TOILET SYSTEM COMPRISING A TOILET ARRANGEMENT AND A SELF-REGULATED CLEANING SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to cleaning of toilet arrangements. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a toilet system comprising a toilet arrangement and a self-regulated cleaning system and a self-regulated cleaning method for cleaning a toilet arrangement.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Toilet arrangements are commonly known in sanitation industry, to enable persons to defecate in good sanitary conditions. A typical toilet arrangement comprises of a toilet bowl and a flush tank. The toilet bowl is provided to receive the users' defecate, while the user performs defecation. The toilet bowl is fluidly connected to the flush tank. Water is transferred from the flush tank to the toilet bowl for removing the defecate therefrom, when required. The flush tank comprises of a storage tank, a face plate, a fill valve, and a flush valve. The face plate is connected to the flush valve, such that the flush valve is opened corresponding to pressing of the face plate. When required, a user may press the face plate to open the flush valve, such that water is transferred from the storage tank to the toilet bowl for removing the defecate therefrom.

[0003] With prolonged usage, dirt and germs get build up over the toilet bowl of the toilet arrangement. Thus, the toilet bowl is required to be periodically cleaned. Typically, the toilet bowl is cleaned manually by spraying bleached chlorine solution (a mixture of bleached chlorine and acidic compound), allowing it to settle for a predefined time, and then cleaning it off by flowing water in the toilet bowl. However, bleached chlorine is not environment-friendly. Bleached chlorine solution produces dioxin, which is known to be degrading the environment. Further, when bleached chlorine is mixed with an acid compound to form the bleached chlorine solution, chlorine gas is given off that is toxic in nature. Particularly, exposure to chlorine gas may cause, irritation to the mucous membrane, coughing and breathing problems, burning watery eyes, and the like. Several other cleaning agents for toilet arrangements like sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid are also toxic and non-environment friendly similar to bleached chlorine. Also, such manual cleaning requires employing of a cleaning staff, to perform the manual cleaning operation. This increases maintenance cost of the toilet arrangement. Moreover, such manual cleaning is relatively less efficient, and thus the cleaning schedule may not be followed appropriately.

[0004] US 2011/277227 A1 discloses a procedure for disinfecting a toilet appliance in which water for flushing a toilet is introduced from a cistern into a flush pipe and from there into the interior of the toilet. This procedure may be used for disinfecting public toilets, toilets in airplanes, ships, trains and busses, in hospitals, nursing homes and other care institutions.

[0005] CN 109162328 A discloses a toilet bowl automatic sterilizing device which comprises a toilet seat, a toilet body, an automatic disinfector, a water storage tank, a water tank cover, a flushing button, a cushion and a toilet lid.

[0006] US 2015013057 A1 discloses an assembly having a cleaning system comprising a flow control device for controlling flow through a supply conduit. A control system initiates a clean cycle by operating the flow control device for a first period of time sufficient to deliver dose of a liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to an interior space of a rim flush valve in a closed position and operating the flush valve to open the flush valve to introduce about 3 liters or more of flush water to carry the dose of the liquid cleaning agent through a rim inlet port into a toilet bowl.

[0007] Accordingly, in light of the aforementioned drawbacks in conventional manual cleaning of the toilet arrangement and several other inherent in the existing arts, there is a well felt need to provide self-regulated cleaning system for toilet arrangement.

SUMMARY

[0008] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined by the appended dependent claims. Various objects of the invention stemming from the claims are mentioned below.

[0009] One object of the present invention relates to a toilet system comprising a self-regulated cleaning system and a toilet arrangement. The self-regulated cleaning system facilitates automatic cleaning of the toilet arrangement, at regular intervals. Thereby, reducing maintenance cost of the toilet arrangement.

[0010] Another object of the invention relates to a toilet system comprising a self-regulated cleaning system and a toilet arrangement, which relatively increases life cycle of the toilet arrangement by improving cleaning efficiency.

[0011] Yet another object of the invention relates to a toilet system comprising a self-regulated cleaning system and a toilet arrangement, which uses hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning agent. Hydrogen peroxide is environment friendly, which produces oxygen and water molecules on degradation. Thus, usage of hydrogen peroxide is environment friendly in nature. Also, Hydrogen peroxide is a safe antimicrobial agent as per USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration).

[0012] Yet another object of the invention relates to a toilet system comprising a self-regulated cleaning system and a toilet arrangement, which has a safety control for deactivating the self-regulated cleaning system during improper operation conditions. For example, the self-regulated cleaning system is deactivated in events, such as but not limited to, during non-functioning of an electrolytic cell of a hydrogen peroxide generator, no/ improper electric supply, during usage of toilet arrangement by a user, no/improper supply of water to a flush tank.

[0013] Yet another object of the invention relates to a toilet system comprising a self-regulated cleaning system and a toilet arrangement, which includes a hydrogen peroxide generator and a control system. The hydrogen peroxide generator is positioned within the flush tank, and is adapted to generate and release a predefined amount of hydrogen peroxide in water stored in the flush tank, upon actuation of the hydrogen peroxide generator. The control system includes a flush counter and a control unit. The flush counter is adapted to determine a count of number of flush actions performed on the face plate of the flush tank. The control unit is operably connected to the flush counter, the hydrogen peroxide generator, and the flush valve. Further, the control unit is adapted to actuate the hydrogen peroxide generator as the count of the number of flush actions determined by the flush counter reaches beyond a threshold value, for release of hydrogen peroxide in water stored in the flush tank. Thereafter, the control unit performs a first actuation of the flush valve for release of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to the toilet bowl of the toilet arrangement. Finally, the control unit performs a second actuation of the flush valve after predefined time of the first actuation for release of water in the toilet bowl of the toilet arrangement.

[0014] Yet another object of the invention relates to a self-regulated cleaning method for cleaning a toilet bowl of a toilet arrangement. The self-regulated cleaning method initiates with continuously determining, with use of a flush counter, a count of flush actions performed on the face plate. Thereafter, the method compares, with use of the control unit, the count of flush actions performed on the face plate with a threshold value. Further, in case the count of flush actions performed on the face plate reaches beyond the threshold value, the control unit actuates the hydrogen peroxide generator for generation and release of a predetermined amount of hydrogen peroxide within water stored in the flush tank. Thereafter, the control unit performs a first actuation of the flush valve, with use of the control unit, for release of the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to the toilet bowl of the toilet arrangement. Finally, the method includes performing a second actuation of the flush valve after a predetermined time from the first actuation, with use of the control unit, for release of the water to the toilet bowl of the toilet arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:

Figure. 1. Illustrates a schematic of a toilet system, employing a toilet arrangement and a self-regulated cleaning system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2. Illustrates a sectional view of a flush tank of the toilet arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

Figure. 3. Illustrates a block diagram of a control system of the self-regulated cleaning system, illustrating various components of the control system of the self-regulated cleaning system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

Figure. 4. Illustrates a flowchart of a cleaning process employed by the self-regulated cleaning system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a schematic of a toilet system [100]. Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of a flush tank [108] of a toilet arrangement [102] of the toilet system [100]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 should be referred in conjunction, in order to clearly understand a scope of the present disclosure. The toilet system [100] includes the toilet arrangement [102] and a self-regulated cleaning system [104]. The self-regulated cleaning system [104] is provided to perform automatic cleaning of the toilet arrangement [102], at regular intervals. Structure and arrangement of the toilet arrangement [102] will be discussed hereinafter.

[0018] The toilet arrangement [102] is a typical toilet facility provided to allow users to defecate in good sanitary condition. The toilet arrangement [102] includes a toilet bowl [106] and the flush tank [108]. The toilet bowl [106] is an open-top vessel, which is provided to receive users' defecate, as the user performs defecation thereon. The flush tank [108] is provided to store water, which may be supplied to the toilet bowl [106] for removing defecate (termed as flushing action) therefrom. The flush tank [108] includes a storage tank [110], a fill valve [112], a flush valve [114], and a face plate [116].

[0019] The storage tank [110] is adapted to store water therein. The storage tank [110] is fluidly connected to a water source via the fill valve [112], to receive water therein. Moreover, the storage tank [110] is fluidly connected to the toilet bowl [106] via the flush valve [114], to allow exit of water therefrom. In particular, water stored in the storage tank [110] is transferred to the toilet bowl [106] via the flush valve [114], for enabling flushing action thereon. Notably, the storage tank [110] supports the fill valve [112], the flush valve [114], and the face plate [116], which in conjunction with each other facilitates filling and emptying of the storage tank [110] when required.

[0020] The fill valve [112] is provided between a fluid connection of the storage tank [110] with the water source, and enables filling of the storage tank [110] upon actuation. Particularly, the fill valve [112] is automatically actuated when a water level in the storage tank [110] reaches below a lower threshold level, to allow filling of the storage tank [110] with fresh water received from the water source. Moreover, the fill valve [112] is deactivated when water level in the storage tank [110] reaches above an upper threshold value, to stop filling of the storage tank [110].

[0021] Further, the flush valve [114] and the face plate [116], in conjunction, allows exit of water from the storage tank [110] to the toilet bowl [106] upon users demand. The flush valve [114] is provided between a fluid connection of the storage tank [110] with the toilet bowl [106], and enables transfer of water therebetween upon actuation. Particularly, when actuated (opened), the flush valve [114] transfers water from the storage tank [110] to the toilet bowl [106], for performing flushing action. Moreover, when deactivated (closed), the flush valve [114] restricts transfer of water from the storage tank [110] to the toilet bowl [106], for stopping flushing action. Actuation and deactivation of the flush valve [114] is manually enabled with use of the face plate [116]. For such purpose, the face plate [116] is operably connected to the flush valve [114], such that the flush valve [114] is actuated when at least a button on the face plate [116] is pressed. The face plate [116] includes a full flush button [118] and a half flush button [120], for enabling a full flush action and a half flush action. The full flush button [118] is operably connected to the flush valve [114], such that pressing of the full flush button [118] corresponds to transfer of substantially entire water stored in the storage tank [110] to the toilet bowl [106]. Therefore, pressing of the full flush button [118] corresponds to one (1) flush action (also termed as "full flush action") performed on the face plate [116]. The half flush button [120] is operably connected to the flush valve [114], such that pressing of the half flush button [120] corresponds to transfer of substantially half of water stored in the storage tank [110] to the toilet bowl [106]. Therefore, pressing of the half flush button [120] corresponds to half (0.5) flush action (also termed as "half flush action") performed on the face plate [116]. A connection means between the full flush button [118] and the half flush button [120] with that of the flush valve [114] includes, but is not limited to, a clutch wire connection mechanism, a pneumatic connection mechanism, a linkage connection mechanism, an electric arrangement, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, as shown and described in the present disclosure, the face plate [116] is positioned on an outer surface of the flush tank [108], to be accessible to a user. Although, in the preferred embodiment the face plate [116] is shown and described as provided on the outer surface of the flush tank [108], however, in an alternate embodiment, the face plate [116] may be positioned remote to the flush tank [108]. Positioning of the face plate [116] relative to the flush tank [108] does not limit the scope of the invention. In the alternate embodiment, when the face plate [116] is positioned remote to the flush tank [108], the face plate [116] is pneumatically connected to the flush valve [114], which enable the exit of the fluid from the storage tank [110] upon pressing of the face plate [116].

[0022] The self-regulated cleaning system [104] is provided to perform automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [100] based on a predefined self-regulated cleaning method/process, at regular intervals. The self-regulated cleaning system [104] comprises of a hydrogen peroxide generator [122] and a control system [124].

[0023] The hydrogen peroxide generator [122] is an electrolytic cell, positioned within the storage tank [110]. When actuated, the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] releases a predefined volume of hydrogen peroxide in the storage tank [110] of the flush tank [108]. In particular, the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] is adapted to release hydrogen peroxide within a predefined range of 2 - 30% volume of the storage tank [110], preferably between 3-6 % volume of the storage tank [110]. Notably, the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] generates the hydrogen peroxide by way of an electrolytic chemical reaction. As the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] is positioned within the storage tank [110], the hydrogen peroxide so generated is released in water stored in the storage tank [110] of the flush tank [108]. Furthermore, when deactivated, the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] stops generation of the hydrogen peroxide.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the control system [124] of the self-regulated cleaning system [104]. The control system [124] is provided to controllably actuate the hydrogen peroxide generator [122], to allow self-regulated production of hydrogen peroxide in the storage tank [110] of the flush tank [108]. The control system [124] includes a flush counter [126], a display unit [128], a safety unit [130], a control unit [132], and a printed circuit board [134]. The display unit [128] is positioned remote to the printed circuit board [134], and is in connection with the control unit [132]. The safety unit [130] and the control unit [132] are fabricated on the printed circuit board [134]. The safety unit [130] is in electric connection with the control unit [132]. Further, the control unit [132] is in electrical connection with the flush counter [126] and the hydrogen peroxide generator [122]. Although, the present disclosure describes the safety unit [130] and the control unit [132], are described as positioned on a single printed circuit board [134], it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the that each of the safety unit [130] and the control unit [132], may be positioned and fabricated remote to the printed circuit board [134]. Similarly, although the display unit [128] is described as positioned remote to the printed circuit board [134], it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the that each of the display unit [128] may be positioned and fabricated on the printed circuit board [134].

[0025] The flush counter [126] is adapted to determine a count of number of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] of the flush tank [106]. The flush counter [126] is a combination of two float switches [136, 138] and a storage unit [140]. The float switches [136, 138] are water level sensors, adapted to detect actuation of the face plate [116] for either of half flush and full flush, based on water levels in the storage tank [110] before and after the flush. Particularly, the float switches [136, 138] include a first float switch [136] (interchangeably referred to as the full float switch [136]) and a second float switch [138] (interchangeably referred to as the half float switch [138]). The first float switch [136] generates a first signal, upon pressing of the full flush button [118] on the face plate [116] for full flush action. The second float switch [138] generates a second signal, upon pressing of the half flush button [120] on the face plate [116] for half flush action.

[0026] The storage unit [140] refers to a non-transitory media that stores data and/or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a specific manner. In a preferred embodiment, the storage unit [140] is an EPROM memory provided in electrical communication to each of the half float switch [138] and the full float switch [136]. The storage unit [140] is adapted to receive the first signal and the second signal from each of full float switch [136] and the half float switch [138], and correspondingly count the number of flushes actions performed. The storage unit [140] comprises of a counter that is incremented upon receipt of signals from each of full float switch [136] and the half float switch [138]. Notably, the storage unit [140] increments the counter by one (1), upon receipt of the first signal from the first float switch [136]. Further, the storage unit [140] increments the counter by half (0.5), upon receipt of the second signal from the second float switch [138]. In addition to the count of the number of flush actions, the storage unit [140] also records date and time of previous pressing of the face plate [116], for flushing. Further, as the storage unit [140] is an EPROM memory, the data in the counter can be erased, when required by the control unit [132]. Although, the storage unit [140] is described as the EPROM memory, various other types of memory as the storage unit [140] may also be contemplated

[0027] The display unit [128], which is a user-interactive LED based touch screen, is in communication with the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126], via the control unit [132]. Particularly, the control unit retrieves a number of parameters from the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126], and transmit it to the display unit [128]. The display unit [128] displays the number of parameters of the toilet arrangement [102], by obtaining data from the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126] via the control unit [132]. For example, the display unit [128] displays date, time, number of flushes, cleaning mode, duration of cleaning, number of cleaning cycle, life of cleaning solution and water in the flush tank [108]. As the present disclosure relates to the count of the number of flush actions primarily, concepts of the present disclosure will be described in accordance to receipt and display of the count of the number of flush actions only. The display unit [128] retrieves the count of the number of flush actions stored in the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126] via the control unit [132], and thus display the count of the number of flush actions. To display the content, any of the Liquid crystals display (LCD) and LED (Light emitting diode) technology may be used.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the safety unit [130] is provided for enabling safe operation of the self-regulated cleaning system [104]. The safety control unit comprises of a number of motion sensors that detects uneven operational parameters of the toilet arrangement [102] and the self-regulated cleaning system [104]. Uneven operational parameters of the toilet arrangement [102] includes, but is not limited to, improper operation of the toilet arrangement [102], a low water supply in the flush tank [108], a blockage in the drain pipe of the toilet arrangement [102], and/or failure of any of the components of the self-regulated cleaning system [104]. In such cases, the safety unit [130] guides the control unit [132] to halt/ stop/ not initiate execution of the self-regulated cleaning method/process, for cleaning the toilet arrangement [102].

[0029] The control unit [132] is electrically connected to each of the hydrogen peroxide generator [122], the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126], and the safety unit [130]. Further, the control unit is operably connected to the flush valve [114]. With such arrangement, the control unit [132] enables cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] based on the predefined self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142]. Particularly, the control unit [132] is preprogrammed to follow certain steps of performing the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142]. Notably, the control unit [132] is electrically connected to the storage unit [140] of the flush counter, to obtain the data for the count of the number of flush actions performed in the face plate [116]. Further, the control unit [132] is electrically connected to the hydrogen peroxide generator [122], for enabling controlled actuation and deactivation of the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] thereof. Moreover, the control unit [132] is operably connected to the flush valve [114], for enabling controlled actuation and deactivation of the flush valve [114] thereof. Notably, the control unit [132] performs the aforementioned actions, to execute the predefined self-actuating cleaning method/ process [142] on the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102]. The self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142] is as defined in the below description.

[0030] Figure 4. shows a flowchart of the self-regulated cleaning method/process [142] performed by the self-regulated cleaning system [104]. The self-regulated cleaning method/process [142] initiates at step [144]. At step [144], the flush counter [126] continuously determines/ records the count of the number of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] of the flush tank [108] of the toilet arrangement [100]. Particularly, at step [144], the float switches [136, 138] detect actuation of the face plate [116], corresponding to which the count of number of flushes are stored in the counter of the storage unit [140]. As is already mentioned, the float switches [136, 138] detect actuation of the face plate [116] for either of the half flush action and the full flush action, based on the water remaining in the storage tank [110] after performing the flush action. Corresponding to either of the first signal from the first float switch [136] and the second signal from the second float switch [138[, the counter of the storage unit [140] is incremented. Thus, the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126] stores the count of number of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] of the flush tank [108]. Thereafter, the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142] proceeds to step [146].

[0031] At step [146], the control unit [132] retrieves the flush data, i.e. the count of the number of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] from the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126], and compares the count of the number of flush actions with a predefined threshold value. In case, the count of the number of flush actions is smaller than the predefined threshold value, no action is taken. Particularly, the method moves back to step [144], in case the count of the number of flush actions is smaller than the predefined threshold value. In case, the count of the number of flush actions reaches beyond (is larger than) the predefined threshold value, the self-regulated cleaning method/ process proceeds to step [148].

[0032] At step [148], the control unit [132] activates the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] for a small period. Particularly, at step [148], the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] generates and releases hydrogen peroxide at a controlled flow rate and volume percentage (preferably 3~6 % volume of the storage tank [110]) in the storage tank [110] of the flush tank [108]. After generation and release of the predefined volume of the hydrogen peroxide, the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] is deactivated. Thereafter, the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142] proceeds to step [150]. With release of the hydrogen peroxide within water stored in the storage tank [110], the released hydrogen peroxide is then allowed to get mixed in the water stored in the storage tank [110] of the flush tank [108]. Thereafter, the cleaning process proceeds to step [152].

[0033] At step [152], the control unit [132] performs a first actuation of the flush valve [114] of the flush tank [108], for automatic flushing of the mixture of the hydrogen peroxide and water to the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102]. With such action, the mixture of the hydrogen peroxide and water is sprayed onto the dirt on the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102]. The hydrogen peroxide mixed water is allowed to settle on the toilet bowl, and thus act on dirt for a predefined time period. The predefined time period in the preferred embodiment is preferably 20 minutes. Thereafter, the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142] proceeds to the step [154].

[0034] At step [154], the storage tank [110] of the flush tank [108] is filled with fresh water through the fill valve [112]. After the predefined time period of 20 minutes, the control unit [132] performs a second actuation of the flush valve [114] for flushing of the fresh water in the toilet bowl [106], for removal of dirt and hydrogen peroxide from the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102]. Thus, the automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102] is performed. It may be noted that after performing one cycle of the aforementioned steps of the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142], the control unit [132] clears the counter of the storage unit [140] of the flush counter [126], to zero the count of the number of flush actions. Thereby, the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142] restarts the count of the number of flush actions for next cycle of the steps of the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142].

[0035] With such arrangement of the self-regulated cleaning system [104] and the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142], an automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102] is enabled. Particularly, the self-regulated cleaning system [104] performs automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102] by following the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142], as the count of the number of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] reaches beyond the threshold value. Thereby, the self-regulated cleaning system [104] performs automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102] by the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142] after (10) flush actions.

[0036] In accordance with the above mentioned description of the self-regulated cleaning system [104] and the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142], there are various advantages as cited herein. As the self-regulated cleaning system [104] by following the self-regulated cleaning method/ process [142] enables automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102], a need for separate maintenance staff is avoided and thus the maintenance cost is substantially reduced. Also, timely and scheduled cleaning of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102] enables increased life cycle of the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102].

[0037] Moreover, as the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] is positioned within the storage tank [110], it has a protective shield of the storage tank [110]. Such protection of the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] within the storage tank [110] restricts exposure of the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] to external environment, thereby preventing degradation of electrodes contained therein by reacting with ambient air. This improves work life of the hydrogen peroxide generator [122]. In addition to this, hydrogen peroxide is environment-friendly. Particularly, upon degradation of hydrogen peroxide, oxygen and water molecules are produced. Thus, usage of hydrogen peroxide is environment friendly in nature. Therefore, Hydrogen peroxide is a safe antimicrobial agent as per USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration).

[0038] The preferred embodiments described hereinabove are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

List of Components:

[0039] 

100- Toilet System

102 - Toilet arrangement

104- Self-Regulated Cleaning System

106 -Toilet Bowl

108- Flush Tank

110 - Storage tank of 108

112- Fill valve of 108

114- Flush valve of 108

116- Face plate of 108

118 - Full Flush Button of 116

120 - Half Flush Button of 116

122- Hydrogen peroxide generator of 104

124 - Control System of 104

126 - Flush Counter of 124

128 - Display unit of 124

130 - Safety Unit of 124

132 - Control Unit of 124

134- Printed circuit board of 124

136 - First Float Switch of 126

138 - Second Float Switch of 126

140 - Storage Unit of 126

142 - Self- Regulated cleaning method/ process

144- Step 1 of 142

146- Step 2 of 142

148- Step 3 of 142

150- Step 4 of 142

152- Step 5 of 142

154 - Step 6 of 142

Claims

1. A toilet system [100] comprising a toilet arrangement [102] and a self-regulated cleaning system [104], the toilet arrangement [102] including a toilet bowl [106] and a flush tank [108], the flush tank [108] having a storage tank [110], a face plate [116], and a flush valve [114], the self-regulated cleaning system [104] comprising:

- a hydrogen peroxide generator [122] positioned within the storage tank [110] of the flush tank [108], and adapted to generate and release a predefined amount of hydrogen peroxide in water stored in the storage tank [110], upon actuation of the hydrogen peroxide generator [122]; and

- a control system [124], comprising:

a flush counter [126] adapted to determine a count of number of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] of the flush tank [108]; and

a control unit [132] operably connected to the flush counter [126], the hydrogen peroxide generator [122], and the flush valve [114], the control unit [132] being adapted to:

actuate the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] as the count of the number of flush actions determined by the flush counter [126] reaches beyond a threshold value, for release of hydrogen peroxide in water stored in the storage tank [110],

perform a first actuation of the flush valve [114] for release of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102], and

perform a second actuation of the flush valve [114] after predefined time from the first actuation for release of water in the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102].

2. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] of the self-regulated cleaning system [104] is an in-situ electrolytic cell, which generates the predefined amount of hydrogen peroxide within the storage tank [110] by way of electrolytic chemical reaction.

3. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined amount of hydrogen peroxide generated by the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] of the self-regulated cleaning system [104] is within a range of 2% - 30% volume of a storage tank capacity, particularly within a range of 3% - 6% volume of the storage tank capacity.

4. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flush counter [126] of the control system [124] includes:

at least one float switch [136, 138] adapted to generate a signal upon a flush action performed on the face plate [116]; and

a storage unit [140] having a counter, which is incremented upon receipt of the signal from the at least one float switch [136, 138], such that a counter value corresponds to the count of the flush actions performed on the face plate [116].

5. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one float switch [136, 138] is a water level sensor that generates the signal based on a water level of the storage tank [110].

6. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one float switch [136, 138] includes a half float switch [138] and a full float switch [136], such that the counter of the storage unit [140] is incremented by one (1) upon receipt of the signal from the full float switch [136], while the counter value of the counter is incremented by half (0.5) upon receipt of the signal from the half float switch [138].

7. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system [124] further includes a display unit [128] connected to the control unit [132], to display the count of number of flush actions as determined by the flush counter [126].

8. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display unit [128] further displays a date, time, a cleaning mode, a duration of cycle, and a life of cleaning solution and water left in the storage tank [110].

9. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit [132] of the control system [124] is further adapted to:

continuously receive the count of the number of flush actions performed on the face plate [116],

compare the count of the number of flush actions with the threshold value, and

actuate the hydrogen peroxide generator [122] as the count of the number of flush actions reaches beyond the threshold value.

10. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined time between performing the first actuation of the flush valve [114] and the second actuation of the flush valve [114] is 20 minutes.

11. The toilet system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the self-regulated cleaning system [104] further includes a safety unit [130] that either halts or stops an operation of the control system [124], upon detection of a fault in either of the toilet arrangement [102] and the self-regulated cleaning system [104].

12. A self-regulated cleaning method [142] for cleaning a toilet bowl [106] of a toilet arrangement [102], the toilet arrangement [102] including a flush tank [108] with a storage tank [110], a face plate [116], and a flush valve [114], the self-regulated cleaning method [142] comprising:

- continuously determining, with use of a flush counter [126], a count of flush actions performed on the face plate [116];

- comparing, with use of a control unit [132], the count of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] with a threshold value;

- actuating, with use of the control unit [132], the hydrogen peroxide generator for generation and release of a predetermined amount of hydrogen peroxide within water stored in the storage tank [110], in case the count of flush actions performed on the face plate [116] reaches beyond the threshold value;

- performing a first actuation, with use of the control unit [132], of the flush valve [114] for release of the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102]; and

- performing a second actuation, with use of the control unit [132], of the flush valve [114] after a predetermined time from the first actuation, for release of the water to the toilet bowl [106] of the toilet arrangement [102].

13. The self-regulated cleaning method [142] as claimed in claim 12, further includes a step of allowing refilling of the storage tank [110] with water after performing the first actuation and before performing the second actuation.

14. The self-regulated cleaning method [142] as claimed in claim 12, further includes resetting the counter of the storage unit [140] after each cycle of steps of actuating the hydrogen peroxide generator [122], performing first actuation of the flush valve [114], and performing second actuation of the flush valve [114].

Ansprüche

1. Toilettensystem (100) umfassend eine Toilettenanordnung (102) und ein selbstreguliertes Reinigungssystem (104), wobei die Toilettenanordnung (102) ein Toilettenbecken (106) und einen Spültank (108) umfasst, wobei der Spültank (108) einen Speichertank (110), eine Frontplatte (116) und ein Spülventil (114) aufweist, wobei das selbstregulierte Reinigungssystem (104) umfasst:

- einen Wasserstoffperoxid-Generator (122), der innerhalb des Speichertanks (110) des Spültanks (108) angeordnet ist und angepasst ist, um bei Betätigung des Wasserstoffperoxid-Generators (122) eine vordefinierte Menge an Wasserstoffperoxid in dem im Speichertank (110) gespeicherten Wasser zu generieren und zu geben; und

- ein Steuersystem (124), umfassend:

einen Spülzähler (126), der angepasst ist, um eine Anzahl von Spülvorgängen zu bestimmen, die an der Frontplatte (116) des Spültanks (108) durchgeführt werden; und

eine Steuereinheit (132), die funktionsfähig mit dem Spülzähler (126), dem Wasserstoffperoxid-Generator (122) und dem Spülventil (114) verbunden ist, wobei die Steuereinheit (132) angepasst ist, zum:

Betätigen des Wasserstoffperoxid-Generators (122), wenn die Anzahl der Spülvorgänge, die durch den Spülzähler (126) bestimmt wird, einen Schwellenwert überschreitet, um Wasserstoffperoxid in das im Tank (110) gespeicherten Wasser zu geben,

Durchführen einer ersten Betätigung des Spülventils (114) zum Freigeben einer Mischung aus Wasserstoffperoxid und Wasser in das Toilettenbecken (106) der Toilettenanordnung (102), und

Durchführen einer zweiten Betätigung des Spülventils (114) nach vordefinierter Zeit ab der ersten Betätigung zum Freigeben von Wasser in dem Toilettenbecken (106) der Toilettenanordnung (102).

2. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Wasserstoffperoxid-Generator (122) des selbstregulierten Reinigungssystems (104) eine in-situ elektrolytische Zelle ist, die die vordefinierte Menge an Wasserstoffperoxid innerhalb des Speichertanks (110) durch eine elektrolytische chemische Reaktion generiert.

3. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die vordefinierte Menge an Wasserstoffperoxid, das durch den Wasserstoffperoxid-Generator (122) des selbstregulierten Reinigungssystems (104) generiert wird, innerhalb eines Bereichs von 2 % bis 30 % des Volumens einer Speichertankkapazität liegt, insbesondere innerhalb eines Bereichs von 3 % bis 6 % des Volumens der Speichertankkapazität.

4. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Spülungszähler (126) des Steuersystems (124) aufweist:

mindestens einen Schwimmerschalter (136, 138), der angepasst ist, um bei einem an der Frontplatte (116) durchgeführten Spülvorgang ein Signal zu generieren; und

eine Speichereinheit (140), die einen Zähler aufweist, der bei Empfang des Signals von dem mindestens einen Schwimmerschalter (136, 138) inkrementiert wird, so dass ein Zählerwert der Zählung der Spülvorgänge entspricht, die an der Frontplatte (116) durchgeführt werden.

5. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 4, wobei der mindestens eine Schwimmerschalter (136, 138) ein Wasserstandssensor ist, der das Signal basierend auf einem Wasserstand des Speichertanks (110) generiert.

6. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 4, wobei der mindestens eine Schwimmerschalter (136, 138) einen Halbschwimmerschalter (138) und einen Vollschwimmerschalter (136) aufweist, so dass der Zähler der Speichereinheit (140) beim Empfang des Signals von dem Vollschwimmerschalter (136) um eins (1) inkrementiert wird, wenn der Zählerwert des Zählers beim Empfang des Signals von dem Halbschwimmerschalter (138) um Einhalb (0,5) inkrementiert wird.

7. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Steuersystem (124) ferner eine mit der Steuereinheit (132) verbundene Anzeigeeinheit (128) aufweist, um die Zählung der Anzahl der Spülvorgänge anzuzeigen, wie durch den Spülzähler (126) bestimmt.

8. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Anzeigeeinheit (128) ferner ein Datum, eine Uhrzeit, einen Reinigungsmodus, eine Zyklusdauer und eine Lebensdauer der Reinigungslösung und des in dem Speichertank (110) verbliebenen Wassers anzeigt.

9. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinheit (132) des Steuersystems (124) ferner angepasst ist, zum:

kontinuierlichen Empfangen der Zählung der Anzahl der an der Frontplatte (116) durchgeführten Spülvorgänge,

Vergleichen der Zählung der Anzahl der Spülvorgänge mit dem Schwellenwert, und

Betätigen des Wasserstoffperoxid-Generators (122), wenn die Zählung der Anzahl der Spülvorgänge den Schwellenwert überschreitet.

10. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die vordefinierte Zeit zwischen Durchführen der ersten Betätigung des Spülventils (114) und der zweiten Betätigung des Spülventils (114) 20 Minuten beträgt.

11. Toilettensystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das selbstregulierte Reinigungssystem (104) ferner eine Sicherheitseinheit (130) ausweist, die eine Betätigung des Steuersystems (124) entweder anhält oder stoppt, wenn ein Fehler in der Toilettenanordnung (102) oder dem selbstregulierten Reinigungssystem (104) erfasst wird.

12. Selbstreguliertes Reinigungsverfahren (142) zum Reinigen eines Toilettenbeckens (106) einer Toilettenanordnung (102), wobei die Toilettenanordnung (102) einen Spültank (108) mit einem Speichertank (110), einer Frontplatte (116) und einem Spülventil (114) aufweist, wobei das selbstregulierte Reinigungsverfahren (142) aufweist:

- kontinuierliches Bestimmen, unter Verwendung eines Spülzählers (126), einer Zählung der Spülvorgänge, die an der Frontplatte (116) durchgeführt werden;

- Vergleichen, unter Verwendung einer Steuereinheit (132), der Zählung der Spülvorgänge, die an der Frontplatte (116) durchgeführt werden, mit einem Schwellenwert;

- Betätigen, unter Verwendung der Steuereinheit (132), des Wasserstoffperoxid-Generators zum Erzeugen und Freigeben einer vorbestimmten Menge an Wasserstoffperoxid in dem in dem Speichertank (110) gespeicherten Wasser, in dem Fall, dass die Zählung der an der Frontplatte (116) durchgeführten Spülvorgänge den Schwellenwert überschreitet;

- Durchführen einer ersten Betätigung, unter Verwendung der Steuereinheit (132), des Spülventils (114) zum Freigeben der Mischung aus Wasserstoffperoxid und Wasser in das Toilettenbecken (106) der Toilettenanordnung (102); und

- Durchführen einer zweiten Betätigung, unter Verwendung der Steuereinheit (132), des Spülventils (114) nach einer vorbestimmten Zeit ab der ersten Betätigung, zum Freigeben des Wassers in das Toilettenbecken (106) der Toilettenanordnung (102).

13. Selbstreguliertes Reinigungsverfahren (142) nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend einen Schritt zum Ermöglichen eines Nachfüllens des Speichertanks (110) mit Wasser nach Durchführen der ersten Betätigung und vor Durchführen der zweiten Betätigung.

14. Selbstreguliertes Reinigungsverfahren (142) nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend ein Zurücksetzen des Zählers der Speichereinheit (140) nach jedem Zyklus von Schritten zum Betätigen des Wasserstoffperoxid-Generators (122), zum Durchführen einer ersten Betätigung des Spülventils (114) und zum Durchführen einer zweiten Betätigung des Spülventils (114).

Revendications

1. Système de toilettes [100] comprenant un agencement de toilettes [102] et un système de nettoyage autorégulé [104], l'agencement de toilettes [102] comprenant une cuvette de toilettes [106] et un réservoir de chasse d'eau [108], le réservoir de chasse d'eau [108] ayant un réservoir de stockage [110], une plaque frontale [116] et une vanne de chasse d'eau [114], le système de nettoyage autorégulé [104] comprenant :

- un générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122] positionné à l'intérieur du réservoir de stockage [110] du réservoir de chasse d'eau [108], et adapté pour générer et libérer une quantité prédéfinie de peroxyde d'hydrogène dans l'eau stockée dans le réservoir de stockage [110], lors de l'actionnement du générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122] ; et

- un système de commande [124], comprenant :

un compteur de chasse d'eau [126] adapté pour déterminer le compte du nombre d'actions de chasse d'eau réalisées sur la plaque frontale [116] du réservoir de chasse d'eau [108] ; et

une unité de commande [132] reliée fonctionnellement au compteur de chasse d'eau [126], au générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122] et à la vanne de chasse d'eau [114], l'unité de commande [132] étant adaptée pour :

actionner le générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122] lorsque le compte du nombre d'actions de chasse d'eau déterminé par le compteur de chasse d'eau [126] dépasse une valeur seuil, pour la libération de peroxyde d'hydrogène dans l'eau stockée dans le réservoir de stockage [110],

réaliser un premier actionnement de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114] pour libérer un mélange de peroxyde d'hydrogène et d'eau vers la cuvette de toilettes [106] de l'agencement de toilettes [102], et

réaliser un deuxième actionnement de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114] après un temps prédéfini à partir du premier actionnement pour libérer l'eau dans la cuvette de toilettes [106] de l'agencement de toilettes [102].

2. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122] du système de nettoyage autorégulé [104] est une cellule électrolytique in situ, qui génère la quantité prédéfinie de peroxyde d'hydrogène dans le réservoir de stockage [110] au moyen d'une réaction chimique électrolytique.

3. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel la quantité prédéfinie de peroxyde d'hydrogène générée par le générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122] du système de nettoyage autorégulé [104] se trouve dans une plage de 2% à 30% en volume de la capacité de réservoir de stockage, en particulier dans une plage de 3% à 6% en volume de la capacité de réservoir de stockage.

4. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le compteur de chasse d'eau [126] du système de commande [124] comprend :

au moins un interrupteur flottant [136, 138] adapté pour générer un signal lors d'une action de chasse d'eau réalisée sur la plaque frontale [116] ; et

une unité de stockage [140] ayant un compteur, qui est incrémenté lors de la réception du signal provenant de l'au moins un interrupteur flottant [136, 138], de sorte qu'une valeur de compteur corresponde au compte des actions de chasse d'eau réalisées sur la plaque frontale [116].

5. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 4, dans lequel l'au moins un interrupteur flottant [136, 138] est un capteur de niveau d'eau qui génère le signal sur la base d'un niveau d'eau du réservoir de stockage [110].

6. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 4, dans lequel l'au moins un interrupteur flottant [136, 138] comprend un interrupteur semi-flottant [138] et un interrupteur entièrement flottant [136], de sorte que le compteur de l'unité de stockage [140] soit incrémenté de un (1) lors de la réception du signal de l'interrupteur entièrement flottant [136], tandis que la valeur de compteur du compteur est incrémentée de moitié (0,5) lors de la réception du signal de l'interrupteur semi-flottant [138].

7. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le système de commande [124] comprend en outre une unité d'affichage [128] reliée à l'unité de commande [132], pour afficher le compte du nombre d'actions de chasse d'eau tel que déterminé par le compteur de chasse d'eau [126],

8. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 7, dans lequel l'unité d'affichage [128] affiche en outre une date, une heure, un mode de nettoyage, une durée de cycle et une durée de vie de la solution de nettoyage et de l'eau laissées dans le réservoir de stockage [110].

9. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel l'unité de commande [132] du système de commande [124] est en outre adaptée pour :

recevoir en continu le compte du nombre d'actions de chasse d'eau réalisées sur la plaque frontale [116],

comparer le compte du nombre d'actions de chasse d'eau avec la valeur seuil, et

actionner le générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122] lorsque le compte du nombre d'actions de chasse d'eau dépasse la valeur seuil.

10. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le temps prédéfini entre la réalisation du premier actionnement de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114] et le deuxième actionnement de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114] est de 20 minutes.

11. Système de toilettes [100] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 1, dans lequel le système de nettoyage autorégulé [104] comprend en outre une unité de sécurité [130] qui interrompt ou arrête un fonctionnement du système de commande [124], lors de la détection d'un défaut dans l'agencement de toilettes [102] ou dans le système de nettoyage autorégulé [104].

12. Procédé de nettoyage autorégulé [142] pour nettoyer une cuvette de toilettes [106] d'un agencement de toilettes [102], l'agencement de toilettes [102] comprenant un réservoir de chasse d'eau [108] avec un réservoir de stockage [110], une plaque frontale [116], et une vanne de chasse d'eau [114], le procédé de nettoyage autorégulé [142] comprenant :

- la détermination en continu, en utilisant un compteur de chasse d'eau [126], d'un compte des actions de chasse d'eau réalisées sur la plaque frontale [116] ;

- la comparaison, en utilisant une unité de commande [132], du compte des actions de chasse d'eau réalisées sur la plaque frontale [116] avec une valeur seuil ;

- l'actionnement, en utilisant l'unité de commande [132], du générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène pour générer et libérer une quantité prédéterminée de peroxyde d'hydrogène dans l'eau stockée dans le réservoir de stockage [110], dans le cas où le compte des actions de chasse d'eau réalisées sur la plaque frontale [116] dépasse la valeur seuil ;

- la réalisation d'un premier actionnement, en utilisant l'unité de commande [132], de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114] pour libérer le mélange de peroxyde d'hydrogène et d'eau vers la cuvette de toilettes [106] de l'agencement de toilettes [102] ; et

- la réalisation d'un deuxième actionnement, en utilisant l'unité de commande [132], de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114] après un temps prédéterminé à partir du premier actionnement, pour libérer l'eau vers la cuvette de toilettes [106] de l'agencement de toilettes [102].

13. Procédé de nettoyage autorégulé [142] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 12, comprenant en outre une étape consistant à permettre le remplissage du réservoir de stockage [110] avec de l'eau après la réalisation du premier actionnement et avant la réalisation du deuxième actionnement.

14. Procédé de nettoyage autorégulé [142] tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 12, comprenant en outre la réinitialisation du compteur de l'unité de stockage [140] après chaque cycle des étapes d'actionnement du générateur de peroxyde d'hydrogène [122], de réalisation du premier actionnement de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114], et de réalisation d'un deuxième actionnement de la vanne de chasse d'eau [114].

Drawing