Capacitive foot sensor and intelligent pedestal pan

Abstract

The capacitive foot sensor comprises a circuit board, a component, a sensing metal and an electric connecting wire, the electric connecting wire is electrically connected with the circuit board, the component is arranged on the circuit board, the sensing metal is of a flexible sheet structure, the circuit board is an FPC board, the sensing metal is arranged on the circuit board, and the circuit board is electrically connected with the component. Or the circuit board is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and is electrically connected with the induction metal through a flexible connecting piece. According to the utility model, the circuit board of the flexible sheet-shaped structure or the induction metal is used as an installation main body matched with the ceramic curved surface of the pedestal pan, so that large-area fitting between the sensor and the ceramic curved surface of the pedestal pan can be realized, a better induction effect can be formed, and the installation adaptability is improved; the possibility of gap generation or separation between the two parts in the transportation process is reduced, and the induction effect during use is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of intelligent bathroom equipment technology, and in particular to a capacitive foot sensor and an intelligent toilet. Background Technology

[0002] Existing smart toilets typically feature capacitive foot sensors. These sensors detect the user's foot movement to control the toilet's opening and closing mechanism, thus enhancing its smart functionality. These sensors usually employ a rigid circuit board. The sensing chip, capacitors, resistors, and other components are located on one side of the board, while the sensing metal is on the other. The entire board is encased in a solid plastic shell and sealed with adhesive. However, due to the rigidity of both the circuit board and the shell, the sensor module struggles to conform to the curved shape of the toilet's ceramic surface. This results in poor fit during installation, and during transportation, vibrations can easily cause the sensor module to separate from the ceramic, affecting its performance. Furthermore, the bonding area between the current sensor module and the curved ceramic surface is typically small, leading to poor sensing. Increasing the sensing area requires enlarging the rigid plastic shell, further weakening the bond and increasing the likelihood of separation or gaps, hindering proper installation and connection. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a capacitive foot sensor, which uses a flexible sheet-like circuit board or sensing metal as the mounting body to fit with the ceramic curved surface of the toilet. This facilitates a larger area of ​​contact between the sensor and the ceramic curved surface of the toilet, improves installation adaptability, reduces the possibility of gaps or separation between the two during transportation, and ensures the sensing effect during use.

[0004] This utility model also proposes a smart toilet with the capacitive foot sensor.

[0005] According to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a capacitive foot sensor includes a circuit board, components, a sensing metal, and electrical connecting wires. The electrical connecting wires are electrically connected to the circuit board, the components are disposed on the circuit board, and the sensing metal is a flexible sheet structure. Alternatively, the circuit board is an FPC board and the sensing metal is disposed on the circuit board; or, the circuit board is a PCB board and is electrically connected to the sensing metal via a flexible connector.

[0006] According to the capacitive foot sensor described in this utility model embodiment, it has at least the following beneficial effects: During installation, a circuit board or sensing metal can be used as the mounting body to fit with the curved surface of the toilet ceramic. If the circuit board is used as the mounting body, it is an FPC board, and the flexible sheet-like sensing metal is placed on the circuit board, which is also a flexible sheet-like structure. The flexible sheet-like structure fits with the curved surface of the toilet ceramic to adapt to the installation requirements of the curved surface of the toilet ceramic and to accommodate a larger area of ​​contact, thus forming a better sensing effect. If the sensing metal is used as the mounting body, the circuit board can be a PCB board. The circuit board and the sensing metal are electrically connected through a flexible connector, and there is a certain degree of relative movement between the two. After the flexible sheet-like sensing metal fits with the curved surface of the toilet ceramic, the circuit board can move relative to the sensing metal to adjust to a suitable position or state to adapt to the installation requirements of the curved surface of the toilet ceramic. The above structural designs all use a flexible sheet structure as the main installation body to fit with the ceramic curved surface of the toilet. This facilitates a larger area of ​​contact between the sensor and the ceramic curved surface of the toilet, resulting in a better sensing effect, improving installation adaptability, reducing the possibility of gaps or separation between the two during transportation, and ensuring the sensing effect during use.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the circuit board is an FPC board, the components are disposed on the upper side of the circuit board, the sensing metal is disposed on the lower side of the circuit board, a first adhesive layer is provided on the lower side of the circuit board, and release paper is provided on the lower side of the first adhesive layer.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper side of the circuit board is provided with a printing area, the components are disposed in the printing area, and the upper side of the circuit board is covered with a protective adhesive layer over the printing area.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a protective adhesive layer is provided on the upper side of the circuit board, and the protective adhesive layer covers the upper side of the circuit board.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second adhesive layer is provided on the upper side of the circuit board, and a protective film layer is provided on the upper side of the second adhesive layer.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper side of the circuit board is provided with a flexible plastic shell.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible plastic shell and the circuit board are filled with sealant at the electrical connection line.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the circuit board is a PCB board and is electrically connected to the sensing metal through a flexible connector. A first adhesive layer is provided on the lower side of the sensing metal, and release paper is provided on the lower side of the first adhesive layer.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second adhesive layer is provided on the upper side of the circuit board, the second adhesive layer covers the circuit board and the sensing metal and is bonded to the circuit board and the sensing metal respectively, and a protective film layer is provided on the upper side of the second adhesive layer.

[0015] The smart toilet according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a capacitive foot sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention described above.

[0016] The smart toilet according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: by adopting the above-mentioned capacitive foot sensor, it is beneficial to achieve a larger area of ​​contact between the sensor and the ceramic curved surface of the toilet, and to form a better sensing effect, improve installation adaptability, reduce the possibility of gaps or separation between the two during transportation, and ensure the sensing effect during use.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the capacitive foot sensor of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the capacitive foot sensor;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the second embodiment of the capacitive foot sensor of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the third embodiment of the capacitive foot sensor of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is an exploded structural diagram of the fourth embodiment of the capacitive foot sensor of this utility model.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] Circuit board 110, flexible connector 111, component 120, inductive metal 130, electrical connection wire 140;

[0026] First adhesive layer 210, release paper 211, protective adhesive layer 220, second adhesive layer 230, protective film layer 231, flexible plastic shell 240, sealant 241. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if directional descriptions are involved, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, if words such as several, greater than, less than, exceeding, above, below, or within appear, several means one or more, multiple means two or more, greater than, less than, exceeding, etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, and above, below, or within are understood to include the number itself.

[0030] If the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish technical features, they should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, or implicitly indicating the order of the technical features indicated.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A capacitive foot sensor includes a circuit board 110, components 120, a sensing metal 130, and electrical connecting wires 140. The electrical connecting wires 140 are electrically connected to the circuit board 110. The components 120 are disposed on the circuit board 110. The sensing metal 130 is a flexible sheet structure. The circuit board 110 is an FPC board and the sensing metal 130 is disposed on the circuit board 110. Alternatively, the circuit board 110 is a PCB board and is electrically connected to the sensing metal 130 through a flexible connector 111.

[0033] Understandably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this is the first embodiment of the present invention. The circuit board 110 is an FPC board, and the sensing metal 130 is disposed on the circuit board 110. An FPC board, also known as a flexible circuit board, is a circuit board made of flexible materials such as polyimide or flexible plastic. It has good flexibility and bending performance, and can be bent and folded without damaging the circuit function. During installation, the circuit board 110 can be used as the mounting body to fit the curved surface of the toilet ceramic. The flexible sheet-like structure of the circuit board 110 fits the curved surface of the toilet ceramic to adapt to the installation requirements of the curved surface of the toilet ceramic and to accommodate a larger area of ​​contact, resulting in a better sensing effect.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, this is the second embodiment of the present invention. The circuit board 110 is a PCB board, and the circuit board 110 and the sensing metal 130 are separately disposed and electrically connected by a flexible connector 111. During installation, the sensing metal 130 can be used as the mounting body to mate with the curved surface of the toilet ceramic. Because the circuit board 110 and the sensing metal 130 are separately disposed and electrically connected by the flexible connector 111, there is a certain degree of relative movement between them. After the sensing metal 130 mates with the curved surface of the toilet ceramic, the circuit board 110 can move relative to the sensing metal 130 to adjust to a suitable position or state to adapt to the installation requirements of the curved surface of the toilet ceramic and to accommodate a larger area of ​​contact, resulting in a better sensing effect.

[0035] The above structural designs all use a flexible sheet structure as the main installation body to fit with the ceramic curved surface of the toilet. This facilitates a larger area of ​​contact between the sensor and the ceramic curved surface of the toilet, resulting in a better sensing effect, improving installation adaptability, reducing the possibility of gaps or separation between the two during transportation, and ensuring the sensing effect during use.

[0036] In practical applications, the components 120 may include sensing chips, capacitors, resistors, etc., and the flexible connectors 111 may be wires, metal sheets, metal strips, etc. The specific structure of the sensor can be set according to the actual needs of use, which will not be described in detail here, but will be explained in detail below.

[0037] In some embodiments, the circuit board 110 is an FPC board, the component 120 is disposed on the upper side of the circuit board 110, the sensing metal 130 is disposed on the lower side of the circuit board 110, the lower side of the circuit board 110 is provided with a first adhesive layer 210, and the lower side of the first adhesive layer 210 is provided with release paper 211.

[0038] Understandably, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the circuit board 110 is an FPC board. The sensing metal 130 can be formed on its underside during the manufacturing of the circuit board 110. By providing a first adhesive layer 210 on the underside of the circuit board 110 and a release paper 211 on the underside of the first adhesive layer 210, the release paper 211 can be torn off during installation, and the circuit board 110 can be bonded to the ceramic curved surface of the toilet using the first adhesive layer 210, thus facilitating its installation. In the non-installed state, the release paper 211 can protect the first adhesive layer 210, ensuring the effectiveness of the first adhesive layer 210. In practical applications, in addition to the above structure, the circuit board 110 can also be fitted to the ceramic curved surface of the toilet by applying glue or adhesive tape during installation, which can be set according to the actual use needs.

[0039] In some embodiments, the upper side of the circuit board 110 is provided with a printed area (not shown in the figure), the component 120 is disposed in the printed area, and the upper side of the circuit board 110 is covered with a protective adhesive layer 220 over the printed area.

[0040] Understandably, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the first embodiment of this utility model, a protective adhesive layer 220 is coated on the upper side of the circuit board 110. Components 120 are disposed within the printed area (not shown in the figure). By covering the printed area with the protective adhesive layer 220, the components 120 within the printed area can be sealed and protected, reducing the possibility of the components 120 coming into contact with liquid and improving the protective effect. In practical applications, the protective adhesive layer 220 can be made of silicone or PU adhesive, or other materials, which can be set according to the actual needs of use.

[0041] In some embodiments, a protective adhesive layer 220 is provided on the upper side of the circuit board 110, and the protective adhesive layer 220 covers the upper side of the circuit board 110.

[0042] Understandably, such as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this is the third embodiment of the present invention. A protective adhesive layer 220 is provided on the upper side of the circuit board 110. Unlike the first embodiment, in this third embodiment, the protective adhesive layer 220 covers the entire upper side of the circuit board 110. The circuit board 110 and the component 120 are sandwiched between the protective adhesive layer 220 and the first adhesive layer 210, providing a sealing and protective effect for the component 120, reducing the possibility of the component 120 coming into contact with liquids, and improving the protective effect. In practical applications, the protective adhesive layer 220 may only cover the printed area or may cover the entire upper side of the circuit board 110, depending on the actual usage requirements.

[0043] In some embodiments, a second adhesive layer 230 is provided on the upper side of the circuit board 110, and a protective film layer 231 is provided on the upper side of the second adhesive layer 230.

[0044] Understandably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in use, by providing a second adhesive layer 230 on the upper side of the circuit board 110 and using the second adhesive layer 230 to adhere a protective film layer 231, the circuit board 110 and the component 120 are sandwiched between the second adhesive layer 230 and the first adhesive layer 210, which can provide a good sealing and protection effect for the component 120. In the first embodiment of this utility model, based on the protective adhesive layer 220 covering the printed area, a multi-layer protective structure can be formed on the upper side of the circuit board 110, effectively resisting the corrosion of water vapor in the bathroom environment and improving the protection level. In actual applications, the protective adhesive layer 220, the second adhesive layer 230, and the protective film layer 231 can be selected and set according to the actual use needs.

[0045] In some embodiments, the upper side of the circuit board 110 is provided with a flexible plastic housing 240. It is understood that, as Figure 5 As shown in the figure, this is the fourth embodiment of the present invention. A flexible plastic shell 240 is provided on the upper side of the circuit board 110. During production, the flexible plastic shell 240 can be heat-sealed to the circuit board 110 by hot-press welding. This effectively protects the components 120 on the upper side of the circuit board 110, reduces the possibility of the components 120 coming into contact with liquid, and improves the protective effect. In practical applications, the flexible plastic shell 240 can also be formed on the upper side of the circuit board 110 by vacuum forming or by injection molding, depending on the actual usage requirements.

[0046] In some embodiments, sealant 241 is filled between the flexible plastic housing 240 and the circuit board 110 at the electrical connection wire 140. It is understood that, as Figure 5 As shown, after the flexible plastic shell 240 and the circuit board 110 are heat-sealed, gaps may easily appear between the flexible plastic shell 240 and the circuit board 110 at the electrical connection line 140 due to the electrical connection between the electrical connection line 140 and the circuit board 110. By filling this gap with sealant 241, the gap at the electrical connection line 140 can be sealed, further improving the protective effect. In practical applications, the sealant 241 can be silicone or PU adhesive, etc., depending on the actual application requirements.

[0047] In some embodiments, the circuit board 110 is a PCB board and is electrically connected to the sensing metal 130 through a flexible connector 111. The lower side of the sensing metal 130 is provided with a first adhesive layer 210, and the lower side of the first adhesive layer 210 is provided with release paper 211.

[0048] Understandably, such as Figure 3As shown, in the second embodiment of this utility model, the circuit board 110 is a PCB board. The circuit board 110 and the sensing metal 130 are separately arranged and electrically connected by a flexible connector 111. By providing a first adhesive layer 210 on the lower side of the sensing metal 130 and a release paper 211 on the lower side of the first adhesive layer 210, the release paper 211 can be torn off during installation, and the sensing metal 130 can be bonded to the ceramic curved surface of the toilet using the first adhesive layer 210, thus facilitating its installation. In the non-installed state, the release paper 211 can protect the first adhesive layer 210 and ensure the effectiveness of the first adhesive layer 210. In practical applications, in addition to the above structure, the sensing metal 130 can also be fitted to the ceramic curved surface of the toilet by applying glue or adhesive tape during installation, which can be set according to the actual use needs.

[0049] In some embodiments, a second adhesive layer 230 is provided on the upper side of the circuit board 110. The second adhesive layer 230 covers the circuit board 110 and the sensing metal 130 and is bonded to the circuit board 110 and the sensing metal 130 respectively. A protective film layer 231 is provided on the upper side of the second adhesive layer 230.

[0050] Understandably, such as Figure 3 As shown, in use, a second adhesive layer 230 is provided on the upper side of the circuit board 110, and a protective film layer 231 is adhered to the second adhesive layer 230. The second adhesive layer 230 covers the circuit board 110 and the sensing metal 130 and is bonded to the circuit board 110 and the sensing metal 130 respectively. The sensing metal 130, the circuit board 110, the component 120 and the flexible connector 111 are sandwiched in the second adhesive layer 230 and the first adhesive layer 210, which can provide a better sealing and protection effect for the sensing metal 130, the component 120 and so on, and improve the protection level.

[0051] In practical applications, the areas of the first adhesive layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230 are preferably larger than the area of ​​the sensing metal 130 or larger than the area of ​​the circuit board 110. In the first embodiment, the areas of the first adhesive layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230 are larger than the area of ​​the circuit board 110, which allows the edges of the first adhesive layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230 to be bonded together, so that the circuit board 110 and the component 120 are completely wrapped in the two adhesive layers, further improving the protective effect. In the second embodiment, the areas of the first adhesive layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230 are larger than the area of ​​the sensing metal 130, which allows the edges of the first adhesive layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230 to be bonded together, so that the sensing metal 130, the circuit board 110, the component 120 and the flexible connector 111 are completely wrapped in the two adhesive layers, further improving the protective effect. The specific settings can be adjusted according to actual usage needs.

[0052] The smart toilet according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a capacitive foot sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention described above.

[0053] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the smart toilet, by employing the aforementioned capacitive foot sensor, facilitates a larger area of ​​contact between the sensor and the ceramic curved surface of the toilet, resulting in a better sensing effect, improving installation adaptability, reducing the possibility of gaps or separation between the two during transportation, and ensuring the sensing effect during use.

[0054] Since other components of the intelligent toilet according to this utility model embodiment are known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0055] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A capacitive foot sensor, characterized in that, It includes a circuit board, components, sensing metal, and electrical connecting wires, wherein the electrical connecting wires are electrically connected to the circuit board, the components are disposed on the circuit board, and the sensing metal is a flexible sheet structure, wherein: the circuit board is an FPC board and the sensing metal is disposed on the circuit board, or the circuit board is a PCB board and is electrically connected to the sensing metal through a flexible connector.

2. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is an FPC board, the components are located on the upper side of the circuit board, the sensing metal is located on the lower side of the circuit board, a first adhesive layer is provided on the lower side of the circuit board, and release paper is provided on the lower side of the first adhesive layer.

3. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board has a printing area on its upper side, the components are located in the printing area, and the upper side of the circuit board is covered with a protective adhesive layer over the printing area.

4. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, A protective adhesive layer is provided on the upper side of the circuit board, and the protective adhesive layer covers the upper side of the circuit board.

5. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board has a second adhesive layer on its upper side, and a protective film layer is provided on the upper side of the second adhesive layer.

6. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board has a flexible plastic shell on its upper side.

7. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible plastic shell and the circuit board are filled with sealant at the electrical connection lines.

8. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is a PCB board and is electrically connected to the sensing metal through a flexible connector. The lower side of the sensing metal is provided with a first adhesive layer, and the lower side of the first adhesive layer is provided with release paper.

9. The capacitive foot sensor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The circuit board has a second adhesive layer on its upper side, which covers the circuit board and the sensing metal and is bonded to the circuit board and the sensing metal respectively. A protective film layer is provided on the upper side of the second adhesive layer.

10. A smart toilet, characterized in that, Including the capacitive foot sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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