CN1599828A - Automatic bathroom flushers - Google Patents

Abstract

A bathroom flusher (10) including a body having an inlet in communication with a supply line (12) and an outlet in communication with a flush conduit (16), a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon a sealing action of a moving member (28, 526 or 1032) at a valve seat (30, 525, 625 or 1040) thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet. The bathroom flusher also including an actuator (40 or 50) for actuating operation of the moving member.

Description

Automatic bathroom flushers

The application requires the priority of following application: the sequence number of submitting to December 4 calendar year 2001 is 10/012,252, title is the U. S. application of " the adaptive targets detection system that is used for auto-flusher "; The sequence number of submitting to December 4 calendar year 2001 is 10/012,226, title is the U. S. application of " the automatic flow controller that adopts the energy storage pattern "; The sequence number of submitting to December 4 calendar year 2001 is 10/011,390, title is the U. S. application of " assembly of the pilot operationp valve of solenoid control "; The sequence number of submitting on March 5th, 2002 is 60/012,252, title is the U. S. application of " according to current time configuration file control solenoid "; The sequence number of submitting on June 24th, 2002 is 60/391,282, title is the U. S. application of " high flow capacity speed barrier film valve and control method "; And on November 6th, 2002 sequence number submitted to be 60/424,378, title is the U. S. application of " automatic bathroom flushers that is used for long period of operation "; All above-mentioned applications all are incorporated herein by reference.

Background of invention

Invention field

The present invention relates to automatic bathroom flushers and the method that is used to operate and control this type of bath device.

Background information

The automatic flow control system has become the system that generally uses day by day, especially in the facility of public rest room, not only comprises the washroom but also comprise urinal.Automatic faucet and bath device help health, are convenient to cleaning and water saving.In this system, object detector detects the user, and the response user detects and operates a flow control valve.For example under the situation of an automatic faucet, near appearance or normal move of user's hand water tap will cause water to flow out from tap.Under the situation of an auto-flusher, near and the detection of leaving the user of this equipment subsequently trigger the action of bath device usually.

Although the automatic flow control of this based target detector design is not new, its use is still very limited up to date.Because the availability of nearest battery powered conversion equipment makes this use just become more general.These equipments make to replace by simple parts and do not require that employing the electrician is transformed into automatic facility to system wiring to manual facility to power supply network.The result who adopts this battery power supply system finally needs to replace this battery.

Wherein still need high reliability and can operate for a long time and without any need for safeguarding or the only minimum auto-flusher of safeguarding.

Brief summary of the invention

The invention of this description relates to automatic bathroom flushers and is used to operate and control the method for this type of bath device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of bathroom flushers.This bathroom flushers comprises a main body, a valve member and an actuator.This main body has an inlet and an outlet, and this valve member is placed in this main body and be positioned at when the " locked in " operation of the moving-member of a valve seat between this inlet and this outlet closing current, thus controlled water flow flowing from this this outlet that enters the mouth.This actuator starts the operation of this moving-member.

This moving-member can be barrier (fram) parts of a high flow rate, or a common diaphragm, or a plunger.This bathroom flushers may further include an infrared detector assembly, at the user who detects a urinal or washroom.This bathroom flushers may further include electromechanics, hydraulic pressure or only mechanical dissimilar actuator.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a bathroom flushers comprises a cover piece, is installed on the said main body and with valve member and limits a pressure chamber.This bathroom flushers may further include a compliant member, one end of this compliant member is fixed with respect to cover piece, the other end is connected to a movable part of valve member, and a passage is arranged in said compliant member, is used for reducing the pressure at said pressure chamber.This compliant member can be a hollow section.

This bathroom flushers preferably includes an automatic flow control system.This automatic flow control system can adopt infrared light type object detector.

Another importance of the present invention is the novel designs that comprises the infrared type object detector of an indicator.In this IR detector, an IR source (being generally an infrared light emitting diode) is positioned at infrared light and sends after the aperture, thereby infrared rays is sent in the target area.This indicator can be a VISIBLE LIGHT EMISSION diode that is included in the LED composite set, this VISIBLE LIGHT EMISSION diode and the reverse parallel connection of this infrared light emitting diode in the LED composite set.When this composite set was driven in a direction, infrared light supply was by the normal irradiation of suitable hole.When this device by when other direction drives, visible light passes through same hole irradiation as infrared rays.This design has avoided being used for the position of visible light or providing respectively of transmission.

Another importance of the present invention is a novel algorithm that is used to operate auto-flusher.Auto-flusher adopts an infrared type object detector, is used to provide an output, and control circuit is according to this output washroom that determines whether to wash by water.After each pulse that sends radiation, control circuit determines whether reflected radiation result's percentage significantly is different from the percentage as a result of previous reflected radiation, and determines that it is just or negative that this percentage changes.From have assigned direction and value get and the subsequent data that should determine, this control circuit determines whether a user leaves this facility near this facility then.Determine that according to this valve of bath device is somebody's turn to do in controller function.That is, whether control circuit period of reducing (according to the correct criterion that withdraws from) according to reflection percentage has wherein been reflected wherein that period that percentage increases (according to correct near criterion) takes the lead and has been defined this bath criterion.In the present embodiment, whether whether control circuit does not surpass a predetermined threshold based on this reflection percentage and whether does not determine the user near the washroom, and do not drop to based on reflection percentage and be lower than a predetermined threshold and determine whether the user has left the washroom.

Another importance of the present invention be to be used for the stock or the innovative system of the above-mentioned auto-flusher of delivering and method.This auto-flusher can comprise an object detector (for example IR detector) and a hand push button switch actuator.When this bath device of operation, this press button designs for for a user signal being provided to control circuit, so that open the valve of this bath device.But if this button actuator is pressed the next period that prolongs continuously, then control circuit will be set a still-mode, and power consumption wherein can be ignored.Can design one stores or the delivery packing case starts this button actuator when packing case is closed.The result is that this bath device can be installed packing and significantly do not consume those batteries during storing in a warehouse with the battery of control circuit.In addition, storage or delivery packing case can comprise an external magnet of cooperating and placing with a spring detector that is connected to this control circuit.If this magnet starts extension cycle of this reed detector continuously, then this control circuit is set this still-mode, and wherein power consumption is negligible.Also have other " still-mode introducing " device to make the battery of installing during storing in a warehouse, not have significant battery power consumption.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a novel valving and corresponding control method are controlled at the flow rate of the fluid between the input and output mouth of this valving.Novel valving comprises a fluid input port and fluid output port, a valve body and a barrier assembly.This valve body limits a valve cavity, and comprises a valve closing surface.This barrier assembly provides two pressure areas, and can move within this valve cavity relative to a guide member.This barrier assembly moves to an enable possition when being configured the pressure in one first district of two pressure areas to reduce, make fluid to flow to this fluid outlet from this fluid input port, and move to a make position when being configured the pressure increase in this first pressure area, set up a sealing with this valve closing surface.

According to most preferred embodiment, form two pressure areas by two chambeies of this barrier components apart, wherein first pressure area comprises a guidance cavity.This guide member can be an inwall that draws pin or this valve body.

These barrier parts (assembly) can comprise a compliance member and a rigid element, and wherein this compliance member is configured with the valve closing surface and contacts so that in this fastening position form sealing (for example being placed on a sealing lip on valve closing surface).This valving can comprise a bias component.This biasing part is configured and is used to assist these barrier parts to move to fastening position from the enable possition.This bias component can be a spring.

For example, valve constitutes and is used for being released in the pressure of guidance cavity by an Electromechanically operated device control, and starts the barrier assembly thus and move to the enable possition from fastening position.This operator can comprise that a latch actuator is (as United States Patent (USP) 6,293, described in 516, the combined reference of this United States Patent (USP)), a non-latch actuator is (as United States Patent (USP) 6,305, described in 662, the combined reference of this United States Patent (USP)) or the operator of an isolation (described in PCT application PCT/US01/51098, the combined reference of this application).This valve can also constitute and be used for being released in the pressure of guidance cavity by the control of manual station, and starts the barrier parts thus and move to the enable possition from fastening position.

This novel valving that comprises this barrier assembly can be used to be adjusted in the current in the automatic or manual bathroom flushers.

According to a further aspect in the invention, the invention provides the electromagnetic actuators and the operation of a novelty or control the method for this actuator.This electromagnetic actuators comprises the solenoid that twines around armature shell, constitutes and is used to hold an armature that comprises by a partially sealed plunger of diaphragm.This armature provides a fluid passage, is used for the displacement of the armature fluid between a neighbouring part of a tip part and this armature, thereby is implemented in strong efficient the moving of this armature between the position of the switch.This diaphragm is fixed with respect to this armature shell, and be used for the armature fluid-tight is had within the armature container of a fixed volume, this diaphragm is moved in the wherein displacement of this plunger (that is, tip part or armature) with respect to a valve passage, thereby opens or closes this passage.Therefore make it possible to low-yield for a long time battery-operated.

Most preferred embodiment in this respect comprises one or more following features: actuator can be a latch actuator (comprising a permanent magnet that is used to keep this armature) or a non-latch actuator.When this armature was in the armature position of its expansion, the tip of this armature part came the dissimilar diaphragm membrane of a valve seat of roof pressure to coordinate to place with design.This electromagnetic actuators is connected to a control circuit, and formation responds from the output of optional armature detector said coil drive is added to said coil.

The armature detector can detect and reach a not armature of end location (opening or closing the position).Control circuit can be applied directly to coil to a coil drive signal at first driving direction, and response begins or stops at this first driving direction coil drive is applied to this coil from the output that predetermined first electric current stops criterion of satisfying of this detector.Response comes the output of satisfying a predetermined criteria of self-detector, and control circuit can be controlled or stop a coil drive signal being applied to this coil.

The novel assembly of an electromagnetic actuators and call-on button is provided according to a further aspect in the invention.This call-on button has an important novel capabilities, is used to realize the long-term guiding of the unanimity of a main valve.The present invention also provides a kind of novel method, is used to assemble the automatic flow controller of the pilot valve door operation of realizing a consistent long-term behaviour.

The method of the automatic flow controller of a pilot valve door operation of assembling comprises provides a main valve assembly and a pilot valve door assembly, this pilot valve door assembly comprises static actuator and guide main body parts, and these guide main body parts comprise guiding valve inlet, pilot valve gate seat and guiding valve export.This method comprises the pilot valve door assembly is fixed to this main valve assembly, its fixed form is from must the flow through inlet of this guiding valve of the fluid of the relief outlet of main valve, through the pilot valve gate seat and by this guiding valve export, the decompression thereby this pilot valve door assembly is positioned in the pressure chamber (being guidance cavity) of controlling this main valve assembly.This main valve assembly comprise have the main valve inlet, the main valve main body of the outlet of main valve gate seat, main valve, pressure chamber (being guidance cavity) and relief outlet, can alleviate pressure in this pressure chamber (guidance cavity) by this relief outlet.Main valve parts (for example barrier film, plunger or barrier parts) can move between fastening position and enable possition, avoid from the main-inlet to the primary outlet, flowing thereby in its fastening position, will seal this main valve gate seat of roof pressure, and in its enable possition, will allow this flowing.In operating process, the main valve parts are exposed to pressure in this pressure chamber (being guidance cavity), make the guidance cavity of this pressurization promote these main valve parts, and this non-pressurized guidance cavity (when using the guide valve component decompression) will allow these main valve parts to take its enable possition to its fastening position.

A kind of electromagnetic actuator system of novelty is provided according to a further aspect in the invention.This electromagnetic actuator system comprises an actuator, a controller and an actuator detector.This actuator comprises a solenoid and an armature shell that constitutes and be used for holding with a kind of movably correlation an armature.Controller is coupled to an analog line driver, and this analog line driver formation is come to drive signal to one and is provided to solenoid, thereby so that moves this armature and open or close the valve passage that supplies fluid mobile.This actuator detector constitutes and is used to detect the position of this armature and provides a signal to this controller.

Most preferred embodiment in this respect comprises one or more following features: this detector is constructed for detecting the voltage by the motional induction of this armature.In addition, this detector is constructed for detecting because the change of the kinetic driving signal of this armature.

In addition, detector comprises a resistance, is used to receive at least a portion of driving signal, and a voltmeter, is configured for measuring the voltage at these resistance two ends.In addition, this detector comprises a resistance, is used to hold at least a portion that drives signal, and a differential circuit that receives the electric current of this resistance of flowing through.

In addition, this detector comprises a coil checker, constitutes and is used to detect voltage by the mobile induction of this armature.This coil checker can be connected to a signal conditioner that conditioning signal is provided to this controller according to a feedback scheme.This signal conditioner can comprise a preamplifier and a low pass filter.

In addition, this system comprises two coil checkers, and each formation also is used to detect voltage by the mobile induction of this armature.These two coil checkers can be connected to a differential amplifier according to a feedback scheme, and this differential amplifier is configured for a differential signal is provided to this controller.

The actuator detector comprises a photodetector, capacitance detector, an inductive detector or is used for detecting sensitively because the bridger of the signal that armature movement causes.

This actuator can have the armature shell, constitutes and be used for the linear displacement of this armature when this solenoid receives this driving signal.Actuator can be a latch actuator, constitutes to keep this armature to be in opening need not to pass to this solenoidal any driving signal in the channel status.Latch actuator can comprise a permanent magnet, is used to keep this armature to be in and opens channel status.This latch actuator can also comprise a bias spring, locatees and is used for armature need not to pass to this solenoidal any driving signal towards the biasing of the direction of the extended position that a closing passage state is provided.

This controller can be configured controls analog line driver, provides this driving signal according to the signal from the actuator detector with various level.This driving signal can be an electric current.This system can comprise a booster that voltage is provided to analog line driver.

This controller can be configured controls analog line driver so that provide this driving signal with first driving direction, thereby and the power of enforcement that produces for this armature reach one first end position.This controller also is configured according to determine from the signal of actuator detector whether this armature moves in first direction; And if this armature drives within the duration at one predetermined first as yet and move, then this controller will directly be added to this coil to this driving signal at the first direction drive level of first direction with a rising of the original levels that is higher than this driving signal.

This controller can be configured and trigger this analog line driver so that provide this driving signal with first driving direction, thereby and the power of enforcement that produces for this armature reach one first end position.This controller also is configured according to determine from the signal of actuator detector whether this armature moves in first direction; And if this armature moved, then this controller will directly be added to this coil to this driving signal at the first direction drive level of first direction with the original levels that is lower than this driving signal.

This actuator system comprises controller, constitutes according to the characteristic of determining from the signal of actuator detector with the fluid of this passage.The characteristic of fluid can be pressure, temperature, density or viscosity.This actuator system can comprise the Temperature Detector of a separation, is used for determining the temperature of this fluid.

This actuator system comprises controller, constitutes according to the pressure of determining from the signal of actuator detector with the fluid of this passage.This actuator system can the detector received signal occur from outside moving detector or the target that is coupled to this controller.

Accompanying drawing is described

Fig. 1 is washroom and the side view that has auto-flusher.

Figure 1A is urinal and the side view that has auto-flusher.

Fig. 2 A and 2B form the sectional view of bath device first embodiment jointly.

Fig. 2 A and 3B form the sectional view of bath device second embodiment jointly.

Fig. 4 is the sectional view of the 3rd embodiment of bath device.

Fig. 5 is the expansion profile that is used for being controlled at a mobile valve of the water tap fluid shown in Fig. 2 A and the 4A.

Fig. 5 A is the decomposition diagram that Fig. 5 illustrates valve.

Fig. 5 B is the expansion profile of Fig. 5 another embodiment that valve is shown.

Fig. 5 C is the expansion profile of Fig. 5 another embodiment that valve is shown.

Fig. 4 A is the block diagram of bath device control circuit;

Fig. 6 is the transmitter of other version and the elevation of receiver lens and front circuit case parts.

Fig. 6 A is the sectional drawing that is taken at the line 6A-6A of Fig. 6.

Fig. 6 B is can be used to the to wash by water equal proportion schematic diagram of packing case of a partial assembled of device conversion equipment.

Fig. 6 C is the cross section that is taken at the line 6C-6C of Fig. 6 B.

Fig. 6 D is the equal proportion schematic diagram that can be used for the packing case of the bath device conversion equipment shown in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 E is the detailed cross-sectional that is included in a push button device in the packing case.

Fig. 7 is the profile that is used for first embodiment of one of any electromechanical actuator of valve shown in the control chart 5 to 6B.

Fig. 7 A is the schematic exploded perspective view of the actuator of the electromechanics shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 B is the profile that is used for second embodiment of one of any electromechanical actuator of valve shown in the control chart 5 to 6B.

Fig. 7 C is the profile that is used for the 3rd embodiment of one of any electromechanical actuator of valve shown in the control chart 5 to 6B.

Fig. 7 D is the profile of another embodiment of a diaphragm using of the actuator shown in Fig. 7 to 7C.

Fig. 7 E is the profile of another embodiment of the diaphragm that uses of the actuator shown in Fig. 7 to 7C and call-on button.

Fig. 7 F is the profile of another embodiment of an armature winding pipe using of the actuator shown in Fig. 7 to 7C.

Fig. 8 is the block diagram that is used for another embodiment of the control system of the operation of electromechanical actuator shown in control chart 7,7A, 7B or the 7C.

Fig. 8 A is the block diagram that is used for another embodiment of the control system of the operation of electromechanical actuator shown in control chart 7,7A, 7B or the 7C.

Fig. 8 B is to use the block diagram of the data flow of a microcontroller in the fluid flow control system of Fig. 8 A or 8B.

Electric current and the correlation of time when Fig. 9 and 9A illustrate the valve actuator that is used for Fig. 7,7A, 7B or 7C and be connected respectively to the water pipe of 0psi and the anti-flowing pressure of 120psi.

Fig. 9 B illustrates and is used for Fig. 7,7A, 7B or 7C the dependence of the breech lock time of actuator for hydraulic pressure is shown.

Figure 10 is the flow chart that is used for a bath device cycle of the device of bath shown in control chart 2,3 or 4.

Figure 11 is the schematic diagram of bath device in order to this circuit of driving its light emitting diode.

Figure 12 A, 12B and 12C form a program simplification flow chart of the circuit execution of control chart 4A jointly.

Figure 13 A and 13B form the more detailed flow chart of the step in the program of Figure 12 A, 12B and 12C jointly.

Figure 14 illustrates a kind of novel algorithm that is used to control this bath device operation.

Figure 15 is the elevation of another embodiment of automatic flushing, and

Figure 15 A is the sectional drawing that is taken at the line 15A-15A among Figure 15.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiment

Among Fig. 1, bath device 10 receives pressurized water and adopts an object detector from feed pipe 12, the detector of infrared kind normally responds the action of a target in a target area 14 by opening ware pond that valve makes current from feed pipe 12 arrive washrooms 18 through bath organ pipe road 16 selectively.Figure 1A illustrates a bath device 10 that is used for auto-flushing urinal 18A.As mentioned above, bath device 10 receives pressurized waters and adopts an object detector from feed pipe 12, makes that by opening valve selectively 16 arrival urinal 18A respond the action of a target in a target area 14A through bath organ pipe road for current from feed pipe 12.

Fig. 2 A and 2B are shown specifically first embodiment of auto-flusher 10.Fig. 2 B illustrates feed pipe 12 and is communicated with an annular entry chamber 20 by 22 definition of entrance cavity inwall, near the upper end formation in bath organ pipe road 16.The pressure cover 24 that is fixed to chamber enclosure by retaining ring 25 is clamped between himself and the shell being arranged on outward flange 26 by a flexible partition 28 on the main valve gate seat 30 of the interruption-forming of bath pipeline 16.

The pressure of supply water that exists in entrance cavity 20 will be tending towards moving this flexible partition 28, and therefore make it allow water enter the inside 32 of this bath pipeline 16 from feed pipe 12 entrance cavity 20 of flowing through.But because the hole 34 of oozing that barrier film 28 forms is tending towards making pressure balance between entrance cavity 20 and the pressure chamber 36 that formed by pressure cover 24, so this barrier film 28 is held in place state usually.Specifically, therefore the pressure that exists in the upper chambers 36 imposes the power bigger than the pressure in entrance cavity 20 for barrier film 28, because the pressure of this entrance cavity 20 only is present in the outside of the pipeline 16 of washing by water, and the pressure in primary pressure chamber 36 be present in run through barrier film feed conduit 38 the outside everywhere.

This bath device also comprises a solenoid operated actuator, can comprise that any known solenoid maybe can be included in United States Patent (USP) 6,293, the actuator of describing in 516 or 6,305,662 40, and these two patents are all in conjunction with doing reference.In addition, this solenoid operated actuator comprises that is isolated an actuator 40A, is described in detail among the PCT application PCT/US01/51098 of dayfile in October 25 calendar year 2001, and this application is incorporated herein by reference fully.This isolation actuator 40A is also referred to as the seal style of this operator in this application.

For the washroom 18 of washing by water, by the solenoid operated actuator 40 of circuit 42 control pressure by making fluid between the guiding entrance and exit 44 and 46 that the guiding housing parts 48 by pressure cap 24 forms, flow to alleviate in the mode that below will be described in more detail in this primary pressure chamber 38.The detailed description of operation will be provided below.

Fig. 3 (being formed by Fig. 2 A and 3B) at length illustrates second embodiment of auto-flusher 10.Present embodiment uses the high flow rate valve 600 (shown in Fig. 3 B) of a novelty, has utilized a barrier assembly below in conjunction with Fig. 5 C detailed description.With reference to figure 2A and 3B, auto-flusher 10 receives the water input from feed pipe 12, and feed pipe 12 is communicated with the compliance member 628 that the holding components 632 of barrier parts 626 is supported.Groove 638 and 638A are provided to the aquaporin of a guidance cavity 642.Actuator alleviates the pressure in guidance cavity 642 and therefore starts opening of valve 600.Current flow to output cavity 32 by valve seat 625 from input pipe 12 subsequently.Whole flush cycle is by solenoid operated actuator 40 controls, and solenoid operated actuator 40 is by 42 controls of the circuit shown in Fig. 2 A.The detailed description of operation will be provided below.

Fig. 4 at length illustrates the 3rd embodiment of auto-flusher 10.Auto-flusher 10 is a superior performance, automatically controlled or manual no water tank flushing system.Water enters through the best connector of being made by suitable plastic resin 12 of input.Connector 12 is by being threaded onto and building the adaptive 12A of the interactional input of water supply system.And so that when promoting to harmonize with this inlet feed pipe, connector 12 is designed rotation on its own when there not being water to exist.

Still with reference to figure 4, connector 12 is connected to inlet duct 64 by fastener 60 and radial seal 62, makes connector 12 to move into or to shift out along inlet duct 64.This moves and can be registered to this feed pipe to inlet.Yet, follow the fixing of fastener 60, there is comissure applied pressure to arrive inlet 60 by connector 12.This runs through formation rigidity and unit sealing of sealing 62.This confession is passed connector 12 with water and is arrived inlet 64, and passes through the inlet valve assembly in the direction of element 76,78,70,72 and 74.Auto-flusher 10 also comprises an inlet sieve wave filter 80, is in by parts 82 to form and be communicated with in the passage of main valve gate seat 525, and the operation of whole main valve will be in conjunction with Fig. 5,5A and 5B description.

As figure in conjunction with 5, as described in 5A and the 5B, the operation of electromagnetic actuators 50 these main valves of control.In opening, current enter primary outlet 32 through passage 528, passage 528A, passage 528B.In off position, barrier unit 528 this valve of sealing master bases 525.

Auto-flusher 10 comprises an adjustable input valve 72, is controlled by the rotation of the valve unit 54 that is screwed in valve unit 514 and 540, by the sealing 84 of O type ring and 54A and main body 54 seal isolation.When unit 52 was screwed always, valve unit 514 and 540 assemblies were suppressed by threaded elements 52.Produce the power that the unit is pressed on the valve element 72 for 82 times, therefore generation is from 78 paths to the passage of main body 82 that enter the mouth.When valve unit 52 got loose always, valve member 514 and 540 up moved owing to the spring force in this adjustable valve 70.Spring force combines with inlet fluid pressure from 78, forces unit 72 roof pressure base 72A to realize " locked in " operation.Closed cell 74 blocking-up current enter 82 inner passage, and this makes the totality valve element that comprises unit 82,50,514,50 and 528 to safeguard under the condition of the water supply that does not need to close inlet 12 places again.This is a major advantage of present embodiment.

According to another function of adjustable valve 70, this spiral shell button guard ring is fixing by half way (part way), causes valve body unit 514 and 82 only partly to push away valve seat 72 down.A local opening will provide flow restriction, reduce flowing through the input water of valve 70.This novel capabilities is designed to satisfy the particular demands of using.For the flow restriction for setter is provided, the inner surface of valve body 54 comprises the application specific markers, for example 1.6W.C 1.0GPF urinal etc.

Auto-flusher 10 comprises the electronics flushing system based on detector that is placed in the shell 144 and describes in conjunction with Fig. 2 A.And, can enable button or lever is substituted by a full machinery based on the electronics rinse-system of detector.In addition, this flushing valve can be by regularly mechanical actuator control of waterpower, and this actuator acts on a waterpower deferred mount.This Hydraulic Power System can be in the shell 144.This Hydraulic Power System can be adjusted to a period of delay, and satisfied for example 1.6GPF W.C etc. give the requirement of locking equipment discharging quantity of water.The outlet opening (Fig. 4 illustrates) that this waterpower delay device can be opened leader rather than electromagnetic actuators 50 equals the duration of this setter preset value.

In addition, control circuit 42 can be modified, so that the sensing element that is enclosed in the shell 144 is replaced by a timing control circuit.When starting the bath device by motor switch (or capacitance switch), this control circuit starts a flush cycle by electromagnetic actuators 50 being started the duration that equals this predetermined level.This level can be provided with or is provided with on the spot by setter in factory.This design can be used to compensate the pressure influence of washing intended volume for each with the static pressure measurement scheme combination that describes below.

The embodiment of Fig. 4 has several advantages.Can this waterpower of maintenance or electric machine control system under not cutting off for the condition of the water supply of unit.In addition, this valve mechanism is realized the flow of control through this unit.Main flush valve is included in shown in Fig. 5,5A and the 5B and designs.When comparing with the flushing valve of conventional membrane type shown in Fig. 2 B, this flush valve device provides a high flow rate (for its valve size).

The embodiment of Fig. 4 provides the fluid control valve that combines with the low-power Actionneur electromagnetique bistable, combines with the control circuit of describing, and can accurately control the output of each flushing.As described in following, measurement hydrostatic pressure and adjustment main valve are opened the ability of time and are dynamically controlled the water yield that this provides.That is, this system a selected water yield can be provided and with change at the ducted pressure of water system irrelevant.

This system can comprise a flexible conduction reed contact device, is used for the automatically controlled signal from the control electronic installation is converted to the electromagnetic actuators control signal and does not use wiring/connector design.Native system can also realize that this main flush valve uses the actuating of a direct mechanical lever or mechanical water level, this mechanical lever or waterpower deferred mount of mechanical water level starting, and this waterpower deferred mount acts on this main valve guiding device again.To describe other function of branch below in detail.

Fig. 5 illustrates the most preferred embodiment of the valve 500 of use in the water tap embodiment shown in Fig. 3 or 4.Valving 500 comprises valve body 513, and a cavity that is used for valve member 514, input port 518 and output port 520 is provided.Valve member 514 comprises neighbouring body 522, tip body 524 and barrier parts 526 (Fig. 5 A).Barrier parts 526 comprise a compliance member 528 and a holding components 532.Compliance member 528 can be to have 530 1 septiform parts of slipper seal.Holding components 532 can be the parts of piston-shaped or the parts of piston-shaped, but has the 26S Proteasome Structure and Function characteristic that is different from traditional plunger or plunger.Valve member 514 also comprises a guide member, for example guide finger 536 or slidingsurface, and comprise a spring 540.

Neighbouring body 522 comprises thread surface 522A, and the thread surface 524A of size and tip body 524 coordinates.Therefore barrier parts 526 (and compliance member 528 and piston-shaped parts 532) comprise an opening 527, constitute and be used to hold guide finger 536.Barrier parts 526 define be placed on through control channel 544A and 544B and with fluid that actuator cavity 550 is communicated with in a guidance cavity 542.Actuator cavity 550 is communicated with output port 520 fluids through control channel 546.Guide finger 536 comprises V-arrangement or U-shaped groove 538, is shaped and designs with barrier opening 527 (Fig. 5 A), is provided at the pressure transmission channels between input cavity 519 and the guidance cavity 550.

Still with reference to figure 5, tip body 524 comprises an annular lip sealing 525, designs jointly with compliance member 528, and a sealing between input oral cavity 529 and the output oral cavity 521 is provided.Tip body 524 also comprises one or several flow channel 517, provides the coupling between input cavity 519 and the output cavity 521 logical.Compliance member 528 also comprises seal member 529A and 529B, is used for providing between guidance cavity 42 and output cavity 521 slipper seal with respect to valve body 522.The various possible embodiment that sealing 529A and 529B (Fig. 5) are arranged.This sealing can be a side seal 530 (Fig. 5 A illustrates), or both sides sealing 529a and the 529b shown in Fig. 5.In addition, the various additional embodiment that comprise slipper seals such as O type ring are arranged.

The present invention predicts valving 10 and has various sizes.For example, " complete " size embodiment shown in this Fig. 2 has draws pin diameter A=0.070 "; spring diameter B=0.360 ", compliance member diameter C=0.730 ", the diameter D=0.812 of whole barrier and sealing ", draw pin length E=0.450 "; body height F=0.380 ", guidance cavity height G=0.280 ", barrier part dimension H=0.160 ", and barrier distance of swimming I=0.100 ".The overall height of valve approximately is 1.39 " and diameter approximately is 1.178 ".

(Fig. 2 illustrates valve) " half-size scale " embodiment has with Fig. 2 the following size shown in the same reference letter (each letter also comprises subscript 1) is shown.Be somebody's turn to do the valve A in " half-size scale " ₁=0.070 ", B ₁=0.30 ", C ₁=0.560 ", D ₁=0.650 ", E ₁=0.38 ", F ₁=0.310 ", G ₁=0.215 ", H ₁=0.125 " and I ₁=0.60 ".The overall length of this 1/2 embodiment approximately is 1.350 " and diameter approximately is 0.855 ".Similarly, the valving of Fig. 5 B or 5C can have various greater or lesser sizes.

With reference to figure 5 and 5B, valve 500 receives fluids at input port 518, in off position in, this fluid pair and lip portion 525 provide jointly on the septiform parts 528 of sealing and exert pressure.Recess channels 538 provides the pressure communication with guidance cavity 542, and by coupling channel 544A and 544B, guidance cavity 542 is communicated with actuator cavity 550.Actuator (shown in Fig. 4 A, the 5C) provides a sealing with surface 548, thus seal channel 544A and 544B, and therefore seal guidance cavity 542.When the plunger of actuator 142 or 143 leaves surperficially 548 the time, fluid flow through passage 544A and 544B are so that control channel 546 and arrive output port 520.This will cause that the pressure in the guidance cavity 542 reduces.Therefore, septiform parts 528 and piston-shaped parts 532 are linear moving within cavity 542, therefore provides big relatively fluid openings with lip seal 525.A large amount of fluids can flow to output port 520 from input port 518.

When the embolism of actuator 142 or 143 sealing control channel 544A and 544B and since fluid from input port 518 flow through groove 538 and guidance cavity 542 build-up pressure.The pressure of the increase in the guidance cavity 542 with the power of spring 540 on guiding pin 536 slides the direction that moves towards the linear mobile barrier parts 526 of the direction of sealing lip 529.When enough pressure occurring in the guidance cavity 542, septiform compliance member 528 is with lip seal 525 sealing input oral cavities 519.Preferred design flexible member may 528 purifies the groove 538 of guiding pin 536 in sliding moving process.

The embodiment of Fig. 5 illustrates valve 500 and has the input cavity of placing with respect to passage 544A, 544B and 546 (and position of the embolism of actuator 701) symmetry 519 (and guiding pin 536).Yet valving 500 can have with respect to the input cavity 519 of passage 544A, 544B (not illustrating) and passage 546 asymmetric placements (and guiding pin 536).That is, the input cavity 519 that has of valve (with guiding pin 536) is asymmetric placements with respect to the position of the embolism of actuator 142 or 143.This symmetry and asymmetrical embodiment are equivalent.

With reference to figure 5C, valving 600 comprises a valve body that is provided for 614 1 cavitys of valve member 613, an input port 618 and an output port 620.Valve member 614 comprises a neighbouring body 602, tip body 604 and barrier parts or assembly 626.Barrier parts 626 comprise a compliance member 628 and a holding components 632.Compliance member 628 can be to have 630 1 septiform parts of slipper seal.Holding components 632 can be the parts of piston-shaped or the parts of piston-shaped, but has the 26S Proteasome Structure and Function characteristic that is different from traditional plunger or plunger.Valve body 602 provides the guiding surface that is placed on the inwall, comprises one or several groove 638 and 638A.These are novel grooves that constitute, and are used to provide the fluid passage (being different from the center input cavity shown in Fig. 5 and the 5B) that begins from the input cavity of periphery placement.

Barrier parts 626 define be placed on through control channel 644A and 644B and with fluid that actuator cavity 650 is communicated with in a guidance cavity 642.Actuator cavity 650 is communicated with output cavity 621 fluids through control channel 646.Groove 638 (or groove 638 and 638A) provides a coupling channel between input cavity 619 and guidance cavity 642.Tip body 604 comprises annular lip sealing 625, and the design of cooperating with compliance member 628 is so that be provided at a sealing between input oral cavity 619 and the output oral cavity 621.Tip body 624 also comprises a flow channel 617, is provided for the communication (in opening) between input cavity 619 and output cavity 621 that a large amount of fluids flow.Compliance member 628 also comprises seal member 629A and the 629B seal member of a side (or comprise according to this pressure condition), is used for providing between guidance cavity 642 and input cavity 619 slipper seal with respect to valve body 622.(certainly, groove 638 can be realized controlling as described above from input cavity 619 to guidance cavity flowing of 642 liquid.)

We forward the system that is used to control this operator now to.Consider the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, shown in Fig. 2 A, operator control circuit 42 is included in the circuit case to be made up of three parts, front portion 116, a middle part 118 and a rear portion 120.The screw thread that does not illustrate is fixed to middle part 118 to anterior 116, by for example screw thread 122 rear portion 120 is fixed to middle part 118 again.Lining 124 of this screw ground engagement, be ultrasonically welded to that center shell part 118 forms for this purpose one recessed in.The main circuit board 126 of the capacitor 128 that installation does not for example illustrate on it and some parts of a microprocessor is installed in this shell.An auxiliary circuit board 130 is installed in again on this main circuit board 126.Be installed on this accessory plate 130 is that 132, one transmitter covers 134 of a light emitting diode are installed on that piece plate also partially sealedly.

Front circuit case part 116 forms a transmitter lens component 136, polished surface 138 and 140 before and after having.By an infrared transmission window 144 that forms in this bath device shell 146, the transmitter lens component focuses on the infrared rays that sends from light emitting diode.The radiant power of pattern 148 these generations of expression of Fig. 1 distributes.The receiver lens 152 that is formed by parts 116 focuses on the photodiode 154 that is installed on the main circuit board 126 receiving light, and promptly Fig. 1 is from the sensitive pattern 150 of the light of objective result reflection.

Identical with transmitter light emitting diode 132, photodiode 154 has a cover, is cover 156 in this case.Cover 134 and 156 is opaque, and helps to reduce noise and crosstalk.Circuit case also limits optical noise; Its central authorities and rear portion 118 and 120 are made by for example opaque material of Lexan 141 Merlon, and its front portion 116 is made by for example transparent material of Lexan OQ2720 Merlon, so that make it can form actual lens 136 and 152, has the surface of roughening and/or coating at its non-lens component, to reduce transmission by this part.

An opaque barrier thing that is installed on the front portion 116 is reserved a central porisity 160, is used for sending infrared lights and blocking and can cause the spuious transmission of crosstalking from light emitting diode 132.Crosstalk in order to prevent equally, opaque obstruction 162 is fixed in the slit that is provided for this purpose in front parts 116 circuit cases.

The wherein transmitter of Fig. 2 A and receiver lens are integrated the device that forms a circuit case part can provide the advantage that the device that provides is provided with shell for lens wherein that surpasses in the manufacturing.But may preferably make lens separately in certain embodiments, because do the greater flexibility during the material that is provided at lens and circuit case selected so.Fig. 6 and 6A are to use the front and the sectional view of a standby selection of this scheme.This selection scheme comprise with the front circuit case part 116 of lens 136 ' and 152 ' separate '.Case member 116 ' teardrop-like shape edge 164 of formation, in assembling process with lens 136 ' on edge 166 cooperation of analogous shape so that the lens 136 on the teardrop-like shape shoulder 168 of ultra-sonic welded subsequently ' the location in correctly directed these lens.With reference to figure 6A, this teardrop-like shape guarantees that these lens are by correctly directed.Receiver lens 152 is installed similarly.Because previous circuit case member 116 ' and and lens 136 ' and 152 ' not need make by identical materials, thus case member 116 ' can make by opaque material, so that block 170 and block 172 and can utilize this material sorting ground formation.As mentioning in conjunction with Fig. 2 A, circuit case comprises the circuit of by-pass valve control operator and other bath device parts.

Fig. 4 A is a simplified block diagram of this circuit.Control a peripheral circuit 182 of these valve operation devices according to control circuit 180 operations of a microcontroller.The transtation mission circuit 184 of light emitting diode 132 that comprises Fig. 2 is also by control circuit 180 operation, and acceptor circuit 186 comprises photodiode 154, and its response is sent to control circuit with echogenicity.Thereby though the circuit of Fig. 4 A can so be implemented to move on the house power supply, but more generally be powered battery, and Fig. 4 A illustrates a situation based on powered battery 188 clearly, because as below will explaining, the power supply that control circuit 180 not only receive to be regulated from power supply but also detect its unadjusted power and be used to realize the purposes that the following describes.And the application of the output power of each ingredient of control chart 4A circuit.

Because circuit is battery-powered the most often, so an important design considers it is that power supply is not unnecessarily adopted.The result is, is in " static " pattern usually based on the circuit of microcontroller, wherein only extracts sufficient power out and keeps some volatile memory that refreshes and operate a timer 190.In the illustrated embodiment, this timer 190 every 250msec produce an output pulse, and control circuit responded each pulse by carrying out a short operation program before returning still-mode.Flow chart of Figure 12 A and 12B (with Figure 12) form illustrates some aspects of those operations with simplified way.

Auto-flusher shown in Fig. 2,3 and 4 can use the various embodiment that isolate actuator shown in Fig. 7,7B and the 7C.Isolating actuator 701 comprises an actuator base 716, ferromagnetic pole shoe 725, is slidably mounted in the ferro-magnetic armature 740 in the bobbin 714 inner armature containers that form.Ferromagnet armature 740 comprises an end 742 (being plunger 742) and an armature cavity 750 with ring spring 748.Ring spring 748 comprises the not end 748a and the 748b that reduce that is used for machinery control.Ferromagnet armature 740 can comprise a kind of or several groove or passage 752, provide end (outside of actuator base 716) to armature cavity 750 and to communication, so that the fluid motion in the displacement process of this armature easily at the approach end of the armature 740 of this pole shoe 725 from armature 740.

Isolating actuator body 701 also comprises a solenoid coil 728 that twines about solenoid bobbin 714 and is placed on the magnet 723 in the magnet recess 720.Isolation actuator body 701 also comprises the O type ring 712 of an elastically deformable, be formed on a sealing between solenoid bobbin 714 and the actuator base 716, and comprise the O type ring 730 of elastically deformable one by one, be formed on a sealing between solenoid bobbin 714 and the pole shoe 725, all by solenoid cover 718 integrators.Solenoid cover 718 (promptly holding storehouse 718) is crimped on actuator base 16, so that holding magnet 723 and pole shoe 725 roof pressure bobbins 714, thereby and coil 728 and actuator base 716 is fixed together.

Isolate actuator 700 and also comprise a flexible sheet 744, can have the various embodiment that describe and illustrate in conjunction with Fig. 7 D and 7E.As shown in Figure 7, flexible sheet 764 is installed in and seals the armature liquid that is placed in the fluid-tight armature chamber that is communicated with armature ports 752 between actuator base 716 and the call-on button 705.Flexible sheet 764 comprises an end 766, O type annulus 767 and a flexible portion 768.Terminal 766 on regional 708 contact sealing surfaces.The pressure of the adjusting liquid that provides through conduit 706 in the call-on button 705 is provided flexible sheet 764, and therefore may stand considerable external strength.And the formation of flexible sheet 764 has very low permeability and very high durability, is used for opening and closing for many years operational.

Still with reference to figure 7, for the purpose of storing and delivering, isolate actuator 701 and have a cap 703, the O type ring 732 that uses an elastically deformable is with respect to actuator base 716 tips part with respect to call-on button 705 sealings.Storage and delivery cap 703 generally include water, the relative equilibrium liquid that is comprised by flexible sheet 744; This will significantly limit or eliminate the diffusion of liquid by flexible sheet 744.

Still with reference to figure 7, actuator base 716 comprise one be in fact inner hold the wide base part in storehouse 718 and its outer surface screw thread be fixed to accept one on the cap 703 base extension part of dwindling.The complementary threads engagement that provides on the external surface of the inner surface of this pedestal expansion and call-on button 705.Diaphragm 764 comprises the outside 767 of a thickening, is placed between the soffit and call-on button 705 of this pedestal expansion 32.This will produce a liquid closed sealing, make this diaphragm protect this armature to avoid being exposed to the external fluid that flows in the main valve.

For example, this armature fluid can be the water that mixes with corrosion inhibitor, has for example mixed 20% glycol polypropylene and the phosphatic water of potassium.In addition, armature liquid can comprise silica-based liquid, and polypropylene-polyethylene ethylene glycol or other have macromolecular fluid.This armature liquid can be to have low viscosity and preferably noncorrosive any incompressible liquid for this armature usually.In addition, this armature fluid can be Fomblin or have low evaporating pressure (but preferably the macromolecule size with prevent the diffusion) other liquid.

If the corrosion inhibitor protection is arranged, this armature material can be mild steel, iron or any soft magnetic material; Corrosion resistance does not resemble its big factor in not having the situation of this protection.Other embodiment can adopt for example armature material of 420 or 430 series stainless steels.Only need this armature to form by a ferromagnetic material in fact, i.e. solenoid and the magnet material that can attract.Even so, this armature can comprise for example flexible or other top end, promptly is not ferromagnetic parts.

Flexible sheet 764 be sealed in the liquid closed armature cavity volume of the armature ports 752 that forms by the armature main body or 790 one of being communicated with in the armature fluid.And flexible sheet 764 is exposed to the pressure of the adjusting liquid in the main valve and may therefore stands suitable external strength.But armature 740 and spring 750 needn't overcome this strength, because the pressure of this conduit is delivered to this incompressible armature fluid in this armature cavity volume by diaphragm 764.Therefore, the dynamic balance that applies of the power that produces of the pressure of this in cavity volume and this catheter pressure.

Still with reference to figure 7,7A, 7B and 7C, armature 740 can move freely between retraction and extended position with respect to the fluid pressure in this chamber.Armature ports 752 or 790 makes this balance of power fluid to transfer to when activating from this armature cavity volume part of the armature upper end of wherein withdrawing from (end) from the spring cavity 750 that passes through of this armature cavity volume.Though the armature fluid also can be around a side flow of armature, the path that the device of the quick armature movement of needs should have a very low flow resistance, for example port 752 or 790 is assisted a path of formation.Similarly consider to support to use to have very low-viscosity armature cavity volume fluid.Therefore, this isolated operation device (being actuator 700) only needs low amount electric energy in order to operate, and therefore be unique be suitable for battery-operated.

In breech lock embodiment shown in Figure 7, armature 740 is remained on retracted position when not having solenoid current by magnet 723.For armature being driven into this extended position, require the magnetic force that direction and amplitude produced of armature supply enough to offset the magnetic force of magnet, so that make this spring force play a leading role.When doing so, this spring force armature 740 moves to its extended position, wherein makes the outer surface of diaphragm seal this valve seat of roof pressure (for example base of call-on button 705).In this position, armature has enough spaces apart from this magnet, and this spring force can keep the extension of this armature and need not solenoidal help.

Thereby in order armature to be turned back to the retracted position that illustrates and to realize flowing of fluid, electric current is driven through solenoid, and its sense of current makes the magnetic field that produces add the magnetic field of strong magnet.As mentioned above, the strength that magnet 723 is applied on the armature in the retracted position is enough big, resists this spring force so that hold it in the there.But, in not comprising the non-breech lock embodiment of magnet 723,, this solenoid make the magnetic force that produces surpass the elastic force of spring 748 as long as conducting enough electric currents, armature 740 just remains on advanced position.

Useful is, diaphragm 764 protection armatures 740 and produce the cavity of filling with a kind of very inert fluid, and this will make the actuator designer can carry out more favourable selection between the material of highly corrosion resistant power and high magnetic permeability.And diaphragm 764 provides for those tendencies and has entered the metal ion of this cavity and the barrier of other slag particle.

Diaphragm membrane 764 comprises a sealing surfaces 766, relates to this base openings zone, and sealing surfaces 766 and base openings zone can both be increases and decreases.Can optimize the susceptor surface of sealing surface 766 and call-on button 705 at the pressure limit of the designed operation of this valve actuator.Reduce sealing surfaces 766 (and corresponding top end of this armature 740) and will be reduced in the ram area that comprises in this diaphragm of extruding, and this has reduced at a needed spring force of given upstream liquid catheter pressure.On the other hand, this plunger top end area do too the young pathbreaker be easy in the process of valve closing to damage diaphragm 764.The top end contact area is between 1.4 and 12.3 to the optimum ratio scope in base openings zone.Actuator of the present invention is suitable for the pressure of various control fluids.The pressure that comprises about 150psi.Under the condition of not making any substantial modification, this valve actuator can use at about 30psi in the scope of 80psi, even uses under the hydraulic pressure of about 125psi.

Still with reference to figure 7,7A, 7B and 7C, call-on button 705 has an important novel capabilities, is used to realize that Fig. 2 B illustrates the consistent long-term guiding of the barrier valve shown in barrier film valve or Fig. 3 B.Solenoid actuator 701 is installed in the electronic faucet as an assembly together with call-on button 705; This will minimize the mutability of the guiding base of zone among 708 (Fig. 7,7B and the 7C) with respect to the guiding valve stroke of closing surface (being shown specifically among Fig. 7 E), and this mutability will influence this pilot operationp.This installation is faster and simpler than prior art.

The assembly of operator 701 and call-on button 705 normally is assembled together in a factory and forever is connected, thereby keeps diaphragm membrane 764 and pressure-loaded armature liquid (pressure can be compared with controlled fluid).Use complementary threads or slideway mechanism that call-on button 705 is coupled to the end of the constriction of actuator base 716, both have guaranteed the reproducible fixed range between the sealing surfaces of the end 766 of barrier film 764 and call-on button 705.Use the method for bonding, fixed screw or pin can make operator 701 and call-on button 705 for good and all be coupled.In addition, parts can comprise a region of elongation, be used for tighten or landing after call-on button 705 two component crimpings together.

Might solenoid actuator 701 be installed without call-on button 705, but this process bothers more a bit.If without call-on button 705, then this installation process requires at first with respect to main valve orientation direction valve body, thereby then actuator is fixed on the main valve this pilot valve door main body is kept in position.If do not take suitable concern, because the tolerance and the possible distortion of each part will cause locational some mutability of this guide main body.This mutability causes the mutability in pilot valve door part stroke.In low-power guiding valve,, and even hinder opening or closing of guiding valve even very little variation also can influence regularly or may influence sealing force unfriendly at all.Therefore, it is important reducing this mutability in installation, field maintenance or replacement process.On the other hand,, in this manufacture process, eliminate or reduced this mutability in fact when assembling solenoid actuator 701 during with call-on button 705, and therefore there is no need to keep in repair at the scene or replacement process in adopt special concern.

As mentioned above, the main valve assembly comprises having the main valve inlet, the main valve gate seat, a main valve main body of main valve outlet, a pressure chamber (being guidance cavity) and a relief outlet, reduce pressure in the pressure chamber (guidance cavity) by this relief outlet, wherein these main valve parts can be barrier film 28 (Fig. 2 B), plunger or barrier parts (Fig. 3 B or Fig. 4), these several main valve parts all can move between a fastening position and enable possition, in its fastening position, this main valve gate seat of this main valve parts sealing roof pressure, thus avoid from this main-inlet (Fig. 2 B for example, input 12 among the 3B or 4) to primary outlet (Fig. 2 B for example, output 34 among the 3B or 4) water flows.

As mentioned above, with reference to figure 7D and 7E, diaphragm membrane 764 comprises outer shroud 767, flexure region 768 and top end or basal seat area 766.The distal end of this plunger is sealed in the container edge behind of sealing zone 766.Because its soft by NSF parts 61 measures and compression is solidified and very low diffusivity, preferably makes diaphragm membrane 764 by EPDM.For armature fluid the sewing in transportation or installation process that prevents to encapsulate, this low diffusivity is important.In addition, membrane portions 764 can be made by clear powder elastic body, for example VITON or softness, low compression rubber, for example clear powder elastic body of being made by CRI SP-508 of CRI-LINE .In addition, membrane portions 764 can be made by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) type elastic body, or only comprises the elastic body making of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating.In addition, diaphragm element 764 can be made with the NBR (natural rubber) with 40-50 hardness mensuration, as a kind of means of the influence of the mold processing variation that reduces to produce the flow mark, the liquid that this flow mark can form containing enters the small leakage in the surrounding environment.In addition, diaphragm element 764 comprises a kind of metal backing, and when being dried in the process of storing at the actuator of assembling or delivering and being exposed to airbed, this metal backing diffusion is through the diffusion of this diaphragm element.

Diaphragm element 764 preferably has high-tension and low compressibility (this is to be difficult to realize).Diaphragm element 764 can have other parts of some parts of being made by low-durometer material (being parts 767 and 768) and then make (front surface 766) by high hardness material.For be minimized in the armature stroke accumulate in the course of time the operation in change, the low compression of diaphragm element 764 is important.Therefore, contact component 766 is to be made by high hardness material.For the flexible naturally membrane portions 764 in zone 768 is arranged, what need is high resiliency.And diaphragm element 768 is quite thin, so that this barrier film can deflection, and this plunger can move with very little power.This point is important for long-term powered battery.

With reference to figure 7E, another embodiment of diaphragm membrane 764 can be made into and comprises a forward lock pin (slug) cavity 772 (except rear portion plunger cavity is shaped to hold this plunger top-end).This forward lock pin cavity 772 is filled with plastics or metal lock pin 774.The forward surface 770 that comprises the surface of lock pin 774 coordinates to place with the sealing surfaces of call-on button 705.Specifically, the sealing surfaces of call-on button 705 can comprise a guiding base 709 of being made by the different material of characteristic for being designed to of lock pin 774.For example, can make the guiding base 709 of high rigidity by high hardness material.Therefore, in the seal operation process, flexible and very hard lock pin contacts with very soft guiding base 709.This novel designs of diaphragm membrane 764 and call-on button 705 provides a kind of long-term height reproducible " locked in " operation.

Diaphragm element 764 can be handled by a kind of two stage molds and make, and wherein this Outboard Sections is the mold of flexible material, and the inside part that contacts with the guiding base is the mold that uses on mold is handled than hard elastics body or thermoplastic material.Front insertion portion 774 can be made by a kind of hard injection molded plastic, and for example acceptable co-polymer or non-aggressive do not have the magnetic material, for example 300 series stainless steels form metal dish.In this programme, guiding base 709 is further revised makes it comprise that geometry keeps by high rigidity elastic body very, for example the geometry of the guiding base made of EPDM 60 hardness.By adopting this design, parts are obedient on the sealing surface transfer on the valve seat of call-on button 705 (rather than diaphragm element 764), obtained several key benefit.Specifically, diaphragm element 764 is a kind of obeyient materials.Essential improvement (be one and require conscientious processing controls and the continuous vigilant common phenomenon of quality control) is arranged in the processing that relates to the guide properly base geometry that keeps not having the flow mark.This design makes it possible to use the elastomeric element with hardness optimizing at application.

Fig. 7 F is to use the sectional view of another embodiment of an armature winding pipe in the actuator shown in Fig. 7 to 7C.The structure of the main body of bobbin has the hypotonicity for the armature fluid.For example, bobbin 714 comprises the metallic region 713 of contact armature liquid, and the plastic areas 713a that does not contact the armature fluid.

Fig. 8 illustrates the schematic diagram at a fluid flow control system of a latch actuator 801.This flow control system comprises microcontroller 814, power switch 818, solenoid driver 820 equally.As shown in Figure 7 latch actuator 701 comprise at least one be wrapped in one on the bobbin excitation coil 728 and an armature of preferably making by permanent magnet.Microcontroller 814 supplies to current driver 820 to control signal 815A and 815B, drives solenoid 728 so that mobile armature 740.Solenoid driver 820 receives DC power and pressure regulator 826 these powers of battery of adjustment from battery 824, so that the constant voltage of essence is provided to current driver 820.Coil checker 843A and 843B pick up because the induced potential signal of the mobile generation of armature 740, and this signal is provided to one adjusts feedback control loop, this adjustment feedback control loop comprises preamplifier 845A, 845B and pass traffic wave filter 847A, 847B.That is, coil checker 843A and 843B are used to monitor this armature position.

Microcontroller 814 is designed at the highly efficient power operation equally.Between activating, microcontroller 814 automatically enters low-frequency still-mode, and whole other electron component (for example input block or detector 818, power supply driver 820, pressure regulator or booster 826 signal conditioners 822) is by power down.When for example moving detector receives an input signal, microcontroller 814 switch on power loss controllers 819 (promptly connecting the transistor Q1 among Fig. 3 B).Power consumption control device 819 powers up signal conditioner 822.

Also with reference to figure 7, in order to close fluid passage 708, microcontroller 814 provides " a cutting out " control signal 815A to solenoid driver 820, and this will be applied to this coil terminal to a driving voltage." closing " the control signal 815A that is provided by microcontroller 814 starts the driving voltage of solenoid driver 820, and the polarity that has makes that the magnetic flux that produces is opposite with the polarity of the magnetic field that is provided by permanent magnet 723.This will interrupt the maintenance for armature 740 of magnet 723, and make the direction mobile valve parts 740 of return spring 748 towards valve base 708.In this fastening position, spring 748 keeps the valve seat of diaphragm element 764 roof pressure call-on buttons 705.In this fastening position, the distance of an increase is arranged between the end of armature 740 and pole shoe 725.Therefore, magnet 723 is provided at magnetic force on this armature 740 less than by recovering the power that spring 748 provides.

In order to open this fluid passage, microcontroller 814 provides " opening " control signal 815B (being latch-up signal) to solenoid driver 820.Should open the driving voltage of beginning in solenoid driver 820 by " opening " control signal 815B, the polarity that has makes that the magnetic flux that produces is opposite with the power that is provided by bias spring 748.The magnetic flux of this generation the flux that is provided by permanent magnet 723 has been provided and has been overcome the power of spring 748.Permanent magnet 723 provides a power, and enough too to armature 740 is remained on the enable possition, opposing recovers the power of spring 748, does not require any magnetic force that is produced by coil 728.

With reference to figure 2, appropriate control signals 815A or 815B are added to solenoid driver 820 by reached this expectation at armature 740 after opening or closing state, microcontroller 814 is ended flowing of electric currents.Pick-up winding 843A and 843B (or any common detector) monitor the motion (or position) of armature 740, and whether definite armature 740 has reached its terminal point.According to the detection data from pick-up winding 843A and 843B (or detector), microcontroller 814 stops to apply this coil drive, increases this coil drive or reduces this coil drive.

In order to open this fluid passage, microcontroller 814 sends OPEN signal 815B to power supply driver 820, and this will provide a drive current to coil 842 with the direction of indentation armature 740.Simultaneously, coil 843A and 843B are provided to the adjustment feedback control loop to induced signal, and it comprises a preamplifier and a low pass filter.If the output of a differential circuit 849 indication reaches a chosen position (half-distance between this expansion and the retracted position for example less than the power supply pivot, or advanced position fully, or other position) a selected threshold scale, it is maintained that then microcontroller 814 will keep OPEN signal 815B.If do not detect moving of armature 740, then can to apply the water power of different OPEN signal 815B flat for microcontroller 814, so that the drive current (reaching several times of normal drive currents) that is provided by analog line driver 820 is provided.Like this, system can move the armature 740 that stops owing to mineral deposit or other problem.

Microcontroller 814 can use the induced signal in coil 843A and 843B that is provided to this adjustment feedback control loop and detect armature displacement (even monitoring that armature moves).Change the output of differential circuit 849 along with the displacement of response armature 740, microcontroller 814 can apply the level of different OPEN signal 815B, maybe can turn-off OPEN signal 815B, and this controls the varying level that analog line driver 820 applies drive current again.Result normally this drive current is lowered, or the duration of this drive current than under worst case conditions for opening the required time of fluid passage (promptly do not using and must be used under the armature detector condition) much shorter.Therefore, the system of Fig. 8 has saved the life-span that therefore considerable energy also prolongs battery 824.

Useful is, this design of coil checker 843A and 843B can be conciliate breech lock with the breech lock that big precision detects armature 740 and be moved.(still, single coil detector, or a plurality of coil checker, or capacitance detector also can be used to the mobile detection of armature 740.) microcontroller 814 can indicate the configuration file of the drive current that is applied by power supply driver 820.Various configuration files can be stored in the microcontroller 814 and can be according to various coefficients startings, and these coefficients have: fluid type, fluid pressure, fluid temperature (F.T.), since install or the last time actuator of safeguarding 840, battery level, from input or other coefficient of external detector (for example detector appears in moving detector or target).

As selection, microcontroller 814 can comprise the communication interface that is used for the data transmission, for example serial port, parallel port, the USB port of wireless communication interface (for example RF interface).Communication interface is used to download data to microcontroller 814 (for example driving curved configuration file, calibration data), or is used to reprogram microcontroller 814, so that control different startups or compute type.

With reference to figure 7, when providing the water input through call-on button 705 passages 706, electromagnetic actuators 701 connects with a backflow device.In addition, when providing water input and process passage 706 to withdraw from through call-on button 705 passages 710, electromagnetic actuators 701 connects with a drag flow device.In this drag flow device, plunger " is provided directly " by the pressure of the controlled fluid that is provided by passage 710.That is, Dui Ying hydraulic power effect and antagonistic spring 748.Just with return device in, this breech lock or separate the breech lock time and depend on fluid pressure, but should actual breech lock time correlation be different.In backflow device, this breech lock time time of plunger 740 (promptly be used to bounce back) increases linearly with this fluid pressure in fact, shown in Fig. 9 B.On the other hand, in this drag flow device, this breech lock time reduces with this fluid pressure of situation.According to this breech lock temporal correlation, microcontroller 814 can calculate this actual hydraulic pressure and therefore control this water yield.

Fig. 8 A illustrates the schematic diagram at the fluid flow control system of another embodiment of this latch actuator.This flow control system comprises microcontroller 814, power consumption control device 819 equally, from solenoid driver 820 and an indicator 828 of battery 824 or booster 826 received powers.As mentioned above, microcontroller 814 is with still-mode and operation mode.Microcontroller 814 receives an input signal from input block 818 (or any detector), and control signal 815A and 815B are provided to current driver 820, and this will drive the solenoid of a latching valve door actuator 701.Solenoid driver 820 receives DC power from battery 824, and pressure regulator 826 is adjusted this power of battery.A power monitor 872 monitors the power signal of the excitation coil that is delivered to actuator 701, and with a Feedback Design with operational amplifier 870 the power monitor signal is provided to microcontroller 814.As mentioned above, microcontroller 814 and power consumption control device 19 are designed to the highly efficient power operation.

Also with reference to figure 3, in order to close fluid passage 308, microcontroller 14 provides " a cutting out " control signal 815A to solenoid driver 820, and this will be applied to this actuator terminal to a driving voltage, and therefore applies drive current by coil 728.Power monitor 872 can be one and connect resistance, be used for added drive current of flowing through (or part of drive current).Power monitor 872 can be chosen as coil or other parts.The output of power monitor 872 is provided to the differential circuit of signal conditioner 870.This differential circuit is used to determine a latch point, shown in Fig. 9 A.

Similar with the description that combines Fig. 8, in order to open the fluid passage, microcontroller 814 transmission CLOSE signal 815A or OPEN signal 815B are to valve driver 820, and this will be provided to coil 728 (and closing or open passage 708) with extension or indentation armature 740 steering handle drive currents.Simultaneously, power monitor 872 is provided to operational amplifier 870 to a signal.Use this power monitor signal, microcontroller 814 determines whether armature 740 reaches the state of expectation.For example, if the latch mode that is not used in armature 740 is indicated in the output of operational amplifier 870 at the beginning, then microcontroller 814 promptly applies a high level OPEN signal as described above with inhibit signal 815B, so that apply a high drive current.On the other hand, if armature 740 reaches this expectation state (for example latch mode shown in Fig. 9 A), then microcontroller 814 applies a low level OPEN signal 815B, promptly turn-offs OPEN signal 815B.With under worst case, opening the required time of fluid passage or current level is compared, this will reduce the duration of drive current or the level of this drive current usually.Therefore, the system of Fig. 8 A has saved the life-span that therefore considerable energy also prolongs battery 8A24.

With reference to Figure 10, flow chart 900 is illustrated in the operation of a microcontroller 814 during the flush cycle.As mentioned above, microcontroller 814 is at a still-mode.According to the input signal from input block or external detector, microcontroller 814 is begun, and timer is by zero setting (step 902).In step 904, if valve actuator is carried out complete flushing, then a time T _BasEqual T _Full(step 906).If there is not complete flushing, then timer is set to T in step 910 _BasEqual _ThalfIn step 912, before step 914 starts actuator, microcontroller sampling cell voltage.After the solenoid of actuator starts, microcontroller 814 search latch point (seeing Fig. 9 or 9A).When timer reached latch point (step 918), microcontroller 814 was prohibited moving this solenoid (step 920).In step 922, based on this breech lock time, microcontroller 814 uses the calibration data that stores to calculate corresponding hydraulic pressure.According to hydraulic pressure and known waterdrainage amount by tank bath device, microcontroller determines the separating the breech lock time of this actuator (being the shut-in time) (step 926).Reach breech lock after the time, microcontroller 14 is provided to current driver 820 (step 928) to " cutting out " signal.After this point, repeat the whole circulation shown in flow process Figure 90 0.

With reference to figure 12A and 12B, the fact of frame 200 and 202 expressions is that controller keeps its still-mode till timer 190 produces a pulse.When pulse occurred, this processor began to carry out program stored with a pre-entry point by frame 204 expressions.Program enters into execution some initialization operation by the state that each port is set of the step example of frame 206, and the step of the state of the press button 210 of detection Fig. 2 of frame 208.Be installed in and be ready on the bath device shell 146 comprise a magnet 210a by the press button that the user connects, when button was depressed, magnet 210a increased the close degree to main circuit board 126.Circuit board comprises a reed switch 211, as Fig. 6 suggestion like that, and the magnetic field of response increase of generation on circuit board 126 and produce a input for control circuit.

The main purpose of press button 210 is to use the family can manually operate this bath device.Shown in the frame 212,214,216,217 and 218 of Figure 12, if flushing is not underway, and if this button do not pressed continuously in advance 30 seconds, then control circuit 180 comes depressing of response button to open beginning flushing operation usually.

This condition of 30 seconds is forced, and does not cause when being installed in this unit when battery so that make battery be installed in manufacture process and the significant energy consumption between this two times when this unit is installed in the Toilet system.Specifically, the encapsulation of this bath device can so be designed, and promptly when it is closed, as long as this encapsulation keeps closing, depresses this press button 210 and keeps it to be pressed.Usually it will keep closing greater than 30 seconds in this case, so shown in the frame 220 of Figure 12, this controller returns its still-mode and do not cause any greater than only being enough to realize that this controller carries out the power consumption of a few instruction.That is, this controller does not make power be added to several several circuit that are used for emitting infrared radiation or pass through the drive current of flushing valve operator as yet.

Save at still-mode in the middle of the method for power, microcontroller circuit and not by clock control, but some power still is added to circuit keeps some minimum buffer status, is included in the predetermined fixed value in several mask registers position.When battery is first installed in this bath device unit, not that whole register bit all will have this predetermined value.Frame 222 expressions determine whether those values exist.If not, then controller infers that this battery just is mounted, and it enters one and add power mode, as frame 224 expressions.

This adds power mode and relates to this fact, is not promptly having under user's the situation, reflects back into the ratio difference of the detection radiation of detector receiver in the varying environment.This purpose that adds power mode is to make can inform this system by setter this ratio is how in the environment that is mounted of bath device.This makes this system can ignore background reflectance subsequently.During this added power mode, the object detector operation did not respond target acquisition and opens valve.On the contrary, whenever it operates a visible LED, all detect a target, and the power setting to of an emitter level, this level just is lower than the illumination of this visible LED under the situation of neither one effective target and still represents detected level of target such as this setter is adjusted a potentiometer.This will tell which kind of level of this system will be considered to be used for the allowed greatest irradiation level of this installation.

Add in the step that relates in the power mode entering this, if power supply to operating then must keep successively some subsystem of operation to them.The acceptor circuit that detector is for example arranged in the middle of these subsystems.Wherein this infrared transmitter only needs to be need not to add power supply by pulse between pulse, and this receiver must keep power supply between pulse, so that it can detect this pulse echo.

It is a low battery detector that in the embodiment shown in this other needs the subsystem of power supply continuously.As mentioned above, control circuit receives a unadjusted output from power supply, and knows the whether short of electricity of this battery by inference from the voltage of output, as frame 226 expressions.If it is a low value, then VISIBLE LIGHT EMISSION diode or other alarm of being represented by frame 228 among Fig. 4 A is operated to an indication of this low battery electric quantity state is given to the user.

Now, the battery checked operation of frame 226 expression can be implemented and the system that need not carries out the operation of frame 224 in one-period, adds power mode so the later step of the battery checked operation of frame 226 is current whether being in of definite this system by frame 230 expressions.

In the embodiment shown in this, this system is used for adding power mode operation ten minutes at this, supposes that afterwards this installation process has finished and no longer needs visual target to detect indicator.As in frame 230 work, determining like that, if this system is really in adding power mode, the step of its execution frame 232 then, determine its whether in this pattern greater than ten minutes, i.e. the plan length of calibration intervals.If, its this system that resets then, making it not think self is to add next time waking up in the power mode at this.

Although for current period, it still adds in the power mode at it, and it is carried out the power mode of determining that adds and operates.By one of operation of frame 234 expression is to determine whether that from unadjusted power supply output any battery pacified direction wrong.If any, then this system turns back to inactive state simply, shown in frame 236.Otherwise shown in frame 238, this system detects its memory and requires continual command this valve operation device five time to close this flushing valve according to adding of embodiment is shown in the power mode so that determine whether.We have found that, when system installs for the first time and so order valve closing, will try hard to avoid the careless bath in initial installation process.

Shown in frame 242, system determines whether to have detected a target subsequently.If then system is provided with a sign, shown in frame 244, thereby indication will be connected visible LED and be notified setter with this fact.This will finish this and power up the mode-specific operation.

System enters the operation that is not specific to this pattern subsequently.In the illustrated embodiment, those further operation reality are anticipated by desire and are only carried out once each second, and the every 250msec of this timer wakes native system up once.Therefore shown in frame 246, system determine since last time executable operations whether passed through complete one second.If not, then this system turns back to inactive state simply, shown in frame 248.

On the other hand, if whole second through one, if then system has set in advance certain and indicates that indicating this should be the state of LED, this system will connect a visible LED.By this operations of frame 250 and 252 expressions what follow later is the step of frame 254, determine whether this valve is opened.If this routine call checks wherein that by the further program of frame 256 expressions timer waits to determine whether this valve should be closed.If should close, this valve of this stop then.System turns back to still-mode subsequently.

If valve is not opened, then system applies the subsystem that power supply powers up for above-mentioned needs continuously like that shown in frame 258.Reaching this step if add power mode from this, though this power supply will be to be applied in, will be still to be not applied in its normal manipulation mode.

Need power supply to apply at this, need power supply because detect the subsystem of battery supply.Shown in frame 260 and 262, the output of detection subsystem subsequently.If this result is the conclusion of this power of battery deficiency, then system carries out the step of frame 264 and frame 266, has supposed that to indicate it this turns back to still-mode after adding power mode in that a sign is set.Therefore this sign is set makes any wake-up period subsequently all comprise the operation of closing this valve, and avoid otherwise uncontrolled the flowing that may cause owing to a power attenuation.

From the angle of a maintenance, the not bath of time that desirable system is not too long.If do not respond a target and wash through twenty four hours this system, then program will cause a bath occur forwarding to then static, shown in frame 268,270,272.Otherwise this system will send the echo that infrared radiation enters into this target area and detects any generation, shown in frame 274.Determine also whether the detection echo of this generation satisfies the criterion of determining that is used for effective target, shown in frame 276.

The result who determines is fed to a series of tests by frame 278 expressions immediately, is used to determine whether occur bath.Typical case test is to determine that whether a user at least one predetermined minimum time occurred and leave subsequently, should will open but several other states also can be used for determining this valve.If any one state here occurs, this system all opens this valve, shown in frame 280.If visible LED and analog power are connected at this point, then they are turned off, as frame 282 expressions.Shown in frame 284, this system forwards to static subsequently.

The operation whether an effective target occurs of determining of frame 276 comprises a program, and Figure 13 A and 13B common (" Figure 13 ") describe this program.As determining in the step of frame 288 expression of figure,, then set up a background gain according to the mode of explaining above if system adds in the power mode at it.Frame 290 expressions are carried out level and are determined.

The target that adds power mode is set up an ambient level, is not this flushing valve of operation, if ambient level is set, what then this background determining step 290 was followed later is the operation of the sign that resets of frame 292, and it will make another program open this flushing valve.The program of Figure 13 is returned immediately, shown in frame 294.

If the result of the step of frame 288 indicates this system on the contrary not in adding power mode, then this system transfers to obtain the indication that this transmission radiation is reflected back to the percentage situation of detector.All be suitable for the present invention and use though obtain any way of such indication, a kind of method that is tending towards saving power supply is to change this transmitting power, and it shifts gears is the transmission power level that finds a predetermined set numerical value of realization received power.Thereby this transmission power level is identified as one (oppositely) indication of this reflection percentage.By adopting this scheme, next its transmitted power is restricted to obtaining one can so be operated by this system can detect the needed level of echo.

In principle, the embodiment shown in this follows this method.In practice, system is designed only to send with some discrete power level, so it is actually the discrete transmission power level of sign responds the value of setting that comprises received power to youngster reflected power levels.Specifically, the step that proceeds to frame 296 and frame 298 determines whether the infra-red intensity of this reflection exceeds a predetermined threshold, if, then normally reduce the sensitivity of system by the infrared intensity that reduce to send, until this reflective light intensity fall this below threshold value till.This result is the highest gain value that obtains the driftlessness indication.

Under some situation, though reflective light intensity is lower than threshold value, if sensitivity is further increased, detect the target context that for example drags door even work as system's meeting (undesirably), its appearance will can not cause bath.The purpose of the step of frame 290 is to determine the degree of sensitivity, even and have peaked gain, ambient level, if this infrared rays echo is less than this threshold value, a driftlessness sign will be set by frame 300 and 302 steps of representing.Go out as shown, this situation also causes the flushing sign to be reset and program is directly returned.

If indication of the opposite generation of the step of frame 300, show if this sensitivity be lower than this ambient level then this echo strength can be done to such an extent that be lower than this threshold value and return, then there is a target being not only background, and this program enters a step, forces to be used to detect the criterion of having left in this facility after the user is using this facility.In order to force those criterions, program keeps a push down stack, sometimes input item is shifted onto this push down stack.Each input item all has gain field, a timer field and goes into/go out field.

Whether the absolute value that frame 304 expression is determined current gain and is listed in the difference between the gain in this top job stack input item exceeds a gain for threshold value changes.If not, current the calling of this program is pulled on this job stack causing not having new input item, but will increase progressively the timer field of existing top input item, shown in frame 306.If the result of frame 304 steps is opposite situations, promptly the absolute value of this change in gain is really greater than this threshold value, then this program is shifted a new input item on this job stack onto, current gain is placed in the gain field of input item, and provides the null value of this timer field.In brief,, all add a new input item, and keep the user had and stay in how long substantially that not do the tracking of moving with the original place the same with this step-length big whenever the distance of this target has changed a predetermined step-length.

Shown in frame 310,312 and 314, if current gain exceeds the gain of this previous input item, what then this program was returned this input item goes into/goes out " going out " value of field, indicate this target leaving this bath device, if and current gain is then given " going into " value of this field less than the gain of previous input item.Which kind of situation no matter, program is all carried out the step of frame 306 subsequently, increases progressively timer (to " 1 " value) and moves to wherein this valve open criterion by the parts of reality from the job stack service portion of program.

First criterion is used in frame 316 expression, and promptly whether this top input item goes into/go out field and indicate this target to leave away.If this target does not satisfy this criterion, then program is carried out the step of frame 292, and bath sign subsequently the program of being arranged so that is not opened the value of flushing valve, and this program returns, shown in frame 294.On the other hand, if this criterion is satisfied, then this program is carried out the step of frame 318, and whether the sequence of a predetermined minimum number of determining the input item that this target of indication is just moving into is in this top input item be right after arbitrarily before the input item that this target of indication formerly leaving away.If not, user in fact near this facility, to use this facility to leave away then then be impossible situation, so this program is returned after this bath sign that resets once more.Notice that the criterion of these frame 318 step application and absolute value reflection percentage are irrelevant; It requires this reflection percentage along with a minimum zone is passed through in its increase only according to the variation of reflection percentage.

If the step of frame 318 is determined the necessary number of this inside indication input item on the contrary and is appeared at really before the outside indication input item, then program forces frame 320 with criterion, determines that this moves inward the indication input item at last and whether has expression at least such as the timing value in 5 seconds.Force that this criterion is avoided when facility is not actually used and the bath that is triggered.Equally, if this criterion does not satisfy, then program is returned after this bath sign that resets.

On the other hand, if satisfy this criterion, then program is forced the criterion of frame 322,324 and 326, is used for determining whether a user fully leaves away.If as what determine by frame 322, target was obviously left away than the time that threshold quantity is longer, or as in frame 324 and 326, determining, target left away time of being slightly smaller than a threshold quantity, but appear at still distance greater than a predetermined duration, then this program will be provided with the bath sign before returning, shown in frame 328.Otherwise the flushing sign will reset.

The test of Figure 13 only is one of typical case of the various tests that comprise of the operation 276 of Figure 12 B.But it provides an example, and the system shown in this that illustrates is reduced in an example of the mode of the problem that may occur in the colored variation of user's clothes.Learn that as scrutinizing of Figure 13 determine whether the user arrives and/or leave not to be based on the absolute gain value, and be based on relative value, this will produce from more continuous measurement.This will reduce more seriously influences the problem that other detects strategy, promptly to light clothes sensitivity greater than sensitivity to dark clothes.

Mentioned above, the system shown in this adopts a VISIBLE LIGHT EMISSION diode (" visible light LED ").As a rule, the position of visible light LED is unessential, as long as in fact the user can see its light.For example a position can be close to this photodiode; Fig. 4 A be illustrated in receiver lenticular unit 152 ' the edge in the zone 330 that do not have to rise and fall, and this visible light LED can place according to the form that deposit in the zone.In the embodiment of Fig. 2, do not see so independent visible light LED.Its reason is, visible light LED in this embodiment is provided as the part of a combination LED matrix 132, and this combination LED matrix also comprises the infrared light supply of this transmitter.

In order to operate the LED of this dichromatism, transmitter and alarm circuit 184 and 228 (Fig. 4 A) have adopted the form shown in Figure 11 jointly.This circuit is connected to the terminal 332 and 334 of this dual-colored LED.By driving control line 336,338 and 340 selectively, control circuit is operated infrared light emitting diode D1 and the VISIBLE LIGHT EMISSION diode D2 of this pair LED respectively.Specifically, if line 338 is maintained at high level to keep the disconnection of transistor Q3, then drive wire 340 is connected transistor Q1 and Q2 and is therefore driven this VISIBLE LIGHT EMISSION diode D2 with high level at least.On the other hand, if line 340 is driven in low level, and line 338 is also passive in low level, then utilizes by the determined power of voltage of the circuit 336 that is added to control transistor Q4 and realizes that infrared light emitting diode D1 is switched on.

As described in conjunction with the frame 214,217 and 220 of Figure 12, if being held to press, press button surpassed for 30 seconds, this system will forward to static.Fig. 6 illustrates the packing of utilizing this feature and remains on the negligible electric energy of this equipment before being mounted and use, even include the battery of installation when this equipment is in stock or betransported.For a previous manual system is adapted to automatic operation, the user of expection can obtain a flow control valve, for example comprises except by all parts described in Fig. 2 A the barrier film feed conduit 38.This flow control valve by reference number 348 signs among Figure 15 is to provide with a packing case of being made up of a conventional rectangular cardboard box 350.The top of box comprises an inner wing 352, and it is at first covered closes, and outer wing 354 is buckled on this inner wing.Protuberance 356 is fit to be provided at the seam 358 in the cartridge body, closes to keep box.For hold button when box is closed is pressed, this box has a push-on starter 360, be installed on the inner wing 352, when this inner wing 352 is closed and this press button 310 superimposed.It is correctly superimposed that this packing can provide pushing button and this starter that dummy slider (not illustrating) guarantees this flow control valve.

Fig. 6 E is the detailed sectional view of a push-on starter 360, it is shown is installed on the inner wing 352, and outer wing 354 buttons thereon.The starter 360 that illustrates is a common round plastic components normally.It forms a kind of annular balk ring 362, and with the top engagement of the shell 146 (Fig. 2) of flow control valve, the projection 364 that guarantees the center only presses down this pushing button one and correctly measures.For this starter being installed, provide a barb postposition 366 at this inner wing.Rearmounted 366 form a center grooved 368, make it to be out of shape and therefore its barb can cooperate by a hole 370 in this inner wing 352.Outer wing 354 forms another hole 372, holds this barb postposition 366.

Other design can be placed on other place in the packing case to this button actuator.For example also can be placed on the diapire of packing case, and this this flow control valve of upper limb roof pressure.

At present, the situation of Chu Xianing is sometimes, in being assembled to shell before this battery be placed in this circuit, and this circuit that battery has been installed remote location of need delivering is used for assembly manipulation.Owing to still there is not shell, this circuit just can not keep static by the button pressed downwards that keeps shell.At this situation, the scheme that can adopt Fig. 6 B and 6C to describe.

Fig. 6 B is the schematic diagram that is similar to Fig. 6 D, but the packing 350 of Fig. 6 B ' content 376 just packing 350 comprise a subset of equipment 348.For example, they can get rid of shell 146 and pressure cap 24 and the solenoid of Fig. 2, and pilot valve door part mounted thereto.So, the packing 350 of embodiment among Fig. 6 B ' the do not comprise push-on starter that box 350 comprises.On the contrary, shown in Fig. 6 C, at magnet 380 of inner surface bonding of 350 end of packing inwall 382, and this magnet is accepted in a hole 384 of inserting plate 386 that makes a decision on end inwall 382.

Be placed in this packing by Fig. 6 C abridged circuit unit 376 for simplification, adjacent this magnet of the reed switch of this circuit is placed.Therefore this switch is closed just as it and is operated like that when this push button, and this circuit so keep static.

Figure 15 and 15A illustrate another embodiment that comprises the auto-flusher of a flexible pipe, and this flexible pipe has been exempted a dynamic seal (packing) of using in the bath device of describing in conjunction with Fig. 2.The automatic regulator that schematically illustrates among Figure 15, transmitter and receiver lens and above-mentioned preceding circuit case parts.This auto-flusher comprises that isolated operation device 701 is in an avris (vertically) position.

The flush valve main body is with 10 indications and have the delivery port 14 that 12 and bottoms of an inlet are pointed to.Zone between the upside of the downside of this inside cover piece 1030 and barrier film 1032 forms a pressure chamber 1038.Hydraulic pressure in this chamber remains on barrier film 1032 on the base 1040 that forms with the upper end of sleeve pipe, and this sleeve pipe has formed at inlet 12 and exported a conduit between 14.

The details of this operation is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 5,244,179 and United States Patent (USP) 4,309,781 and 4,793,588 in.Inlet 12 the water of flowing through reaches pressure chamber 38 by strainer and bypass loop, and its details is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 5,967, in 182.Therefore, water reaches this pressure chamber from this flush valve inlet, barrier film being remained on a fastening position, and when on the current direction during through passage 44, this pressure chamber will be discharged by this solenoidal operation, enter chamber 1046 immediately, pass through the passage in this flexible pipe then, as at United States Patent (USP) 6,382, as described in 586, this United States Patent (USP) is combined in this reference.

This flexible pipe 1050 is hollow and the form of a flexible sleeve is arranged.Sleeve pipe comprises a ring spring 1052, prevents this pipe because breaking of causing of the hydraulic pressure of dish of this assembly of flowing through downwards.In the top, flexible pipe 1050 is connected to an inner cap adapter or other parts.

Being arranged on the top, conduit upper end is an injector head, with barrier film 1032 latched positions between the soffit of the upper surface of this injector head and radially epitaxial part that should dish.When the pressure relieve in the chamber 1038, this barrier film, dish and conduit all will move together, and this barrier film will be gone up in-migration and be provided at direct connection between flush valve inlet 12 and the flush valve outlet 14.When this thing happens, this dish will on move, and will carry the low side of this flexible pipe 1050.Therefore, when the upper end of flexible pipe was fixed within the passage of this inner cap 1030, this flexible pipe was inevitable crooked.But this flexible pipe always provides a reliable discharge-channel that is used for the valve member operation.

Claims (51)

1. bathroom flushers comprises:

Main body with an inlet and an outlet,

A valve in said main body, location come according to the current that are closed in the seal operation of a moving-member of a valve seat between the said entrance and exit, thus control from the flowing of the said said outlet that enters the mouth, and

Be used to activate an actuator of the operation of said moving-member.

2. the bathroom flushers of claim 1, wherein said moving-member is the high flow rate barrier film, constitute come a valve cavity neutral line move.

3. the bathroom flushers of claim 1, wherein said moving-member is a barrier film.

4. the bathroom flushers of claim 1, wherein said moving-member is a plunger.

5. claim 2,3 or 4 bathroom flushers also comprise a cover piece, are installed on the said main body and with said valve member and limit a pressure chamber.

6. the bathroom flushers of claim 5, also comprise the compliant member that an end is fixing with respect to said cover piece, the other end of said compliant member is connected to a movable part of said valve combination, wherein is useful on a passage of the pressure that reduces in said pressure chamber in said compliant member.

7. the bathroom flushers of claim 6, wherein said compliant member is a hollow section.

8. the bathroom flushers of claim 7 comprises a spring that is positioned in the said hollow section.

9. the bathroom flushers of claim 8, wherein said spring is by a ring spring.

10. the bathroom flushers of claim 8, wherein said actuator is an isolation (sealing) actuator.

11. claim 2,3 or 4 bathroom flushers comprise an automatic flow control system.

12. an automatic flow control system comprises:

A kind of electronics valve can be by the control signal that applies on it in an enable possition that allows fluid flow with stop between the fastening position of liquid communication and operate; And

The control circuit that comprises an infrared detector and a LED combination, contain a VISIBLE LIGHT EMISSION diode and an infrared light emitting diode, drive this LED combination with reverse parallel being connected at first direction, make its infrared light be transmitted in the target area, and drive this LED combination in the second opposite direction, make its visible emitting, drive combination LED in this first and second direction selectively, and according to this infrared detector to control signal being applied to this electronics valve from the reception of the reflects infrared light of this target area.

13. the automatic flow control system of claim 12, wherein this control circuit can be with the operation of normal mode, respond this infrared detector reflection infrared light reception and operate this valve; And can be with the operation of initial modes, respond this infrared detector reflects infrared light reception and drive this combination LED.

14. the automatic flow control system of claim 12, wherein:

This LED combination comprises first and second terminals;

This control circuit comprises:

The power supply that the positive and negative limit is arranged;

Positive path and the negative path transistor relevant with each terminal, a path on each the positive limit of transistor controls, positive path from relative terminal to this power supply;

The negative path transistor relevant with each terminal, each negative path transistor control marginal path from relative terminal to this power supply;

Drive this LED combination with first direction, this control circuit is driven into conducting and is somebody's turn to do this positive path transistor relevant with this first terminal, and is driven into the conducting negative path transistor relevant with this second terminal; And

Drive this LED combination with second direction, this control circuit is driven into conducting and is somebody's turn to do this positive path transistor relevant with this second terminal, and is driven into the conducting negative path transistor relevant with this first terminal.

15. the automatic flow control system of claim 14, wherein this control circuit can be with the operation of normal mode, respond this infrared detector reflects infrared light reception and operate this valve; And can be with the operation of initial modes, respond this infrared detector reflects infrared light reception and drive this combination LED.

16. an auto-flusher comprises:

A kind of electronics valve can be operated between a closed condition that allows a logical opening of current and stop current to lead to by the control signal that applies on it; And

A control circuit, transmission is radiated a target area, detects as the radiation that reflexes to the result of this control circuit with a reflection percentage, and at least one operator scheme, response is by the sequence of the preposition period of satisfying the predetermined reduction reflection percentage that withdraws from criterion of the period of satisfying predetermined increase reflection percentage near criterion, thereby irrespectively responds the variation of reflection percentage by control signal being applied to this electric valve is operating as its open mode with this electric valve with the absolute value level of reflection percentage.

17. as the auto-flusher that limits in the claim 16, that wherein should be scheduled to comprises that near criterion the duration of the period of this increase reflection percentage surpasses the necessary condition near the period minimum value.

18. as the auto-flusher that limits in the claim 17, wherein should be predetermined near criterion be included in this near the period during this reflection percentage by the necessary condition of a minimum near the reflection percentage scope.

19. as the auto-flusher that limits in the claim 17, the criterion that withdraws from that wherein should be predetermined comprises that the duration of the period of this reduction reflection percentage surpasses a necessary condition that withdraws from the period minimum value.

20. as the auto-flusher that limits in the claim 19, wherein should be predetermined near criterion be included in this near the period during this reflection percentage by the necessary condition of a minimum near the reflection percentage scope.

21. an electromagnetic actuators comprises:

An actuator comprises a solenoid and armature shell, this armature shell constitute and be used for one movably relation hold an armature;

Be coupled to the controller of an analog line driver, formation is come to drive signal to one and is provided to said solenoid, thereby is used for a mobile valve passage of fluid so that move said armature and open or close; And

An actuator detector constitutes and is used to detect the position of said armature and provides a signal to said controller.

22. being configured, the actuator system of claim 21, wherein said detector detect the voltage of responding to by the motion of said armature wherein.

23. the actuator system of claim 22, wherein said detector are configured and are used to detect because the change of the mobile said driving signal that causes of said armature.

24. the actuator system of claim 22, wherein said detector comprises a resistance, is used to receive at least a portion of driving signal, and a voltmeter, is configured for measuring the voltage at said resistance two ends.

25. the actuator system of claim 22, wherein said detector comprises a coil checker, constitutes and is used to detect the voltage that is moved induction by said armature.

26. the actuator system of claim 25, wherein said coil checker are connected to a signal conditioner that conditioning signal is provided to said controller according to a feedback scheme.

27. the actuator system of claim 26, wherein said signal conditioner comprise a preamplifier and a low pass filter.

28. the actuator system of claim 22, wherein said detector comprises two coil checkers, and each coil checker formation also is used to detect the voltage that is moved induction by said armature.

29. the actuator system of claim 28, wherein said coil checker is connected to a differential amplifier according to a feedback scheme, and this differential amplifier is configured for a differential signal is provided to said controller.

30. the actuator system of claim 21, wherein said actuator detector comprises a fluorescence detector.

31. the actuator system of claim 21, wherein said actuator detector comprises a capacitance detector.

32. the actuator system of claim 21, wherein said actuator detector comprises a bridger, and a mobile signal that causes that is used for detecting sensitively by said armature changes.

33. the actuator system of claim 21, wherein said armature shell are configured and are used for the linear displacement of the said solenoidal said armature of the said driving signal of foundation reception.

34. the actuator system of claim 33, wherein said actuator are latch actuator, constitute to keep said armature to be in said opening need not to pass to said solenoidal any driving signal in the channel status.

35. the actuator system of claim 34, wherein said latch actuator comprises a permanent magnet, is used for keeping said armature in the said channel status of opening.

36. the actuator system of claim 34, wherein said latch actuator also comprises a bias spring, the location also is used for the direction biasing of said armature towards the extended position that a closing passage state is provided be need not to pass to any driving signal of said solenoid.

37. the actuator system of claim 21 also comprises an appearance detector that is coupled to said controller.

38. a valving comprises:

A fluid input port and a fluid outlet;

Limit a valve cavity and comprise the valve body on a valve closing surface; With

A barrier assembly provides two pressure areas, and can move within said valve cavity relative to a guide member; Said barrier assembly is configured and moves to an enable possition, makes fluid can be according to the reduction of the pressure in the first area of said pressure span flow to said fluid outlet from said fluid input port; And be configured and move to a fastening position, the rising according to the pressure in said first pressure span is created in a sealing on said valve closing surface.

39. the valving of claim 38, wherein said two pressure spans comprise two chambeies by said barrier components apart, and wherein said first pressure span comprises a guidance cavity.

40. the valving of claim 39 comprises an operator, constitutes and be used for being released in the pressure of said guidance cavity, and therefore starts said barrier parts moving from said fastening position to said enable possition.

41. the valving of claim 40, wherein said operator comprises a latch actuator.

42. the valving of claim 40, wherein said operator comprises a non-latch actuator.

43. the valving of claim 40, wherein said operator comprises an actuator with an isolation diaphragm, and this isolation diaphragm is used for liquid is included in a plunger cavity inside of said actuator.

44. the valving of claim 38, wherein said barrier assembly comprise a compliance member and a rigid element, said compliance member is configured with said valve closing surface and contacts, so that form said sealing in said fastening position.

45. the valving of claim 44, wherein said valve closing surface comprises an antelabium, provides said sealing in said fastening position.

46. the valving of claim 38 comprises a bias component.

47. the valving of claim 44, wherein said bias component are configured and are used to assist said barrier part moving from said enable possition to said fastening position.

48. the valving of claim 44, wherein said bias component comprises a spring.

49. the valving of claim 38, wherein said guide member comprises a pin.

50. the valving of claim 49, wherein said pin comprises a groove.

51. a kind of method of control liquid flow comprises step:

Provide and an a kind of fluid input port and the fluid outlet that valve body is relevant, this valve body limits a kind of valve cavity and comprises a valve closing surface;

Provide a barrier assembly to limit two pressure areas, and can in said valve cavity, move relative to a guide member;

Be reduced in the pressure in the first area of said pressure span, thereby and start said barrier assembly and move to an enable possition, make fluid to flow to said fluid outlet from said fluid input port; And

Close a control channel to be increased in the pressure in said first pressure span, thereby and start said barrier assembly moving from said enable possition to said fastening position, stop fluid flowing from said fluid input port to said fluid outlet.

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