U.S. patent application number 15/736640 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-02 for automatic toilet cleaner.
The applicant listed for this patent is TOIBOT LTD.. Invention is credited to DAVID ALLOUCH, DANIEL TOKAREV.
Application Number | 20180216330 15/736640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57546671 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180216330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TOKAREV; DANIEL ; et
al. |
August 2, 2018 |
AUTOMATIC TOILET CLEANER
Abstract
An apparatus and method for automatic cleaning a structure's
inner wall having a rim that comprises a rail adjacent to the
structure's rim configured to cling the rail to the rim and a
cleaning system coupled to the rail and configured to move along
the rail. A sanitary fixture is also disclosed that comprises an
apparatus for automatic cleaning the fixture's inner wall wherein
the sanitary fixture comprises a toilet bowl having a rim, a rail
adjacent to the rim configured to cling the rail to the rim, and a
cleaning system coupled to the rail and configured to move along
the rail.
Inventors: |
TOKAREV; DANIEL; (HAIFA,
IL) ; ALLOUCH; DAVID; (KIRYAT BIALIK, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOIBOT LTD. |
HAIFA |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
57546671 |
Appl. No.: |
15/736640 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 16, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL16/50636 |
371 Date: |
December 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62180629 |
Jun 17, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/002 20130101;
E03D 9/005 20130101; A46B 13/02 20130101; A46B 2200/304
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20060101
E03D009/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for automatic cleaning of a structure's inner wall
having a rim, the apparatus comprising: a rail adjacent to the
structure's rim configured to cling the rail to the rim; and a
cleaning system coupled to the rail and configured to move along
the rail.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rail comprises at least
one grasping arm configured to cling the rail to an outer edge of
the structure's rim.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning system comprises
a cleaning segment that comprises a removable brush.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the removable brush is
connected to the cleaning segment by a shaft.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cleaning segment is
configured to spin the shaft and thus also the brush about a
longitudinal axis of the brush.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the removable brush has a
rounded head.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cleaning system further
comprises a rotation motor configured to spin the shaft.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning system comprises
a driver segment configured to move the cleaning system along the
rail consequently moving the removable brush against the
structure's inner wall, subsequently brushing an inner wall strip
along the structure's inner wall.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cleaning system is
configured to extend and retract the shaft along the longitudinal
axis of the brush forming a linear motion of the brush.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning system further
comprises at least one sensor selected from the group comprising
consisting of acoustic sensor, timer, motion sensor, proximity
sensor, presence sensor, and a combination thereof, wherein the at
least one sensor is configured to initiate cleaning operation.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning system further
comprises a control segment.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control segment
comprises a power storage element, a control board, at least one
sensor, or a combination thereof.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the power storage element is
an electrical battery configured to support electrical power
requirements of the cleaning system.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a disinfection
cartridge configured to receive a capsule containing cleaning
substance that can be released in portions.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said cleaning substance
comprises material selected from the group consisting of a
disinfecting substance, a cleaning detergent, an odor substance,
and a combination thereof.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning system comprises
segments that are mutually connected by flexible connectors.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 which is an apparatus for automatic
cleaning an inner wall of a toilet bowl.
18. (canceled)
19. A method of automatically cleaning a structure's inner wall,
the method comprising: brushing the structure's inner wall with a
brush articulated by a driver segment on the structure's inner
wall.
20. The method of claims 19 further comprising spinning the brush
about its longitudinal axis.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. A capsule comprising disinfecting substances, cleaning
detergents, odor substances, and a combination thereof, wherein the
capsule shape is designed to fit into the disinfection cartridge of
claim 14.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to toilet cleaning. More
particularly, the disclosure herein relates to systems and methods
for automatic toilet cleaning.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The procedure of cleaning a toilet is usually time consuming
and also cumbersome. This is a result of the unique structure of
the toilet bowl, which requires meticulous movements and gestures
by the person cleaning the toilet in order to thoroughly clean all
parts of the toilet bowl. Typically, such cleaning is carried out
using a toilet brush, whereby the person cleaning the toilet cleans
a single toilet in up to ten minutes.
[0003] There are several commercially available solutions for
enhanced toilet cleaning. These solutions typically involve some
sort of detergent (usually in the form of a capsule) that is
embedded into the toilet bowl, for example attached to the inner
side of the bowl, and release a small amount of detergent with
every flush of the toilet. Additionally, some solutions are
embedded into the toilet tank and are directly connected to the
water supply such that every flush releases a small amount of
detergent from the toilet tank.
[0004] However, such commercially available solutions cannot
provide a comprehensive solution since some stains in the toilet
bowl require physical contact in order to be removed (e.g. contact
with a toilet brush), since some stains have a dry surface
connection to the inner side of the toilet bowl while detergent
material flushed into the bowl only contacts the outer surface of
these stains. Therefore, manually cleaning with a toilet brush is
still required.
[0005] It is therefore an object to provide a portable device for
automated toilet cleaning, to replace a manually operated toilet
brush. Further objects and advantages will appear as the
description proceeds.
[0006] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Although
methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing, suitable methods and
materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent
specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,
the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to a first aspect, an apparatus for automatic
cleaning a structure's inner wall, having a rim, the apparatus
comprising: a rail adjacent to the structure's rim configured to
cling the rail to the rim; and a cleaning system coupled to the
rail and configured to move along the rail.
[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the rail comprising at least
one grasping arm configured to cling the rail to an outer edge of
the structure's rim.
[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning system
comprising a cleaning segment that comprise a removable brush.
[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the removable brush is
connected to the cleaning segment by a shaft.
[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning segment is
configured to spin the shaft and thus also the brush about a
longitudinal axis of the brush.
[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the brush has a rounded
head.
[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning system further
comprising a rotation motor configured to spin the shaft.
[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning system
comprising a driver segment configured to move the cleaning system
along the rail consequently moving the brush against the
structure's inner wall, subsequently brushing an inner wall strip
along the structure's inner wall.
[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning system is
configured to extend and retract the shaft along the longitudinal
axis of the brush forming a linear motion of the brush.
[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning system further
comprising at least one sensor selected from a group comprising of:
acoustic sensor; timer; motion sensor; proximity sensor; presence
sensor; and a combination thereof; wherein the at least one sensor
is configured to initiate cleaning operation.
[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning system further
comprises a control segment.
[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the control segment
comprises: a power storage element; a control board; at least one
sensor; and a combination thereof.
[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the power storage element is
an electrical battery configured to support electrical power
requirements of the cleaning system.
[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, further comprising a
disinfection cartridge configured to receive a capsule containing
cleaning substance that can be released in portions.
[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning substance
comprises material selected from the group comprising of: a
disinfecting substance; a cleaning detergent; an odor substance,
and a combination thereof.
[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning segment; the
control segment; and the driver segment of the cleaning system are
mutually connected by flexible connectors.
[0023] The apparatus of claim 1 is an apparatus for automatic
cleaning an inner wall of a toilet bowl.
[0024] According to a second aspect, a sanitary fixture comprising
an apparatus for automatic cleaning the fixture's inner wall, the
sanitary fixture comprising: a toilet bowl having a rim; a rail
adjacent to the rim configured to cling the rail to the rim; and a
cleaning system coupled to the rail and configured to move along
the rail.
[0025] According to a third aspect, method of automatically
cleaning a structure's inner wall, the method comprising: brushing
the structure's inner wall with a brush articulated by a driver
module on the structure's inner wall.
[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, further comprising spinning
the brush about its longitudinal axis.
[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, further comprising linearly
moving the brush along the brush longitudinal axis.
[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, further comprising utilizing
the driver module for homing the brush to an origin position.
[0029] According to a forth aspect, a capsule comprising
disinfecting substances; cleaning detergents; odor substances; and
a combination thereof; wherein the capsule shape is designed to fit
in the disinfection cartridge of the first aspect of the disclosed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Embodiments are herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific
reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the
particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments, and are
presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most
useful and readily understood description of the principles and
conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt
is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary
for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the
drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several
forms may be embodied in practice.
[0031] In the drawings:
[0032] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a commercially available
toilet.
[0033] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a perspective view of an
automatic cleaning system assembled onto an existing commercially
available toilet, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
automatic cleaning system assembled onto a rim of the toilet bowl,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
automatic cleaning system without the rim, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 3C schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
elements of an articulated cleaning system, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
control segment, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of
the control segment, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
driver segment, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional
view of the driver segment attached to the annular rail of the
automatic cleaning system, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 5C schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional
view of the driver segment, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
cleaning segment, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional
view of the cleaning segment, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cleaning cover that is
compatible with the cleaning segment, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is
to be understood that the embodiments is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and the arrangement of
the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments can be practiced or
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussion
of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer
to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale.
[0046] For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some
of the drawings.
[0047] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a commercially available
toilet 10. The commercially available toilet 10 has a toilet bowl
12 with a rim 11 and an inner surface 13 to be cleaned by the user,
typically with a toilet brush. The commercially available toilet 10
further has a toilet tank 14 accommodating water to be dispensed
into the toilet bowl 12 with every flush, and also a toilet seat 15
capable of covering the toilet bowl 12.
[0048] Since manually cleaning the toilet bowl is time consuming,
it would therefore be advantageous to have an automatic solution
that may simulate the physical toilet cleaning operation of a
toilet brush without the need of manual intervention.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, this figure schematically
illustrates a perspective view of an automatic cleaning system 20
assembled onto an existing commercially available toilet 10. The
automatic cleaning system 20 may couple to the rim 11 of the toilet
bowl 12, using at least one arm 21, while the other elements of the
automatic cleaning system 20 remain on the inner side of the toilet
bowl 12. Optionally, the at least one arm 21 may be partially
elastic so as to couple to any shape of toilet bowl.
[0050] The toilet seat 15 may then be placed onto the automatic
cleaning system 20 so as to allow normal use of the toilet 10 while
the automatic cleaning system 20 may operate independently. It
should be noted that the only element of the automatic cleaning
system 20 positioned between the toilet bowl 12 and the seat 15, is
the at least one arm 21. Preferably, the at least one arm 21 is
sufficiently thin so as to allow positioning the seat 15 onto the
automatic cleaning system 20 such that a user sitting on the seat
does not feel a difference after the addition of the automatic
cleaning system 20.
[0051] It is appreciated that the automatic cleaning system 20 may
be assembled onto any type of toilet, whereby the automatic
cleaning system 20 is easily coupled to the rim of the toilet bowl
with the at least one arm 21. Thus, the automatic cleaning system
20 may automatically clean the inner surface 13 of the toilet bowl
12 (further described hereinafter), while the seat 15 may be placed
onto the automatic cleaning system 20 such that normal use of the
toilet may be allowed.
[0052] The initiation of the cleaning operation may be commenced by
built-in sensors in the automatic cleaning system 20, and triggered
with every flushing of the toilet. For example, an acoustic sensor
that triggers the cleaning operation upon recognition of the
flushing sound, and/or a motion sensor that that triggers the
cleaning operation upon recognition of flowing water inside the
toilet. Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning operation may
be commenced with a predetermined time period (for instance, once
every hour). In some exemplary embodiments, the automatic cleaning
system 20 may be mutually coupled with an automatic and/or a
touch-less toilet flusher, capable of flushing the toilet upon
detecting motion/presence. It should be noted that, the coupling
comprise wirelessly obtaining a signal, indicating that flushing
has began, from the automatic/touch-less flush, thus initiation the
cleaning operation. In some exemplary embodiments, the built-in
sensors commencing the cleaning operation may comprise motion
sensor, proximity sensor, presence sensor, a combination thereof,
or the like, such as the automatic and/or a touch-less toilet
flusher.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, these figures illustrate the
elements of the automatic cleaning system. FIG. 3A schematically
illustrates a perspective view of the automatic cleaning system 20
assembled onto a rim 11 of the toilet bowl, and FIG. 3B
schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic
cleaning system 20 without the rim 11.
[0054] It should be noted that while the automatic cleaning system
20 may be assembled onto a rim 11 of the toilet bowl with at least
one arm 21, the at least one arm 21 may further comprise a clinging
segment 31 configured to allow clinging the at least one arm 21
onto the outer edge of the toilet bowl.
[0055] The automatic cleaning system 20 comprises an annular rail
22 configured to be adjacent to the rim 11, and an articulated
cleaning system 30 that is coupled to and moving on the rail 22,
further described hereinafter. Preferably, the articulated cleaning
system 30 comprises three coupled segments that move together along
the rail 22. Namely, a control segment 32, a driver segment 34, and
also a cleaning segment 36.
[0056] FIG. 3C schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
elements of the articulated cleaning system 30. The control segment
32 is coupled to the driver segment 34 with a first flexible joint
33, and the driver segment 34 is coupled to the cleaning segment 36
with a second flexible joint 35. It should be noted that among
these elements only the driver segment 34 is coupled to the rail
with at least one wheel 38, further described hereinafter. During
the movement of the articulated cleaning system 30 along the rail,
the driver segment 34 moves along the rail while the coupled
control segment 32 and the cleaning segment 36 move along with the
driver segment 34.
[0057] In some embodiments, the first and second flexible joints
33, 35 are hollow elastic joints that protect electric cables
passing through them, for instance protect from damages of water
flow in the toilet. Specifically, the first flexible joint 33
protects a first electric cable passing from the control segment 32
to the driver segment 34 such that the control segment 32 may
control the motion of the driver segment 34. Similarly, the second
flexible joint 35 protects a second electric cable passing from the
driver segment 34 to the cleaning segment 36, such that the control
segment 32 may in turn control the operation of the cleaning
segment 36.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, these figures illustrate the
elements of the control segment 32. FIG. 4A schematically
illustrates a perspective view of the control segment 32, and FIG.
4B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
same.
[0059] The control segment 32 comprises a first connection element
41 configured to allow connection to the first flexible joint 33
and/or the driver segment 34 (for instance as shown in FIG. 3C).
Additionally, the control segment 32 further comprises a power
compartment with at least one power storage element 43 (typically a
standard battery), and also a control board 42 (e.g. a PCB)
configured to control the movement of the entire articulated
cleaning system 30 along the rail, and particularly control the
motion of the driver segment and the operation of the cleaning
segment via electric cables passing from the control segment 32 and
to the driver and cleaning segments.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, these figures illustrate the
operation of the driver segment. FIG. 5A schematically illustrates
a perspective view of the driver segment 34, and FIG. 5B
schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the
driver segment 34 attached to the annular rail 22 of the automatic
cleaning system 20.
[0061] Similarly to the control segment, the driver segment 34 has
at least one second connection element 51 configured to allow
connection to the first flexible joint 33 and/or the control
segment 32 (for instance as shown in FIG. 3C). Optionally, the
driver segment 34 has additional second connection element 51
configured to allow connection to the second flexible joint 35
and/or the cleaning segment 36.
[0062] The at least one wheel 38 of the driver segment 34 is
configured to fit into a track of the rail 22. The driver segment
34 may comprise a built-in motor (further described hereinafter)
that rotates the at least one wheel 38. Rotation of the at least
one wheel 38 onto the rail 22 may therefore move the driver segment
34 along the rail 22, and consequently the control 32 and cleaning
36 segments that are coupled to the driver segment 34.
[0063] It should be noted that the operation of the motor of the
driver segment 34, and thereby the movement of the automatic
cleaning system 20 along the rail 22, may be controlled by the
control segment 32.
[0064] FIG. 5C schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional
view of the driver segment 34. The driver segment 34 may comprise a
built-in motor 54 (e.g. a step motor), that is coupled to the at
least one wheel 38 and capable of rotating the at least one wheel
38.
[0065] In some embodiments, the driver segment 34 may also comprise
a first elastic element 55 (e.g. a spring) that is coupled to an
additional wheel 38 in order to allow corresponding rotation of the
two wheels 38 onto the rail 22 such that a desired motion of the
driver segment 34 may be achieved. Preferably, the position of the
additional wheel 38 relatively to the driver segment 34 is not
fixed such that both wheels may move along the rail 22 with a
changing distance between them, for example may be required as some
portions of the angular rail 22 may be curved and in order to move
there the wheels 38 must slightly change the distance between them.
The first elastic element 55 may keep a minimal distance between
the wheels 38 such that both wheels about the rail 22.
[0066] It is appreciated that the driver segment 34 thus provides
the desired horizontal movement along the annular rail 22, wherein
the control segment controls the motion.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-7, these figures illustrate the
elements of the cleaning segment. FIG. 6A schematically illustrates
a perspective view of the cleaning segment 36, and FIG. 6B
schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the
same.
[0068] Similarly to the control segment, the cleaning segment 36
has at least one third connection element 61 configured to allow
connection to the second flexible joint 35 and/or the driver
segment 34 (for instance as shown in FIG. 3C). Optionally, the
cleaning segment 36 may also have at least one cover connector 63
configured to allow connection of the cleaning segment 36 to the
cleaning cover (for instance as shown in FIG. 7).
[0069] Preferably, the cleaning segment 36 is coupled to a brush 64
having a rounded ball-like head, configured to simulate the
brushing operation while manually cleaning a toilet bowl. The
cleaning segment 36 may be coupled to the brush 64 with shaft 62
configured change the length and thus change the vertical position
of the brush 64, further described hereinafter. Optionally, the
operation of the shaft 62 is controlled by the control segment.
[0070] The cleaning segment 36 may optionally comprise a spring 65
configured to maintain a predefined distance between the cleaning
segment 36 and the brush 64. In some exemplary embodiments the
spring 65 may assist in raising the brush towards the cleaning
segment 36 and therefore allow lower power consumption of the
system in order to overcome the gravitational force pulling the
brush 64 downwards. Alternatively, spring 65 may be assembled in a
way that assists lowering the brush away from the cleaning segment
36.
[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the brush may be coated with
hydrophobic and oleophobic material, which repel water, mud, other
liquids, sticky materials, a combination thereof, or the like.
These hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings cause liquids to form
nearly perfect spheres, which roll off the surface of the coated
substrate, thus keeping the brush dry and clean. Optionally, the
brush may be a separate element and replaced by the user after a
certain period of time (e.g. replaced once a year).
[0072] The operation of the brush 64 may be achieved with two
corresponding motors. Namely, a rotation motor 66 and a height
motor 68 that may operate separately or alternatively operate
simultaneously in order to achieve a desired motion.
[0073] The rotation motor 66 may be directly coupled to the shaft
62 and rotate the shaft 62 around it's axis in order to rotate the
brush 64 such that a brushing procedure may occur. Alternatively,
the height motor 68 is directly coupled to the shaft 62 and the
rotation motor 66 may be coupled to the shaft 62 with an elastic
belt 67.
[0074] Thus, the height motor 68 may move the shaft 62 so as to
change the distance between the cleaning segment 36 and the brush
64, for example by winding the shaft 62 onto a reel, and the
rotation motor 66 may in turn move the belt 67 so as to rotate the
shaft 62 around it's axis. It should be noted that the cleaning
segment 36 thus provides the desired vertical movement for the
brushing procedure, wherein the control segment controls the motion
by controlling the rotation motor 66 and the height motor 68.
[0075] Optionally, the brush 64 may be lowered by the height motor
68 until it contacts the bottom of the toilet bowl such that the
entire toilet may be cleaned.
[0076] It is appreciated that as different countries use different
structures of toilet bowls, the automatic toilet cleaner may be
adapted for specific toilet structures, for instance with elongated
brush movements such that the entire toilet bowl may be
cleaned.
[0077] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cleaning cover 70 that is
compatible with the cleaning segment 36. The cover 70 may at least
partially cover the cleaning segment 36 such that water flowing
after flushing of the toilet does not damage the mechanical
elements (e.g. the shaft and motors).Additionally, the cover 70 may
protect the cleaning segment 36 from damages caused by physical
contact with the toilet bowl.
[0078] The cover 70 comprises a connector 71 configured to allow
connection to the at least one cover connector of the cleaning
segment 36. It should be noted that the connection to the cleaning
segment 36 is flexible, and the position of the cover 70 relatively
to the cleaning segment 36 may change according to the contact of
the cover 70 with the toilet bowl.
[0079] In some embodiments, the cover 70 further comprises a
disinfection cartridge 72, having an aperture 73. The disinfection
cartridge 72 may be filled (e.g. by the user) with a capsule (not
shown). The capsule may be comprised of material, such as a
disinfecting substance, a cleaning detergent, a combination
thereof, or the like. A portion of capsule material may be released
into the toilet bowl during the brushing procedure (cleaning
operation). Preferably, the physical contact between the cover 70
and the toilet bowl may press the disinfection cartridge 72 so as
to release a portion of capsule material through the aperture 73
such that the material may reach the brush cleaning the toilet.
[0080] It is appreciated that such automated toilet cleaning may be
particularly advantageous in public facilities having numerous
toilets, for example large sport stadiums having hundreds of
toilets. In order to manually clean all of these toilets (wherein
daily cleaning is required) it may take several hours and employ
several workers. However, using the abovementioned automatic
cleaning system, all of the toilets are automatically cleaned such
that the requirement to employ an entire cleaning crew to clean
every toilet bowl in the facility may be eliminated.
[0081] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter, the automatic cleaning process of a structure's inner wall
may comprise operations such as; brushing the inner wall with a
brush that articulated, by driver segment 34, on the structure's
inner wall; spinning the brush about its longitudinal axis;
linearly moving the brush along the brush longitudinal axis; homing
the brush to an origin position; a combination thereof, or the
like.
[0082] It should be noted that while the above discusses cleaning
of toilet, the same methods may be applied for automatic cleaning
of other objects that are commonly cleaned with a brush, wherein
the structure of the rail may require adaptation for the new
object. It should be also noted that, no attempt is made to show
structural details in more detail than is necessary for a
fundamental understanding of the disclosed subject matter.
Furthermore the apparatus structure and its method of operation,
described in the preferred embodiment above, may be altered
(redesign) due to ongoing effort of cost reduction; performance,
reliability, and maintenance improvements; a combination thereof,
or the like. As an example, the control module may be relocated to
the toilet outer wall. Another example, the apparatus may utilize
an external power supply for its operation. As yet another example,
the cleaning operation may be initiated manually by a push of a
button.
[0083] It is appreciated that certain features of the embodiments,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the embodiments, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub
combination.
[0084] Although it been described in conjunction with specific
embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *