A waterway switching device of a smart toilet, a smart toilet, and a control method

By using a water path switching device and control method in a smart toilet, the float can switch between different positions to achieve the combined use of two water paths or the use of a single water path for flushing. This solves the problems of complex structure and low cleaning efficiency in existing technologies, and achieves efficient cleaning and cost reduction.

CN117661691BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-16XIAMEN JIAPULE ELECTRONICS TECH

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
XIAMEN JIAPULE ELECTRONICS TECH
Filing Date
2023-12-15
Publication Date
2026-06-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing smart toilet flushing control methods rely on motors or have complex structures, resulting in low stability and cost-effectiveness, and poor cleaning efficiency in cases of heavy dirt buildup.

Method used

The water path switching device, including a cavity, a float and a water distribution valve, is adopted. By switching the float at different positions, the two water paths can be coordinated or a single water path can be used for flushing. The water volume is controlled in combination with the pump's working time, which simplifies the structure and improves cleaning efficiency.

🎯Benefits of technology

It enables simultaneous rinsing with two water streams, improving cleanliness and rinsing efficiency, reducing production costs, and avoiding siphoning by controlling the water stream switching.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN117661691B_ABST
    Figure CN117661691B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application relates to a water path switching device of an intelligent closestool, characterized in that the device comprises a cavity and a float, wherein the cavity is provided with a water inlet, an upper water outlet and a lower water outlet; the float is movably arranged between the water inlet, the upper water outlet and the lower water outlet; and when the float is located at the lower water outlet, a constant flow passage is formed between the float and the lower water outlet. The water path switching device of the intelligent closestool has the advantages that the flushing structure of the existing closestool can be simplified, the production cost can be reduced, the flushing efficiency can be improved, and the cleaning degree can be improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sanitary ware, and more particularly to a water path switching device and control method for an intelligent toilet. Background Technology

[0002] Existing smart toilet flushing control methods typically involve a pump drawing water, which is then controlled by a motor-operated reversing valve to perform auxiliary flushing and surface flushing separately. For example, invention patent CN214999571U discloses "A reversing valve." Alternatively, a pump draws water, and a reversing valve controlled by the water level in the chamber is used to perform auxiliary flushing and surface flushing separately. For example, invention patent CN116122390 A discloses "A toilet flushing control system, flushing control method, and toilet."

[0003] However, the aforementioned flushing control methods either rely on motors or have complex structures, resulting in low stability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, these methods all employ a sequential approach of auxiliary flushing and surface flushing, which is clearly not the most efficient cleaning method for toilets with heavy buildup of waste.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors hereby propose the following solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water path switching device and a toilet, which can not only simplify the existing toilet flushing structure and reduce production costs, but also enhance flushing efficiency and improve cleanliness.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A water circuit switching device includes a cavity and a float. The cavity is provided with an inlet, an upper outlet and a lower outlet. The float is movably disposed between the inlet, the upper outlet and the lower outlet. When the float is located at the lower outlet, there is a constant flow channel between the float and the lower outlet.

[0008] Preferably, the cavity is formed by fastening together a water distribution valve cover and a water distribution valve body.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes a water distribution pipe, which has an inlet end and an outlet end, and the outlet end is connected to the inlet.

[0010] Preferably, the water outlet is provided with an anti-siphon assembly, which includes a cap connector with a through pipe. The cap connector has a pressure relief hole in the center that communicates with the through pipe, and a movable plug is provided in the pressure relief hole. The cap connector is connected to the upper water outlet through the through pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the top of the float is provided with a water-stopping gasket, and the upper water outlet forms a downward-extending flange.

[0012] Preferably, the cavity is provided with a guide rail, and the floats are provided with guide grooves on opposite sides to cooperate with the guide rail.

[0013] Preferably, the side of the float facing the water inlet is a plane perpendicular to the water inlet.

[0014] Preferably, a drainage trough is provided at the bottom of the float.

[0015] Preferably, the drainage trough is provided on an adjusting plate, and the adjusting plate and the float are detachably connected.

[0016] The present invention also provides another technical solution:

[0017] A smart toilet includes a toilet seat and a water tank disposed on the toilet seat. The toilet seat is also provided with the aforementioned water path switching device. The water path switching device is connected to the water tank via a pump. The upper water outlet is connected to the face flush port of the toilet, and the lower water outlet is connected to the bottom flush port.

[0018] The present invention also provides another technical solution:

[0019] A water circuit control method for a smart toilet, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0020] When the toilet is set to the strong flush function:

[0021] Step 1: Water T1 enters through the inlet. The dynamic water pressure at the inlet limits the float to the position of the lower outlet, so that the inlet is simultaneously connected to the upper and lower outlets, enabling two water streams to work together for flushing.

[0022] Step 2: When the inlet T2 is shut off, the dynamic water pressure is released, and the float is driven by buoyancy to move to the position of the upper outlet.

[0023] Step 3: Supply water T3 to the inlet to keep the float in the position of the upper outlet. At this time, the inlet is only connected to the lower outlet, and water is flushed through the bottom flushing port alone.

[0024] Step 4: Stop water flow at the inlet (T4) and wait for the float to drop to the lower outlet.

[0025] Step 5: Supply water T5 to the inlet, and connect the inlet to both the upper and lower outlets to replenish the ceramic water cover.

[0026] When the toilet is set to the low flush function:

[0027] Step 1: Water t1 enters through the inlet. The dynamic water pressure at the inlet limits the float to the position of the lower outlet, so that the inlet is simultaneously connected to the upper and lower outlets, enabling two water streams to work together for flushing.

[0028] Step 2: The water inlet is stopped at t2, the float rises to block the upper outlet and then falls back to the lower outlet;

[0029] Step 3: Supply water to the inlet t3 again to achieve the coordination of the two water lines and replenish the ceramic water cover.

[0030] The water path switching device and control method of the above-mentioned smart toilet have the following beneficial effects:

[0031] It can be selected to rinse two streams simultaneously, combined with single-stream rinsing, which results in higher rinsing efficiency and better cleaning.

[0032] The program controls the water inlet and outlet times via the control terminal, thereby controlling the switching of the water circuit. It has a simple structure and cost advantage.

[0033] When water is introduced, the movable plug seals the pressure relief hole under water pressure. When the water supply is stopped, the movable plug moves downward under negative pressure, causing the pressure relief hole to open and breaking the vacuum environment of the water distribution pipe, thus preventing siphoning.

[0034] The fit between the water-stop gasket and the upper outlet flange allows for good control over the shut-off of water flow from the upper outlet.

[0035] The guide grooves on both sides of the pontoon cooperate with the guide rails to effectively control the pontoon's up and down floating trajectory. At the same time, when the water pressure is high enough, it also generates friction between the guide grooves and the guide rails, positioning the pontoon at the bottom of the cavity.

[0036] The side of the float facing the water inlet is flat, which maximizes the water pressure on the float under the same water pressure, thereby maximizing the frictional force and making it easier to control the float.

[0037] By setting the drainage channel on the adjusting plate, the adjusting plate of appropriate drainage channel size can be selected as needed to achieve different functional requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the main structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first state of the switching device during a large stroke, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the second state of the switching device during a large stroke, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the third state of the large-stroke switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first state of the switching device during a small stroke, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the second state of the switching device during a small stroke, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 The three-dimensional structure of the float of the present invention Figure 1 .

[0046] Figure 9 The three-dimensional structure of the float of the present invention Figure 2 .

[0047] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the switching device in the first state after the adjustment plate is replaced according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the switching device in the second state after the adjustment plate of the present invention has been replaced.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the switching device in the third state after the adjustment plate of the present invention has been replaced.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a process diagram of the waterway control method of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 14 This is a process diagram of the water circuit control method after replacing the regulating plate according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solution and beneficial effects of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a smart toilet includes a toilet seat 1, a water tank 2 disposed on the toilet seat 1, and a water circuit switching device 3. The water circuit switching device 3 is connected to the water tank 2 via a pump 4.

[0054] The water circuit switching device 3 includes a cavity 31 and a float 32. The cavity 31 is formed by the fastening of a water divider valve cover 311 and a water divider valve body 312. The cavity 31 is provided with a water inlet 313, an upper water outlet 314 and a lower water outlet 315. The upper water outlet 314 is connected to the toilet's face flush 37, and the lower water outlet 315 is connected to the bottom flush 38.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the water circuit switching device 3 further includes a water distribution pipe 33, which has an inlet end 331 and an outlet end 332, and the outlet end 332 is connected to the inlet 313.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the water outlet 332 is provided with an anti-siphon assembly 34. The anti-siphon assembly 34 includes a cap connector 341, which has a through pipe 3411. The cap connector 341 has a pressure relief hole 3412 at its center that communicates with the through pipe 3411. A movable plug 342 is provided inside the pressure relief hole 3412. The cap connector 341 communicates with the upper water outlet 314 and the face flushing port 37 through the through pipe 3411.

[0057] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the float 32 is movably disposed between the inlet 313, the upper outlet 314 and the lower outlet 315, and when the float 32 is located at the lower outlet 315, there is a constant flow channel 3150 between the float 32 and the lower outlet 315.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the cavity 31 is provided with a guide rail, and the floats 32 are provided with guide grooves 321 on opposite sides to cooperate with the guide rail. The side of the floats 32 facing the inlet 313 is a plane, which is perpendicular to the water inlet direction of the inlet 313.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the top of the float 32 is provided with a water-stopping gasket 322, and a downwardly extending flange 3141 is formed at the upper outlet 314. The bottom of the float 32 is provided with a drainage groove 323, forming a constant flow channel between the float 32 and the bottom of the cavity 31. Alternatively, the drainage groove 322 can be provided on an adjusting plate 35, which is detachably connected to the float 32.

[0060] When a smart toilet with the above structure is used and the strong flush function is selected on the control terminal, such as... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the toilet's water control method includes the following steps:

[0061] S1: Start pump 4 and flush for 4~6 seconds to perform one flush. Water enters through inlet 313. The dynamic water pressure of inlet 313 limits float 32 to the position of lower outlet 315, so that inlet 313 is simultaneously connected to upper outlet 314 and lower outlet 315, realizing two-way water flushing.

[0062] S2: The pump stops for 0.1~0.5 seconds, and the float rises to the position of the upper outlet 314. At the moment the pump 4 stops, the dynamic water pressure is released, and the float 32 is driven by buoyancy to move to the position of the upper outlet 314;

[0063] S3: Pump 4 operates for 3~5 seconds, executing bottom flushing 38. Water is supplied to inlet 313 again, float 32 remains at the position of upper outlet 314, at this time inlet 313 is only connected to lower outlet 315, flushing is performed solely through bottom flushing 38;

[0064] S4: Pump 4 stops for 2.5~6 seconds, and the float falls back to the lower outlet. Water is stopped at the inlet 313. After the cavity 31 is emptied, the float 32 falls to the lower outlet 315.

[0065] S5: The pump operates for 2~3.5 seconds to replenish the ceramic water cover. Water is supplied to the inlet 313 again. The inlet 313 is connected to the upper outlet 314 and the lower outlet 315 to achieve two water supply lines and replenish the ceramic water cover.

[0066] When the small-stroke function is selected on the control terminal, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the toilet's water control method includes the following steps:

[0067] S1: Start pump 4 and flush for 4~6 seconds to perform one flush. Water enters through inlet 313. The dynamic water pressure of inlet 313 limits float 32 to the position of lower outlet 315, so that inlet 313 is simultaneously connected to upper outlet 314 and lower outlet 315, realizing two-way water flushing.

[0068] S2: The pump stops for 2.5~6 seconds. The float rises to block the upper outlet 314 and then falls back to the lower outlet 315. At the moment the pump 4 stops, the dynamic water pressure is released, and the float 32 is driven by buoyancy to move to the position of the upper outlet 314. After the water in the water chamber is drained, the float 32 falls back to the lower outlet 315.

[0069] S3: Pump 4 operates for 2~3.5 seconds to replenish the ceramic water cover. Water is supplied to the inlet 313 again, and the float 32 remains at the position of the lower outlet 315, realizing the coordination of two water lines to replenish the ceramic water cover.

[0070] The above-mentioned large and small flushes are implemented by controlling the flushing water volume based on the characteristics of the water circuit switching device and the pump's operating time. This solution is suitable for use when the pump power is relatively high (pump reference parameters: 60W or above, water output 80L / min, head 10 meters or above). This method has low flushing noise and a relatively ideal flushing effect, but it places higher demands on the circuit board and pump.

[0071] It should be noted that the size of the aforementioned drain trough 323 can be customized according to requirements, and the size of the drain trough 323 determines the drainage time of the bottom flushing outlet. Therefore, the design of the adjusting plate 35 allows for the selection of a drain trough 323 with a suitable specification for the float 32. Furthermore, replacing the adjusting plate 35 with one lacking the drain trough 323 can also alter the process control of the upper and lower flushing, such as... Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the toilet flushing process includes the following steps:

[0072] During a major opposition:

[0073] S1: Start pump 4 and flush for 3~5 seconds to perform one flush. Water enters through inlet 313. The dynamic water pressure of inlet 313 limits float 32 to the position of lower outlet 315, so that inlet 313 connects to upper outlet 314, realizing flushing through surface flushing port 37;

[0074] S2: The pump stops for 0.1~0.5 seconds, the float rises, and the lower outlet 315 opens. At the instant the pump 4 stops, the dynamic water pressure is released, and the float 32 is driven by buoyancy to move to the position of the upper outlet 314;

[0075] S3: Pump 4 operates for 3~6 seconds, performing bottom flushing through port 38. Water is supplied to inlet 313 again, and float 32 remains at the position of upper outlet 314. At this time, inlet 313 is only connected to lower outlet 315, and flushing is performed solely through bottom flushing through port 38.

[0076] S4: Pump 4 stops for 2.5~6 seconds, and float 32 falls back to the lower outlet. Water inlet 313 stops flowing. After cavity 31 is emptied, float 32 falls to the lower outlet 315.

[0077] S5: The pump operates for 2~3 seconds to replenish the water cover. Water is supplied to the inlet 313 again, and the inlet 313 is connected to the upper outlet 314. Water is replenished to the ceramic water cover through the face flushing port 37.

[0078] During a small thrust:

[0079] S1: Start pump 4 and flush for 2~3 seconds to perform one flush. Water enters through inlet 313. The dynamic water pressure of inlet 313 limits float 32 to the position of lower outlet 315, so that inlet 313 connects to upper outlet 314, realizing flushing through surface flushing port 37;

[0080] S2: The pump stops for 0.1~0.5 seconds, the float rises, and the lower outlet 315 opens. At the instant the pump 4 stops, the dynamic water pressure is released, and the float 32 is driven by buoyancy to move to the position of the upper outlet 314;

[0081] S3: Pump 4 operates for 2.5~4 seconds, performing bottom flushing at port 38. Water is supplied to inlet 313 again, and float 32 remains at the position of upper outlet 314. At this time, inlet 313 is only connected to lower outlet 315, and flushing is performed solely through bottom flushing port 38.

[0082] S4: Pump 4 stops for 2.5~6 seconds, and the float returns to its initial position. Water supply to inlet 313 is stopped, and after cavity 31 is emptied, float 32 falls to the lower outlet 315.

[0083] S5: The pump operates for 2~3 seconds to replenish the water cover. Water is supplied to the inlet 313 again, and the inlet 313 is connected to the upper outlet 314. Water is replenished to the ceramic water cover through the face flushing port 37.

[0084] The above method of performing large and small flushes controls the water volume by controlling the flushing time. This method is more suitable for use with relatively low pump power (pump reference parameters: 48W, water output 40L / min, head 8 meters). This solution has lower requirements for the pump and circuit board, but the noise will be relatively loud during flushing.

[0085] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any improvements or equivalent substitutions made based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A waterway switching device, characterized in that, The device includes a cavity and a float. The cavity has an inlet, an upper outlet and a lower outlet. The float is movably positioned between the inlet, the upper outlet and the lower outlet. When the float is located at the lower outlet, there is a constant flow channel between the float and the lower outlet.

2. The waterway switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water distribution pipe, which has an inlet end and an outlet end, and the outlet end is connected to the inlet end.

3. The waterway switching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The water outlet is equipped with an anti-siphon assembly, which includes a cap connector with a through pipe. The cap connector has a pressure relief hole in the center that communicates with the through pipe, and a movable plug is provided in the pressure relief hole. The cap connector is connected to the upper water outlet through the through pipe.

4. The waterway switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the float is provided with a water-stopping gasket, and the upper water outlet forms a downward-extending flange.

5. The waterway switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is equipped with a guide rail, and the floats are provided with guide grooves on opposite sides to cooperate with the guide rail.

6. The waterway switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the float facing the water inlet is a plane perpendicular to the water inlet.

7. A waterway switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the pontoon is equipped with a drainage trough.

8. A waterway switching device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The drainage trough is located on an adjusting plate, and the adjusting plate and the float are detachably connected.

9. A smart toilet having a water path switching device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The device includes a toilet seat and a water tank located on the toilet seat. The water circuit switching device is connected to the water tank via a pump. The upper water outlet is connected to the face flush port of the toilet, and the lower water outlet is connected to the bottom flush port.

10. A water circuit control method for a smart toilet as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When the toilet is set to the strong flush function: Step 1: Water T1 enters through the inlet. The dynamic water pressure at the inlet limits the float to the position of the lower outlet, so that the inlet is simultaneously connected to the upper and lower outlets, enabling two water streams to work together for flushing. Step 2: When the inlet T2 is shut off, the dynamic water pressure is released, and the float is driven by buoyancy to move to the position of the upper outlet. Step 3: Supply water T3 to the inlet to keep the float in the position of the upper outlet. At this time, the inlet is only connected to the lower outlet, and water is flushed through the bottom flushing port alone. Step 4: Stop water flow at the inlet (T4) and wait for the float to drop to the lower outlet. Step 5: Supply water T5 to the inlet, and connect the inlet to both the upper and lower outlets to replenish the ceramic water cover; When the toilet is set to the low flush function: Step 1: Water t1 enters through the inlet. The dynamic water pressure at the inlet limits the float to the position of the lower outlet, so that the inlet is simultaneously connected to the upper and lower outlets, enabling two water streams to work together for flushing. Step 2: The water inlet is stopped at t2, the float rises to block the upper outlet and then falls back to the lower outlet; Step 3: Supply water to the inlet t3 again to achieve the coordination of the two water lines and replenish the ceramic water cover.