Toilet spray gun cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of toilets and specifically discloses a method for cleaning a toilet spray gun. The method includes: steam sterilization, in which a steam generator outputs steam to a steam chamber where the spray gun is located, and steam sterilizes the spray gun in the steam chamber; spray gun cooling, in which cooling water is delivered to the spray gun to cool the spray gun; a first detector is provided on the periphery of the steam chamber. During steam sterilization, after the steam generator is started for a first period of time, when the first detector detects a temperature around the steam chamber and reaches a first temperature, steam sterilization is stopped, spray gun cooling is started, and the steam generator is locked to an off state. This toilet spray gun cleaning method not only fully sterilizes the spray gun with steam without being affected by water quality, but also avoids possible burns caused by steam leakage in the steam chamber and damage to peripheral components of the steam chamber, thereby improving the safety and reliability of steam sterilization of the spray gun.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of toilet control, and in particular relates to a toilet spray gun cleaning method. Background Art

[0002] At present, it is becoming more and more popular to install a spray gun in the toilet to clean the user's buttocks. During the cleaning process using the spray gun, the surface of the spray gun will inevitably be contaminated by excrement, and the spray gun needs to be cleaned in time.

[0003] To address the problem of spray gun contamination, in addition to regular water flushing and cleaning of the spray gun, the spray gun also needs to be sterilized. Most smart toilet manufacturers use ultraviolet sterilization technology or electrolyzed water sterilization technology to sterilize the surface of the spray gun.

[0004] However, the area that can be treated by ultraviolet sterilization is very small and cannot completely cover the surface of the spray gun, resulting in the problem of sterilization dead corners; electrolyzed water sterilization is heavily dependent on the chloride ion concentration in tap water, and the chloride ion concentration in tap water in different regions varies greatly, resulting in the problem of unreliable sterilization effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention discloses a toilet spray gun cleaning method to overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A toilet spray gun cleaning method specifically comprises the following steps:

[0008] Steam sterilization: The steam generator outputs steam to the steam chamber where the spray gun is located, and performs steam sterilization operation on the spray gun located in the steam chamber;

[0009] Spray gun cooling: delivering cooling water to the spray gun to cool it down;

[0010] A first detector is provided on the periphery of the steam chamber; during steam sterilization, after the steam generator is started for a first time period, when the detection temperature around the steam chamber obtained by the first detector reaches a first temperature, steam sterilization is stopped, the spray gun is started to cool down, and the steam generator is locked to a closed state.

[0011] Optionally, the steam inlet of the steam chamber is provided with a second detector for detecting the temperature of the steam entering the steam chamber; during steam sterilization, after the steam generator is started for a second time period, the steam sterilization is stopped when the second detector obtains that the temperature of the steam entering the steam chamber does not exceed the second temperature.

[0012] Optionally, the steam generator is provided with a third detector at the air outlet, which is used to detect the ambient temperature of the steam generator's air outlet; during steam sterilization, after the steam generator is started for a third time period, when the third detector obtains that the temperature of the steam output from the steam generator exceeds a third temperature, steam sterilization is stopped and the steam generator is locked to a closed state.

[0013] Optionally, during steam sterilization, the steam generator adopts dual-power heating, first using high power heating to generate steam, and then using low power heating to maintain steam output.

[0014] Optionally, during the cooling process of the spray gun, the spray gun is controlled to extend from the steam chamber to the toilet bowl and move back and forth.

[0015] Optionally, during spray gun cooling, cooling water is first delivered to the steam chamber, and then the spray gun is controlled to extend out of the steam chamber to the toilet bowl and move back and forth.

[0016] Optionally, after the spray gun is cooled, the steam chamber is controlled to remain in communication with the toilet bowl.

[0017] Optionally, the toilet spray gun cleaning method further includes replenishing water to the steam generator: after the spray gun is cooled, water is replenished to the steam generator.

[0018] Optionally, when the toilet lid is opened during steam sterilization, steam sterilization is stopped and spray gun cooling is started, and the spray gun is directly reset after spray gun cooling is completed; when the toilet lid is opened during spray gun cooling, the spray gun is directly reset after spray gun cooling is completed; when the toilet lid is opened during steam generator water replenishment, steam generator water replenishment is stopped and the spray gun is directly reset.

[0019] Optionally, the toilet is further provided with a fan and an airflow duct, the airflow duct having three ports interconnected, the first port being connected to the fan, the second port extending to the toilet bowl, a venturi tube being provided between the first port and the second port, the third port being connected to the venturi tube and extending to the periphery of the steam chamber; the toilet spray gun cleaning method further includes steam extraction: during steam sterilization, when the first detector obtains that the detection temperature around the steam chamber reaches a first temperature, the fan is started to draw the gas around the steam chamber into the airflow duct and discharge it to the toilet bowl

[0020] In the toilet spray gun cleaning method of the present invention, after starting steam sterilization, the steam generator outputs steam into the steam chamber to steam sterilize the spray gun, thereby achieving the effect of comprehensive sterilization of the spray gun in a covering manner and being unaffected by water quality. At the same time, the first detector is used to detect the peripheral temperature of the steam chamber, and when the detected temperature is greater than the preset first temperature, the steam sterilization action of the spray gun is switched and the steam generator is closed and locked, thereby avoiding scalding problems caused by steam leakage in the steam chamber and damage to the peripheral components of the steam chamber, further improving the safety and reliability of steam sterilization of the spray gun. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention. The same reference symbols are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a toilet spray gun cleaning method according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a toilet in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of the connection between the spray gun and the steam chamber in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the connection between the fan and the air flow duct in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present invention and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] The technical solution provided by this embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Combine Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a toilet equipped with a spray gun and a cleaning method for the toilet spray gun, which sterilizes the spray gun using high-temperature steam to improve the safety of the toilet. The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0029] Step S1: Steam sterilization start determination. After the user completes the cleaning function and leaves the toilet, steam sterilization is determined based on whether the toilet lid is closed. If the lid is closed, steam sterilization is initiated; if the lid is not closed, steam sterilization is not initiated.

[0030] In this embodiment, a microswitch is provided on the toilet lid. The detection of the microswitch's operation determines whether the toilet lid is closed, thereby controlling the start of steam sterilization. This achieves an automatic sterilization effect on the spray gun. Of course, in other embodiments, depending on the design of different toilets, other methods may be used to determine the start of steam sterilization. For example, the reset action of the spray gun after the cleaning operation can be used as a judgment, that is, the action of the microswitch that resets the spray gun can be detected to determine whether to start steam sterilization.

[0031] Even in other embodiments, the start of steam sterilization can also be designed as a manual control mode. For example, after the user leaves the seat, the user determines whether to perform the spray gun sterilization process and starts the steam sterilization operation on the spray gun in a manual control mode.

[0032] Step S2, steam sterilization: After the steam sterilization is started, the steam generator outputs steam to the steam chamber where the spray gun is located, and the steam sterilization operation is performed on the spray gun located in the steam chamber.

[0033] Combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a steam generator 1 and a spray gun 2 are provided in the toilet of this embodiment. The front end of the spray gun 2 is located at a steam chamber 3 near the toilet bowl, and can be sprayed along the steam chamber 3. Figure 3 As shown, the spray gun moves to the right and extends out of the steam chamber 3 and into the toilet bowl cavity for cleaning, while the steam generator 1 outputs steam to the steam chamber 3 through the steam output pipe 41. At this time, after the steam sterilization is started, the steam generator outputs steam to the steam chamber to steam sterilize the front end of the spray gun, achieving a comprehensive sterilization treatment of the front end of the spray gun in a covering manner without being affected by water quality.

[0034] In this embodiment, since the front end of the spray gun is most susceptible to excrement contamination during cleaning, the steam chamber is located at the front end of the spray gun after it has been cleaned and reset. This allows for concentrated and precise sterilization of the front end of the spray gun using steam. This also reduces steam usage and the steam generator's steam requirements, achieving a compact and low-power design. Of course, in other embodiments, depending on the design of the toilet, the steam chamber can be expanded to accommodate the entire spray gun, thereby achieving the goal of steam sterilization of the entire spray gun.

[0035] Preferably, in this embodiment, the steam generator uses a dual-power heating control method, namely, first using high power to heat until steam is generated, and then using low power to maintain steam output. This not only allows the steam generator to quickly heat water to generate steam, improving the start-up speed of steam sterilization, but also uses low power to stabilize steam output speed and pressure, reducing energy consumption, and achieving efficient and energy-saving steam sterilization of the spray gun.

[0036] In different embodiments, the relationship between high power and low power, as well as the high power operating time, can be adjusted based on the selected steam generator. For example, taking a 1200W steam generator as an example, the steam generator can be operated at full power for 17 seconds, and then switched to 1 / 4 power for continuous and stable steam output.

[0037] In addition, combined Figure 2 As shown, the toilet of this embodiment is further provided with an air-water separator 5, which is located on the steam output pipe 41 and is used to separate air and water from and purify the steam delivered to the steam chamber. The air-water separator not only separates water droplets from steam, increasing the dryness of the steam flowing to the steam chamber, thereby allowing the steam to sterilize the spray gun at a higher temperature and improving the steam sterilization effect, but also removes scale from the steam, thereby purifying the steam, preventing contamination of the spray gun and even clogging the spray gun cleaning port, thereby improving protection for the spray gun.

[0038] Step S3: Cooling the spray gun. Cooling water is delivered to the spray gun to cool it down. After steam sterilization, cooling water is controlled and delivered to the spray gun. This water cools the hot spray gun, which has just been sterilized. This prevents burns to the user when the spray gun is used for cleaning again, thereby further improving toilet safety.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, a first detector capable of detecting temperature, such as a temperature sensor, is provided on the periphery of the steam chamber. The first detector can be used to detect temperature changes of the air surrounding the steam chamber. During the steam sterilization process of step S2, after the steam generator is started for a first period of time, such as 25 seconds, if the temperature detected by the first detector around the steam chamber reaches a first temperature, such as 60°C, it is determined that steam leakage has occurred in the steam chamber. At this time, the steam sterilization operation of step S2 is immediately stopped and the spray gun cooling of step S3 is started to cool the spray gun. At the same time, the steam generator is locked in a closed state, and the steam generator is prevented from restarting.

[0040] In this way, by utilizing the first detector to detect the peripheral temperature of the steam chamber and when the detected temperature is greater than a preset first temperature, the leakage of steam in the steam chamber can be detected in time, and by switching the steam sterilization action of the spray gun and shutting down and locking the steam generator, the scalding problem that may be caused by the leakage of steam in the steam chamber and the damage to the peripheral components of the steam chamber can be avoided, thereby further improving the safety and reliability of steam sterilization of the spray gun.

[0041] Preferably, in this embodiment, while the spray gun is being cooled by cooling water, the spray gun is simultaneously controlled to extend out of the steam chamber and into the toilet bowl cavity and to move back and forth. This not only increases the contact area between the cooling water and the spray gun, thereby increasing the cooling speed of the spray gun, but also allows the cooling water to be directly introduced into the toilet bowl cavity, achieving direct treatment of the cooling water.

[0042] Among them, according to the size of the spray gun, the reciprocating distance of the spray gun can be controlled. For example, 40 mm is used as the unidirectional moving distance, and the spray gun is controlled to perform a unidirectional reciprocating movement of 40 mm. The reciprocating movement time is pre-set, for example, 30 seconds, thereby improving the automation effect of the cooling operation of the spray gun.

[0043] Combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the steam chamber 3 of this embodiment is provided with a steam inlet 31 communicating with the steam output pipe 41 , a steam outlet 32 ​​communicating with the steam exhaust pipe 42 , and a cooling water inlet 33 communicating with the cooling pipe 43 , and all of them are in communication with the steam chamber 3 .

[0044] In this way, after steam enters the steam chamber through the steam inlet, it bypasses the spray gun and flows out through the steam outlet, forming a steam sterilization treatment for the spray gun. The cooling water inlet is used to introduce cooling water into the steam chamber, thereby cooling the spray gun. At this time, when cooling the spray gun, the cooling water supply to the steam chamber is first started, and then the spray gun is controlled to extend from the steam chamber into the toilet bowl and move back and forth. This allows the cooling water to quickly form a circulation flow in the steam chamber before flowing out along the spray gun, achieving rapid cooling of the residual steam in the steam chamber and carrying it out of the steam chamber, thereby improving the cooling effect on the spray gun.

[0045] In addition, combined Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a flap 34 is further provided at the front end of the steam chamber 3 to control the connection between the steam chamber 3 and the toilet bowl. Thus, during steam sterilization, the flap is closed to form a relatively closed chamber, thereby accommodating and guiding the flow of steam, effectively sterilizing the spray gun. Later, during the spray gun cooling process, the flap is opened by extending the spray gun, thereby connecting the steam chamber and the toilet bowl, thereby draining the cooling water that has entered the steam chamber into the toilet bowl.

[0046] Furthermore, in the toilet spray gun cleaning method of this embodiment, after the spray gun is cooled, the spray gun is ultimately moved to a position where the flap remains open, maintaining communication between the steam chamber and the toilet bowl. This facilitates water cleaning of the spray gun using cooling water as cleaning water, achieving dual cleaning operations of steam sterilization and water cleaning, thereby increasing the versatility of spray gun cleaning. In this case, if steam sterilization of the spray gun is required, the spray gun can be pre-controlled to be fully moved into the steam chamber.

[0047] Step S4, water replenishment of the steam generator. After the spray gun is cooled, the steam generator is controlled to perform water replenishment operation so as to steam sterilize the spray gun again. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the water used to replenish the steam generator 1 and the water used to cool the spray gun 2 are both provided by the water tank 10. Specifically, the water in the water tank 10 can be controlled by a diverter valve to flow to the spray gun 2 via the cooling pipe 43 or to flow to the steam generator 1 via the water supply pipe 44.

[0048] Step S5: Resetting the spray gun. After the steam generator is refilled with water, the spray gun is reset, moving the spray gun and keeping it in a position where the cover remains open. Of course, in other embodiments, depending on the control design, the spray gun can also be reset after the spray gun is cooled. This allows for simultaneous control of the steam generator refill and the spray gun reset to improve spray gun cleaning efficiency.

[0049] Combine Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the toilet of this embodiment is further provided with a fan 6 and an airflow duct 7, wherein the airflow duct 7 has three ports interconnected, the first port being connected to the fan 6, the second port extending to the toilet bowl cavity, a venturi tube 8 being provided between the first and second ports, and the third port being provided at a position communicating with the venturi tube 8 and extending to the periphery of the steam chamber through an exhaust duct 45. The fan 6 can output airflow to the first port of the airflow duct 7, and after entering the airflow duct 7, the airflow passes through the venturi tube 8 and is output to the toilet bowl cavity through the third port. When the airflow passes through the venturi tube 8, a negative pressure can be formed at the neck of the venturi tube 8, thereby introducing the gas located at the periphery of the steam chamber into the airflow duct 7 through the third port and outputting it to the toilet bowl cavity.

[0050] At the same time, the toilet spray gun cleaning method of this embodiment further includes step S6, steam extraction. During the steam sterilization process of step S2, when the first detector detects that the temperature around the steam chamber reaches a first temperature, i.e., when it is determined that steam leakage has occurred in the steam chamber, the fan is controlled to start, thereby extracting the high-temperature gas around the steam chamber into the toilet bowl, thereby quickly reducing the temperature around the steam chamber, preventing the high-temperature steam from damaging surrounding components and potentially causing burns to the user, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the toilet during use.

[0051] In addition, in the cleaning method for the toilet spray gun in this embodiment, a logic protection control is also provided for real-time response and processing of different unexpected situations occurring during the cleaning process to ensure the safety and reliability of the cleaning process and the safety of the user.

[0052] If the toilet lid is accidentally opened during the steam sterilization process in step S2, the steam sterilization process in step S2 is immediately stopped and the spray gun cooling process in step S3 is initiated to cool the hot spray gun. After the spray gun cooling process in step S3 is completed, the steam generator water replenishment process in step S4 is skipped and the spray gun is directly reset, allowing the spray gun to quickly enter the cleaning function state to meet the user's cleaning requirements. At the same time, the water level in the water tank is maintained at a high level to ensure that the user can complete the flushing operation smoothly and quickly after using the toilet.

[0053] If the toilet lid is opened directly during the spray gun cooling process in step S3, the spray gun cooling process continues in step S3, and the steam generator water replenishment operation in step S4 is skipped, and the spray gun is directly reset, allowing the spray gun to quickly enter the cleaning function state to meet the user's cleaning requirements. At the same time, the water level in the water tank is maintained at a high level to ensure that the user can complete the flushing operation smoothly and quickly after using the toilet.

[0054] During the steam generator water replenishment process in step S4, when the toilet lid is opened, the water replenishment operation to the steam generator is immediately stopped and the spray gun is quickly reset, so that the spray gun quickly enters the cleaning function state to meet the user's requirements for the cleaning function.

[0055] Furthermore, in the toilet of this embodiment, a second detector capable of temperature detection, such as a temperature sensor, is provided at the steam inlet of the steam chamber. This second detector is used to detect the temperature of the steam entering the steam chamber. During the steam sterilization process in step S2, after the steam generator is activated for a second period of time, for example, 25 seconds, if the second detector detects that the temperature of the steam entering the steam chamber does not exceed a second temperature, such as room temperature, the steam generator is determined to be failing to properly generate and deliver steam to the steam chamber, and the steam sterilization operation in step S2 is immediately terminated. This avoids potential issues with the steam generator drying out or steam leaking from the steam output pipe, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the toilet spray gun cleaning method.

[0056] In addition, in the toilet of this embodiment, a third detector capable of temperature detection, such as a temperature sensor, is provided around the steam generator outlet to detect the ambient temperature of the steam generator outlet. During the steam sterilization process in step S2, after the steam generator is started, if the temperature around the steam generator outlet measured by the third detector exceeds a third temperature, such as 60°C, the steam generator is determined to be leaking steam, and the steam sterilization operation in step S2 is immediately stopped. The steam generator is locked in an off state, and the steam sterilization operation of the spray gun is suspended. This prevents damage to components caused by steam leakage and ensures safe use of the toilet.

[0057] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present invention. Under the above teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make other improvements or modifications based on the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above specific description is only to better explain the purpose of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention shall be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A toilet spray gun cleaning method, characterized in that: The specific steps include: Steam sterilization: The steam generator outputs steam to the steam chamber where the spray gun is located, and performs steam sterilization operation on the spray gun located in the steam chamber; Spray gun cooling: delivering cooling water to the spray gun to cool it down; A first detector is provided on the periphery of the steam chamber to detect the temperature change of the air outside the steam chamber; During steam sterilization, after the steam generator is started for a first time period, the first detector obtains the detection temperature around the steam chamber and reaches a first temperature, and determines that steam leakage occurs in the steam chamber. Steam sterilization is stopped, spray gun cooling is started to cool the spray gun, and the steam generator is locked to the off state.

2. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam inlet of the steam chamber is provided with a second detector for detecting the temperature of the steam entering the steam chamber; during steam sterilization, after the steam generator is started for a second time period, the steam sterilization is stopped when the second detector obtains that the temperature of the steam entering the steam chamber does not exceed the second temperature.

3. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam generator is provided with a third detector at the steam outlet for detecting the ambient temperature of the steam generator. During steam sterilization, after the steam generator is started for a third time period, when the temperature of the steam output from the steam generator obtained by the third detector exceeds a third temperature, steam sterilization is stopped and the steam generator is locked to a closed state.

4. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In steam sterilization, the steam generator adopts dual-power heating, first using high power heating to generate steam, and then using low power heating to maintain steam output.

5. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: During the cooling of the spray gun, during the process of cooling down, the spray gun is controlled to extend from the steam chamber to the toilet bowl and move back and forth.

6. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to claim 5, characterized in that: During the cooling of the spray gun, cooling water is first delivered to the steam chamber, and then the spray gun is controlled to extend out of the steam chamber to the toilet bowl and move back and forth.

7. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to claim 6, characterized in that: After the spray gun is cooled, the steam chamber is controlled to remain in communication with the toilet bowl.

8. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The toilet spray gun cleaning method further includes replenishing water to the steam generator: after the spray gun is cooled, water is replenished to the steam generator.

9. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the toilet lid is opened during steam sterilization, stop steam sterilization and start spray gun cooling, and reset the spray gun directly after spray gun cooling is completed; when the toilet lid is opened during spray gun cooling, continue to complete spray gun cooling and reset the spray gun directly; when the toilet lid is opened during steam generator water replenishment, stop steam generator water replenishment and reset the spray gun directly.

10. The toilet spray gun cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The toilet is also provided with a fan and an air flow duct, the air flow duct having three ports connected to each other, a first port connected to the fan, a second port extending to the toilet bowl, a venturi tube provided between the first port and the second port, and a third port connected to the venturi tube and extending to the periphery of the steam chamber; The toilet spray gun cleaning method also includes steam extraction: during steam sterilization, when the first detector obtains that the detection temperature around the steam chamber reaches a first temperature, the fan is started to draw the gas around the steam chamber into the air flow duct and discharge it to the toilet bowl.

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