16 to remove such waste. The central unit 40 can choose one or both of the nozzles based on predetermined parameters or based on statistical learning, allowing it to select the strategy most likely to effectively remove the detected waste.

[0057] In step 140, the central unit controls the drive means to drive the specific nozzle(s) in rotation.

[0058] In step 150, the central unit controls the water supply so that each specific nozzle projects a jet of water when it is directed towards its associated specific zone. For example, in relation to [Fig. 4], if the waste is located in zone A2, nozzle 14 will only be supplied with water once it has crossed the boundary L3 and is directed towards zone A2.

[0059] The reader will understand that although these steps are presented sequentially, they can be carried out continuously for several nozzles depending on the detection of waste. They can also be carried out at least partially simultaneously. For example, when the activation of a nozzle (e.g., nozzle 14) has moved waste into an area (e.g., A6) that is no longer accessible to that nozzle, another nozzle (e.g., nozzle 16) takes over until the waste is removed through the free space 8a in the wall 8.

[0060] Process 100 can be iterative, as illustrated in [Fig. 6] by means of the arrow connecting step 150 to step 110. For example, the process can be repeated as long as the floor is not completely free of waste. In another example, a predefined number of cycles can be performed. In a variant, the process is interrupted when a user wishes to access the reception area, even if there is still waste on the floor.

[0061] In some examples, the objective of activating the nozzles is to collect waste at a defined location in the sanitary installation 1. It can therefore be advantageous in step 150 to limit the supply of fluid to the nozzles not only when they are directed towards waste, but also when their speed of movement tends to bring the waste closer to the collection area. In other words, the specific nozzle (chosen because it is associated with an area occupied by waste) is supplied with fluid only when it is directed towards the specific area and when it presents a movement tending to bring the orientation of the specific nozzle closer to the collection area.

[0062] To control this process 100, the central unit 40 (for example microcontroller or other) can communicate with the user interface 4, with the waste detection device 22, with the washing device 12, with the position detectors 36, 37, 38 respective to each nozzle, with the motor 28 respective to each nozzle, and where applicable with a presence sensor, as well as a communication device suitable for communicating by any known means (wired, radio or other) with a remote server.

[0063] It should be noted that the central unit 40 can be equipped with at least one artificial intelligence module and / or communicate with an artificial intelligence module of a remote server in particular for the detection of the type of waste and / or for determining which nozzles 14, 16, 18, 20 to activate and in what order in order to evacuate the waste optimally to the collection area.

[0064] According to alternative or complementary embodiments (considered alone or in combination with each of the variants described above):

[0065] - the sanitary installation includes at least one suitable presence sensor for detect the presence of a user in the reception area 5. The presence sensor can be of any known type (ultrasound, radar, laser or other);

[0066] - the central unit is adapted to operate said at least one device waste detection and said washing device only when no user is present in said reception area;

[0067] - the central unit is adapted to control the state of the floor with said at least a waste detection device after the floor has been washed by said washing device;

[0068] - the central unit is adapted to control a washing operation by the washing device so as to selectively clean predetermined areas where waste is located and, if said electronic central unit determines that waste is still on the floor after the washing operation, said electronic central unit is adapted to determine in which predetermined areas waste is located and to order a further washing operation by said cleaning device so as to selectively clean the predetermined areas where waste is located;

[0069] - the central unit communicates with a remote server and is adapted for notify said remote server that it is necessary to trigger a maintenance operation when said central unit detects a fault situation based on information received from said at least one waste detection device;

[0070] - the central unit is adapted to detect a fault situation when said at less a waste detection device always detects waste after a predetermined number of successive washing operations;

[0071] - the central unit is adapted to detect a fault situation when said at unless a waste detection device detects waste of a size greater than a predetermined size and / or when said at least one waste detection device detects waste of a predetermined type. List of reference signs

[0072] 1: Sanitary installation 2: building 3: door 4: User interface 5 reception areas 6: Technical area 7: floor 8: partition separating reception area 5 from technical area 6 8a: free space of wall 8 9: wall 10: toilet 11: sink 12: washing device 14, 16, 18: rotary nozzles, designated as specific if waste occupies a predetermined area associated with them 14.1: Nozzle orifice 14 20: fixed nozzle 22: waste detector 24: tube 26: Training methods 28: engine 30: eccentric 32: connecting rod 34: paw 36, 37: cams 38: Nozzle position detector 40: central processing unit 50: solenoid valve 52: Water supply hose 100: washing process 110: detection of the presence and position of one or more waste items 120: determination of one or more areas occupied by one or more types of waste, referred to as specific, among the predetermined areas A1-A7 130: determination of one or more so-called specific nozzle(s), associated with specific zones 140: rotational drive of the specific nozzle(s) 150: Water supply to the specific nozzle(s) according to its / their orientation(s) A1-A7: predetermined zones (angular sectors), designated as specific if occupied by waste J: liquid jet L1, L2: extreme positions of the angular stroke L3: boundary between Al and A2 J: water jet Z14: axis of rotation of nozzle 14 Z28: Motor rotation axis 28 al-a7: angles defining predetermined zones

Claims

Demands

1. Sanitary installation (1) comprising a building (2) delimiting a reception area (5) for users, the reception area comprising a floor (7) and a toilet (10), the sanitary installation (1) further comprising: - a waste detection device (22) adapted to detect and locate waste present on the floor (7); - a central unit (40) adapted to receive information from the waste detection device (22), and to determine in which predetermined zone(s) (A1 - A7) the waste is located; and - a washing device (12) adapted to wash the floor (7), the washing device (12) comprising: - at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) adapted to spray a fluid; - means for driving (26) in rotation of at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18);and - means for detecting (36, 37, 38) at least certain angular positions of at least one nozzle, detection means which transmit to the central unit (40) position information of at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18), the drive means (26) being controlled by the central unit (40) to selectively wash predetermined areas (A1 - A7) of the floor (7) on which the waste or waste is present.

2. Sanitary installation (1) according to claim 1, comprising a solenoid valve (50) controlled by the central unit (40) to supply at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) with fluid when at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) is directed towards a determined area (A1-A7) presenting one or more wastes.

3. Sanitary installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the means for detecting (36, 37, 38) at least certain angular positions (L1, L2, L3) of at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) comprise at least one cam (36, 37) pivoting in concert with at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) and angular position sensors (38) of at least one cam (36, 37).

4. Sanitary installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive means (26) impart to at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) an oscillating pivoting motion presenting two extreme positions (L1, L2) defining the angular stroke of at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18), the angular stroke being subdivided into at least two angular sectors (Al, A2) forming predetermined zones (Al, A2).

5. Sanitary installation (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein at least one cam (36, 37) comprises a first cam (36) configured to enable the detection of the extreme angular positions (L1, L2) of the stroke of at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) and a second cam (37) configured to enable the detection of a boundary (L3) between two angular sectors (A1, A2) associated with at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18).

6. Sanitary installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one nozzle comprises three nozzles (14, 16, 18) and the sanitary installation (1) comprises respective drive means (26) for rotating each of the three nozzles (14, 16, 18).

7. Sanitary installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drive means (26) comprise a motor (28) driving a rotating eccentric (30) and a connecting rod (32) connecting the eccentric (30) to the nozzle (14, 16, 18).

8. Sanitary installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) is arranged at a lower end of a vertical tube (24).

9. Sanitary installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a fixed nozzle (20), preferably located in the vicinity of a door (3) giving or preventing access to the reception area (5).

10. A method (100) for washing a sanitary installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - detecting (110) the presence of waste; - determining (120) a specific zone (A1-A7) among the predetermined zones (A1-A7) in which the waste is located; - determining (130) a specific nozzle (14, 16, 18) of at least one nozzle (14, 16, 18) which is associated with the specific zone (A1-A7); - rotating (140) this specific nozzle; and

11. - supply (150) this specific nozzle with fluid when this specific nozzle is directed towards the specific area. A method according to claim 11, wherein the installation includes a waste collection area (8a) and the specific nozzle is supplied with fluid only when it is oriented towards the specific area and when it exhibits a movement tending to bring the orientation of the specific nozzle closer to the collection area.

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