Intelligent closestool and micro capacitance type foot kicking sensing device thereof

By adopting a micro capacitive kick induction device in smart toilets, using a double-layer printed circuit board structure and half-hole connection technology, combined with fully automated surface mount technology, the existing capacitive sensing modules are solved, and the problems of excessive volume, limited induction distance and poor electromagnetic compatibility are achieved, and the combination of small size, high induction performance and anti-interference ability is achieved, improving the stability and reliability of the smart toilets.

CN119877661APending Publication Date: 2025-04-25XIAMEN TUBETECH INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411799451.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-09
Publication Date
2025-04-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Due to its huge size, existing capacitive induction modules are difficult to adapt to the limited space inside the smart toilet. The limited sensing distance leads to insensitive functions. They are prone to accidentally triggering or induction failure in environments with a lot of electrostatic interference, and insufficient electromagnetic compatibility, affecting the stability and reliability of the equipment.

Method used

The micro capacitive kick induction device is adopted to achieve the combination of small size and high induction performance through double-layer printed circuit board structure and half-hole connection technology, and the production process is simplified through fully automated surface mount technology, improving manufacturing efficiency and product consistency.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the combination of small size, high induction performance and anti-interference ability, ensures stability and electromagnetic compatibility under a variety of usage conditions, solves the problems of excessive volume, limited induction distance and poor electromagnetic compatibility, and improves the stability and reliability of smart toilets.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides an intelligent closestool and a micro capacitance type foot kicking sensing device thereof, and relates to the technical field of capacitance type sensing, the device adopts a double-layer printed circuit board design and realizes overlapping connection through a half-hole process, the module size is effectively reduced, and meanwhile, the sensing capability and the electromagnetic compatibility are enhanced. A power management unit and a control unit of the device are integrated on one PCB, and a copper foil layer is arranged on the other PCB and is responsible for sensing a human body approaching signal; according to the structural design, the device can maintain stable detection capability within a preset sensing distance, and can maintain high performance even in a severe environment. Simply speaking, due to the self-adaptive capability of the device, the functions of automatic cover turning, automatic flushing, noctilucent lighting and the like can be more reliably realized in the intelligent closestool, and the problems of large size, short sensing distance, poor electromagnetic compatibility and tedious manufacturing process of a capacitive sensing module in the prior art are effectively solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of capacitive sensing technology, and in particular to an intelligent toilet and a miniature capacitive kick sensing device thereof. Background Art

[0002] The smart home field is developing rapidly. Among them, the automation and sensing functions of smart toilets, as key equipment to improve the quality of life of users, are becoming increasingly important. Capacitive sensing modules have many applications in smart toilets, such as automatic lid opening, automatic flushing and night lighting, which provide users with great convenience and hygiene protection. However, there are still some technical and design challenges in the actual application of this module.

[0003] Specifically, the existing capacitive sensing modules often require a large sensing area to ensure a sufficient sensing distance, which often results in a bulky sensing module, making it difficult to fit into the limited space inside a smart toilet. In addition, in order to improve the module's anti-interference ability, the module's sensing sensitivity has to be sacrificed, but this can easily lead to false triggering or sensing failure in a bathroom environment with a lot of electrostatic interference, affecting the user experience. At the same time, the electronic components and control systems inside the smart toilet have strict requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The existing capacitive sensing modules have insufficient EMC performance and may interfere with other electronic devices, affecting the stability and reliability of the smart toilet.

[0004] Furthermore, during the manufacturing process, existing capacitive sensing modules usually require a combination of complex first end surface mounting technology (SMT, Surface Mounted Technology) and manual soldering, which not only increases production costs, but also limits production efficiency, and is not conducive to large-scale production and cost control.

[0005] In view of this, this application is filed. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides an intelligent toilet and a micro-capacitive kick sensing device thereof, which can at least partially improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A miniature capacitive kick sensing device comprises: a first substrate, a second substrate, a power supply module and a control component arranged on a first end surface of the first substrate, and a sensing module arranged on a first end surface of the second substrate, wherein the sensing module has the same area as the second substrate;

[0009] The second end surface of the first substrate is connected to the second end surface of the second substrate by a half-hole process technology, the output end of the power supply module is electrically connected to the power supply end of the control component, the output end of the sensing module is electrically connected to the input end of the control component, and the output end of the control component is used to be electrically connected to the driving device of the smart toilet;

[0010] The sensing module is configured to sense whether there is a person within a preset range.

[0011] The present invention also provides a smart toilet, which includes: a toilet body, a driving device configured on the toilet body, and a miniature capacitive kick sensing device as described in any one of the above items, wherein the output end of the control component is electrically connected to the control end of the driving device, wherein the driving device includes a flip device, a flushing device, and a night light device.

[0012] In summary, the miniature capacitive kick sensing device has a compact design and achieves a perfect combination of small size and high sensing performance through a unique double-layer printed circuit board structure and half-hole connection technology; and while increasing the sensing distance, the device also enhances resistance to environmental interference, ensuring stability under a variety of usage conditions. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device is produced using fully automated surface mounting technology, which not only improves manufacturing efficiency, but also ensures product consistency and reliability; in addition, the device's adaptive design enables it to maintain excellent sensing performance in different working environments, solving the problems of existing capacitive sensing modules that are too large to integrate, limited sensing distance resulting in insensitive functions, poor electromagnetic compatibility affecting equipment stability, and complex manufacturing processes that increase costs and production time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a miniature capacitive kick sensing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a circuit board of a miniature capacitive kick sensing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a miniature capacitive kick sensing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the process of a miniature capacitive kick sensing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the smart toilet provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0019] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first embodiment of the present invention discloses a miniature capacitive kick sensing device, which includes: a first substrate, a second substrate, a power supply module and a control component configured on a first end surface of the first substrate, and a sensing module configured on a first end surface of the second substrate, wherein the sensing module has the same area as the second substrate;

[0020] The second end surface of the first substrate is connected to the second end surface of the second substrate by a half-hole process technology, the output end of the power supply module is electrically connected to the power supply end of the control component, the output end of the sensing module is electrically connected to the input end of the control component, and the output end of the control component is used to be electrically connected to the driving device of the smart toilet;

[0021] The sensing module is configured to sense whether there is a person within a preset range.

[0022] Preferably, the first substrate and the second substrate are both PCB boards.

[0023] Preferably, the sensing module is a separate copper foil layer.

[0024] In this embodiment, the micro-capacitive kick sensor is a small and responsive sensor; this sensor is composed of two thin circuit boards, which are tightly stacked together through the half-hole process lamination technology. One of the substrates has a power supply and control chip, and the other has a layer of copper foil for sensing the approach of a person. This design not only makes the sensor smaller, but also allows it to work stably within 3 cm and less than 3 cm, and can work normally even in poor environmental conditions.

[0025] Specifically, the miniature capacitive kick sensing device is composed of two precision printed circuit boards, namely PCB boards, which are tightly stacked together through an innovative half-hole process. This structural design not only greatly reduces the size of the module, but also improves its overall performance.

[0026] Through this stacked board design, the sensing device not only maintains sufficient module sensing distance, but also solves the problem of complex production process under the premise of small overall area. This design also improves the module's anti-interference ability and electromagnetic compatibility performance, allowing the module to work stably even in an environment with large electromagnetic interference.

[0027] Among them, the first substrate integrates a DC power supply and a micro-control unit sensing signal processing output module, that is, the control component, which is responsible for the stable supply of power and accurate signal processing. The second substrate is a separate copper foil layer, which is the core part of the sensing module and is specifically used to sense the slight change in capacitance generated when a human body approaches. This separate copper foil layer design makes the sensing more sensitive and accurate because it can focus more on capturing signals when a human body approaches. And the micro-capacitive kick sensing device sets the area of ​​the copper foil layer to be the same as that of the second substrate, increasing the sensing area of ​​the sensing device.

[0028] During the production process, the micro capacitive kick sensor device can be completely completed through an automated surface mount technology manufacturing process without the need for additional manual soldering. This not only simplifies the production process and improves production efficiency, but also reduces manufacturing costs, making the module more economical and practical.

[0029] The PCB board of the miniature capacitive kick sensing device is shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 (a) is the DC power supply and MCU sensing signal processing output module. Figure 2 (b) is a separate copper foil layer, which is used to sense the human body approaching signal. Figure 2 (c) is the complete PCBA after SMT production is completed.

[0030] Preferably, the power supply module is a DC power supply module.

[0031] In this embodiment, the micro-capacitive kick sensor device uses a DC power supply module, and the DC power supply provides a reliable energy source for the sensor device due to its stable voltage and current output, which directly affects the sensing sensitivity and accuracy of the module. The stable power supply reduces the false triggering or missed triggering caused by power supply fluctuations, which is particularly important for the precise control of smart home devices such as smart toilets.

[0032] In addition, the design of DC power supply modules is usually more compact, which helps to reduce the overall size of the sensing device and makes it easier to integrate into space-constrained devices. And the stability of the power module also improves the module's anti-interference ability, and can maintain stable sensing performance even in complex electromagnetic environments, which is crucial to avoid electromagnetic interference with other smart home devices.

[0033] Preferably, the control component includes a controller, a step-down circuit, and a level conversion module, the output end of the power supply module is electrically connected to the input end of the step-down circuit, the output end of the step-down circuit is electrically connected to the power supply end of the controller, the output end of the controller is electrically connected to the input end of the level conversion module, and the output end of the level conversion module is used to be electrically connected to the driving device of the smart toilet.

[0034] Preferably, the step-down circuit is configured to reduce the 5V voltage input by the power supply module to 3.3V, and the level conversion module is configured to convert the 3.3V voltage output by the controller to 5V.

[0035] Preferably, the model of the controller is SC95FS520M08U.

[0036] In this embodiment, the power supply module provides a 5V input voltage, which is stably reduced to 3.3V through the step-down circuit for use by the controller, ensuring that the power supply end of the controller obtains an appropriate voltage, thereby improving the energy efficiency and stability of the module. This step-down process effectively avoids the risk of damage to the controller due to excessive voltage, and also provides a more stable working environment for the controller.

[0037] The controller, as the brain of the sensing module, is responsible for processing the signals from the sensing part and controlling the corresponding actions of the smart toilet according to these signals. In this embodiment, the output of the controller is connected to the input of the level conversion module, and the function of the level conversion module is to convert the 3.3V voltage output by the controller to 5V to meet the voltage requirements of the smart toilet drive device. This voltage conversion ensures the compatibility between the controller and the drive device, allowing the sensing module to work seamlessly with other electronic components of the smart toilet.

[0038] In this embodiment, a controller of model SC95FS520M08U is used, which is a low-power controller. Its low-power design helps save power and extend the life of the device. The compact design of this microcontroller makes it easy to install inside the space-constrained smart toilet, and it is stable and reliable, and can maintain good performance even in a humid bathroom environment. In addition, the fast response capability of this controller ensures that the smart toilet can quickly sense the presence of the user and automatically perform functions such as opening the lid, which improves the convenience of use.

[0039] It should be noted that in other embodiments, controllers with other types of structures may also be used, which are not specifically limited here, but these solutions are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0040] Preferably, it also includes a shell, and the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged inside the shell, wherein the surface of the shell is provided with a first card slot and a second card slot symmetrically positioned to each other, and the shell can be clamped on an external smart toilet through the first card slot and the second card slot.

[0041] In this embodiment, the housing provides the necessary physical protection and environmental sealing for the miniature capacitive kick sensor. First, the housing protects the sensitive electronic components inside the sensor from damage, such as shock, vibration, or falling during assembly or use. In addition, the housing prevents the intrusion of dust, water, and other contaminants, which is particularly important for smart toilets used in humid environments such as bathrooms, because these contaminants may affect the performance of electronic components and even cause failures.

[0042] Moreover, the use of the housing also helps to improve the durability and reliability of the module, which can withstand the wear and tear of daily use and extend the service life of the module. In addition, a properly designed housing can also enhance the electromagnetic compatibility of the module, reduce the impact of external electromagnetic interference on the internal circuit of the module, and also reduce the electromagnetic interference of the module to other devices.

[0043] In addition, two symmetrical slots are provided on the shell, namely a first slot and a second slot. Both the first slot and the second slot are used to fix the miniature capacitive kick sensing device on the smart toilet.

[0044] In summary, the miniature capacitive kick sensing device reduces the area size and increases the distance between the sensing copper surface and the DC power supply and MCU control circuit, greatly improving the sensing ability and anti-interference ability of the module, so that the sensing distance has a stable detection capability within 3cm. In terms of manufacturing, the module is fully automated and only requires SMT manufacturing process to complete, with a simple manufacturing process; the module has adaptive capabilities, and its proximity sensing performance is not affected even in harsh environments.

[0045] See also Figure 5 The second embodiment of the present invention provides an intelligent toilet, which includes a toilet body, a driving device configured on the toilet body, and a miniature capacitive kick sensing device as described in any one of the above items, wherein the output end of the control component is electrically connected to the control end of the driving device, wherein the driving device includes a flip device, a flushing device, and a night light device.

[0046] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that a person skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniature capacitive kick sensing device, characterized in that: include: A first substrate, a second substrate, a power supply module and a control component configured on a first end surface of the first substrate, and a sensing module configured on a first end surface of the second substrate, wherein the sensing module has the same area as the second substrate; The second end surface of the first substrate is connected to the second end surface of the second substrate by a half-hole process technology, the output end of the power supply module is electrically connected to the power supply end of the control component, the output end of the sensing module is electrically connected to the input end of the control component, and the output end of the control component is used to be electrically connected to the driving device of the smart toilet; The sensing module is configured to sense whether there is a person within a preset range.

2. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first substrate and the second substrate are both PCB boards.

3. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing module is a separate copper foil layer.

4. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply module is a DC power supply module.

5. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control component includes a controller, a step-down circuit, and a level conversion module. The output end of the power supply module is electrically connected to the input end of the step-down circuit, the output end of the step-down circuit is electrically connected to the power supply end of the controller, the output end of the controller is electrically connected to the input end of the level conversion module, and the output end of the level conversion module is used to be electrically connected to the driving device of the smart toilet.

6. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: in, The step-down circuit is configured to reduce the 5V voltage input by the power supply module to 3.3V, and the level conversion module is configured to convert the 3.3V voltage output by the controller to 5V.

7. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The model of the controller is SC95FS520M08U.

8. The miniature capacitive kick sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a shell, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged inside the shell, wherein the surface of the shell is provided with a first card slot and a second card slot which are symmetrically positioned to each other, and the shell can be clamped on an external smart toilet through the first card slot and the second card slot.

9. A smart toilet, characterized in that: It includes a toilet body, a driving device arranged on the toilet body, and a miniature capacitive kick sensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output end of the control component is electrically connected to the control end of the driving device, wherein the driving device includes a flip device, a flushing device, and a night light device.