Water inlet flow abnormality detection method, detection system and smart toilet

Abstract

A method for detecting abnormal flow at a water inlet end, comprising: S101, receiving an instruction to start a flushing function; S102, judging whether the number of flushing function times reaches a first preset number, if yes, entering S103, if not, entering S108; S103, judging whether a water tank is at a low liquid level, if not, entering S104; S104, controlling the operation of a water pump to drain the water tank to a low liquid level, entering S105; S105, controlling the opening of a water inlet valve to replenish water in the water tank to a high liquid level, obtaining an average replenishment flow rate according to the replenishment time, and entering S106; S106, judging whether the average replenishment flow rate is less than or equal to a first preset flow rate, if yes, entering S107, if not, entering S108; S107, stopping the flushing function, and increasing the number of low flow rates by 1; when the number of low flow rates reaches a second preset number, prompting that the front-end flow rate is abnormal; S108, starting normal flushing, and increasing the number of flushing function times by 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of bathrooms, and in particular to a method and system for detecting abnormal flow at a water inlet end, and a smart toilet. Background Art

[0002] Existing sanitary cleaning devices usually include water tanks, solenoid valves, temperature or flow sensors, heaters, water pump nozzles, controllers and other components. The water tank is used to store cleaning water, the pump is used to extract cleaning water, the heater is used to heat the extracted cleaning water and then transport it to the spraying device for buttocks washing and / or women's washing, the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature, the flow sensor is used to detect the flow, and the controller is used to control the coordinated work of various components to achieve the flushing function. The existing technology often performs a self-test when it is powered on for the first time to detect whether the water circuit of the water tank is faulty and whether the above components are normal.

[0003] Specifically, the comparative document "A water circuit self-inspection method and device, 202010598864.3" discloses that "water tank replenishment includes water replenishment in flushing mode, that is, controlling the water inlet valve to replenish water when the low liquid level switch is energized, and stopping water replenishment when the high liquid level switch is energized. In the water replenishment in this flushing mode, if the water inlet time exceeds the preset third threshold and the low water level switch is still energized, the water replenishment is stopped and a water shortage fault is reported; a water shortage fault refers to a water inlet valve failure or a water tank water supply failure", that is, the comparative document is that as long as the water inlet time exceeds the preset third threshold and the low water level switch is still energized, the water replenishment is stopped and a water shortage fault is reported. On the one hand, the specific fault cannot be located, and on the other hand, misjudgment occurs when the pipeline water pressure fluctuates. Summary of the invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present invention is to propose a method, a system and an intelligent toilet for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end. The flow detection is started only after the flushing function times reach a first preset time, and the water inlet pipe / filter at the water inlet end is judged to be blocked or aged only after the continuous accumulated times of low flow reach a second preset time. The positioning is accurate and misjudgment can be prevented.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] On the one hand, a method for detecting abnormal flow at a water inlet end includes:

[0007] S101, receiving a command to start a flushing function;

[0008] S102, determining whether the number of flushing functions reaches a first preset number, if yes, proceeding to S103, if no, proceeding to S108;

[0009] S103, determine whether the water tank is at a low liquid level, if not, proceed to S104;

[0010] S104, control the operation of the water pump to drain the water tank to a low liquid level, and enter S105;

[0011] S105, control the water inlet valve to open, fill the water tank with water to the high liquid level, obtain the average water filling flow rate according to the water filling time, and enter S106;

[0012] S106, determining whether the average water replenishment flow rate is less than or equal to the first preset flow rate, if yes, proceeding to S107; if no, proceeding to S108;

[0013] S107, stop the flushing function, and increase the low flow times by 1; when the low flow times reaches the second preset times, prompt the front end flow abnormality;

[0014] S108, start normal flushing and increase the number of flushing functions by 1.

[0015] Preferably, the S103 further includes:

[0016] If the water tank is at a low liquid level, the water inlet valve is controlled to open, the water tank is replenished to a high liquid level, and the process proceeds to S104.

[0017] Preferably, in S105, before replenishing the water tank to a high liquid level, the process further includes:

[0018] Determine whether the time when the water tank is at a low liquid level exceeds a first preset time. If so, enter S107.

[0019] Preferably, in S106, obtaining the average water replenishment flow rate according to the water replenishment time specifically includes:

[0020] Get the water filling time T of the water tank from low liquid level to high liquid level;

[0021] The total water replenishment flow rate L is divided by the water replenishment time to obtain the average water replenishment flow rate V; wherein the total water replenishment flow rate L is equal to the volume of the water tank cavity.

[0022] Preferably, in S106, before entering S108, the step further includes:

[0023] Determine whether the average water replenishment flow rate is less than or equal to the second preset flow rate. If so, further determine whether the time when the water tank is at a low liquid level exceeds the first preset time. If not, reduce the output of the water pump, flush according to the set duty cycle output flow rate, and increase the number of flushing functions by 1; if the average water replenishment flow rate is greater than the second preset flow rate, enter S108.

[0024] Preferably, after flushing with the output flow rate according to the set duty cycle, the method further includes: setting the number of low flow times to an initial value.

[0025] Preferably, in S107, when the number of low flow times does not reach the second preset number, the process returns to S103.

[0026] Preferably, in S108, after starting normal flushing, the process further includes:

[0027] Set the low flow times to the initial value.

[0028] On the other hand, a water inlet flow abnormality detection system includes a controller, and the controller executes the water inlet flow abnormality detection method.

[0029] On the other hand, a smart toilet includes a connected water inlet end and a toilet body, the water inlet end includes a water inlet pipe and a filter, the toilet body includes a water inlet valve, a water tank, a low water level switch, a high water level switch, a water pump and a flushing component; the low water level switch and the high water level switch are installed in the water tank, and the water inlet valve and the water tank are connected; the water pump is installed between the water tank and the flushing component, and is characterized in that it also includes: a controller, which executes the water inlet end flow abnormality detection method.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] (1) The present invention starts to detect the flow rate only after the flushing function reaches a first preset number of times, and determines that the water inlet pipe / filter at the water inlet end is blocked or aged only after the continuous accumulation of low flow reaches a second preset number of times, prompting the user to replace the filter or check the water inlet pipe. The positioning is accurate and can prevent misjudgment;

[0032] (2) In addition to the normal flushing function and the stop flushing function, the present invention can also trigger a low-flow flushing state when the average water replenishment flow rate is greater than the first preset flow rate and less than or equal to the second preset flow rate. On the one hand, it can prevent the basic flushing function from being unusable due to short-term low water pressure. On the other hand, it can reduce the output of the water pump, flush according to the set duty cycle output flow rate, and stop the heating function, etc., to prevent damage to components due to low water pressure.

[0033] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention so that it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are listed below.

[0034] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1A brief flow chart of a method for detecting abnormal flow at a water inlet end according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a specific flow chart of a method for detecting abnormal flow at a water inlet end according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 is a relationship diagram between the average water replenishment flow rate and the water replenishment time of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of a smart toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a smart toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the water inlet end and the toilet body of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 A flow chart of a normal flushing state of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 A flow chart of a low flow flushing state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 9 This is a flow chart of the flushing stop state according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention; it is obvious that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments, and all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "comprises", "includes" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0047] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top / bottom" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific position, be constructed and operated in a specific position, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and limited, the terms "installed", "provided with", "mounted / connected", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. It can be the internal connection of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, step identifiers S101, S102, S103, etc. are only used for convenient expression and do not represent the execution order, and the corresponding execution order can be adjusted.

[0050] See also Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for detecting abnormal flow at a water inlet end, comprising:

[0051] S101, receiving a command to start a flushing function;

[0052] S102, determining whether the number of flushing functions reaches a first preset number, if yes, proceeding to S103, if no, proceeding to S108;

[0053] S103, determine whether the water tank is at a low liquid level, if not, proceed to S104;

[0054] S104, control the operation of the water pump to drain the water tank to a low liquid level, and enter S105;

[0055] S105, control the water inlet valve to open, fill the water tank with water to the high liquid level, obtain the average water filling flow rate according to the water filling time, and enter S106;

[0056] S106, determining whether the average water replenishment flow rate is less than or equal to the first preset flow rate, if yes, proceeding to S107; if no, proceeding to S108;

[0057] S107, stop the flushing function, and increase the low flow times by 1; when the low flow times reaches the second preset times, prompt the front end flow abnormality;

[0058] S108, start normal flushing and increase the number of flushing functions by 1.

[0059] In this embodiment, the water inlet end includes a water inlet pipe and a filter, which is used to connect to the water inlet valve. When the user uses the flushing function to reach the set M times (for example, M ≥ 5000 times), the flow detection mechanism is triggered. Only when the abnormal situation of the average water replenishment flow rate being less than the set value (for example, 250ml / min) is repeated for N times (the number of times is automatically recorded, for example, 10 times. If the consecutive number of times reaches 10, the front-end flow abnormality prompt mechanism is triggered. If the consecutive number of times does not reach 10, the front-end flow abnormality prompt mechanism is not triggered), the user is prompted that the front-end water inlet end is blocked, causing the water replenishment flow rate to be small, and the pipe and filter need to be checked or replaced.

[0060] For details, see Figure 2 As shown, the S103 further includes:

[0061] If the water tank is at a low liquid level, the water inlet valve is controlled to open, the water tank is replenished to a high liquid level, and the process proceeds to S104.

[0062] In the S105, before the water tank is replenished to a high liquid level, the process further includes:

[0063] Determine whether the time when the water tank is at a low liquid level exceeds a first preset time. If so, enter S107.

[0064] In S106, the average water replenishment flow rate is obtained according to the water replenishment time, specifically including:

[0065] Get the water filling time T of the water tank from low liquid level to high liquid level;

[0066] The total water replenishment flow rate L is divided by the water replenishment time to obtain the average water replenishment flow rate V; wherein the total water replenishment flow rate L is equal to the volume of the water tank cavity.

[0067] The flow detection principle is as follows: the inside of the water tank is a water storage cavity. There is a liquid level switch inside the water tank to detect high and low liquid level signals. The float floats up and down with the liquid level. When the water tank is at a low liquid level, the water inlet valve (such as a solenoid valve) opens and the water tank begins to replenish water to a high liquid level. The replenishment flow from low liquid level to high liquid level is L (this volume is the fixed volume of the water tank cavity). The replenishment time T is automatically calculated, and then the average replenishment flow V=L / T is calculated. The smaller the average replenishment flow V, the longer the replenishment time T. For details, see Figure 3 shown.

[0068] Furthermore, in S106, before entering S108, the following steps are further included:

[0069] Determine whether the average water replenishment flow rate is less than or equal to the second preset flow rate. If so, further determine whether the time when the water tank is at a low liquid level exceeds the first preset time. If not, reduce the output of the water pump, flush according to the set duty cycle output flow rate, and increase the number of flushing functions by 1; if the average water replenishment flow rate is greater than the second preset flow rate, enter S108.

[0070] After flushing according to the set duty cycle output flow, it also includes: setting the low flow number to an initial value.

[0071] In S107, when the number of low flow times does not reach the second preset number, the process returns to S103.

[0072] In the above S108, after starting normal flushing, the process further includes: setting the number of low flow times to an initial value.

[0073] In this embodiment, the initial values ​​of the flushing function times and the low flow times can be set to 0. Each time flushing is performed, the flushing function times will increase by 1, and will accumulate from the date of use, and will not be reset with power off and on, unless the water inlet pipe and / or filter is replaced. The low flow times will increase by 1 when the flushing function stops once. When the number of continuous flushing stops reaches the second preset number, that is, the low flow times reaches the second preset number, the user is prompted that the front-end water inlet end is blocked, causing the water replenishment flow to be small, and the pipe and filter need to be checked or replaced. If the number of continuous flushing stops does not reach the second preset number, and flushing can be performed again, the low flow times will be reset to 0.

[0074] The present invention provides a water inlet flow anomaly detection system, comprising a controller, the controller executing the water inlet flow anomaly detection method, that is, the execution subject of the water inlet flow anomaly detection method is the controller. The controller is connected to a water inlet valve, a water pump, etc.

[0075] See also Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a smart toilet includes a connected water inlet end 10 and a toilet body 20, the water inlet end 10 includes a water inlet pipe 100 and a filter 101, the toilet body 20 includes a water inlet valve 200, a water tank 201, a low water level switch, a high water level switch, a water pump 202 and a flushing component 203; the low water level switch and the high water level switch are installed in the water tank 201, and the water inlet valve 200 is connected to the water tank 201; the water pump 202 is installed between the water tank 201 and the flushing component 203, and is characterized in that it also includes: a controller, which executes the water inlet end 10 flow abnormality detection method.

[0076] In this embodiment, the water inlet valve 200 includes a solenoid valve. The toilet body 20 also includes an instant heating component 204, which is connected to the water pump 202 and connected to the flushing component 203 through a pipeline.

[0077] Specifically, the working process of the smart toilet includes:

[0078] (1) When the smart toilet lid detects that a person is sitting on the toilet seat, the water inlet valve 200 opens to let water in; after the water reaches a high liquid level, the water inlet valve 200 closes to stop letting water in.

[0079] (2) Normal flushing state (see Figure 6 shown):

[0080] When the user uses the flushing function, the water pump 202 extracts the water inside the water tank 201 through the pipeline, sends the water to the instant heating component 204, and then transports it to the flushing component 203 through the hose. The water pump 202 continues to pump the water out of the water tank 201, and the water level in the water tank 201 continues to drop; when the water level is lower than the low liquid level, the liquid level float is in a low liquid level state, the controller determines that there is a lack of water, and the water inlet valve 200 opens to replenish water. The water flow continues to flow into the water tank 201. As the water level in the cavity of the water tank 201 rises, the liquid level float follows the water level to the high liquid level. After the controller detects the water level through the high water level switch, it controls the water inlet valve 200 to close and stop the water intake. The smart toilet can repeat the above-mentioned water replenishment function according to the use requirements of the flushing function.

[0081] (3) Low flow flushing state 1 (see Figure 7 shown):

[0082] When the user uses the flushing function, the water pump 202 continuously pumps water out of the water tank 201. When the liquid level reaches the low level, the control determines that the average water replenishment flow rate of the water inlet valve 200 is less than or equal to the second preset flow rate and greater than the first preset flow rate (for example, the water inlet flow rate is 250<L≤500ml / min); the control automatically reduces the output of the water pump 202, outputs the flow rate according to the set duty cycle, and stops the heating function at the same time;

[0083] When the low liquid level does not exceed the set time t (e.g., the low liquid level time is less than 8s), the flushing function operates according to the low output and low flow rate of the water pump 202;

[0084] (4) Low flow flushing state 2 and stop flushing state (see Figure 8 shown):

[0085] When the user uses the flushing function, the water pump 202 continues to pump water out of the water tank 201. When the liquid level reaches the low level, the controller determines that the average water replenishment flow rate of the water inlet valve 200 is less than or equal to the first preset flow rate (for example, the water inlet flow rate is 0<L≤

[0086] 250ml / min); the control automatically starts to reduce the output of the water pump 202, and outputs the flow rate according to the set duty cycle;

[0087] When the low liquid level exceeds the set time t (for example, the low liquid level time ≥ 8s), the flushing function stops working.

[0088] When the abnormal situation (flushing function stops working) is repeated for N times (automatically recorded number of times N), the user is prompted that the front-end water inlet pipe 100 or the filter element 101 is blocked, resulting in a small water replenishment flow rate, and the water inlet pipe and the filter 101 need to be checked.

[0089] The above is only a specific implementation of the present invention, but the design concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial changes to the present invention using this concept shall be deemed as an infringement of the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting abnormal flow at a water inlet end, characterized in that: include: S101, receiving a command to start a flushing function; S102, determining whether the number of flushing functions reaches a first preset number, if yes, proceeding to S103, if no, proceeding to S108; S103, determine whether the water tank is at a low liquid level, if not, proceed to S104; S104, control the operation of the water pump to drain the water tank to a low liquid level, and enter S105; S105, control the water inlet valve to open, fill the water tank with water to the high liquid level, obtain the average water filling flow rate according to the water filling time, and enter S106; S106, determining whether the average water replenishment flow rate is less than or equal to the first preset flow rate, if yes, proceeding to S107; If not, proceed to S108; S107, stop the flushing function, and increase the low flow times by 1; when the low flow times reaches the second preset times, prompt the front end flow abnormality; S108, start normal flushing and increase the number of flushing functions by 1.

2. The method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The S103 further includes: If the water tank is at a low liquid level, the water inlet valve is controlled to open, the water tank is replenished to a high liquid level, and the process proceeds to S104.

3. The method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the S105, before the water tank is replenished to a high liquid level, the process further includes: Determine whether the time when the water tank is at a low liquid level exceeds a first preset time. If so, enter S107.

4. The method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S106, the average water replenishment flow rate is obtained according to the water replenishment time, specifically including: Get the water filling time T of the water tank from low liquid level to high liquid level; The total water replenishment flow rate L is divided by the water replenishment time to obtain the average water replenishment flow rate V; wherein the total water replenishment flow rate L is equal to the volume of the water tank cavity.

5. The method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the above S106, before entering S108, the following steps are also included: Determine whether the average water replenishment flow rate is less than or equal to the second preset flow rate. If so, further determine whether the time when the water tank is at a low liquid level exceeds the first preset time. If not, reduce the output of the water pump, flush according to the set duty cycle output flow rate, and increase the number of flushing functions by 1; if the average water replenishment flow rate is greater than the second preset flow rate, enter S108.

6. The method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to claim 5, characterized in that: After flushing according to the set duty cycle output flow, it also includes: setting the low flow number to an initial value.

7. The method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S107, when the number of low flow times does not reach the second preset number, the process returns to S103.

8. The method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the S108, after starting the normal flushing, the following steps are also included: Set the low flow times to the initial value.

9. A water inlet flow abnormality detection system, comprising a controller, characterized in that: The controller executes the water inlet flow abnormality detection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An intelligent toilet, comprising a water inlet end and a toilet body connected to each other, the water inlet end comprising a water inlet pipeline and a filter, the toilet body comprising a water inlet valve, a water tank, a low water level switch, a high water level switch, a water pump and a flushing assembly; the low water level switch and the high water level switch are installed in the water tank, the water inlet valve is connected to the water tank; the water pump is installed between the water tank and the flushing assembly, characterized in that: Also includes: A controller, wherein the controller executes the method for detecting abnormal flow at the water inlet end according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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