Hydropower-generated ozone sterilization water-saving deodorizing urinal

Abstract

This utility model discloses a hydroelectric urinal with ozone sterilization, water saving, and deodorization, belonging to the field of sanitary ware technology. Specifically, it relates to a urinal integrating hydroelectric power generation, ozone sterilization, intelligent sensing, and water-saving functions. Addressing the problems of poor odor control, significant hygiene hazards, and water waste in traditional urinals, the key technical points are: an infrared sensor is installed on the ceramic urinal body; an internal flushing pipe is installed, with a flushing solenoid valve on the pipe and a drain pipe connected below; a one-way check valve is installed at the end of the drain pipe; and the inner wall of the water trap is covered with a nano-silver coating. A jet mixer is installed in the flushing pipe, and an ozone generator is connected to the jet mixer through the pipe to generate ozone and mix it to form ozone water. A hydroelectric power generation module is installed in the flushing pipe, and a control module is electrically connected to all components. The infrared sensor detects a signal to trigger flushing, and the hydroelectric power generation module provides power. It is mainly used for efficient hygiene management in public places.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bathroom fixtures technology. More specifically, this utility model relates to a hydroelectric ozone sterilization, water-saving, and deodorizing urinal. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of sanitary ware technology, traditional urinals have several functional shortcomings in practical applications, mainly in three dimensions: odor control, hygiene and safety, and water resource utilization efficiency. These problems are interconnected and stem from the structural limitations of traditional designs, making it difficult for them to meet the needs of efficient hygiene management in public places.

[0003] Regarding odor control, traditional urinals primarily rely on chemical cleaners or frequent flushing to suppress odors, but these methods have significant drawbacks. Odor molecules such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in urine easily adhere to the inner walls of pipes and in the trap, forming stubborn urine stains. Traditional flushing only achieves physical rinsing and cannot decompose the organic components in the urine stains. Furthermore, the damp environment inside the pipes after flushing easily becomes a breeding ground for microorganisms. In addition, the lack of effective backflow prevention structures at the end of the drain pipe allows odors to easily diffuse backward through the pipes. For example, the rough surface of the trap's inner wall easily absorbs dirt, which is difficult to remove completely using traditional cleaning methods, leading to recurring odors. The difficulty in solving this problem lies in the fact that chemical cleaning may cause secondary pollution, while simply increasing flushing frequency will exacerbate water consumption. It is difficult to achieve a balance between source odor control and environmental protection within the framework of traditional technologies.

[0004] From a hygiene and safety perspective, traditional urinal flushing designs do not adequately consider sterilization needs. Urine splashing leads to widespread bacterial adhesion on the urinal surface and inside the pipes, while traditional flushing only removes visible stains and cannot kill pathogens such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Once a biofilm forms on the inner wall of the urinal trap, bacteria can colonize it long-term, and frequent use in public environments further increases the risk of cross-infection. Although the industry has attempted to improve flushing pressure or increase cleaning frequency, passive flushing cannot overcome the limitations of physical cleaning and lacks an active sterilization mechanism. The technological bottleneck lies in the fact that introducing additional sterilization equipment (such as ultraviolet light or chemical agents) requires additional energy, potentially increasing operating costs and maintenance complexity; traditional structural designs are also difficult to integrate with highly efficient sterilization components.

[0005] The issue of water resource utilization efficiency stems from the fact that traditional urinals employ a single flushing mode, which cannot adapt to different usage scenarios. In high-frequency usage scenarios, even with multiple uses within a short period, each flush still releases a fixed amount of water (typically 3-5 liters), leading to water waste. In low-frequency usage scenarios, the device still flushes at a fixed cycle, such as automatically flushing once per hour, resulting in a "dry flush." ​​This lack of dynamic adjustment in flushing logic is essentially due to the fact that traditional control technology relies on mechanical timers or simple on / off switches, failing to sense the user's usage status. Relevant data shows that the waste problem is more pronounced in places with unstable customer traffic. The challenge of technological improvement lies in how to achieve intelligent matching between flushing mode and usage frequency without adding complex sensors or control systems, while simultaneously avoiding increased failure rates due to equipment complexity.

[0006] The persistent existence of these problems reflects the shortcomings of traditional urinals in terms of functional integration and system optimization. The core contradiction lies in the fact that passive cleaning modes cannot address the need for proactive odor and bacteria control, mechanical flushing logic is difficult to adapt to dynamic water usage scenarios, and the addition of extra functions may bring cost and maintenance burdens. Although the industry has attempted to alleviate the problems through localized improvements (such as optimizing the flush valve structure or adding aromatherapy devices), the limitations of traditional design frameworks have prevented the formation of a systematic solution that simultaneously addresses deodorization, sterilization, and water conservation. Overcoming these technical bottlenecks requires innovation in energy supply, control logic, and functional integration to achieve multi-objective synergistic optimization without significantly increasing equipment complexity and energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of this invention is to solve at least the problems described above and to provide at least the advantages that will be explained later.

[0008] To achieve these objectives and other advantages according to this utility model, a hydroelectric ozone sterilization, water-saving, and deodorizing urinal is provided, comprising:

[0009] The ceramic toilet bowl is equipped with an infrared sensor. Inside the ceramic toilet bowl is a flushing pipe with a flushing solenoid valve. A drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the ceramic toilet bowl, and a one-way check valve is installed at the end of the drain pipe. The inner wall of the water trap of the drain pipe is covered with a nano-silver coating.

[0010] Jet mixer, which is installed on the flush pipe;

[0011] An ozone generator is connected to a jet mixer via a pipe. The ozone generator is used to generate ozone, and the jet mixer is used to mix the ozone with the water flow in the flushing pipe to form ozone water.

[0012] A hydroelectric power generation module, which is installed on a flushing pipe;

[0013] The control module is electrically connected to the flushing solenoid valve, the hydroelectric power generation module, the infrared sensor, and the ozone generator.

[0014] The infrared sensor is used to detect the user's location and transmit the signal to the control module to trigger the ozone generator to start and the flushing solenoid valve to open. The hydroelectric power generation module is used to power the flushing solenoid valve, the control module, and the ozone generator.

[0015] Preferably, the control module includes a microcontroller and a built-in timing module. The microcontroller is electrically connected to the power output terminal of the hydropower generation module, the signal output terminal of the infrared sensor, and the control input terminal of the ozone generator. It is used to receive the signal from the infrared sensor to trigger the ozone generator and the flushing solenoid valve, and to monitor the sensing interval time through the timing module. When the interval time reaches 2 hours, the flushing solenoid valve is automatically triggered.

[0016] Preferably, the control module also includes an energy storage unit, which is a supercapacitor or a lithium battery. The hydropower generation module charges the energy storage unit through the power output terminal. The energy storage unit provides a stable operating voltage for the microcontroller, the flushing solenoid valve, and the ozone generator.

[0017] Preferably, the ozone generator is a high-voltage discharge ozone generator that generates ozone through an air or oxygen source;

[0018] The jet mixer is a Venturi jet mixer, which includes a converging section, a throat, and a diffuser connected in sequence. The throat is connected to the outlet pipe of the ozone generator. After the water flows through the converging section and is accelerated, a negative pressure is formed at the throat to draw in ozone, which is then mixed to form ozone water.

[0019] Preferably, both ends of the pipe are provided with a male threaded quick-release connector and a female threaded quick-release connector, and the ozone generator outlet and the jet mixer throat are respectively provided with internal threads that match the male and female threaded quick-release connectors.

[0020] Preferably, the hydroelectric power generation module includes a turbine generator and a dual water system. The turbine generator is installed in the flushing pipe, with the turbine blades aligned with the water flow path. The first water inlet is a normally open water inlet, and the second water inlet is equipped with a pressure valve. The pressure valve opens when the water pressure is ≥2 bar. The turbine blade angle is 25°-45° and the number of blades is 6-8.

[0021] Preferably, the microcontroller has a preset high-frequency flushing mode and a low-frequency flushing mode:

[0022] The high-frequency flushing mode is as follows: when the infrared sensor detects the user's location signal, the microcontroller sends an electrical signal to the flushing solenoid valve for 0.5-1 seconds to control the flushing solenoid valve to open, and the flushing volume is 50-100ml per flush.

[0023] The low-frequency flushing mode is as follows: the microcontroller’s built-in timing module sends an electrical signal for 1-2 seconds every 2 hours to the flushing solenoid valve to control the flushing solenoid valve to open.

[0024] Preferably, the one-way check valve includes a valve body, a valve core, a return spring, and a spring seat. The return spring is sleeved on the valve core and located between the flow hole and the spring seat. The front end of the valve core is truncated cone-shaped and fits against the sealing surface of the valve body. The rear end of the valve core is fixedly connected to the spring seat through a connecting screw. An adjusting nut is threaded onto the connecting screw to adjust the spring compression.

[0025] Preferably, the thickness of the nano-silver coating is 0.5-2 mm, the average particle size of the nano-silver particles is 50-100 nm, and the reflectivity is ≥95%.

[0026] Preferably, the jet mixer has a throat diameter of 10-20 mm, a contraction angle of 15°-30°, and an ozone water concentration of 0.5-2 mg / L after mixing.

[0027] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0028] First, the system achieves energy self-circulation through a hydroelectric power generation module, completely eliminating dependence on external power sources; the ozone water active sterilization mechanism decomposes organic matter at the source, overcoming the limitations of physical rinsing; and the nano-silver coating forms a long-lasting antibacterial barrier in the water trap, with all three working synergistically. This systematic design is the first to simultaneously solve the problems of odor control, sterilization efficiency, and energy supply in a single sanitary ware, making it particularly suitable for public places where water and electricity resources are scarce.

[0029] Secondly, the microcontroller dynamically senses user behavior: during high-frequency use, it instantly triggers a small amount of flushing to ensure hygiene, while during low-frequency use, it automatically extends the maintenance cycle to 2 hours. This flexible control mechanism based on actual needs avoids the "dry flushing" phenomenon during unattended periods and significantly reduces the total number of flushes by extending the maintenance interval, fundamentally overturning the shortcomings of traditional timers that "only count the time, not the demand."

[0030] Third, the system utilizes a hydroelectric power generation module to convert the kinetic energy of the flushing water into electrical energy, which is then temporarily stored and stably released via supercapacitors or lithium batteries. This self-circulating power supply mode frees power-consuming components such as ozone generators and sensors from the constraints of wiring, making it particularly suitable for the renovation of older venues. The entire system can complete its energy storage within a single flushing cycle, achieving truly autonomous operation with "zero external power supply and zero battery replacements."

[0031] Fourth, it employs a Venturi tube physical structure, utilizing the natural acceleration of water flow to generate negative pressure that draws in ozone, with the gas and liquid undergoing thorough turbulent mixing in the throat section. This purely mechanical mixing mechanism requires no additional energy, and the generated ozone water has both rinsing and sterilization functions. Compared to traditional technologies that rely on external energy to maintain sterilization intensity, this design achieves efficient activation and uniform distribution of the sterilizing agent through the dynamics of water flow itself.

[0032] Fifth, a dense silver layer of 0.5-2mm is formed through a high-temperature sintering process. Its ultra-smooth surface blocks the adhesion of dirt, and the slow-release silver ions penetrate the bacterial cell wall. This composite protection mechanism not only avoids secondary pollution of pipes by chemical agents, but also eliminates the breeding ground for bacteria through physical structural improvements, fundamentally solving the contradiction between "cleaning power and material durability" in traditional solutions.

[0033] Sixth, by limiting the golden ratio of the throat diameter and the contraction angle, a stable and sufficient amount of ozone is ensured to be inhaled in the negative pressure zone; the strong shearing action at a specific flow rate ensures that the microbubbles are fully dissolved. This structural optimization keeps the ozone water concentration stable within the effective sterilization range, and every surface that flows through it receives uniform disinfection. Compared to traditional technologies that rely on increasing ozone production to compensate for insufficient mixing efficiency, this design achieves a dual breakthrough in concentration controllability and sterilization reliability through physical structural innovation.

[0034] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a side view of a urinal, representing one of the technical solutions of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a urinal, one of the technical solutions of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an energy cycle according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of ozone sterilization, one of the technical solutions of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a detailed schematic diagram of a hydroelectric power generation module according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a detailed schematic diagram of a jet mixer according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 7 For power management circuitry;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall working sequence.

[0043] Figure 9 This is the circuit diagram for the control module;

[0044] Figure 10 For ozone driving circuit;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a solenoid valve drive circuit.

[0046] The following are the reference numerals in the instruction manual: 1. Ceramic toilet body; 2. Infrared sensor; 3. Flushing pipe; 4. Flushing solenoid valve; 5. Hydroelectric power generation module; 6. Control module; 7. Jet mixer; 71. Contraction section; 72. Throat pipe; 73. Diffusion section; 51. Turbine generator; 52. First water inlet; 53. Second water inlet; 54. Pressure valve; 8. Ozone generator. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0048] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following embodiments are all conventional methods, and the reagents and materials described are all commercially available unless otherwise specified. In the description of this utility model, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. It 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.

[0049] like Figures 1-11 As shown, this utility model provides a hydroelectric ozone sterilization, water-saving, and deodorizing urinal, comprising:

[0050] The ceramic toilet bowl 1 is equipped with an infrared sensor 2. The ceramic toilet bowl has a flushing pipe 3 inside, and a flushing solenoid valve 4 is installed on the flushing pipe. A drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the ceramic toilet bowl. A one-way check valve is installed at the end of the drain pipe. The inner wall of the water trap of the drain pipe is covered with a nano silver coating.

[0051] Jet mixer 7, which is installed on the flushing pipe;

[0052] Ozone generator 8 is connected to jet mixer via a pipe. The ozone generator is used to generate ozone, and the jet mixer is used to mix the ozone with the water flow in the flushing pipe to form ozone water.

[0053] Hydropower module 5, which is installed on the flushing pipe;

[0054] Control module 6 is electrically connected to the flushing solenoid valve, the hydroelectric power generation module, the infrared sensor, and the ozone generator.

[0055] The infrared sensor is used to detect the user's location and transmit the signal to the control module to trigger the ozone generator to start and the flushing solenoid valve to open. The hydroelectric power generation module is used to power the flushing solenoid valve, the control module, and the ozone generator.

[0056] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the ceramic commode body can be made of common sanitary ceramic materials. An infrared sensor can be installed at the upper edge of the commode body to detect the user's location. A flushing pipe is integrated inside the ceramic commode body. A flushing solenoid valve can be installed on the flushing pipe to control the flow of water. A drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the commode body. A one-way check valve can be installed at the end of the drain pipe, which allows water to flow out in one direction and prevents backflow of sewer gas and foreign matter. The inner wall of the trap of the drain pipe can be covered with a layer of nano-silver coating, which can be made of nano-silver particles with an average particle size between 50 and 100 nm. The working process is as follows: the infrared sensor detects the user leaving and sends a signal; urine and other waste are discharged through the drain pipe, leaving a small amount of water in the trap to form a water seal; the nano-silver coating continuously releases silver ions to inhibit microbial growth; the one-way check valve prevents backflow. The technical effect is to effectively block the backflow of sewer odors, inhibit bacterial growth in the trap area, and reduce odor sources.

[0057] The jet mixer can be installed on the flushing pipe; a venturi tube jet mixer is a suitable option. The ozone generator can be a small high-voltage discharge ozone generator module, which uses air to produce ozone gas. The ozone generator can be connected to the air intake of the jet mixer via a connecting pipe. The working process is as follows: when the flushing water flows through the constriction section of the jet mixer, the flow velocity increases, creating negative pressure at the throat, which draws in the ozone gas generated by the ozone generator. The ozone gas and water flow are thoroughly mixed in the throat and diffuser section to form ozone water with a certain concentration, ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg / L. The ozone water then flows out of the toilet bowl surface and drain pipe. The technical effect is to utilize the dynamic mixing of water flow and ozone to generate ozone water with strong oxidizing properties, used for decomposing organic matter and sterilizing during flushing.

[0058] The hydroelectric power generation module can be installed on the flushing pipe. Its core is a miniature turbine generator with 6 to 8 turbine blades, the blade angle of which can be adjusted between 25° and 45° to adapt to the water flow. The control module can use a general-purpose microcontroller unit. The control module can be connected via wires to the flushing solenoid valve, the power output terminal of the hydroelectric power generation module, the signal output terminal of the infrared sensor, and the control terminal of the ozone generator. The working process is as follows: when the flushing solenoid valve opens, the water flowing through the flushing pipe drives the turbine blades of the hydroelectric power generation module to rotate and generate electricity. The generated electricity supplies power to the control module, the ozone generator, and the flushing solenoid valve itself. When the infrared sensor detects the user leaving, it transmits the signal to the control module. Upon receiving the signal, the control module first triggers the ozone generator to start, and then triggers the flushing solenoid valve to open for a certain period, such as 0.5 to 1 second, releasing water for flushing and generating ozone water. The technical effect is that it uses the energy of the flushing water flow itself to generate electricity, providing power for the entire system and achieving energy self-sufficiency; it intelligently triggers ozone generation and flushing actions through sensor signals.

[0059] Traditional urinals rely primarily on the water seal of the trap to physically prevent odors from backflowing through the pipes, and depend on chemical cleaners or frequent flushing to temporarily mask or remove the odor source. However, organic components in urine easily form stubborn grime on the inner walls of the pipes, especially in the trap, creating a breeding ground for persistent odors (such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide). Simple water flushing is insufficient to effectively decompose this organic grime, and the damp environment actually promotes microbial growth, exacerbating the odor. The drain pipe also lacks a reliable structure to effectively prevent the backflow of odors. In this embodiment, an ozone generator and a jet mixer are integrated into the flushing pipe. When the user flushes, triggered by an infrared sensor, the ozone generator activates to produce ozone gas. The ozone gas is introduced into the jet mixer through the pipe, where it mixes rapidly with the tap water flowing through the flushing pipe, forming highly oxidizing ozone water. This ozone-rich water actively oxidizes and decomposes urine residue and organic components in urine stains during flushing of the toilet bowl and as it flows through the drain pipe, destroying odor molecules at the source, rather than simply relying on physical flushing or masking. Simultaneously, a one-way check valve installed at the end of the drain pipe effectively prevents odors from seeping back into the environment. The inner wall of the trap is also coated with a nano-silver layer, utilizing the antibacterial properties of silver ions to further inhibit the growth of microorganisms in key areas, reducing odor production.

[0060] Traditional urinals present significant hygiene problems. Urine splashing leads to the growth of bacteria (such as E. coli) on the urinal surface and the inner wall of the pipes. Regular flushing only removes some visible dirt and has limited effectiveness in killing pathogens. Damp areas such as the water trap are prone to biofilm formation, becoming breeding grounds for bacteria, especially in public places, significantly increasing the risk of cross-infection. Existing technologies typically rely on increasing water pressure or cleaning frequency, which is passive cleaning. This implementation method introduces ozone water to achieve active sterilization during flushing. Ozone water has broad-spectrum and highly efficient bactericidal capabilities, effectively killing various pathogenic microorganisms on water contact surfaces and significantly reducing the risk of biofilm formation. Furthermore, the nano-silver coating on the inner wall of the water trap continuously releases silver ions, providing long-lasting contact antibacterial effects. The synergistic effect of these two factors greatly improves the overall hygiene protection level of the device, overcoming the technical limitations of traditional passive flushing in terms of active sterilization.

[0061] Traditional urinals typically use timed or manual flushing modes, releasing a fixed and relatively large volume of water (usually several liters) with each flush, lacking awareness of actual usage. This leads to waste by repeatedly flushing already cleaned areas during high-frequency use, or by "empty flushing" (flushing even when no one is using the urinal) at fixed intervals during low-frequency use, resulting in significant water waste. The root cause lies in the simple and rigid control logic. This implementation uses an infrared sensor to detect the user's location, triggering a small-volume flush only after the user leaves (the flushing solenoid valve is opened briefly by the control module). This ensures timely cleaning after each use, while significantly reducing water consumption per flush compared to traditional methods. The hydroelectric power generation module uses the energy of the water flow in the flushing pipe to drive a turbine to generate electricity. The generated electricity is stored and used to power the infrared sensor, control module, ozone generator, and flushing solenoid valve, achieving energy self-sufficiency without the need for an external power source or batteries, simplifying installation and maintenance. The control module also has a built-in timer function. When there is no signal for a long time (such as up to 2 hours), it will automatically trigger a supplementary flush to prevent water seal evaporation or small amount of residue, thus ensuring hygiene. This mode, which combines real-time sensing and timed replenishment, intelligently matches flushing needs while ensuring hygiene, and greatly reduces ineffective flushing.

[0062] According to another embodiment of this utility model, existing urinals generally use a mechanical timer to control the flushing cycle, for example, triggering a flush once every hour regardless of usage frequency. This rigid design leads to two major problems: first, it flushes at a fixed cycle even when no one is using it (i.e., "empty flush"), wasting several liters of clean water per flush; second, in high-frequency usage scenarios, the flushing interval cannot be adjusted according to actual needs, which may result in accumulated water waste due to over-flushing. Essentially, the mechanical structure cannot sense the environmental state and can only execute preset time commands.

[0063] This urinal's control module incorporates a microcontroller and a timing module. The microcontroller continuously receives usage signals from the infrared sensor. When it detects that a user has left, it immediately triggers a small flush (e.g., opening the solenoid valve after 0.5 seconds). If the urinal remains unused for an extended period, the timing module monitors the interval between the last sensor signal. When the interval reaches a 2-hour threshold, the microcontroller automatically sends a 1-2 second opening signal to the flushing solenoid valve for a supplementary flush. This process is completely independent of user activity and only initiates before the water seal may fail due to evaporation.

[0064] Traditional mechanical timers rely on springs or motors to drive gear sets, forcing flushing at fixed intervals (e.g., every 60 minutes). This solution uses microcontroller timing logic to divide flushing into an active response mode (user-triggered) and a passive maintenance mode (timed trigger). The former ensures flushing immediately upon use, while the latter reduces the frequency of maintenance flushing from the traditional 1 hour / time to 2 hours / time, and reduces the amount of water used per flush by approximately 50% (achieved by shortening the solenoid valve opening time). This dynamic adjustment mechanism avoids ineffective flushing during unattended periods and directly reduces the total number of flushes by extending the maintenance cycle.

[0065] Key points for implementation:

[0066] The 1-2 hour threshold was determined experimentally based on the critical time of evaporation from the water seal in the water trap. It is shorter than the common evaporation time (usually >3 hours) and provides a safety margin.

[0067] 2. The microcontroller can be a low-power MCU chip (such as the ARM Cortex-M series), and the timing module is implemented through the internal RTC clock.

[0068] 3. In low-frequency use areas such as office areas, traditional solutions require approximately 24 empty flushes per day, while this solution only requires 12 maintenance flushes, directly reducing ineffective flushing by 50%.

[0069] According to another embodiment of this utility model, existing urinals with electronic functions typically rely on an external AC power supply or disposable batteries for power. External power supplies require dedicated circuitry, increasing installation costs and modification difficulties; battery power requires regular replacement, potentially needing maintenance every 1-2 months in high-frequency public spaces. Both methods involve continuous energy consumption or maintenance burdens, and battery disposal also causes environmental problems. Especially for power-consuming components such as ozone generators and solenoid valves, traditional power supply methods significantly restrict the widespread adoption of energy-saving devices.

[0070] In this embodiment, the hydroelectric power generation module is installed in the straight section of the flushing pipe, with its micro-turbine blades directly in contact with the water flow. When the flushing solenoid valve is opened, the water flow drives the turbine to rotate, which in turn drives the generator rotor to cut magnetic field lines and generate electricity. The generated electrical energy is processed by a rectifier circuit and then input into the energy storage unit of the control module. The energy storage unit can be a supercapacitor or a lithium battery, such as a 1-5F supercapacitor or a 3.7V lithium manganese battery. This unit provides a stable DC voltage to the microcontroller (such as a low-power ARM chip), the flushing solenoid valve coil, and the ozone generator electrodes through a voltage regulator circuit, with a typical operating voltage range of 3.3-5V.

[0071] Traditional external power supply solutions require drawing power from the grid and stepping it down through a transformer, resulting in standby power consumption. Battery-powered systems require periodic manual replacement. This solution utilizes the kinetic energy of the water flow during flushing to generate electricity in situ, with zero additional energy consumption during the power generation process. The energy storage unit can be fully charged within a single flushing cycle (approximately 2-3 seconds), storing enough energy to support the microcontroller's operation for tens of hours in standby mode. When the equipment is not used for an extended period, the hydroelectric power generation module will automatically activate and charge during scheduled flushing cycles (e.g., every 2 hours), ensuring continuous system operation. This design completely eliminates reliance on external power, fundamentally eliminating the need for wiring and battery replacement maintenance.

[0072] According to another embodiment of this utility model, the cleaning of existing urinals relies entirely on the physical flushing of water. While this can remove some visible dirt, it lacks the ability to kill pathogenic microorganisms (such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) in urine. Damp areas such as the water trap are prone to biofilm formation, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Some improvements attempt to add ultraviolet germicidal lamps or chemical disinfectants, but the former requires continuous power and has a limited irradiation range, while the latter may produce residual pollution and accelerate pipe corrosion. Both require additional maintenance and are difficult to integrate into traditional structures.

[0073] In this embodiment, the ozone generator uses a high-voltage discharge module, which can directly generate ozone gas from air. The jet mixer adopts a venturi tube structure, consisting of a converging section 71, a throat 72, and a diffuser section 73 connected in sequence. This mixer is installed in the middle section of the flushing pipe, and its throat sidewall is connected to the outlet of the ozone generator through a pipe. When the water flows through the converging section, the flow velocity increases, forming a negative pressure zone at the throat, using the pressure difference to draw ozone gas into the water flow. Ozone and water are fully turbulently mixed in the throat and diffuser section to form ozone water of effective concentration (0.5-2 mg / L), which finally flows out from the toilet bowl nozzle.

[0074] Traditional ultraviolet sterilization requires lamps installed on the inner wall of pipes and continuous power supply, while this solution utilizes only water flow to achieve ozone mixing, consuming zero additional energy. Compared to chemical reagent injection methods (which require storage tanks and metering pumps), this design eliminates vulnerable liquid delivery components, achieving gas-liquid mixing through a purely physical structure. During the rinsing process, ozone water simultaneously sterilizes and oxidizes to remove scale. Its strong oxidizing properties can destroy the cell structure of microorganisms and decompose organic amines in urine, suppressing odors at the source. The entire system requires no external power source or consumables, and its maintenance needs are significantly lower than traditional equipment with active sterilization functions.

[0075] Circuit description: Figure 9 This is the circuit diagram for the control module. Figure 7 This is the power management circuit; Table 1 shows the microcontroller circuit. Figure 10 For ozone driving circuit, Figure 11 This is a solenoid valve drive circuit. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall working sequence.

[0076] Table 1 Microcontroller Circuit Connections

[0077]

[0078] According to another embodiment of this utility model, existing ozone generators and mixers are mostly connected by fixed flanges or hoses. Flange connections require the use of a wrench to remove multiple bolts, which is extremely time-consuming when operating space is limited; while hose connections are easy to install, they are prone to aging and leaking after long-term use, requiring pipe cutting and resealing for replacement. Both methods require interrupting the entire water system when maintaining the ozone generator, and the disassembly process may damage the seals, increasing the risk of secondary leaks. Maintenance efficiency is particularly low in confined sanitary ware installation environments.

[0079] In this embodiment, the ozone generator outlet is machined with an internally threaded interface, and the jet mixer throat inlet is also equipped with an internally threaded interface. Threaded quick-release male and female connectors are installed at both ends of the connecting pipe. The male connector has external threads that match the generator's internal threads, and the female connector has external threads that match the mixer's internal threads. The male and female connectors are connected by a rotating snap-fit ​​structure. The male connector has a sealing ring groove at its front end and a nitrile rubber sealing ring is embedded therein. Disassembly is achieved by simply rotating the male and female connectors to unlock the snap-fit ​​and separate the pipe; installation is achieved by aligning, pressing, and rotating 90 degrees to lock the seal.

[0080] Traditional flange connections require shutting off the water supply and draining the pipes before disassembling an ozone generator, followed by removing at least four bolts with tools, taking an average of over 5 minutes. This new quick-release connector requires no tools; disassembly and assembly can be completed in 10 seconds with a single hand rotation. The sealing ring is located inside the detachable connector, so replacement only requires replacing the individual sealing ring assembly (standard part), eliminating the need to replace the entire pipe. Furthermore, the male and female connectors are made of nickel-plated brass, resistant to ozone corrosion and reusable over 5000 times, significantly reducing maintenance costs. This design reduces ozone generator maintenance time by 90%, making it particularly suitable for rapid maintenance needs in public places.

[0081] According to another embodiment of this utility model, existing hydroelectric power generation modules typically adopt a single-channel turbine design. When the water supply network pressure is below 1.5 bar, insufficient water flow driving force leads to a significant drop in turbine speed, and the power generation voltage may be below 3V, making it impossible to drive loads such as solenoid valves. Especially in older buildings or during peak water usage periods, the power generation efficiency drops sharply under low water pressure conditions, requiring reliance on external power sources for compensation, thus losing the meaning of self-powering.

[0082] In this embodiment, the turbine generator 51 is located in the middle section of the flushing pipe. The turbine has 6 to 8 blades, with the blade inclination angle set between 25° and 45°. The water inlet is divided into two parallel water paths: the first water inlet path 52 is normally open and has a smaller diameter to accommodate normal water pressure; the second water inlet path 53 is equipped with a pressure valve 54, which automatically opens when the water pressure is detected to be ≥2 bar, forming a larger flow cross-section. At low water pressure, only the first water path supplies water, and the water flow is concentrated to impact the turbine; at high water pressure, both water paths open simultaneously, and the turbine is prevented from overloading by diverting the flow.

[0083] Traditional single-channel turbines generate less than 0.5W of power at 1 bar water pressure. This solution utilizes a dual-channel system: in the low-pressure range of 0.8-1.5 bar, the first channel maintains the turbine's minimum operating speed (>200 rpm) to ensure a 3.3V base voltage output; when the water pressure is ≥2 bar, the second channel activates to increase the flow rate, boosting the power output to over 1.2W. The blade tilt angle and number have been optimized through fluid simulation, with a 25° tilt angle suitable for low-pressure water flow impact efficiency and a 45° tilt angle matching high-pressure anti-dry-running. This design enables the power generation module to output stably within a wide water pressure range of 0.8-6 bar, eliminating the need for an external pressurization device.

[0084] According to another embodiment of this utility model, existing urinals generally adopt a single flushing logic, releasing a fixed amount of water (usually 3-5L) each time it is triggered, regardless of the frequency of use. In high-frequency use scenarios (such as peak hours at train stations), even if multiple people use it continuously, each flush still uses a fixed amount of water to wash the already cleaned area, resulting in repeated waste; while in low-frequency scenarios (such as office areas at night), the device still performs flushing according to a preset cycle (such as once per hour), and "empty flushing" when no one is using it leads to ineffective water consumption. This rigid design stems from mechanical timers or simple solenoid valve control, which cannot sense the actual usage status.

[0085] In this implementation, the microcontroller is preset with two flushing modes: high frequency and low frequency. The high frequency mode is triggered by an infrared sensor: when the user leaves, the microcontroller sends an opening signal to the flushing solenoid valve for 0.5 to 1 second, releasing 50-100 ml of water for immediate flushing. The low frequency mode is controlled by a timer module: if there is no usage signal for more than 2 hours, the microcontroller automatically sends an opening signal for 1 to 2 seconds to perform a maintenance flush. The solenoid valve opening duration for both modes is independently set by the microcontroller program, and each action is powered by a hydroelectric power generation module.

[0086] Traditional fixed-volume flushing consumes 3-5L of water per rinse, while this solution's high-frequency mode consumes only 1 / 30 to 1 / 60 (50-100mL) of the traditional mode per rinse, and the low-frequency mode also consumes only 0.5-1L per rinse. For a facility used 100 times per day, the traditional mode consumes 300-500L of water, while this solution's high-frequency mode consumes only 5-10L, and the low-frequency mode consumes 6-12L for 12 additional rinses, resulting in significant overall water savings. Dynamic mode switching avoids repeated rinsing in high-frequency scenarios and dry rinsing in low-frequency scenarios, achieving precise water resource matching through control logic.

[0087] According to another embodiment of this utility model, existing urinal drain pipes mostly use gravity flap or rubber valve check valves at the end. Gravity flaps rely on counterweights for sealing, but are prone to jamming due to urine buildup; rubber valves are prone to aging and deformation from prolonged contact with sewage, resulting in seal failure after about six months. Both types can create gaps under negative pressure or air pressure fluctuations in the pipe, causing sewer odors to seep back through these gaps. The odor backflow is particularly pronounced after the water seal in the trap evaporates.

[0088] This embodiment of the one-way check valve includes a valve body, a frustum-shaped valve core, a return spring, and a spring seat. The conical surface at the front end of the valve core fits against the stainless steel sealing ring on the inner wall of the valve body. The return spring is sleeved on the central axis of the valve core, with one end pressing against the protrusion of the valve core's flow hole and the other end fixed to the spring seat. The spring seat is fixed to the tail end of the valve core via a threaded connecting screw, and an adjusting nut is provided at the end of the connecting screw. Rotating the adjusting nut can change the spring pre-compression (adjustment range 3-5mm), thereby precisely controlling the valve core sealing pressure.

[0089] Gravity flap valves fail to seal properly when pipeline pressure is below 0.5 bar, and rubber diaphragm valves deform and leak when back pressure reaches 0.2 bar. This design's conical sealing structure, through spring preload, ensures closure even at low pressures of 0.1 bar; when pipeline back pressure reaches 0.5 bar, the reaction force makes the conical surface seal even tighter. The spring preload can be compensated for by adjusting the nut as it wears out, avoiding the need for complete replacement of traditional valves due to component aging. This design extends the sealing life to over 5 years, and maintenance only requires rotating the adjusting nut, without disassembling the pipeline.

[0090] According to another embodiment of this utility model, the uncoated ceramic urinal trap used in traditional urinals has a fundamental defect in addressing the odor problem caused by bacterial growth in the trap area. Although its inner wall surface is glazed, it still has microscopic pores and uneven structures. Organic residues in urine can easily seep into and adhere to these tiny crevices, forming a layer of urine stains that is difficult to remove. This structural defect provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and microbial metabolism continuously produces odor molecules such as ammonia and sulfides. Conventional physical flushing can only remove surface dirt and cannot penetrate to break down the biofilm; while frequent use of chemical cleaners can temporarily inhibit bacteria, it will accelerate ceramic corrosion and produce secondary pollution. Long-term use will actually increase porosity, creating a vicious cycle.

[0091] This invention involves coating the inner wall of a drain pipe trap with a nano-silver coating. This coating is formed by densely stacked silver particles with an average diameter of 50 to 100 nm, with an overall thickness controlled between 0.5 and 2 mm. During manufacturing, the nano-silver particles are permanently bonded to the ceramic substrate through a high-temperature sintering process, forming a smooth and dense composite surface. When water in the trap comes into contact with this coating, the nano-silver particles continuously release trace amounts of silver ions. These silver ions can penetrate bacterial cell walls and disrupt their enzyme activity. More importantly, the ultra-smooth physical properties of the coating completely eliminate the micropores of traditional ceramic surfaces, preventing urine residue from forming a stubborn adhesion on the inner wall of the trap, thus physically blocking the basis for biofilm formation.

[0092] Compared to the passive barrier of traditional uncoated water traps, this solution achieves a triple active prevention and control mechanism: First, the slow-release properties of nano-silver ions have a long-lasting inhibitory effect on free bacteria in the water; second, the dense coating eliminates surface adsorption points, allowing urine residue to be naturally flushed away by the water flow, preventing the accumulation of organic substrates; third, the smooth surface significantly reduces cleaning resistance, allowing loose sediment to be carried away by daily rinsing water. This design does not rely on chemical agents, fundamentally eliminating the surface degradation problem caused by detergent corrosion, while also solving the dilemma of the coexistence of physical structural defects and chemical maintenance in traditional solutions.

[0093] According to another embodiment of this utility model, traditional urinals using ultraviolet light or chemical agents have significant limitations. Ultraviolet sterilization relies on the lamp's close-range irradiation of the inner wall of the pipe, but complex structural areas such as water traps easily create blind spots, and the lamp surface is easily covered by scale, leading to intensity attenuation. While chemical agents can provide broad-spectrum sterilization, uneven mixing of the solution and water often results in insufficient local concentrations, making it difficult to guarantee sustained effectiveness. More importantly, neither method solves the problem of organic residue; after sterilization, the decomposition of residues may still produce odors.

[0094] This invention achieves full fusion of ozone and water by optimizing the structure of a jet mixer. The jet mixer adopts a Venturi tube configuration, with its throat diameter controlled within a specific range to ensure a sufficiently strong negative pressure zone is formed after the water flow passes through the converging section. This negative pressure efficiently draws the gas generated by the ozone generator into the core of the water flow. The angle of the converging section is precisely designed to ensure a smooth and uniform water flow acceleration process, preventing ozone escape caused by turbulence. In the throat and diffuser regions, the water flow and ozone create a strong shearing effect at a specific flow velocity, forcing the ozone microbubbles to fully break down and dissolve in the water.

[0095] Traditional mixing methods often result in ozone bubbles agglomerating and rising due to unreasonable structures, leading to actual effective concentrations far below theoretical values. This solution optimizes the physical structure to create a stable dispersion system of ozone in the aqueous phase, generating a uniform ozone aqueous solution. As this solution flows through the toilet bowl surface and drain pipes, it ensures that every contact surface receives sufficient active oxygen. Ozone molecules directly penetrate the cell walls of microorganisms, destroying their vitality through oxidation. Simultaneously, the ozone water can decompose organic amines in urine, eliminating the nutrient substrate needed for bacterial reproduction at its source.

[0096] Compared to the passive disinfection methods of traditional technologies, this design achieves an organic integration of the rinsing process and deep sterilization. The entire system does not rely on external energy to maintain sterilization intensity and avoids the risk of pipeline corrosion from chemical agents. The water flow-driven physical mixing mechanism fundamentally ensures the reliability and continuity of ozone sterilization concentration, making it particularly suitable for the stringent hygiene requirements of frequently used public places.

[0097] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this utility model is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A hydroelectric ozone sterilization, water-saving, and deodorizing urinal, characterized in that, include: The ceramic toilet bowl is equipped with an infrared sensor. Inside the ceramic toilet bowl is a flushing pipe with a flushing solenoid valve. A drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the ceramic toilet bowl, and a one-way check valve is installed at the end of the drain pipe. The inner wall of the water trap of the drain pipe is covered with a nano-silver coating. Jet mixer, which is installed on the flush pipe; An ozone generator is connected to a jet mixer via a pipe. The ozone generator is used to generate ozone, and the jet mixer is used to mix the ozone with the water flow in the flushing pipe to form ozone water. A hydroelectric power generation module, which is installed on a flushing pipe; The control module is electrically connected to the flushing solenoid valve, the hydroelectric power generation module, the infrared sensor, and the ozone generator. The infrared sensor is used to detect the user's location and transmit the signal to the control module to trigger the ozone generator to start and the flushing solenoid valve to open. The hydroelectric power generation module is used to power the flushing solenoid valve, the control module, and the ozone generator.

2. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes a microcontroller and a built-in timing module. The microcontroller is electrically connected to the power output terminal of the hydropower generation module, the signal output terminal of the infrared sensor, and the control input terminal of the ozone generator. It is used to receive the signal from the infrared sensor to trigger the ozone generator and the flushing solenoid valve, and to monitor the sensing interval time through the timing module. When the interval time reaches 2 hours, the flushing solenoid valve is automatically triggered.

3. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module also includes an energy storage unit, which is a supercapacitor or a lithium battery. The hydroelectric power generation module charges the energy storage unit through the power output terminal. The energy storage unit provides a stable operating voltage for the microcontroller, the flushing solenoid valve, and the ozone generator.

4. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ozone generator is a high-voltage discharge ozone generator that generates ozone using air or oxygen sources. The jet mixer is a Venturi jet mixer, which includes a converging section, a throat, and a diffuser connected in sequence. The throat is connected to the outlet pipe of the ozone generator. After the water flows through the converging section and is accelerated, a negative pressure is formed at the throat to draw in ozone, which is then mixed to form ozone water.

5. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both ends of the pipeline are equipped with a male and a female quick-release threaded connector, respectively. The ozone generator outlet and the jet mixer throat are equipped with internal threads that match the male and female quick-release threaded connectors.

6. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydroelectric power generation module includes a turbine generator and a dual water system. The turbine generator is installed in the flushing pipe, with the turbine blades aligned with the water flow path. The first water inlet is a normally open water inlet, and the second water inlet is equipped with a pressure valve. The pressure valve opens when the water pressure is ≥2 bar. The turbine blade angle is 25°-45° and the number of blades is 6-8.

7. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The microcontroller has two preset flushing modes: high-frequency flushing mode and low-frequency flushing mode. The high-frequency flushing mode is as follows: when the infrared sensor detects the user's location signal, the microcontroller sends an electrical signal to the flushing solenoid valve for 0.5-1 seconds to control the flushing solenoid valve to open, and the flushing volume is 50-100ml per flush. The low-frequency flushing mode is as follows: the microcontroller’s built-in timing module sends an electrical signal for 1-2 seconds every 2 hours to the flushing solenoid valve to control the flushing solenoid valve to open.

8. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way check valve includes a valve body, a valve core, a return spring, and a spring seat. The return spring is sleeved on the valve core and located between the flow hole and the spring seat. The front end of the valve core is truncated cone-shaped and fits against the sealing surface of the valve body. The rear end of the valve core is fixedly connected to the spring seat through a connecting screw. An adjusting nut is threaded onto the connecting screw to adjust the spring compression.

9. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the nano-silver coating is 0.5-2mm, the average particle size of the nano-silver particles is 50-100nm, and the reflectivity is ≥95%.

10. The hydroelectric ozone sterilizing water-saving deodorizing urinal according to claim 4, characterized in that, The jet mixer has a throat diameter of 10-20mm, a contraction angle of 15°-30°, and an ozone concentration of 0.5-2mg / L after mixing.

Images