Seating sensing system and closestool

By combining a lid sensor and a pressure sensor module in the smart toilet, the misjudgment problem of capacitive sensing technology is solved, achieving higher system accuracy and sensitivity, and improving the user experience.

CN224112580UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-14ESMART (XIAMEN) TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-18
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing capacitive sensing technology in smart toilets is easily affected by environmental factors, leading to misjudgments and failing to effectively distinguish between users of different body types, thus affecting user experience and wasting resources.

Method used

The system employs a dual detection mechanism combining a toilet seat sensor and a pressure sensor module. The toilet seat sensor detects when the toilet seat is open, and the pressure sensor module detects pressure to generate a seating signal, thereby further improving the system's reliability and accuracy.

Benefits of technology

It significantly reduces the possibility of misjudgment, improves the accuracy and sensitivity of the system, can distinguish users of different body types, reduces misoperation, and enhances user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of intelligent closestools, and provides a sitting sensing system and a closestool, the sitting sensing system comprises a closestool cover, a seat ring and a closestool cover sensor for identifying opening and closing of the closestool cover, the seat ring is provided with a pressure sensing module, and the pressure sensing module is used for sensing whether external force is applied or not; when the toilet cover sensor recognizes that the toilet cover is opened and the pressure sensing module is subjected to external force, the pressure sensing module generates a sitting signal; and when the external force applied to the pressure sensing module is relieved, the pressure sensing module generates an off-seat signal. On the basis, error response can be avoided, and the user experience is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of smart toilet technology, specifically to a seat sensing system and a toilet. Background Technology

[0002] In modern sanitation facilities, the design of smart toilets increasingly emphasizes user experience and automation. Seat detection is one of the key technologies for achieving functions such as automatic flushing and heated seats. Currently, the most common seat detection method uses capacitive sensing technology, which generates a seating signal by detecting changes in the capacitance value of a sensor when a person sits on it.

[0003] However, capacitive sensing technology has some limitations in practical applications. First, it is easily affected by environmental factors, leading to misjudgments. For example, even without a person sitting on it, changes in other objects or the environment may cause changes in capacitance, resulting in an incorrect seating signal. Second, capacitive sensors cannot effectively distinguish between users of different body types, such as adults and children. When children are playing, they may unintentionally trigger the sensor, causing the toilet to malfunction. This not only affects the user experience but may also lead to unnecessary waste of resources.

[0004] Therefore, the seating sensing system needs to be optimized to avoid false responses and improve the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] To avoid false responses and improve user experience, this application provides a seating sensing system.

[0006] This application provides a seating sensing system, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A seat-sensing system includes a toilet seat, a seat ring, and a toilet seat sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the toilet seat. The seat ring is provided with a pressure-sensitive module for sensing whether an external force is applied. When the toilet seat sensor detects that the toilet seat is open and the pressure-sensitive module is subjected to an external force, the pressure-sensitive module generates a seat-holding signal. When the external force on the pressure-sensitive module is released, the pressure-sensitive module generates a seat-off signal.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, which combines a dual detection mechanism of toilet seat sensor and pressure sensor module, a seating signal is only generated when the toilet seat is open and the pressure sensor module detects pressure, which further improves the reliability and accuracy of the system and thus enhances the user experience.

[0009] Optionally, it also includes a seat sensor for recognizing the opening and closing of the seat ring. When the toilet cover sensor recognizes that the toilet cover is open, the seat ring sensor recognizes that the seat ring is closed, and the pressure-sensitive module is subjected to external force, the pressure-sensitive module generates a seat signal.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, a triple verification mechanism is achieved by combining the toilet seat sensor, seat ring sensor, and pressure sensing module. The system will only generate a seating signal when the toilet seat is open, the seat ring is closed, and the pressure sensing module detects pressure. This significantly reduces the possibility of misjudgment and improves the accuracy of the system. It can prevent misjudgment caused by a child sitting on the toilet seat or placing heavy objects on the toilet seat when both the toilet seat and seat ring are closed.

[0011] Optionally, a pressing member is also provided to press against the pressure-sensitive module, and the pressing member presses against the pressure-sensitive module under the action of external force.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the system can more accurately identify the sitting state of a person through mechanical contact detection of the pressure-sensitive module and the pressure-bearing component. Compared with capacitive sensing technology, this mechanical detection method is less susceptible to interference from environmental factors, thus significantly reducing the possibility of misjudgment. The pressure-sensitive module can judge based on the amount of applied pressure, thereby differentiating users of different body types to a certain extent. This helps to prevent children from accidentally touching the sensor while playing and reduces unnecessary toilet operations.

[0013] Optionally, the pressing element is a seat ring foot pad.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the seat ring foot pads in the existing technology are directly utilized. The seat ring foot pads are elastic, easily deformable, and can effectively transmit force, thereby accurately judging whether there is sitting behavior, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of pressure detection.

[0015] Optionally, the pressing member has a protrusion, the position of which corresponds to the pressure-sensitive module and is set towards or away from the pressure-sensitive module. When the pressing member is subjected to external force, the protrusion presses against the pressure-sensitive module, and the pressure-sensitive module detects the deformation of the protrusion under force and generates a signal to determine whether to sit.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the pressure can be concentrated and transmitted to the pressure-sensitive module. When the user sits down, the protrusion will be subjected to external force and deform. The pressure-sensitive module can accurately detect this deformation, thereby accurately determining whether there is sitting behavior, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of pressure detection, and reducing misoperation caused by children playing or other abnormal use.

[0017] Optionally, the seat ring includes an upper seat ring cover and a lower seat ring cover, with an inner cavity formed between the upper and lower seat ring covers. A mounting portion is provided on the side of the lower seat ring cover away from the inner cavity. The pressing member is inserted into the mounting portion, and the protrusion faces or away from the lower seat ring cover. When the seat ring foot pad is subjected to external force, the protrusion presses against the lower seat ring cover and the pressure-sensitive module. The pressure-sensitive module detects the deformation of the protrusion under force and generates a signal to determine whether to sit down.

[0018] Optionally, at least two mounting portions are spaced apart, and a mounting cavity is formed between adjacent mounting portions on the side of the lower cover of the seat ring facing the inner cavity of the seat ring, and the pressure-sensitive module is disposed in the mounting cavity.

[0019] Optionally, the pressing member has a plug-in portion corresponding to the mounting portion, the protrusion is located between adjacent plug-in portions, the plug-in portion is inserted into the mounting portion, and the protrusion corresponds to the position of the pressure-sensitive module.

[0020] Optionally, the toilet includes a fixed part, and the toilet seat and the seat ring are both rotatably mounted on the fixed part. The toilet seat sensor is located between the toilet seat and the fixed part. When the toilet seat rotates within a first preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the toilet seat is in the open state; when the toilet seat rotates within a non-first preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the toilet seat is in the closed state. The seat ring sensor is located between the seat ring and the fixed part. When the seat ring rotates within a second preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the seat ring is in the open state; when the seat ring rotates within a non-second preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the seat ring is in the closed state.

[0021] A toilet is also proposed, including a seat sensing system and a control module, wherein the toilet seat sensor, the seat ring sensor and the pressure sensing module are all connected to the control module.

[0022] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects:

[0023] 1. By combining a dual detection mechanism of a toilet seat sensor and a pressure-sensitive module, a seating signal is only generated when the toilet seat is open and the pressure-sensitive module detects pressure, which further improves the reliability and accuracy of the system, thereby enhancing the user experience;

[0024] 2. By combining the toilet seat sensor, seat ring sensor and pressure sensing module, a triple verification mechanism is achieved. The system will only generate a seating signal when the toilet seat is open, the seat ring is closed and the pressure sensing module detects pressure. This significantly reduces the possibility of false judgment and improves the accuracy of the system. It can prevent false judgments caused by children sitting on the toilet seat or placing heavy objects on the toilet seat when both the toilet seat and the seat ring are closed.

[0025] 3. Through mechanical contact detection using a pressure-sensitive module and a pressure-bearing component, the system can more accurately identify the seated state of a person. Compared to capacitive sensing technology, this mechanical detection method is less susceptible to interference from environmental factors, thus significantly reducing the possibility of misjudgment. The pressure-sensitive module can judge based on the applied pressure, thereby differentiating users of different body types to some extent. This helps prevent children from accidentally touching the sensors while playing, reducing unnecessary toilet operations.

[0026] 4. Utilizing existing technology, seat ring foot pads are elastic and easily deformable, effectively transmitting force to accurately determine whether there is sitting behavior, thus improving the sensitivity and accuracy of pressure detection;

[0027] 5. This allows pressure to be concentrated and transmitted to the pressure-sensitive module. When a user sits down, the protrusions will be subjected to external force and deform. The pressure-sensitive module can accurately detect this deformation, thereby accurately determining whether there is sitting behavior, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of pressure detection, and reducing misoperation caused by children playing or other abnormal use. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] In the diagram:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the seating sensing system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the seat ring in the seating sensing system of this application embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3 This is one of the system schematic diagrams of the seating sensing system in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a second system schematic diagram of the seating sensing system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is the third system schematic diagram of the seating sensing system in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the seat ring cover in the seat sensing system of this application embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the seat sensing system in an embodiment of this application, showing the protrusion located on the side away from the lower cover of the seat ring.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the seat sensing system in an embodiment of this application, showing the protrusions located on the side facing the lower cover of the seat ring.

[0038] Reference numerals: 1. Toilet cover; 2. Seat ring; 21. Upper cover of seat ring; 22. Lower cover of seat ring; 3. Pressure sensor module; 4. Pressing element; 5. Protrusion; 6. Mounting part; 7. Mounting cavity; 8. Plug-in part; 9. Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-8 This application will be described in further detail.

[0040] This application discloses a seating sensing system. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The seat sensing system includes a toilet seat 1, a seat ring 2, and a toilet seat sensor for recognizing the opening and closing of the toilet seat 1. The seat ring 2 includes an upper seat ring cover 21 and a lower seat ring cover 22, with an inner cavity formed between the upper seat ring cover 21 and the lower seat ring cover 22. A pressure sensing module 3 is provided in the inner cavity of the seat ring 2. The seat ring 2 is also provided with a pressing member 4 that cooperates with the pressure sensing module 3. The pressing member 4 is used to press the pressure sensing module 3 under force, so that the pressure sensing module 3 receives the force deformation signal and determines whether the seat is in place.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 When the toilet seat sensor detects that the toilet seat 1 is open, and the pressure-retaining member 4 presses against the lower cover 22 of the seat ring under external force, the pressure-sensing module 3 generates a seat-on signal when the lower cover 22 presses against the pressure-sensing module 3. When the pressure-retaining member 4 releases its pressure on the pressure-sensing module 3, the pressure-sensing module 3 generates a seat-off signal. Of course, it is also possible for the pressure-retaining member 4 to directly press against the pressure-sensing module 3 under external force to transmit pressure. When the pressure-sensing module 3 senses the pressure signal from the pressure-retaining member 4, the toilet seat sensor recognizes that the toilet seat 1 is in a closed state, which is considered a misoperation and is not recognized as a seat-on or seat-off state. The dual detection mechanism of the toilet seat sensor 1 and the pressure-sensing module 3 only generates a seat-on signal when the toilet seat 1 is open and the pressure-sensing module 3 detects pressure, further improving the reliability and accuracy of the system, thereby enhancing the user experience. It should be noted that the order in which the toilet seat sensor and the pressure-sensing module 3 identify each other is not limited.

[0042] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, a seat ring sensor is also included to identify the opening and closing of the seat ring 2. When the toilet lid sensor detects that the toilet lid 1 is open and the seat ring sensor detects that the seat ring 2 is closed, and the pressure-sensitive module 3 is pressed against the pressure-sensitive module 3 under external force, the pressure-sensitive module 3 generates a seating signal. If the pressure-sensitive module 3 senses the pressure signal, but the seat ring 2 is not closed or the toilet lid 1 is not open, it is determined to be a misoperation and is not identified as a seating or unseating state. By combining the toilet lid sensor, the seat ring sensor, and the pressure-sensitive module 3, a triple verification mechanism is achieved. The system will only generate a seating signal when the toilet lid 1 is open, the seat ring 2 is closed, and the pressure-sensitive module 3 detects pressure, significantly reducing the possibility of misjudgment and improving the accuracy of the system. It should be noted that the order in which the toilet lid sensor, the seat ring sensor, and the pressure-sensitive module 3 identify the seat ring is not limited.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pressure member 4 has a protrusion 5. When the user sits on it, the protrusion 5 will be subjected to external force and deform. The pressure sensing module 3 can accurately detect this deformation, thereby accurately determining whether there is a sitting behavior, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of pressure detection.

[0044] Specifically, refer to Figures 6-8 The following description uses the pressing element 4 as the seat foot pad. The seat foot pad has a protrusion 5. The position of the protrusion 5 corresponds to the pressure sensing module 3 and is set towards or away from the pressure sensing module 3. When the seat foot pad is subjected to external force, the protrusion 5 presses against the pressure sensing module 3. The pressure sensing module 3 detects the deformation of the protrusion 5 under force and generates a signal to determine whether to sit down.

[0045] In some embodiments, a mounting portion 6 is provided on the side of the seat ring lower cover 22 away from the inner cavity of the seat ring 2. The seat ring foot pad is inserted into the mounting portion 6 and fixed in the mounting portion 6 by interference fit, which prevents the seat ring foot pad from shifting or loosening during use, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of pressure detection. The protrusion 5 faces or moves away from the seat ring lower cover 22. When the protrusion 5 faces the seat ring lower cover 22, the protrusion 5 abuts against the seat ring lower cover 22. When the protrusion 5 moves away from the seat ring lower cover 22, the protrusion 5 abuts against the toilet, so that the pressure can be effectively transmitted to the pressure sensing module 3 through the protrusion 5, ensuring that the system can accurately detect the user's sitting behavior. When the seat ring foot pad is subjected to external force, the protrusion 5 pushes upward against the seat ring lower cover 22 and the pressure sensing module 3. The pressure sensing module 3 detects the deformation of the protrusion 5 under force and generates a signal to determine whether the user is sitting.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least two mounting portions 6 are spaced apart, and a mounting cavity 7 is formed between adjacent mounting portions 6 on the side of the lower cover 22 facing the inner cavity of the seat ring 2, and the pressure sensing module 3 is disposed in the mounting cavity 7. This further improves the detection accuracy and stability of the system.

[0047] In some embodiments, the seat foot pad has a plug-in portion 8 corresponding to the mounting portion 6, and a protrusion 5 is located between adjacent plug-in portions 8. The plug-in portion 8 is inserted into the mounting portion 6, and the protrusion 5 corresponds to the position of the pressure sensing module 3. Of course, the seat foot pad may not have the protrusion 5 and may directly utilize existing seat foot pads. Seat foot pads are elastic and easily deformable, and can effectively transmit force, thereby accurately determining whether there is a sitting action, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of pressure detection.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the seat sensing system also includes screws 9, and the pressure sensing module 3 is locked to the seat ring cover 22 by screws 9.

[0049] In some embodiments, a fixing part is further included. Both the toilet lid 1 and the seat ring 2 are rotatably mounted on the fixing part. A toilet lid sensor is disposed between the toilet lid 1 and the fixing part. Within a first preset angle range of rotation of the toilet lid 1 relative to the fixing part, the toilet lid 1 is in an open state; within a non-first preset angle range of rotation of the toilet lid 1 relative to the fixing part, the toilet lid 1 is in a closed state. A seat ring sensor is disposed between the seat ring 2 and the fixing part. Within a second preset angle range of rotation of the seat ring 2 relative to the fixing part, the seat ring 2 is in an open state; within a non-second preset angle range of rotation of the seat ring 2 relative to the fixing part, the seat ring 2 is in a closed state. It should be noted that the fixing part can be a component fixed to the toilet bowl bracket (not shown), the back cover (not shown), etc.; it can also be the ceramic part at the rear of the toilet, where the lid 1 and seat ring 2 rotate directly on the toilet ceramic.

[0050] A toilet is also proposed, including a seat sensing system and a control module, wherein the toilet seat sensor, the seat ring sensor and the pressure sensing module are all connected to the control module.

[0051] The implementation principle of the seat sensing system in this application embodiment is as follows: It combines a dual detection mechanism of a toilet lid sensor 1 and a pressure sensing module 3. A seat signal is only generated when the toilet lid 1 is open and the pressure sensing module 3 detects pressure, further improving the reliability and accuracy of the system, thereby enhancing the user experience. Through mechanical contact detection between the pressure sensing module 3 and the pressure-receiving component 4, the system can more accurately identify the human seated state. Compared with capacitive sensing technology, this mechanical detection method is less susceptible to interference from environmental factors, thus significantly reducing the possibility of misjudgment. The pressure sensing module 3 can make judgments based on the applied pressure, thereby differentiating users of different body types to a certain extent. This helps to prevent children from accidentally touching the sensor while playing, reducing unnecessary toilet operations.

[0052] The above are exemplary embodiments disclosed in this invention. However, it should be noted that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this invention as defined by the claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions of the methods according to the disclosed embodiments described herein do not need to be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although the elements disclosed in the embodiments of this invention may be described or claimed individually, they may be understood as multiple unless explicitly limited to a singular number.

[0053] It should be understood that, as used herein, the singular form "a" is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly supports an exception. It should also be understood that, as used herein, "and / or" refers to any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associatedly listed items. The embodiment numbers disclosed above are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0054] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples. Within the framework of the invention, technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can be combined, and many other variations of different aspects of the invention exist, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A seating sensing system, characterized in that: The toilet includes a toilet seat, a seat ring, and a toilet seat sensor for detecting whether the toilet seat is open or closed. The seat ring is equipped with a pressure-sensitive module for sensing whether an external force is applied. When the toilet seat sensor detects that the toilet seat is open and the pressure-sensitive module is subjected to an external force, the pressure-sensitive module generates a sitting signal. When the external force on the pressure-sensitive module is released, the pressure-sensitive module generates a sitting signal.

2. The seating sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a seat sensor that identifies the opening and closing of the seat ring. When the toilet cover sensor identifies that the toilet cover is open, the seat ring sensor identifies that the seat ring is closed, and the pressure sensing module is subjected to external force, the pressure sensing module generates a seat signal.

3. A seating sensing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It is also provided with a pressing member that cooperates with the pressure-sensitive module to press against the pressure-sensitive module under the action of external force.

4. A seating sensing system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressing component is a seat ring foot pad.

5. A seating sensing system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressing member has a protrusion, the position of which corresponds to the pressure-sensitive module and is set towards or away from the pressure-sensitive module. When the pressing member is subjected to external force, the protrusion presses against the pressure-sensitive module. The pressure-sensitive module detects the deformation of the protrusion under force and generates a signal to determine whether to sit down.

6. A seating sensing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The seat ring includes an upper seat ring cover and a lower seat ring cover, forming an inner cavity between the upper and lower seat ring covers. A mounting part is provided on the side of the lower seat ring cover away from the inner cavity. The pressing member is inserted into the mounting part, and the protrusion faces or away from the lower seat ring cover. When the pressing member is subjected to external force, the protrusion presses against the lower seat ring cover and the pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module detects the deformation of the protrusion under force and generates a signal to determine whether to sit down.

7. A seating sensing system according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least two mounting parts are spaced apart, and a mounting cavity is formed between adjacent mounting parts on the side of the seat cover facing the inner cavity of the seat ring. The pressure-sensitive module is disposed in the mounting cavity.

8. A seating sensing system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pressing member has a plug-in portion corresponding to the mounting portion, the protrusion is located between adjacent plug-in portions, the plug-in portion is inserted into the mounting portion, and the protrusion corresponds to the position of the pressure-sensitive module.

9. A seating sensing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The toilet includes a fixed part, and the toilet seat and the seat ring are both rotatably mounted on the fixed part. The toilet seat sensor is located between the toilet seat and the fixed part. When the toilet seat rotates within a first preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the toilet seat is in the open state; when the toilet seat rotates within a non-first preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the toilet seat is in the closed state. The seat ring sensor is located between the seat ring and the fixed part. When the seat ring rotates within a second preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the seat ring is in the open state; when the seat ring rotates within a non-second preset angle range relative to the fixed part, the seat ring is in the closed state.

10. A toilet, comprising a toilet body and a seating sensing system according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a control module, wherein the toilet seat sensor, the seat ring sensor and the pressure sensing module are all connected to the control module.