CN111492117A

CN111492117A - Multi-volume flushing system

Info

Publication number: CN111492117A
Application number: CN201880082622.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·奥布瑞斯特; J·兰特
Original assignee: Oblamatik AG
Current assignee: Oblamatik AG
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2018-12-19
Publication date: 2020-08-04
Also published as: AU2018390878A1; CH714479A2; WO2019122038A1; US20200354940A1; EP3728748A1

Abstract

A multi-volume flushing system comprising a closable flushing water supply (7, 8), a user actuator (9) and a flushing program trigger (10), the flushing program trigger (10) being connected with the user actuator (9), the flushing program trigger (10) being used to open or close a flushing water conduit (8), wherein the multi-volume flushing system further comprises at least one vibration detector (16) arranged outside the water (3) of the collection basin (4) and a central processor unit (12), wherein the flushing program trigger (10) is actuated on the basis of vibrations, which are detected by the vibration detector and evaluated by the central processor unit (12).

Description

Multi-volume flushing system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multiple volume flush system, particularly for toilets.

Background

From WO 2009/124866 a toilet of a multi-volume flushing system is known, wherein the sound generated by a substance introduced into the toilet is detected by a sound sensor arranged in the water of the collecting bowl. The central processor unit evaluates the pressure pulsations detected by the acoustic sensor and initiates a flush accordingly. A disadvantage of arranging the acoustic sensor in the water is that the acoustic sensor or the acoustic guide arranged on the acoustic sensor can become contaminated. Furthermore, this position is not ideal in terms of assembly and maintenance.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-volume flushing system which avoids the above disadvantages.

This object is achieved by a multi-volume flushing system having the features of claim 1. Other embodiments of the multi-volume flushing system, of the toilet of the multi-volume flushing system, and of the method of determining the flushing water dosage in the multi-volume flushing system will be defined by the features of the other claims.

The multi-volume flushing system according to the invention comprises a closable flushing-water supply which is connected to the toilet bowl, to a user actuator, and to a flushing-program trigger connected to the user actuator for opening or closing a flushing-water conduit. The multi-volume flush system further includes at least one vibration detector disposed outside of the water collecting basin for detecting vibrations caused by substances introduced into the toilet, and a central processor unit operatively electronically connected to the user actuator, the flush procedure trigger, and the vibration detector, wherein software launched at the central processor unit enables the central processor unit to evaluate the vibrations detected by the vibration detector, actuating the flush procedure trigger to trigger a flush based on the evaluation. The advantage of this design is that the vibration detector is less prone to contamination and is more accessible, simplifying assembly and maintenance. If, after evaluating the vibrations measured by the vibration detector, it is determined that the substance introduced into the toilet is liquid, a flushing sequence will be initiated such that the flushing water conduit is opened for a comparatively short time, whereupon a smaller amount of flushing water is released. If it is determined that the substance introduced into the toilet is solid, a larger amount of flush water is released. The processor may also be programmed to release a larger amount of flush water when a large amount of liquid is detected being introduced into the toilet. The software of the processor may be programmed to generate a predetermined amount of flush water based on the duration and/or intensity of the vibrations detected by the vibration detector. For example, two, three, four or more kinds of the amount of the washing water may be set in advance. For example, the amount of water released for an identified liquid may include one, two, three, or more individual values. Alternatively, the amount of flush water may be continuously varied within a range. This also applies to the detection of the introduced solid. In addition to the directly measured vibrations, parameters calculated from the vibrations, for example average values, can also be used to determine the flushing water quantity. When identifying the liquid, it can be determined whether the liquid is standing or sitting when introduced into the toilet, for example, by means of the measured vibration intensity. Such a determination may be used to provide a corresponding prompt to the user. From the measured signal it can also be seen whether the user has left liquid in the toilet or on the toilet, for example on the rim of the toilet. Corresponding visual and audio indications may then be given to the user. The multiple volume flush system according to the present invention can be used with wall or floor mounted toilets. The multi-volume flushing system may also be used with wall or floor mounted urinals.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is arranged on or at least partially within the flush-water supply. For example, the vibration detector may be arranged on or at least partly within the flush tank, or may be arranged on or at least partly within the flush water conduit. In the case of an arrangement on/in the flushing cistern, the vibration detector can be preassembled, so that no assembly, respective wiring or connections have to be made on site. If the flushing water conduit and the flushing water tank can be preassembled, the vibration detector can also be preassembled when the vibration detector is arranged on/in the flushing water conduit. This reduces the labor for field assembly.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector and/or the central processor unit are integrated in the flush procedure trigger. This results in a compact unit which can be closed watertight, thereby reducing the area which needs to be sealed.

In one embodiment, the central processor unit is connected to a power supply source selected from the group consisting of: a power supply, a battery, a storage battery, a capacitor, a generator driven by the flush tank water fill, and any combination thereof. For example, a permanently installed toilet may include a primary power source, while a mobile toilet may include a wireless power source.

In one embodiment, the user actuator is designed as a presence detector with a detection range, wherein software launched at the central processor unit causes the central processor unit to actuate the flush procedure trigger to trigger a flush if the user presence is in the first detection range or the user has left the second detection range. For example, a flush may be triggered when a user places a hand in a first detection range near a wall located above the toilet. Optical identification markings may be provided in the corresponding areas of the wall. Furthermore, when the user leaves a second detection range above and/or in front of the toilet, a flush may be triggered. In this way, it is possible to recognize when a user standing or sitting leaves the corresponding range. The flushing procedure may also be triggered with a delay, i.e. after the user has left the detection range for a certain time, e.g. a few seconds. The flushing is performed after the user has left the toilet range, e.g. the toilet compartment.

In one embodiment, the presence detector comprises the vibration detector. This design requires only one detector, greatly reducing the complexity of the system. For example, the user actuator may include a touch surface that must be contacted to flush. By means of said one detector it is possible to first identify the substance introduced into the toilet and then to identify the contact to said user actuator.

In one embodiment, the user actuator is designed as a button, wherein when the user presses the button, software launched at the central processor unit causes the central processor unit to actuate the flush procedure trigger to trigger a flush. The button may be a movable button or a fixed button. The movable button can be moved by the user while the fixed button is not moved when pressed. For example, a touch pad is a fixed button.

In one embodiment, the user actuator is designed as a presence detector with a detection range, and the button can only be used to trigger a post-flush. The presence detector, such as an infrared sensor or the like, may detect whether a user is present in the range of and/or on the toilet. Alternatively, a part of the user, such as a hand, may be recognized to some extent. For example, a hand may be identified in a range in front of the corresponding wall mark. Under normal conditions, the toilet automatically flushes when the user is in or out of the aforementioned detection range. The button may be used to trigger a flush if the automatic flush does not produce the desired result.

In one embodiment, the central processor unit includes an output for starting the fan. The blower may be activated when a user enters the toilet, or has been in the toilet for a period of time, or has left for a period of time. Thus, an additional controller for the fan only is dispensed with, thereby saving costs.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is an acceleration sensor or a surface strain sensor DMS, such as an electrostatic vibration transducer, an electrodynamic vibration transducer, an electromagnetic vibration transducer, a piezoelectric vibration transducer or a piezoresistive vibration transducer. These sensors are cheap, reliable and have a long service life.

The above-described embodiments of the multiple volume flushing system can be used in any combination as long as they do not interfere with each other.

A toilet of a multi-volume flushing system according to the invention comprises a multi-volume flushing system as described above, and a toilet bowl connected to a flushing water supply of the multi-volume flushing system.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is at least partially disposed on or within the toilet bowl. This shortens the distance from the sound generation position to the sound receiving vibration detector, reducing the vibration damping effect on the sound signal or the vibration signal.

In one embodiment, the toilet of the multiple volume flush system further comprises a drain connected to the toilet bowl.

In one embodiment, the vibration detector is at least partially arranged on or in the drain pipe.

In one embodiment, the toilet of the multiple volume flush system further comprises a vibration generator or a sound generator that generates a predetermined sound pattern. For example, a clicker may be used to trigger a flush and/or turn on a blower.

The above-described embodiments of the toilet of the multiple volume flush system can be used in any combination as long as they do not interfere with each other.

The method according to the invention for determining the flushing water dosage in a toilet of the aforementioned multiple volume flushing system or of the aforementioned multiple volume flushing system comprises the following steps:

-detecting and transducing a pressure pulsation signal of the underwater sound of the collection basin with the at least one vibration detector, the pressure pulsation signal being caused by a substance introduced into the toilet;

-evaluating said pressure pulsation signal with said central processor unit;

-determining with the central processor unit a flushing water volume based on the evaluated pressure pulsation signal;

-triggering a flush with the user actuator; and

-releasing a specific flush water volume with the flush procedure trigger.

According to one embodiment, said flush water volume is automatically selected by said central processor unit from the group consisting of: large, medium and small flush water volumes, for example 2, 4 or 6 litres.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:

-manually triggered flushing.

The above embodiments of the method of determining the amount of the rinsing water may be used in any combination as long as they do not contradict each other.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a toilet of a multi-volume flush system according to the present invention; and

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a sound measurement.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a toilet 1 of a multi-volume flushing system according to the invention, comprising the multi-volume flushing system and a toilet bowl 2. The multi-volume flushing system comprises a closable flushing-water supply 7, 8 with a flushing-water tank 7 and a flushing-water conduit 8, the flushing-water conduit 8 connecting the flushing-water tank 7 to the toilet bowl 2. The toilet bowl 2 comprises a collection basin 4 and a siphon 5. A drain pipe 6 is connected to the toilet bowl 2, via which drain pipe 6 sewage can flow into the sewage system. Fig. 1 shows the toilet bowl 2 mounted on a wall, with the flush water conduit 8 and the drain pipe 6 docked to the toilet bowl 2 substantially horizontally from behind said wall. In the context of flushing the cistern 7, the flushing water line 8 can be completely closed by a flushing program trigger 10. The amount of flush water may be determined by the duration of time that the flush procedure trigger is on. The on time is determined by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 12. The duration of the switch-on is determined based on a vibration that can be detected by the vibration detector 16 and evaluated by the CPU 12. The CPU 12 is operatively electrically connected to the flush procedure trigger 10, the vibration detector 16 and the user actuator 9. The multi-volume flushing system or CPU 12 is supplied with power via a power supply source. By actuating the user actuator 9, the flush procedure trigger 10 releases the flush water conduit 8. Actuation may be performed in a contact or non-contact manner. For example, a movable button or a fixed pressure surface may be used as the touch user actuator 9. The non-contact user actuator 9 may comprise a first range 90 proximate the wall or a second range 91 proximate the toilet bowl. The first range 90 is disposed adjacent a corresponding marking on the wall. Such as a symbol or pictogram on the label. The second range 91 is arranged above and/or in front of the toilet bowl 2. The fan 20 is arranged in the region of the toilet 1 of the multiple volume flushing system.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a sound measurement that may be visualized using an oscilloscope connectable to the detector 16. It is apparent that the liquid 21 results in a signal sequence with a low amplitude and that the solid 22 triggers an individual signal with a larger amplitude. Thus, a clear distinction can be made between liquid 21 and solid 22 introduced into the collection basin 4 of the toilet bowl 2. This is true even if the respective total volumes are the same.

List of reference numerals

1 toilet 10 flush sequence trigger for a multiple volume flush system

2 toilet bowl 12 CPU

3 water 16 vibration detector

4 collection basin 20 blower

5 siphon 21 liquid

6 Drain pipe 22 solid

7 flushing the first range of the cistern 90

8 second range of flushing water conduit 91

9 user actuator

Claims

1. A multi-volume flushing system comprising:

-a closable flushing-water supply (7, 8), which flushing-water supply (7, 8) is connected to the toilet bowl (2);

-a user actuator (9); and

-a flush procedure trigger (10) connected to the user actuator (9), the flush procedure trigger (10) being used to open or close a flush water conduit (8);

Characterized in that the multi-volume flushing system further comprises:

-at least one vibration detector (16), the at least one vibration detector (16) being arranged outside the water (3) of the collection basin (4), the vibration detector (16) being adapted to detect vibrations caused by substances introduced into the toilet; and

-a central processor unit (12), said central processor unit (12) being operatively electrically connected to said user actuator (9), said flush procedure trigger (10) and said vibration detector (16), wherein software initiated at said central processor unit (12) enables said central processor unit (12) to evaluate vibrations detected by said vibration detector (16), said flush procedure trigger (10) being actuated to trigger a flush based on said evaluation.

2. A multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration detector (16) is arranged on the flushing-water supply (7, 8) or at least partly within the flushing-water supply (7, 8).

3. A multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vibration detector (16) and/or the central processor unit (12) are integrated in the flushing program trigger (10).

4. A multi-volume flushing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flushing-water supply (7, 8) comprises a flushing-water tank (7) and/or a flushing-water conduit (8).

5. A multi-volume flushing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the central processor unit (12) is connected to a power source selected from the group consisting of: a network, a battery, a storage battery, a capacitor, a generator driven by the filling of the flush tank (7), and any combination thereof.

6. A multi-volume flushing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user actuator (9) is designed as a presence detector with a detection range (90, 91), wherein software initiated at the central processor unit (12) causes the central processor unit (12) to actuate the flush procedure trigger (10) to trigger a flush if the user presence is in the first detection range (90) or if the user has left the second detection range (91).

7. A multi-volume flushing system according to preceding claim 6, characterized in that the presence detector comprises the vibration detector (16).

8. A multi-volume flushing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user actuator (9) is designed as a push button, wherein upon pressing the push button by the user, software initiated at the central processor unit (12) causes the central processor unit (12) to actuate the flushing program trigger (10) to trigger flushing.

9. A multi-volume flushing system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the user actuator (9) is designed as a presence detector with a detection range and the push button can only be used to trigger a post-flush.

10. A multi-volume flushing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the central processor unit (12) includes an output for activating a fan (20).

11. Multivolume scouring system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vibration detector (16) is an acceleration sensor or a surface strain sensor DMS, such as an electrostatic vibration transducer, an electrodynamic vibration transducer, an electromagnetic vibration transducer, a piezoelectric vibration transducer or a piezoresistive vibration transducer.

12. A toilet (1) of a multi-volume flushing system, comprising:

-a multi-volume flushing system according to any of the preceding claims; and

-a toilet bowl (2) connected to the flush water supply (7, 8).

13. Toilet (1) of a multi-volume flushing system according to claim 12, characterized in that the vibration detector (16) is arranged on the toilet bowl (2) or at least partially within the toilet bowl (2).

14. A toilet (1) for a multi-volume flushing system according to claim 12, further comprising:

-a drain pipe (6) connected to the toilet bowl (2).

15. Toilet bowl (1) of a multi-volume flushing system according to claim 14, characterized in that the vibration detector (16) is arranged on the drain pipe (6) or at least partially within the drain pipe (6).

16. A toilet (1) for a multi-volume flushing system according to any of claims 12-15, further comprising: a vibration generator or a sound generator that can generate a predetermined sound pattern.

17. A method of determining the flushing water usage in a toilet (1) of a multi-volume flushing system according to any one of claims 1-11 or a multi-volume flushing system according to any one of claims 12-15, comprising the steps of:

-detecting and converting a pressure pulsation signal of the water (3) sound of the collection basin (4) with the at least one vibration detector (16), the pressure pulsation signal being caused by a substance introduced into the toilet;

-evaluating said pressure pulsation signal with said central processor unit (12);

-determining with the central processor unit (12) a flushing water volume based on the evaluated pressure pulsation signal;

-triggering a flush with the user actuator (9); and

-releasing a specific flush water volume with the flush procedure trigger (10).

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the flushing water volume is automatically selected by the central processor unit (12) from the group: large, medium and small flush water volumes, for example 2, 4 or 6 litres.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising the steps of:

-manually triggered flushing.