A flow meter for a smart toilet

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flow meter for smart toilets, comprising an impeller and an optocoupler switch. The impeller comprises a driving portion and a driven portion. The driven portion comprises a grid disposed between the emitter and receiver of the optocoupler switch, wherein the width of each grid bar and the width of each grid hole between adjacent bars are equal. The driving portion contacts the fluid of the flow to be measured, and the fluid flow drives the grid to move between the emitter and receiver of the optocoupler switch. The flow meter for smart toilets of the present invention has the advantages of a simple structure, a uniform and stable signal waveform, avoidance of bubble interference, good sealing, and optimized product production processability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of flow measurement, and in particular to a flow meter for an intelligent toilet. Background Art

[0002] Generally, the flow meters used in the cleaning water channels of smart toilets are mainly of two types, Hall and photoelectric sensors, depending on the sensing method. In comparison, the photoelectric sensor flow meter can obtain relatively more signal quantities and has relatively higher accuracy.

[0003] The flowmeter with photoelectric sensing structure consists of a set of opposing groove optical coupler switches, impellers and transparent shells. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the optocoupler switch has a light signal transmitting and receiving pole. The impeller is assembled in a sealed transparent housing. The recessed structure of the optocoupler switch straddles the sealed transparent housing. The impeller blades extend into the recessed structure (between the transmitting and receiving poles of the optocoupler switch). Under the action of the fluid, the impeller rotates. The cyclic switching of the space between the blades affects the interruption and conduction (on and off) of the light signal between the transmitting and receiving poles. The cyclic on and off light signal is converted into an electrical signal with a certain frequency waveform through a specific circuit and then output. The speed of the fluid affects the speed of the impeller. Different impeller speeds will result in different on and off frequencies of the affected light signal in the same period, and the frequency of the waveform converted into the electrical signal output will also be different. The faster the fluid flow rate through the impeller, the higher the frequency of the output waveform signal. By statistically summarizing the data, a flow formula that shows a certain relationship between frequency and flow can be obtained, achieving the purpose of flow meter identification.

[0004] This optical signal switching feedback relies on the positional switching of the blade width (blocking signal) and the space between the blades (conducting signal). However, considering the fluid's ability to flow through the sealed transparent shell, the space between the blades must be relatively large to allow for fluid passage. Therefore, the blades should not be too thick. This results in significant differences in the structural dimensions of the spaces between the blades, resulting in different widths for the on and off signal waveforms within a single signal output cycle. When the fluid flow rate reaches a certain value, the narrow output waveform can become a spike. Once the signal is mixed with interfering noise, it is difficult for the system to recognize the normal signal.

[0005] When the fluid flows through the impeller, the impeller rotates at high speed, which in turn stirs the fluid. The gas dissolved in the fluid is precipitated and attached to the impeller to form bubbles. These bubbles form an uncertain refractive interface with the transparent shell and the fluid, interfering with the passage of normal light signals. The refraction of the light signal also forms an erroneous optical switch signal, which is fed back to the circuit and becomes noise, affecting the recognition of normal flow signals.

[0006] In addition, the optocoupler switch component is mainly composed of energized electronic components, which have high waterproof requirements. In general smart toilet applications, waterproof sealing treatment is required. The impeller is assembled in a sealed transparent shell. The transparent shell is divided into two halves through a sealed assembly process to form an enclosed space with a water inlet and outlet for fluid to pass through. In general structural assembly, the concave structure of the optocoupler switch straddles the sealed transparent shell composed of two halves, and the assembly surface between the two halves passes through the optocoupler switch component, such as Figure 2 As shown, an assembly gap is also formed on the assembly surface in the structural space where the optocoupler switch component is encapsulated. During the subsequent waterproof sealing process of the optocoupler switch component, glue leaks in the assembly gap before the sealant is cured, which deteriorates the product production processability. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a flow meter for an intelligent toilet with a simple structure, uniform and stable signal waveform, avoidance of bubble interference, good sealing and optimized product production process.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution proposed by the present invention is:

[0009] A flow meter for a smart toilet includes an impeller and an optocoupler switch. The impeller includes a driving portion and a driven portion. The driven portion includes a grid arranged between an emitter and a receiver of the optocoupler switch, and the width of each grid bar of the grid is equal to the width of each grid hole between adjacent grid bars. The driving portion contacts the fluid of the flow to be measured, and the grid is driven by the fluid flow to move between the emitter and the receiver of the optocoupler switch.

[0010] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0011] The driving part includes a plurality of blades connected to the impeller rotating shaft, and the blades are evenly arranged around the rotating shaft; the driven part also includes a cylinder coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft, and the cylinder and the blades rotate synchronously around the rotating shaft. A grid is opened along the circumference on the wall of the cylinder, and the emitter and the receiver of the optocoupler switch are respectively arranged on the inner and outer sides of the cylinder, and are located at the same circumferential position of the grid.

[0012] The radius of the cylinder is no greater than the length of the blades, and the edge of each blade is connected to the end edge of the cylinder.

[0013] The flow meter for the smart toilet also includes a closed shell, which includes a first accommodating area. The impeller is accommodated in the first accommodating area. The first accommodating area is divided into two parts along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the impeller for easy installation of the impeller.

[0014] The closed shell further includes a second accommodating area separated from the first accommodating area, and the optical coupling switch is accommodated in the second accommodating area.

[0015] The second accommodating area is provided with two grooves protruding into the first accommodating area, which are respectively located on both sides of the grid. The emitter and the receiver of the optical coupler switch are respectively located in the two grooves. The closed shell adopts a transparent material layer at least in the two grooves.

[0016] The closed shell is further provided with a water inlet and a water outlet communicating with the first accommodating area, and both the water inlet and the water outlet are perpendicular to the axial direction of the impeller.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0018] The flow meter for a smart toilet of the present invention includes an impeller and an optocoupler switch. The impeller includes a driving part and a driven part. The driven part includes a grid arranged between the emitter and the receiver of the optocoupler switch, and the width of each grid bar of the grid is equal to the width of each grid hole between adjacent grid bars. The driving part contacts the fluid of the flow to be measured, and the grid is driven by the fluid flow to move between the emitter and the receiver of the optocoupler switch.

[0019] This setting structure sets the driven part as a grid with equal width of grid holes and grid bars. When the driven part moves between the emitter and the receiver, the blocking signal generated by the grid bars and the conduction signal generated by the grid holes of the optocoupler switch can form a waveform with equal switching signal width. There is no width difference within a signal output cycle. Therefore, even in the case of fast flow rate, there will be no spike wave situation, making it easier for the system to identify noise and normal signals, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of signal output.

[0020] Furthermore, the driver and driven components are separated. Even if the driver is manufactured to optimize the fluid flow capacity, this will not affect the coordination between the driven component and the optocoupler switch. This ensures good coordination between the optocoupler switch and the driven component while also improving the driver's adaptability to fluid flow. When bubbles are generated by contact between the driver and the fluid, they will only adhere to the driver and will not form a refractive interface on the driven component that could affect the optocoupler switch.

[0021] Furthermore, precisely because the driving part and the driven part are separated, the driven part can be set away from the dividing surface of the closed shell, and the optocoupler switch no longer needs to straddle both sides of the dividing surface, avoiding glue leakage in the assembly gap that affects the performance of the optocoupler switch, thereby optimizing the production processability of the product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of an existing photoelectric sensor flowmeter;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an existing photoelectric sensor flowmeter;

[0024] Figure 3This is an external structural diagram of the flow meter for the smart toilet of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the flow meter for the smart toilet of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the impeller in the flow meter for the intelligent toilet of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the relative positions of the impeller and the optical coupler switch in the flow meter for the smart toilet of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flow meter for the smart toilet of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a flow meter signal comparison chart;

[0030] Figure 9 It is a flow curve comparison chart.

[0031] Legend: 1. Impeller; 11. Driving part; 111. Blade; 12. Driven part; 121. Grille; 122. Cylinder; 13. Rotating shaft; 2. Optocoupler switch; 3. Enclosed shell; 31. First accommodating area; 32. Second accommodating area; 33. Water inlet; 34. Water outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more comprehensive and detailed form below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. However, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following specific embodiments.

[0033] Example:

[0034] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the flow meter for the smart toilet of this embodiment includes an impeller 1 and an optocoupler switch 2. The impeller 1 includes a driving part 11 and a driven part 12. The driven part 12 includes a grid 121 arranged between the emitter and the receiver of the optocoupler switch 2, and the width of each grid bar of the grid 121 is equal to the width of each grid hole between adjacent grid bars; the driving part 11 is in contact with the fluid of the flow to be measured, and the grid 121 is driven by the fluid flow to move between the emitter and the receiver of the optocoupler switch 2.

[0035] This setting structure sets the driven part 12 as a grid 121 with grid holes and grid bars of equal width. When the driven part 12 moves between the emitter and the receiver, the blocking signal generated by the grid bars and the conduction signal generated by the grid holes of the optocoupler switch 2 can form a waveform with equal switching signal width. There is no width difference within a signal output cycle. Therefore, even in the case of fast flow rate, there will be no spike wave situation, making it easier for the system to identify noise and normal signals, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of signal output.

[0036] The signal waveform obtained by the flow meter of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 8 As shown in the waveform at the top of the figure, the waveform width is uniform and stable. The signal waveform of a conventional flow meter is as follows Figure 8 As shown in the waveform at the bottom of the figure, the width is uneven. Figure 9 As shown, the flow curve of the flow meter of this embodiment (the curve represented by the new pulse number) is obviously more consistent with the actual flow situation, while the existing conventional flow meter curve (the curve represented by the old pulse number) has a large gap with the actual flow situation.

[0037] Furthermore, the driver 11 and the driven portion 12 are separated. Even if the driver 11 is manufactured to optimize the fluid flow capacity, this will not affect the coordination between the driven portion 12 and the optocoupler 2. This ensures good coordination between the optocoupler 2 and the driven portion 12 while also improving the driver 11's adaptability to fluid flow. When bubbles are generated by contact between the driver 11 and the fluid, they adhere only to the driver 11 and do not form a refractive interface on the driven portion 12 that could affect the optocoupler 2.

[0038] In this embodiment, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the driving portion 11 includes a plurality of blades 111 connected to the rotating shaft 13 of the impeller 1. Each blade 111 is evenly arranged around the rotating shaft 13. In this embodiment, the thickness of the blades 111 no longer affects the signal of the optical coupler switch 2. Therefore, the thickness of the blades 111 can be set as narrow as possible to facilitate fluid passage and improve signal accuracy. The driven portion 12 also includes a cylinder 122 coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft 13. The cylinder 122 and the blades 111 rotate synchronously around the rotating shaft 13. A grid 121 is provided along the circumference of the wall of the cylinder 122. The emitter and receiver of the optical coupler switch 2 are respectively arranged on the inner and outer sides of the cylinder 122, located at the same circumferential position of the grid 121. When the blades 111 come into contact with the fluid, the fluid pushes the blades 111 to rotate, thereby driving the cylinder 122 to rotate around the rotating shaft 13. At this time, the grid 121 on the cylinder 122 continuously passes through the optical coupler switch 2, forming a periodic blocking and release. This circumferential structure is simple to set up and can achieve continuous passage of the grid 121 through the optical coupler switch 2 through smaller components, thereby reducing the overall volume of the flow meter.

[0039] In this embodiment, the radius of the cylinder 122 is no greater than the length of the blade 111, and the edge of each blade 111 is connected to the end edge of the cylinder 122. Therefore, the cylinder 122 does not require additional shaft support and can rotate synchronously with the blade 111. In addition, it can avoid the connection structure between the cylinder 122 and the middle shaft from interfering with the emitter or receiver of the optocoupler switch 2, and ensure the position stability of the cylinder 122 itself.

[0040] In this embodiment, Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the flow meter for the smart toilet also includes a closed shell 3, which includes a first accommodating area 31. The impeller 1 is accommodated in the first accommodating area 31. Since the overall structure of the impeller 1 is cylindrical, the first accommodating area 31 is divided into two parts along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the impeller 1 to facilitate the installation of the impeller 1. The dividing plane is located at the corresponding position of the blade 111. Because the driving part 11 and the driven part 12 of this embodiment are separated, the dividing plane does not need to pass through the driven part 12. The driven part 12 can be set at a position away from the dividing plane of the closed shell 3. The plane where the grille 121 that needs to pass through the optical coupler switch 2 is located is on the cylinder 122 that is coaxial with the impeller 1. It is no longer the traditional method of directly passing the optical coupler switch 2 through the blade 111. Therefore, the optical coupler switch 2 no longer needs to straddle both sides of the dividing plane, avoiding glue leakage in the assembly gap that affects the performance of the optical coupler switch 2, thereby optimizing the production processability of the product.

[0041] In this embodiment, since the first accommodating area 31 needs to be connected to the fluid and the impeller 1 is driven by the fluid, the sealing shell 3 is further provided with a second accommodating area 32 separated from the first accommodating area 31. The optocoupler switch 2 is accommodated in the second accommodating area 32, which can ensure that it does not come into contact with the fluid and will not be affected by the gap between the dividing surfaces of the first accommodating area 31, thereby preventing the fluid in the first accommodating area 31 from affecting the optocoupler switch 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second accommodating area 32 is provided with two grooves protruding into the first accommodating area 31, located on either side of the grille 121. The emitter and receiver of the optocoupler switch 2 are located in the two grooves, respectively. The enclosure 3 is formed of a transparent material layer at least in the two grooves, enabling optical communication between the emitter and receiver. The enclosure 3 of this embodiment can also be made entirely of a transparent material.

[0043] In this embodiment, the closed shell 3 is further provided with a water inlet 33 and a water outlet 34 connected to the first accommodating area 31. The water inlet 33 and the water outlet 34 are both perpendicular to the axial direction of the impeller 1. They are used to connect the first accommodating area 31 with the fluid, so that the fluid drives the impeller 1 to rotate.

[0044] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For those skilled in the art, improvements and modifications obtained without departing from the technical concept of the present invention should also be considered as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow meter for an intelligent toilet, comprising an impeller (1) and an optical coupler switch (2), characterized in that: The impeller (1) comprises a driving portion (11) and a driven portion (12), the driven portion (12) comprising a grid (121) arranged between an emitter and a receiver of an optical coupler switch (2), and the width of each grid bar of the grid (121) is equal to the width of each grid hole between adjacent grid bars; the driving portion (11) contacts a fluid of a flow rate to be measured, and the grid (121) is driven by the flow of the fluid to move between the emitter and the receiver of the optical coupler switch (2); The driving part (11) includes a plurality of blades (111) connected to the rotating shaft (13) of the impeller (1), and the blades (111) are evenly arranged around the rotating shaft (13); the driven part (12) further includes a cylinder (122) coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft (13), the cylinder (122) and the blades (111) rotate synchronously around the rotating shaft (13), a grid (121) is provided on the wall surface of the cylinder (122) along the circumference, and the emitter and the receiver of the optical coupler switch (2) are respectively arranged on the inner and outer sides of the cylinder (122) and located at the same circumferential position of the grid (121); The radius of the cylinder (122) is no greater than the length of the blade (111), and the edge of each blade (111) is connected to the end edge of the cylinder (122); The housing (3) further comprises a closed shell (3), wherein the closed shell (3) comprises a first accommodating area (31), the impeller (1) is accommodated in the first accommodating area (31), and the first accommodating area (31) is divided into two parts along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the impeller (1) for facilitating the installation of the impeller (1); The closed shell (3) further includes a second accommodating area (32) separated from the first accommodating area (31), and the optical coupler switch (2) is accommodated in the second accommodating area (32); When the blade (111) contacts the fluid, the fluid pushes the blade (111) to rotate, thereby driving the cylinder (122) to rotate around the rotation axis (13).

2. The flow meter for an intelligent toilet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second accommodating area (32) is provided with two grooves protruding into the first accommodating area (31), which are respectively located on both sides of the grid (121); the emitter and the receiver of the optical coupler switch (2) are respectively located in the two grooves; the closed shell (3) is made of a transparent material layer at least in the two grooves.

3. The flow meter for an intelligent toilet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed shell (3) is further provided with a water inlet (33) and a water outlet (34) communicating with the first accommodating area (31), and both the water inlet (33) and the water outlet (34) are perpendicular to the axial direction of the impeller (1).

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