A seat occupancy sensing device for a toilet seat and a toilet

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of seat induction devices of toilet seat, comprising: seat body and foot pad, at least one non-contact seat detection device is equipped in the seat body, the foot pad is movably installed in seat body, with the foot pad moves up and down relative to seat body, it will make the detection signal of non-contact seat detection device change;The utility model is equipped with at least one non-contact seat detection device in seat body, and the structural design that foot pad can move up and down relative to seat body, avoid the problem that existing closestool adopts touch sensor and needs to contact touch area to judge seat, improve the accuracy of seat induction determination, simultaneously, magnetic field induction mode is not influenced by bathroom water vapor, even if environment is humid, as long as foot pad is not moved, magnetic sensor will not send wrong signal, can reach reduce false trigger risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bathroom technology, and in particular to a toilet seat sensing device and a toilet. Background Technology

[0002] Current toilet seat sensors primarily employ a single-point sensing structure using touch sensors. With this approach, when a person sits on the toilet seat, they need to come into contact with the sensor's sensing area for the toilet to register their presence. However, this touch sensor design has limitations. For children or thinner individuals, they may not be able to reach the touch area, leading to a failed seat detection. Furthermore, protective covers on the toilet seat can reduce the sensitivity of the touch area, preventing the system from detecting a seat. Additionally, toilets are typically used in the humid environment of bathrooms, where moisture can alter the sensor's electric field or create conductive paths, causing false triggering of the touch sensor. This increases energy consumption and negatively impacts device functionality and user experience.

[0003] In view of the above, the designer of this utility model designed this utility model. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a toilet seat sensing device that can improve the accuracy of seat sensing and reduce the risk of false triggering.

[0005] Another objective of this utility model is to provide a toilet.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following solution: A toilet seat sensing device includes: a seat body and a foot pad. The seat body is provided with at least one non-contact seat detection device. The foot pad is movably mounted on the seat body. As the foot pad moves up and down relative to the seat body, the detection signal of the non-contact seat detection device changes.

[0007] In some embodiments, the non-contact seating detection device is a magnetic sensor, a microwave sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an inductive sensor.

[0008] In some embodiments, the seat body includes an upper cover and a lower cover, the upper cover and the lower cover are fixedly connected to form a cavity, the bottom wall of the lower cover is provided with a groove, and the foot pad is movably disposed in the groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor includes a magnetic sensing element and a magnetic element. The magnetic sensing element is disposed in a cavity, and the magnetic element is disposed in a foot pad. The foot pad drives the magnetic element to move up and down, so that the magnetic sensing element generates different electrical signals.

[0010] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensitive element is fixed to the lower surface of the upper cover or the inner surface of the lower cover; the magnetic sensitive element is a Hall element or a reed switch element.

[0011] In some embodiments, a bracket is provided in the groove, the bracket is fixed to the lower cover by screws, and the foot pad is mounted on the bracket so as to move up and down; the bottom of the foot pad protrudes from the lower surface of the lower cover.

[0012] In some embodiments, the foot pad has an upper locking portion and a lower locking portion protruding towards the bracket, the upper locking portion and the lower locking portion being spaced apart, and the bracket having a locking portion disposed between the upper locking portion and the lower locking portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, an elastic element, which is a pressure spring, is provided between the foot pad and the lower cover.

[0014] In some embodiments, the upper cover and the lower cover are fixedly connected to form a cavity, the foot pad is provided with a fixing post, the fixing post is provided with a recess, the magnetic element is embedded in the recess, and the side of the magnetic element facing the magnetic sensitive element is covered with a waterproof sealing layer; the side of the magnetic sensitive element that cooperates with the magnetic element is covered with a waterproof sealing layer.

[0015] A toilet includes a toilet body, a controller, a functional module, and a seat-sensing device for the toilet seat. The seat body is mounted on the toilet body and can be flipped up and down. The functional module and the controller are mounted on the toilet body. The functional module, the non-contact seat-sensing device, and the controller are electrically connected. The non-contact seat-sensing device determines whether a person is sitting on the toilet and then controls the functional module to perform different functions through the controller.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages: 1. This utility model features a structural design that incorporates at least one non-contact seating detection device within the seat ring body and a footrest that can move vertically relative to the seat ring body. Because the footrest moves vertically relative to the seat ring body, the detection signal of the non-contact seating detection device changes. This change in the detection signal allows for the identification of whether a person is sitting, thus avoiding the problem of existing toilets using touch sensors requiring physical contact to determine seating position. This improves the accuracy of seating detection and reduces the risk of false triggering. For example, the non-contact seating detection device is a magnetic sensor, which includes a magnetic sensing element and a magnetic element. When a person sits down, the footrest moves upward under the influence of the person's weight, causing the magnetic element to move. The magnetic sensing element generates an electrical signal under the magnetic field provided by the magnetic element. The controller receives this electrical signal and triggers the recognition that "a person is sitting." Furthermore, the magnetic field sensing method is unaffected by bathroom moisture. Even in a humid environment, as long as the footrest remains stationary, the magnetic sensor will not send a false signal, further reducing the risk of false triggering.

[0017] 2. Since the functional module, the non-contact seating detection device and the controller are electrically connected, the non-contact seating detection device determines whether a person is seated, and then the controller controls the functional module to perform different functions.

[0018] 3. The magnetic sensitive element is fixed on the lower surface of the upper cover or the inner surface of the lower cover, avoiding the opening of the lower surface of the seat cover for installing the magnetic sensitive element, and preventing water from entering the seat and affecting the use of the magnetic sensitive element; the magnetic element is fixedly connected to the cavity of the fixing post of the foot pad, and the side of the magnetic element facing the magnetic sensitive element is covered with a waterproof sealing layer. The double seal between the waterproof sealing layer and the cavity prevents the magnetic element from being exposed and corroded when water enters the bottom surface of the seat, thus improving its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the seating sensing device of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the seating sensing device of this utility model.

[0022] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows: Seat body 1 11 Top cover 12 Bottom cover 13 Groove 14 Cavity Foot pad 2 Upper clamping part 21 Lower clamping part 22 Second recessed part 23 Recessed cavity 24 Non-contact seating detection device 3 Magnetic element 31 Magnetic element 32 Bracket 4 41 First recess 42 Screw 5 Elastic component 6. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0024] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this utility model discloses a toilet seat sensing device, including: a seat body 1 and a foot pad 2. The seat body 1 is provided with at least one non-contact seat detection device 3. The foot pad 2 is movably mounted on the seat body 1. As the foot pad 2 moves up and down relative to the seat body 1, the detection signal of the non-contact seat detection device 3 will change.

[0026] Therefore, this utility model has a structural design that includes at least one non-contact seating detection device 3 and a foot pad 2 that can move up and down relative to the seat ring body 1. As the foot pad 2 moves up and down relative to the seat ring body 1, the detection signal of the non-contact seating detection device 3 will change. This change in the detection signal will help identify whether a person is sitting down, thus avoiding the problem that existing toilets use touch sensors that require contact with the touch area to determine whether a person is sitting down. This improves the accuracy of seating detection and reduces the risk of false triggering.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-contact seating detection device 3 is a magnetic sensor, a microwave sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an inductive sensor.

[0028] In this embodiment, the seat ring body 1 is provided with a non-contact seating detection device 3. Specifically, the non-contact seating detection device 3 is a magnetic sensor and is located on one side of the front end of the seat ring. In practical applications, the number of non-contact seating detection devices 3 can also be two or more, with the two detection devices specifically located on both sides of the seat ring.

[0029] In some embodiments, the seat body 1 may include an upper cover 11 and a lower cover 12. The upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are fixedly connected to form a cavity 14. The bottom wall of the lower cover 12 is recessed inwardly with a groove 13, and the foot pad 2 is movably disposed in the groove 13. The upper cover 11 may be fixed to the lower cover 12 by a snap-fit, a threaded connection, or a welding. The groove 13 provides guiding space for the up-and-down movement of the foot pad 2.

[0030] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor includes a magnetic element 31 and a magnetic element 32. The magnetic element 31 is disposed in the cavity 14, and the magnetic element 32 is disposed in the foot pad 2. The foot pad 2 drives the magnetic element 32 to move up and down, so that the magnetic element 31 generates different electrical signals.

[0031] When a person sits down, the foot pad 2 moves upward under the influence of the person's weight. The magnetic sensitive element 31 generates an electrical signal under the magnetic field provided by the magnetic element 32. The controller receives the electrical signal and triggers the recognition that "a person has sat down". In addition, the magnetic field sensing method is not affected by the moisture in the bathroom. Even if the environment is humid, as long as the foot pad 2 does not move, the magnetic sensor will not send a false signal, which can reduce the risk of false triggering.

[0032] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensitive element 31 is fixed on the lower surface of the upper cover 11 or the inner surface of the lower cover 12. The magnetic sensitive element 31 is a Hall element or a reed switch element. The Hall element or reed switch element is disposed in the cavity 14. The cavity 14 accommodates the Hall element or reed switch element, avoiding the opening of the lower surface of the seat cover for installing the magnetic sensitive element 31, and preventing water vapor and dust from entering the bathroom.

[0033] In this embodiment, the magnetic sensitive element 31 is fixed to the inner surface of the lower cover 12 by screws 5, and the magnetic element 32 is disposed in the foot pad 2. The foot pad 2 drives the magnetic element 32 to move up and down, so that the magnetic sensitive element 31 generates different electrical signals. Thus, the magnetic sensitive element 31 and the magnetic element 32 cooperate to realize the detection of magnetic field changes and signal output.

[0034] The sensing end of the magnetic sensitive element 31 faces the magnetic element 32 to ensure accurate capture of magnetic field changes. The magnetic element 32 can be a magnet, which is fixed to the inside of the foot pad 2 by pasting, snapping, interference fit or injection molding (i.e., a fixing post is reserved inside the foot pad 2, the fixing post has a cavity 24, and the magnetic element 32 is embedded in the cavity 24). The position of the magnetic element 32 corresponds vertically to that of the magnetic sensitive element 31. When the foot pad 2 moves up and down, the magnetic element 32 can move synchronously with the foot pad 2, changing the relative distance with the magnetic sensitive element 31.

[0035] In some embodiments, a bracket 4 is provided in the groove 13. The bracket 4 is connected and fixed to the lower cover 12 by screws 5. The foot pad 2 is mounted on the bracket 4 in a way that allows the bracket 4 to be detachably connected to the groove 13 of the lower cover 12 by screws 5. Specifically, the screws 5 pass through the fixing holes of the bracket 4 and are threaded into the lower cover 12 to ensure that the bracket 4 is stable in the groove 13.

[0036] The bottom of the foot pad 2 protrudes from the lower surface of the lower cover 12, so that the foot pad 2 can move upward when a person sits on it.

[0037] In some embodiments, to limit the movement of the foot pad 2 and prevent it from falling off, the foot pad 2 has an upper locking portion 21 and a lower locking portion 22 protruding towards the bracket 4. The upper locking portion 21 and the lower locking portion 22 are spaced apart. The bracket 4 has a locking portion 41, which is located between the upper locking portion 21 and the lower locking portion 22. The locking portion 41 abuts against the outer side wall of the foot pad 2, providing movement guidance for the foot pad 2 and preventing the foot pad 2 from detaching from the bracket 4 through the limiting effect of the upper locking portion 21 and the lower locking portion 22. The number of upper locking portions 21 and the number of lower locking portions 22 can be two, located at the left edge and the right edge respectively. Of course, the number of upper locking portions 21 and the number of lower locking portions 22 can also be three or four, depending on the requirements.

[0038] In some embodiments, an elastic element 6 is provided between the foot pad 2 and the lower cover 12. In this embodiment, the elastic element 6 is preferably a pressure spring. In practical applications, the number of elastic elements 6 can be set according to the requirements. In this embodiment, there are two elastic elements 6, located on the left and right sides respectively. One end of the elastic element 6 abuts against the inner top of the foot pad 2, and the other end abuts against the surface of the bracket 4 facing the foot pad 2, for pushing the foot pad 2 back to its initial position after the human body leaves. The bracket 4 has a first recess 42 on the surface facing the foot pad 2, and a second recess 23 on the inner top of the foot pad 2. One end of the elastic element 6 is limited to the second recess 23, and the other end of the elastic element 6 is limited to the first recess 42. The screw 5 that fixes the bracket 4 and the lower cover 12 passes through the first recess 42.

[0039] In some embodiments, the side of the magnetic element 32 facing the magnetic sensitive element 31 is covered with a waterproof sealing layer; the side of the magnetic sensitive element 31 that cooperates with the magnetic element 32 is also covered with a waterproof sealing layer. The waterproof sealing layer and the fixing post are sealed together to prevent the magnetic element 32 from being exposed and corroded when water enters the bottom surface of the seat ring, thereby improving its service life.

[0040] This utility model also discloses a toilet, including a toilet body, a controller, a functional module, and a seat sensing device for the toilet seat. The seat body 1 is mounted on the toilet body and can be flipped up and down. The functional module and the controller are mounted on the toilet body. The functional module, the non-contact seat detection device 3, and the controller are electrically connected. The non-contact seat detection device 3 determines whether a person is sitting down and then controls the functional module to perform different functions through the controller.

[0041] The seat ring body 1 can be installed in the seat ring mounting position of the toilet body through a hinge structure, allowing the user to lift or lower the seat ring as needed. The controller (such as a microcontroller or a dedicated control chip) can be integrated into the control box of the toilet body, and the functional modules can be installed in the corresponding functional areas of the toilet body (such as the flushing module in the water tank and the heating module in the seat ring body 1). The magnetic sensitive element 31 of the non-contact seat detection device 3 is electrically connected to the signal input terminal of the controller through a wire, and the functional module is electrically connected to the signal output terminal of the controller through a wire. This allows the controller to receive the electrical signal output by the magnetic sensitive element 31 in real time. When the electrical signal changes from the "initial signal" to the "changing signal", it is determined that "a person has sat down", and then the functional module is controlled to perform corresponding actions (such as starting the seat ring heating and preparing the flushing function) according to the preset program. When the electrical signal returns to the "initial signal", it is determined that "a person has left", and the functional module is controlled to turn off unnecessary functions (such as stopping the heating), thus realizing intelligent control.

[0042] The working principle of the non-contact seating detection device 3 of this utility model is as follows: 1. The initial state of a person not seated When the human body is not seated, the elastic element 6 is in a naturally extended state. The elastic element 6 presses against the foot pad 2, so that the magnetic element 32 and the magnetic sensitive element 31 are at a certain initial distance. At this time, the magnetic sensitive element 31 senses a stable initial magnetic field and outputs a constant initial electrical signal (such as the Hall element outputting a fixed voltage value, and the reed element remaining open or closed). 2. Detection status of human body seating When a person sits down, the downward pressure of their body weight causes the footpad 2 to move upward, which in turn moves the magnetic element 32. This changes the relative distance between the magnetic element 32 and the magnetic sensitive element 31, thus changing the magnetic field. When the magnetic sensitive element 31 senses this change in magnetic field strength, it outputs a different electrical signal than the initial signal (e.g., the Hall element output voltage increases, or the reed switch changes from open to closed). This changing electrical signal is the "seat recognition signal," and the controller uses the received signal change value to determine whether a person is seated. Meanwhile, since the cooperation between the magnetic sensitive element 31 and the magnetic element 32 is not limited by the local position of the seat ring body 1 (as long as the human body exerts pressure on the foot pad 2 when sitting, displacement can be triggered), the entire area of ​​the seat ring can be sensed by micro-movement; and the seat ring body 1 does not need to open an exposed hole for the sensor (the magnetic sensitive element 31 is located in a sealed cavity), which has excellent waterproof performance. The human body can determine whether the human body is sitting without touching the sensor, thus solving the problem of false touch sensing.

[0043] It should be understood that the various examples described above can be utilized in multiple directions, such as tilted, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in multiple configurations, without departing from the principles of this invention. The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of effective application of the principles of this invention, and this invention is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.

[0044] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A toilet seat sensing device, characterized in that, include: The seat ring body and foot pad are provided. The seat ring body is provided with at least one non-contact seating detection device. The foot pad is installed on the seat ring body in a way that can move up and down. As the foot pad moves up and down relative to the seat ring body, the detection signal of the non-contact seating detection device will change.

2. The toilet seat sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The non-contact seating detection device is a magnetic sensor, microwave sensor, capacitive sensor, or inductive sensor.

3. The toilet seat sensing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The seat body includes an upper cover and a lower cover. The upper cover and the lower cover are fixedly connected to form a cavity. The bottom wall of the lower cover is provided with a groove, and the foot pad is movable up and down in the groove.

4. The toilet seat sensing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic sensing element and a magnetic element. The magnetic sensing element is disposed in a cavity, and the magnetic element is disposed in a foot pad. The foot pad drives the magnetic element to move up and down, so that the magnetic sensing element generates different electrical signals.

5. The toilet seat sensing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The magnetic sensitive element is fixed on the lower surface of the upper cover or the inner surface of the lower cover; the magnetic sensitive element is a Hall element or a reed switch element.

6. The toilet seat sensing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A bracket is provided in the groove, and the bracket is fixed to the lower cover by screws. The foot pad is installed on the bracket and can move up and down. The bottom of the foot pad protrudes from the lower surface of the lower cover.

7. The toilet seat sensing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The foot pad has an upper locking part and a lower locking part protruding towards the bracket, the upper locking part and the lower locking part are spaced apart, the bracket is provided with a locking part, the locking part is located between the upper locking part and the lower locking part.

8. A toilet seat sensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: An elastic element, which is a pressure spring, is provided between the foot pad and the lower cover.

9. The toilet seat sensing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The foot pad is provided with a fixing post, the fixing post has a cavity, the magnetic element is embedded in the cavity, and the side of the magnetic element facing the magnetic sensitive element is covered with a waterproof sealing layer; the side of the magnetic sensitive element that cooperates with the magnetic element is also covered with a waterproof sealing layer.

10. A toilet, characterized in that, The invention includes a toilet body, a controller, a functional module, and a seat-sensing device for a toilet seat as described in any one of claims 1 to 9. The seat body is mounted on the toilet body and can be flipped up and down. The functional module and the controller are mounted on the toilet body. The functional module, the non-contact seat-sensing device, and the controller are electrically connected. The non-contact seat-sensing device determines whether a person is sitting down, and the controller then controls the functional module to perform different functions.

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