Balanced toilet seat and lid

Abstract

A balanced toilet seat and cover is disclosed, particularly a toilet including a base, a seat rotatably coupled to the base, a first counterweight fixedly coupled to the seat, wherein the first counterweight separates the center of mass of the seat from the geometric center of the seat, a cover rotatably coupled to the seat, and a second counterweight fixedly coupled to the cover. The second counterweight separates the center of mass of the cover from the geometric center of the cover.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 447,964, filed February 24, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to toilets. More specifically, this disclosure relates to toilets featuring improved efficiency of the power components of the toilet. Background Technology

[0004] In some conventional toilets, the toilet seat and seat are typically hinged to a portion of the toilet base, allowing the user to raise the front of each seat from a closed or lowered position to an open or retracted position. The seat and seat each pivot about a horizontal axis between the lowered and retracted positions. However, using this traditional configuration and movement often makes it difficult to maintain toilet cleanliness (especially at the hinges) and the overall appearance and aesthetics of the toilet. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a toilet, comprising: a base; a seat ring rotatably connected to the base; a first counterweight fixedly connected to the seat ring, wherein the first counterweight separates the center of mass of the seat ring from the geometric center of the seat ring; a lid rotatably connected to the seat ring; and a second counterweight fixedly connected to the lid, wherein the second counterweight separates the center of mass of the lid from the geometric center of the lid.

[0006] The present invention also provides a drive mechanism for a toilet, the drive mechanism comprising: a motor; a first gear driven by the motor to rotate the seat housing of the toilet, the seat housing including a first counterweight; and a second gear driven by the motor to rotate the lid housing of the toilet, the lid housing including a second counterweight fixedly connected to the lid.

[0007] The present invention also provides a method for automatically operating a toilet seat assembly, the method comprising: receiving input data to trigger operation of the toilet seat assembly; generating a first signal to rotate the seat and seat weight; and generating a second signal to rotate the lid and lid weight, wherein the center of mass of the seat is separated from the geometric center of the seat, and the center of mass of the lid is separated from the geometric center of the lid. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a toilet according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of a toilet, with the lid in the retracted position and the seat in the lowered position.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the toilet lid and seat opening mechanism.

[0012] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the reference centroid of the cover and seat opening mechanism.

[0013] Figure 5 An exemplary housing and counterweight arrangement for the cover and seat ring opening mechanism are illustrated.

[0014] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the center of mass of the cover and seat opening mechanism after the counterweight arrangement has been modified.

[0015] Figure 7 An exemplary lid and lid counterweight are illustrated.

[0016] Figure 8 An exemplary seat ring and seat ring counterweight are illustrated.

[0017] Figure 9 and Figure 10 An exemplary graph illustrating energy efficiency is shown.

[0018] Figure 11 An exemplary drive mechanism for opening the cover and seat ring is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 12 An exemplary drive mechanism for opening the cover and seat ring is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 13 The illustration shows a portion of an exemplary water system used in a toilet.

[0021] Figure 14 The illustration shows an exemplary drive mechanism and a portion of a water system for a toilet.

[0022] Figure 15 The diagram shows... Figures 1 to 14 An example controller for example.

[0023] Figure 16 The diagram illustrates the use of Figure 15 The flowchart of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the toilet 20 includes a lid and seat opening mechanism that allows the lid 70 and seat 50 to move easily relative to the toilet 20 and maintain the cleanliness of the toilet 20 (especially during use). Typically, the illustration depicts a tankless toilet. However, the lid and seat opening mechanism that allows the lid 70 and seat 50 to open and close effectively can be applied to any type of toilet, including those with a tank. Cleanliness is maintained because the hinge position and other opening and closing mechanisms are separated from the opening of the basin. Movement of the lid 70 and seat 50 is facilitated (e.g., energy-efficient) by a counterweight balancing the weight of the lid 70 and seat 50 along or near the pivot axis of rotation.

[0025] The following section provides a more detailed example of the seat opening (and closing) mechanism 120. The opening mechanism 120 allows the cover 70 and seat 50 to pivot upwards and then rotate backwards about two different axes to move between a lowered position 72 and a retracted position 74. Specifically, the cover 70 and seat 50 first pivot upwards at an angle about a generally transverse axis 122, and then rotate or rotate backwards about an angled axis 124 (e.g., the pivot axis) to move from the lowered position 72 to the retracted position 74. The transverse axis or lateral axis 122 (i.e., the Y-axis) refers to the direction extending horizontally along the width of the base 30, such as the width of the base body 34 (or skirt) or the width of the bottom surface 10 of the base body 34 that abuts the floor 10. The base 30 may be mounted on a support 720 on the floor 10. The transverse axis 122 around which the cover 70 and seat 50 initially rotate may be the same transverse axis or two parallel transverse axes. The angled axis 124 is an axis extending at an angle relative to the vertical and longitudinal axes, wherein the vertical axis (i.e., the Z-axis) extends vertically along the height of the base 30, and the longitudinal axis (i.e., the X-axis) extends horizontally along the depth of the base 30 (i.e., between the front end 42 and the rear end 44 of the base 30) and is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis 122. Alternatively, the angled axis 124 extends substantially along the vertical axis. The angled axis 124 extends to the cover 70 and extends longitudinally through the opening of the seat ring 50. The transverse axis (i.e., the Y-axis), the vertical axis (i.e., the Z-axis), and the longitudinal axis (i.e., the X-axis) are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0026] A hinge, pivot, or opening mechanism allows each of the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 to move between a lowered position 72 and a retracted position 74, in which the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 are located near the base 30 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), in the folded position 74, the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 are oriented in an upward direction away from the base 30 (as shown). Figure 2(As shown). The cover 70 and the seat 50 can move individually and separately (i.e., at different times). Alternatively, the cover 70 and the seat 50 can move together (i.e., move simultaneously) and can be aligned or offset from each other according to the user's preference. To enable the cover 70 and the seat 50 to move between the lowered position 72 and the retracted position 74, the opening mechanism 120 includes a shaft or joint between the cover 70 and the base 30.

[0027] The front end 82 and rear end 84 of the cover 70 are positioned along the bottom surface 78 of the cover 70 toward or near the rear end 84 of the cover 70, such that most of the cover 70 (i.e., the top surface 76 and the bottom surface 78) is positioned between the opening mechanism 120 and the front end 82 of the cover 70, and the rear end 84 of the cover 70 is separated from the opening mechanism 120 along the length of the cover 70 and extends beyond the opening mechanism 120.

[0028] The cover 70, seat ring 50, and base 30 are movably attached to each other toward their respective rear ends via an opening mechanism 120 (i.e., the cover 70 and seat ring 50 are attached to the area of ​​the base 30 closer to the rear end 44 of the base 30). Therefore, the opening mechanism 120 is positioned along the bottom surface 78 of the cover 70 toward the rear end 84 of the cover 70. The opening mechanism 120 may include a ring located at the rear end 64 of the seat ring 50, extending from the bottom surface 58 of the seat ring 50. The socket 132 is positioned toward the top and rear end 44 of the base 30 (e.g., near or located behind the top edge 36 of the base 30).

[0029] A motor within the base 30 is configured to move the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 relative to the base 30 (however, according to another embodiment, the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 can be moved manually by the user, respectively, instead of using the motor). Each of the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 is configured to move relative to the base 30 between a lowered position 72 and a retracted position 74.

[0030] The lid 70 and seat 50 move relative to the base 30. When the lid 70 and seat 50 are in the lowered position 72, the toilet 20 is in the non-use position. Therefore, the bowl 32 (as shown) Figure 2 (As shown) is hidden. In the non-use position of the toilet 20, the bottom surface 58 of the seat 50 is directly adjacent to the top edge 36 of the base 30, and the top surface 56 of the seat 50 is directly adjacent to the bottom surface 78 of the lid 70, thus the seat 50 is sandwiched between the base 30 and the lid 70. In the non-use position, the lid 70, the seat 50, and the top edge 36 of the base 30 are adjacent to each other.

[0031] To move the lid 70 from the lowered position 72 to the stowed position 74, the lid 70 is first partially raised by pivoting it upward about the transverse axis 122 to a lid pivot angle. By pivoting the lid 70 about the transverse axis 122, the front end 82 of the lid 70 is raised vertically upward, away from the front end 42 (and top edge 36) of the base 30 and the front end 62 of the seat ring 50, thereby tilting the lid 70 above the top surface 56 of the seat ring 50 at the lid pivot angle. The lid pivot angle 186 is the angle between the bottom surface 78 of the lid 70 and the top surface 56 of the seat ring 50, and can be various different angles in which the lid 70 is raised above the seat ring 50 and the base 30, but not yet fully upright (e.g., the lid pivot angle 186 can be approximately 35° away from the top edge 36 of the base 30).

[0032] After the lid 70 is rotated about the transverse axis 122, the lid 70 is then rotated about 180° about the angled axis 124 toward the rear end 44 of the base 30 (i.e. away from the front end 42 of the base 30) to enter the stowed position 74.

[0033] The lid 70 rotates such that its top surface 76 is always visible and faces away from the base 30, while its bottom surface 78 is always obscured or hidden and faces the base 30. More specifically, in the lowered position 72, the top surface 76 of the lid 70 is visible and faces away from the top edge 36 and the basin 32 of the base 30, while the bottom surface 78 of the lid 70 is obscured and faces the top edge 36 and the basin 32 of the base 30. In the retracted position 74, the top surface 76 of the lid 70 is visible, facing and visible from the front end 42 of the base 30, while the bottom surface 78 of the lid 70 is obscured, facing the rear end 44 of the base 30 in the retracted position 74.

[0034] When the lid 70 moves between the lowered position 72 and the retracted position 74, the seat ring 50 can remain stationary in the same position. When the lid 70 rotates about the angled axis 124, the lid 70 moves from a partially horizontal (i.e., angled) direction (in which the top surface 56 of the seat ring 50 and the basin 32 are still partially obscured) into an upward direction away from the base 30, in which the top surface 56 of the seat ring 50 and the basin 32 are exposed.

[0035] When the lid 70 is in the retracted position 74 and the seat 50 is in the lowered position 72, the interior of the base 30 (i.e., the basin 32) is exposed, allowing the user to use the toilet 20. For example, the user can sit on the top surface 56 of the seat 50 or lean their back against the top surface 76 of the lid 70 to use the toilet 20.

[0036] When the lid 70 is in the retracted position 74 (regardless of the position of the seat ring 50), the rear end portion 184 of the lid 70 conceals or covers a portion of the opening mechanism 120 extending outside the base 30. More specifically, when the lid 70 is in the retracted position 74, the rear end portion 84 of the lid 70 covers, conceals, blocks, or shields the lid 70 and a portion of the seat ring 50 extending outside the base 30, preventing them from being exposed to the basin 32.

[0037] The seat ring 50 moves from the lowered position 72 to the retracted position 74 in a manner similar to the movement of the lid 70. To move the seat ring 50 from the lowered position 72 to the retracted position 74, the seat ring 50 is first partially raised by pivoting it upwards about the transverse axis 122 to a seat ring pivot angle. By pivoting the seat ring 50 about the transverse axis 122, the front end 62 of the seat ring 50 is raised vertically upwards, away from the front end 42 of the base 30, thereby tilting the seat ring 50 above the top edge 36 of the base 30 at the seat ring pivot angle. The seat ring pivot angle is the angle between the bottom surface 58 of the seat ring 50 and the top edge 36 of the base 30, and can be various angles in which the seat ring 50 rises above the base 30 but is not yet fully upright (e.g., the seat ring pivot angle could be approximately 17° away from the top edge 36 of the base 30). The seat ring pivot angle and the lid pivot angle can be the same or different from each other.

[0038] After pivoting the seat ring 50 about the transverse axis 122, the seat ring 50 rotates approximately 180° rearward about the rear end 44 of the base 30 (i.e., away from the front end 42 of the base 30) about the angled axis 124, entering the stowed position 74. By rotating the seat ring 50 about the angled axis 124, the seat ring 50 moves from a position where most of the seat ring 50 is in front of the opening mechanism 120 (i.e., closer to the front end 42 of the base 30) to a position where most of the seat ring 50 is behind (or partially above) the opening mechanism 120 (i.e., closer to the rear end 44 of the base 30). Therefore, as the seat ring 50 rotates about the angled axis 124, the seat ring 50 moves toward one side 46 of the base 30 and then away from that side 46. Furthermore, when the lid 70 is in the retracted position 74, by rotating the seat ring 50 about the angled axis 124, most of the seat ring 50 moves from the front of the lid 70 (corresponding to the top surface 76) to the rear or back of the lid 70 (corresponding to the bottom surface 78).

[0039] The seat ring 50 rotates such that, in the lowered position 72, the top surface 56 of the seat ring 50 faces away from the basin 32 and the top edge 36 of the base 30, while the bottom surface 58 of the seat ring 50 faces the basin 32 and the top edge 36 of the base 30. In the retracted position 74, the top surface 56 of the seat ring 50 faces the front end 42 of the base 30 and the bottom surface 78 of the cover 70, while the bottom surface 58 of the seat ring 50 faces the rear end 44 of the base 30. As the seat ring 50 rotates about an angled axis 124, the seat ring 50 moves from a partially horizontal (i.e., tilted) position adjacent to the base 30 (in which the top edge 36 of the base 30 is still partially obscured) into an upward or substantially upright position, in which the top edge 36 of the base 30 is exposed.

[0040] When the lid 70 and seat 50 are in the retracted position 74, the top edge 36 of the base 30 and the basin 32 are exposed, allowing the user to use the toilet 20. For example, the user can use the toilet 20 while standing, facing the top surface 76 of the lid 70 in this position.

[0041] Understandably, in order to move the cover 70 and seat ring 50 from the retracted position 74 back to the lowered position 72, the cover 70 and seat ring 50 move in the same but reverse manner as described above.

[0042] As shown in the figure, when the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 are in the lowered position 72, the seat ring 50 is located between the top edge 36 of the cover 70 and the base 30, so that the cover 70 covers and conceals the seat ring 50. Additionally, when the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 are in the retracted position 74, the seat ring 50 is located between the rear end 44 of the cover 70 and the base 30, so that the cover 70 also covers and conceals the seat ring 50 in this position.

[0043] according to Figure 3 As shown in another exemplary embodiment, the toilet 20' includes a lid and seat opening mechanism 120' that allows the lid 70' and seat 50' to move easily relative to the toilet 20' and maintain the cleanliness of the toilet 20' (especially during use), similar to the opening mechanism 120 of the toilet 20 discussed above. To facilitate movement of the lid 70', a counterweight 111 balances the lid 70', and a counterweight 112 balances the seat 50'. Furthermore, the counterweights 111 and 112 reduce the energy or power required for the motor 61' to move the lid 70' and seat 50'.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, the toilet 20' includes a lid 70', a seat 50', and a base 30'. The lid 70', seat 50', and base 30' have a similar structural configuration to the corresponding lid 70, seat 50, and base 30 of the toilet 20 discussed above, but the lid 70', seat 50', and base 30' include features that collectively define an opening mechanism 120', which differs from the opening mechanism 120. Advantageously, the opening mechanism 120' allows the lid 70' and seat 50' to rotate about an angled axis 124' between a lowered position 72' (in which the lid 70' and seat 50' are located near the base 30') and a raised position 74' (in which the lid 70' and seat 50' are oriented in an upward direction away from the base 30'), the details of which will be discussed in the following paragraphs. The lid 70' and seat 50' can move individually and separately (i.e., at different times). Alternatively, the cover 70' and the seat ring 50' can move together (i.e., move simultaneously) and can be aligned or offset from each other according to the user's preference.

[0045] The lid 70' and seat 50' can rotate in a manner similar to the lid 70 and seat 50 of the toilet 20 discussed above. However, the lid 70' and seat 50' rotate only about a single angled axis 124' between the lowered position 72' and the retracted position 74', instead of two different axes (e.g., a lateral axis 122 and an angled axis 124). The rotational movement of the lid 70' and seat 50' is achieved by the opening mechanism 120'.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the opening mechanism 120' is defined by features of a cover 70', a seat ring 50', a housing 60', and a base 30'. For example, the cover 70' includes a top surface 76' and a bottom surface 78', the top surface 76' having a generally convex shape or portion, and the bottom surface 78' being positioned opposite the top surface 76' and having a generally recessed shape or portion. The cover 70' further defines a front end 82' and a rear end 84' positioned opposite the front end 82'. The cover 70' includes an elongated member 73' extending outward from the bottom surface 78' toward the rear end 84'. The elongated member 73' has a generally cylindrical shape and is defined by a first portion 73a' and a second portion 73b' extending from the first portion 73a'. The elongated member 73' may include one or more openings extending through the elongated member to receive, for example, fluid conduits, wires, or other components of the cover 70'. The diameter of the first part 73a' is larger than that of the second part 73b' in order to define the flange 73c', which is used to limit the axial position of the cover 70' relative to the seat ring 50', the details of which will be discussed in later paragraphs. The elongated member 73' also defines an angled axis 124' for the cover 70' to rotate about it, which will be discussed in detail below.

[0047] Seat ring 50' includes a top surface 56' having a generally convex shape that complements the surface profile of the bottom surface 78' of lid 70'. Seat ring 50' also includes a bottom surface 58' positioned opposite to the top surface 56'. Seat ring 50' further defines a front end 62' and a rear end 64' positioned opposite to the front end 62'. Seat ring 50' includes a generally hollow elongated member 53' extending outward from the bottom surface 58' toward the rear end 64'. The hollow elongated member 53' is generally hollow and cylindrical, defining an opening 53a' that extends through the top surface 56' of the seat ring and through the entire length of the hollow elongated member 53'. The hollow elongated member 53' can receive the elongated member 73' of lid 70' through at least a portion or the entire length of the opening 53a'.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the opening 53a' is countersunk to define an inner flange for engaging with the flange 73c' near the top surface 56' of the elongated member 73', thereby restricting the axial position of the cover 70' relative to the seat ring 50' to allow relative rotational movement between the cover 70' and the seat ring 50'. The cover 70' can rotate relative to the seat ring 50' via the elongated member 73' within the opening 53a' of the hollow elongated member 53'. Similarly, the seat ring 50' can rotate relative to the cover 70' via the hollow elongated member 53'. Thus, the elongated member 73' and the hollow elongated member 53' together define the same angled axis 124'. Figure 3 As shown, the hollow, elongated member 53' also includes an outer surface having an external thread 53b' for threaded engagement with the first rotatable member 55'. The first rotatable member 55' is annular, defining an internal thread 55a' and an outer surface 55b'. The internal thread 55a' can selectively engage with the external thread 53b' to allow the seat ring 50' and the cover 70' to translate axially along an angled axis 124'.

[0049] Still refer to Figure 3 The opening mechanism 120' further includes a second rotatable member 57' for engagement with the elongated member 73'. For example, the elongated member 73' may have sufficient length to extend through an opening 53a' at the distal end of the hollow elongated member 73', such that the second rotatable member 57' can be engaged with the portion of the elongated member 73' extending through the opening 53a'. The second rotatable member 57' is annular, defining an inner surface 57a' and an outer surface 57b'. The inner surface 57a' may be securely engaged with the outer surface of the second portion 73b' of the elongated member 73'. According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 57b' may define one or more gear teeth for engagement with one or more individual drive gears of the motor 61', such as... Figure 3As illustrated schematically. For example, motor 61' may be an electric motor including one or more independent drive gears, these drive gears including complementary gear teeth rotatably engaged on the outer surface 57b' of the second rotatable member 57', so as to selectively rotate the second rotatable member 57' and the cover 70' about an angled axis 124' via an elongated member 73' in response to user input (e.g., via a controller described herein). According to other exemplary embodiments, motor 61' may be configured to engage and rotate the second rotatable member 57' in a manner other than gear arrangement, such as a rotatable bearing, belt drive, etc. In this way, cover 70' can be rotated automatically and independently by motor 61' about an angled axis 124'.

[0050] Still refer to Figure 3 The opening mechanism 120' further includes a third rotatable member 59' for engagement with the hollow elongated member 53'. The third rotatable member 59' is annular and defines an inner surface 59a' and an outer surface 59b'. The inner surface 59a' is securely engaged with a second portion (external thread 53b') of the hollow elongated member 53'. According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 59b' may define one or more gear teeth for engaging one or more individual drive gears of the motor 61'. For example, the motor 61' may be an electric motor that includes one or more individual drive gears, which include complementary gear teeth rotatably engaged with the outer surface 59b' of the third rotatable member 59' to selectively rotate the third rotatable member 59' and the seat ring 50' about an angled axis 124' via the hollow elongated member 53' in response to user input. According to other exemplary embodiments, motor 61' may include a plurality of independent motors for engaging the first rotatable member 55', the second rotatable member 57', and the third rotatable member 59', respectively. According to other exemplary embodiments, motor 61' may be configured to engage and rotate the third rotatable member 59' in a manner other than a gear arrangement. In this way, seat ring 50' can automatically and independently rotate about an angled axis 124' in a manner similar to that of cover 70'.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, the opening mechanism 120' further includes a housing 60' for receiving portions of the first rotatable member 55', the second rotatable member 57', the third rotatable member 59', and the elongated members 53', 73. The housing 60' includes an opening 60a' for receiving portions of the elongated members 53', 73 therein. The housing 60' may include additional openings to provide an interface between the rotatable members 55', 57', 59' and one or more independent drive gears of a motor 61', which can be coupled to an internal portion of the base 30'. According to another exemplary embodiment, the housing 60' houses one or more motors 61'. The housing 60' can be connected to the base 30' via a mounting plate 32a'.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 60' further includes an outer surface 60b' that defines a mis-proofing feature (e.g., error-proofing feature) for positioning and aligning the housing 60' relative to the base 30'. For example, the housing 60' may include a longitudinal protrusion on the outer surface 60b' configured to engage a complementary feature defined by an inner surface 32b' of the base 30', which defines an opening 32' for aligning and detachably engaging the housing 60' with the base 30'. The housing 60' and / or the base 30' may include fastening devices for detachably engaging the housing 60' with the base 30', such as snap-fit ​​devices, bayonet devices, or other types of fastening devices, so that the housing 60' can be removed from the base 30'. In this way, the lid 70' and the seat ring 50' can be selectively removed from the base 30' as a seat ring and lid sub-assembly 140' via the housing 60' to allow for servicing, maintenance, or cleaning of the various components of the toilet 20'.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 The opening mechanism 120' allows the cover 70' and the seat ring 50' to pivot or rotate rearward about an angled axis 124', so as to move between a lowered position 72' and a retracted position 74'. The angled axis 124' is an axis extending forward toward the front end 42' of the base 30' at an angle (e.g., an oblique angle) relative to the vertical and longitudinal axes (where the vertical axis (i.e., the Z-axis) extends vertically along the height of the base 30', and the longitudinal axis (i.e., the X-axis) extends horizontally along the depth of the base 30' (i.e., between the front end 42' and the rear end 44' of the base 30')). The angled axis 124' passes through elongated members 53', 73' and longitudinally through the opening 53a'. The transverse axis (i.e., the Y-axis), the vertical axis (i.e., the Z-axis), and the longitudinal axis (i.e., the X-axis) are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0054] Figure 4The diagram illustrates the reference centers of mass for the lid and seat opening mechanism of the toilet 20. The center of mass CL of the lid and the center of mass CS of the seat are located above the basin, separated by a large distance from the pivot axis 124. This large distance can be 10 cm, 20 cm, or greater. This large distance can be at least 20% or more of the diameter of the corresponding seat 50 or lid 70. The center of mass CL of the lid can be higher than the basin 32 of the base 30. The center of mass CS of the seat can be higher than the basin 32 of the base 30.

[0055] Figure 4 The diagram also illustrates a flushing engine 105. The flushing engine 105 may include one or more valves and one or more pumps for delivering water to the basin 32. The flushing engine 105 may be fluidly connected to a rim opening or nozzle and / or a siphon jet opening. The rim opening or nozzle is typically positioned around the inner periphery of the toilet basin so that water flows through a rim passage or directly from a rim nozzle near the rim. The siphon jet opening is typically positioned at the lower part or bottom of the toilet basin so that water flows directly from the bottom of the toilet basin into the drain passage, creating a siphon effect to draw or push all water and waste from the basin into the sewer.

[0056] Figure 5 An exemplary housing and counterweight arrangement of a lid and seat opening mechanism is illustrated. Seat 50 and lid 70 rotate about pivot axis 124. Seat 50 and lid 70 may rotate about different axes (e.g., the seat axis may be offset from the lid axis). Lid 70 may include a top housing 170 and a bottom housing 171. The top housing 170 and bottom housing 171 are assembled together to form a cavity in lid 70. The cavity may contain and support a counterweight 111. The counterweight 111 is also fixedly coupled to lid 70. The counterweight 111 shifts the center of mass of lid 70 from a previous position near or along line 134 (CL) to a new position near axis 124. The counterweight 111 separates the center of mass of lid 70 from the geometric center of lid. The center of mass of lid 70 may lie on pivot axis 124 (e.g., pivot axis 124 may intersect the center of mass). The center of mass of lid 70 may maintain a predetermined distance from pivot axis 124. For example, the distance can be within 1 centimeter.

[0057] The seat ring 50 may include a top housing 150 and a bottom housing 151. The top housing 150 and the bottom housing are assembled together to form a cavity in the seat ring 50. The cavity in the seat ring 50 may contain and support a counterweight 112. The counterweight 112 may be fixedly attached to the seat ring 50. The counterweight 112 shifts the center of mass of the seat ring 50 from a previous position near or along line 134 (CS position) to a new position near axis 124. The counterweight 112 separates the center of mass of the seat ring 50 from the geometric center of the seat ring 50. The center of mass of the seat ring 50 may maintain a predetermined distance from the pivot axis 124. For example, the distance may be within 1 to 3 centimeters.

[0058] In some examples, the seat ring 50 is coupled to a seat ring shaft that rotates the seat ring 50, while the cover 70 is coupled to a cover shaft that rotates the cover 70. The seat ring shaft may pass through the cover shaft, and vice versa. Thus, the seat ring shaft and the cover shaft may be concentric. The counterweights 111 and 112 may also include openings for the shafts. The seat ring shaft may pass through the opening in the counterweight 112. The cover shaft may pass through the openings in both the counterweight 111 and the counterweight 112.

[0059] Counterweights 111 and 112 can be arranged differently. Figure 6 The illustration shows an exemplary arrangement in which counterweights 111 and 112 are positioned behind axis 124. That is, counterweights 111 and 112 are located on the opposite side of axis 124 compared to the opening in the seat ring 50. Figure 6 In the example, counterweights 111 and 112 are located behind the pivot axis. The counterweights include at least one substantially parallel curved surface 412 and 411. In some examples, counterweight 112 has a quadrilateral cross-section, and counterweight 111 has a triangular cross-section.

[0060] Counterweights 111 and 112 can be made of various materials. The materials may have a density or specific gravity greater than a threshold. The materials may have a density or specific gravity greater than other portions of the cover 70 or seat ring 50. The materials may be metal or stone. Materials may include iron, steel, or tungsten. Materials may include sand or ball bearings. The materials may be composite materials or resins.

[0061] Figure 7 An exemplary lid 70 and lid weight 111 are illustrated. In this example, the weight 111 is made of iron with a density of approximately 7 g / cm³. The density of the weight 111 is several times that of the rest of the lid 70. The lid 70 may be made of ABS, which has a density of approximately 1 g / cm³.

[0062] Figure 8 An exemplary seat ring 50 and seat ring counterweight 112 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the density of the counterweight 112 is greater than the density of the seat ring 50. For example, the counterweight 112 is made of iron having a density of approximately 7 g / cm³. The density of the counterweight 112 is several times that of the other parts of the seat ring 50. The seat ring 50 may be made of plastic or a thermoplastic polymer with a density of approximately 1 g / cm³. An example of a thermoplastic polymer is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0063] Figure 9 and Figure 10An example graph comparing the energy efficiency of a pivotable toilet seat assembly, including a pivot axis and counterweights, to a conventional toilet seat is shown. Because the counterweights 111 and 112 balance the seat 50 and lid 70, the seat 50 and lid 70 can be rotated by a motor at lower power. Alternatively, one or more solenoids can be used to open and close the seat 50 and lid 70.

[0064] Figure 9 As illustrated in Figure 250, the motor of the rotatable pivotable toilet seat assembly 260 consumes approximately 0.26 joules. Figure 10 As illustrated in Figure 251, the motor for lifting a conventional toilet seat 261 may consume more than 4 joules. The motor or multiple motors or other drive mechanisms can receive electrical energy (e.g., stored electrical energy) from one or more batteries. In other examples, the drive mechanism receives power from a power converter (e.g., an AC-to-DC converter) connected to a power outlet.

[0065] In one example, the drive mechanism (e.g., a motor) can be driven by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal. The PWM signal can be selected to selectively and intermittently reduce or remove power from the drive mechanism (e.g., the motor) at predetermined times, thereby making the movement of the seat ring 50 and / or cover 70 effortless or operate at lower power. This technique can reduce the power consumption of the drive mechanism. Furthermore, energy reduction can be achieved by including circuitry that recovers energy from the back electromotive force (EMF), which the motor observes when the load inertial coasts and reverses the drive mechanism. The EMF force can provide electrical energy and direct it to storage devices such as batteries or supercapacitors.

[0066] In one example, the power required to open and close the lid 70, including the counterweight 111, is reduced compared to a typical toilet seat with a hinge assembly, and the power required to open and close the seat ring 50 is reduced compared to a typical toilet seat with a hinge assembly. In one example, the average power required for each operation is reduced by approximately three times.

[0067] Figure 11 An exemplary drive mechanism 220 for opening the lid and seat of a toilet 130 is illustrated. The drive mechanism 220 may include a single motor coupled to a first drive system for the seat 50 and a second drive system for the lid 70. As shown, the drive mechanism includes a first motor M1 for the seat 50 and a second motor M2 for the lid 70.

[0068] Figure 12The illustration shows a toilet 140 including an exemplary drive mechanism for a lid 70. The drive mechanism for the lid 70 includes a second motor M2 and at least one gear G2. Both the second motor M2 and the at least one gear G2 can be located above the seat ring 50. That is, the second motor M2 and the at least one gear G2 can be located between the bottom housing 171 of the lid 70 and the top housing 150 of the seat ring 50.

[0069] Figure 13 The illustration shows a toilet 140 with a water system for operating the toilet 140. As shown, the valve control system in the flushing engine 105 may include a series of valves for opening or closing the water flow for flushing the toilet 140. At least one valve controls the water flow to the edge channel 106 for edge cleaning. At least one valve controls the water flow to the sump jet 118 (e.g., ...). Figure 13 (As shown), to help empty the contents of the basin. Viewed from the rear, the drain passage 115 provides a path for water flow from the sump of the basin to the outlet of the toilet 140 (such as a drain pipe). A spray device 35 may be mounted on a base 30 below the seat 50. The spray device 35 may be a bidet configured to spray water onto a user sitting on the toilet. The spray device 35 may be a shower mounted on the base 30, configured to spray the seat 50 or other areas. The shower may spray a cleaning solution or water containing a cleaning compound stored in a tank fluidly connected to the water tank. The spray device 35 may be electrically coupled to a spray device control circuit. The spray device control circuit is configured to control the opening and closing of the spray device 35. The spray device control circuit is configured to operate the spray device 35 in a predetermined mode (e.g., high flow rate, low flow rate). The spray device control circuit may receive input from a user switch or button. The spraying device control circuit can receive input from user sensors (such as pressure sensors). The spraying device control circuit can operate independently of the controller 301. Alternate locations of the spraying device 35 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0070] Figure 14 Another view of the toilet 140 is illustrated, showing a portion of an exemplary drive mechanism for the lid and seat opening mechanism. A battery 109 can be connected to each of motors M1 and M2 via cable 107. Motor M1 provides mechanical power to rotate the lid 70 via a drive system including at least gear G1. Motor M2 provides mechanical power to rotate the seat via a drive system including at least gear G2. The toilet 140 may further include a sump jet 118. In any of the disclosed embodiments, the battery 109 may be omitted, and alternating current (AC) power (e.g., a water outlet) may be used. The AC power can be converted to direct current (DC) via a power converter coupled to the toilet 140.

[0071] exist Figure 14 In another embodiment shown, the water passage may include a turbine 181 (water turbine). The turbine 181 may be configured to generate electricity (i.e., current) as fluid flows through it. Specifically, the turbine 181 may include an impeller disposed in a passage or conduit through which the fluid (e.g., water) flows. As water flows through the passage or conduit containing the impeller, it may come into contact with the impeller, causing it to rotate. The water turbine 181 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils configured to generate electricity when fluid flows through the impeller, causing it to rotate.

[0072] Turbine 181 can be in fluid communication with and receive water flow from a water supply system. As shown, turbine 181 can also be in fluid communication with edge channel 106 and / or sump jet 118. Turbine 181 can be electrically connected to battery 109 and / or controller. Battery 109 can be configured to store the power generated by turbine 181. In some examples, the power generated by turbine 181 can first pass through the controller before being stored in battery 109. Battery 109 and / or controller can be configured to supply the power stored in battery 109 to one or both of motors M1 and M2. For example, the power generated by turbine 181 can power a first motor M1, directly or through battery 109, to rotate a seat ring 50 including counterweight 112; the power generated by turbine 181 can power a second motor M2, directly or through battery 109, to rotate a cover 70 including counterweight 111. The electricity generated by turbine 181 can power motor 61', either directly or via battery 109, to rotate seat 50 (including counterweight 112) and lid 70 (including counterweight 111). Turbine 181, battery 109, and / or controller can be configured to supply power stored in battery 109 to one or more components (such as valves, pumps) of a system for flushing the toilet. The electricity generated by turbine 181 can power one or more indicators or displays to provide status or commands to flush engine 105. The electricity generated by turbine 181 can power one or more indicators or displays to provide status or commands to lid 70 and / or seat 50.

[0073] Figure 15 An exemplary controller 301 for operating the drive mechanism of seat ring 50 and lid 70 is illustrated. Controller 301 may include processor 300, memory 352, and communication interface 353 for interfacing with a device or the Internet and / or other network 346. In addition to communication interface 353, a sensor interface may be configured to receive data from sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor for triggering operation of seat ring 50 and / or lid 70; a position sensor for detecting the position of seat ring 50 and / or lid).

[0074] The components of the control system can communicate using bus 348. The control system can be connected to a workstation or other external device (such as a control panel) and / or a database to receive user input, system characteristics, and any values ​​described herein.

[0075] Optionally, the control system may include an input device 355 and / or sensing circuitry 356 that communicates with any sensor. The sensing circuitry receives sensor measurements from the aforementioned sensors. The input device may include any user input device, such as a button, touchscreen, keyboard, microphone for voice input, camera for gesture input, and / or other mechanism.

[0076] Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading a non-transitory computer medium 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to execute instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for performing the algorithms described herein. The display 350 may be an indicator or other screen output device. The display 350 may be combined with a user input device 355.

[0077] Figure 16 It shows the use of Figure 15 The flowchart shows the actions in the device. The actions in the flowchart can be performed by the controller 301. Additional, different, or fewer actions may be included.

[0078] In action S101, controller 301 (e.g., processor 300) receives input data to trigger operation of the toilet seat assembly. Data input may include data from sensors, such as a proximity sensor that detects a user approaching the toilet or making a gesture towards it. Input data may be received from a user-operated remote controller or mobile device. Input data may specify seat opening or closing and / or lid opening or closing.

[0079] In action S103, controller 301 (e.g., processor 300) generates a first signal to rotate the seat ring and seat ring counterweight. The first signal may activate motor M1 or other drive mechanism. The first signal may specify a predetermined angle of rotation of the seat ring.

[0080] In action S105, controller 301 (e.g., processor 300) generates a second signal to rotate the lid and lid counterweight. The second signal may activate motor M2 or other drive mechanism. The second signal may specify a predetermined angle of rotation of the lid.

[0081] The center of mass of the seat ring is separated from the geometric center of the seat ring, and the center of mass of the lid is separated from the geometric center of the lid.

[0082] Processor 300 may be a general-purpose or special-purpose processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing units, or other suitable processing units. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer-readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, remote server, etc.). Processor 300 may be a single device or a combination of devices, for example, associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

[0083] Memory 352 may include one or more means (e.g., storage cells, memory devices, storage units, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to perform and / or facilitate the various processes described herein. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical storage, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. Memory 352 may be communicatively connected to processor 300 via processing circuitry and may include computer code for performing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, memory 298 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, spray configuration files, or other resources for generating graphical user interfaces for display and / or for interpreting user interface input to make command, control, or communication decisions.

[0084] In addition to ingress and egress ports, communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. Operable connections may be connections where signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications can be sent and / or received. Operable connections may include physical interfaces, electrical interfaces, and / or data interfaces. Communication interface 353 may connect to a network. This network may include a wired network (e.g., Ethernet), a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax (Global System for Microwave Access) network, Bluetooth pairing of the device, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Furthermore, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or a combination thereof, and may utilize various currently available or future-developed network protocols, including but not limited to TCP / IP-based network protocols.

[0085] Although a computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown as a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes single or multiple media, such as centralized or distributed databases, and / or associated caches and servers storing one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" should also include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for processor execution, or causing a computer system to perform any one or more methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0086] In certain non-limiting, exemplary embodiments, a computer-readable medium may include solid-state memory, such as a memory card or other package housing one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may be random access memory or other volatile rewritable memory. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may include magneto-optical or optical media, such as disks or magnetic tapes or other storage devices, to capture carrier signals, such as signals communicated via a transmission medium. Emails or other self-contained information archives or sets of digital files can be considered distribution media of tangible storage media. Therefore, this disclosure is considered to include any one or more of computer-readable media or distribution media and other equivalents and subsequent media in which data or instructions may be stored. A computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.

[0087] In another embodiment, a dedicated hardware implementation, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic array (PLA), and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more methods described herein. Applications of the devices and systems that may include the various embodiments are broadly applicable to a wide range of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may use two or more specific, interconnected hardware modules or devices to implement functionality, these modules or devices having associated controls and data signals that can communicate between and through modules, or as part of an application-specific integrated circuit. Therefore, this system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0088] The accompanying drawings of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. These drawings are not intended as a complete description of all elements and features of apparatuses and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examining this disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, thereby allowing structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the drawings are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Some scales in the drawings may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0089] While this specification contains numerous specific details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the scope of any claims, but rather as descriptions of specific features of particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features described in individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although the foregoing features may be described as functioning in certain combinations, or even originally required, in some cases one or more features may be removed from the required combination, and the required combination may be for a sub-combination or a variation thereof.

[0090] One or more embodiments of this disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, using the term "invention" for convenience only, and are not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Furthermore, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements aimed at achieving the same or similar purpose may supersede the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the foregoing embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification.

[0091] The above detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the following claims are understood to include all equivalents in order to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be construed as limiting to the order or elements described unless so stated. Therefore, all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the following claims and their equivalents are claimed as part of the invention.

Claims

1. A toilet, comprising: Base; A seat ring, which is rotatably connected to the base; A first counterweight is fixedly connected to the seat ring, wherein the first counterweight separates the center of mass of the seat ring from the geometric center of the seat ring, the seat ring includes a contact portion in which a user contacts the seat ring, and the first counterweight is at an angle to the contact portion. A cover, which is rotatably connected to the seat ring; as well as A second counterweight is fixedly connected to the lid, wherein the second counterweight separates the center of mass of the lid from the geometric center of the lid; The toilet also includes a pivot axis, about which the seat and the lid rotate, the pivot axis being at an angle relative to each of the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis.

2. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein the center of mass of the seat ring is within a predetermined distance of the pivot axis.

3. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein the center of mass of the lid is within a predetermined distance of the pivot axis.

4. The toilet according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one pivot axis, wherein the at least one pivot axis passes through a first opening of the first counterweight or a second opening of the second counterweight.

5. The toilet of claim 4, wherein the at least one pivot axis comprises a first axis and a second axis, the first axis being connected to the lid and the second axis being connected to the seat ring.

6. The toilet of claim 4, wherein the majority of the second counterweight is located on the first side of the at least one pivot axis, and the majority of the lid is located on the second side of the at least one pivot axis.

7. The toilet of claim 4, wherein a majority of the first counterweight is located on a first side of the at least one pivot axis, and a majority of the seat is located on a second side of the at least one pivot axis.

8. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein the seat ring includes a seat ring housing surrounding the first counterweight.

9. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a lid housing that surrounds the second counterweight.

10. The toilet according to claim 1, further comprising: A motor configured to rotate the seat ring or the cover; as well as A battery configured to store electrical energy to operate the motor.

11. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the first counterweight or the second counterweight comprises metal.

12. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein the toilet is a tankless toilet.

13. A drive mechanism for a toilet, the drive mechanism comprising: motor; A first gear, driven by the motor, causes the toilet seat housing to rotate about a pivot axis, the pivot axis being at an angle relative to each of a vertical axis and a longitudinal axis, the seat housing including a first counterweight, the seat housing including a contact portion, the user contacting the seat housing at the contact portion, and the first counterweight being at an angle to the contact portion; as well as A second gear, driven by the motor, causes the toilet lid housing to rotate about the pivot axis. The lid housing includes a second counterweight fixedly connected to the lid.

14. The drive mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first counterweight separates the center of mass of the seat ring from the geometric center of the seat ring, and the second counterweight separates the center of mass of the cover from the geometric center of the cover.

15. The drive mechanism according to claim 13, further comprising: A battery configured to store energy and supply the stored energy to the motor.

16. The drive mechanism according to claim 13, further comprising: A power converter configured to supply current to the motor.

17. The drive mechanism according to claim 13, further comprising: At least one pivot axis, wherein the at least one pivot axis passes through a first opening of the first counterweight or a second opening of the second counterweight.

18. A method for automatically operating a toilet seat assembly, the method comprising: Receive input data to trigger the operation of the toilet seat assembly; A first signal is generated to cause the seat ring and seat ring counterweight to rotate about a pivot axis, which is at an angle relative to each of the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis. as well as A second signal is generated to cause the lid and its counterweight to rotate about the pivot axis, wherein the center of mass of the seat ring is separated from the geometric center of the seat ring, the center of mass of the lid is separated from the geometric center of the lid, and the seat ring includes a contact portion in which the user contacts the seat ring, and the counterweight of the seat ring is at an angle to the contact portion.

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