TWI757677B - Multi-function fixture and system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A systems and methods for a multi-function lavatory fixture are disclosed. The lavatory fixture includes a first and second leg, where a first end of each leg is configured to be mounted to a deck and a second end of each leg is located over a basin of the lavatory fixture. A connecting section extends between the second ends of each leg and includes outlets to dispense water and soap to wash a user’s hands. The fixture also includes indicators located proximate each of the outlets to indicate to the user the location of each outlet. A sensor located near each outlet identifies the presence of a user’s hands near the outlet and dispenses water and soap, accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump or valve to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet.

Description

Multifunctional toilet device and system thereof

This application is a continuation-in-part application of, and claims priority to, US Patent Application No. 16/057,220, filed on August 7, 2018. The application of this US Patent Application No. 16/057,220 is a continuation-in-part of US Patent No. 10,041,236, which was filed on June 8, 2016 and published on August 7, 2018, and claims priority. The entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of, and claims priority to, US Patent Application No. 29/593,674, filed on February 10, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference .

The present invention generally relates to the field of toilet systems, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a toilet system having a toilet fixture. In particular, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a multifunctional toilet device for use in a toileting system where a user receives soap and water to wash their hands, and the multifunctional toilet device provides airflow for drying after washing.

As known to those skilled in the art, bathrooms have traditionally included a separate soap dispenser, a sink with a faucet, and a hand dryer or towel rail. Soap dispensers may be located between sinks, or in a location where multiple sinks can be used. When the user uses the soap, excess soap may drip from the soap dispenser. If the user has put their hands under the faucet beforehand, wet their hands first, when Water also drips from the user's hands when the soap is applied. If the soap dispenser is not located above the sink, excess soap and/or water can drip onto the sink countertop or onto the floor, depending on the location of the soap dispenser . Additionally, as the user moves between the sink and the dryer or towel rail, excess water drips from the user's hands onto the sink countertop or onto the floor, depending on the location of the drip. Location of dryer or towel rail. The need to move between locations when washing your hands results in an undesired mess in the restroom.

To reduce clutter, it is known to add a soap dispenser next to the faucet, both above the same sink. However, this still requires the user to move to the hand dryer or towel rail. More recently, toilet systems have been developed that include a drying station, which is also located above the sink. In this way, the entire process of washing and drying the user's hands can be completed without leaving the sink.

However, to date, each of these locations has required more space for each user than existing toilet systems. Adding a drying station may require a larger sink. In addition, the soap dispenser, faucet and hand dryer create three devices that must be placed on the countertop of the vanity system and arranged around the sink. Therefore, there is a need to provide a toilet system with a multifunctional toilet device that incorporates each dispensing function and can be achieved without providing additional space for each user.

The present invention is directed to a multi-function toilet device for a toilet system that incorporates every dispensing function required by a user to wash their hands and does not require additional space per user. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional toilet device that dispenses soap and water to a user. Another object of the present invention is to provide the user with a visual indicator, Soap and water can be accessed by directing the user to each dispensing area on the multifunctional toilet unit as needed. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional toilet device that can be installed in the space of an existing sink. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional toilet device having one or more of the features described above, but which is relatively simple to manufacture, assemble and maintain using minimal equipment.

The multifunctional toilet device includes a first support column and a second support column, wherein a first end of each support column is configured to be mounted to an upper surface of a countertop of the multifunctional toilet device. The support posts extend upwardly from the countertop and forward toward the sink, such that the second end of each support post is positioned above the sink of the multifunctional toilet. A connecting portion extends between the second ends of each support post and is located above the sink of the multifunctional toilet unit. The connection includes outlets for dispensing soap and water for the user to wash their hands. The multifunctional toilet device also includes an indicator proximate each outlet to indicate the location of each outlet to the user and/or to guide the user to the outlet during hand washing. At least one sensor located near each outlet recognizes that the user's hand is near the outlet and dispenses soap or water accordingly. A controller in the multifunctional toilet device receives input from each sensor and activates the corresponding pump, valve, etc. to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, these objects are achieved by providing a toilet system comprising a sink and a multifunctional toilet device. The multifunctional toilet unit extends over the sink for dispensing soap and water. The device includes a first support column, a second support column spaced apart from the first support column, and a connecting portion for connecting the first support column and the second support column. The first support column has a first channel, and the second support column has a second channel. The first pipe carries water through the first channel or the second channel, and the second pipe carries soap through the first channel. a channel or a second channel. The connection includes a first outlet for dispensing water and a second outlet for dispensing soap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the multifunctional toilet device is a single casting, the first support post includes a first base, the second support post includes a second base, the first base and The second bases are all configured to be connected to the sink. The toilet system includes a countertop surrounding at least a portion of the sink, and the countertop has a first aperture for receiving a portion of the first base, and a second aperture for receiving a portion of the second base.

According to other aspects of the invention, an aerator may be installed near the first outlet. The aerator is provided with an inlet to the first conduit to increase the water vortex. The connecting portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the aerator is almost flush with the lower surface of the connecting portion.

According to other aspects of the invention, a toilet system includes at least one sensor within the connection portion proximate the first outlet, and at least one sensor within the connection portion proximate the second outlet. Further, the lower surface of the connecting portion includes a translucent material, so that the sensor can sense through the translucent material. The toilet system also includes a first indicator identifying the first outlet and a second indicator identifying the second outlet. The control circuit enables each of the first indicator and the second indicator to alert the user where the hand should be placed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a multifunctional toilet device for a toilet system is disclosed, the multifunctional toilet device for a toilet system having a deck and a sink in the deck. The multifunctional toilet device for toilet system includes a first support column, a second support column and a connecting part. The first support post has a first end, a second end, and a first channel extending between the first and second ends of the first support post. Likewise, the second support post has a first end, a second end, and a first end and a second end at the second support post a second channel extending therebetween. The connecting portion extends between the first support column and the second support column, and includes a soap liquid outlet and a water outlet. The multifunctional toilet device for the toilet system includes a first pipe and a second pipe, the first pipe carries water through the first support column or the second support column, and is transported to the water outlet on the connection part; The second pipeline carries the soap through the first support column or the second support column, and is transported to the soap outlet on the connection part.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connection part is connected with the second end of the first support column, and the second end of the connection part is connected with the second end of the second support column. The first end of the first support column includes a first mounting surface configured to be mounted on the counter top. The first mounting surface also includes an opening therethrough in communication with the first channel. Likewise, the first end of the second support column includes a second mounting surface mounted to the deck, the second mounting surface further including an opening therethrough in communication with the second passage.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one sensor is near the water outlet and at least one sensor is near the soap outlet. The at least one sensor near the water outlet is configured to send a signal to a control circuit to dispense water from the water outlet; the at least one sensor near the soap outlet is configured to send a signal to the control circuit to dispense water from the outlet. The soap outlet dispenses soap. Further, the first pipeline penetrates the first channel, and the second pipeline penetrates the second channel.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a multifunctional toilet device for a sink includes a first support column and a second support column, and the support column is substantially r-shaped. The generally r-shaped first support post includes a first end, a second end, and a first channel extending through the first support post. The substantially r-shaped second support column is separated from the first support column, and the second support column includes the first support column. end, a second end, and a second channel extending through the second support post. The multifunctional toilet device for a sink also includes a connecting part, the connecting part has a first end, a second end and a plurality of outlets. The first end of the connection part is connected with the second end of the first support column, and the second end of the connection part is connected with the second end of the second support column.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a first outlet of the plurality of outlets is proximate to the first end of the connecting portion, and a second outlet of the plurality of outlets is proximate to the second end of the connecting portion. A first conduit is fluidly coupled to the soap pump and extends through the first passage to the first outlet, and a second conduit is fluidly coupled to the water valve and extends through the second passage to the second outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, a first indicator is proximate the first outlet and a second indicator is proximate the second outlet. Likewise, at least one sensor is near the first outlet, and at least one sensor is near the second outlet.

The above and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better accepted and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Numerous changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from its spirit, and the invention includes all such modifications.

10: Toilet system

12: Countertops

14: Upper surface

15: Lower surface

16: Outer edge

20: wash basin

21: Wall Mount

22: First side wall

24: Second side wall

26: Third side wall

27: Ridges

28: Fourth side wall

29: Channel

31: Grille

33: return pipe

40: Shell

42: The first side

44: Second side

46: Front Surface

60: Drainage system

62: Drainage pipes

63: Back Wall

64: Front Wall

65: Lower surface

66: drain

68: Groove

70: Drain cover

72: Front Surface

73: Upper surface

74: Back Surface

75: Buffer

76: Protrusion

77: First Surface

78: Second Surface

80: Drainage board

81: Upper chamber

82: Supports

83: Lower chamber

84: Opening

89: Pipes

90: Drain pipe

100,500: Multifunctional toilet unit

101: Center shaft

103: Opening

110,510: Support Post

110a: First support column

110b: Second support column

111: Opening

112, 112a, 112b, 512: first end

114, 114a, 114b, 514: Second end

113, 113a, 113b, 513: Mounting surface

115, 115a, 115b: Bending part

120, 120a: channel

122,522: Boss part

123,523: Front End

124,524: inner wall

125,525: Backend

130, 130a, 130b, 530: base

132: First End

134: Second End

135: Nut

136: Second Section

137: Upper surface

139: Channel

140: Connection part

142: First End

144: Second End

160: The first exit

162: Pipes

164: Nozzle

180: Second Exit

182: Pipes

190: Removable Board

200: The third exit

202,602: Nozzle

204,604: Grid

210,610: Fans

215,615: Air duct

300,700: Control System

301,701: Sensors

302,702: Control circuits

303,703: Feedback signal

304,704: Processor

305,705: LED

306,706: Memory

307,707: Control signal

310,710: Soap Pool

312,712: Liquid level detection switch

314,714: Liquid level detection signal

316,716: Soap Pump

318,718: Control signal

320,720: Valves

322,722: Water inlet line

324,724: Water outlet pipeline

326,726: Control signal

352,752: Control signal

354,754: Filter

370,770: Sensors

371,771: Opening

372,772: Proximity Signal

400,800: Aerator

401: First End

402,802: Water inlet

403: second end

404: Channel

410: Upper shell

411: Upper surface

412: First Wall Segment

414: Second Wall Segment

415: inner surface

416: Lower Edge

420: Intake chamber

430: Exhaust Chamber

450: Lower shell

460: Peripheral surface

462: Upper surface

464: Lower Surface

470: Channel

480: Nozzle

503: Opening

510a: Vertical part

510b: Slope

511, 511a, 511b: Openings

515: Bend

520: channel

520a: first channel

520b: Second channel

530a: First base

530b: Second base

532: First End

534: Second End

535: Nut

536: Part II

537: Mounting Plate

539: Channel

539a: First channel

539b: Second channel

540: Extensions

542: First End

544: Second End

560: The first exit

562,582: Pipes

564: Nozzle

580: Second Exit

600: The third exit

H: height

L: length

α: first angle

β: second angle

An explicit conception of the construction and operation of the typical structures provided by the invention will become more apparent by reference to the illustrative and non-limiting embodiments of the following drawings, which constitute the advantages and features of the invention, and are shown in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a toilet including a multifunctional toilet device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view of the toilet system; Figure 2 is a front view of the toilet system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the toilet system of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the toilet system of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet system along line 5-5; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a multifunctional toilet device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a front view of the multifunctional toilet device of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a bottom view of the multifunctional toilet device of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a right side view of the multifunctional toilet device of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a left side view of the multifunctional toilet device of Figure 6; Figure 11 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunctional toilet device along line 11-11 in Figure 7; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunctional toilet device taken along line 12-12 in Figure 7; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along line 13 in Figure 7 -13 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunctional toilet device; Figure 14 is a partial top view with the upper surface of the multifunctional toilet device removed in Figure 6; Figure 15 is a multifunctional toilet device along the line 15-15 in Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a support column; Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a support column of a multifunctional toilet device along line 16-16 in Fig. 7; Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the control system of the toilet system in Fig. 1; Fig. 18 is a a partial perspective view of the drain pipe for the toilet system of Figure 1; Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the drain cover for the toilet system of Fig. 1; Fig. 20 is a top view of the drain pipe for the toilet system of Fig. 1; Fig. 21 is the drain cover of Fig. 19 Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a sink, a drain pipe and a drain cover for a toilet system according to another embodiment of a drain cover; Figure 23 is a toilet system according to another embodiment of a drain cover Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of a sink, a drain pipe and a drain cover for a toilet system according to another embodiment of the drain pipe; Front sectional view of the sink, drain pipe and drain cover; Figure 26 is a top sectional view of the sink and drain of Figure 24; Figure 27 is the side of the sink, drain and drain cover of Figure 24 Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of a sink, a drain and a drain cover for a toilet system according to another embodiment of the drain; Figure 29 is a sectional view of the sink, drain and drain cover of Figure 28 Front sectional view; Fig. 30 is a top sectional view of the sink and drain pipe of Fig. 28; Fig. 31 is a side sectional view of the sink, drain pipe and drain cover of Fig. 28; Fig. 32 is a partial flow diagram of distributing air from a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 33A is a partial flow diagram of distributing air from a device through the drain pipe cover in Fig. 22; Fig. 34A is a partial flow diagram of the air distributed from the device through the drain cover in Fig. 23; Fig. 34B is a partial flow diagram using the drain cover in Fig. 23 Figure 35 is a partial flow diagram of the air return in the wash basin according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 36 is a partial flow diagram of the air return in the wash basin according to another embodiment of the present invention Flow diagram; Figure 37 is a flow diagram showing the recirculation of air from the device, in the sink, and back to the fan, according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 38 is an aerator for a toilet system device A perspective view of an embodiment; Fig. 39 is a top view of the aerator of Fig. 38; Fig. 40 is a side view of the aerator of Fig. 38 from a perspective; Fig. 41 is a side view of the aerator of Fig. 38 Side view from another perspective; Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the aerator of Fig. 38 along the line 42-42 in Fig. 40; Fig. 43 is the aerator of Fig. 38 along the line 43-43 in Fig. 40. Sectional view of the gas holder; Fig. 44 is a perspective view of a multifunctional toilet device according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 45 is a front view of the multifunctional toilet device of Fig. 44; Fig. 46 is a bottom view of the multifunctional toilet device of Fig. 44 Figure 47 is a right side view of the multifunctional toilet device of Figure 44; Figure 48 is a left side view of the multifunctional toilet device of Figure 44; Figure 49 is a multifunctional toilet along line 49-49 in Figure 45 A cross-sectional view of the device; Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunctional toilet device taken along line 50-50 in Figure 45; Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunctional toilet device taken along line 51-51 in Figure 45; Figure 52 is Fig. 44 is a partial top view of the multifunctional toilet device with the upper surface removed; Fig. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the support post of the multifunctional toilet device taken along the line 53-53 in Fig. 45; Another cross-sectional view of the support column of the multi-function toilet device of line 54-54; Fig. 55 is used to represent a block diagram of the control system of the toilet system incorporating the multi-function toilet device of Fig. 44.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all equivalent technologies that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. For example, connected, attached or similar terms are often used. These connections are not limited to direct connections, but also include connections through other components that are considered equivalent by those skilled in the art.

Various features and advantageous details of the invention will be more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting examples detailed in the following description.

Throughout the specification, various terms indicating orientation may be used, such as left and right, front and back, top and bottom, top and bottom, and the like. These directions are not intended to be limiting, but are used to describe the interrelationships between the various components in the drawings. Unless mutually exclusive, it is contemplated that the positions of these components may be reversed, eg, a component may be turned upside down or turned upside down without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a lavatory system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The toilet system 10 includes a deck 12 that is configured to be mounted on a wall. Also referring to FIG. 5 , wall mounts 21 are fixed to the wall, and the countertop 12 is fixed to the wall mounts 21 . The deck 12 has an upper surface 14 and an outer edge 16 extending downwardly from the upper surface 14 and surrounding the deck 12 . A basin 20 is located inside the countertop 12 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, the countertop 12 and the sink 20 may be integrally formed as a single piece. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sink 20 may be mounted to the countertop 12 . Considered further, the toilet system 10 could be freestanding, supported by the floor, rather than mounted to a wall. In addition to including the wall mount 21, a support frame (not shown) may extend upwardly from the floor or other surface and mount the toilet system 10 on the surface of the support frame.

The sink 20 is a recessed area below the upper surface 14 of the counter top 12 and is configured to receive products that are dispensed to the toilet system. According to the illustrated embodiment, the sink 20 includes a first side wall 22 (see also FIG. 3 ) and a second side wall 24 , wherein the second side wall 24 is opposite the first side wall 22 . Each of the second side wall 24 and the first side wall 22 is perpendicular to the wall on which the toilet system 10 is installed Orthogonal and away from the wall. The sink 20 also includes a third side wall 26 extending downwardly from the upper edge, the third side wall 26 is connected to the upper surface 14 of the counter top 12 along the rear of the sink 20 and between the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 extend. Referring also to FIG. 5 , the third side wall 26 extends downward, and the lower end of the third side wall 26 partially forms the drain duct 62 at the bottom of the sink 20 . The sink 20 also includes a fourth side wall 28 extending downwardly from the upper edge, the fourth side wall 28 is connected to the upper surface 14 of the counter top 12 along the front of the sink 20, and also in the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 extend between. The fourth side wall 28 of the sink 20 slopes inwardly and downwardly from the front edge of the sink 20 to the front edge of the drain conduit 62 . Although the sink 20 is described in detail in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will appreciate that the sink 20 may take various shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The toilet system 10 includes a housing 40 located below the countertop 12 and extending around the lower portion of the toilet system 10 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the housing 40 includes a first side 42 and a second side 44 , wherein the second side 42 is opposite the first side 44 . The rear edges of both the first side 42 and the second side 44 abut the wall on which the toilet system 10 is installed. Both the first side 42 and the second side 44 extend forward and are perpendicular to the wall. The front surface 46 of the housing 40 extends downwardly and rearwardly from the lower surface 15 of the deck 12 . The front surface 46 extends to the height of the first side 42 and the second side 44 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first side 42, the second side 44, and the front surface 46 all extend to the floor. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first side 42, the second side 44, and the front surface 46 all extend to a certain height above the floor. The front surface 46 slopes rearwardly from adjacent the lower surface 15 of the deck 12 . It should be understood that if the casing does not extend to the floor, the casing 40 includes a bottom surface (not shown). Optionally, the housing may be open at the bottom defined by the first side 42, the second side 44, the front surface 46, and the outer edge of the wall on which the toilet system 10 is mounted. The housing 40 encloses the components of the toilet system 10 below the countertop 12 to protect these components, and Provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the toilet system 10 . Although the housing 40 is described in detail in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will appreciate that the housing 40 may take various shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The toilet system 10 also includes a drain system 60 that extends longitudinally across the width of the sink 20 . Referring also to FIGS. 18 to 21 , the drainage system 60 includes a drain channel 62 and a drain cap 70 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the drainage conduit 62 is generally U-shaped. The drain duct 62 includes a rear wall 63 and a front wall 64 extending in the width direction of the sink 20 . The rear wall 63 of the drain conduit 62 may be coplanar with the third side wall 26 of the sink 20 and form a continuous surface. Optionally, the drain duct 62 is offset from the third side wall 26 of the sink 20 to form a channel on the lower surface (not shown) of the sink 20 . The drain duct 62 includes a lower surface 65 that also extends along the width of the sink 20 between the rear wall 63 and the front wall 64 . The opening 66 in the lower surface 65 of the drain pipe 62 allows waste water from the sink 20 to drain into a drainpipe 90 (shown in Figure 5). The outer edge of the drain 66 includes a pair of grooves 68 , one of which is located behind the drain 66 and the other groove 68 is located in front of the drain 66 . Each groove 68 is configured to receive a protrusion 76 at the drain cover 70, as discussed in greater detail below.

The drain cover 70 is removably mounted within the drain system 60 . The drain cover 70 includes a front surface 72, a rear surface 74, and an upper surface 73, wherein the upper surface 73 spans between the front surface 72 and the rear surface 74, and the front surface 72, the rear surface 74 and the upper surface 73 are all along the drain conduit 62 width extension. Both the front surface 72 and the rear surface 74 have protrusions 76 that extend downwardly from the respective surfaces. The protrusion 76 includes a first surface 77 that is substantially coplanar with the corresponding front surface 72 or rear surface 74 and a second surface 78 that projects downwardly; the second surface 78 is larger than the first surface 77 Vertically orthogonal and protruding outwards. Preferably, the drain cover 70 and protrusions 76 are constructed of sheet material, such as stainless steel. The thickness of the sheet material provides sufficient rigidity to allow drain cover 70 to retain its desired shape when removed from drain conduit 62 . However, the width of each tab 76 and the thickness of the sheet material used for the drain cover 70 allow the tabs 76 to deflect inwardly when a force is applied. This force is, for example, the force that might be exerted when inserting the drain cover 70 into the drain. When the drain cover 70 is inserted into the drain pipe, each protrusion 76 is deflected inwardly and each protrusion 76 is inserted through the groove 68 in the edge of the drain port 66 . The height of the first surface 77 of the protrusion 76 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the lower surface 65 of the drainage pipe 62 . As such, as the drain cover 70 continues to be inserted, the protrusions 76 extend through the lower surface 65 . The material from which the protrusions 76 are made is elastic, and once the protrusions 76 have fully passed through the opening 66 in the drain conduit 62, it will return to its original position. The second surface 78 of each protrusion 76 extends below the drain conduit lower surface 65 so that the drain conduit cover 70 remains within the drain conduit 62 at all times. Pressure is applied to each tab 76, again biasing tab 76 inwardly enough to move second surface 78 from below lower surface 65 and the edge of opening 66 of drain conduit 62, thereby causing drain cap 70 Remove from drain line 62.

Considering further, the front surface 72 and the rear surface 74 of the drain cover 70 each include a series of bumpers 75 attached to the surfaces of the front and rear surfaces 72 and 74 and along the drain pipe The covers 70 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction. The bumper 75 is fitted between the front surface 72 of the drain pipe cover 70 and the front wall 64 of the drain pipe 62 , and is also fitted between the rear surface 74 of the drain pipe cover 70 and the rear wall 63 of the drain pipe 62 . Bumper 75 defines a press fit between the surfaces and helps align drain cover 70 with drain conduit 62 . In addition, since the drain cover 70 is preferably made of a metal material, such as stainless steel, while the sink 20 and the drain pipe 62 are preferably made of synthetic resin material, stone, or a combination thereof, when the drain cover 70 is inserted into or removed from the drain hour, Bumper 75 helps prevent drain cover 70 from damaging drain conduit 62 .

Further, the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70 may be configured to illustrate the direction of directing the air flow distributed from the device 100 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the multifunction toilet device 100 is capable of efficiently distributing airflow into the sink 20 to dry the user's hands after the user has washed their hands. With further reference to Figures 32-37, the direction of airflow is indicated by arrows in Figures 32-37. Air flows downward from the multifunctional toilet device 100 and first hits the fourth side wall 48 of the sink 20 which slopes downward to the rear of the sink 20 . The airflow generally follows the slope of the fourth side wall 48 toward the drain conduit 62 .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drain cover 70 may be configured to direct airflow toward the third side wall 26 of the sink 20 . Referring to FIG. 22 , the front surface 72 of the drain cover 70 may be longer than the rear surface 74 . Accordingly, the upper surface 73 slopes downward from the front wall 64 to the rear wall 63 of the drain duct 62 . The first angle α is defined as the included angle between the rear surface 74 of the drain pipe cover 70 and the upper surface 73 , and the first angle α is an obtuse angle. The second angle β, which is defined as the included angle between the front surface 72 and the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70 , is an acute angle. As shown in FIG. 22 , the drain cover 70 may be arranged such that its upper surface 73 is coplanar with the fourth side wall 28 of the sink 20 . Air continues to flow from the fourth side wall 28 of the sink along the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70 until it intersects the third side wall 26 of the sink 20 . The air is then deflected left and right along the third side wall 26 of the sink 20 and the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70 to flow to the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 of the sink 20 .

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the drain cover 70 may be configured to direct airflow up the third side wall 26 of the sink 20 . Referring to FIG. 23 , the front surface 72 of the drain cover 70 is shorter than the rear surface 74 . Accordingly, the upper surface 73 slopes upward from the front wall 64 to the rear wall 63 of the drain duct 62 . The first angle α, which is defined as the angle between the rear surface 74 and the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70, the first The angle α is an acute angle. The second angle β, which is defined as the included angle between the front surface 72 and the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70 , is an obtuse angle. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drain cover 70 is arranged such that the upward angle of its upper surface 73 is similar to the downward angle of the fourth side wall 28 of the sink 20 . As air continues to flow from the fourth side wall 28 of the sink to the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70, the air is deflected upward. When the airflow intersects the third side wall 26 of the sink 20, the air is deflected further left and right along the third side wall 26 of the sink. Thus, compared to the flow along the upper surface 73 of the drain cover 70 described above (FIG. 22), the airflow along the third side wall 26 is generally upward and outward, as shown in FIG. A side wall 22 and a second side wall 24 .

Referring next to FIGS. 24-27, another embodiment of a drainage system 60 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the depth of the drainage conduit 62 is increased. The front wall 64 and the rear wall 63 taper inwardly toward the drain conduit 62 such that when the drain cap 70 is inserted into the drain conduit 62, the upper surface 73 of the drain cap 70 is aligned in the manner previously described. Optionally, a number of protrusions 76 can be molded along the front wall 64, the rear wall 63, which can support the front surface 72, the rear surface 74 of the drain cover 70, respectively.

A drain plate 80 is inserted into the drain conduit 62, dividing the drain conduit 62 into two chambers. The upper chamber 81 is defined as the space between the drain cover 70 and the drain plate 80 , and the lower chamber 83 is defined as the space between the drain plate 80 and the lower surface 65 of the drain pipe 62 . A plurality of support members 82 are integrally formed in the front wall 64 and the rear wall 63 of the drainage pipe 62 to support the drainage plate 80 . Each support 82 extends from the lower surface 65 of the drain conduit 62 to a partial height of the drain conduit 62 . Each support 82 protrudes from the rear wall 64 and the front wall 63 into the drain conduit 62 by a short distance capable of supporting the drain plate 80 while allowing water to flow along the drain conduit 62 . The width of the drain plate 80 is approximately equal to the width of the channel at the top of the supports 82 so that the drain plate 80 can be placed in the channel and rest on each support 82 .

Further, the drain plate 80 includes several openings 84 spaced along its longitudinal direction so that water flows from the upper chamber 81 to the lower chamber 83 . According to the illustrated embodiment, each opening 84 is located at the outer edge of the drain plate 80 and extends longitudinally along the drain plate 80 . The openings 84 are alternately spaced from the supports 82 so that water can flow out of the upper chamber 81 through the openings 84 , between adjacent supports 82 , and into the lower chamber 83 .

The lower chamber 83 is in fluid communication with the drain 66 . Thus, when water is dispensed to the sink 20 , it flows along the fourth side wall 28 of the sink 20 to the drain 62 . Water flows along each edge of the drain cover 70 and enters the upper chamber 81 , while other debris is discharged from the drain pipe 62 by the drain cover 70 . Then, the water flows toward the drain port 66 along the upper surface 73 of the drain plate 80 . As water flows along the upper surface 73 of the drain plate 80 , it falls into the lower chamber 83 through one of the openings 84 . Once in the lower chamber 83 , the water flows to the drain 66 and from the sink 20 to the drain 90 .

Referring next to FIGS. 28-31, another embodiment of a drainage system 60 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the drain system 60 also includes two chambers that direct water to the drain 66 . The first chamber (referred to as the upper chamber 81) is defined by the drain conduit 62 and the drain cap 70, substantially the same as discussed above in connection with Figures 18-22. The second chamber (referred to as the lower chamber 83 ) is integrally formed in the lower surface of the sink 20 . According to the illustrated embodiment, duct 89 is integrally formed along the rear and underside of sink 20 . It is contemplated that the conduit 89 is positioned below the drain conduit 62 and overmolded so that it is integrally formed with the sink 20 . Preferably, the second housing element can be secured to the bottom of the sink 20 and along the length of the drain conduit 62 . The second housing element may be arranged to support the conduit 89 below the drain conduit 62 as described above.

Regardless of whether the conduit 89 is integrally formed or separately installed under the sink 20 , an opening 84 is formed through the lower surface 65 of the drain conduit 62 and into the conduit 89 . For example, through Opening 84 is formed by drilling through lower surface 65 and extending into conduit 89 . Opening 84 establishes fluid communication between the first chamber (referred to as upper chamber 81 ) and the second chamber (referred to as lower chamber 83 ). Thus, when water is dispensed to the sink 20 , it flows along the fourth side wall 28 of the sink 20 to the drain 62 . Water flows along each edge of the drain cover 70 and enters the first chamber (referred to as the upper chamber 81 ), while other debris is discharged from the drain pipe 62 by the drain cover 70 . Then, the water flows to the drain 66 along the lower surface 65 of the first chamber (referred to as the upper chamber 81 ). As the water flows along the lower surface 65 of the first chamber (referred to as upper chamber 81 ), part of the water falls into the second chamber (referred to as lower chamber 83 ) through one of the openings 84 . Part of the water in the second chamber (referred to as the lower chamber 83 ) also flows to the drain 66 . Whether flowing in the first chamber (referred to as the upper chamber 81 ) or the second chamber (referred to as the lower chamber 83 ), the water reaches the drain 66 and flows from the sink 20 to the drain pipe 90 .

Although the drain conduit 62 and drain cover 70 are described in detail in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drain conduit 62 and drain cover 70 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. A different shape is used in which the drain cover 70 remains complementary to the drain conduit 62 for insertion and removal.

Referring next to FIGS. 35-37 , the sink 20 may be further configured to recirculate at least a portion of the air flow distributed from the multifunctional toilet device 100 . In addition to directing the airflow to the sides or rear of the sink 20, the sink 20 may also include ridges 27 that protrude above the sink 20 to collect some of the airflow. The ridges 27 may extend around the first side wall 22 , the second side wall 24 or the third side wall 26 of the sink 20 to capture air flowing on the sides or behind the sink 20 . Optionally, the rear side of the sink 20 may form a channel 29 that directs airflow back to the outside of the sink 20 below the counter top 12 . The airflow may be directed to return duct 33 which in turn provides air to the inlet of fan 210 . preferred A filter 354 is included between the return duct 33 and the inlet of the fan 210 to remove water, soap, dirt and other contaminants from the airflow before the air is returned to the fan 210.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sink 20 includes an opening on the side. The opening may include louvers 31 to prevent water dispensed from the multifunctional toilet device 100 from entering it. Air flowing upwards on both sides can enter this opening. Similar to the embodiment including ridges 27 , a channel 29 may be provided behind the sink 20 and direct the airflow back to the fan 210 .

The toilet system 10 also includes a multi-function toilet device 100 located at each vanity for the toilet system 10 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the toilet system 10 includes two sinks. It is contemplated that the toilet system 10 may be provided with a single vanity station and only one device 100, or alternatively, the toilet system 10 may be provided with three or more vanity stations, each with a separate device 100. . The width of the vanity system will vary based on the number of existing vanity units.

Next, referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, a multifunctional toilet device 100 for the toilet system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The multifunctional toilet device 100 includes a pair of support columns 110 (as shown in FIG. 11). Viewed from the front, the first support column 110 a is located on the right side of the multifunctional toilet device 100 , and the second support column 110 b is located on the left side of the multifunctional toilet device 100 . The first support column 110a and the second support column 110b are mirror-symmetrical about the central axis 101 of the multifunctional toilet device 100 . Therefore, for convenience, a single support column 110 will be discussed in detail, and the same will apply to the first support column 110a and the second support column 110b, and likewise, the first end 112, the second end of the support column 110 114. Mounting surface 113, bent portion 115, base 130, the contents of which will also apply to first end 112a, second end 114a, mounting surface 113a, bent portion 115a, base 130a and The first end 112b, the second end 114b, the mounting surface 113b, the bending Folding part 115b, base 130b.

According to the embodiment of the drawings (eg, FIGS. 11 to 13 ), the support column 110 has a first end 112 and a second end 114 , the first end 112 is mounted on the countertop 12 , and the second end 114 extends over the sink. 20 above. The mounting surface 113 on the first end 112 of the support column 110 is engaged with the upper surface 14 of the table top 12 . The support post 110 includes a generally rectangular cross-section that decreases in size between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the support post 110 . When mounted on the counter top 12, the support column 110 extends upward from the counter top 12 while tilting forward. Viewed from the side, the support column 110 is generally r-shaped. The support posts 110 extend upwardly from the counter top 12 and forward to the sink 20 . After extending a certain height H, the support column 110 has a bent portion 115 so that it protrudes a certain length L on a substantially horizontal plane until the second end 114 of the support column 110 is located above the sink 20 .

Referring also to FIG. 11 , the first end 112 of each support post 110 is configured to be mounted to the deck 12 . The opening 111 extends through the mounting surface 113 and communicates with the channel 120 in the support column 110 . A base 130 is accommodated within the opening 111 , and the base 130 secures the multifunctional toilet device 100 to the countertop 12 . The base 130 also includes a channel 139 therethrough that is in fluid communication with the channel 120 in the support column 110 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the base 130 includes a first end 132 configured to be inserted into the support post 110 and a second end 134 configured to be inserted into the opening of the deck 12 . The opening 111 in the support column 110 includes an inner thread, and the inner edge of the thread matches the outer thread of the first end 132 of the base 130 . Therefore, the base 130 is rotatably inserted into the opening 111 so that the threads are engaged and the base 130 is securely fixed on the support column 110 . It should be appreciated that the base 130 may be secured to the support post 110 in other manners, for example, by a snap fit or other suitable securing method. According to another embodiment, the base 130 is integrally formed with the support post 110 such that a portion of the support post 110 extends through the opening to secure the multifunctional toilet device 100 to the countertop 12 on. The second section 136 of the base 130 is displaced longitudinally along the base 130 such that it is positioned at least partially below the deck 12 . The second section 136 includes external threads for receiving a nut 135 , the upper surface 137 of which is configured to engage the lower surface of the deck 12 . To secure the multi-function toilet device 100 to the counter top 12 , a base 130 is secured to each support post 110 and inserted through openings in the counter top 12 . The nut 135 is screwed to the base from below the countertop so that the upper surface 137 of the nut 135 and the mounting surface 113 of the support post 110 engage with the opposite surface of the countertop 12 and fix the multifunctional toilet device 100 on the countertop 12 .

A connecting portion 140 extends between the second ends 114 of each support post 110 . The connection part 140 has a first end 142 and a second end 144, the first end 142 of the connection part 140 is connected to the second end 114a of the first support column 110a, and the second end 144 of the connection part 140 is connected to the second support column 110b the second end 114b. The cross section of the first end 142 of the connecting part 140 is the same as the cross section of the second end 114a of the first support column 110a, and the cross section of the second end 144 of the connecting part 140 is the same as the second end 114b of the second support column 110b of the same cross section. Thus, as the multifunctional toilet device 100 transitions between each support post 110 and the connection portion 140, it appears as a continuous piece. Additionally, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the first support column 110a, the second support column 110b, and the connecting portion 140 may be cast or otherwise fabricated as a single piece. Thus, although the ends of the support post 110 and the end of the connection portion 140 are defined, the location of the ends is for illustration purposes only and may be along the support post or connection portion 140 without departing from the scope of the present invention. axial movement.

Connection 140 includes a plurality of outlets for dispensing product on sink 20 of toilet system 10 . The first outlet 160 is used to dispense soap, the second outlet 180 is used to dispense water, and the third outlet 200 is used to dispense air. The first outlet 160 , the second outlet 180 , and the third outlet 200 are arranged at intervals along the connecting part 140 , so that the user can enter the first outlet along the connecting part 140 in the process of washing hands. It moves between the first outlet 160 , the second outlet 180 and the third outlet 200 . Each support column 110 includes a channel 120 positioned within it for delivering product to one of the outlets (first outlet 160, second outlet 180, third outlet 200). Soap and water can be delivered to their respective outlets via pipes extending upwardly through channels 120 in support posts 110 from below deck 12 . Channels 120 within the support column 110 are configured as ventilation ducts to at least partially deliver air from the blower located below the deck 12 to the air outlet. 15 and 16 together, exemplary cross-sectional views of the channels 120 in each support post 110 are depicted. The channel 120b in the second support column 110b has the largest cross-sectional area, providing space for the soap-carrying conduit 162 and the water-carrying conduit 182 to pass through the passage 120b. The channel 120a in the first support column 110a has a cross-sectional area that closely corresponds to the channel 139 in the base 130a. By making the cross-sectional area of the channel 120a in the support column 110a correspond to the cross-sectional area of the channel 139 in the base 130a, the turbulence of the air flow is reduced when the air enters the support column 110a from the base 130a. Then, the channel 120 a of the support column 110 forms a duct through which air is delivered to the air outlet 200 .

The connection portion 140 also includes indicators that allow the user to identify the location of each outlet. According to the embodiment of the drawings (see FIGS. 6 and 14 ), the opening 103 is located at the front edge of the connecting portion 140 , and an indicator can be displayed through the opening 103 . LEDs 305 (eg, multi-color light emitting diodes), or red-green-blue LED arrays (see FIG. 17 ), are located behind each opening 103 . It is contemplated that each opening 103 may have a lens or translucent material rather than the opening to prevent soap, water, dirt, or other contaminants from entering the multifunctional toilet device 100. The LED 305 can emit different colors according to operation or flashing, so as to attract the user's attention to the corresponding position. Alternatively, a larger display, eg, using a liquid crystal display (LCD), may provide the user with graphical or other visual indications of the purpose of each outlet located by the indicator.

The soap dispensing system includes a soap sump, a soap pump, and piping connecting the soap pump to the soap outlet 160 . A soap reservoir 310 and a soap pump 316 are shown in block diagram form in FIG. 17 . The soap sump 310 includes a level detection switch 312, such as a float switch, which generates a level detection signal 314 corresponding to the amount remaining in the soap sump 310 and provides it to the control A control circuit 302 . The soap pump 316 is activated by one or more sensors 301 located in the multi-function toilet device 100 which detect the presence of the user's hand through the soap outlet 160 . The soap pump 316 draws the soap from the soap sump 310 and delivers it to the pipeline 162 , which is connected between the soap pump 316 and the soap outlet 160 . The conduit extends within the channel 120 in the first support column 110a or the second support column 110b and into the connection portion 140 in the multifunctional toilet device 100 . In connection 140 , conduit 162 is mounted on nozzle 164 which extends through outlet 160 . The soap is discharged from the nozzle 164 through the outlet 160 onto the user's hand.

The water distribution system includes one or more inlet lines 322 connected to the water supply system, one or more valves (water valves) 320 and one or more outlet lines 324 to supply water to the water outlet 180 . The water inlet line 322 may be connected to a cold water source, a hot water source, or a mixed water source, where the mixed water source includes a mixture of hot and cold water. The present invention desires to provide the user with water at a comfortable temperature. Therefore, a mixing valve can be provided in front of the water inlet pipeline 322, and the mixing valve mixes the hot and cold water in proportion to provide water of a desired temperature. Optionally, the valve 320 may be a mixing valve including a water inlet line 322 from a cold water source and a water inlet line 322 from a hot water source. The control signal 326 from the control circuit 302 can control the valve 320 not only to open or close, but also to mix the hot and cold water in a proportional manner to provide water of the desired temperature. A water outlet line 324 extending from the valve 320 is connected to the water outlet 180 through the second conduit 182 . An aerator 400 can be arranged in the water outlet 180 to aerate The appliance 400 includes a water inlet 402 to which an outlet line 324 extending from the valve 320 is connected.

Referring next to Figures 38-43, one embodiment of an aerator 400 is illustrated. The aerator 400 includes an upper casing 410 and a lower casing 450 . According to the embodiment of the drawings (such as FIG. 38 to FIG. 43 ), the upper casing 410 is integrally formed with a removable plate 190 , and the removable plate 190 can be inserted into the connecting portion 140 of the multifunctional toilet device 100 opening in the lower surface and remove from it. The upper housing 410 includes two generally cylindrical chambers. An intake chamber 420 is formed at the upper portion of the upper case 410 . The first wall section 412 of the upper casing 410 extends downward from the upper surface 411 of the upper casing 410 . The first wall segment 412 is connected to the upper surface 411 at a generally curved edge that extends along the outer circumference of the upper housing 410 . The intake chamber 420 has a first diameter defined by the inner edge of the first wall segment 412 . An outlet chamber 430 is formed at the lower portion of the upper case 410 . The second wall section 414 extends downwardly from the first wall section 412 to the lower edge 416 of the upper housing 410 . The diameter of the second wall section 414 is larger than the diameter of the first wall section 412 , and the generally curved edge connects the first wall section 412 and the second wall section 414 . The lower surface of the upper housing 410 is generally open, and the lower edge 416 defines a generally circular opening into which the lower housing 450 can be inserted. The inner surface 415 of the second wall segment 414 is threaded and engages mating threads on the outer peripheral surface 460 of the lower housing 450 . According to other embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that the lower housing 450 may be secured to the upper housing 410 by other means, including, for example, by means of snap fits, cam locks, pins, screws, or other suitable fasteners.

The water inlet 402 extends outwardly from the first wall section 412 and defines a fluid communication path between the second conduit 182 through which water flows and the air inlet chamber 420 . The water inlet 402 is generally cylindrical and includes a channel 404 extending axially through the water inlet 402 . The second pipe 182 can be press-fitted on the first end 401 of the water inlet 402 , and the second end 403 of the water inlet 402 is integrated with the first wall section 412 type. Preferably, the second end 403 of the water inlet 402 is connected to one side of the upper casing 410 . Water flowing through the second conduit 182 enters the channel 404 and exits along the inner edge of the first wall section 412 . The water is supplied with sufficient pressure so that the water rotates inside the intake chamber 420 along the inner edge of the first wall section 412 .

The lower case 450 is a substantially cylindrical disc configured to be inserted into the upper case 410 . As previously described, the outer peripheral surface 460 of the lower housing 450 is threaded such that the lower housing 450 rotatably engages the complementary threaded inner surface 415 of the upper housing 410 . The disc includes an upper surface 462 and a lower surface 464 opposite the upper surface 462 . A plurality of channels 470 extend between the upper surface 462 and the lower surface 464 . The upper surface 462 slopes upward from the outer edge to its center, forming a generally tapered surface. A plurality of nozzles 480 protrude downwardly from the lower surface 464 . One of the channels 470 extends through each nozzle 480 , and the nozzle 480 defines a water outlet 180 for the multifunctional toilet device 100 . Because the water enters the inlet chamber 420 along the inner edge and rotates around the chamber, the water fills the chamber more evenly than entering the chamber at the center and hitting the opposite face of the chamber. The water then exits the intake chamber 420 through each nozzle 480 at a substantially uniform pressure and flow.

Although the aerator 400 has been described in accordance with the illustrated embodiments, it is contemplated that other elements may be utilized to form the aerator 400 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the aerator 400 may be formed from a single housing, ie, the upper housing 410 and the lower housing 450 are integrally formed and fixedly or movably installed in the connecting portion 140 of the multifunctional toilet device 100 .

The air distribution system includes a fan 210 located below the deck 12 for delivering air to the air outlet 200 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fan 210 includes a centrifugal fan driven by a motor. The motor operates at variable speed to adjust the air flow rate provided by the fan. The fan 210 sucks air through an air inlet located in the casing 40 below the table top 12 . A filter 354 may be provided at the air inlet to prevent the air from entering the fan 210. The contaminants present in the tuyere are captured before the tuyere. Referring also to FIG. 5 , an air duct 215 connects the outlet of the fan 210 to the channel 139 in the base 130 , which in turn is connected to the channel 120 in the support column 110 of the multifunctional toilet device 100 .

Referring to FIGS. 10 , 14 and 16 , the passage 120 is a continuation of the air duct 215 between the fan 210 and the air outlet 200 . The surfaces of the channel 120 are preferably smooth to minimize airflow turbulence through the channel. Bosses (or bosses) 122 may be provided between opposing surfaces of the channel 120 to increase the rigidity of the multifunctional toilet device 100 . The boss portion 122 includes a front end 123 that first receives the airflow and a rear end 125 that receives the airflow last. The boss portion 122 widens toward the middle and narrows at both ends, such that the front end 123 and the rear end 125 are preferably narrowly rounded to minimize airflow disturbance through the channel 120 .

An inner wall 124 is provided outside the air outlet 200 to terminate the passage 120 and separate the air passage from other interior areas of the multifunctional toilet 100 . The inner wall 124 is generally perpendicular to and intersects the air flow through the channel so that when the air flow impinges on the inner wall 124, the air flow can be equalized across the surface of the inner wall 124 by the pressure shock. The air outlet 200 is located on the lower surface of the multifunctional toilet device 100, and the lower surface is located in front of the inner wall 124 with respect to the direction of the airflow. The air outlet 200 includes a nozzle (nozzle) 202, and a grid (or grid) 204 is provided in the nozzle (refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 14). Each element of the grid 204 lies in a generally vertical plane to direct the airflow downward from the nozzles 202 . Therefore, the airflow is typically ninety degrees downward and exits the air outlet 200 after hitting the inner wall 124 . Therefore, the air guide duct 215 extending from the fan 210, the base 130 and the channel 139 and the channel 120 in the support column 110 deliver air to the air outlet 200 to dry the user's hands.

The control signal 352 is transmitted between the fan 210 and the control circuit 302 . The control signal 352 includes, for example, a start command, a stop command, a speed command, or a combination thereof, to control the fan 210 operations. A feedback signal can also be passed from the fan 210 to the control circuit 302, the feedback signal corresponding to the operation of the fan or the status of the filter. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the system for distributing air may include heaters positioned along the airflow path to increase the temperature of the air prior to delivery to the user's hands.

In operation, a control system 300 is provided for managing the operation of the toilet system 10 . Referring to FIG. 17 , the control system 300 includes a control circuit 302 mounted on the toilet system 10 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit 302 is provided on a circuit board, and the circuit board is installed in the casing under the counter top 12 and in the casing 40 of the toilet system 10 to protect the control circuit 302 from being damaged by Water splashes. Optionally, the control circuit 302 can be sealed to provide further protection from moisture in the toilet system. The control circuit 302 includes a memory 306 configured to store instruction parameters of the toilet system 10 and instructions executed on the processor 304 to control the operation of the toilet system 10 . It is contemplated that memory 306 may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination thereof, and may be a single or multiple devices. The processor 304 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 306 to achieve the desired operation of the toilet system 10 . It should be appreciated that processor 304 may be a single device or multiple devices. Control circuit 302 also includes other analog and/or digital devices to receive feedback signals from sensors, send control signals to actuators, and manage other related control functions as understood by those skilled in the art. It is further contemplated that the control circuit 302 may be entirely located on a single circuit board and within a single housing, or alternatively, portions of the control circuit 302 may be distributed around the toilet system 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The control circuit 302 receives the feedback signal 303 from the sensor 301 of the multi-function toilet device 100 to instruct the user's hands to wash and/or dry in the vicinity of the multi-function toilet device 100 Dry. According to the embodiment of the drawings (eg, FIG. 17 ), four sensors 301 are provided in the multifunctional toilet device 100 to control the delivery of soap, water and air in the device 100 . According to another embodiment, it is contemplated that three sensors 301 may be provided, with one sensor 301 located near each exit. According to another embodiment, more than four sensors 301 may be provided. It should be appreciated that each sensor 301 is located within the device connection portion 140 above the lower wall of the connection portion 140 . A portion of the lower wall includes an opening 103 (see FIG. 2 ) through which the sensor 301 can transmit a signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) or infrared signal. The signal is reflected by the user's hand and received by the sensor 301 to detect the presence of the user's hand. If a line-of-sight sensor is used, it is conceivable that a portion of the lower housing may be made of a translucent material as an alternative to an opening to allow the transmitted sensing signal to pass through. Optionally, a lens may be inserted in opening 103 to allow the transmission signal to pass and prevent water, soap, dirt or other contaminants from entering the opening. According to another embodiment, the sensor 301 can emit a signal that can pass through the housing of the connecting portion 140 . For example, a magnetic field can be generated and magnetic field disturbances due to the presence of the user's hand can be detected. There are other sensing techniques, for example, capacitive sensing of a user's hand can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Providing more sensors 301 than exits enables the control circuit 302 to determine information about the position and/or direction of the user's hand approach, not just information about approaching a certain exit. According to the illustrated embodiment, two internal sensors 301 are located on both sides of the water outlet 180 (see Figure 14). When the user's hand approaches the water outlet 180 after receiving the soap solution, the internal sensor 301 located on the same side of the water outlet 180 as the soap solution outlet 160 is activated first. If the user's hand approaches the water outlet 180 from the hand drying side of the multifunctional toilet device 100, another internal sensor 301 is activated first. When the user's hand is under the water outlet 180, both internal sensors 301 are used to detect the hand. control The circuit 302 can generate different control signals in response to the sequence in which the internal sensors are activated.

Looking first at the control of the soap system, at least one sensor 301 is located near the soap outlet 160 to detect the user's hand below the outlet 160 . When the user's hand is under the soap outlet 160, the sensor 301 generates a feedback signal 303 to the control circuit 302, indicating the presence of the hand. In response to the received feedback signal 303 , the control circuit 302 flashes or changes the color of the LED 305 for the soap outlet 160 to alert the user that a hand is detected at the soap outlet 160 . The control circuit 302 may also generate a control signal 318 to the soap pump 316 to activate the soap pump 316 to dispense soap. The soap pump 316 may run for a preset time or perform one or more fixed pump cycles to draw the soap from the soap sump 310 and deliver it up through the soap tube 162 to the nozzle 164, where it is dispensed by the nozzle 164. in the hands of the user. Considered further, the sensor 301 near the soap outlet 160 may be positioned to detect the user's hand only a short distance below the multifunctional toilet device 100 . For example, a user's hand may need to be within three or two inches of sensor 301 to be detected. Preferably, the detection distance is set within the sensor 301 and may be set to be less than the detection distance of the water outlet, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The control circuit 302 may also be configured to interlock the soap dispenser according to other actions at the multifunction toilet device 100 . For example, if the hand dryer is activated, it is desirable to avoid dispensing soap so that the soap is not blown around the sink. Additionally, users may need to be required to remove their hands before dispensing additional soap. This makes it possible to avoid continued soap dispensing if the user leaves their hands under the soap outlet 160 for an extended period of time, or, for example, if a foreign object falls into the sink 20 below the multifunctional toilet device 100 near the soap outlet 160.

A liquid level detection switch 312, such as a float switch, may be provided in the soap pool. When the soap level is low and needs to be filled, the liquid level detection switch 312 generates a feedback signal 314 to the control signal. control The control circuit 302 can activate the LED 305 near the soap outlet 160 by indicating that the liquid level is low. For example, the control circuit 302 may blink the LED 305 or change the color of the LED to red to indicate a low liquid level.

Looking next at the control of the water distribution system, at least one sensor 301 is located near the water outlet 180 to detect the user's hand below the outlet 180 . When the user's hand is under the water outlet 180 , the sensor 301 generates a feedback signal 303 to the control circuit 302 to indicate the presence of the hand. In response to the received feedback signal 303 , the control circuit 302 flashes or changes the color of the LED 305 for the water outlet 180 to alert the user that a hand is detected at the water outlet 180 . The control circuit 302 may also generate a control signal 326 to the valve 320 to activate the valve 320 to dispense water. The valve 320 can be energized to open for a preset period of time, or it can remain open when a user's hand is detected below the water outlet 180 .

Considering further, the sensor 301 near the water outlet 180 may be positioned to detect the user's hand within a distance below the multifunctional toilet device 100 , the distance being equal to the height of the multifunctional toilet device 100 above the sink 20 . Thus, the user's hand can be detected at any height between the water outlet 180 and the sink 20 . Preferably, the detection distance is set within the sensor 301, and may be set to be greater than the detection distance of the soap outlet. Requiring the user to place their hands closer to the soap outlet to receive soap than water will help avoid misdispensing of soap. For example, when a user rinses soap from the hands under the water outlet 180 , the hand, arm, or a portion thereof may move under the soap outlet 160 . However, users typically place their hands a distance below the water outlet 180 to avoid splashing or spraying water from their hands, or to avoid contact with the multifunctional toilet device 100 when washing their hands. Typically, the distance at which the user places the hand is greater than the distance set for detection by the sensor 301 near the soap outlet. Therefore, when using outlet 180, even if using Or part of the hand or arm moves under the sensor 301 for soap, and no additional soap is dispensed.

The control circuit 302 may also be configured to interlocks when water is dispensed from the multifunctional toilet 100 . For example, if the hand dryer is activated, it may be desirable to avoid water blowing around the sink. Additionally, it may be desirable to require the user to remove their hands from under the water outlet 180 and to stop the water flow prior to dispensing air. It is also possible to set a maximum duration during which the water outlet 180 can flow water without requiring the user to remove the hand from under the water outlet 180 and reinsert it. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid continuous water discharge if the user leaves their hands under the water outlet 180 for a long time, or, for example, if foreign objects fall into the sink 20 below the multifunctional toilet device 100 near the water outlet 180 .

Next, looking at the control of the air system, at least one sensor 301 is located near the air outlet 200 to detect the user's hand below the outlet 200 . When the user's hand is under the air outlet 200, the sensor 301 generates a feedback signal 303 to the control circuit, indicating the presence of the hand. In response to the received feedback signal 303, the control circuit 302 flashes or changes the color of the LED 305 for the air outlet 200 to prompt the user that the air outlet 200 detects a hand. The control circuit 302 may also generate a control signal 352 to the fan 210 to activate the fan 210 to distribute the air. The fan 210 may be powered on for a preset period of time, or may remain powered on when the user's hand is detected below the air outlet 200 .

The sensor 301 near the air outlet 200 may be arranged to detect the user's hand within a distance below the multifunctional toilet device 100 , the distance being equal to the height of the multifunctional toilet device 100 above the sink 20 . Thus, the user's hand can be detected at any height between the air outlet 200 and the sink 20 . Preferably, the detection distance can be set in the sensor 301 and can be set as Greater than the detection distance of the soap outlet. The motor of fan 210 may be set to operate at variable speed. It is contemplated that when setting or resetting the toilet system, a certain speed is selected and that the motor runs at that speed each time the sensor 301 detects that the user's hand is under the air outlet 200 . According to one aspect of the present invention, the motor speed can be selected so that the user's hands dry in a desired time. The selected speed may vary, for example, as a function of the size of the multifunction toilet device 100, the volume of air delivered by the device, or the presence or absence of heaters in the airflow. According to another aspect of the invention, the motor speed may be selected such that when the user's hand is in the airflow, the motor and airflow produce acceptable noise.

The control circuit 302 may also be configured to interlock when air is dispensed from the multifunctional toilet 100 . For example, if the hand dryer is activated, it may be desirable to avoid water blowing around the sink. Additionally, the user may be required to remove their hands from under the air outlet 200 and stop dispensing air before the water is dispensed. It is also possible to set a maximum duration during which the air outlet 200 can dispense air without requiring the user to remove and reinsert the hand from under the air outlet 200 . This arrangement makes it possible to avoid continued air distribution if the user leaves their hands under the air outlet 200 for a long time, or if, for example, a foreign object falls into the sink 20 under the multifunctional toilet device 100 near the air outlet 200 .

According to another aspect of the invention, the toilet system 10 may include one or more sensors 370 (eg, proximity sensors). Each sensor 370 may be mounted on the inner surface of the housing 40 and aligned with one of the multifunctional toilet devices 100 . The housing 40 includes an opening 371 through which the sensor can transmit signals, such as radio frequency (RF) or infrared signals. When the user approaches the toilet system 10, the user reflects the signal, and the sensor 370 receives the signal to detect the user's approach. If a visual sensor is used, it is contemplated that a portion of the housing 40 may be made of a translucent material to allow the transmitted sensing signal to pass through. Optionally, a lens may be inserted in opening 371 to allow the transmitted signal to pass through while preventing water, soap, dirt or other Contaminants enter this opening. According to another embodiment, the sensor 370 may emit a signal that can pass through the housing 40 . For example, a magnetic field can be generated and disturbances in the magnetic field due to the presence of the user can be detected.

Each sensor 370 generates a feedback signal 372 to the control circuit 302 . The control circuit 302 may use the proximity signal 372, eg, to bring the toilet system 10 out of an energy saving state, or to prepare the toilet system 10 for use. In the power saving state, a portion of the control circuit 302 may be powered down. When the proximity signal 372 is detected, the toilet system 10 can energize the entire control circuit 302 in anticipation of use. Similarly, if a heater is present, the control circuit 302 may energize the heater to begin heating the air delivered to the user. According to another example, the visual indicator 305 on the multifunction toilet device 100 may be energized in response to the received proximity signal 372 . Other measures may also be taken to respond to the proximity signal 372 of the control circuit 302, thereby enhancing the user's hand-washing experience.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the toilet system 10 may be configured to use the sensor 301 in the multifunctional toilet device 100 . Currently, the setting of the toilet system 10 is performed by dip switches, rotary switches or similar switches located within or near the housing of the control circuit 302 and housed under the countertop 12 and the toilet within housing 40 of system 10 . Changing operations, such as the motor speed of the fan 210 , the amount of soap dispensed, the duration of the water flow, etc., requires disassembly of the housing 40 and use of the switches under the deck 12 . The toilet system 10 of the present invention provides its setting via the sensor 301 above the countertop without disassembling the housing 40 .

The user can enter the setting mode of the toilet system 10 by inserting the hand under the sensor 301 in a preset sequence. The selection sequence is to avoid accidental entry into the setup mode during normal operation of the toilet system 10 . For example, the right hand needs to be placed under the first sensor, the The left hand is placed under the second sensor, with the right hand placed before the left hand by less than a second. Then keep your hands under the sensor for at least ten seconds. According to another example, it is necessary to activate each sensor 301 in a left-to-right or right-to-left order several times in succession, and then keep one hand under one sensor 301 for a preset time. Other sequences may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Once the toilet system 10 enters the setup mode, each visual indicator 305 may provide an indication of the setup mode to the user. For example, the indicator 305 may change to a specific color specifying the setting mode.

The user then proceeds to set up the toilet system 10 by further placing their hands under the different sensors 301 . The user can first select the system to be set up, ie whether the user wishes to set up a soap distribution system, a water distribution system or an air distribution system. A particular system can be selected by inserting the user's hand under the sensor 301 near the respective outlet. For example, to set up the water distribution system, the user may insert one hand under the sensor 301 near the water outlet 180; to set up the air distribution system, the user may insert one hand into the sensor near the air outlet 200 below the device 301. A visual indicator near the selected system remains in color recognition setting mode and begins to flash to indicate that a specific system has been selected. Optionally, the toilet system 10 includes a preset number of parameters set by sensors 301, each parameter may be increased or decreased by the user by inserting a hand under one of the sensors 301. Parameters can be identified by briefly turning on the device to be set or by flashing the parameter number on a visual indicator.

Once a system or specific parameter is selected, the user will again insert the hand under one of the sensors 301 . It should be appreciated that the first sensor 301 can be used to select the parameter to be set, and the second sensor 301 can be used to change the setting of the parameter. Preferably, the parameters have a predefined set of settings. For example, a fan's motor may have low, medium, and high speed settings. Every time the user inserts the hand When entering below the second sensor 301, the parameter will increase or decrease to the next setting. The toilet system 10 may briefly activate the motor so that the user can observe the airflow produced by the selected motor speed and determine the desired setting.

Referring now to Figures 44-54, a multi-function faucet or multi-function toilet device 500 suitable for use in a toilet system is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The multifunctional toilet device 500 includes a single support post 510 . From the front, as shown in FIG. 45 , the support post 510 is located on the right side of the multifunctional toilet device 500 . In other embodiments of the present invention, the support posts 510 may be located on both sides of the multi-function toilet device 500 or anywhere between the two sides of the multi-function toilet device 500 .

The support post 510 has a first end 512 and a second end 514 . The first end 512 is configured to be mounted to the countertop 12 , while the second end 514 extends over the sink 20 . The first end 512 includes a mounting surface 513 that is configured to engage the upper surface 14 of the counter top 12 . As shown in the side views of FIGS. 47 and 48, the support column 510 includes a vertical portion 510a and an inclined portion 510b. When the support column 510 is mounted on the counter top 12, the vertical portion 510a of the support column 510 extends upward for a length H in a substantially vertical direction. The support post 510 transitions from the vertical portion 510a to the inclined portion 510b at a bend 515, wherein the bend 515 extends the support post 510 from the vertical portion 510a at an angle a length L until the second end 514 of the support post 510 is located at above said location. That is, the inclined portion 510b of the support column 510 extends outward and upward from the vertical portion 510a. In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the inclined portion 510b of the support column 510 extends from the vertical portion 510a along an angle of 14 degrees with the horizontal direction. In other embodiments of the present invention, the inclined portion 510b may extend at any angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

As mentioned above, the first end 512 of the support post 510 is configured to be mounted to the deck 12 . The first opening 511a and the second opening 511b extend through the mounting surface 513, and are respectively connected with the support column. The first channel 520a and the second channel 520b in 510 communicate. In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the first opening 511a, the second opening 511b are aligned side by side. The first base 530a is received within the first opening 511a and secures the multifunctional toilet device 500 to the countertop 12 . In addition, the second base 530b is received in the second opening 511b and is also used for fixing the multifunctional toilet device 500 to the countertop 12 . The first base 530a and the second base 530b further include a first channel 539a and a second channel 539b, the first channel 539a and the second channel 539b respectively penetrate the first base 530a and the second base 530b, and are respectively connected with the support column 510. The first channel 520a and the second channel 520b are in fluid communication. As shown in FIG. 51 , each base 530 includes a first end 532 configured to be inserted into the support post 510 and a second end 534 configured to be inserted into the opening of the deck 12 . The openings 511a and 511b in the support column 510 each include threaded inner edges, and the threaded inner edges cooperate with the threaded outer peripheries of the first ends 532 of the first base 530a and the second base 530b, respectively. In this way, each base 530 is rotatably inserted into the respective opening 511 , so as to be screwed, and each base 530 is securely retained in the support column 510 .

Alternatively, it is contemplated that each base 530 may be secured to the support post 510 by a snap fit or other suitable securing method. According to another embodiment, each base 530 is integrally formed with the support post 510 such that a portion of the support post 510 extends through the opening to secure the multifunctional toilet device 500 to the countertop 12 . The second portion 536 of each base 530 is longitudinally displaced along each base 530 such that it is positioned at least partially below the deck 12 . The second portion 536 includes a threaded outer surface to receive the nut 535 . Nut 535 is arranged to engage with mounting plate 537 that engages with the lower surface of deck 12 . The mounting plate 537 extends laterally and is disposed between the nut 535 and the mounting surface 513 of the support column 510 . The mounting plate 537 includes a first hole 539a and a second hole 539b that are configured to receive the first base 530a and the second base 530b, respectively. for The multifunctional toilet device 500 is fixed on the countertop 12 , and each base 530 is attached to the support column 510 and inserted through the opening of the countertop 12 . Nuts 535 are screwed onto at least one base 530 from below the countertop so that the mounting plate 537 and the mounting surface 513 of the support post 510 engage with the opposite surface of the countertop 12 and secure the multifunctional toilet device 500 to the countertop 12 . Although the representative embodiment of the present invention describes the nut 535 being threaded to the second base 530b, it is contemplated that in other embodiments of the present invention, the nut 535 may be threaded to the first base 530b, or both. onto the first base 5301 and the second base 530b.

The extension portion 540 extends horizontally from the second end 514 of the support column 510 perpendicular to the support column 510 . Specifically, the extension 540 has a first end 542 and a second end 544 , the first end 542 of the extension 540 is connected with the second end 514 of the support column 510 , and the second end 544 cantilevered from the support column 510 . The width of the first end 542 of the extension portion 540 is the same as the width of the second end 514 of the support column 510 . As such, the multifunctional toilet device 500 appears as a continuous component when transitioned from the support post 510 to the extension 540 . It is also contemplated that at least a portion of support post 510 and extension 540 may be cast or otherwise fabricated as one piece. Thus, although the first end 512, the second end 514 of the support post 510, and the first end 542 of the extension 540 are distinguished, the locations of the ends are for illustration only and may be Post 510 or extension 540 moves axially.

The extension 540 includes a plurality of outlets for dispensing product over the sink 20 of the lavatory system 10 . The first outlet 560 is used to dispense soap, the second outlet 580 is used to dispense water, and the third outlet 600 is used to dispense air. The first outlet 560 , the second outlet 580 , and the third outlet 600 are arranged at intervals along the extension part 540 , so that the user's hand can pass through the outlets (the first outlet 560 , the second outlet 580 , the third outlet) along the extension part 540 during the washing process. 600) to move between. The channel 520 of the support column 510 includes a first channel 520a and a second channel 520b defined inside the support column, using to deliver the product to one of the outlets. The soap and water may be delivered through pipes extending from below the deck 12 through the first channel 520a of the support post 510. The second passage 520b is provided as an air duct, at least partially conveying air from the blower located below the deck 12 to the air outlet 600 .

Referring to FIGS. 53 and 54, exemplary cross-sectional views of the support post 510 are depicted to further illustrate the first channel 520a and the second channel 520b. The cross-sectional area of the first passage 520a is sized to provide space for the soap-carrying conduit 562 and the water-carrying conduit 582 to pass through the passage 520a. Similarly, the aforementioned channel 539 in the base 530 includes a first channel 539a aligned with the first channel 520a of the support column 510 and a second channel 539b aligned with the second channel 520b of the support column 510 . The second channel 520b has a cross-sectional area corresponding to the second channel 539b, so as to reduce airflow turbulence when the air flows from the base 530 to the support column 510 . Then, the second passage 520b forms a duct through which air is delivered to the air outlet 600 .

The extension 540 may also include indicators to allow the user to identify the location of each outlet. According to a representative embodiment, openings 503 are arranged along the leading edge of extension 540 through which an indicator can be displayed. LEDs 705 (eg, multi-color light emitting diodes) or arrays of red-green-blue LEDs (see FIG. 54 and also FIG. 55 ) are located behind each opening 503 . It is contemplated that each opening may include a lens or translucent material, rather than the openings for preventing soap, water, dirt, or other contaminants from entering the multi-function toilet device 500. The LED 705 can emit different colors or flash according to the operation, so as to attract the user's attention to the corresponding position. Optionally, the use of a larger display, eg, a liquid crystal display (LCD), may provide a graphical or other visual indication to the user explaining the purpose of each outlet located by the indicator.

The soap dispensing system includes a soap sump 710 , a soap pump 716 , and a conduit 562 connecting the soap pump 716 to the soap outlet 160 . Soap pool 710 and soap pump 716 are shown as squares in Figure 55 Represented in the form of a diagram. The soap sump 710 includes a liquid level detection switch 712 , such as a float switch, which generates a liquid level detection signal 714 corresponding to the remaining amount in the soap sump 710 and provides it to the control circuit 702 . The soap pump 716 is activated by one or more sensors 701 located in the multifunction toilet device 500 that detect the presence of a user's hand near the soap outlet 560 . Soap pump 716 draws soap from soap sump 710 and delivers it to conduit 562 which fluidly communicates soap pump 716 and soap outlet 560 . The conduit 562 extends within the first channel 520a and into the extension 540 of the multifunctional toilet device 500 . In extension 540 , conduit 562 is mounted on nozzle 564 which extends through outlet 560 . The soap is discharged from nozzle 564 through outlet 560 onto the user's hand.

The water distribution system includes one or more inlet lines 722 , one or more valves 720 , and one or more outlet lines 724 connected to a water supply system to supply water to outlet 580 . The water inlet line 722 may be connected to a cold water source, a hot water source, or a mixed water source, where the mixed water source includes a mixture of hot and cold water. Since it is desired to provide the user with water at a comfortable temperature, a mixing valve can be provided before the water inlet line 722, and the mixing valve can mix the hot and cold water in proportion to provide water of a desired temperature. Alternatively, the valve 720 may be a mixing valve, including a water inlet line 722 from a cold water source and an inlet water line 722 from a hot water source. The control signal 726 from the control circuit 702 can control the valve 720 not only to be able to open or close, but also to mix the hot and cold water in a proportional manner to provide water of the desired temperature. Outlet line 724 extending from valve 720 is connected to outlet 580 by conduit 582 . Further, an aerator 800 may be disposed in the water outlet 580 , the aerator 800 includes a water inlet 802 , and the water outlet pipeline 724 extending from the valve 720 is connected to the water inlet 802 through the pipeline 582 . The aerator 800 may be configured similarly to the aerator 400 shown in FIGS. 38-43 previously.

The air distribution system includes a fan 610 located below the deck 12 for delivering air to the air outlet 600 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fan 610 includes an electric Machine-driven centrifugal fan. The motor operates at variable speed to adjust the air flow rate provided by the fan 610 . The fan 610 sucks air through an air inlet located in the housing 40 below the table top 12 . A filter 754 may be provided at the air inlet to capture contaminants present in the air before it enters the air inlet of the fan 610 . The air guide duct 615 connects the outlet of the fan 610 to the second channel 539b in the base 530 , and the second channel 539b is in turn connected with the second channel 520b in the support column 510 of the multifunctional toilet device 500 .

Referring to FIGS. 51 , 53 and 54 , the second passage 520 b is a continuation of the air duct 615 between the fan 610 and the air outlet 600 . The surface of the second channel 520b is preferably smooth to minimize airflow turbulence through the second channel 520b and separate it from the first channel 520a. Boss portions 522 may be provided between opposing faces of the channel 520b to increase the rigidity of the multi-function toilet device 500 . The boss portion 522 includes a front end 523 that receives air flow first and a rear end 525 that receives air flow last (see FIG. 52 ). The boss 522 widens toward the middle and narrows at both ends, so that the front end 523 and the rear end 525 are preferably narrowly rounded to minimize airflow disturbance through the second channel 520b.

An inner wall 524 is disposed outside the air outlet 600 to block the second channel 520b and separate the second channel 520b from the first channel 520a by the support column 510 . The inner wall 524 is formed to direct the airflow through the second channel 520b so that when the airflow impinges on the inner wall 524, the surface of the inner wall 524 can be equalized by the pressure impact. The air outlet 600 includes a nozzle 602 and a grid 604 defined within the nozzle 602 . Each element of the grid 604 lies in a generally vertical plane such that after the airflow impinges on the inner wall 124 , the air is directed to flow downward and out of the air outlet 600 . Therefore, the air duct 615 extending from the fan, the base 530a and the first passages 539a, 520a in the support column 510 deliver air to the air outlet 600 to dry the user's hands.

The control signal 752 passes between the fan 610 and the control circuit 702 . control signal 752 includes start commands, stop commands, speed commands, or any combination thereof, to control the operation of fan 610 . Additionally, feedback signals corresponding to the operation of the fan 610 or the state of the filter 754 may be provided from the fan 610 to the control circuit 702 . Although not shown, it is contemplated that the air distribution system may include heaters positioned along the airflow path to increase the temperature of the air prior to delivery to the user's hands.

In operation, a control system 700 is provided for managing the operation of the multifunctional toilet device 500 and the toilet system 10 . Referring to FIG. 55 , the control system 700 includes a control circuit 702 mounted on the toilet system 10 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit 702 is provided on a circuit board which is installed in the housing under the counter top 12 and is installed in the housing 40 of the toilet system 10 to protect the control circuit 702 from being damaged by Water splashes. Optionally, the control circuit 702 can be sealed to provide further protection from moisture in the toilet system. Control circuit 702 includes memory 706 configured to store instruction parameters for toilet system 10 and multifunction toilet 500 and instructions executed on processor 704 to control the operation of toilet system 10 and multifunction toilet 500 . Memory 706 may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination thereof, and may be one or more devices. The processor 704 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 706 to effect predetermined operations of the toilet system 10 and the multifunctional toilet device 500 . It should be appreciated that processor 704 may be one or more devices. Control circuit 702 may also include other analog and/or digital devices to receive feedback signals from sensors, send control signals to actuators, and manage other related control functions as understood by those skilled in the art. It is further contemplated that the control circuit 702 may be entirely located on a single circuit board and within a single housing, or alternatively, portions of the control circuit 702 may be distributed around the toilet system 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The control circuit 702 receives the feedback signal 703 from the sensor 701 of the multi-function toilet device 500 to instruct the user's hands to wash and/or dry near the multi-function toilet device 500 . As shown in FIG. 55 , four sensors 701 are provided in the multi-function toilet device 500 to control the delivery of soap, water and air in the multi-function toilet device 500 . In other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that three sensors 701 may be provided, with each sensor 701 proximate to each outlet. In other embodiments, more than four sensors 701 may be provided. It will be appreciated that each sensor 701 is located within the extension 540 of the multifunctional toilet device 500 above the lower wall of the extension 540 . A portion of the lower wall includes an opening 503 through which the sensor can transmit a signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) or infrared signal. The signal is reflected by the user's hand and received by the sensor 701 to detect the presence of the user's hand. If a visual sensor is used, it is conceivable that a portion of the lower housing may be made of a translucent material as an alternative to an opening to allow the transmitted sensing signal to pass through. Optionally, a lens may be inserted into the opening 503 to allow the transmission signal to pass and prevent water, soap, dirt or other contaminants from entering the opening. According to another embodiment, the sensor 701 may emit a signal that can pass through the housing of the extension 540 . For example, a magnetic field can be generated and disturbances in the magnetic field due to the presence of the user's hand can be detected. There are other sensing techniques, for example, capacitive sensing of a user's hand can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Providing more sensors 701 than exits enables the control circuit 702 to determine information about the position and/or direction of the user's hand approach, rather than just approaching a certain exit. As shown in the representative embodiment of the present invention, two internal sensors 701 are located on either side of the water outlet 580 . When the user's hand approaches the water outlet 580 after receiving the soap solution, the internal sensor 701 located on the same side of the water outlet 580 as the soap solution outlet 560 is activated first. If the user's hand approaches the water outlet 580 from the hand drying side of the multifunctional toilet device 500, another internal sensor 701 is activated first. when using When the user's hand is below the water outlet 580, both internal sensors 701 are used to detect the hand. The control circuit 702 can generate different control signals in response to the activation sequence of the internal sensor 701 .

Looking first at the control of the soap system, at least one sensor 701 is located near the soap outlet 560 to detect the user's hand below the outlet 560 . When the user's hand is under the soap outlet 560, the sensor 701 generates a feedback signal 703 to the control circuit 702, indicating the presence of the hand. In response to the received feedback signal 703 , the control circuit 702 flashes or changes the color of the LED 705 for the soap outlet 560 through the signal 707 to remind the user that the soap outlet 560 detects a hand. The control circuit 702 may also generate a control signal 718 to the soap pump 716 to dispense soap. The soap pump 716 may run for a preset time or perform one or more fixed pump loops to draw the soap from the soap sump 710 and transport it up through the soap tube 562 to the soap nozzle 564 and from the nozzle 564 are assigned to the user's hand. The sensor 701 near the soap outlet 560 may be arranged to detect the user's hand only a short distance below the multifunctional toilet device 500 . For example, a user's hand may need to be within three or two inches of sensor 701 to be detected. Preferably, the detection distance is set within the sensor 701 and may be set to be less than the detection distance of the water outlet 580, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The control circuit 702 may also be configured to interlock with the soap outlet 560 in response to other actions at the multifunction toilet device 500 . For example, if the hand dryer is activated, it may be desirable to avoid dispensing soap so that the soap is not blown around the sink 20 . Additionally, users may need to be asked to remove their hands before dispensing additional soap. This makes it possible to avoid continued dispensing of soap if the user leaves their hands under the soap outlet 560 for an extended period of time, or if, for example, a foreign object falls into the sink 20 below the multifunctional toilet device 500 near the soap outlet 560 .

A liquid level detection switch 712 , such as a float switch, may be provided in the soap pool 710 . when soap When the liquid level is low and needs to be filled, the liquid level detection switch 712 generates a liquid level detection signal 714 to the control circuit 702 . The control circuit 702 can activate the LED 305 near the soap outlet 560 by indicating that the liquid level is low. For example, the control circuit 702 may blink the LED 705 or change the color of the LED 705 to red to indicate that the liquid level is low.

Looking next at the control of the water distribution system, at least one sensor 701 is located near the water outlet 580 to detect the user's hand below the water outlet 580 . When the user's hand is under the water outlet 580, the sensor 701 generates a feedback signal 703 to the control circuit 702, indicating the presence of the hand. In response to the received feedback signal 703, the control circuit 702 flashes or changes the color of the LED 705 for the water outlet 580 to alert the user that the water outlet 580 detects a hand. The control circuit 702 can also generate a control signal 726 to the valve 720 to activate the valve 720 to discharge water. The valve 720 can be energized to open for a preset period of time, or it can remain open when a user's hand is detected below the water outlet 580 .

The sensor 701 near the water outlet 580 may be positioned to detect the user's hand at a distance below the multi-function toilet device 500 , the distance being equal to the height of the multi-function toilet device 500 above the sink 20 . Thus, the user's hand can be detected at any height between the water outlet 580 and the sink 20 . Preferably, the detection distance can be set, and can be set to be greater than the detection distance of the soap outlet 560 . Requiring the user to place their hands closer to the soap outlet to receive soap than when picking up water will help avoid misdispensing of soap. For example, when a user rinses soap from the hands under the water outlet 580 , the hand, arm, or a portion thereof may move under the soap outlet 560 . However, users typically place their hands a distance below the water outlet 580 to avoid splashing or spraying water from the hands, or to avoid contacting the multi-function toilet device 500 when flushing. Typically, the distance at which the user places the hand is greater than the distance set for detection by the sensor 701 near the soap outlet 560 . because Thus, when the water outlet 580 is used, even if a part of the user's hand or arm moves under the sensor 701 for the soap outlet 560, no additional soap is dispensed.

The control circuit 702 may also be configured to provide an interlock when the multifunction toilet device 500 dispenses water. For example, if the hand dryer is activated, it may be desirable to avoid water from being blown around the sink 20 . Additionally, it may be desirable to require the user to remove their hands from under the water outlet 580 and to stop the water flow prior to dispensing air. A maximum duration can also be set during which the water outlet 580 can dispense water without requiring the user to remove the hand from under the water outlet 580 and reinsert. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid continuous water discharge if the user leaves their hands under the water outlet 580 for a long time, or for example, if foreign objects fall into the sink 20 below the multifunctional toilet device 500 near the water outlet 580 .

Next, looking at the control of the air system, at least one sensor 701 is located near the air outlet 600 to detect the user's hand below the air outlet 600 . When the user's hand is under the air outlet 600 , the sensor 701 generates a feedback signal 703 to the control circuit 702 to indicate the presence of the hand. In response to the received feedback signal 703 , the control circuit 702 flashes or changes the color of the LED 305 for the air outlet 600 to prompt the user to detect a hand at the air outlet 600 . The control circuit 702 may also generate a control signal 752 to the fan 610 to activate the fan 610 to distribute the air. The fan 610 may be powered on for a preset period of time, or may remain powered on when the user's hand is detected under the air outlet 600 .

The sensor 701 near the air outlet 600 may be arranged to detect the user's hand within a distance below the multifunctional toilet device 500 , the distance being equal to the height of the multifunctional toilet device 500 above the sink 20 . Thus, the user's hand can be detected at any height between the air outlet 600 and the sink 20 . Preferably, the detection distance can be set, and can be set larger than the soap outlet 560 detection distance. The motor of fan 610 may be set to operate at variable speed. When setting or resetting the toilet system 10, a certain speed may be selected and the motor will run at that speed each time the sensor 701 detects that the user's hand is under the air outlet 600. According to one aspect of the present invention, the motor speed can be selected so that the user's hands dry in a desired time. The selected speed may vary, for example, as a function of the size of the multi-function toilet device 500, the volume of air delivered by the multi-function toilet device 500, or the presence or absence of heaters in the airflow. According to another aspect of the present invention, the motor speed may be selected such that the motor and airflow produce acceptable noise when the user's hand is in the airflow.

The control circuit 302 may also be configured to provide an interlock when air is dispensed from the multifunctional toilet 500 . For example, if a hand dryer is activated, it is desirable to avoid dispensing water so that it is not blown around the sink. Additionally, the user may be required to remove their hands from under the air outlet 600 and stop dispensing air prior to dispensing water. A maximum duration can also be set during which the air outlet 600 can dispense air without requiring the user to remove and reinsert the hand from under the air outlet 600 . This arrangement prevents continued air distribution if the user leaves their hands under the air outlet 600 for a long time, or if, for example, a foreign object falls into the sink 20 under the multifunctional toilet device 500 near the air outlet 600 .

As shown in FIG. 55, the toilet system 10 may include one or more sensors 770 (eg, proximity sensors). Each sensor 70 may be mounted on the inner surface of the housing 40 and maintained in alignment with one of the multifunctional toilet devices 500 . The housing 40 may include an opening 771 through which the sensor may transmit a signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) or infrared signal. When the user approaches the toilet system 10 and the multifunctional toilet device 500, the user reflects the signal, and the sensor 770 receives the signal to detect the user's approach. If using visual sensing If the device is used, it should be considered that a portion of the housing 40 may be made of a translucent material to allow the transmitted sensing signal to pass through. Optionally, a lens may be inserted into opening 771 to allow the transmitted signal to pass through while preventing water, soap, dirt or other contaminants from entering the opening. Optionally, the sensor 770 may emit a signal that can pass through the housing 40 . For example, a magnetic field can be generated and disturbances in the magnetic field due to the presence of the user can be detected.

Each sensor 770 generates a feedback signal 772 to the control circuit 702 . For example, the control circuit 702 may use the proximity signal 772 to bring the toilet system 10 and the multifunction toilet device 500 out of an energy saving state, or to prepare the toilet system 10 and the multifunction toilet device 500 for use. In the power saving state, a portion of the control circuit 702 may be powered down. When the proximity signal 772 is detected, the toilet system 10 and multifunctional toilet device 500 can energize the entire control circuit 702 in anticipation of use. Similarly, if a heater is present, the control circuit 702 can energize the heater to begin heating the air delivered to the user. According to another example, the visual indicator 705 on the multifunction toilet device 500 may be energized in response to the received proximity signal 772 . Other measures may also be taken to respond to the proximity signal 772 of the control circuit 702, thereby enhancing the user's hand-washing experience.

Considering further, the user can enter the setting mode of the toilet system 10 and the multifunctional toilet device 500 by inserting their hands under the sensor 701 in a preset sequence. The selection sequence is to avoid accidental entry into the setup mode during normal operation of the toilet system 10 and multifunction toilet device 500 . For example, the right hand needs to be placed under the first sensor and the left hand under the second sensor, where the right hand is placed before the left hand, and the time difference is less than one second. Then hold the hands below the sensor for at least ten seconds. According to another example, it is necessary to activate each sensor 701 in a left-to-right or right-to-left order multiple times in succession, and then keep one hand under one sensor 701 for a preset time. Other sequences may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. once you wash The wash system 10 and multifunctional toilet device 500 enter a setup mode, and each visual indicator 705 may provide an indication of the setup mode to the user. For example, the indicator 705 may change to a specific color specifying the setting mode.

Then, the user continues to configure the toilet system 10 and the multifunctional toilet device 500 by further placing their hands under the different sensors 701 . The user can first select the system to be set up, ie whether the user wishes to set up a soap distribution system, a water distribution system or an air distribution system. A particular system can be selected by inserting the user's hand under the sensor 701 near the respective outlet. For example, to set up a water distribution system, a user may insert a hand under the sensor 701 near the water outlet 580 ; The visual indicator 705 near the selected system remains in the color identification setting mode and begins to flash to indicate that a particular system has been selected. Optionally, the toilet system 10 contains a preset number of parameters set by sensors 701, each parameter can be increased or decreased by the user inserting a hand under one of the sensors 701. Parameters can be identified by briefly activating the device to be set or by flashing the parameter number on a visual indicator.

Once a system or specific parameter is selected, the user will again insert a hand under one of the sensors 701 . It should be appreciated that the first sensor 701 may be used to select a parameter to be set, and the second sensor 701 may be used to change the setting of the parameter. Preferably, the parameters have a predefined set of settings. For example, a fan's motor may have low, medium, and high speed settings. Each time the user inserts his hand under the second sensor 701, the parameter will increase or decrease to the next setting. The toilet system 10 and multi-function toilet device 500 can briefly activate the motor so that the user can observe the airflow produced by the selected motor speed and determine the desired setting.

Although the foregoing discloses the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention formula, but the practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. This demonstrates that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the basic inventive concept.

Furthermore, the components do not need to be formed in the disclosed shapes or assembled in the disclosed arrangements, but can be arranged in virtually any shape and assembled in any arrangement. Further, all disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment may be combined or substituted for disclosed features of other disclosed embodiments, unless mutually exclusive.

The appended claims are intended to cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are distinguished by the appended claims.

10: Toilet system

12: Countertops

14: Upper surface

16: Outer edge

20: wash basin

24: Second side wall

26: Third side wall

28: Fourth side wall

40: Shell

42: The first side

44: Second side

46: Front Surface

60: Drainage system

100: Multifunctional toilet device

Claims (19)

A toilet system, comprising: a sink; a multifunctional toilet device extending above the sink, the multifunctional toilet device for distributing soap, water and air, the multifunctional toilet device having: a support column, the A first channel and a second channel are formed in the support column; an extension part extends from the support column; a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein the first pipe is used to carry water, and the second pipe is used to carry water Carrying soap, the first conduit and the second conduit extend through one of the first passage and the second passage, through the other of the first passage and the second passage to transport the air; a first outlet along the extension for dispensing the water; a second outlet along the extension for dispensing the soap; and a third outlet along the extension setting for distributing this air. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the multifunctional toilet device is a single casting, and the support post further includes a base configured to connect with the sink. The toilet system of claim 2, further comprising: a panel having a flat upper surface, the upper surface surrounding at least a portion of the sink, the panel including a hole, the upper surface forming the hole, the A hole is used to accommodate the base. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the multifunctional toilet device further comprises an aerator installed near the first outlet. The toilet system of claim 4, wherein the aerator includes an inlet for the first conduit, the inlet for increasing the swirling flow of water. The toilet system of claim 4, wherein the extension includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the aerator is substantially flush with the lower surface of the extension. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: at least one first sensor disposed in the extension and proximate the first outlet; at least one second sensor disposed in the extension and near the second outlet; and at least one third sensor disposed within the extension near the third outlet. The toilet system of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the extension is a translucent material such that the sensor senses through the lower surface of the extension. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a first indicator identifying the first outlet; a second indicator identifying the second outlet; and a third indicator identifying the third outlet an outlet; and a control circuit configured so that the first indicator, the second indicator and the third indicator display a position where a user places the user's hand. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the support column includes an inner wall that separates the first channel from the second channel, and wherein the air is directed to the third outlet through the second channel . A multifunctional toilet device for a toilet system, comprising a panel and a wash basin on the panel, the multifunctional toilet device for a toilet system comprising: A support column includes a first end, a second end, a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel extends between the first end and the second end, and the second channel extends between the first end and the second end extending between the first end and the second end; an extension part extending from the second end of the support column, the extension part including a soap liquid outlet, a water outlet and an air outlet; a first pipe, through The first channel delivers water to the water outlet on the extension; a second channel delivers soap through the first channel to the soap outlet on the extension; and wherein air permeates the second A channel is delivered to the air outlet on the extension. The multifunctional toilet device for a toilet system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the extension portion includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the extension portion is in contact with the second end of the support post . The multifunctional toilet device for a toilet system of claim 11, wherein the first end of the support post includes a mounting surface configured to mount to the countertop, the mounting surface including an opening, the mounting surface The opening penetrates through the mounting surface and communicates with the first channel and the second channel. The multifunctional toilet device for a toilet system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: at least one first sensor near the water outlet; at least one second sensor near the soap outlet; and at least one The third sensor is close to the air outlet; wherein the at least one first sensor is configured to send a signal to a control circuit to dispense water from the water outlet; wherein the at least one second sensor is configured to send a signal to the control circuit to dispense water from the soap outlet Dispensing soap; and wherein the at least one third sensor is configured to send a signal to the control circuit to dispense air from the air outlet. A multifunctional toilet device for a washstand, the multifunctional toilet device for a washstand includes: an inclined support column, the support column includes a first end, a second end, a first end extending through the first support column a channel, and a second channel extending through the second support column; an extension including a first end, a second end and a plurality of outlets, the first end of the extension is connected to the support column the second end; a first conduit extending through the first passage to a second outlet of each of the outlets, the first conduit fluidly coupled to a soap pump; a second conduit extending through the first passage To a third one of the outlets, the second conduit is fluidly coupled to a valve; wherein the second passage is fluidly coupled to a blower. The multifunctional toilet device for a sink as claimed in claim 15, further comprising: an aerator installed near the first outlet, the aerator comprising an inlet for the inlet The second conduit, the inlet increases the swirling flow of water received from the valve. The multifunctional toilet device for a sink according to claim 16, the extension portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the aerator is substantially flush with the lower surface of the extension portion. The multifunctional toilet device for a sink according to claim 15, further comprising: a first indicator near the first outlet; a second indicator near the second outlet; and a third indicator , near this third exit. The multifunctional toilet device for a sink according to claim 15, further comprising: at least one first sensor near the first outlet; at least one second sensor near the second outlet; and at least one A third sensor is close to the third outlet.

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