Low-energy gas-flushing toilet system and flushing control method

Abstract

This invention relates to a low-energy-consumption pneumatic flushing toilet system and its flushing control method. The system includes a toilet unit, a pneumatic supply unit, and a pneumatic distribution unit. The toilet unit contains multiple pneumatic flushing toilets. A negative pressure valve at the toilet's drain outlet is connected to a negative pressure pipeline via a negative pressure branch. The pneumatic supply unit's air storage chamber is connected to a negative pressure pump and a negative pressure pipeline, with a one-way valve installed on each connecting pipeline. The negative pressure in the air storage chamber is automatically maintained by the negative pressure in the negative pressure pipeline. When needed, a miniature negative pressure pump is activated to raise the negative pressure in the air storage chamber to the required working negative pressure. After receiving a flushing start signal, the toilet controller detects and analyzes the negative pressure in the pneumatic supply pipeline and the negative pressure branch connected to the air storage chamber. If both meet the flushing conditions, the corresponding negative pressure valve is opened for flushing. If either condition is not met, flushing is delayed until the flushing conditions are met. This invention allows the negative pressure pipeline to maintain a low delivery negative pressure while providing a higher working negative pressure to the negative pressure valve without excessive energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a low-energy gas-flushing toilet system and a flushing control method. Background Technology

[0002] Air-flushing toilets use air-flushing toilets. The outlet of the air-flushing toilet is equipped with a negative pressure valve (or negative pressure control valve, which is controlled by negative pressure to open and close). The negative pressure valve is connected to a negative pressure pipeline. When the negative pressure valve is opened, the sewage (mixture) in the toilet is drawn into the negative pressure pipeline and then transported to the corresponding treatment center (negative pressure station) through the negative pressure pipeline.

[0003] The control interface of the existing negative pressure valve (the negative pressure interface used to control the opening and closing of the valve) is usually connected to the negative pressure pipeline through a gas source connection pipe. The negative pressure of the negative pressure pipeline is used as the negative pressure to control the opening and closing of the negative pressure valve. A corresponding negative pressure valve control valve is provided on the control interface of the negative pressure valve to control the opening and closing of the gas source connection pipe. When the negative pressure valve control valve is open, the gas source connection pipe is open, and the negative pressure on the negative pressure pipeline is applied to the control interface of the negative pressure valve, causing the negative pressure valve to open. The sewage (mixture) in the toilet is drawn into the negative pressure pipeline. The flush button or automatic sensor on the toilet is connected to the control device (toilet controller) of the negative pressure valve control valve. After receiving the manual button signal or the corresponding automatic sensor signal, the toilet controller controls the action of the negative pressure valve control valve according to the set program or method, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the negative pressure valve. However, since the control air source of the negative pressure valve requires a high negative pressure (vacuum), in order to ensure the effectiveness of the control, a high negative pressure needs to be maintained in the negative pressure pipeline. This results in high power consumption of the negative pressure station. At the same time, it also generates a lot of noise when users flush the toilet. When the negative pressure in the negative pressure pipeline does not meet the requirements of the control air source, it will affect the operation or opening of the negative pressure valve. This not only requires a longer flushing time, resulting in additional power consumption, but also makes the pipeline prone to blockage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a low-energy-consumption air-flushing toilet system that allows the negative pressure pipeline to maintain a low delivery negative pressure, while providing a high working negative pressure (the control negative pressure of the negative pressure valve) to the negative pressure valve without excessive energy consumption.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is: a low-energy gas-flushing toilet system, comprising:

[0006] Negative pressure pipelines are used to connect to the negative pressure treatment center and send the extracted sewage into the negative pressure treatment center.

[0007] The toilet unit includes one or more air-flushing toilets. The outlet of each air-flushing toilet is equipped with a toilet negative pressure valve. The toilet negative pressure valve is connected to the negative pressure branch of the toilet unit through a toilet drain pipe. The negative pressure branch of the toilet unit is connected to the negative pressure pipeline. The control interface of the toilet negative pressure valve is connected to the toilet negative pressure valve control valve. The toilet negative pressure valve control valve is connected to the corresponding air source pipeline through a toilet air source connection pipe.

[0008] The gas source unit is equipped with a gas storage chamber and a negative pressure pump. The negative pressure pump is a miniature negative pressure pump. The negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber is connected to the miniature negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline respectively, and a one-way valve is provided on each connecting pipeline. The negative pressure interface of the gas storage chamber is connected to the corresponding gas source pipeline.

[0009] Preferably, the micro negative pressure pump has a buffer chamber on the inlet side (air extraction side).

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the gas storage chamber is provided with a drain port, the drain port is connected to the negative pressure pipeline through the gas source unit drain pipe, and the drain port of the gas storage chamber is provided with a gas storage chamber drain valve.

[0011] Preferably, the gas source unit is equipped with a gas storage chamber liquid level sensor, and the sensing signal output of the gas storage chamber liquid level sensor is connected to the controller of the gas source unit.

[0012] Preferably, when the liquid level in the gas storage chamber reaches a certain height, the controller of the gas source unit controls the corresponding gas storage chamber drain valve to open.

[0013] Preferably, a local and / or remote alarm is triggered when the liquid level in the gas storage chamber reaches or exceeds the alarm level.

[0014] Preferably, the number of air-flushing toilets in the same toilet unit is multiple.

[0015] Preferably, the negative pressure branch of the toilet unit is a horizontal collecting pipe.

[0016] Preferably, the toilet unit is equipped with a transverse manifold pressure sensor (or negative pressure branch pressure sensor) for detecting negative pressure in the negative pressure branch (e.g., transverse manifold), and the sensing signal output of the transverse manifold pressure sensor is connected to the controller of each air flush toilet in the toilet unit.

[0017] Preferably, the toilet unit is equipped with a matching gas distribution unit, the gas distribution unit is equipped with a gas distribution negative pressure valve, the inlet of the gas distribution negative pressure valve is connected to the atmosphere, and the outlet is connected to the end of the horizontal collection pipeline of the corresponding toilet unit through a gas distribution connecting pipe.

[0018] Preferably, the control interface of the gas distribution negative pressure valve is connected to a gas distribution negative pressure valve control valve.

[0019] Preferably, the negative pressure valve control valve is connected to the gas source pipeline of the corresponding gas source unit through a gas source connection pipe.

[0020] Preferably, the gas source unit is provided with a gas source box, and the micro negative pressure pump, buffer chamber and controller of the gas source unit are located in the gas source box.

[0021] Preferably, the gas distribution unit is provided with a gas distribution box, and the gas distribution negative pressure valve and the controller of the gas distribution unit are located in the gas distribution box of the gas distribution unit.

[0022] Preferably, a gas source pipeline pressure sensor is provided to detect the negative pressure in the corresponding gas source pipeline. The gas source pipeline pressure sensor is installed in the gas source pipeline or a connecting pipe connected to the gas source pipeline to directly detect the pressure in the gas source pipeline or the corresponding connecting pipe; or, the gas source pipeline pressure sensor is installed in the gas storage chamber to obtain the pressure of the gas source pipeline by detecting the pressure in the gas storage chamber.

[0023] Preferably, the controller of the gas-flushing toilet collects and obtains negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and negative pressure data in the horizontal collection pipeline based on the flushing start signal. It compares these data with corresponding negative pressure thresholds in the gas source pipeline and horizontal collection pipeline, respectively. If both data are not lower than their respective thresholds, the controller opens the toilet's negative pressure valve to initiate flushing. If either data is lower than its corresponding threshold, or both are lower, the controller does not open the negative pressure valve. The negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and horizontal collection pipeline are determined based on the sensing signals from the gas source pipeline pressure sensor and the horizontal collection pipeline pressure sensor.

[0024] The toilet controller can collect the sensing signals from the gas source pipeline pressure sensor and the transverse manifold pressure sensor based on the characteristics of the corresponding pressure sensors, and form negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and negative pressure data in the transverse manifold. The process by which the toilet controller collects the sensing signals from the gas source pipeline pressure sensor and the transverse manifold pressure sensor and forms negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and transverse manifold is called detecting negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and negative pressure data in the transverse manifold.

[0025] The flushing control method of the low-energy gas flushing toilet system involves the toilet controller detecting, after receiving / generating a flushing start signal, the working negative pressure used to connect to the control interface of the toilet negative pressure valve (the negative pressure valve used for toilet sewage discharge) to control the opening of the toilet negative pressure valve, and the conveying negative pressure used to connect to the toilet drain outlet to extract sewage from the toilet. The detected working negative pressure and conveying negative pressure are compared with the corresponding flushing start criteria (conditions). If both meet the corresponding flushing start criteria (conditions), the toilet negative pressure valve is controlled to open. If either of them does not meet the corresponding flushing start criteria (conditions), or if neither of them meets the corresponding flushing start criteria (conditions), the negative pressure valve is not controlled to open.

[0026] If either the detected working negative pressure or the delivery negative pressure fails to meet the corresponding flushing start criteria (conditions), or if neither of them meets the corresponding flushing start criteria (conditions), preferably, the working negative pressure and delivery negative pressure are re-detected and compared according to a set time interval until both meet the corresponding flushing start criteria (conditions) or the set maximum re-detection time (time length) is reached / exceeded.

[0027] Set the minimum working negative pressure threshold and the minimum delivery negative pressure threshold that should be met when starting the toilet flushing process. The start-up criteria (conditions) shall be met if the threshold is not lower than (or higher than) the corresponding threshold.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up an air source unit with an air storage chamber, the frequent start-up of the negative pressure pump during peak periods is effectively avoided. At the same time, the negative pressure in the air storage chamber can be maintained at least at the negative pressure level of the negative pressure pipeline by using the negative pressure pipeline. When the negative pressure level in the air storage chamber is lower than the negative pressure level in the negative pressure pipeline, the one-way valve on the corresponding connecting pipeline automatically opens, and the negative pressure level in the air storage chamber is automatically raised to the basic negative pressure level by relying on the negative pressure of the negative pressure pipeline. The micro negative pressure pump only needs to "compensate" and start working when needed. At the same time, since the amount of air pumped to control the opening of the negative pressure valve is very small and the maintenance time is also very short, the overall energy consumption of the micro negative pressure pump is much lower than the energy consumption required to maintain a higher negative pressure in the negative pressure pipeline.

[0029] Because of the gas distribution unit, when blockages or debris accumulate in the transverse collection pipeline or other delivery pipelines, the gas can be connected to the atmosphere at the end of the delivery pipeline to increase the pressure difference in the corresponding delivery pipeline and thus clear the pipeline.

[0030] Before the toilet's negative pressure valve opens, the system automatically detects the negative pressure in the horizontal manifold and the working negative pressure in the gas supply line. The valve opens and flushing begins only when both conditions are met. If either condition is not met, the valve remains closed. The system continuously and automatically detects the negative pressure in the horizontal manifold and the working negative pressure in the gas supply line at a predetermined frequency (or at predetermined time intervals) and compares it to corresponding thresholds. The valve opens and flushing begins only when both conditions are met simultaneously, or if neither condition is met after a predetermined time, the system ensures proper operation. This is especially important for public restrooms, where multiple toilets are installed simultaneously. The flushing of one toilet can significantly increase the negative pressure in the sewage supply lines (horizontal manifold, etc.). When the negative pressure drops significantly during a short period, if the negative pressure valve of another or more toilets is activated at this time, the negative pressure in the delivery pipeline is often insufficient to clean the toilet, or even fail to produce a flushing effect at all. By delaying the start of flushing based on the recovery status of the negative pressure in the corresponding pipeline, the drop in working negative pressure and delivery negative pressure caused by the simultaneous activation of multiple toilets can be effectively avoided. Therefore, there is no need to increase the negative pressure levels of working negative pressure and delivery negative pressure to meet the needs of multiple toilets flushing at the same time, thus avoiding the huge energy consumption caused by increasing the corresponding negative pressure levels. Multiple toilets can be flushed sequentially using existing control technology. Since the negative pressure flushing time is very short, it will not cause significant inconvenience to actual use due to the delayed flushing time of a certain toilet or deteriorate the environment due to untimely flushing. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a system schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gas source unit of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 Is with Figure 2 The corresponding side view diagram involving the gas source box;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gas distribution unit of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 Is with Figure 4 The corresponding side view diagram involving the gas distribution box;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the air-flushing toilet and its piping connections;

[0037] Figure 7 Is with Figure 6 A front view diagram of the connection structure between the toilet drain pipe and the negative pressure branch pipe (horizontal collection pipe);

[0038] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the principle of negative pressure and sensor signal transmission in the air source unit (the dashed line is the signal transmission line or transmission path).

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sensing / control circuit of the valve train (dashed lines represent signal transmission lines or transmission paths).

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sensing / control circuit of a pneumatic toilet (the dashed lines represent signal transmission lines or transmission paths).

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the toilet flushing control logic (before startup);

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the toilet flushing control logic (starting state);

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the toilet flushing control logic (second scenario where it is not activated);

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the toilet flushing control logic (third scenario where it is not activated). Detailed Implementation

[0045] See Figure 1-14 The low-energy gas flushing toilet system provided by the present invention includes a negative pressure pipeline 10, a toilet unit 30 and a gas source unit 40, and may or may not include a gas distribution unit 60 that is matched with the toilet unit.

[0046] The negative pressure pipeline 10 is used to connect to the negative pressure treatment center (or negative pressure station, not shown) and send the extracted sewage (mixture) into the negative pressure treatment center. The negative pressure treatment center is equipped with negative pressure equipment to provide negative pressure to the negative pressure pipeline, so that the negative pressure pipeline is in a negative pressure state.

[0047] The toilet unit 20 is provided with one or more air-flushing toilets 30. For public restrooms or other similar toilets 1, multiple air-flushing toilets are usually provided.

[0048] The outlet (sewage outlet) 31 of the air-flushing toilet is equipped with a toilet negative pressure valve 32. The toilet negative pressure valve is connected to the negative pressure branch 21 of the toilet unit through the toilet sewage pipe 33. The negative pressure branch of the toilet unit is connected to the negative pressure pipe 10.

[0049] The gas source unit 40 is equipped with a gas storage chamber (or gas tank) 41 and a negative pressure pump 42. The negative pressure pump is a miniature negative pressure pump, but other negative pressure pumps can be used as needed. The negative pressure source interface 43 of the gas storage chamber is connected to the miniature negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline, respectively. One-way valves 49 and 59 are respectively provided on the connecting pipe between the negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber and the miniature negative pressure pump, and on the connecting pipe between the gas storage chamber and the negative pressure pipeline. Therefore, between the gas storage chamber and the miniature negative pressure pump, gas is only allowed to flow from the gas storage chamber to the miniature negative pressure pump, which then evacuates the gas storage chamber. Similarly, between the gas storage chamber and the negative pressure pipeline, gas is only allowed to flow from the gas storage chamber to the negative pressure pipeline, which then evacuates the gas storage chamber. Simultaneously, gas flow in either direction between the miniature negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline is restricted, preventing interaction or mutual influence between the miniature negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline via the negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber or the common connecting pipe. The base negative pressure (or low negative pressure) of the air chamber is taken from the negative pressure pipeline. When the negative pressure level in the air chamber is lower than the negative pressure level in the negative pressure pipeline, the one-way valve 59 on the corresponding pipeline automatically opens, and the negative pressure pipeline evacuates the air chamber, maintaining the negative pressure in the air chamber at the base negative pressure level. The miniature vacuum pump can then be started as needed to further evacuate the air chamber from the base negative pressure, so that the negative pressure level in the air chamber reaches the working negative pressure level that can control the activation of the toilet's negative pressure valve. By setting up the air chamber, the energy consumption of the miniature negative pressure pump is effectively reduced, and frequent start-ups of the miniature vacuum pump during peak hours are avoided.

[0050] The negative pressure interface 44 of the gas storage chamber is connected to the gas source pipeline 22 of the toilet unit. The control interface of the toilet negative pressure valve (the negative pressure interface that controls the opening of the negative pressure valve) is connected to the toilet negative pressure valve control valve. The toilet negative pressure valve control valve is connected to the gas source pipeline 22 of the toilet unit through the toilet gas source connection pipe (or control gas source branch pipe) 23.

[0051] A negative pressure source main pipe 51 is provided between the gas storage chamber, the miniature negative pressure pump, and the negative pressure pipeline. One end of the negative pressure source main pipe is connected to the negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber, and the other end is connected to the miniature negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline respectively through a negative pressure pump connection branch pipe 52 and a negative pressure pipeline connection branch pipe 53. This realizes the connection between the negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber and the miniature negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline respectively. The negative pressure source control valve of the gas storage chamber can be a two-position three-way valve (switching three-way valve) for connecting the negative pressure source main pipe of the gas storage chamber to the negative pressure pump connection branch pipe and the negative pressure pipeline connection branch pipe. The common interface (common inlet and outlet) of the two-position three-way valve is connected to the negative pressure source main pipe of the gas storage chamber, and the two single-way interfaces (which can only be connected to the common interface) are connected to the negative pressure source main pipe of the gas storage chamber. The negative pressure pump connection branch pipe and the negative pressure pipeline connection branch pipe are respectively connected to the two-position three-way valve (which cannot be interconnected). This allows for switching the connection mode between the gas storage chamber and the micro negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline (this switchable connection method using a two-position three-way valve can also be used for other similar pipelines). Alternatively, the negative pressure pump connection branch pipe and the negative pressure pipeline connection branch pipe are respectively equipped with a negative pressure pump connection control valve and a negative pressure pipeline connection control valve. These valves control the connection between the gas storage chamber and the negative pressure pump, and the connection between the gas storage chamber and the negative pressure pipeline, respectively. The switching of the connection mode between the gas storage chamber and the micro negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline can be achieved through the coordination of these two control valves.

[0052] The miniature negative pressure pump has a buffer chamber (or buffer tank) 45 on its inlet side. The inlet of the miniature negative pressure pump can be connected to the buffer chamber through a corresponding connecting pipe, or the buffer chamber can be integrated with the miniature negative pressure pump. In this case, the outlet of the buffer chamber can be regarded as the outlet of the miniature negative pressure pump. By setting up a buffer chamber, the instantaneous strong current under load startup can be effectively avoided, which is conducive to the stable operation of the miniature negative pressure pump and extends its service life.

[0053] The buffer chamber can be located on the connecting pipe between the negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber and the micro negative pressure pump (and not on the connecting pipe between the negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber and the negative pressure pipe). For example, it can be connected in series in the negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe 52, with its negative pressure source interface connected to the micro negative pressure pump through the negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe on its negative pressure source side, and its negative pressure interface connected to the gas storage chamber through the negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe on its gas storage chamber side.

[0054] The bottom of the gas storage chamber is provided with a drain port 46, which is connected to the negative pressure pipeline through the gas source unit drain pipe 54 to discharge the condensate in the chamber (tank).

[0055] The gas storage chamber can typically be equipped with a gas storage chamber drain valve 55 at its drain port.

[0056] The gas source unit may be provided with a negative pressure pipeline interface pipe 56 for connecting to the negative pressure pipeline. The negative pressure pipeline interface pipe of the gas source unit may be provided with a negative pressure pipeline interface valve 57 for controlling the connection between the gas source unit and the negative pressure pipeline. All connecting pipes (and other pipes and equipment, if any) in the gas source unit for connecting to the negative pressure pipeline can be connected to the negative pressure pipeline interface pipe and connected to the negative pressure pipeline through the negative pressure pipeline interface pipe.

[0057] The outer port of the negative pressure pipeline interface pipe of the gas source unit is used to connect to the negative pressure pipeline (usually connected to the negative pressure pipeline through a corresponding connecting pipe), and the inner port is used to connect to the negative pressure source interface and the drain port of the gas storage chamber (usually connected to the negative pressure source interface and the drain port through corresponding connecting pipes respectively). The inner port for connecting to the negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber and the inner port for connecting to the drain port of the gas storage chamber can be set separately, and respectively connected to the negative pressure source interface connecting pipe of the gas storage chamber and the drain pipe of the gas source unit. Alternatively, a tee (tee connecting pipe fitting, or tee connector) can be set on one inner port, and the negative pressure source interface connecting pipe of the gas storage chamber and the drain pipe of the gas source unit can be connected to the negative pressure pipeline interface pipe through the tee.

[0058] The number of miniature negative pressure pumps can be two, which are connected in parallel to the negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe or the negative pressure source main pipe of the air storage chamber (when there is no negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe), with one as a backup.

[0059] A tee can be set to connect two miniature negative pressure pumps simultaneously. This tee can be connected to the negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe or the main negative pressure source pipe of the air storage chamber (when there is no negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe), so as to realize the parallel connection of the two miniature negative pressure pumps in the negative pressure pump connecting branch pipe or the main negative pressure source pipe of the air storage chamber.

[0060] The number of gas storage chambers can be two, connected in parallel, with one as a backup and the other as a standby.

[0061] A negative pressure source tee can be set up to enable the two gas storage chambers to be connected in parallel on the negative pressure source main pipe of the gas storage chamber. The negative pressure source interfaces of the two gas storage chambers are respectively connected to the negative pressure source tee through their respective connecting pipes, and are connected to the negative pressure source main pipe of the gas storage chamber through the negative pressure source tee.

[0062] A negative pressure side tee can be set up to enable two gas storage chambers to be connected in parallel on the gas source pipeline. The negative pressure interfaces of the two gas storage chambers are respectively connected to the negative pressure side tee through their respective connecting pipes, and are connected to the gas source pipeline through the negative pressure side tee.

[0063] A drain-side tee can be set up to connect the drain ports of the two gas storage chambers in parallel on the drain pipe of the gas source unit. The drain ports of the two gas storage chambers are respectively connected to the drain-side tee through their respective connecting pipes, and are connected to the drain pipe of the gas source unit through the drain-side tee.

[0064] The gas source unit can be equipped with a gas source box 47. The micro negative pressure pump, buffer chamber and controller 48 of the gas source unit are located inside the gas source box. The gas storage chamber can be located outside the gas source box or inside a second gas source box; or, the gas source box is provided with two partitions, with the micro negative pressure pump, buffer chamber and controller of the gas source unit located in one partition and the gas storage chamber located in the other partition.

[0065] The gas source unit is equipped with a display and operation panel on its gas source box.

[0066] The display and operation panel on the gas source box of the gas source unit is located on the front of the gas source box.

[0067] The gas source unit may be equipped with a gas storage chamber liquid level sensor 81. The sensing signal output of the gas storage chamber liquid level sensor is connected to the controller (or gas source controller) 48 of the gas source unit. When the liquid level in the gas storage chamber reaches a certain height, the controller of the gas source unit controls the corresponding gas storage chamber drain valve to open, so that the drain port of the gas storage chamber is connected to the negative pressure pipeline. The condensate in the gas storage chamber is pumped away through the negative pressure pipeline. When the liquid level in the gas storage chamber reaches or exceeds the alarm liquid level, a local and / or remote alarm is triggered. The corresponding control and alarm methods can be based on existing technologies.

[0068] The liquid level sensor in the gas storage chamber can employ any suitable existing technology, such as a float switch (a switching device equipped with a float), which switches the switching state according to the height of the float, while the float floats on the liquid surface and its height changes with the liquid level.

[0069] The gas storage chamber drain valve can be a negative pressure valve. The control interface of this negative pressure valve is connected to a gas storage chamber drain control valve, which is connected to the gas source pipeline via a gas storage chamber drain gas source connection pipe. Depending on the actual situation, the gas storage chamber drain valve can be an electric valve (electrically controlled electric valve), for example… Figure 2 The solenoid valve 55 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0070] The controller of the gas source unit controls the gas storage chamber drain valve to open based on the sensing signal output by the gas storage chamber liquid level sensor, or based on manual control input (e.g., control input formed by pressing a control button / switch button), or based on remote control command, or based on a set time interval, and starts draining. When the gas storage chamber drain valve is a negative pressure valve, it controls the gas storage chamber drain control valve to open, thereby controlling the gas storage chamber drain valve to open. Other gas storage chamber drain valve control methods can also be set or added.

[0071] The controller of the gas source unit and the controllers of other units / equipment can all adopt suitable existing technologies and be set according to the control methods and control requirements of each controlled device. A human-machine interface page or keyboard / button input can be provided. A wireless communication module for accessing a wireless communication network can be provided to achieve wireless communication with a remote control center or other equipment. Alternatively, communication cables and interface circuits can be provided for wired communication with other related equipment.

[0072] The duration of each discharge (the duration for which the gas storage chamber discharge valve is open each time) can be set, and the gas storage chamber discharge valve will automatically close after being open for a certain period of time. The required discharge duration can be manually input into the gas source controller, which will then automatically control the process accordingly.

[0073] There can usually be multiple air-flushing toilets in the same toilet unit.

[0074] The negative pressure branch of the toilet unit can be a horizontal manifold, which is set horizontally (allowing for a certain degree of inclination or vertical bending depending on the actual situation).

[0075] For example, several air-flushing toilets in the same public restroom can be considered as one toilet unit, equipped with one air source unit. Depending on the actual scale and location distribution, toilet units can be flexibly divided, and air source units can be flexibly configured. For example, the same air source unit can correspond to multiple toilets in the same public restroom, or the same toilet in the same public restroom can correspond to multiple air source units.

[0076] Especially for public restrooms of a certain size, when multiple air-flushing toilets are installed in the restroom, the air-flushing toilets located in the same row can be treated as a toilet unit with a single horizontal manifold, or all air-flushing toilets can be treated as a toilet unit. The shape / structure of the corresponding horizontal manifold can be determined according to actual needs. A public restroom can be equipped with one air source unit, which provides control negative pressure to the negative pressure valve control valve of each toilet unit (if it is divided into multiple toilet units). The shape and distribution of the corresponding air source pipe can be determined according to actual needs. Alternatively, based on equipment capacity, the restroom can be equipped with multiple air source units. One air source unit can provide control negative pressure to the negative pressure valve control valves of multiple toilet units simultaneously, or one air source unit can provide control negative pressure to the negative pressure valve control valve of only one toilet unit.

[0077] The horizontal manifold (or other form of negative pressure branch) can be installed inside wall 2 behind the gas flush toilet. The corresponding wall can be configured as a partition wall to facilitate the installation of the horizontal manifold and related connecting pipes.

[0078] The toilet unit is equipped with a transverse manifold pressure sensor (negative pressure sensor) 82 for detecting negative pressure (vacuum) in the transverse manifold (or other forms of negative pressure branch, the same below). The sensing signal output of the transverse manifold pressure sensor is connected to the toilet controller 34 of each air flush toilet in the corresponding toilet unit, and connected to the controller (or air distribution controller) 63 of the air distribution unit.

[0079] The detection point of the pressure sensor in the transverse manifold can usually be set at the end of the transverse manifold (or other forms of negative pressure branch, the same below).

[0080] The toilet unit is equipped with a matching gas distribution unit 60. The gas distribution unit is equipped with a gas distribution negative pressure valve 61. The inlet of the gas distribution negative pressure valve is connected to the atmosphere, and the outlet is connected to the end of the horizontal collection pipeline (or other form of negative pressure branch pipe, the same below) of the corresponding toilet unit through a gas distribution connecting pipe 64. The control interface of the gas distribution negative pressure valve is connected to a gas distribution negative pressure valve control valve (not shown). The gas distribution negative pressure valve control valve is connected to the gas source pipeline of the corresponding gas source unit through a gas distribution gas source connecting pipe.

[0081] The negative pressure valve control valve can be integrated / installed into the gas distribution controller (or the housing of the gas distribution controller) 63 to form a gas distribution controller equipped with a negative pressure valve control valve and corresponding control circuit.

[0082] Typically, one gas distribution unit corresponds to one horizontal manifold, or in other words, one toilet unit.

[0083] A silencer 62 is preferably installed at the inlet of the gas distribution negative pressure valve.

[0084] The gas distribution unit is provided with a gas distribution box 65. The gas distribution negative pressure valve 61 and the controller 63 of the gas distribution unit are located in the gas distribution box of the gas distribution unit. The silencer installed on the inlet of the gas distribution negative pressure valve can also be located in the gas distribution box. A through-hole structure (e.g., louvers) can be provided on the gas distribution box to achieve communication with the ambient atmosphere.

[0085] The gas distribution unit may be equipped with a display and operation panel on its gas distribution box.

[0086] The display and operation panel on the gas distribution box of the gas distribution unit are preferably located on the front of the gas distribution box.

[0087] The controller of the gas distribution unit controls the gas distribution negative pressure valve to open and clear the pipeline based on the sensing signal output by the transverse manifold pressure sensor 82, or based on manual control input (e.g., control input formed by pressing a control button / switch button), or based on remote control commands, or based on a set time interval. Atmospheric pressure is connected to the end of the corresponding transverse manifold (or other forms of negative pressure branch), creating a large differential pressure at the ends of the blocked (and obstructed) sections of the negative pressure pipeline at or near the ends of the transverse manifold. This draws away sewage / debris from the transverse manifold and the blocked area, eliminating pipeline blockage and debris deposition. Other gas distribution negative pressure valve control methods can also be set or added.

[0088] The duration of each gas distribution cycle (the duration for which the negative pressure valve opens each time) can be set, and the negative pressure valve will automatically close after being open for a certain period of time. The gas distribution duration of the negative pressure valve can be manually set in the controller of the gas distribution unit, and the controller of the gas distribution unit will then perform the corresponding automatic control.

[0089] A gas source pipeline pressure sensor (negative pressure sensor) 83 is provided to detect the negative pressure (vacuum) in the corresponding gas source pipeline. The gas source pipeline pressure sensor can be set in the gas source pipeline or the connecting pipe connected to the gas source pipeline to directly detect the pressure in the gas source pipeline or the corresponding connecting pipe. Alternatively, it can be set in the gas storage chamber to obtain the pressure of the gas source pipeline by detecting the pressure in the gas storage chamber. Under static conditions where the gas source pipeline and the gas storage chamber are connected, the internal negative pressures of the two are equal. Any convenient setting method can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0090] The sensing signal output of the gas source pipeline pressure sensor 83 can be connected to the controller 34 of the corresponding gas flush toilet, and can also be connected to the controller 48 of the corresponding gas source unit.

[0091] The flushing toilet may be equipped with a flush start button and / or sensors, such as a human body sensor 84 located on the side of the toilet body, or a pressure sensor 85 located on the seat. The flush start button and sensors are connected to a corresponding toilet controller. Pressing the start button sends a flush start signal to the toilet controller, or the toilet controller automatically generates a flush start signal after determining that the toilet has been used and the user has left the toilet based on the corresponding sensing signals obtained by the human body sensor or pressure sensor. The relevant buttons, sensors, their connection to the controller, and the signal transmission and processing methods can be based on existing technology.

[0092] The toilet controller detects the working negative pressure in the horizontal manifold (or the negative pressure branch pipe connected to the toilet drain outlet) and the transmission negative pressure in the gas source pipe based on the flushing start signal. It compares these values ​​with the start thresholds for the working negative pressure and transmission negative pressure (corresponding start conditions). If both the working negative pressure and transmission negative pressure meet the start conditions, the controller opens the toilet negative pressure valve, thus initiating flushing. If at least one of the working negative pressure or transmission negative pressure does not meet the start conditions, the toilet negative pressure valve does not open, and flushing is not initiated. Then, according to a set frequency or time interval, the controller repeatedly detects the working negative pressure in the horizontal manifold (or other types of negative pressure branch pipe connected to the toilet drain outlet) and the transmission negative pressure in the gas source pipe, comparing the detected working negative pressure and transmission negative pressure with their start thresholds (corresponding start conditions) until both meet the start conditions. Then, the controller opens the toilet negative pressure valve, thus initiating flushing. You can set a maximum time for repeated detection. Once the maximum time for repeated detection is exceeded, repeated detection will stop.

[0093] The toilet controller has a toilet flush start signal memory and self-cancellation function. It can store / temporarily store the toilet flush start signal after it is received, and delete the stored / temporarily stored toilet flush start signal after flushing (controlling the opening of the toilet negative pressure valve) or after the maximum repeated detection time has elapsed.

[0094] When flushing is initiated using the flush button, the user does not need to press the button again due to flushing delay after pressing it once. After the flush button is pressed (after the toilet sensor receives the flush button's signal), the toilet controller can use an audible (e.g., a short beep) or voice prompt to indicate successful flushing, and the user can leave after hearing the audible or voice prompt. In the case of automatic sensor flushing, the user also does not need to pay attention to whether flushing has been performed, and the toilet controller can also use an audible (e.g., a short beep) or voice prompt to indicate that it has received a flushing start signal from the sensor.

[0095] When flushing is needed or under other suitable conditions, the corresponding micro negative pressure pump can be started by controlling the gas source controller. The micro negative pressure pump "replenishes pressure" (replenishes negative pressure, or in other words, draws a vacuum) in the gas storage chamber, thereby restoring the working negative pressure in the gas source pipeline to meet the requirements for flushing.

[0096] The above control can be achieved using any suitable existing technology. For example, the gas source controller and the toilet controller can be connected via wired or wireless communication. When the toilet controller detects that the working negative pressure does not meet the start-up conditions, it sends a "pressure replenishment" signal (a signal to start the negative pressure pump) to the gas source controller. The gas source controller then controls the miniature negative pressure pump to start based on the "pressure replenishment" signal. During periods of high toilet usage, the gas source controller can also automatically collect or receive sensing signals from the gas source pipeline pressure sensor, compare them with the start-up threshold of the working negative pressure (the corresponding start-up conditions), and automatically control the miniature negative pressure pump to start when the working negative pressure does not meet the start-up conditions.

[0097] During the flushing process, if the negative pressure is detected to be inconsistent with the start-up conditions / requirements, the toilet controller can send a gas distribution cleaning request signal to the corresponding gas distribution controller (the controller of the gas distribution unit). The gas distribution controller controls the gas distribution negative pressure valve to open (connect) according to the gas distribution cleaning request signal, thereby opening the gas distribution negative pressure valve to clean the transverse manifold (or other forms of negative pressure branch). After the gas distribution is cleaned, the working negative pressure in the transverse manifold is restored to the negative pressure level of the negative pressure pipeline.

[0098] The gas distribution controller and the toilet controller can be connected via wired or wireless communication.

[0099] A local area network (LAN) can be set up to enable communication connections between various controllers, sensors, and devices within the system (where appropriate).

[0100] The negative pressure valve control valve (e.g., toilet negative pressure valve control valve, gas distribution negative pressure valve control valve) and the corresponding control circuit (or controller) can be assembled in the same controller (e.g., toilet controller, gas distribution unit controller). When performing the relevant control function or communication function that should be performed by the corresponding control circuit, it is performed by the control circuit part in the controller. The control circuit or controller can adopt the prior art and can usually be equipped with a chip.

[0101] After each negative pressure valve is opened, it can automatically close after a certain period of time (usually very short) under the control of the corresponding controller. The corresponding negative pressure valve can be shut off by controlling the corresponding negative pressure valve through the corresponding controller, thereby shutting off the negative pressure used to control the negative pressure valve and closing the negative pressure valve.

[0102] Valves can be installed on relevant pipelines and equipment according to actual needs and existing technology to control media flow, signal flow, negative pressure transmission path and working mode, etc., to connect or shut down / disconnect relevant equipment, and to determine the use or standby of equipment.

[0103] The tee fitting used to achieve parallel connection of two / two sets of equipment with one backup can be replaced with a tee valve, which can be used to switch between related equipment / connecting pipelines.

[0104] According to actual needs and existing technology, detection instruments can be installed on relevant pipelines and equipment, including but not limited to the various sensors explicitly described in this manual.

[0105] Pipeline connections can be direct connections or connections achieved through connecting pipes or other forms of connection channels.

[0106] Under current technological conditions, the negative pressure (transmission negative pressure) within the negative pressure pipeline can be maintained at a low level, such as -0.3 mbar (relative pressure). This lower transmission negative pressure reduces both the gas consumption for flushing and the noise during flushing. The negative pressure required to open the negative pressure valve (working negative pressure) is relatively higher, such as -0.4 to -0.5 mbar (relative pressure), to ensure reliable valve opening, maximize the opening of the valve's sealing diaphragm, and minimize the time required for diaphragm opening, thus minimizing the risk of valve clogging. Therefore, air-flushing toilets utilize the higher working negative pressure to open the negative pressure valve and the lower transmission negative pressure to discharge wastewater, resulting in zero or minimal flushing water.

[0107] The main working process / method of this toilet flushing system is as follows: The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system of this invention includes a toilet unit, a gas source unit, and a gas distribution unit. The toilet unit is equipped with multiple gas-flushing toilets. The toilet's negative pressure valve at the drain outlet is connected to a negative pressure pipeline via a negative pressure branch. The control interface of the toilet's negative pressure valve is connected to a gas source pipeline connected to a gas storage chamber via a corresponding control valve. The gas storage chamber of the gas source unit is connected to a negative pressure pump and a negative pressure pipeline, and a one-way valve is installed on each connecting pipeline. When the negative pressure level in the gas storage chamber is lower than the negative pressure level in the negative pressure pipeline, the one-way valve between the gas storage chamber and the negative pressure pipeline automatically opens, and the negative pressure pipeline automatically evacuates the gas storage chamber, maintaining the negative pressure in the gas storage chamber at the basic negative pressure level (the transmission negative pressure level in the negative pressure pipeline). Depending on the needs... To achieve this, the system controls a micro-negative pressure start to evacuate the air storage chamber, further increasing the negative pressure in the chamber to the required working negative pressure level. After receiving the flushing start signal via a manual button or automatic sensor, the toilet controller detects and analyzes the negative pressure in the air source pipeline and the negative pressure branch. When both conditions are met, the toilet's negative pressure valve is opened for flushing. If either condition is not met, flushing is delayed. This detection and analysis of the negative pressure in the air source pipeline and the negative pressure branch is repeated periodically until both conditions are met, at which point the toilet's negative pressure valve is opened for flushing. If, within a specified time period, the negative pressure in the air source pipeline and the negative pressure branch do not simultaneously meet the flushing conditions, the flushing start signal is ignored.

[0108] The term "level" or "size" of negative pressure refers to the absolute value of the negative pressure, which is commonly referred to as the level or size of vacuum, unless otherwise specified.

[0109] Unless otherwise specified or further limited to one preferred or optional technical means being another, the preferred and optional technical means disclosed in this invention can be arbitrarily combined to form several different technical solutions.

Claims

1. A low-energy gas-flushing toilet system, characterized in that, include: Negative pressure pipelines are used to connect to the negative pressure treatment center and send the extracted sewage into the negative pressure treatment center. The toilet unit includes one or more air-flushing toilets. The outlet of each air-flushing toilet is equipped with a toilet negative pressure valve. The toilet negative pressure valve is connected to the negative pressure branch of the toilet unit through a toilet drain pipe. The negative pressure branch of the toilet unit is a horizontally converging pipe. The negative pressure branch of the toilet unit is connected to the negative pressure pipe. The control interface of the toilet negative pressure valve is connected to the toilet negative pressure valve control valve. The toilet negative pressure valve control valve is connected to the corresponding air source pipe through a toilet air source connection pipe. The gas source unit is equipped with a gas storage chamber and a negative pressure pump. The negative pressure pump is a miniature negative pressure pump. The negative pressure source interface of the gas storage chamber is connected to the miniature negative pressure pump and the negative pressure pipeline respectively, and a one-way valve is provided on each connecting pipeline. The negative pressure interface of the gas storage chamber is connected to the corresponding gas source pipeline.

2. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The inlet side of the miniature negative pressure pump is equipped with a buffer chamber.

3. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The bottom of the gas storage chamber is provided with a drain port, which is connected to the negative pressure pipeline through the gas source unit drain pipe. The drain port of the gas storage chamber is provided with a gas storage chamber drain valve.

4. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The gas source unit is equipped with a gas storage chamber liquid level sensor. The sensing signal output of the gas storage chamber liquid level sensor is connected to the controller of the gas source unit. When the liquid level in the gas storage chamber reaches a certain height, the controller of the gas source unit controls the corresponding gas storage chamber drain valve to open. When the liquid level in the gas storage chamber reaches or exceeds the alarm liquid level, a local and / or remote alarm is triggered.

5. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... There are multiple air-flushing toilets in the same toilet unit.

6. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The toilet unit is equipped with a matching gas distribution unit. The gas distribution unit is equipped with a gas distribution negative pressure valve. The inlet of the gas distribution negative pressure valve is connected to the atmosphere, and the outlet is connected to the end of the horizontal collection pipeline of the corresponding toilet unit through a gas distribution connecting pipe. The control interface of the gas distribution negative pressure valve is connected to a gas distribution negative pressure valve control valve. The gas distribution negative pressure valve control valve is connected to the gas source pipeline of the corresponding gas source unit through a gas distribution gas source connecting pipe.

7. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in claim 6, characterized in that... The gas source unit is equipped with a gas source box. The micro negative pressure pump, buffer chamber and controller of the gas source unit are located in the gas source box. The gas distribution unit is equipped with a gas distribution box. The gas distribution negative pressure valve and controller of the gas distribution unit are located in the gas distribution box of the gas distribution unit.

8. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that... The toilet unit is equipped with a transverse manifold pressure sensor for detecting negative pressure in the negative pressure branch pipe. The sensor signal output of the transverse manifold pressure sensor is connected to the controller of each air-flushing toilet in the toilet unit. The toilet unit is also equipped with a gas source pipe pressure sensor for detecting negative pressure in the corresponding gas source pipe. The sensor signal output of the gas source pipe pressure sensor is connected to the controller of each air-flushing toilet in the toilet unit. When a gas distribution unit is provided to match the toilet unit, the sensor signal output of the gas source pipe pressure sensor is also connected to the controller of the gas distribution unit.

9. The low-energy gas-flushing toilet system as described in claim 8, characterized in that... The controller of the gas-flushing toilet compares the negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and the negative pressure data in the horizontal collection pipeline with the corresponding negative pressure thresholds in the gas source pipeline and the horizontal collection pipeline, respectively, based on the flushing start signal. If both the negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and the negative pressure data in the horizontal collection pipeline are not lower than the corresponding thresholds, the controller opens the toilet's negative pressure valve to initiate flushing. If either the negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline or the negative pressure data in the horizontal collection pipeline are lower than the corresponding thresholds, or if both are lower than the corresponding thresholds, the controller does not open the toilet's negative pressure valve. The negative pressure data in the gas source pipeline and the negative pressure data in the horizontal collection pipeline are determined based on the sensing signals from the gas source pipeline pressure sensor and the horizontal collection pipeline pressure sensor.

10. The flushing control method of the low-energy gas flushing toilet system as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein after the toilet controller receives / generates a flushing start signal, it detects the working negative pressure used to connect to the toilet negative pressure valve control interface to control the opening of the toilet negative pressure valve and the conveying negative pressure used to connect to the toilet drain outlet to extract sewage from the toilet. The detected working negative pressure and conveying negative pressure are compared with the corresponding flushing start criteria. If both meet the corresponding flushing start criteria, the toilet negative pressure valve is controlled to open. If either of them does not meet the corresponding flushing start criteria or neither meets the corresponding flushing start criteria, the negative pressure valve is not controlled to open.

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