Intelligent closestool
By setting an infrared sensor on the water seal plane of the toilet and combining it with a gyroscope and a flipping mechanism, the problem of misoperation caused by limited space and gender differentiation in existing smart toilets has been solved, achieving efficient and accurate automatic flushing control, improving user experience and water-saving effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423284589.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
The infrared sensors in existing smart toilets are prone to accidental flushing in small bathrooms, which reduces convenience or requires users to actively trigger the flush. They also cannot effectively distinguish the urine fluctuations of different genders when using the toilet, increasing the risk of misoperation.
An infrared sensor is placed above the water seal plane of the toilet. It detects changes in infrared radiation by monitoring minute fluctuations in the water seal plane. Combined with a gyroscope and a flipping mechanism, the layout and orientation of the sensor are optimized to improve detection accuracy and reduce the probability of misoperation.
It achieves efficient and accurate automatic flushing control in different usage scenarios, reduces the risk of misoperation, improves user experience and equipment performance, and saves water resources.
Smart Images

Figure CN223922333U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of smart toilet technology, and in particular to a smart toilet. Background Technology
[0002] The automatic flushing function of smart toilets primarily relies on infrared or microwave sensor technology. These sensors can sensitively detect the presence or movement of a person when they approach or leave the toilet, triggering the automatic flushing mechanism. Taking an infrared sensor as an example, its working principle involves a microcomputer within an integrated circuit processing the received signal and then sending a command to a pulse solenoid valve to control the flushing process. When a user sits on the toilet, the infrared sensor detects body temperature and movement, activating the flushing system. After the user leaves, the sensor detects this action and automatically flushes after a set delay. The solenoid valve automatically resets due to the action of its internal spring when no signal is received, thus shutting off the water flow. Furthermore, the system can also control the solenoid valve to open and flush when someone leaves the toilet, avoiding the need for traditional pyroelectric infrared sensors to trigger flushing both when someone enters and leaves, thus achieving water conservation.
[0003] However, this design requires setting an infrared sensing area, or sensing range, within the toilet's three-dimensional space to ensure that the flushing function is only triggered when a human hand or body is within the sensing range. This may increase the risk of accidental operation in smaller toilets. If the sensing range is set too large, users may frequently trigger flushing during daily activities (such as showering or brushing teeth) due to space constraints; conversely, if the sensing range is too small, users may need to actively trigger the sensor, which diminishes the convenience of the smart toilet. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to propose a smart toilet that sets the toilet recognition area inside the toilet and above the water seal, thereby increasing the risk of misoperation.
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a smart toilet is provided, including a toilet bowl, a toilet seat disposed on the toilet bowl, and a smart module for controlling the smart toilet; further comprising:
[0006] At least one first infrared sensor is communicatively connected to the smart module, and the at least one first infrared sensor is disposed on the upper side of the toilet water seal; the first infrared sensor is used to radiate at least one beam of infrared light to the toilet water seal plane, receive at least one infrared signal through an infrared receiver corresponding to the first infrared sensor, and communicate the at least one infrared signal to the smart module.
[0007] Also includes:
[0008] A gyroscope for detecting the flip angle of the toilet seat, a flip mechanism rotatably connected to the toilet seat, and a second infrared sensor disposed in the flip mechanism;
[0009] When the gyroscope detects that the toilet seat is switching between the open and closed positions, the flipping mechanism drives the second infrared sensor to flip, so that the detection direction of the second infrared sensor remains horizontal.
[0010] In the aforementioned technical solution, the toilet water seal plane, i.e., the static water film formed at the bottom of the toilet, plays a crucial role in isolating odors, bacteria, and insects from the sewer, preventing them from entering the room. This water seal layer forms naturally by gravity and is sustained by the S-shaped or U-shaped pipe structure inside the toilet. During flushing, the water flow quickly carries waste through the pipes and discharges it. Subsequently, the system automatically replenishes clean water to the water seal line, thus forming a new water seal layer. This study detects changes in infrared radiation by monitoring minute fluctuations in the water seal plane. Experimental results show that when the water seal plane fluctuates, the integrated first infrared sensor can sensitively capture subtle changes in infrared radiation. The characteristic values generated by these fluctuations can serve as flushing trigger signals. Compared to traditional external solutions, this design places the detection area inside the toilet, shifting from monitoring the human body to monitoring the water seal plane, reducing the probability of false triggers. Specifically, when a user uses the toilet, fluctuations in the water seal plane affect the infrared signal emitted by the first infrared sensor, causing the signal received by the infrared receiver to differ from the signal when the water seal plane is calm. The receiver sends the captured infrared signal to the smart module. The smart module determines whether someone is using the toilet based on the signal and controls the corresponding functions of the toilet, such as automatic flushing and automatic lid opening.
[0011] Furthermore, through the cooperation of a gyroscope, a first opening and closing mechanism, a second opening and closing mechanism, and a flipping mechanism, the second infrared sensor detects in a horizontal direction when the toilet lid is open or closed. This facilitates the control of the toilet lid, toilet seat, and flushing when a person passes through the detection range, thereby improving the user experience and reducing the manufacturing cost of the smart toilet.
[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the first infrared sensors is a transceiver sensor and is disposed on the toilet seat or the side wall of the toilet bowl.
[0013] In the aforementioned technical solution, the integrated transceiver sensor possesses the function of both emitting and receiving infrared light; that is, it can both emit infrared light and receive reflected infrared signals. This design simplifies the system because it eliminates the need for separate transmitters and receivers; a single sensor can perform both functions. Furthermore, placing the sensor on the toilet seat offers significant advantages. Considering that toilets typically use ceramic bases, the seat provides more convenient installation and position adjustment compared to ceramic materials. Simultaneously, this layout better adapts to the specific position and height of the toilet's water seal plane, thereby optimizing the sensor's performance and application effectiveness. Moreover, compared to the toilet seat, the sidewall of the toilet bowl typically has a more robust structure, providing a stable mounting base for the sensor and reducing the risk of damage caused by vibration or impact during use.
[0014] In some embodiments, at least one of the first infrared sensors is disposed on the toilet seat; and an infrared receiver corresponding to the at least one first infrared sensor is disposed on the side wall of the toilet bowl.
[0015] In the above technical solution, placing the sensor and receiver on the toilet seat and the side wall of the bowl, respectively, can reduce false triggering caused by changes in ambient light or non-human activity. Specifically, the toilet seat is prone to shaking or vibration when the user sits on it or flips over. If the receiver is placed on the toilet seat, these vibrations and shaking may be captured by the sensor, introducing unnecessary noise and affecting the stability and accuracy of the sensor. The side wall of the bowl is relatively stable and less affected by vibrations and temperature changes during use, which is beneficial for obtaining stable data.
[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the first infrared sensors is disposed on the side wall of the toilet bowl; an infrared receiver corresponding to the at least one first infrared sensor is disposed on the toilet seat.
[0017] Compared to the previous solution, this approach places greater emphasis on the sensor's accuracy requirements. As mentioned above, vibrations and jitters can be detected by the sensor, introducing unwanted noise and affecting its stability and accuracy. Therefore, for some low-precision infrared sensors, it is preferable to place them on the barrel body to improve the stability of the radiated light.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first infrared sensor radiates infrared light to any location in the center region of the toilet water seal plane.
[0019] In the aforementioned technical solution, firstly, men typically urinate standing up, with urine primarily falling into the central area of the water seal plane; while when women or children urinate sitting down, urine flows from the toilet wall furthest from the tank towards the water seal plane, resulting in significant differences in the amplitude of fluctuations between these two urination methods. Secondly, if the sensor is positioned too close to the toilet wall, the fluctuation amplitudes generated by different genders will be quite similar, making effective differentiation difficult. Furthermore, if the sensor is placed on the toilet wall closer to the tank, the slight fluctuations in the water seal plane caused by urine during sitting may not be noticeable enough, leading to recognition difficulties. Therefore, positioning the first infrared sensor in the central area of the water seal plane not only improves the accuracy of urine fluctuation detection but also distinguishes the differences in fluctuations generated by different genders, thereby optimizing the automatic sensing and flushing functions of the smart toilet. This layout design fully considers user experience and device performance, ensuring that the sensor maintains efficient and accurate operation in various usage scenarios.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first infrared sensor radiates infrared light to any position in the center region of the toilet water seal plane.
[0021] The central region is the area enclosed by taking one-third of the length along both the vertical and horizontal axes from the center of the toilet water seal plane.
[0022] In the above technical solutions, further defining the specific area based on the previous solution can improve recognition accuracy. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an intelligent toilet according to the present invention;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one optional embodiment of a smart toilet according to the present invention;
[0028] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of another optional embodiment of a smart toilet according to the present invention;
[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another optional embodiment of a smart toilet according to the present invention;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the central area Q of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0031] Figure 8 This is a top view of the central area Q of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane in a calm state according to an embodiment of the present invention for an intelligent toilet;
[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to the present invention, showing the user standing while urinating.
[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to the present invention, showing the user sitting down to urinate.
[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to the present invention, showing the user sitting down to defecate.
[0037] Figure 14 This is one of the four-quadrant classification diagrams of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0038] Figure 15 This is the second of the four-quadrant classification diagrams of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0039] Figure 16 This utility model provides a schematic diagram A1 of the flip mechanism when the toilet lid is closed and a schematic diagram B1 of the flip mechanism when the toilet lid is open, representing an embodiment of a smart toilet.
[0040] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the flipping mechanism of the toilet seat when it is in the open position, as shown in the second example of an embodiment of the smart toilet of this utility model.
[0041] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the flipping mechanism of the toilet seat when it is in the closed position in a second embodiment of the smart toilet of this utility model;
[0042] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the urination state of an embodiment of a smart toilet according to this utility model;
[0043] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the defecation state of an embodiment of an intelligent toilet according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0044] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be particularly noted that the following embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0045] This invention provides a smart toilet that places the toilet's recognition area inside the toilet bowl, above the water seal, increasing the risk of misoperation.
[0046] Example 1
[0047] Please see Figure 1 A smart toilet includes a toilet bowl 2, a toilet seat 1 disposed on the toilet bowl, and a smart module for controlling the smart toilet (not shown in the figure, but in order to better achieve the smart effect, the prior art often sets up a smart processing module for the toilet to provide different smart programs according to different feedback. Therefore, the specific module can be referred to the setting method of the prior art. The smart module can be set on the toilet seat or on the toilet bowl, which will not be described in detail here).
[0048] The toilet also includes:
[0049] Please see Figure 2 At least one first infrared sensor 11 is connected to the intelligent module for communication; the first infrared sensor 11 shown in the figure is a transceiver sensor, B in the figure. + Indicates the emission of infrared light, B -This indicates the reception of infrared light. In this embodiment, the first infrared sensor 11 is disposed on the toilet seat (the specific position, angle, and method of placement can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here, as long as it can radiate infrared light to the water seal plane). The transceiver sensor has the function of emitting and receiving infrared light; that is, it can both emit infrared light and receive reflected infrared signals. This design simplifies the system because it eliminates the need for separate transmitters and receivers; one sensor can perform both functions. Furthermore, placing the sensor on the toilet seat has significant advantages. Considering that toilets typically use ceramic bases, the seat provides more convenient installation and position adjustment compared to ceramic materials. Simultaneously, this layout can better adapt to the specific position and height of the toilet's water seal plane, thereby optimizing the sensor's performance and application effect.
[0050] Please see Figure 3 At least one first infrared sensor 11 is disposed on the upper side of the toilet water seal M. The first infrared sensor 11 radiates at least one beam of infrared light to the toilet water seal plane M. It receives at least one infrared signal through an infrared receiver corresponding to the first infrared sensor (in this embodiment, it is a transceiver integrated sensor, so the corresponding receiver is located inside the first infrared sensor 11; the transceiver integrated first infrared sensor is existing technology, and specific selection can be referred to existing technology, which will not be elaborated here). The at least one infrared signal is then communicated to the intelligent module. The toilet water seal plane, i.e., the static water film formed at the bottom of the toilet, plays a crucial role in isolating odors, bacteria, and insects from the sewer, preventing them from entering the room. This water seal layer is naturally formed by gravity and persists due to the S-shaped or U-shaped pipe structure inside the toilet. During flushing, the water flow quickly carries waste through the pipes and is discharged. Subsequently, the system automatically replenishes clean water to the water seal line, thereby forming a new water seal layer. This study senses changes in infrared radiation by monitoring minute fluctuations in the water seal plane. Experimental results show that when the water seal plane fluctuates, the integrated first infrared sensor can sensitively capture subtle changes in infrared radiation. The characteristic values generated by these fluctuations can serve as trigger signals for flushing. Compared to traditional external solutions, this design places the detection area inside the toilet bowl, shifting the focus from monitoring the human body to monitoring the water seal plane, thus reducing the probability of false triggers. Specifically, when a user uses the toilet, fluctuations in the water seal plane affect the infrared signal emitted by the first infrared sensor, causing the signal received by the infrared receiver to differ from the signal when the water seal plane is calm. The receiver sends the captured infrared signal to the smart module, which determines whether someone is using the toilet based on the signal and controls the corresponding functions of the toilet, such as automatic flushing and automatic lid opening.
[0051] As an optional embodiment, the transceiver sensor 11 is disposed on the side wall of the tank, such as... Figure 4As shown, compared to the toilet seat, the side wall of the toilet bowl typically has a more robust structure, providing a stable mounting base for the sensor and reducing the risk of damage from vibration or impact during use. It is important to note that... Figure 4 This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a specific limitation on the installation location.
[0052] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 At least one first infrared sensor 11 is disposed on the toilet seat 1; an infrared receiver 12 corresponding to the at least one first infrared sensor 11 is disposed on the side wall of the toilet bowl 2. Distributing the sensor and receiver on the toilet seat and the side wall of the toilet bowl respectively reduces false triggering caused by changes in ambient light or non-human activity. Specifically, the toilet seat is prone to shaking or vibration when the user sits on the toilet or flips over. If the receiver is placed on the toilet seat, these vibrations and shaking may be captured by the sensor, introducing unnecessary noise and affecting the stability and accuracy of the sensor. The side wall of the toilet bowl is relatively stable and less susceptible to vibration and temperature changes during use, which is beneficial for obtaining stable data. It should be noted that... Figure 5 This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a specific limitation on the installation location.
[0053] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 At least one first infrared sensor 11 is disposed on the side wall of the toilet bowl 1; an infrared receiver 12 corresponding to the at least one first infrared sensor 11 is disposed on the toilet seat 2. Compared to the previous solution, this solution gives more consideration to the accuracy requirements of the sensor. As mentioned above, vibration and shaking may be captured by the sensor, thereby introducing unnecessary noise and affecting the stability and accuracy of the sensor. Therefore, for some first infrared sensors with low accuracy, it is preferable to place them on the toilet bowl to improve the stability of the radiated light. It should be noted that... Figure 6 This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a specific limitation on the installation location.
[0054] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 7The first infrared sensor 11 radiates infrared light to any position within the central region Q of the toilet's water seal plane M. Firstly, men typically urinate standing up, with urine primarily falling into the central region of the water seal plane; while women or children urinate sitting down, urine flows from the toilet wall away from the tank towards the water seal plane, resulting in significantly different fluctuation amplitudes. Secondly, if the sensor is positioned too close to the toilet wall, the fluctuation amplitudes generated by different genders will be similar, making effective differentiation difficult. Furthermore, if the sensor is placed on the toilet wall closer to the tank, the slight fluctuations in the water seal plane caused by urine during sitting may not be noticeable, leading to recognition difficulties. Therefore, positioning the first infrared sensor in the central region of the water seal plane not only improves the accuracy of urine fluctuation detection but also distinguishes the fluctuation differences generated by different genders, thereby optimizing the automatic sensing and flushing functions of the smart toilet. This layout design fully considers user experience and device performance, ensuring that the sensor maintains efficient and accurate operation in various usage scenarios.
[0055] As a further limitation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 The first infrared sensor 11 radiates infrared light to any position in the central region of the toilet water seal plane M; the central region is the area enclosed by the center of the toilet water seal plane and one-third of the length along the vertical axis Y and the horizontal axis X. Based on the above scheme, further defining the specific area can improve the recognition accuracy.
[0056] Further, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 16 The toilet seat 1 includes a toilet lid 1-1 and a toilet seat 1-2, wherein the toilet lid 1-1 is provided with infrared holes 1-1-2; and a first opening and closing mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the toilet lid 1-1 (not shown in the figure, but can be designed with reference to existing automatic flip-top toilets); and a second opening and closing mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the toilet seat 1-2 (not shown in the figure, but can be designed with reference to existing automatic flip-top toilets); and also includes:
[0057] A gyroscope (not shown in the figure, which can be set according to the internal space of the actual product by those skilled in the art, and will not be described here) for detecting the flip angle of the toilet seat 1-1, a flip mechanism 1-1-1 rotatably connected to the toilet seat 1-1, and a second infrared sensor 1E set in the flip mechanism 1-1-1;
[0058] When the gyroscope detects that the toilet seat 1-1 is switching between the open and closed positions, the flipping mechanism 1-1-1 drives the second infrared sensor 1E to flip, so that the detection direction of the second infrared sensor 1E remains extended in the horizontal direction P.
[0059] By coordinating the gyroscope, the first opening and closing mechanism, the second opening and closing mechanism, and the flipping mechanism 1-1-1, the second infrared sensor 1E is always pointing horizontally when the toilet seat 1-1 is open or closed. This makes it easier to control the toilet seat 1-1, the toilet seat 1-2, and the flushing when a person passes through the detection range, thereby improving the user experience and reducing the manufacturing cost of the smart toilet.
[0060] This utility model provides three examples of a 1-1-1 flipping mechanism, as follows:
[0061] Reference Figure 16 As shown, a first example of the flipping mechanism 1-1-1 is: the flipping mechanism 1-1-1 is a mounting shell 1B, the mounting shell 1B is rotatably connected to the toilet seat 1-1, the second infrared sensor 1E is fixed in the mounting shell 1B, the mounting shell 1B has a top-light and bottom-heavy structure, under the action of gravity, when the toilet seat 1-1 is in the open position or the closed position, the detection direction of the second infrared sensor 1E is always expanding in the horizontal direction.
[0062] Specifically, the toilet seat 1-1 is fixed with two spaced mounting plates 1A and a rotating shaft 1D connecting the two mounting plates 1A. The upper end of the mounting shell 1B is rotatably connected to the toilet seat 1-1 through the rotating shaft 1D. The weight of the side of the mounting shell 1B away from the rotating shaft 1D is greater than the weight of the side of the mounting shell 1B near the rotating shaft 1D. Through a principle similar to a roly-poly toy, the mounting shell 1B remains vertical. During the rotation of the toilet seat 1-1, the detection direction of the second infrared sensor 1E is always expanding in the horizontal direction.
[0063] Furthermore, the flipping mechanism 1-1-1 also includes a connecting rope 1C. One end of the connecting rope 1C is connected to the mounting shell 1B, and the other end of the connecting rope 1C is connected to the toilet seat 1-1. When the toilet seat 1-1 is in the closed position, the connecting rope 1C is taut and the angle between the mounting shell 1B and the toilet seat 1-1 is less than 90°, so that the detection angle of the second infrared sensor 1E is tilted towards the ground, which is in line with the usage scenario. When the toilet seat 1-1 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, after the lower end of the mounting shell 1B abuts against the toilet body 1 or the toilet seat ring 1-2, it can only rotate in the direction of connection between the connecting rope 1C and the toilet seat 1-1.
[0064] Reference Figures 17 to 18As shown, a second example of the flipping mechanism 1-1-1 is as follows: The flipping mechanism 1-1-1 further includes a motor 1F and a mounting shell 1B. The motor 1F is fixedly connected to the toilet seat 1-1, and the output shaft of the motor 1F is fixedly connected to the mounting shell 1B, so that the mounting shell 1B is flipped by the motor 1F. As another example, a gear set or other structure is provided between the motor 1F and the mounting shell 1B, so that the mounting shell 1B is flipped by the motor 1F.
[0065] The second infrared sensor 1E is fixed to the mounting shell 1B. When the gyroscope detects that the toilet seat 1-1 starts to rotate, it transmits the signal to the intelligent module. The intelligent module controls the motor 1F to work. The motor 1F drives the mounting shell 1B to flip, so that no matter whether the toilet seat 1-1 is in the open position or the closed position, the detection direction of the second infrared sensor 1E is always expanding in the horizontal direction.
[0066] A third example of the flipping mechanism 1-1-1 is as follows: it further includes an intelligent module. The flipping mechanism 1-1-1 also includes a cylinder and a mounting shell 1B. The upper end of the mounting shell 1B is rotatably connected to the toilet seat 1-1. One end of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the toilet seat 1-1, and the other end of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the mounting shell 1B. When the gyroscope detects the switching between the closed and open positions of the toilet seat 1-1, it transmits a signal to the intelligent module. The intelligent module controls the cylinder to work, and the cylinder pushes the mounting shell 1B to flip.
[0067] When using it, please refer to Figure 16 In state A1, the second infrared sensor 1E emits a detection signal AA and radiates it to the external environment through the infrared hole 1-1-2. When the gyroscope detects that the toilet seat 1-1 is in the closed position, and when the second infrared sensor 1E detects a target person, the toilet seat 1-1 automatically opens. During the process of the toilet seat 1-1 switching from the closed position to the open position, the flipping mechanism 1-1-1 drives the second infrared sensor 1E to flip.
[0068] When the gyroscope detects that the toilet seat 1-1 has been opened, the second infrared sensor 1E continues to radiate infrared light to determine the distance between the target person and the gyroscope. The intelligent module is electrically connected to the gyroscope, the first opening and closing mechanism, the second opening and closing mechanism, and the second infrared sensor. The gyroscope detects the flip angle of the toilet seat and transmits the signal to the second infrared sensor. The sensor detects whether there is a target person and transmits the signal to the intelligent module. The intelligent module controls the first opening and closing mechanism, the second opening and closing mechanism, and the flushing mechanism of the toilet body 1 to operate.
[0069] The method of using this utility model is as follows:
[0070] Please see Figure 19 When the second infrared sensor 1E detects that the target person is at a preset distance α0, the toilet lid is opened. When the person approaches the range of the first distance α1 and remains there for about 3 seconds, it indicates that the user is urinating while standing. At this time, the second infrared sensor 1E transmits a signal to the intelligent module to control the second opening and closing mechanism to open the toilet seat 1-2. After the target person finishes urinating, that is, when the target person leaves the range of the first distance α1, the second infrared sensor 1E sends a signal to the intelligent module. The intelligent module controls the first opening and closing mechanism or the second opening and closing mechanism to work, so that the toilet seat 1-2 and the toilet lid 1-1 automatically close.
[0071] Please see Figure 20 When the second infrared sensor 1E detects that the target person is within the range of the second distance α2, it indicates that the user is sitting or standing while using the toilet. At this time, the second infrared sensor 1E continues to monitor until the target person leaves the range of the second distance α2. Then, the second infrared sensor 1E sends a signal to the intelligent module, and the intelligent module controls the first opening and closing mechanism to make the toilet seat 1-1 close automatically.
[0072] If the second infrared sensor 1E fails to detect the target person within the detection range, the intelligent module will control the first opening and closing mechanism to work after waiting for a first set time, so that the toilet seat 1-1 will close automatically.
[0073] The first distance α1 ranges from 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters, the second distance α2 ranges from 0 to 0.5 meters, and the first set duration is from 5 seconds to 10 seconds.
[0074] Example 2
[0075] To better explain the working principle of the above device, a smart toilet automatic flushing method is proposed as follows:
[0076] Please see Figure 9 A smart toilet, the method comprising:
[0077] S1. Monitor the infrared radiation fluctuations caused by fluctuations in the toilet water seal plane M, and obtain the fluctuation characterization value; the fluctuation characterization value is the light intensity signal or a combination of the change in distance.
[0078] Please see Figure 10In the diagram, K represents the first infrared sensor, an integrated transceiver, i.e., an active infrared sensor that shines infrared light onto the water surface, where the light is reflected back to the receiving tube. A separate sensor can also be used, as long as it can radiate infrared light and receive reflected light; details will not be elaborated here. It's important to note that the emission angle can be set according to the toilet's internal structure, aiming to ensure the radiated light is on the water seal plane. The specific angle setting can be determined based on actual needs. The diagram illustrates emission and reflection at different angles for reference only. M0 represents the toilet's water seal plane, the static water film formed at the bottom of the toilet, which plays a crucial role in isolating odors, bacteria, and insects from the sewer, preventing them from entering the room. This water seal layer forms naturally by gravity and is sustained by the S-shaped or U-shaped pipe structure inside the toilet. During flushing, the water flow quickly carries waste through the pipes, and the system automatically replenishes clean water to the water seal line, thus forming a new water seal layer.
[0079] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 A schematic diagram of male urination is presented. In the diagram, P1 represents the direction and trajectory of urine radiation. When a man urinates, the water seal plane M0 of the toilet ripples, forming water waves M1. As urine enters the water seal plane, changes in infrared radiation are sensed by monitoring the ripples in the water seal plane. Experimental results show that when the water seal plane ripples, the integrated first infrared sensor can sensitively capture subtle changes in infrared radiation. The characteristic values generated by these ripple changes can serve as a trigger signal for flushing. Compared to traditional external solutions, this design places the recognition area inside the toilet bowl, reducing the probability of accidental activation. It should be noted that different infrared sensors have different sensitivity and other parameters, and the construction of different toilet products also varies. Those skilled in the art can adapt the appropriate infrared sensor according to their toilet configuration; this will not be elaborated upon here.
[0080] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 A schematic diagram of female urination was drawn. In the diagram, P1 represents the direction and trajectory of urine radiation. When a man urinates, the water seal plane M0 of the toilet bowl ripples, forming water waves M2. Because men often urinate standing up, and due to differences in body size and muscle mass, the ripples are more intense when urine enters the water seal plane, while those in women are gentler. The monitoring principle is the same as above and will not be repeated here. The numerical feedback from the infrared sensor can distinguish between male and female, which is used for subsequent analysis.
[0081] S2. Based on the characterization value, monitor the start and end times of toilet use, and trigger the smart toilet to flush automatically according to the time points.
[0082] In this embodiment, with Figure 10 For example, the method is specifically as follows:
[0083] A1. Radiation of infrared light signal to water seal plane M0 at a preset distance above the water seal plane;
[0084] A2. Record the infrared radiation signal reflected when the water seal plane M0 is calm, and use it as the first characterization value;
[0085] A3. When the water seal plane generates fluctuations to form water wave M1, the infrared radiation fluctuation parameter value is continuously collected. This parameter value is used as the second characterization value, and the first characterization value is subtracted to form a characterization sequence.
[0086] A4. The start and end points of this representation sequence are used as the time points to trigger the flushing of the smart toilet.
[0087] In this embodiment, urination causes fluctuations in the water seal plane. The fluctuation value captured by the first infrared sensor serves as the starting signal for flushing; as the fluctuation value gradually stabilizes, it serves as the ending signal for flushing. Once the ending point is reached, the system automatically triggers the flushing mechanism to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the toilet. Specifically, the infrared sensor emits infrared light signals at a preset position above the water seal plane and monitors the reflection of these signals. When the water seal plane is stable, the reflected infrared radiation signal remains stable, and this state is recorded as a reference signal or a first characterization value. When the water seal plane fluctuates due to human movement or other factors, the reflected infrared radiation signal changes accordingly, and these changes are continuously collected and recorded as a second characterization value. By subtracting the first characterization value (the reflection value when calm) from the second characterization value (the reflection value during fluctuation), a characterization sequence is obtained. This sequence accurately reflects the fluctuation of the water seal plane and eliminates the influence of environmental factors on infrared radiation, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the system. Analyzing the start and end points of this characterization sequence allows for precise determination of the start and end of toileting behavior. For example, when a user begins using the toilet, the water seal plane fluctuates more, and the characterization sequence changes accordingly; after the user leaves, the fluctuation decreases, and the characterization sequence returns to calm. The smart toilet automatically triggers the flushing function based on this, achieving automated and intelligent flushing control. This solution not only has water-saving advantages—because it only triggers flushing after detecting actual use, avoiding unnecessary water waste—but also, compared to traditional sensing methods (such as microwave sensing), it is less prone to false triggers, providing a more accurate and reliable user experience.
[0088] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 13 In the diagram, P3 represents the resolution. When the water seal plane M0 fluctuates, it also includes:
[0089] A31. The second characteristic value collected when the water seal plane M0 first generates waves to form water waves at time M3, minus the first characteristic value, is determined to be urine if the result is less than a first threshold; otherwise, it is feces. Since the volume and weight of feces far exceed that of urine, the intensity of the water seal plane undulation upon entering the water is much greater than that of urination. A threshold can be set to distinguish between the two toileting methods in the initial state, thereby avoiding false triggering. It should be noted that due to differences in toilet height, water seal plane size, and the type of sensor used, the first threshold can be set according to the products of those skilled in the art, and is not limited here.
[0090] In this embodiment, an infrared light signal is emitted at a predetermined position above the water seal plane, and the infrared radiation signal reflected by the water seal plane in a static state is recorded. These signals are used as a first characterization value. When the water seal plane fluctuates due to toileting, the infrared radiation parameter values of these fluctuations are continuously collected and regarded as a second characterization value. By comparing the difference between the second characterization value (parameter value during fluctuation) and the first characterization value (reflection value when calm), the smart toilet can distinguish between defecation and urination events. If this difference is lower than a preset first threshold, the system will judge it as urination; if the difference reaches or exceeds the threshold, it will judge it as defecation. This judgment mechanism sets the threshold based on the fluctuation characteristics of the water seal plane caused by different toileting behaviors. Experimental results show that there are significant differences in the changes of infrared radiation in urination and defecation cases. This is mainly because the fluctuation caused by urine entering the water is usually smaller than that caused by feces entering the water, resulting in different fluctuations and collected intensities of infrared radiation in the two cases. Based on this finding, thresholds can be preset according to different usage scenarios to achieve accurate judgment and response of the smart toilet. This method not only improves the intelligence level of smart toilets, but also provides users with a more hygienic and convenient user experience.
[0091] In this embodiment, if it is determined to be urination, the start and end points of the representation sequence are used as the trigger points for the smart toilet to flush, and then the process includes:
[0092] A51. Based on the representation sequence, construct the mapping relationship between the representation value and the toilet time t, and extract the representation value in the range of 15%t to 85%t to calculate the average value, and use the average value as the first indicator of the toilet time.
[0093] A61. Repeat the above steps a preset number of times, and extract the median value of toilet time and the median value of the representation value, denoted as (t0, Q0), where t0 is the median value of toilet time and Q0 is the median value of the representation value.
[0094] A71. Using (t0, Q0) as coordinates, construct four-quadrant classification intervals using the four-quadrant classification method. Figure 14For example, the first quadrant: long toilet time, high characterization value, possibly indicating a prolonged and intense toilet behavior. The second quadrant: short toilet time, high characterization value, possibly indicating a rapid and intense toilet behavior. The third quadrant: short toilet time, low characterization value, possibly indicating a mild toilet behavior. The fourth quadrant: long toilet time, low characterization value, possibly indicating a slow toilet behavior. Specific settings can be customized according to different needs; only one example is provided here. When the smart toilet detects a urination event, its flushing mechanism is triggered based on the start and end points of the characterization sequence. Specifically, the system starts timing at the moment urination is detected and performs flushing at an appropriate time after the behavior ends. By constructing a mapping relationship between characterization value and toilet time t, a deeper understanding of the dynamic changes of characterization value over time during toileting can be achieved. Furthermore, this study extracted characterization values within the 15% to 85% range of toilet time and calculated the average value within this range. This average value was defined as the primary indicator of this toilet event, serving as a key parameter for evaluating toilet behavior characteristics. By repeating the above steps a predetermined number of times, the average value of the representation values is extracted in each iteration. After each iteration, these average values are sorted, and the median value is extracted, denoted as (t0, Q0), where t0 is the median toilet time and Q0 is the median representation value. The median value is a robust statistic that can reduce the influence of outliers and provide more reliable data. Using (t0, Q0) as coordinate values, a four-quadrant classification method is used to construct four-quadrant classification intervals. This method maps different toilet behavior characteristics to four quadrants, each quadrant representing a specific behavioral pattern or health condition. This classification method allows smart toilets to not only automatically perform flushing functions but also monitor the user's health condition and provide health feedback or warnings. For example, if a user's toilet behavior frequently appears in a specific quadrant, the system can prompt the user to pay attention to their dietary habits or seek medical advice. This solution, by analyzing and classifying toilet behavior, not only improves the automation level of smart toilets but also provides users with the potential value of health monitoring. This system can be used for personal health management and assist medical institutions in remotely monitoring patients' health conditions.
[0095] In this embodiment, A71, using (t0, Q0) as coordinate values, employs a four-quadrant classification method to construct four-quadrant classification intervals, and then further includes,
[0096] A81. Each time you urinate, record the characterization value - the time t of that urination. Based on the characterization value - the time t of that urination and the four-quadrant classification interval, distinguish between: young and middle-aged men, young and middle-aged women, middle-aged and elderly people, and children.
[0097] Please see Figure 15Based on age segmentation standards, the population can be divided into the following age groups: children (0-14 years old), youth (15-44 years old), middle-aged (45-59 years old), and elderly (60 years old and above). Smart toilets can identify users of different age groups by analyzing the distribution characteristics within the four quadrant classification intervals and combining this with the above age segmentation. Specifically,
[0098] Children, due to their smaller body size, may have shorter toilet time, resulting in relatively lower performance indicators. They can be categorized into the third quadrant.
[0099] In contrast, young and middle-aged men and women exhibit significant differences in their toilet behavior characteristics due to differences in body size and muscle mass. Studies have shown that men generally have a higher bladder capacity than women, averaging 50-100 ml more. Therefore, young and middle-aged men are placed in the first quadrant, and women in the second quadrant. Middle-aged and elderly individuals, due to physiological changes, may have longer toilet times and more stable characteristics, thus they are classified in the fourth quadrant. It should be noted that this four-quadrant example only roughly distinguishes four different groups. Those skilled in the art can further cluster these groups using big data to create more classifications, such as adolescent males, adult males, adolescent females, and adult females, etc., which will not be elaborated upon here. Furthermore, when distinguishing between young and middle-aged men and women, in addition to considering toilet time and characteristics, other physiological parameters, such as weight and body size, can also be considered, as these parameters may influence the distribution of characteristics. Smart toilets can provide customized feedback and suggestions based on the user's age and gender. For example, smart toilets can offer gentler flushing settings for children, while providing more comfortable seat heating and appropriate flushing intensity for the elderly. By comprehensively analyzing the characteristics and time data of toilet behavior, and combining this with a four-quadrant classification method, smart toilets can effectively differentiate between users of different ages and genders, thereby providing more personalized services and health monitoring. This meticulous approach not only enhances the user experience but also helps achieve accurate health assessments and interventions, bringing smart hygiene solutions that better meet the physiological and health needs of different user groups.
[0100] In this embodiment, A81, each time urination occurs, a characteristic value - the toilet time t is recorded. Based on the characteristic value - toilet time t and the four-quadrant classification interval, the following distinctions are made: young and middle-aged men, young and middle-aged women, middle-aged and elderly people, and children. The embodiment further includes:
[0101] A91. Based on this second characterization value, obtain the output voltage value of the collected second characterization value at the corresponding time point, and calculate it based on the following formula:
[0102]
[0103] In the formula, C is the theoretical temperature value; V is the output voltage value; K is the sensor constant, which is the product of the detector sensitivity R, the standard urine emissivity ∈, and the Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ.
[0104] A101. Based on the characterization sequence, construct the mapping relationship between the theoretical temperature measurement value and the toilet time t, and extract the theoretical temperature measurement value in the range of 15%t to 85%t to calculate the average value, and use the average value as the second indicator of the toilet time.
[0105] A111. Compare the second indicator with the second threshold to determine if it is abnormal.
[0106] Each time urination occurs, the smart toilet records the relationship between a characteristic value and the time t of that urination. Based on the characteristic value of that urination, the system captures the output voltage value V of a second characteristic value at the corresponding time point. This voltage value reflects the sensor's sensitive response to changes in urine or other physical quantities (such as temperature), providing basic data for subsequent calculations. Using the formula... The theoretical temperature value C is calculated using a formula based on physical laws to extract temperature information from the sensor's voltage output. Further, based on a characterization sequence, a mapping relationship is constructed between the theoretical temperature value and the toilet time t. This mapping helps to understand the dynamic changes in temperature over time during toilet use. The theoretical temperature value is extracted from the interval of 15% to 85% of the toilet time, and the average temperature value within this interval is calculated as a second indicator for that toilet use. This average value serves as a key parameter to assess the characteristics of toilet behavior. The calculated second indicator is compared with a preset second threshold to determine if any anomalies exist. A large difference between the current indicator and the second threshold may indicate an abnormality, such as a health problem or system malfunction. This second threshold can be set through a calibration process or determined based on the historical average of the second indicator. By comparing the current second indicator with the second threshold, the smart toilet can identify potential health problems or system anomalies. For example, if the temperature value remains abnormally high or low, it may indicate that the user has a fever or other health problems; if the temperature value fluctuates abnormally, it may indicate a sensor malfunction or the need for recalibration. Smart toilets analyze the characteristics and time data of toilet behavior, calculate theoretical temperature values using physical formulas, and compare these values with historical data. This allows them to effectively differentiate between users of different age groups and provide health monitoring functions. This method not only improves the automation level of smart toilets but also provides users with the possibility of health monitoring, opening new avenues for personal health management and remote patient monitoring in medical institutions. It should be noted that the temperature measured by this method is not accurate, but it can be used as a relative quantity to measure relative changes in different urination situations. Therefore, in this case, the calculated result is more inclined to be recorded as a dimensionless indicator. However, it is also possible to use an additional temperature sensor to obtain the corresponding temperature data, or to use a more accurate and sensitive infrared sensor to obtain more precise data; these will not be elaborated upon here.
[0107] In this embodiment, if the stool is determined to be feces, the start and end points of the representation sequence are used as the trigger points for the smart toilet to flush. This is followed by:
[0108] A62. If the toilet is identified as defecating, the smart toilet will flush when the fluctuation value remains constant. The smart toilet continuously monitors the infrared radiation fluctuations above the water seal plane and converts these fluctuations into fluctuation values. These values reflect the fluctuations of the water seal plane, thus inferring the user's toilet behavior. When the fluctuation value remains constant for a period of time, the smart toilet determines that the user's defecation has ended. This is because during defecation, the fluctuations of the water seal plane change with the user's movements; when the fluctuations stop, it can be considered that defecation is complete.
[0109] Smart toilets can also adjust flushing intensity and duration based on fluctuations in the indicator value to determine the amount of stool. For example, if the stool volume is large, the corresponding fluctuations in the indicator value will be more pronounced. By setting a threshold or calibration, the approximate amount of stool during each fluctuation can be determined. With a larger stool volume, the toilet can use a stronger flush and a longer flushing time to ensure cleanliness. It should be noted that different infrared sensors have different sensitivity and other parameters, and different toilet products have different constructions. Those skilled in the art can adapt the infrared sensor to their toilet's configuration and then set the threshold or calibration accordingly; this will not be elaborated upon here.
[0110] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and does not limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any equivalent device or equivalent process transformation made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are similarly included in the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A smart toilet comprising a toilet bowl; and a toilet rim provided to the toilet bowl, the toilet rim comprising a toilet cover, and a toilet seat; and a smart module controlling the smart toilet. And a first opening and closing mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the toilet cover; And a second opening and closing mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the toilet seat; characterized in that it further comprises: At least one first infrared sensor in communication with the intelligent module, at least one of the first infrared sensors is arranged on the upper side of the toilet water seal; the first infrared sensor is used to radiate at least one infrared ray to the toilet water seal plane, receive at least one infrared signal through the infrared receiver corresponding to the first infrared sensor, and communicate the at least one infrared signal to the intelligent module; Further comprising: A gyroscope for detecting the turning angle of the toilet cover, a turning mechanism rotatably connected to the toilet cover, and a second infrared sensor arranged on the turning mechanism; When the gyroscope detects that the toilet cover is switching between the open position and the closed position, the turning mechanism drives the second infrared sensor to turn, so that the detection direction of the second infrared sensor remains extending horizontally.
2. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein At least one of the first infrared sensors is a transceiver integrated sensor, and is arranged on the toilet ring or the side wall of the toilet body.
3. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein At least one of the first infrared sensors is arranged on the toilet ring, and an infrared receiver corresponding to the at least one of the first infrared sensors is arranged on the side wall of the toilet body.
4. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein At least one of the first infrared sensors is arranged on the side wall of the toilet body, and an infrared receiver corresponding to the at least one of the first infrared sensors is arranged on the toilet ring.
5. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein The first infrared sensor radiates infrared rays to any position in the central region of the toilet water seal plane.
6. The intelligent toilet of claim 1 or 5, wherein The first infrared sensor radiates infrared rays to any position in the central region of the toilet water seal plane; The central region is a region formed by taking one-third of the length of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis respectively around the center of the toilet water seal plane.
7. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein, The turning mechanism is a mounting shell, the upper end of the mounting shell is rotatably connected to the toilet cover, the sensor is fixed in the mounting shell, and the mounting shell has an upper light and a lower heavy structure, so that the detection direction of the sensor is horizontally expanded when the toilet cover is in the open position or the closed position.
8. The intelligent toilet of claim 7, wherein, The turning mechanism further comprises a connecting rope, one end of the connecting rope is connected to the mounting shell, and the other end of the connecting rope is connected to the toilet cover, when the toilet cover is in the closed position, the connecting rope is in tension and the included angle between the mounting shell and the toilet cover is less than 90°.
9. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein The turnover mechanism further comprises a motor and a mounting shell, the motor is fixed to the toilet cover, when the gyroscope detects the mutual switching of the toilet cover between the closed position and the open position, a signal is transmitted to the intelligent module, the intelligent module controls the motor to work, and the motor drives the mounting shell to turn over.
10. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein, The turnover mechanism further comprises a cylinder and a mounting shell, the upper end of the mounting shell is rotatably connected to the toilet cover, one end of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the toilet cover, and the other end of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the mounting shell, when the gyroscope detects the mutual switching of the toilet cover between the closed position and the open position, a signal is transmitted to the intelligent module, the intelligent module controls the cylinder to work, and the cylinder pushes the mounting shell to turn over.