Cover plate system for toilet water tank

Abstract

A cover system for a toilet tank includes a reservoir and a cover. The reservoir is configured to receive a cartridge. The cover is configured to cover a rim portion of the reservoir. The reservoir is fluidly connected to the toilet tank and the toilet bowl. The flush valve is configured to initiate an operating cycle that includes dispensing water from the reservoir into the toilet bowl and dispensing water from the toilet tank into the reservoir. The reservoir is integrally formed with a cover plate for a toilet tank.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 526,799, filed on July 14, 2023, and U.S. Application No. 18 / 761,212, filed on July 2, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application generally relates to the field of cleaning systems for use with toilets, accessibility to toilets, toilet equipment and accessories thereof. More specifically, the present application relates to cleaning systems configured to dispense cleaning compounds for use in and around toilets and accessories thereof to improve cleanliness in and around toilets. Background Art

[0004] Over time, scale (e.g., urine scale), minerals, bacteria, and other undesirable deposits (e.g., biofilm) accumulate on the surfaces of the toilet, particularly on the inner surfaces of the bowl and trapway. In addition, these deposits may become trapped in small imperfections in the inner surface of the toilet (which may be a vitreous material). These accumulated deposits can cause undesirable odors and stains, and breed germs and bacteria. It would be advantageous to provide a toilet with a cleaning system (e.g., an internal cleaning system, an external cleaning system) that provides improved cleanliness to address the aforementioned problems, such as inhibiting or reducing scale and / or providing deodorization.

[0005] Additionally, the exterior surfaces of the toilet and users of the toilet may come into contact with germs and bacteria, such as by touching and using the toilet.It would be advantageous to provide a toilet including a cleaning system that provides improved cleanliness of the toilet, accessories, and / or user. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application discloses a toilet, comprising: a toilet tank; a cover for the toilet tank; a reservoir formed in the cover for the toilet tank and configured to receive a cartridge comprising a chemical compound, wherein the reservoir is fluidly connected to the toilet tank and / or a toilet bowl.

[0007] The present application also discloses a toilet assembly, comprising: a toilet tank; a cover for the toilet tank; a reservoir integrated in the cover, the reservoir being configured to receive a cartridge; and a cover configured to cover an edge portion of the reservoir; wherein the reservoir is fluidly connected to the toilet tank and the toilet bowl, wherein a flush valve is configured to start an operating cycle, the operating cycle comprising: dispensing water from the reservoir into the toilet bowl; and dispensing water to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is integrally formed with the cover for the toilet tank.

[0008] The present application also discloses a method comprising: providing a chemical dispensing system in a reservoir within a cover of a toilet tank; initiating a flush cycle in response to a flush trigger; dispensing water from the reservoir into a toilet bowl; and dispensing water into the reservoir. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet tank according to the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 2 A perspective view of a toilet tank and a cover member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 3 The diagram shows a reservoir connected to a toilet tank and toilet bowl and utilizing a flush valve to initiate an operating cycle.

[0013] Figure 4 A flow chart for a dispensing system is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 5 A controller for a dispensing system is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 6 A flow chart of the controller is shown.

[0016] These figures illustrate certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details and methods set forth in the detailed description or illustrated in these figures. It should be understood that the terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] One embodiment relates to a toilet comprising a toilet bowl, a water tank configured to hold water, and a flush valve in the water tank. The flush valve comprises a valve body fluidly connecting the water tank and the toilet bowl, a float movable relative to the valve body to open and close the flush valve, and a guide member coupled to the valve body for guiding the movement of the float. The water tank is covered by a cover (or cover plate) comprising one or more cleaning compound containers for holding a cleaning compound and water, which may be collectively referred to as a cleaning mixture or cleaning solution. The cover is also configured to release the cleaning compound and water into the water tank or directly into the toilet bowl through the flush valve and the rim jet. The cleaning compound is configured to be dispensed into the water tank or into the toilet bowl through the valve body when the flush valve is open.

[0018] The cleaning compound dispenser may be fluidly connected to the tank to selectively dispense the cleaning compound through the valve body toward the bowl. The dispenser may include a body, at least one nozzle through which the cleaning compound is dispensed, and a fluid passage through the body fluidly connected to the at least one nozzle.

[0019] The toilet may include a fill valve disposed in the water tank. The fill valve may include an inlet for receiving water from a source and a fluid conduit for supplying water to a cleaning compound dispenser in the water tank cover.

[0020] The toilet may include a sensor that may be disposed in a cleaning compound dispenser in a tank cover to measure the concentration of the cleaning compound and transmit the measured concentration to a controller. The toilet may include an indicator having a light source, wherein the light source is illuminated by a signal from the controller based on the concentration of the cleaning compound. The light source may be illuminated when the concentration of the cleaning compound is below a threshold concentration. The toilet may include a cover configured to be removably coupled to the tank for concealing the contents of the tank. The light source may be disposed on the cover. The controller may be coupled to the cover and may wirelessly communicate with the sensor. The cover may include a user interface for adjusting the concentration of the cleaning compound.

[0021] The toilet may include a controller configured to control the volume of the cleaning compound. The controller may be configured to control the concentration of the cleaning compound by controlling at least one of the volume in the reservoir of the container, the flow rate of the chemical compound and water from the container, or the volume of the chemical compound in the reservoir.

[0022] As a non-limiting example, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be configured to affect scale, slip layers, and / or disinfection, thereby having improved cleanliness. For example, the systems and methods of the present application can reduce scale, increase slip layers, and / or increase disinfection. As used herein, the term "scale" generally refers to mineral deposits (e.g., calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, etc.) that gather or accumulate on the surface of system components such as toilets. As used herein, the term "slip layer" generally refers to a coating that can be applied to the surface of a system component to affect the coefficient of friction of the surface. For example, a non-stick coating can be applied to the surface of a component to reduce the coefficient of friction of the surface to which the coating is applied. As used herein, the term "disinfection" generally refers to the application of antimicrobial chemicals (e.g., introduction, etc.).

[0023] One such application for the system and method is used with a toilet to provide improved cleanliness of the toilet, the area around the toilet and / or the toilet user. The toilet can be configured to include a delivery system for introducing a chemical component (e.g., a cleaning compound) to thereby reduce scale, slip and / or disinfection. The system and method of the present application can affect other aspects related to the cleanliness or sensory cleanliness of the components. For example, odors associated with the system (and its use) may be affected by the system and method of the present application (e.g., masked, mitigated, reduced, etc.), such as but not limited to the use of active filters (e.g., hydroxyl, etc.), passive filters (e.g., carbon, gas, etc.) and / or odors applied to system components or contained in system components. In addition, for example, the shape of the system components can be configured to affect the cleanliness of the system, such as but not limited to the use of a rimless toilet bowl, the use of a skirt (e.g., around the toilet bowl / base), the reduction of the number of surfaces, the use of improved hinges, the use of a tankless water system, the smoothness of the surface, and other examples disclosed herein. Various aspects (eg, chemical composition, configuration, etc.) are disclosed in more detail below, and improved delivery systems are disclosed in more detail below.

[0024] Figure 1 A toilet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of a skirt toilet 10 is illustrated, which includes a toilet tank 11, a base 21 (or base) supporting a toilet bowl 23, a seat assembly 17, and a coupling assembly or mounting assembly. The seat assembly 17 includes a cover 18 and a seat ring 19, which rests on a rim 24 of the toilet bowl 23. The toilet tank 11 may include a reservoir 12 for storing water used during an operating (or flushing) cycle, a cover member 13 for selectively entering the reservoir 12, and an actuator (flush mechanism) 14 configured to initiate an operating cycle when activated. The cover member 13 may include a chemical dispensing system 20. The cover member 13 may include an opening 16 for a cover 15. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

[0025] The actuator 14 or flush mechanism may include a button configured to be activated when pressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to be activated when rotated at a predetermined angle, or any suitable device configured to be activated based on a user's input manipulation. The system described in the present application (e.g., toilet, dispenser, etc.) can be configured to utilize the chemical composition in the chemical dispensing system 20 to advantageously assist in cleaning or help maintain cleanliness longer than a toilet without improved chemical composition. As a non-limiting example, the chemical composition disclosed herein can advantageously help prevent the formation of scale, remove scale that has been formed, prevent or remove biofilm, prevent or mask odors, and / or disinfect the components of the toilet or other device disclosed in the present application. A toilet utilizing improved chemical composition can be free of cleaning (e.g., before sediment accumulates) for one to six months (e.g., eight weeks) or longer. More specific examples of chemical compositions / cleaning compounds are described in more detail below.

[0026] The chemical composition / cleaning compound can be delivered alone or mixed with another compound or element to a specific part of the system, such as the toilet tank 11. The compound can be provided to the toilet tank 11, such as prepared in a cover member 13 introduced into the toilet for use in the toilet.

[0027] The systems (e.g., toilets, etc.) and methods of the present application can be configured to utilize one or more than one compound / chemical composition to improve the cleanliness of the system. In the present application, the terms "chemical composition", "compound" and "cleaning compound" are used interchangeably to indicate the use of chemical compositions, chemical compounds, chemical elements, or any combination thereof that are not just water. Therefore, although the systems described in the present application can use water (e.g., to dilute the cleaning compound, for flushing, etc.), and the cleaning compound can include water, the chemical composition / compound / cleaning compound includes at least one additional chemical component (e.g., element, compound, etc.) other than water.

[0028] The system can introduce one or more cleaning compounds into or onto a component (e.g., element), surface, and / or feature of the system or another system. For example, a toilet can be configured to introduce one or more cleaning compounds into or onto a bowl, valve, tank, trap, or drain channel, and / or any other part of a toilet. As one such example, a toilet can be configured to introduce hydrogen peroxide (HO) into the bowl of a toilet to help clean the inner surface that comes into contact with liquid and solid waste. Other examples related to toilets and other systems such as independent dispensers, paper dispensers, etc. are discussed in this application.

[0029] In addition to H2O2, chlorine and peracetic acid (PAA) are additional non-limiting examples of chemicals / compounds that can be used with the systems and methods of the present application. Some additional non-limiting examples of chemicals / compounds that can be used with the systems and methods of the present application include (but are not limited to) polyphosphates (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP), etc.), low pH acids (e.g., hydrogen chloride (HCL), dihydrogen phosphate (HPO), trisodium phosphate (TSP), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and compounds thereof, and other acids and / or sealants. These chemicals / compounds may be most beneficial in, for example, preventing and / or removing scale. Chemicals / compounds that can be used with the systems of the present application Still other examples include (but are not limited to) dodecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), HO, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) such as bleach, PAA, triclosan, formic acid, TSP and compounds thereof, and other disinfectants (e.g., quaternary disinfectants) and bactericides. These chemicals / compounds may be most beneficial, for example, in preventing and / or removing biofilms. It should be noted that other chemicals / compounds may also be used in the systems and methods disclosed in the present application, and any such chemicals / compounds disclosed may be used with any of the systems and / or methods disclosed.

[0030] The chemical / compound can take various forms, such as liquid or solid. One example is in the form of phosphate beads, which can be spherical (e.g., 12.7 mm to 25.4 mm in diameter) or can have any suitable shape. Another example includes an enclosure (e.g., a glass enclosure) that contains the chemical (e.g., phosphate) and is released or contacted with a diluent, such as through an opening. The concentration of the chemical can be relatively high so that it can be used for a long time (e.g., about a year) without replacement.

[0031] The chemical dispensing system 20 may include a system that produces a chemical / compound, such as one of the chemicals / compounds disclosed above. For example, the system 20 may include a generator that produces H2O, such as from oxygen (e.g., oxygen in the air), and water from a water source. Thus, a chemical / compound generator may be provided within the system 20 to produce a cleaning compound. According to one example, the generator may be configured to produce a chemical (e.g., H2O) diluted to 30 ppm (parts per million), such as with water or another suitable diluent. According to one example, the generator is configured to produce a chemical diluted to 100 ppm.

[0032] The system 20 for introducing cleaning compounds may be built into the toilet 10 or may be an add-on system that may be installed to a conventional system and / or the toilet 10 (after its manufacture, such as an aftermarket system or component) to improve the cleanliness of the toilet 10 .

[0033] The systems and methods described herein may include an electrochemical generator or a method of electrochemical generation, which may involve the use of oxygen, water, and an electrical current to produce chemicals / compounds.

[0034] Non-chemical methods can be used to mitigate (e.g., reduce, remove, etc.) scale and other contaminants. One such example is the use of beads. Certain minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium, etc.) can adhere to a surface (e.g., the inner surface of a toilet bowl) when in ionic form (e.g., state), but do not adhere to the surface when crystallized (i.e., in crystalline form). The beads convert the mineral from its ionic form to its crystalline form to prevent the mineral from adhering to the surface of the system and / or cause the mineral to become detached from the surface. Therefore, the mobile beads can use chemical action and / or friction to help clean the surface of the system by preventing mineral deposits from adhering to the surface of the system and / or knocking off mineral deposits that are attached to the surface. The beads can be template-assisted crystallization or TAC beads.

[0035] Beads can be used in the system 20 to reduce or inhibit the accumulation of scale and other contaminants on the surface of the toilet 10. As an example, the mobile beads can be used to clean the toilet bowl, trap, water tank, and other surfaces / elements of the toilet. Therefore, the beads can break up the scale clumps on the inner surface of toilet components such as water tanks, toilet bowls, etc. By reducing the amount of scale on the surface of the toilet, biofilms and other contaminants are less likely to adhere to the surface / scale. Therefore, the mobile beads can advantageously increase the slip layer and / or disinfection of the toilet. The beads can be configured to adhere to deposits (e.g., urine scale) on the surface of the system to be cleaned (e.g., a toilet) and then crystallize to increase in size, thereby allowing the beads and the attached deposits to be knocked off by a fluid passing through the beads and the deposits (such as a fluid stream from a fluidized fluid stream flowing through the toilet or a fluid stream from a dispenser described in the present application).

[0036] The beads can be configured to have any suitable size. According to one non-limiting example, the beads have a diameter of about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. However, the size of the beads can be larger or smaller than 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0037] One example use of the flow beads is for cleaning a toilet, such as surfaces exposed to water and / or waste. The chemicals and compounds provided by the beads can be introduced into the toilet in different ways. As non-limiting examples, the beads can be used in any fluid line of the toilet, such as a water inlet line (e.g., a line that introduces water into the toilet), inside a water tank of the toilet (e.g., directly or indirectly exposed to water in the tank), inside a valve of the toilet (e.g., a fill valve, a flush valve, etc.), or in other suitable ways.

[0038] Figure 2 A toilet tank 11 having a reservoir 12 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a toilet 10 is shown, which includes a cover member 13, a reservoir 26 (such as Figure 3 ), an opening 16 of the reservoir 26, a cover 15 for the opening 16 of the cover member 13, and a flush mechanism 14. The cover member 2 can be configured to selectively enter the reservoir 12. The flush mechanism 14 can be a button configured to be activated when pressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to be activated when rotated at a predetermined angle, or any suitable device configured to be activated based on a user's input manipulation. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

[0039] It should be noted that the shape and configuration of the water tank, base, seat assembly and internal components (including drainage channels and other features) may be different from the embodiments shown and described herein, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that the various components of the toilet can be made of vitreous china. It should be noted that the various components of the toilet can be polymers and / or overmolded or otherwise fixed to the toilet. For example, it should be noted that, for example, although the exemplary embodiment of the toilet 10 is shown as being configured to have a toilet water tank 11 formed separately from the base and subsequently connected to the base, the water tank can be formed integrally with the base as a one-piece design. In other words, the toilet can be a one-piece design, a two-piece design, or have any suitable configuration.

[0040] See also Figure 3 , which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a toilet 10 having a chemical dispensing system 20 integrated with a tank 11 (reservoir 12) and a cover 15. The chemical dispensing system 20 may include any of the systems described herein for producing chemicals and / or releasing chemicals from the chemical dispensing system 20 into a reservoir 26.

[0041] The reservoir 26 is integrated in the cover member 13. That is, the reservoir 26 is a cavity having a certain volume in the cover member 13. The cover member 13 includes a top wall (top surface) located above the reservoir 26 and a bottom wall (bottom surface) located below the reservoir 26. The cover member 13 includes side walls located on four sides of the reservoir 26. The top wall, the bottom wall, and the side walls enclose the reservoir 26 and the chemical dispensing system 20 and the cleaning solution. In addition to the wall or as an alternative to the wall, the reservoir 26 may include a capsule that accommodates the chemical dispensing system 20.

[0042] The cover member 13 includes an opening 16 having an edge portion of a cover 15 of the receiving system. The cover 15 is separate from the edge portion of the reservoir 26. The cover 15 can be hinged or connected to the edge portion of the reservoir 26. When the cover 15 is closed, the cover 15 and the cover member 13 are flush with each other when the cover 15 covers the reservoir 26.

[0043] The cover 15 of the reservoir 26 is removed, thereby allowing access to the reservoir opening 16. In other words, the user has access to replenish the chemical dispensing system 20 with chemicals through the cover 15. When the cover 15 is removed, the reservoir 26 can be cleaned or flushed through the reservoir opening 16. When the cover 15 is removed, the chemical dispensing system 20 can be replaced or repaired through the reservoir opening 16.

[0044] A fill valve 27 is located in the water tank 11 and supplies water to the system through an inlet line 31. As shown, the cover member 13 includes a fill valve line 28 having an inlet 32 ​​at one end and an outlet 33 at the other end. The inlet 32 ​​is fluidly connected to the inlet line 31 connected to a water supply (e.g., a supply line from a utility). Water received through the inlet 32 ​​can flow into the reservoir 26 of the cover member 13 to mix with the cleaning compound in the chemical dispensing system 20.

[0045] The cleaning compound can flow into the outlet line 29, such as during a flush cycle or a cleaning cycle. As shown, the system supplies a cleaning compound (e.g., including a chemical compound and water) to the flush valve 30 through the outlet line 29 so that the cleaning compound can be used to clean the toilet 10, such as during a flush cycle and / or a cleaning cycle.

[0046] When the flush valve 30 is opened, the operating cycle can begin. Various triggering mechanisms (such as manual levers and flappers, or push buttons and electronic solenoids) are possible. The trigger corresponds to the first part of the flush cycle. When the flush valve 30 is opened, water from the water tank 11 is provided to the toilet bowl through the rim jet or another opening. The flush valve 30 may also include an internal chemical dispensing valve, which opens an outlet line 29 to the toilet bowl through the rim jet. Therefore, the chemical compound from the reservoir 26 is provided to the toilet bowl. During the operating cycle, siphon action and / or gravity draws water from the reservoir 26 into the toilet bowl 23 via the tube. The tube may include an outlet line 29. Water may also enter one or more rim openings in the toilet bowl 23 through the rim passage to dispense the cleaning solution.

[0047] Alternatively, the internal chemical dispensing valve may be opened after the tank 11 has been emptied into the bowl for flushing and / or flushing. After the flush valve 30 is closed, the internal chemical dispensing valve releases and provides the chemical compound from the reservoir 26 to the tank 11 for the subsequent flush cycle. That is, the chemical compound in the tank 11 is released into the bowl when the flush valve 30 is opened the next time.

[0048] In either example, fill valve 27 provides new water to reservoir 26 and chemical dispensing system 20. That is, after the water from tank 11 is drained into bowl 23, the tank is refilled by fill valve 27, and simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, fresh water is provided to reservoir 26 where it is mixed with a cleaning compound by chemical dispensing system 20. As described above, at the next flush cycle, the chemical compound is dispensed into tank 11 and / or bowl.

[0049] The reservoir 26 can be replenished with water under the water pressure of the water supply. Alternatively, the water can also be provided through the water line 28 by siphoning.

[0050] As Figure 3 As an alternative to the embodiment shown in , the chemical compound solution from the reservoir 26 may be distributed to the water tank 11 via a capillary channel. That is, the outlet line 29 may be omitted as an opening and / or a capillary channel may connect the reservoir 26 to the water tank 11.

[0051] See also Figure 4 , showing the process of the cover system.

[0052] In step S1, cover 15 can be removed and cleaning cassette (e.g., chemical dispensing system 20) can be placed in reservoir 26. The cassette can include a chemical compound mixed with water in reservoir 26. The cassette can include one or more openings that allow water to flow in and chemical solution to flow out. The cassette can include a capillary for making water flow through the cassette. The cassette can include a pump. In one example, the pump is arranged on a circuit board having one or more electrodes or diaphragms that promote water flow through the cassette in response to electric current. In any of these examples, reservoir 26 stores cleaning solution.

[0053] In step S2, the flush valve 30 causes the cleaning solution to be dispensed from the reservoir 26 into the toilet bowl 23. For example, the flush trigger may include a button configured to mechanically activate the flush valve 30 through a drive mechanism (e.g., a rod, pulley, lever, etc.). The flush trigger may alternatively be electronic, such that a motor or solenoid moves the flush valve in response to button pressure or a signal received from a wire or wirelessly.

[0054] In step S3 , the water in the tank is drained, and the float of the flush valve 30 is lowered (eg, moved in a first direction). The water drained from the tank may cause water to be siphoned (eg, drained) from the reservoir 26 into the toilet bowl 23 .

[0055] Finally, in S4 , the toilet tank 11 is refilled, and the float of the flush valve 30 rises (eg, moves in the second direction). The float of the flush valve 30 may cause the water to be dispensed to be provided to the reservoir 26 .

[0056] Figure 5is an example block diagram of a controller 100 configured to operate a chemical dispensing system 20. The controller 100 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with a device or the Internet and / or other network 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor interface may be configured to receive data from sensors described herein or data from any source. The controller 100 may include an integrated indicator (e.g., a display, LED, speaker, or other output device). Components of the control system may communicate using a bus 348. The control system may be connected to a workstation or other external device (e.g., a control panel) and / or a database for receiving user input, system characteristics, durations, and any thresholds described herein.

[0057] The control system may include an input device 355 and / or a sensing circuit. It should be noted that Figure 5 The sensor 356 in the figure can represent both a sensor at the toilet 10 and a corresponding circuit at the controller 100 that communicates with the sensor. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from the sensor as described above. The input device 355 can alternatively include one or more user inputs, such as buttons, a touch screen, a keyboard, a microphone, or other mechanisms for calibrating any system features, durations, and any thresholds described herein.

[0058] 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 the memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein.

[0059] Figure 6 An example flow chart illustrating the operation of controller 100 for a control system of chemical dispensing system 20. Additional, different, or fewer actions may be included.

[0060] In action S101, the controller 100 (e.g., the processor 300) receives sensor data from the sensor 356. The sensor 356 may be installed in the reservoir 26. The sensor 356 may be integrated with the outlet pipe 29 and / or the flush valve 30. In one embodiment, the sensor data describes the concentration of the chemical compound in the reservoir 26.

[0061] Sensor 356 may alternatively include a timer that measures the amount of time since the last flush (ie, when flush valve 30 was actuated). Chemical dispensing system 20 may restart after a predetermined amount of time has passed.

[0062] The user input device 355 is configured to receive calibration data from a user. The calibration data may include a value for a target concentration of the chemical solution in the reservoir 26. The calibration data may specify the time of the chemical or compound in the chemical dispensing unit 20. The calibration data may define a time interval for replenishing cleaning compounds or performing other maintenance on the chemical dispensing unit 20.

[0063] In act S103, controller 100 (eg, processor 300) compares the sensor data to a threshold value for a target operation of chemical dispensing system 20. The target operation may be a target concentration for the chemical solution in the reservoir.

[0064] In action S105, the controller 100 (e.g., the processor 300) sends a command to the chemical dispensing system 20 in response to the comparison. When the concentration is below the target, the command may cause the chemical dispensing system 20 to start and / or continue to release the chemical into the reservoir. When the concentration is above the target, the command may cause the chemical dispensing system 20 to stop releasing the chemical into the reservoir.

[0065] In action S107, the controller 100 (e.g., the processor 300) provides an indication of the status or operation of the chemical dispensing system 20. The controller 100 may send a control signal to the indicator 350, which is a light, display, or other device configured to inform the user of the status or operation. The indicator 350 may inform the user that the chemical dispensing system 20 is ready. The ready state may be represented by a green light and corresponds to the controller 100 determining that the chemical solution has been added to the target concentration. The indicator 350 may inform that the chemical dispensing system 20 is dispensing (i.e., not yet ready). The ready state may be represented by a red light and corresponds to the controller 100 determining that the chemical solution is below the target concentration. The controller 100 may disable the flush actuator 14 until the chemical dispensing system 20 is ready and the indicator 350 is green.

[0066] The processor 300 may be a general or special purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), a group of processing components or other suitable processing components. The processor 300 is configured to execute computer codes or instructions stored in the 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.). The processor 300 may be a single device or a combination of devices such as associated with a network, distributed processing or cloud computing.

[0067] The memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to complete and / or facilitate the various processes described in the present disclosure. The 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. The memory 352 may include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. The memory 352 may be communicatively connected to the processor 300 through a processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., executed by the processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, the memory 352 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for generating a graphical user interface for display and / or for interpreting user interface input to make command, control, or communication decisions.

[0068] In addition to input ports and output ports, communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be a connection in which signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications can be sent and / or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and / or a data interface. Communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The 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 network, a Bluetooth device pairing, or a Bluetooth mesh network. In addition, 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 existing or later developed various network protocols, including but not limited to a network protocol based on TCP / IP.

[0069] Although the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is illustrated as a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers storing one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" also includes any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions that are executed by a processor or cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0070] In a specific non-restrictive exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium may include solid-state memory such as a memory card or other packages that accommodate one or more non-volatile read-only memories. In addition, the computer-readable medium may also be a random access memory or other volatile rewritable memory. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include a magneto-optical medium or an optical medium, such as a disk, a tape or other storage device for capturing a carrier signal (such as a signal transmitted by a transmission medium). The digital file attachment of an email or other independent information archive or archive set may be considered as a distribution medium of a tangible storage medium. Therefore, the present disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and subsequent media in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be a non-temporary medium including all tangible computer-readable media.

[0071] The diagrams of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide an overall understanding of the structures of the various embodiments. These diagrams are not intended to be a complete description of all elements and features of the devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing this disclosure. Other embodiments may utilize and be derived from this disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the diagrams are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the diagrams may be amplified, while other proportions may be reduced. Therefore, the disclosure and the diagrams should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0072] Although this specification contains many specific details, these specific details should not be understood as limitations on the scope of the invention or the content that can be claimed, but should be understood as descriptions of features peculiar to a particular embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the content of a separate embodiment in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the content of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments, respectively, or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although the above-mentioned features may be described as acting in certain combinations, and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features may be removed from the claimed combination, and the claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0073] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively as the term "invention", which is merely for convenience and is not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements intended to achieve the same or similar purposes may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adjustments or changes to various embodiments. For those skilled in the art, after consulting this specification, the combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein will be obvious.

[0074] The present invention intends to regard the foregoing detailed description as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims including all equivalent schemes are intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the claims should not be understood to be limited to the described order or elements. Therefore, all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalent schemes are claimed as the present invention.

[0075] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device or element should be considered herein as “configured to” satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0076] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and recognized usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. It should be understood by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of such features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0077] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or extraordinary examples).

[0078] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variants refer to two members being directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such connection can be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection can be achieved in the following ways: two members are directly connected to each other; two members are connected to each other using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate member connected to each other; or two members are connected to each other using an intermediate member that is formed as a single integral body with one of the two members. If "connection" or its variants are modified by additional terms (e.g., direct connection), the general definition of "connection" provided above will be modified by the ordinary language meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "direct connection" refers to the connection of two members without any separate intermediate member), thereby producing a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. Such connection can be mechanical, electrical or fluid connection.

[0079] As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than exclusive sense), such that when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless specifically stated otherwise, connective language such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" should be understood to convey that the element can be X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise stated, such connective language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z each be present.

[0080] The positions of elements mentioned herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may be different, and the present disclosure is intended to cover such variations.

[0081] Although the drawings and description may illustrate a particular order of method steps, unless otherwise noted above, the order of these steps may be different from that described and illustrated. In addition, unless otherwise noted above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. For example, such variations may depend on the selected software and hardware systems and the designer's choice. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the software implementation of the described method may also be implemented by standard programming techniques using rule-based logic and other logic for completing various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0082] It should be emphasized that the construction and arrangement of the systems shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. In addition, any element disclosed in one embodiment can be combined or used together with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only an example in which an element in one embodiment can be combined in or used in another embodiment is described above, it should be understood that other elements of various embodiments can be combined or used together with any embodiment in other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A toilet, comprising: Toilet tank; a cover plate for the toilet tank; a reservoir formed in the cover for the toilet tank and configured to receive a cartridge including a chemical compound, Therein, the reservoir is fluidly connected to the toilet tank and / or the toilet bowl.

2. The toilet according to claim 1, further comprising: A cover is configured to cover a rim portion of the reservoir and provide access to the cassette.

3. The toilet according to claim 2, wherein: When the cover covers the reservoir, the cover and the cover plate are flush with each other.

4. The toilet according to claim 1, further comprising: A flush valve is configured to initiate an operating cycle that includes dispensing water from the reservoir into the toilet bowl and / or toilet tank.

5. The toilet according to claim 4, wherein: The operating cycle includes dispensing water into the reservoir.

6. The toilet according to claim 5, wherein: Water is dispensed into the reservoir through a fill valve.

7. The toilet according to claim 4, wherein: The operating cycle is initiated when a float in the toilet tank moves in a first direction and ends when the float in the toilet tank moves in a second direction.

8. The toilet according to claim 4, wherein: The operating cycle stops after a predetermined period of time.

9. The toilet according to claim 4, further comprising: An outlet conduit is coupled between the reservoir and the flush valve.

10. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: A siphon action draws water from the reservoir through a tube into the toilet bowl.

11. The toilet according to claim 1, further comprising: Filling valve; as well as A supply line is coupled between the reservoir and the filling valve.

12. A toilet assembly, comprising: Toilet tank; a cover plate for the toilet tank; a reservoir integrated into the cover, the reservoir being configured to receive a cassette; as well as a cover configured to cover an edge portion of the reservoir; wherein the reservoir is fluidly connected to the toilet tank and the toilet bowl, Wherein, the flush valve is configured to initiate an operation cycle, the operation cycle comprising: dispensing water from the reservoir into the toilet bowl; and dispensing water into the reservoir, Wherein, the reservoir is integrally formed with the cover plate for the toilet tank.

13. The toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The cover is separate from the rim portion of the reservoir.

14. The toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The cover is connected to the rim portion of the reservoir by a hinge.

15. The toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein: When the cover covers the reservoir, the cover and the cover plate are flush with each other.

16. The toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The operating cycle is initiated when the float in the toilet tank is lowered and / or terminated when the float in the toilet tank is raised.

17. The toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein: During the operating cycle, a siphon action draws water from the reservoir through a tube into the toilet bowl.

18. A method comprising: providing a chemical dispensing system in a reservoir within a cover of the toilet tank; initiating a flush cycle in response to a flush trigger; dispensing water from the reservoir into the toilet bowl; as well as Water is dispensed into the reservoir.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Water is distributed from the reservoir into the toilet bowl by a flush valve.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Water is dispensed into the reservoir by a fill valve.

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