Foam generating device, control method and sanitary ware

Abstract

The application discloses a foam generating device, a control method and a sanitary appliance, and belongs to the technical field of bathroom equipment. The foam generating device comprises a waterway assembly, a feeding assembly and an electrolysis module. The waterway assembly comprises a first waterway, a second waterway and a valve body. The feeding assembly comprises a foam agent storage part and a first pump body. The foam agent in the foam agent storage part is delivered to the first waterway through the first pump body, and the first waterway can be opened through the valve body control. The foam agent can be mixed with water to form a diluent. The valve body controls the first waterway to be closed and the second waterway to be opened, so that water can enter the electrolysis module. Hydrogen peroxide is generated by electrolyzing water by the electrolysis module. The hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity of the sanitary appliance. After the hydrogen peroxide and the diluent are mixed, a reaction can occur, a large amount of foam can be generated, a foam layer with better deodorization and splash prevention effects can be formed, and no foaming device or brush or other components are needed in the manufacturing process. The structure of the foam generating device is simplified, and the cost is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bathroom equipment technology, and in particular to a foam generating device, control method and sanitary ware. Background Technology

[0002] Foam shield technology is commonly used in toilets. A foam shield consists of a foaming agent, water, and air. It is prepared and sprayed using a foam generating device, forming a foam layer on the toilet's water seal to create a foam shield. This not only solves the problem of splashing water but also blocks odors. In related technologies, the foam shield is generated by mixing a foaming agent with water using a foam generating device, which then impacts a foam generator or brush at the pipe outlet under certain water pressure. However, because the foam generating device requires a foam generator or brush, its structure is complex, increasing manufacturing costs, and the resulting foam layer is not always effective. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a foam generating device that reduces the use of components such as foamers or brushes, can produce abundant foam, simplifies the structure, and helps to save costs.

[0004] The present invention also provides a control method, controller, sanitary ware, and computer-readable storage medium applicable to the above-mentioned foam generating device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a foam generating apparatus for sanitary ware includes a water circuit assembly, a feeding assembly, and an electrolysis module. The water circuit assembly includes a first water circuit, a second water circuit, and a valve body, the valve body being used to control the switching of the first water circuit and the second water circuit. The feeding assembly includes a foaming agent storage section and a first pump body, the first pump body being connected to both the foaming agent storage section and the first water circuit, for conveying foaming agent from the foaming agent storage section to the first water circuit, so that the foaming agent can be mixed with water. The electrolysis module is connected to the second water circuit, the electrolysis module being used to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen peroxide, and the outlet of the electrolysis module and the outlet of the first water circuit being used to communicate with the inner cavity of the sanitary ware.

[0006] The foam generating apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0007] The foaming agent in the foaming agent storage section is delivered to the first water circuit via the first pump body. The first water circuit can be opened by the valve body, allowing the foaming agent to mix with water and form a diluent in the inner cavity of the sanitary ware. After the diluent is generated, the valve body can close the first water circuit and open the second water circuit, allowing water to enter the electrolysis module. The electrolysis module electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity of the sanitary ware and react with the diluent to generate a large amount of foam, forming a foam layer with better odor-proof and splash-proof effects. The manufacturing process does not require the use of foamers or brushes, which simplifies the structure of the foam generating device and saves costs. It is suitable for sanitary ware such as toilets and squat toilets.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second water path is provided with a second pump body for pumping water into the electrolysis module.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the electrolysis module includes an insulating shell, a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The insulating shell is provided with an inlet communicating with the second water channel and an outlet communicating with the inner cavity of the sanitary ware. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are disposed alternately inside the insulating shell. The positive electrode is a foamed copper substrate and the negative electrode is a glassy carbon electrode.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the foamed copper substrate is coated with a coating comprising platinum, iridium dioxide and ruthenium dioxide.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the negative electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the positive electrode and the first electrode are both annular, and the positive electrode is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first pump body is a peristaltic pump, and the outlet of the peristaltic pump is located between the valve body and the outlet of the first water passage.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve body is an electromagnetic three-way valve, the inlet of the electromagnetic three-way valve is used to connect to the water supply pipeline, the electromagnetic three-way valve is provided with a first outlet end and a second outlet end, the first outlet end is connected to the first water passage, and the second outlet end is connected to the second water passage.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outlet of the electrolysis module is located at one end of the first water path near its outlet.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the foaming agent storage section is used to load foaming agent, which includes a catalyst for catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

[0016] A control method for a foam generating apparatus according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foam generating apparatus is the foam generating apparatus described in the first aspect embodiment above, the control method comprising:

[0017] The first pump body is activated according to the control signal to deliver the foaming agent in the foaming agent storage section to the first water channel;

[0018] The valve body is controlled to open the first water passage, so that water and foaming agent can be mixed and flow into the inner cavity of the sanitary ware to form a diluent;

[0019] The valve body is controlled to close the first water circuit and open the second water circuit, and the electrolysis module is turned on to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen peroxide, so that the hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity of the sanitary ware and merge with the diluent.

[0020] The control method for the foam generating apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The control method is applicable to the foam generating device of this invention. During operation, the first pump body is activated according to the control signal to deliver the foaming agent in the foaming agent storage section to the first water path. The valve body is then controlled to open the first water path, allowing the foaming agent to mix with water and form a diluent in the inner cavity of the sanitary ware. After the diluent is generated, the valve body controls the closure of the first water path and the opening of the second water path, allowing water to enter the electrolysis module. The electrolysis module electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity of the sanitary ware and react with the diluent to generate a large amount of foam, forming a foam layer with better odor-proof and splash-proof effects. The operation process does not require the use of foamers or brushes, making the operation simpler and the cost lower.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the foam generating device further includes a second pump body disposed in the second water passage, and after the valve body is controlled to close the first water passage and open the second water passage, it further includes:

[0023] The second pump body is activated to pump water into the electrolysis module;

[0024] After the second pump body is turned on and a second preset time has elapsed, and the electrolysis module is filled with water, the electrolysis module is turned on to perform water electrolysis to produce hydrogen peroxide.

[0025] After the electrolysis module has been turned on for a third preset time, the electrolysis module and the second pump body are turned off, and the valve body is controlled to close the second water circuit.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first pump body is a peristaltic pump, the valve body is a solenoid three-way valve, and the step of controlling the opening of the first pump body according to a control signal and controlling the valve body to open the first water passage includes:

[0027] Upon receiving a control signal, the peristaltic pump is activated, and the peristaltic pump pumps out a preset amount of foaming agent;

[0028] After the peristaltic pump has been running for a first preset time, the electromagnetic three-way valve is controlled to open the first water passage.

[0029] The control of the valve body to close the first water passage and open the second water passage, and to activate the electrolysis module to perform water electrolysis to generate hydrogen peroxide, includes:

[0030] The electromagnetic three-way valve is controlled to close the first water circuit and open the second water circuit;

[0031] After the second water passage has been opened for a second preset time, the electrolysis module is activated.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a controller includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the control method for the foam generating apparatus as described in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0033] A sanitary ware according to a fourth aspect embodiment of the present invention includes the foam generating device of the first aspect embodiment or the controller described in the third aspect embodiment.

[0034] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for performing a control method for a foam generating apparatus as described in a second aspect embodiment.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and principle of a foam generating device and a toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an electrolysis module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is an internal cross-sectional view of an electrolysis module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4This is an example of the component ratio of a foaming agent according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a control method for a foam generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the water electrolysis step in a foam generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a control method for a foam generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] Water circuit assembly 100; First water circuit 110; Second water circuit 120; Second pump body 121;

[0045] Electrolysis module 200; insulating shell 210; water inlet 211; water outlet 212; positive electrode 220; negative electrode 230; first electrode 231; second electrode 232;

[0046] Feeding assembly 300; foaming agent storage section 310; first pump body 320;

[0047] Valve body 400;

[0048] Toilet 500; Inner cavity 510; Water seal 520;

[0049] Foam generator 1000. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that any indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the purpose of facilitating the description of this invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0052] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0053] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0054] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0055] In related technologies, the way a toilet generates a foam shield is by mixing foaming agent with water through a foam generating device, and then impacting a foamer or brush at the pipe outlet under a certain water pressure to generate foam. The foam enters the water seal layer of the toilet to form a foam layer. The foam generating device usually includes components such as an air pump, a liquid storage tank, a mixing tank, and related pipelines. Taking the foamer as an example, the foamer needs to be installed at the outlet of the pipeline. There are many parts, and the overall structure is relatively complex. Moreover, since the foam generating device is installed on the toilet, it also brings greater difficulty to the toilet design and increases manufacturing costs. In addition, the foam layer generated by the above structure is relatively thin, the foam diameter is relatively large, and the splash-proof effect is generally average.

[0056] There are also some methods that use external manual foam mousse preparation. Specifically, a propellant is used in the mousse bottle to generate a large amount of gas. The gas reacts with the surfactant in the foaming agent to produce a large amount of foam. However, external manual foam mousse preparation is inconvenient to use and is generally a disposable product, which is costly.

[0057] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes a foam generating device 1000 that eliminates the need for a foamer or brush, generates abundant foam, simplifies the structure, and helps save costs. It is applicable to sanitary ware such as toilets 500 and squat toilets. The following description uses a toilet 500 as an example.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the foam generating device 1000 provided in the embodiment of the present invention includes a water circuit assembly 100, a feeding assembly 300, an electrolysis module 200, and a valve body 400. The water circuit assembly 100, the feeding assembly 300, and the electrolysis module 200 can be installed on the outside of the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500. The water circuit assembly 100 includes a first water circuit 110 and a second water circuit 120. The valve body 400 is used to control the opening and closing of the first water circuit 110 and the second water circuit 120. The feeding assembly 300 includes a foaming agent storage section 310 and a first pump body 320. The foaming agent storage section 310 is used to load foaming agent. The first pump body 320 is connected to both the foaming agent storage section 310 and the first water circuit 110, and can transport the foaming agent in the foaming agent storage section 310 to the first water circuit 110 via the first pump body 320. The electrolysis module 200 is connected to the second water circuit 120.

[0059] It is understood that both the first water path 110 and the second water path 120 are pipe structures. The inlet of the first pump body 320 is connected to the foaming agent storage section 310, which can be a box or bottle structure. The outlet of the first pump body 320 is connected between the inlet and outlet of the first water path 110. The valve body 400 is located at the inlet of the first water path 110. During operation, the first pump body 320 first delivers the foaming agent to the first water passage 110, and then the control valve body 400 opens the first water passage 110, allowing water to enter the first water passage 110 and mix with the foaming agent, and then flow from the outlet of the first water passage 110 into the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500; then the valve body 400 opens the second water passage 120, and the water in the second water passage 120 enters the electrolysis module 200. The electrolysis of water by the electrolysis module 200 can generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the generated hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 from the outlet of the electrolysis module 200.

[0060] It should be noted that the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 is connected to the drain pipe. During flushing, a water seal layer 520 is formed in the inner cavity 510. When the foaming agent mixes with water and enters the inner cavity 510, it forms a diluted foaming agent solution, allowing the diluted agent to form the water seal layer 520 within the inner cavity 510. In this embodiment, the volume of water discharged from the first water passage 110 is 800ml-1000ml, ensuring sufficient volume of diluted agent to meet the requirements for forming the water seal layer 520. The valve body 400 controls the opening and closing of the first water passage 110. When the second water passage 120 is open, the valve body 400 closes the first water passage 110, allowing water to enter the electrolysis module 200 for electrolysis, where hydrogen peroxide is produced.

[0061] The principle behind the foam generation by hydrogen peroxide and diluent is that, due to the instability of hydrogen peroxide, it decomposes instantaneously to produce oxygen (O2) under the catalytic action of a catalyst. The large amount of gas reacts with the surfactant in the diluent to produce many tiny bubbles, thus forming a rich and dense foam layer. Compared with the foam generation methods using foam generators or brushes in related technologies, the foam layer formed in this embodiment of the invention is thicker, reaching more than 4.5 cm. The foam layer dissipates more slowly, providing better odor isolation and splash prevention. Furthermore, the manufacturing process does not require the use of foam generators or brushes to generate abundant foam, which simplifies the structure of the foam generating device 1000 and saves costs.

[0062] It should be noted that hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidant with a highly effective bactericidal effect. When hydrogen peroxide enters the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500, it reacts with the diluent to produce foam while simultaneously sterilizing the inner cavity 510, resulting in better performance. Furthermore, it is made and used immediately, making it more efficient and safer to use. Figure 1 The arrow in the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 indicates the path of the water and foaming agent mixture flow.

[0063] In this embodiment of the invention, the foaming agent used includes surfactants, foam stabilizers, thickeners, pH adjusters, chelating agents, and hydrogen peroxide catalysts. The surfactants can be anionic or nonionic, such as sodium alcohol ether sulfate (AES), anionic surfactants (LAS), sodium dodecyl benzene sulfate (SDBS), sodium α-olefin sulfonate (AOS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (K12), alcohol ether (AEO), alkyl glycosides (APG), glycosides, betaine (CAB), etc. The embodiments may employ one or more combinations of the above surfactants, which make the foaming agent easier to foam.

[0064] In this embodiment of the invention, the foam stabilizer can be betaine or glycoside; the thickener can be inorganic salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum, etc.; the pH adjuster can be citric acid, sodium citrate, boric acid, phosphate, etc.; the chelating agent can be ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium tartrate, etc.; and the hydrogen peroxide catalyst can be platinum (Pt), manganese dioxide (MnO2), ferric chloride (FeCl3), copper oxide (CuO), catalase, etc.

[0065] In some preferred embodiments, the weight percentage of AES is 5-20 wt%, specifically 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, etc.; the weight percentage of the foam stabilizer is 1-5 wt%; considering cost and effect, the additive is preferably NaCl, which accounts for 0.1-2 wt% by weight; the weight percentage of the pH adjuster is 0.5-3 wt%; the weight percentage of the chelating agent is 0.1-0.5 wt%; the hydrogen peroxide catalyst is preferably catalase, which accounts for 0.01-0.5 wt% by weight; in addition, a small amount of filtered water can be added to the above formulation.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 As shown, a specific example will be used to illustrate this. Figure 4The present invention provides four embodiments, and the specific component dosages of each embodiment are shown in the figure. The foaming agent prepared by the above formula has added hydrogen peroxide catalyst. When the diluted solution comes into contact with hydrogen peroxide, the catalytic effect of hydrogen peroxide catalyst can accelerate the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, instantly generating a large amount of gas (O2). The gas reacts with the surfactant to form a large amount of foam. The foam layer is thick, the foam is rich and dense, the defoaming is slow, and the odor isolation and splash prevention effects are good.

[0067] Specifically, the foam formation process involves the electrolysis-generated hydrogen peroxide merging with the diluent in the water seal layer 520. The hydrogen peroxide decomposes under the action of a hydrogen peroxide catalyst, instantly producing a large amount of oxygen. The reaction formula is shown below:

[0068]

[0069] During preparation, first weigh the reagents according to the proportions, stir with a stirrer at a speed of 500 RPM to 1500 RPM, add the surfactant while stirring in filtered water, and keep the temperature between room temperature and 50°C. After the surfactant is added, continue stirring for 30 minutes. Then add the foam stabilizer, pH adjuster and chelating agent in sequence, turn off the heater and continue stirring for 20 minutes. Add the hydrogen peroxide catalyst and stir for 10 minutes. Then add the thickener and continue stirring for 30 minutes to produce the foaming agent.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a second pump body 121 is provided on the second water channel 120. The inlet end of the second pump body 121 is connected to the valve body 400, and the outlet end of the second pump body 121 is connected to the electrolysis module 200. The function of the second pump body 121 is to control the speed at which water passes through the electrolysis module 200. It can be understood that since the electrolysis module 200 has a certain capacity and the electrolysis process requires a certain amount of time, the water flow rate is controlled by the second pump body 121 to electrolyze and produce a sufficient amount of hydrogen peroxide to meet the concentration requirements of hydrogen peroxide during foaming. Specifically, in this embodiment, the flow rate pumped into the electrolysis module 200 by the second pump body 121 is 300ml / min-500ml / min, which can be selected according to the actual application requirements.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the electrolysis module 200 includes an insulating shell 210, a positive electrode 220, and a negative electrode 230. The insulating shell 210 is provided with an inlet 211 and an outlet 212, both of which are connected to the interior of the insulating shell 210. The inlet 211 of the electrolysis module 200 is connected to the second water passage 120, and the outlet 212 of the electrolysis module 200 is connected to the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 through a pipe. The positive electrode 220 and the negative electrode 230 are arranged alternately inside the insulating shell 210. The positive electrode 220 is a foamed copper substrate, and the negative electrode 230 is a glassy carbon electrode, also known as a cathode.

[0072] It should be noted that the foamed copper substrate has the characteristics of high conductivity, large specific surface area, and improved reaction efficiency, and Cu can be dissolved from the foamed copper substrate through electrolysis. 2+ It has a bactericidal effect on water, and the specific reaction formula is: H2O → H + +OH - Cu + 2H + →Cu 2+ +H2↑. During electrolysis, the O2 produced at the positive electrode 220 and the dissolved O2 in the water react with the H2 in the water. + A reaction occurs on the surface of the glassy carbon cathode to generate H2O2. The specific reaction formula is: O2 + 2H2O + +2e - →H2O2, thus hydrogen peroxide can be produced by electrolysis.

[0073] In this embodiment, the surface of the copper foam substrate is coated with a coating comprising platinum (Pt), iridium dioxide (IrO2), and ruthenium dioxide (RuO2). By adding the above coating, the oxygen evolution potential can be reduced, the catalyst activity can be improved, and the reaction of generating H2O2 at the cathode can be promoted. The specific reaction formula is: 2H2O→O2+4H + +4e - .

[0074] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the cross-section of the insulating shell 210 is approximately annular. The cathode includes two electrodes, namely a first electrode 231 and a second electrode 232. Both the positive electrode 220 and the first electrode 231 are annular, with the diameter of the first electrode 231 being larger than the diameter of the positive electrode 220. The second electrode 232 is cylindrical. The positive electrode 220 is located between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232. That is, the first electrode 231, the positive electrode 220, and the second electrode 232 are sequentially distributed from the outside to the inside along the radial direction of the insulating shell 210. When the positive electrode 220 and the cathode are energized, hydrogen peroxide is generated through electrolysis, as described in the above embodiment. Because the cathode has two electrodes, its design is reasonable and facilitates the reaction of O2 with H+ in water during electrolysis. + This improves reaction efficiency, enabling more efficient production of hydrogen peroxide.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 As shown, it should be noted that the first pump body 320 in this embodiment is a peristaltic pump. The outlet of the peristaltic pump is located between the valve body 400 and the outlet of the first water channel 110, that is, between the inlet and outlet of the first water channel 110. The peristaltic pump pumps fluid by alternately squeezing and releasing the elastic delivery hose of the pump head. Compared with ordinary liquid pumps, peristaltic pumps have the characteristics of no pollution, high delivery accuracy, and good sealing. They can deliver foaming agent quantitatively into the first water channel 110. For example, in this embodiment, the peristaltic pump can be set to deliver 2ml-5ml of foaming agent each time. The specific setting can be determined according to the actual application requirements and is not further limited.

[0076] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the valve body 400 is an electromagnetic three-way valve. The inlet of the electromagnetic three-way valve is used to connect to the water supply pipeline. The electromagnetic three-way valve has a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the inlet of the first water passage 110, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the second water passage 120. The electromagnetic three-way valve can control the second water passage 120 to be closed when the first water passage 110 is opened, or the second water passage 120 to be opened when the first water passage 110 is closed, or the first water passage 110 and the second water passage 120 can be closed at the same time. Only one valve body 400 is needed to control the opening and closing of the first water passage 110 and the second water passage 120, simplifying the structure.

[0077] To reduce the amount of piping used, in this embodiment of the invention, the outlet of the electrolysis module 200 is connected to the outlet of the first water channel 110. Specifically, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the outlet of the electrolysis module 200 is connected to the end of the first water channel 110 near its outlet, so that the first water channel 110 and the electrolysis module 200 share the same outlet. This reduces the amount of piping and simplifies the structure of the foam generator 1000.

[0078] refer to Figures 5 to 7 The control method of the foam generating device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. For the specific structure of the foam generating device 1000, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown will not be described in detail here. The control method of the foam generating device 1000 will be described below with specific examples.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the control method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0080] Step S100: Control the first pump body 320 to start according to the control signal, so as to transport the foaming agent in the foaming agent storage section 310 to the first water channel 110.

[0081] In step S200, the control valve body 400 opens the first water passage 110, so that water and foaming agent are mixed and flow into the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 to form a diluent.

[0082] In step S300, the control valve body 400 closes the first water passage 110 and opens the second water passage 120, and turns on the electrolysis module 200 to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen peroxide, so that the hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 and merge with the diluent.

[0083] Understandably, in combination Figure 1 It is understood that the control method of the embodiment controls the foam generating device 1000, which is applied to the smart toilet 500. The smart toilet 500 can send a control signal to the foam generating device 1000 to make the foam generating device 1000 produce a foam layer. The operation of the foam generating device 1000 can be controlled according to the user's needs. For example, the user can operate the foam generating device 1000 before using the toilet 500 to generate a foam layer on the water seal layer 520. The user can operate and send control signals through a mobile phone, tablet or other terminal or directly on the smart toilet 500.

[0084] After receiving a control signal, the foam generating device 1000 activates the first pump 320, which delivers the foaming agent to the first water passage 110. Then, the control valve 400 opens the first water passage 110, allowing water to mix with the foaming agent and flow from the outlet of the first water passage 110 into the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500, forming a diluent. Simultaneously, the diluent forms a water seal layer 520. Next, the control valve 400 closes the first water passage 110 and opens the second water passage 120, allowing water from the second water passage 120 to enter the electrolysis module 200. Activating the electrolysis module 200 then initiates electrolysis. Water is used to produce hydrogen peroxide, which can enter the inner cavity 510 of the toilet bowl 500 and combine with the diluent. When the diluent comes into contact with the hydrogen peroxide, the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide is accelerated by the catalytic action of the hydrogen peroxide catalyst, instantly producing a large amount of gas (O2). Since the foaming agent contains surfactants, the gas reacts with the surfactants to form a large amount of foam, which can reach a thickness of more than 4.5 cm. The foam layer dissipates more slowly, and the odor-proof and splash-proof effect is better. Moreover, the production process does not require the use of foamers or brushes to produce abundant foam, and the control method is easy to implement and the cost is lower.

[0085] Reference Figure 1 As shown, since a second pump body 121 is provided on the second water channel 120, the function of the second pump body 121 is to control the quantitative flow of water into the electrolysis module 200, referring to... Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, step S300 above includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0086] In step S310, after the control valve body 400 closes the first water passage 110 and opens the second water passage 120, the control valve body 400 opens the second pump body 121 to pump water into and fill the electrolysis module 200.

[0087] Step S320: After the second pump body 121 has been turned on for a second preset time, the electrolysis module 200 is turned on to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen peroxide, and the hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 to merge with the diluent.

[0088] In step S330, after the electrolysis module 200 has been turned on for a third preset time, the electrolysis module 200 and the second pump body 121 are turned off, and the control valve body 400 is used to close the second water passage 120.

[0089] Understandably, the process begins by controlling the activation of the first pump 320, which delivers the foaming agent to the first water path 110. Then, the valve 400 is controlled to open the first water path 110, allowing water and foaming agent to mix and form a diluent. Next, the valve 400 is controlled to close the first water path 110 and open the second water path 120, while the second pump 121 is activated. The second pump 121 pumps water into the electrolysis module 200, filling it with water. The electrolysis module 200 is then activated to electrolyze the water, generating hydrogen peroxide. In this embodiment, the second pump 121 controls the flow rate into the electrolysis module 200 to be 300 ml / min-500 ml / min, meeting the concentration requirements for hydrogen peroxide during foaming.

[0090] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, the first pump body 320 is a peristaltic pump, which can quantitatively deliver foaming agent into the first water channel 110. The valve body 400 is an electromagnetic three-way valve, which can control the second water channel 120 to be closed when the first water channel 110 is opened, or the second water channel 120 to be opened when the first water channel 110 is closed, or the first water channel 110 and the second water channel 120 to be closed simultaneously. Only one valve body 400 is needed to control the opening and closing of the first water channel 110 and the second water channel 120.

[0091] Reference Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the control method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0092] Step S110: After receiving the control signal, start the peristaltic pump and pump out a preset amount of foaming agent.

[0093] Step S210: After the peristaltic pump has been started for a first preset time, control the solenoid three-way valve to open the first water passage 110;

[0094] Step S311: After controlling the electromagnetic three-way valve to close the first water passage 110 and open the second water passage 120, control the second pump body 121 to start, so as to pump water into and fill the electrolysis module 200.

[0095] Step S321: After the second pump body 121 has been turned on for a second preset time, the electrolysis module 200 is turned on to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen peroxide, and the hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity 510 of the toilet 500 to merge with the diluent.

[0096] Step S331: After the electrolysis module 200 has been turned on for a third preset time, the electrolysis module 200 and the second pump body 121 are turned off, and the electromagnetic three-way valve is controlled to close the second water circuit 120.

[0097] It is understandable that the peristaltic pump needs a certain running time to pump the foaming agent into the first water channel 110, and the second pump body 121 needs a certain running time to pump water into the electrolysis module 200 until the electrolysis module 200 is full. Additionally, the electrolysis process requires a certain running time to obtain the set amount of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention sets a first preset time between starting the peristaltic pump and opening the first water channel 110, a second preset time between opening the second water channel 120 and starting the electrolysis module 200, and a third preset time for the electrolysis process. For example, the first and second preset times can be 1s-3s, and the third preset time can be 10s-30s, selected according to actual application requirements.

[0098] The control logic for foam layer generation is illustrated with a specific example. After receiving the "Run Foam Shield" signal, the foam generating device 1000 starts the peristaltic pump to provide 3mm of foaming agent. One second after the peristaltic pump starts, the electromagnetic three-way valve starts, and the water in the first water channel 110 mixes with the foaming agent and flows into the water seal layer 520 to form a diluted solution of a preset concentration. Then, the second water channel 120 opens and the second pump body 121 starts, filling the electrolysis module 200 with water. One second after the second pump body 121 starts, the electrolysis module 200 starts to perform water electrolysis and generate hydrogen peroxide. Ten seconds after the electrolysis module 200 starts, the electrolysis module 200, the second pump body 121, and the second water channel 120 are shut down. The hydrogen peroxide generated by electrolysis and the diluted solution converge in the water seal layer 520 and react to generate a foam layer.

[0099] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a controller, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the control method of the foam generating device 1000 as described in the above embodiments.

[0100] Taking the example of a controller where the control processor and memory can be connected via a bus, the memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, the memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, the memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the control processor, and these remote memories can be connected to the controller via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0101] The non-transient software program and instructions required to implement the control method of the above embodiments are stored in memory. When executed by a processor, the control method described above is executed, for example, the control method described above is executed. Figure 5 Method steps S100 to S300 Figure 6 Method steps S310 to S320 Figure 7 The method steps S110 to S331.

[0102] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0103] Furthermore, the toilet 500 in this embodiment of the invention is specifically a smart toilet, including the controller described in the above embodiment, which executes the control method of the foam generating device 1000 described in the above embodiment.

[0104] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the aforementioned control method. For example, the computer-executable instructions can be executed by a processor, causing one or more processors to perform the control method described in the above-described method embodiments, for example, performing the control method described above. Figure 5 Method steps S100 to S300 Figure 6 Method steps S310 to S320 Figure 7 The method steps S110 to S331.

[0105] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network nodes. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer-readable storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer-readable storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0107] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foam generating device for sanitary ware, characterized in that, include: A water circuit assembly includes a first water circuit, a second water circuit, and a valve body, wherein the valve body is used to control the switching on and off of the first water circuit and the second water circuit; The feeding assembly includes a foaming agent storage section and a first pump body. The first pump body is connected to the foaming agent storage section and the first water passage, respectively, and is used to transport the foaming agent in the foaming agent storage section to the first water passage so that the foaming agent and water can be mixed. An electrolysis module is connected to the second water circuit. The electrolysis module is used to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen peroxide. The outlet of the electrolysis module and the outlet of the first water circuit are used to connect the inner cavity of the sanitary ware. The foaming agent storage section is used to load foaming agents, which include surfactants, foam stabilizers, thickeners, pH adjusters, chelating agents, and hydrogen peroxide catalysts.

2. The foam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second water passage is equipped with a second pump body for pumping water into the electrolysis module.

3. The foam generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrolysis module includes an insulating shell, a positive electrode, and a negative electrode. The insulating shell has an inlet for communicating with the second water channel and an outlet for communicating with the inner cavity of the sanitary ware. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are arranged alternately inside the insulating shell. The positive electrode is a foamed copper substrate, and the negative electrode is a glassy carbon electrode.

4. The foam generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The negative electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the positive electrode and the first electrode are both annular, with the positive electrode located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

5. The foam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pump body is a peristaltic pump, and the outlet of the peristaltic pump is located between the valve body and the outlet of the first water passage.

6. A control method for a foam generating device, characterized in that, The foam generating device is the foam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the control method includes: The first pump body is activated according to the control signal to deliver the foaming agent in the foaming agent storage section to the first water channel; The valve body is controlled to open the first water passage, so that water and foaming agent can be mixed and flow into the inner cavity of the sanitary ware to form a diluent; The valve body is controlled to close the first water circuit and open the second water circuit, and the electrolysis module is turned on to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen peroxide, so that the hydrogen peroxide can enter the inner cavity of the sanitary ware and merge with the diluent.

7. The control method for the foam generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The foam generating device further includes a second pump body disposed in the second water passage, and after the valve body is controlled to close the first water passage and open the second water passage, it further includes: The second pump body is activated to pump water into the electrolysis module; After the second pump body is turned on and a second preset time has elapsed, and the electrolysis module is filled with water, the electrolysis module is turned on to perform water electrolysis to produce hydrogen peroxide. After the electrolysis module has been turned on for a third preset time, the electrolysis module and the second pump body are turned off, and the valve body is controlled to close the second water circuit.

8. The control method for the foam generating device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first pump body is a peristaltic pump, and the valve body is a solenoid three-way valve. The step of controlling the opening of the first pump body according to a control signal and controlling the valve body to open the first water passage includes: Upon receiving a control signal, the peristaltic pump is activated, and the peristaltic pump pumps out a preset amount of foaming agent; After the peristaltic pump has been running for a first preset time, the electromagnetic three-way valve is controlled to open the first water passage. The control of the valve body to close the first water passage and open the second water passage, and to activate the electrolysis module to perform water electrolysis to generate hydrogen peroxide, includes: The electromagnetic three-way valve is controlled to close the first water circuit and open the second water circuit; After the second water passage has been opened for a second preset time, the electrolysis module is activated.

9. Sanitary ware, characterized in that, include: The foam generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5; Or a controller, which performs the control method of the foam generating device as described in any one of claims 6 to 8.

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