EP3292253A1 - Automatic toilet flushing system - Google Patents
Automatic toilet flushing systemInfo
- Publication number
- EP3292253A1 EP3292253A1 EP16720811.5A EP16720811A EP3292253A1 EP 3292253 A1 EP3292253 A1 EP 3292253A1 EP 16720811 A EP16720811 A EP 16720811A EP 3292253 A1 EP3292253 A1 EP 3292253A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- consumption
- user
- paper
- flush
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
- E03D5/10—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl
- E03D5/105—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl touchless, e.g. using sensors
Definitions
- the invention relates to the field of toilet seats, more commonly referred to as “toilet (s)” or “WC”. More particularly, the invention relates to controlling the flush of a toilet seat.
- WO 2010/108295 A2 discloses a method and a system for controlling the flushing of a toilet seat.
- the system comprises, essentially, a control unit connected to a flush actuator, a toilet paper dispenser with a consumption detector of said paper also connected to the control unit.
- the system also includes a fan and an alarm connected to the control unit.
- the control unit is configured to control the flush depending on the toilet paper consumption.
- the flush is triggered with a lag in time, for example 20 seconds, after the detection of paper consumption.
- the amount of water spilled during flushing may be proportional to the amount of paper consumed.
- the fan can also be activated according to the paper consumption, for example 10 seconds of operation for every 20 cm of paper consumed.
- the alarm can also be triggered when the remaining amount of paper is below a limit value.
- This system allows to automatically trigger the flush and avoid the user to turn to order manually. It also reduces the production of bad smell by providing an automatic trigger and therefore potentially anticipated flush.
- this system and method have the disadvantage that the bad odors are only captured when toilet paper is consumed, while the consumption of toilet paper is often significantly later than the production of the solid fraction generating odors.
- the flush will be triggered while the user is still sitting, which is likely to cause undesirable splashing on the user.
- the published patent document EP 1 378 612 A1 discloses a toilet seat provided with means for detecting the level of charge in droppings in the bowl, these detection means being connected to a control unit which triggers automatically. the flush.
- the detection means comprise a camera capable of detecting the presence of solid fraction of faeces on the walls of the bowl or on the bottom of water of said bowl.
- This solution is interesting to reduce the production of bad smells. In principle, it also takes into account the level of toilet paper present in the bottom of the bowl. However, it requires an expensive sensor that also requires complex and expensive signal processing. In addition, it is questionable whether this detection principle makes it possible to differentiate the toilet paper, which can quickly occupy a large volume, from the solid fraction, which itself is substantially denser.
- the invention aims to provide a cost-effective, efficient and ergonomic solution to odor problems as well as the water consumption associated with the toilet seats.
- the invention relates to a method of controlling a flush of a toilet seat, comprising the following steps: detection of toilet paper consumption; triggering of the flush according to the consumption of toilet paper; remarkable in that the method also includes detecting the presence of the user on the seat; and in that the step of triggering the flush according to the consumption of toilet paper is conditioned by the detection of the presence of the user on the seat.
- the step of triggering the flush according to the consumption of toilet paper and the detection of the presence of the user on the seat includes the triggering of said flush when the user is no longer present on the seat provided that a consumption of toilet paper has been previously detected in the presence of the user on the seat.
- the consumption of toilet paper in the presence of the user on the seat is detected based on the amount of paper consumed and / or on the basis of the consumption time of said paper.
- the consumption of toilet paper in the presence of the user on the seat is detected when a length of paper greater than a predetermined length, preferably 20cm, more preferably 30cm, is consumed.
- the consumption of toilet paper in the presence of the user on the seat is detected when the cumulative consumption time of the toilet paper is greater than 20 seconds, preferably 30 seconds.
- the step of triggering the flush according to the consumption of toilet paper and the detection of the presence of the user on the seat comprises the triggering of said flush when the user is no longer present on the seat and after a consumption of toilet paper has been detected when the user is no longer present on the seat.
- the consumption of toilet paper when the user is no longer present on the seat is detected on the basis of the cumulative amount of paper consumed and / or the cumulative time of consumption of said paper, with time intervals, preferably less than 15 seconds, between successive consumptions.
- the consumption of toilet paper when the user is no longer present on the seat is detected when an accumulated length of paper greater than a length predetermined, preferably 20cm, more preferably 30cm, is consumed, with time intervals, preferably less than 15 seconds, between successive consumptions.
- the consumption of toilet paper when the user is no longer present on the seat is detected when the cumulative time of consumption of the toilet paper is greater than 20 seconds, preferably 30 seconds , with intervals of less than 15 seconds between successive consumptions.
- the flushing of the toilet when the user is no longer present on the seat and after a consumption of toilet paper has been detected when the user does not is more present on the seat is operated after inactivity over a period of time, preferably more than 15 seconds, more preferably more than 20 seconds, the consumption of toilet paper.
- the method further comprises the following steps: detection of the presence of solid waste fraction in the toilet seat; triggering the flush when detecting solid fraction.
- the triggering of the flush when the solid fraction is detected corresponds to an intermediate rinse and the triggering of the flush depending on the consumption of toilet paper corresponds to a final rinse.
- the or each intermediate rinse corresponds to a volume of water identical to that of the final rinse.
- the volume of water in question is reduced compared to a conventional rinse volume, for example between 1 and 3 liters.
- the or each intermediate rinse may correspond to a lower volume, preferably less than half the volume of water of the final rinse.
- the presence detection of the user on the seat is based on a pressure detection on a seat bezel of said seat.
- the invention also relates to a flush control system of a toilet seat, comprising: an actuator flush; a toilet paper dispenser with a consumption detector of said paper; a control unit electrically connected to the actuator and the distributor; remarkable in that it further comprises a presence detector of a user on the seat connected to the control unit; and in that said control unit is configured to implement the method according to the invention.
- the presence detector of a user on the seat comprises one or more pressure sensors on a seat bezel on the seat.
- the system further comprises a sensor for detecting the solid waste fraction, connected to the control unit.
- the actuator is configured to be able to selectively trigger the flush following two levels of rinsing.
- One may correspond to the intermediate rinse and the other to the final rinse.
- the invention also relates to a toilet seat comprising: a bowl; a flush; a flush control system; remarkable in that the control system is in accordance with the invention.
- the measures of the invention are interesting in that they can automate effectively and comfortable for the user flushing a toilet seat. Indeed, the fact of detecting the presence of the user in a seated position and of integrating this detection into the criteria for triggering the flush makes it possible to avoid triggering at unfavorable times, such as particularly important rinses. that the user is in a sitting position.
- Figure 1 is a sectional view of a toilet seat equipped with a flush control system according to the invention.
- Figure 2 is a logic diagram of the basic principle of the control method according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a more detailed control method, according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet seat, more commonly designated toilet, equipped with a control system according to the invention.
- the toilet seat 4 is conventional in that it comprises a bowl 4 1 and a flush 4 2 consisting of a water tank and a valve 4 3 for discharging water to the bowl 4 1 .
- the commode seat 4 also conventionally includes a seat 6 seat on the seat.
- the control system 2 of the flush of seat 4 includes a presence detector of a user on the seat, in this case one or more pressure sensors 8 located under the bezel 6, more precisely between the bezel 6 and the bearing surface of the bezel on the bowl 4 1 of the seat 4.
- the control system 2 also comprises an electric actuator 16 of the valve 4 3 of the flush.
- the pressure sensor 8 and the electric actuator 16 are electrically connected to a control unit 12.
- the control system 2 may also include a toilet paper dispenser 14 provided with a paper consumption detector. This detector is then also electrically connected to the control unit 12. The paper detection can be based on the time and / or the frequency of use of the dispenser, the amount of paper consumed or a combination of the two. .
- the control system 2 may also include a detector 10 of the solid fraction of the droppings, namely essentially the solid feces.
- a detector 10 may be of the optical type, namely configured and disposed above the residual water of the bottom of the bowl to detect the fall of the solid elements. The latter actually have in practice a minimal surface and thickness. In addition, they always fall vertically. Their detection by means of an optical barrier disposed above the surface of the residual water of the bottom of the cuvette is therefore particularly interesting.
- the control unit 12 is configured to control the actuator 16 of the flushing valve 4 3 according to the consumption of toilet paper and according to the sitting position of the user on the seat 4. More specifically, the flush is automatically triggered when the user leaves the seated position, provided that he has consumed toilet paper while sitting.
- FIG. 2 is a logic diagram illustrating the basic principle of the control method of a flush, according to the invention.
- the first step 20 is the detection of the sitting position of the user on the toilet seat. In case of detection of a user in this position, the consumption of toilet paper is detected in step 22, while the user is still sitting. In case of detection of consumption of toilet paper in the sitting position of the user, the fact that the user leaves this position is detected in step 24. Under these conditions, it is considered that the user has completed the wiping operation while seated and the flush is triggered as soon as it leaves the seated position, in step 26, this outbreak of flushing then corresponding to a final rinse. This makes it possible to trigger the flush automatically and at the right time, avoiding the user to have to turn to manually flush the toilet.
- step 22 in the absence of detection of toilet paper consumption when the user is in a sitting position, when the latter leaves the sitting position when standing up, at the step 28, the consumption of toilet paper is then detected in step 30, and this over a predetermined initial time, for example a few seconds. If there is no paper consumption in the given period of time from the moment when the user has left the sitting position, no action regarding the triggering of the flush is taken and the process of control stop at step 32. This situation corresponds to a user who sat in the seat without consuming toilet paper and most likely did not discharge any excrement. It should be noted that it is still possible to manually control the flush.
- step 30 in case of detection of consumption of toilet paper in the predetermined time after leaving the seated position, and after a possible delay 34, the flush is triggered in step 26, corresponding to a final rinse.
- the timer 34 is intended to avoid triggering the flush when the user has not completed the wiping operation.
- the latter usually corresponds to a succession of consumption of toilet paper, each consumption being followed by a wiping action that can last a few seconds. It is therefore advisable to provide in step 30 a waiting time after each consumption of toilet paper, this waiting time may be a few seconds, for example between 5 and 15 seconds.
- step 22 it may be appropriate to consider that toilet paper has been consumed beyond a minimum consumption. Indeed, it is conceivable that the user tries to manipulate the toilet paper dispenser without actually consuming it or it is conceivable that it consumes a small amount, such as to blow your nose, without really opening a wiping action. This minimum consumption may be based on a length of paper and / or a duration of use of the dispenser. These remarks above also apply to the paper consumption detection in step 30.
- the wiping operation is complete, a minimum paper consumption is to be achieved. It can correspond to a total length of paper, for example 50cm. It may also correspond to a total handling time of the paper dispenser for example of 20 seconds. Total length and total time means a cumulative length and a cumulative time, given that a wiping operation usually consists of a series of paper consumptions interrupted by actual wiping actions.
- Figure 3 is a logic diagram illustrating a method of controlling a flush, the method being more detailed than that of Figure 2 and still being in accordance with the invention.
- the reference numbers of FIG. 2 are used to designate the same steps or the corresponding steps, these numbers being however increased by 100 in order to clearly distinguish the two embodiments of the invention. Reference is also made to the description of these elements in relation to FIG. 2. All remarks made with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 apply to FIG. 3. Specific reference numbers are used to designate the elements. specific to Figure 3.
- the flow chart of Figure 3 illustrates a method of controlling the flush of a toilet seat, the method further comprising the detection of toilet paper consumption, the detection of the presence of solid fraction droppings, namely essentially solid feces. This detection is performed by means of the sensor 10 illustrated in Figure 1 and detailed in connection with this figure.
- step 138 the presence of solid fraction is detected in step 138.
- an intermediate rinse is performed according to step 142, optionally with a delay 140 and also advantageously with a limitation of the number of rinses, such as for example with three rinses, according to step 144.
- the method of controlling the intermediate rinsing is stopped according to step 146.
- the volume of water used for intermediate and final rinses is advantageously substantially less than that required for a conventional single rinse. This volume may for example be between 1 and 3 liters, preferably of the order of 2 liters. Alternatively, the or each intermediate rinse may correspond to a volume less than that of the final rinse.
- the method provides for detecting the consumption of toilet paper in step 122, similarly to the method of Figure 2.
- a final rinse 126 is operated and the control method stops until the next cycle.
- the paper consumption is then detected according to step 130.
- a time delay can be observed according to step 134 and the verification of a manual rinse can also be observed according to step 136 before proceeding to a final rinse 126.
- the final rinse control method is stopped according to step 132.
- the device and methods that have just been described can be implemented on known and existing toilet seats.
- the flush can be of the conventional gravity type. However, it can also be of the type operating by overpressure or by suction. Commodes may also be specifically designed to apply a method according to the invention.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
- Toilet Supplies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
LU92711A LU92711B1 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2015-05-07 | AUTOMATIC WC FLUSH |
PCT/EP2016/059751 WO2016177670A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2016-05-02 | Automatic toilet flushing system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3292253A1 true EP3292253A1 (en) | 2018-03-14 |
Family
ID=53177344
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16720811.5A Withdrawn EP3292253A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2016-05-02 | Automatic toilet flushing system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3292253A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN107849840A (en) |
LU (1) | LU92711B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016177670A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3638087A1 (en) | 2017-06-15 | 2020-04-22 | Jeff Henderson | Toilet closure systems |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0625431B2 (en) * | 1988-03-02 | 1994-04-06 | 株式会社イナックス | Women's toilet cleaning device |
US5187818A (en) * | 1991-05-14 | 1993-02-23 | Barrett Sr John P | Flushing system for a water closet |
US6226807B1 (en) * | 1999-06-04 | 2001-05-08 | Mag Aerospace Industries, Inc. | System and method for a reduced water consumption vacuum toilet |
DE29918335U1 (en) * | 1999-10-18 | 1999-12-30 | "KERAMAG" Keramische Werke AG, 40878 Ratingen | Device for automatically triggering a rinsing process |
CN2583222Y (en) * | 2002-03-25 | 2003-10-29 | 李国军 | Multifunctional fully automatic sanitary box for toilet |
EP1378612B1 (en) | 2002-07-05 | 2006-03-15 | Geberit Technik Ag | Toilet system and method for operating the same |
CH700669A2 (en) * | 2009-03-24 | 2010-09-30 | Hochschule Rapperswil Inst Fue | Device and method for improved toilet hygiene. |
JP4968635B1 (en) * | 2012-01-30 | 2012-07-04 | Toto株式会社 | Toilet equipment |
NL1040309C2 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2015-01-27 | Clean Air Factory B V | TOILET SYSTEM. |
-
2015
- 2015-05-07 LU LU92711A patent/LU92711B1/en active
-
2016
- 2016-05-02 WO PCT/EP2016/059751 patent/WO2016177670A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-05-02 CN CN201680040208.3A patent/CN107849840A/en active Pending
- 2016-05-02 EP EP16720811.5A patent/EP3292253A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2016177670A1 (en) | 2016-11-10 |
LU92711B1 (en) | 2016-11-08 |
CN107849840A (en) | 2018-03-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9499965B2 (en) | Automatic dual flush activation | |
EP1979552B1 (en) | Sanitary wastewater recycling installation | |
FR2778630A1 (en) | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVACUATION OF WASTE FROM THE OFFICE OF AN AIRCRAFT | |
EP2681992B1 (en) | Sanitary device for domestic animals | |
WO2007003772A1 (en) | Cleaning agent dispenser for a flushing tank | |
US20100180365A1 (en) | Toilet disinfectant dispensing system and method therefor | |
EP3292253A1 (en) | Automatic toilet flushing system | |
EP2873583B1 (en) | System for storing and dispensing water for a compact toilet | |
WO2012108730A3 (en) | Toilet seat capable of automatic toilet flushing using only energy from body weight | |
WO2012071022A2 (en) | Electrically operated hydropneumatic flushing system | |
EP0681631B1 (en) | Siphon trap and toilet bowl fitted with the same | |
FR3085977A1 (en) | PRESENCE DETECTED TRIGGERING CONTROL SYSTEM | |
US20150345122A1 (en) | Toilet flush lever sanitizing device | |
WO2017064389A1 (en) | Sanitary assembly including a folding toilet bowl that can be stowed away | |
EP2638215A1 (en) | Device for dispensing a deodorant product for a toilet flushing device | |
FR2821374A1 (en) | AUTOMATIC RINSING URINAL | |
AU2011224071B2 (en) | Automatic dual flush activation | |
FR2971522A1 (en) | Flushing mechanism for sanitary fitting, has electronic control circuit for controlling valve based on signals from water level sensors, and detecting water leakage and controlling automatic closing of water inlet upon detection of leakage | |
WO2007059592A1 (en) | Method and device for detecting a flush cistern leak | |
KR20130107534A (en) | Apparatus for auto flushing and method for the same | |
CN110512701B (en) | Intelligent toilet bowl and working steps and control system thereof | |
JP4293063B2 (en) | Automatic toilet cleaning equipment | |
FR3025432B1 (en) | LAUNDRY PURDER COMPRISING MEANS FOR RINSING A PIPE | |
EP1930511A2 (en) | Lavatory bowl | |
FR3079512A1 (en) | DEVICE FOR POTABILIZING WATER WITH MANUAL OPERATION |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20171127 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20190924 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20220112 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20220524 |