US20100071121A1

US20100071121A1 - Toilet Bowl Cleaning and/or Deodorizing Device

Info

Publication number: US20100071121A1
Application number: US12/581,264
Authority: US
Inventors: William R. Kissner; Michael M. Sawalski; Paul M. Everett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-20
Filing date: 2009-10-19
Publication date: 2010-03-25
Also published as: WO2011049617A3; WO2011049617A2

Abstract

A device for spraying a fluid onto a wall of an enclosure (e.g. a toilet bowl) is disclosed. The device includes a fluid container, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed onto the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near an opening of the enclosure, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor. The controller activates the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container to the fluid sprayer if the controller determines that an object is not near the sensor. The sensor can include a pyroelectric sensing element and a lens positioned such that a sensor footprint image is focused onto the pyroelectric sensing element. The sensor can include first and second pyroelectric sensing elements wherein only one of the first and the second pyroelectric sensing elements is exposed to incident radiation from the object.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/142,942 filed Jun. 20, 2008 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/831,653 filed Jul. 31, 2007 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/800,488 filed May 4, 2007 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/312,281 filed Dec. 20, 2005.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an automatic and/or manual toilet bowl cleaning device where the inner surface of the toilet bowl can be cleaned around the entire circumference of the toilet bowl. The device includes a sensor that determines if an object is near a fluid sprayer of the device. If an object is not near the sensor, a pumping apparatus of the device delivers fluid from a container to the fluid sprayer. The pumping apparatus can be automatically and/or manually started for dispensing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Toilet bowls require care to prevent the buildup of unsightly deposits, to reduce odors, and to prevent bacteria growth. Traditionally, toilet bowls have been cleaned, deodorized, and disinfected by manual scrubbing with a liquid or powdered cleaning and sanitizing agent. This task has required manual labor to keep the toilet bowl clean.
In order to eliminate the detested manual scrubbing, various toilet bowl cleaner dispensers have been proposed. One type of dispenser comprises a solid block or solid particles of a cleansing and freshening substance that is suspended from the rim of a toilet bowl in a container that is placed in the path of the flushing water. U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,670 shows an example of this type of toilet bowl cleaning system. Typically, a portion of the solid block is dissolved in the flush water with each flush, and the flush water having dissolved product is dispensed into the toilet bowl for cleaning the bowl.
Other toilet bowl cleaning systems use a liquid cleaning agent that is dispensed into a toilet bowl. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,178,564 and 6,230,334, and PCT International Publication Nos. WO 99/66139 and WO 99/66140 all disclose cleansing and/or freshening devices capable of being suspended from the rim of a toilet bowl for introducing liquid active substances from a bottle into the flushing water with each flush. In these under the toilet rim devices, the liquid active substances are delivered downward from a reservoir to a dispensing plate that is supported by a base that is suspended from the toilet bowl rim. The device is suspended from the toilet rim such that the flow of flush water from the toilet contacts the dispensing plate during a flush. The flush water carries the liquid active substances that are on the dispensing plate into the toilet bowl to clean and freshen the toilet.
Other toilet bowl dispensers use an aerosol deodorizing and/or cleaning agent that is dispensed into a toilet bowl through a conduit attached to the toilet bowl rim. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,178,070 discloses an aerosol container mounted by a bracket on a toilet rim with a tube extending over the rim; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,029,286 and 5,862,532 disclose dispensers for a toilet bowl including a pressurized reservoir of fluid, a conduit connected to the source of fluid, and a spray nozzle which is installed on the toilet rim.
One disadvantage with these known toilet rim dispensing devices is that these devices may only apply the deodorizing and/or cleaning agent to one location in the toilet water or a limited area in the toilet water or on the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, the cleaning of the inner surface of the toilet bowl may be limited to an area of the toilet bowl near the device.
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0136937, 2007/0234470, 2007/0240252, 2008/0017762 and 2009/0000016 (which are incorporated herein by reference) are owned by the owner of the current invention. These publications set forth, among others, an automatic and/or manual toilet bowl cleaning device where the inner surface of the toilet bowl is cleaned around the entire circumference of the toilet bowl.
In U.S. 2009/0000016, a device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning fluid is disclosed. The device can include a container for the fluid, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed into or onto the toilet bowl, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near the fluid sprayer, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor. The controller is programmed to execute a stored program to activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer if the controller determines that an object is not near the sensor. In one version of the device, when the sensor outputs a signal indicating that a person or household animal is near the toilet bowl, the control circuit can stop initiation of a spray cycle or stop a spray cycle in progress. The sensor includes one or more pyroelectric sensing elements oriented in advantageous positions near the toilet bowl.
In view of the advances in the art provided by the devices of U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0136937, 2007/0234470, 2007/0240252, 2008/0017762, and 2009/0000016, even further improvements to this technology would be beneficial. In particular, further improvements to the detector that is integrated into these devices would be beneficial so that even more precise detection of a person or a pet in the vicinity of the spraying area is possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs can be met with a toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device according to the invention that delivers a chemical into the toilet bowl. The term “chemical” or “chemistry” means one chemical or a mixture of chemical ingredients. Various cleaning and/or deodorizing chemicals are suitable for use with a toilet bowl cleaning device according to the invention. The toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device includes appropriate chemistry and a dispensing system. As used herein, the term “cleaning” also includes sanitizing and/or disinfecting, and the term “deodorizing” also includes freshening.
Regarding the chemistry, a chemical is applied directly onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl and/or into the toilet water so as to clean and freshen the toilet bowl. If applied to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, the chemical will typically be a liquid (single or multiple chemistries). If added to the toilet water, the chemistry can also be a liquid (single or multiple chemistries) that is added to the water to act as a preventive, or to create an environment that will work to clean the toilet automatically.
With respect to the dispensing system, the system includes several subsystems which are the means for applying the appropriate chemistry to the inner surface of the toilet bowl to conduct the cleaning process. The dispensing system may include (but is not limited to): (i) a chemistry storage container; (ii) a chemical propulsion system; (iii) a chemical delivery system; and (iv) a toilet interface. These subsystems work together to deliver the appropriate chemistry (using predetermined amounts) to deliver the desired consumer benefit.
The chemistry storage container is used to hold and store the chemistry used to clean the toilet bowl. Non-limiting examples include a standard plastic bottle, such as that found on a trigger sprayer.
The chemical propulsion system provides a method of providing the appropriate energy to the chemistry to move it through the delivery system so that it can move from the storage container to the appropriate area within the toilet bowl. Examples of this subsystem include a pump or pumping mechanism to move a liquid such as a vein pump, bellows pump, impeller driven pump, piston pump, peristaltic pump or gear driven pump.
The chemical delivery system provides a method of moving chemistry from its storage container to the appropriate area within the toilet bowl. This delivery subsystem can include a hose and a sprayer (e.g., a rotating nozzle).
The toilet interface provides a means and method of attachment to the toilet to keep the hose out of the way, keep it uncrimped, and secure the sprayer nozzle into place on the toilet rim or toilet lid.
In one example embodiment, the toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device includes a replaceable plastic transparent container filled with a toilet bowl cleaning solution that uniquely locks into an inverted position in a container holder base dispensing unit. The container holder base accepts a refill container with a unique lock and key and spill-proof closure. The device detects when a container is inserted into the container holder base and available for safe dispensing. A button release system secures the container through a locking tab that engages the container closure. The base dispensing unit activates a pump to automatically transfer fluid from the container through a conduit into a nozzle assembly approximately three times a day. The nozzle assembly is attached to the rim of the toilet bowl with the cleaning fluid dispenser nozzle inside the toilet bowl and below the inner rim. A detector is integrated into this assembly to detect whether there is a person or pet in the vicinity of the spraying area. If detected, the unit delays dispensing for a specified time to minimize accidental discharges. A functional dispensing cycle results in a continuous coating of chemical from the plastic container onto the walls of the toilet bowl from the water line up to the bottom of the rim.
In one aspect, the invention provides a device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid. The enclosure can be one of a tub or a shower or a toilet. The device includes a container for the fluid, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed on the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, a support for attaching the fluid sprayer near the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near the fluid sprayer, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor and a source of electricity (e.g., batteries).
The controller executes a stored program that activates the sensor at a beginning time of a time interval before a scheduled spraying time stored in the controller, monitors electrical signals from the sensor during the time interval to determine if an object is near the fluid sprayer, and if the controller determines that an object has not been near the sensor during the time interval, activates the pumping apparatus for a pump cycle time for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer. The stored program of the controller can also prevent activation of the pumping apparatus at the scheduled spraying time if the controller determines that an object is near the sensor during the time interval, and store in the controller a second scheduled spraying time that is later in time than the scheduled spraying time. The stored program of the controller can also activate the sensor at a second beginning time of a second time interval before the second scheduled spraying time stored in the controller, monitor electrical signals from the sensor during the second time interval to determine if an object is near the fluid sprayer, and if the controller determines that an object has not been near the sensor during the second time interval, activate the pumping apparatus for a pump cycle time for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer.
The stored program of the controller can also store in the controller a second scheduled spraying time after the pump cycle time ends. The controller can execute the stored program to activate the sensor at a second beginning time of a second time interval before the second scheduled spraying time stored in the controller, monitor electrical signals from the sensor during the second time interval to determine if an object is near the fluid sprayer, and if the controller determines that an object has not been near the sensor during the second time interval, activate the pumping apparatus for a pump cycle time for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer. The controller can also execute the stored program to monitor electrical signals from the sensor after any activation of the pumping apparatus, and deactivate the pumping apparatus if the controller determines that an object is near the sensor.
In one form, the pumping apparatus includes a motor in electrical communication with the controller, a pump chamber in fluid communication with the container, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the pump chamber and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, and a piston linked to the motor such that the piston reciprocates in the pump chamber upon motor actuation for drawing fluid from the container into the pump chamber and moving fluid from the pump chamber through the discharge conduit and into the fluid conduit. The fluid sprayer can be a rotating nozzle, and the sensor can be located on the support.
In another aspect, the invention provides a device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid. The enclosure can be one of a tub or a shower or a toilet. The device includes a container for the fluid, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed on the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, a support for attaching the fluid sprayer near the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near the fluid sprayer, a manual actuator for the pumping apparatus, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the manual actuator and the sensor and a source of electricity.
The controller can execute a stored program to receive an actuation signal from the manual actuator, activate the sensor, monitor electric signals from the sensor during a time period after receiving the actuation signal to determine if an object is near the fluid sprayer, and if the controller determines that an object has not been near the sensor during the time period, activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer. The controller can monitor electric signals from the sensor after activation of the pumping apparatus, and deactivate the pumping apparatus if the controller determines that an object is near the sensor. In one version, the controller executes the stored program to activate the sensor at a beginning time of a time interval before a scheduled spraying time of the fluid, monitor electric signals from the sensor during the time interval to determine if an object is near the fluid sprayer, and if the controller determines that an object has not been near the sensor during the time interval, activate the pumping apparatus to delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer.
The stored program of the controller can also store in the controller a second scheduled spraying time after the pump cycle time ends, activate the sensor at a second beginning time of a second time interval before the second scheduled spraying time stored in the controller, monitor electrical signals from the sensor during the second time interval to determine if an object is near the fluid sprayer, and if the controller determines that an object has not been near the sensor during the second time interval, activate the pumping apparatus for a pump cycle time for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer. The stored program of the controller can also delay activating the sensor for a delay time after receiving the actuation signal from the manual actuator.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid. The enclosure can be one of a tub or a shower or a toilet. The device includes a container for the fluid, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed into or onto the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and a source of electricity. The controller executes a stored program to activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer, monitor voltage provided from the source of electricity to the pumping apparatus, and adjust a pumping time period for the pumping apparatus based on the monitored voltage. When larger decreases in the monitored voltage are detected, the pumping time is increased. The stored program of the controller can also prevent activation of the pumping apparatus if the voltage provided from the source of electricity falls below a predetermined voltage. The stored program of the controller can also activate the pumping apparatus based on a scheduled spraying time stored in the controller. The stored program of the controller can also activate the pumping apparatus when a manual actuator is actuated.
In still another aspect, the invention provides a device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid. The enclosure can be one of a tub or a shower or a toilet. The device can include a container for the fluid, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed into or onto the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near the fluid sprayer, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor. The sensor includes a pyroelectric sensing element oriented such that a longitudinal axis of the sensing element is not normal to a surface supporting the enclosure. The controller executes a stored program to activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer if the controller determines that an object is not near the sensor. In one form, the sensor includes a pair of pyroelectric sensing elements oriented such that a longitudinal axis of each sensing element is not normal to the surface supporting the enclosure. In another form, the sensor includes a pair of pyroelectric sensing elements oriented such that a longitudinal axis of each sensing element is parallel to the surface supporting the enclosure.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a device for spraying a fluid into an enclosure or onto a wall of the enclosure. The device includes a container for the fluid, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed into or onto the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near an opening of the enclosure, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor. The controller is programmed to execute a stored program to activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer if the controller determines that an object is not near the sensor. The sensor includes a first pyroelectric sensing element and a lens configured and positioned such that a first sensor footprint image is focused onto the pyroelectric sensing element. The lens can be a Fresnel lens.
Preferably, at least part of the first sensor footprint image is located within a perimeter of the opening of the enclosure, and more preferably, the entire first sensor footprint image is located within a perimeter of the opening of the enclosure. The sensor can include a second pyroelectric sensing element and the lens can be configured and positioned such that a second sensor footprint image is focused onto the second pyroelectric sensing element. Preferably, at least part of the second sensor footprint image is located on a wall of the enclosure, and more preferably, the entire second sensor footprint image is located on the wall of the enclosure. Preferably, the first sensor footprint image and the second sensor footprint image are spaced apart. In one version of the embodiment of the invention, the enclosure is a toilet bowl, a rim of the toilet bowl defines the perimeter of the opening such that the first sensor footprint image is located in the opening of the toilet bowl, and the second sensor footprint image is located on an inside surface of the wall of the toilet bowl.
The controller can be programmed to execute a stored program to: (i) activate the sensor at a beginning time of a time interval before a scheduled spraying time stored in the controller, (ii) monitor electrical signals from the sensor during the time interval to determine if an object is near the opening, and (iii) if the controller determines that an object has not been near the opening during the time interval, activate the pumping apparatus for a pump cycle time for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer. Alternatively, the controller can be programmed to execute a stored program to: (i) receive an actuation signal from a manual actuator, (ii) activate the sensor, (iii) monitor electric signals from the sensor during a time period after receiving the actuation signal to determine if an object is near the opening, and (iv) if the controller determines that an object has not been near the opening during the time period, activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer.
In still another aspect, the invention provides a device for spraying a fluid into an enclosure or onto a wall of the enclosure. The device includes a container for the fluid, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed into or onto the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near an opening of the enclosure, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor. The controller is programmed to execute a stored program to activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer if the controller determines that an object is not near the sensor. The sensor can include a first pyroelectric sensing element and a second pyroelectric sensing element, and only one of the first pyroelectric sensing element and the second pyroelectric sensing element is exposed to incident radiation from the object. In one embodiment, the first pyroelectric sensing element is exposed to incident radiation from the object, and the first pyroelectric sensing element is in a circuit having a 8-14 micrometer spectral bandpass filter. Preferably, the lens is a Fresnel lens.
Preferably, the sensor includes a lens configured and positioned such that a first sensor footprint image is focused onto the first pyroelectric sensing element, and more preferably, the entire first sensor footprint image is located within a perimeter of the opening of the enclosure. In one version of the embodiment of the invention, the enclosure is a toilet bowl, and a rim of the toilet bowl defines the perimeter of the opening such that the first sensor footprint image is located in the opening of the toilet bowl.
The controller can be programmed to execute a stored program to: (i) activate the sensor at a beginning time of a time interval before a scheduled spraying time stored in the controller, (ii) monitor electrical signals from the sensor during the time interval to determine if an object is near the opening, and (iii) if the controller determines that an object has not been near the opening during the time interval, activate the pumping apparatus for a pump cycle time for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer. Alternatively, the controller can be programmed to execute a stored program to: (i) receive an actuation signal from a manual actuator, (ii) activate the sensor, (iii) monitor electric signals from the sensor during a time period after receiving the actuation signal to determine if an object is near the opening, and (iv) if the controller determines that an object has not been near the opening during the time period, activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet bowl cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention mounted to a toilet.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, fragmentary view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing a clip of the toilet bowl cleaning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view having a cutout showing a portion of the interior of the clip of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear oblique view of the clip of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a portion of the clip of FIG. 2 showing a hook of the clip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a portion of the clip of FIG. 2 showing a base of the clip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the clip of FIG. 2 showing the clip in rotated (dashed lines) and non-rotated (solid lines) orientations.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of the nozzle of the clip taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing the container holder of the toilet bowl cleaning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an example electrical pump suitable for use in the toilet bowl cleaning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view of the clip of FIG. 2 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the infrared detector of the clip of FIG. 2 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic of the electrical circuit of the infrared detector of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a functional flow diagram of the steps in an example operating method for the toilet bowl cleaning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 depicts optical relationships in another example version of a sensor for sensing the environment surrounding the clip of FIG. 2.

Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A cleaning device according to the invention can be used to dispense cleaning fluid into an enclosure and/or onto the inside surfaces of an enclosure, such as a toilet bowl, a shower enclosure, a bathtub enclosure, or the like. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. The embodiments are shown and described for the purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.
Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an example embodiment of a device (indicated generally at 8) for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a chemical. The device 8 includes a clip 10 for mounting a fluid delivery device to an enclosure, here a toilet bowl 12. The clip 10 is secured to the rim 14 of the toilet bowl 12 by a hook 16. A base 18 is supported by the hook 16 and houses a fluid delivery device, here a nozzle 20. A container 22 supplies fluid 25 via a fluid conduit 24 to the nozzle 20 to be dispensed onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12. The fluid 25 can be supplied from the container 22 to the nozzle 20 by way of a pumping apparatus and controller that are housed in a container holder 23. The pumping apparatus, the controller, and the container holder 23 are described in further detail below.
Turning to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 the hook 16 for supporting the base 18 and attaching the clip 10 to the toilet bowl 12 has three main segments. A bowl segment 28, a top rim segment 30, and an inner rim segment 32. All three segments 28, 30, 32 are preferably integrally molded from plastic (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) and form a flexible hook 16. The bowl segment 28 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and a flared elastomeric gripping foot 34 with elastomeric ribs 37 at a lower end for helping to secure the clip 10 to the toilet bowl 12. Suitable elastomeric materials for the gripping foot 34 and ribs 37 include, without limitation, neoprene, polyurethane rubbers, and silicone rubbers. The bowl segment 28 extends substantially vertically upward and transitions into the top rim segment 30 at a flexible elbow 35 that allows the hook 16 to flex predominantly in the F-F direction (shown on FIG. 3) to secure the clip 10 to toilet bowls of various shapes and sizes. The top rim segment 30 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and extends horizontal across the rim 14 of the toilet bowl 12 where it transitions into the inner rim segment 32 at another flexible elbow 36, also allowing the hook 16 to flex. The inner rim segment 32 extends vertically downward from the elbow 36 and is configured to engage and support the base 18.
The inner rim segment 32 of the hook 16 has a front face 38 and a rear face 40 joined by two short side faces 42. A rib 44 protrudes from the rear face 40 of the inner rim segment 32 and extends the length thereof. As discussed in detail below, the rib 44 limits the angle of rotation of the base 18 with respect to the hook 16. The rib 44 of the example embodiment has a substantially rectangular cross-section, however, the rib 44 may have a curved cross-section, a square cross-section, comprise two spaced apart members, and the like. Additionally, the rib 44 need not extend the length of the inner rim segment 32 provided the rib 44 engages the base 18 throughout the desired adjustable range of the base 18. The short side faces 42 have ratchet teeth 46 used in conjunction with the base 18 to restrain vertical movement of the base 18 along a vertical axis 48. Other restraints may be used, such as a friction fit between the hook 16 and base 18, or the like.
The bowl segment 28 and the top rim segment 30 include a series of C-shaped channels 50 that restrain the conduit 24 as it is routed around the perimeter of the hook 16 on its way to the nozzle 20 in the base 18. The bowl segment 28 of the present embodiment includes three C-shaped channels 50 of alternating openings. The conduit 24 is pressed into the C-shaped channels 50, however, the channels 50 could be rectangular or any other suitable shape to restrain the conduit 24. The top rim segment 30 preferably includes one channel 50 helping to route the conduit 24, however, more may be used if needed.
Turning to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 the base 18 has a back face 52, a pair of spaced apart side faces 54 extending forward of the back face 52, a top face 56 and a front face 58 extending between the side faces 54, and a curved face 60 extending between the side faces 54, top face 56, and front face 58. The faces 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 define a partial cavity 62 housing a portion of the nozzle 20.
The base 18 has a tab 53 that extends rearward from the back face 52 of the base 18. The tab 53 helps orientate the base 18 with respect to the rim 14 when the clip 10 is mounted to the toilet bowl 12, as discussed below. The tab 53 may be one continuous member as shown in the example embodiment, or alternatively, the tab 53 may include a plurality of members extending from the base 18. The base 18 is preferably molded from plastic (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene).
With emphasis on FIG. 6, the base 18 includes a channel 64 for receiving the inner rim segment 32 of the hook 16. The channel 64 includes a slit 66 for receiving the rib 44 having an entrance 68, an exit 70, and an intermediate position 72 (which may or may not be equidistant from the entrance 68 and the exit 70). The width of the slit 66 decreases from the entrance 68 to the intermediate position 72 and increases from the intermediate position 72 to the exit 70. In one embodiment, the intermediate position 72 is approximately half way between the entrance 68 and the exit 70; however, the narrowest point need not be halfway between the entrance 68 and exit 70, but may occur anywhere between the extremes of the slit 66. Additionally, the maximum width of the slit 66 may vary depending on the desired degree of adjustment of the base 18 with respect to the hook 16. If greater rotational adjustment of the base 18 is desired, the maximum width of the slit 66 at the entrance 68 and exit 70 may be increased; alternatively, or in addition, the width of the rib 44 may be decreased.
The channel 64 includes a pair of projections 74 extending from the walls of the short sides 65 of the channel 64 to engage the ratchet teeth 46 of the hook 16 as the inner rim segment 32 slides within the channel 64. The projections 74 are configured to engage the ratchet teeth 46 to inhibit vertical sliding of the base 18 with respect to the hook 16. The projections 74 may be rounded, terminate in a point, or other suitable geometry. Many other structures are capable of providing the desired restraint, such as a spring-loaded ball that is housed in a cavity formed in the channel 64 to urge the ball against a contour (e.g., ratchet teeth 46) of the channel 64. The engagement between the projections 74 and the ratchet teeth 46 is such that the base 18 is capable of the desired rotation (discussed below) without causing the projections 74 and ratchet teeth 46 to disengage.
The base 18 further includes a means to attach a fluid delivery device (e.g., a nozzle 20). In the example embodiment, the nozzle 20 is restrained laterally between a fluid inlet 80 and a barrel 78. The base 18 includes an arm 76 extending downward from the base 18. The arm 76 has a flat bar support segment 77 with a J-shaped bend extending forward with a barrel 78 located at the distal end of the support segment 77. The barrel 78 includes a tubular recess for receiving the bottom of the nozzle 20. The base 18 also has a fluid inlet 80 located in the curved face 60 that tapers from the opening (shown in FIG. 3). The fluid inlet 80 and the barrel 78 are used in conjunction to restrain lateral movement of the nozzle 20, but allow the nozzle 20 to rotate about the nozzle axis 82.
A sensor 98 for sensing the environment surrounding the clip 10 may be mounted to the base 18 or hook 16. Preferably, the sensor 98 is mounted substantially to the front face 58, but may be mounted on the angled face 60 or any other suitable location providing a view, for example, of the user to accurately determine the presence or absence thereof. The sensor 98 may be a motion sensor, proximity sensor, infrared detector, or the like. The sensor 98 is electrically connected to the controller to influence when the fluid 25 is dispensed to the toilet bowl 12 based upon predetermined logic as explained below.
Turning to FIG. 8, an embodiment of the nozzle 20 is described. The nozzle 20 is preferably molded from plastic (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene). The nozzle 20 includes a circular deflection plate 84, a passageway 86 extending upwards from the deflection plate 84 and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 80. A channel 88 extends radially outward from the passageway 86 near the deflection plate 84 and angles away from the initial channel 88 path at point A as shown in FIG. 8. The channel 88 is flanked by a pair of fins 90 that extend upwardly from the deflection plate 84. The contour of the channel 88 and fins 90 may vary depending on the desired rotational speed of the nozzle 20, pressure of the fluid 25, and the like.
As shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 8, the nozzle 20 is restrained laterally in the base 18 by inserting a spindle 92 extending from the underside of the deflection plate 84 into the recess in the barrel 78 of the arm 76 and by inserting the tapered end of the fluid inlet 80 into the passageway 86 where it abuts a ledge 94 formed in the passageway 86. The nozzle 20 is free to rotate about the nozzle axis 82, but is restrained from lateral movement.
The means for attaching the fluid delivery device may include a nozzle 20 suspended from the base 18 without the use of an arm 76. The fluid delivery device, here a nozzle 20, may be snap-fit to the base 18, screwed to the base 18, wedged to the base 18, and the like. Furthermore, an arcuate arm (not shown) may extend from the base 18 to support the nozzle 20.
In operation, fluid 25 is moved from the container 22 through the conduit 24 which is routed through the channels 50 along the hook 16, and into the fluid inlet 80 on the base 18. Fluid 25 flows into the top of the nozzle 20, down the passageway 86 where it is directed radially outward by the channel 88. As the fluid 25 exits the channel 88 its path is altered by the angled fins 90 flanking the channel 88. The reaction causes the nozzle 20 to rotate counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 8. As a result, the fluid 25 is expelled radially outward from the nozzle 20 onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12.
With the general structure and operation of the fluid delivery device described, we turn our attention to the means for rotating the base 18 and thus adjusting the area covered by the fluid dispensed from the nozzle 20. Returning to FIGS. 4 and 6, and with reference to FIG. 7, the base 18 can be rotated relative to the hook 16 about a horizontal axis 96 extending substantially normal from a plane defined by the vertical axis 48 and the back face 52 of the base 18. The slit 66 formed in the channel 64 is flared at the entrance 68 and exit 70. This allows the base 18 to rotate near the intermediate position 72 about the horizontal axis 96 until the rib 44 protruding from the hook 16 abuts the slit sides 45 formed in the back face 52.
For example, with reference to FIG. 7, when the base 18 is rotated by an angle R1 with respect to the vertical axis 48 (shown by dashed lines) the relative placement of the nozzle 20 is angled accordingly, thus altering the area covered by the fluid dispensed from the nozzle 20. Additionally, when the base 18 is rotated by an angle R2 in the opposite direction, the coverage of the fluid dispensed by the nozzle 20 is again altered. As the base 18 rotates, the projections 74 slide within a respective tooth of the ratchet teeth 46; thus, the fit between the projections 74 and the ratchet teeth 46 should allow for the base 18 to rotate freely while also inhibiting vertical movement of the base 18. This rotational adjustment allows the clip 10 to accommodate toilets and enclosures of varying geometries.
The means for rotating the base 18 need not include a slit 66 as described. For example, the back face 52 may include several pairs of opposed fingers in the plane defined by the back face 52 for restraining the rotation of the rib 44 of the hook 16. The opening between a pair of opposed fingers near the entrance and the opening of a pair of opposed fingers near the exit are larger than the opening between a pair of opposed fingers located between the entrance and exit fingers. As a result, the base 18 is capable of rotating until the rib 44 engages the fingers near the entrance and exit. In another embodiment, the slit 66 may have a V-shape wherein the entrance tapers to the exit, or the opposite. Thus, the point of rotation of the base 18 is located near the exit of the slit 66, or smaller of the entrance and exit. Again, the rotation of the base 18 is limited by the rib 44 engaging the slit sides 45.
The rotational adjustment of the base 18 may be performed manually by a user of the clip 10 or automatically as the clip 10 is mounted to the enclosure, here a toilet bowl 12. With general reference to FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 7, the clip 10 is mounted substantially as follows. The clip 10 is secured to the rim 14 of the toilet bowl 12 by urging the hook 16 in the F-F direction away from the base 18 and placing the clip 10 over the rim 14. Once the hook 16 is secured, the base 18 is slid along the vertical axis 48 up the hook 16 and ratchet teeth 46 until the tab 53 engages the underside of the rim 14. As the tab 53 of the base 18 continues to engage the underside of the rim 14, the base 18 is rotated about the horizontal axis 96, thus aligning the nozzle 20 with the plane of the underside of the rim 14 and helping to ensure that the fluid from the nozzle 20 is dispensed onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 (assuming the plane of the underside of the rim 14 is parallel with the plane defined by the topside of the rim 14). The tab 53 may further include an elastomeric grip 51 protruding from the distal end of the tab 53 helping to secure the base 18 in its engaged position on the rim 14. The base 18 need not include a tab 53; in this embodiment, the base 18 may be manually rotated by the user to adjust the base 18 with respect to the hook 16.
The means for moving fluid 25 from the container 22 through the conduit 24 and to the nozzle 20 to be dispensed onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 can now be described. Looking at FIG. 9, the container holder 23 includes an exterior wall 103 having a rear mounting bracket 105 for supporting a hanger (not shown) that can be used to hang the container holder 23 and container 22 on the toilet tank. The container holder 23 has a well 107 that supports the container 22 in an inverted position as shown in FIG. 1. The bottom wall 109 of the well 107 has an upwardly extending piercing post 111 that pierces a frangible seal on the container 22 and then enters a mouth of the container 22 when the container 22 is placed in the well 107 of the container holder 23. The piercing post 111 has a central piercing edge 113, an air vent inlet 115, and a fluid outlet 117.
The air vent inlet 115 is in fluid communication with a check valve (not shown). The check valve is normally closed so that fluid 25 does not leak out via the air vent inlet 115. The check valve opens by negative pressure that develops as fluid 25 is withdrawn from the container 22. The opened check valve aspirates air to the container 22 to allow the fluid 25 to flow from the container 22 in a consistent manner, without introducing air in a manner that would cause foaming or gurgling. The check valve remains open until the pressure in the container 22 has equalized sufficiently to alleviate the negative pressure and then it closes.
The fluid outlet 117 provides a fluid path from the container 22 to a conduit and then to a pump inlet port 248 as described below. A valve 119 controls release of fluid 25 from the fluid outlet 117. The weight of the container 22 opens the valve 119 when the container 22 is installed in the container holder 23. A power switch 121 in the bottom wall 109 of the well 107 moves downward when the weight of the container 22 is applied to the power switch 121 when the container 22 is installed in the container holder 23. The power switch 121 supplies power from batteries (not shown) to a controller, pumping apparatus and sensor 98 as described below. The front vertical surface of the container holder 23 also includes a manual actuator button 123 and a light emitting diode (LED) 125 which are in electrical communication with the controller. The container holder 23 also includes a push button 127 that moves a locking tab 129 that engages the container closure to lock the container 22 in the container holder 23.
Turning now to FIG. 10, an exploded perspective view of a pump 200 that is part of the pumping apparatus is shown. The pump 200 may be secured inside the container holder 23. The pump 200 includes an electric DC motor 202 that is electrical communication with batteries (not shown) and the controller. The motor 202 includes a drive shaft 204. The motor 202 is housed in a top pump housing 206 in the top annular wall 208 of the top pump housing 206. The pump 200 includes a drive gear 210 that is connected at the lower end of the drive shaft 204. The drive gear 210 meshes with a second gear 212 in the pump drive train. The gear 212 has an eccentric circular disk 213 on its upper surface. The gears 210, 212 are housed in a bottom pump housing 214.
The pump 200 includes a piston crank 215 having a collar 216 at one end. The collar 216 receives the circular disk 213 of the gear 212 when the pump 200 is assembled. The pump 200 also includes a piston 217 having a connector 218 that is assembled with a connecting pin 220 to a yoke 222 at the forward end of the piston crank 215. An O-ring seal 224 is arranged in an outer groove 226 on a forward section of the piston 217. The piston 217 reciprocates in a cylindrical pump chamber 228 with the O-ring seal 224 engaging an inner surface of the pump chamber 228 to prevent fluid leakage. The pump chamber 228 includes a pair of O-ring valve seals 232 and valve holders 234, 236 that engage umbrella check valves 238, 242. A pump connector 244 closes a forward end 245 of the pump chamber 228. The pump connector 244 includes a pump outlet port 246 and a pump inlet port 248.
During operation of the pump 200, the controller supplies electrical current from the batteries to the motor 202 under certain conditions described below. When current is provided to the motor 202, the drive shaft 204 rotates the drive gear 210 which in turn rotates the second gear 212. The circular disk 213 of the gear 212 moves the piston crank 215 forward and rearward by way of the engagement of the eccentric disk 213 and the collar 216. On the rearward stroke of the piston crank 215 (which is movement toward the collar end of the piston crank 215), fluid is drawn into the pump chamber 228 by way of the pump inlet port 248 which is in fluid communication by way of a conduit (not shown) with the fluid outlet 117 of the piercing post 111. On the forward stroke of the piston crank 215 (which is movement toward the pump connector 244), fluid is expelled from the pump chamber 228 by way of the pump outlet port 246 which is in fluid communication with the conduit 24 which delivers the fluid to the nozzle 20 to be dispensed onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 as described above.
Turning now to FIGS. 11 to 13, one example version of the sensor 98 for sensing the environment surrounding the clip 10 is shown. The sensor 98 includes a lens 302 for gathering, filtering and focusing infrared radiation from the area around the toilet bowl 12 onto a first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and a second pyroelectric sensing element 306 which are housed in a can 308 along with the circuitry of the sensor 98. The lens 302 can include facets for enhanced focusing of infrared radiation from the area around the toilet bowl 12.
An example circuit for the sensor is shown in FIG. 13. The first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 are connected in the sensing circuit 312 such that the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 subtract from each other. This causes any signal common to the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 to be canceled. An object body passing in front of the sensor 98 activates the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and then the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 while background signals affect the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 simultaneously and are cancelled.
In the version of the sensor 98 shown in FIG. 12, the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 are both rectangular, and the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 is located above the second pyroelectric sensing element 306. In order to provide enhanced object detection, the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 are oriented such that a longitudinal axis 304 a, 306 a of each sensing element 304, 306 is not normal to the surface (e.g., a floor F) supporting the toilet. In one example arrangement, the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 are oriented such that the longitudinal axis 304 a, 306 a of the first pyroelectric sensing element 304 and the second pyroelectric sensing element 306 are parallel to the surface supporting the toilet.
In FIG. 13, the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98 includes a capacitor 314, a gate resistor 316, and a field effect transistor (FET) 318. The sensing circuit 312 includes a ground connection 322, a drain connection 324, and a source connection 326. The ground connection 322, the drain connection 324, and the source connection 326 are placed in electrical communication with the controller to control operation of the pump 200 as described below. One non-limiting example of a suitable sensor 98 is the LHi 778 pyroelectric infrared detector available from PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, Santa Clara, Calif.
Having described the components of an example embodiment of a device 8 for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a chemical, a functional flow diagram of a software program routine for operating the device 8 can be explained with reference to FIG. 14. The functional flow diagram is used to generate a software program used to control the device 8. The controller of the device 8 includes a microprocessor under the control of the software program which is stored on memory of the controller. The software program can be stored in the controller memory using conventional techniques. The controller may be secured inside the container holder 23. The controller is in electrical communication with the power switch 121, the manual actuator button 123, the LED 125, the motor 202 of the pump 200, the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98, and a source of electricity (e.g., batteries secured inside the container holder 23). Suitable controllers are microcontrollers available from Elan Microelectronics Corp., Hsinchu City, Taiwan.
Referring to the functional flow diagram of FIG. 14, in a first step 400, a user inserts batteries into a battery compartment in the container holder 23. Battery compartments and their wiring to a controller are known in the art and therefore will not be explained further. In a second step 402, the container 22 (which may be a liquid refill) is installed in the container holder 23 causing the power switch 121 in the bottom wall 109 of the well 107 of the container holder 23 to move downward thereby completing a circuit to supply electrical power from batteries to the controller. This results in a reset of all controller system counters and fault conditions, and causes the LED 125 to flash to indicate to the user that the device 8 has properly powered up and a timer has been started for the first automatic discharge as described below. The LED 125 then remains on. In one example embodiment, the timer may be started on an automatic discharge that will take place 8 hours from the reset of all controller system counters and fault conditions.
The software routine then advances to step 406. The device 8 should function until the average battery voltage reaches a lower threshold voltage when the pump 200 is not running. In step 406, the controller checks the available battery voltage. If the battery voltage is below a predetermined value, a low voltage shutdown occurs at step 408 prior to controller microprocessor loss. In step 408, the LED 125 is turned off and a power down sequence occurs. If the battery voltage is at or above a predetermined value, the routine proceeds to step 410.
At step 410, the controller responds to any manual cycle request from the pressing of the manual actuator button 123. If the manual actuator button 123 has been pressed, the routine advances to step 412. The manual cycle will dispense cleaning solution 5 seconds after the depression and release of the manual actuator button 123 providing there are no objects (e.g., people or pets) on or near the toilet bowl 12 as detected by the sensor 98. At step 412, the LED 125 will flash after the manual actuator button 123 has been pressed, and the controller will ignore the sensor 98 for 4.5 seconds (which allows a person to leave the area after the manual actuator button 123 has been pressed). At step 414, the controller receives signals from the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98. If no signal is received by the controller from the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98 that indicates the presence of an object near the toilet bowl 12, the routine proceeds to step 416 in which the controller provide electrical current to the motor 202 of the pump 200 to deliver fluid to the nozzle 20 to be dispensed onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 as described above. The controller can provide electrical current to the motor 202 of the pump 200 for any selected time period depending on the amount of fluid that is desired to be dispensed onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12. One non-limiting example of a pumping time period is 1 second after which the routine moves to step 418. If a signal is received in step 414 by the controller from the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98 that indicates the presence of an object near the toilet bowl 12, the routine proceeds to step 418 in which the controller refrains from providing electrical current to the motor 202 of the pump 200. After step 418, the routine proceeds back to step 406.
When step 406 indicates that the battery voltage is not low and step 410 indicates that a manual cycle request has not been initiated by pressing the manual actuator button 123, the routine proceeds to step 420. At step 420, the controller checks the time count of the automatic discharge timer that was started on the reset of all controller system counters and fault conditions. If the automatic discharge is not due in 30 minutes or less, the routine proceeds back to step 406. If the automatic discharge is due in 30 minutes or less, the routine proceeds to step 422. At step 422, the controller receives signals from the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98. If a signal is received by the controller from the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98 that indicates the presence of an object near the toilet bowl 12, the routine proceeds to step 424 in which the discharge time of the automatic discharge timer is increased by 30 minutes. The routine then proceeds back to step 406. If no signal is received by the controller at step 422 from the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98 that indicates the presence of an object near the toilet bowl 12, the routine proceeds to step 426.
At step 426, the controller checks the time count of the automatic discharge timer that was started on the reset of all controller system counters and fault conditions. If the time count of the automatic discharge timer indicates that an automatic dispensing is not yet to occur, the routine proceeds back to step 406. If the time count of the automatic discharge timer indicates that an automatic dispensing is to occur (e.g., the eight hour dispensing interval has been reached), the routine proceeds to step 428.
At step 428, the controller first provides electrical current to the motor 202 of the pump 200 to deliver fluid to the nozzle 20 to be dispensed onto the inside surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 as described above. After a predetermined time period, the controller measures the voltage drop from the batteries. If the voltage drop is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the controller provides electrical current to the motor 202 of the pump 200 for a predetermined pumping time period (e.g., 1 second). However, if the voltage drop exceeds a predetermined value, the controller provides electrical current to the motor 202 of the pump 200 for a pumping time period (e.g., 1.2 seconds) greater than the predetermined pumping time period (e.g., 1 second). In addition, the magnitude of the measured voltage drop can be used to select the length of the extended pumping time. For example, greater voltage drops may lead to 1.4 or 1.6 seconds of pumping time. Suitable software subroutines can be used to select the extended pumping time. The extended pumping time at lower voltages is beneficial in that lower voltages result in lower pump motor speeds which reduce the fluid dispensed to the toilet bowl 12. By extending the pumping time at lower pump speeds, a consistent amount of fluid can be dispensed (e.g., 5 milliliters) even though the pump speed has decreased in relation to the pump speed at higher voltages.
During step 428, the controller also performs step 430 in which the controller monitors signals from the sensing circuit 312 of the sensor 98. If the signals from the sensor 98 indicate the presence of an object near the toilet bowl 12, the controller stops providing current to the motor 202 and the routine proceeds to step 424 in which the discharge time of the automatic discharge timer is increased by 30 minutes and the routine proceeds back to step 406. If no signals from the sensor 98 indicate the presence of an object near the toilet bowl 12, the controller stops providing current to the motor 202 at the end of the pumping time period and the routine proceeds to step 432 in which the timer may be restarted on a second automatic discharge that will take place 8 hours from the end of the pumping time period. The routine then proceeds back to step 406. Because the routine is looping, when step 432 is next reached in the routine, the timer will be restarted on a third automatic discharge that will take place 8 hours from the end of the second pumping time period. This process will repeat itself such that automatic dispensings will continue at these 8 hour intervals until the battery voltage becomes too low (see steps 406 & 408) or the fluid is depleted.
It should be appreciated that any number of alternative time periods can be used in the software routine. For example, the automatic dispensing intervals could be, without limitation, 4 hours, 6 hours, or 10 hours. The object detection subroutine of steps 420 and 422 could be initiated, without limitation, 20 minutes, 15 minutes or 10 minutes before the automatic dispensing is due. The delay of step 424 could be, without limitation, 40 minutes or 50 minutes. Software programming techniques can be used to readily adjust these and other variables.
Turning now to FIG. 15, the properties of another example version of a sensor for sensing the environment surrounding the clip 10 is illustrated. An image of a detector footprint F is focused onto a single element detector E by a lens L. This footprint F is at a specific distance b from the lens L and has a specific size D. The distance b is determined by the focal length of the lens L and the distance a the detector E is behind the lens L. The size of the footprint D is determined by the simple geometric relationship D=bd/a. The shape of the footprint F is simply a reflection of the shape of the detector E. Also, the location of the detector E relative to the lens L is given by the thin lens formula 1/f=1/a+1/b, where f is the focal length of the lens L.
As illustrated in FIG. 15, all of the exemplary rays r1, r2, r3 of radiation emitted by a point at the bottom of the footprint F and captured by the lens L are focused onto the corresponding point at the top of the detector E. This is true for all points on the footprint F. As one goes from the bottom to the top of the footprint F, the rays will be focused onto the corresponding points on the detector E going from the top to the bottom. Any radiation emitted from points outside of the footprint F will not reach the detector E but will be focused at points outside of the detector E. This is illustrated by the rays r4, r5, r6 in FIG. 15 which do not reach the detector E.
In a toilet bowl cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the focal length of the lens L and the positioning of the detector E behind the lens L should be chosen so that the detector footprint F is located at and just fills the top opening 27 defined by the rim 14 of the toilet bowl 12 (see FIG. 1). Without limiting the possible configurations of the lens L and detector E, it can be seen from FIG. 15 that distance a can be varied and the angular orientation of lens L with respect to line V can be varied. That way the image of any object filling that opening 27 defined by the rim 14 of the toilet bowl 12 will be focused onto the detector E and all radiation emitted by that object and captured by the lens L will be directed onto the detector E.
It is possible to use a diffuser instead of a lens L in the sensor. Like the lens L, the diffuser will capture radiation coming from all directions. While the lens L will direct only radiation coming from the footprint F (i.e., in the opening 27 of the toilet bowl 12) onto the detector E, the diffuser will scatter all incident radiation in all directions. Some of the radiation coming from the opening 27 of the toilet bowl 12 will reach the detector E but only a fraction of it—the rest will be scattered off to the sides. Also, radiation coming from the rest of the interior of the toilet bowl will be scattered onto the detector E. While a diffuser is suitable for use in a sensor of the device of the present invention, the net effect of using the diffuser instead of a lens is that far less radiation from the opening 27 of the toilet bowl 12 reaches the detector along with radiation from everywhere else. The diffuser can direct enough radiation from the intended target onto the detector that the condition of the toilet seat being occupied can be determined with reliability. However, it is clear that a much larger signal will be generated in the detector E with an appropriate Fresnel lens L, and that should result in an even more significantly higher level of reliability. A Fresnel lens includes a surface having concentric annular sections wherein each section has the same curvature.
An example detector suitable for use with the present invention includes a very thin slab of crystalline material with electrodes evaporated onto the opposing faces of the slab. See, for example, pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 in FIGS. 12 and 13. If excess infrared radiation is incident on the detector that radiation is absorbed causing the temperature of the detector material to increase thus generating a voltage between the two electrodes. This voltage should be detected with very high input impedance electronics since the signal is generated by a very small amount of surface charge on the opposing surfaces of the detector material. If any significant current is allowed to flow, this surface charge would be neutralized immediately. A pyroelectric detector can have a field effect transistor built into the detector package just for the purpose of this isolation. Also, the lifetime of the signal is limited by ions in the atmosphere within the detector package that will be attracted to the exposed detector surface thereby neutralizing the surface charge. This lifetime is typically on the order of 10 seconds or so.
Two pyroelectric detectors can be connected in series opposition as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The purpose is to cancel out the effect of ambient temperature drift. If the ambient or room temperature changes, the temperature of the detector will change thereby generating a signal that is independent of any incident optical radiation. If two detectors connected serially with opposite polarity are exposed to the same temperature drift, one will generate a positive voltage signal and the other a negative voltage signal, and the two signals will simply cancel each other. In one example configuration of a sensor for the present invention, only one of the pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 in FIGS. 12 and 13 is exposed to the incident radiation, and the other of the pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 in FIGS. 12 and 13 is covered or hidden so that incident radiation will not affect it. Then the signal from the thermal drift is eliminated, but the optically generated signal is detected.
In another example configuration of a sensor for the present invention, the two opposed pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 are both exposed to the incident radiation. These pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 can be used with a lens L as shown in FIG. 15. In this version of the invention, one of the pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 is displaced so that it is above the optical axis or centerline of the lens L (e.g., moved upward in FIG. 15), and the other of the pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 is located below the optical axis (moved downward in FIG. 15). Each of the pyroelectric sensing elements 304, 306 would then have its own footprint with a space between it and the footprint of the other sensing element. Then a person moving say from the top of FIG. 15 toward the bottom would first move into one footprint causing the temperature of that sensing element to increase. The person would then move out of that footprint into the space between the two footprints removing the incident radiation and causing the temperature to fall back to where it was. If that detector were connected with negative polarity, the person would first generate a negative pulse when he entered the footprint followed by a positive pulse when he left it. As the person continued, the person would first enter then leave the footprint of the second sensing element. Since this sensing element is connected with positive polarity, the person would first generate a positive pulse when the person entered that footprint followed by a negative pulse when the person left it. Since the person is most likely moving at some reasonable speed, the pulses will probably overlap to some degree. While the two negative pulses at the ends will tend to pull down the positive pulses in the middle to some degree, the two adjacent positive pulses will add giving a strong signal that can be detected.
Another arrangement for either the lens or diffuser design of the present invention is the single optically active sensing element connected in series opposition with a blind sensing element. This application is basically static in nature. When the sensor is hung on the inside of the toilet bowl, any dipole surface charge generated by a change in environment is neutralized within a few seconds, and the detector signal falls to zero. Human skin has a temperature that is typically about 90-92° F. Most of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is in the 8-14 micrometer (μm) band which is why a detector for “room temperature” radiation such as in the present invention typically can include a 8-14 μm spectral bandpass filter as a window.
When a person sits on the toilet seat, the temperature of the exposed skin is on the order of 90-92° F. The ambient room temperature would be expected to be on the order of 70° F. or so. When the person sits on the toilet seat the radiation from the 70° F. background through the hole in the toilet seat is replaced by the 92° F. radiation from the exposed skin. Thus, the radiation reaching the detector will be significantly increased. The amount of the increase will be substantially greater if a lens is used rather than a diffuser, but it will be increased in either case. This will cause the generation of dipole surface charge on the pyroelectric sensing element and a signal from the detection electronics. This signal will rise quickly and then fall back to zero more slowly over a period of less than a minute as that surface charge is neutralized by ions in the backfill gas of the detector package. When the person stands up and leaves the toilet, the reverse happens. The amount of radiation incident on the detector decreases resulting in generation of surface charge of the opposite charge and a detector signal of the opposite sign. The sensor electronics takes both the positive and negative detector voltage signals, converts the negative signal to a positive one and passes both signals through operational amplifiers with open loop gain. This very high gain ensures that the output signals will rise very rapidly from the low rail (ground) to the high rail (V_DD) and then fall rapidly back to the low rail. Then the output signal when the person either sits down or stands up will appear more or less as a square pulse from zero to V_DD(assuming the operational amplifiers are rail-to-rail, otherwise a little less) and significantly less than a minute in duration. Thus, using dual sensing elements where only one of the pyroelectric sensing elements is exposed to the incident radiation and the other is blind can provide immunity from ambient temperature drifts while providing maximum sensitivity to the incident radiation.
The performance of this sensing element combination can be enhanced if a lens is used instead of a diffuser and the lens focal length and the orientation of the lens in relation to the sensing elements are selected so that the two detector footprints are separated enough so that one footprint is filled by the opening 27 of the toilet bowl 12 and the other footprint by the inside surface 26 of the wall of the toilet bowl 12 (see FIG. 1). Since the second sensing element has a static view of the inside surface 26 of the wall of the toilet bowl 12, no signal will be generated in it when the person sits down on the toilet or stands up. Therefore, one advantageous sensor achieves improved performance and reliability by using a Fresnel lens and orienting the lens and sensing elements so that at least one detector footprint covers the opening 27 of the toilet bowl 12.
Thus, the present invention provides a toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device that delivers a chemical into the toilet bowl. The device provides consumers with an automatic, unattended dispensing of the toilet bowl cleaning fluid. The device can keep the toilet bowl clean for up to 30 days without scrubbing, and gets a dirty toilet bowl cleaner in days. The device provides overall bowl cleanliness by enhanced shine, removal of hard water lines and retardation of biofilm, mold and mildew growth. The device has quiet, unattended operation, and manual dispensing is available in addition to automatic cycles. A detector is integrated into the device so that precise detection of a person or a pet in the vicinity of the spraying area is possible thereby preventing accidental dispensing.
Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention provides an automatic and/or manual toilet bowl cleaning device where the inner surface of the toilet bowl can be cleaned around the entire circumference of the toilet bowl by application of a cleaning fluid.

Claims

1. A device for spraying a fluid into an enclosure or onto a wall of the enclosure, the device comprising:

a container for the fluid;

a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed into or onto the wall of the enclosure;

a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer;

a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer when the pumping apparatus is activated;

a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near an opening of the enclosure; and

a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor, wherein the controller executes a stored program to activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer if the controller determines that an object is not near the sensor,

wherein the sensor includes a pyroelectric sensing element and a lens configured and positioned such that a sensor footprint image is focused onto the pyroelectric sensing element.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein:

the lens is a Fresnel lens.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein:

the entire sensor footprint image is located within a perimeter of the opening of the enclosure.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein:

at least part of the sensor footprint image is located within a perimeter of the opening of the enclosure.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein:

the sensor includes a second pyroelectric sensing element and the lens is configured and positioned such that a second sensor footprint image is focused onto the second pyroelectric sensing element.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein:

at least part of the sensor footprint image is located within a perimeter of the opening of the enclosure, and

at least part of the second sensor footprint image is located on a wall of the enclosure.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein:

the entire sensor footprint image is located in within the perimeter of the opening of the enclosure, and

the entire second sensor footprint image is located on the wall of the enclosure.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein:

the enclosure is a toilet bowl,

a rim of the toilet bowl defines the perimeter of the opening, and

the second sensor footprint image is located on an inside surface of the wall of the toilet bowl.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein:

the controller executes a stored program to:

(i) activate the sensor at a beginning time of a time interval before a scheduled spraying time stored in the controller,

(ii) monitor electrical signals from the sensor during the time interval to determine if an object is near the opening, and

(iii) if the controller determines that an object has not been near the opening during the time interval, activate the pumping apparatus for a pump cycle time for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein:

the controller executes a stored program to:

(i) receive an actuation signal from a manual actuator,

(ii) activate the sensor,

(iii) monitor electric signals from the sensor during a time period after receiving the actuation signal to determine if an object is near the opening, and

(iv) if the controller determines that an object has not been near the opening during the time period, activate the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein:

the sensor includes a second pyroelectric sensing element and a second lens configured and positioned such that a second sensor footprint image is focused onto the second pyroelectric sensing element.

12. The device of claim 12 wherein:

the sensor footprint image and the second sensor footprint image are spaced apart.

13. A device for spraying a fluid into an enclosure or onto a wall of the enclosure, the device comprising:

a container for the fluid;

wherein the sensor includes a first pyroelectric sensing element and a second pyroelectric sensing element, and

wherein only one of the first pyroelectric sensing element and the second pyroelectric sensing element is exposed to incident radiation from the object.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein:

the lens is a Fresnel lens.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein:

the sensor includes a lens configured and positioned such that a first sensor footprint image is focused onto the first pyroelectric sensing element.

16. The device of claim 15 wherein:

the entire first sensor footprint image is located within a perimeter of the opening of the enclosure.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein:

the enclosure is a toilet bowl, and

a rim of the toilet bowl defines the perimeter of the opening.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein:

the controller executes a stored program to:

19. The device of claim 17 wherein:

the controller executes a stored program to:

(i) receive an actuation signal from a manual actuator,

(ii) activate the sensor,

20. The device of claim 13 wherein:

the first pyroelectric sensing element is exposed to incident radiation from the object, and

the first pyroelectric sensing element is in a circuit having a 8-14 micrometer spectral bandpass filter.